cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beam defocusing in crts with traveling-wave deflection plates

At high frequencies, traveling wave vertical deflection structures for crts have electric field components in all three axes. Ez, the component aligned with the length of the deflector, causes velocity modulation of the electron beam. This results in trace widening of the displayed signal. Differences in transit time for electrons traveling between the vertical and horizontal deflectors result in trace widening that is uniform across the screen. At the same time, velocity sorting in the horizontal deflector produces trace widening proportional to distance from the center of the screen. It is necessary for engineers to take these effects into account when designing crts for use above one gigahertz.
Fabrication of elastomeric high-aspect-ratio microstructures using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) double casting technique

Abstract A new polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) double casting technique is presented for the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio flexible microstructures. Experimental results showed that microstructures with aspect-ratio as high as 20 can be consistently replicated with high fidelity. Microstructures on the master mold were first replicated onto a PDMS negative mold using conventional soft lithography process. The resulting negative mold was then used to cast secondly PDMS replicas. A corona discharge treatment assisted surface modification process was developed for PDMS to PDMS casting. The whole process requires no expensive equipment and can be easily carried out in most labs. With this technique, molding replicas with same structures as the master mold can be obtained, in comparison to the conventional molding process in which an opposite of the master mold is obtained. This technique may greatly simplify the design and fabrication of master molds, provide more flexibility to widely used soft lithography process, and also reduce the damage to the master by using PDMS negative mold as the working mold.
ENGINEERING THE INDEPENDENT FOLDING OF THE SUBTILISIN BPN' PRODOMAIN: ANALYSIS OF TWO-STATE FOLDING VERSUS PROTEIN STABILITY

In complex with subtilisin BPN', the 77 amino acid prodomain folds into a stable compact structure comprising a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and two three-turn alpha-helices. When isolated from subtilisin, the prodomain is 97% unfolded even under optimal folding conditions. Traditionally, to study stable proteins, denaturing cosolvents or temperatures are used to shift the equilibrium from folded to unfolded. Here we manipulate the folding equilibrium of the unstable prodomain by introducing stabilizing mutations generated by design. By sequentially introducing three stabilizing mutations into the prodomain we are able to shift the equilibrium for independent folding from 97% unfolded to 65% folded. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic analysis of the folding reaction was carried out to assess the effect of stability on two-state behavior and the denatured state. The denatured states of single and combination mutants are not discernably different in spite of a range of DeltaGunfolding from -2.1 to 0.4 kcal/mol. Conclusions about the nature of the denatured state of the prodomain are based on CD spectral data and calorimetric data. Two state folding is observed for a combination mutant of marginal stability (DeltaG = 0). Evidence for its two-state folding is based on the observed additivity of individual mutations to the overall DeltaGunfolding and the conformity of DeltaGunfolding vs T to two-state assumptions as embodied in the Gibbs-Helmholz equation. We believe our success in stabilizing the two-state folding reaction of the prodomain originates from the selection of mutations with improved ability to fold subtilisin rather than selection for increase in secondary structure content. The fact that a small number of mutations can stabilize the independent folding of the prodomain implies that most of the folding information already exists in the wild-type amino acid sequence in spite of the fact that the unfolded state predominates.
Hidden-variable model for the Bohm Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment

We consider a hidden-variable model for the Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen experiment [Phys. Rev. 47, 777 (1935)] as modified by Bohm $[\char22{}Quantum Theory (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1951)]. We provide a nonlocal random-vector model that mimics the same statistical behavior as quantum mechanics and conforms with Bell's theorem. Angular momentum conservation appears to require the nonlocal correlations.
Artificial Life and Piaget

Abstract Artificial Life is the study of all phenomena of the living world through their reproduction in artificial systems. We argue that Artificial Life models of evolution and development offer a new set of theoretical and methodological tools for investigating Piaget’s ideas. The concept of an Artificial Life Neural Network (ALNN) is first introduced, and contrasted with the study of other recent approaches to modeling development. We then illustrate how several key elements of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development (e.g., sensorimotor schemata, perception-action integration) can be investigated within the Artificial Life framework. We conclude by discussing possible new directions of Artificial Life research that will help to elaborate and extend Piaget’s developmental framework.
A histochemical study of lateral longissimus muscle in rat

Rat axial muscle previously has not been studied histochemically. We were interested in determining the fiber composition and fiber distribution in rat lateral longissimus (LL), the large epaxial dorsiflexor muscle active during sexual posturing in the female rat and to determine if estrogen replacement in ovariectomized rats would affect the histochemical profile. Staining for ATPase after acid preincubation at pH 4.5, pH 4.35, and after alkaline preincubation at pH 9.4 and staining for NADH-TR revealed that rat LL contains the three major types of fibers present in most mammalian hind limbs: fast-twitch glycolytic (FG); fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic (FOG); and slow-twitch oxidative (SO). The muscle contains predominantly FG fibers; SO fibers are segregated superficially from L2--L6 where they comprise from 11 to 18% of the fiber population, and in an oxidative compartment in the medial deep region of L5 where they comprise 62% of all fibers. In the medial deep region of L5 most of the remaining fast fibers also contain oxidative enzyme. Spindles are most highly concentrated in this oxidative region of L5. Estrogen treatment did not affect the relative number, distribution, or diameter of the three muscle fiber types in rat LL. The concentration of SO and FOG fibers and spindles localized in the region of the lumbosacral joint is discussed by contrasting forceful movements (e.g., rump elevation during sexual behavior) with normal postural regulation.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF FISSION PRODUCT DEPOSITION FROM FLOWING GAS STREAMS

Deposition of fission products from an isothermal laminar gas stream to the surfaces of a circular tube is theoretically investigated for a source releasing a radioactive precursor into the gas str...
Revisualizing boundaries : a plurilingual ethos

Introduction Foreword - Probal Dasgupta Reality and Language Constructs Traditions and Technologies A Sociolinguistic Area 'Minorities' in a Plurilingual Milieu Transforming Language Pluralism Indian Diglossia Language Census Language Modernization Language Planning A Critique Language Elites
Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Mitral Valve Prolapse: Could Technology Replace Experience?

amination of choice for such evaluation: it is safe, and it is performed and interpreted in real time under normal hemodynamic conditions. Onthe otherhand,echocardiographic evaluationofthemitralvalveis complex and requires advanced operator training and experience to provide an accurate three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the valve. 3 With experience, this analysis is usually achieved from multiple two-dimensional (2D) images, mentally reconstructed to form a 3D image. 4,5 Using 3D technology, 3D volumetric data sets of the mitral valve are directly acquired and visualized, facilitating comprehensive understanding of the mitral valve anatomy and dynamics. 6,7 This thorough valve analysis is essential for therapeutic decisions. It allows one to predict the feasibility of mitral valve repair, the optimal surgical technique, and its expected
Good-parent beliefs of parents of seriously ill children.

Importance Parents’ beliefs about what they need to do to be a good parent when their children are seriously ill influence their medical decisions, and better understanding of these beliefs may improve decision support. Objective To assess parents’ perceptions regarding the relative importance of 12 good-parent attributes. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional, discrete-choice experiment was conducted at a children’s hospital. Participants included 200 parents of children with serious illness. Main Outcomes and Measures Ratings of 12 good-parent attributes, with subsequent use of latent class analysis to identify groups of parents with similar ratings of attributes, and ascertainment of whether membership in a particular group was associated with demographic or clinical characteristics. Results The highest-ranked good-parent attribute was making sure that my child feels loved, followed by focusing on my child’s health, making informed medical care decisions, and advocating for my child with medical staff. We identified 4 groups of parents with similar patterns of good-parent–attribute ratings, which we labeled as: child feels loved (n = 68), child’s health (n = 56), advocacy and informed (n = 55), and spiritual well-being (n = 21). Compared with the other groups, the child’s health group reported more financial difficulties, was less educated, and had a higher proportion of children with new complex, chronic conditions. Conclusions and Relevance Parents endorse a broad range of beliefs that represent what they perceive they should do to be a good parent for their seriously ill child. Common patterns of how parents prioritize these attributes exist, suggesting future research to better understand the origins and development of good-parent beliefs among these parents. More important, engaging parents individually regarding what they perceive to be the core duties they must fulfill to be a good parent may enable more customized and effective decision support.
Experimental Tests for Theories of Chiral-Symmetry Breaking

Assuming a picture of the strong interactions in which the Hamiltonian is the sum of an $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$-symmetric piece ${H}_{0}$ plus a small symmetry-breaking term $\ensuremath{\epsilon}{H}_{1}$, we show how to calculate relations among the corrections of order $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ to the symmetry limit. Our techniques are purely group-theoretic and involve no extraneous dynamical assumptions, so that our results provide direct experimental tests for various symmetry-breaking schemes. For example, we show that if $\ensuremath{\epsilon}{H}_{1}$ belongs to the $(3, \overline{3})\ensuremath{\bigotimes}(\overline{3}, 3)$ representation of $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$, then there is one sum rule satisfied by the corrections to the generalized Goldberger-Treiman relations for the three decays $n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+e+\ensuremath{\nu}$, $\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N+e+\ensuremath{\nu}$, and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N+e+\ensuremath{\nu}$. We also show that the so-called $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ terms, which are closely related to $\ensuremath{\epsilon}{H}_{1}$, can be obtained from on-the-mass-shell scattering amplitudes (albeit at an unphysical energy point) if terms of order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$ can be neglected in comparison to terms of order $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. The question of whether or not lowest-order calculations of symmetry breaking are meaningful is discussed in some detail.
Diffusional Titration of Metal Ions in Microliter Samples with Potentiometric Indication

Calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc ions were determined in 1- and 20-μL samples in the millimolar and micromolar concentration ranges with diffusional microtitration using EDTA as the reagent and a microfabricated gold/mercury amalgam electrode for potentiometric end point indication. Typically, a reproducibility of about 3% was obtained in 20-μL samples with nitrogen jet stirring. A spatially averaging indicator electrode designed to compensate for minor inhomogeneities was tested in 1-μL samples without stirring, yielding 4% reproducibility. Linear calibration graphs in 20-μL copper, zinc, and calcium samples and in 1-μL copper samples were obtained over broad concentration ranges. Based on the pH dependence of stability of EDTA−metal complexes, copper could be determined selectively in low-pH medium in the presence of magnesium, calcium, and other metal ions. With proper pH adjustment, the hardness of tap water could also be obtained in 20-μL samples using a combination of standard additions and dilu...
Molecular biology of male gametogenesis

Pollen development has been studied at a molecular level in several systems that are amenable to genetic or transgenic analysis. We have characterized several tomato genes that are expressed late in pollen development. Our goals in this research were 1) to determine the cis- and tran-acting factors that mediate pollen expression, and 2) to determine the functions of the proteins encoded by these genes. We currently favor the hypothesis that pollen-specific gene expression is mediated in a combinatorial manner. Antisense experiments have indicated an important role for the LAT52 protein during pollen hydration.
Diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy for cancer

Visible light and near infrared light interact with biological tissue by absorption and scattering. Diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy reconstructs tissue physiologic parameters based on noninvasive measurement of tissue optical properties. This technology can be used to differentiate physiologic and molecular signatures of both malignant and benign tissues, as they relate to the area of cancer research. Major advantages are the use of non-ionizing radiation, real-time continuous data acquisition, low cost, and portability. Limitations include low spatial resolution and limited reproducibility. This paper reviews the currently available state-of-the-art technologies for diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy and their applications in cancer research.
ReHype: enabling VM survival across hypervisor failures

With existing virtualized systems, hypervisor failures lead to overall system failure and the loss of all the work in progress of virtual machines (VMs) running on the system. We introduce ReHype, a mechanism for recovery from hypervisor failures by booting a new instance of the hypervisor while preserving the state of running VMs. VMs are stalled during the hypervisor reboot and resume normal execution once the new hypervisor instance is running. Hypervisor failures can lead to arbitrary state corruption and inconsistencies throughout the system. ReHype deals with the challenge of protecting the recovered hypervisor instance from such corrupted state and resolving inconsistencies between different parts of hypervisor state as well as between the hypervisor and VMs and between the hypervisor and the hardware. We have implemented ReHype for the Xen hypervisor. The implementation was done incrementally, using results from fault injection experiments to identify the sources of dangerous state corruption and inconsistencies. The implementation of ReHype involved only 880 LOC added or modified in Xen. The memory space overhead of ReHype is only 2.1MB for a pristine copy of the hypervisor code and static data plus a small reserved memory area. The fault injection campaigns used to evaluate the effectiveness of ReHype involved a system with multiple VMs running I/O and hypercall-intensive benchmarks. Our experimental results show that the ReHype prototype can successfully recover from over 90% of detected hypervisor failures.
Behavior of GCC stock markets and impacts of US oil and financial markets

Abstract Within the vector-error correction (VEC) model, the short-run bilateral causal relationships among Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) weekly equity index returns are limited and mostly unidirectional. Their relationships with three global factors (the oil price, the US S&P 500 index, and the US T-bill rate) suggest that the US T-bill rate has direct influence on some of these segmented GCC markets. The S&P 500 index and the Western Texas Intermediate (WTI) or the Brent oil price have no such direct impact, implying that local or regional factors such as liquidity and profitability directly affect them. In contrast, the impulse response analysis suggests that the S&P 500 shocks have positive dynamic impacts on all GCC markets over a 20-week forecast horizon, implying that GCC stock markets rise with US markets, while the impact of the T-bill rate is important but mixed. Moreover, a positive oil shock will benefit most of GCC markets. The variance decomposition implies that the largest portions of total variations in GCC index returns come from their own domestic or other GCC shocks over the forecast horizon. Excepting the oil price factor, which accounts for 30 percent of Oman's and 19 percent of Saudi Arabia's total variations, the global factors account for only a small percentage of these stock markets’ total variations.
SIMS ion microscopy as a novel, practical tool for subcellular chemical imaging in cancer research

The development of cryogenic sample preparations, subcellular image quantification schemes, and correlative confocal laser scanning microscopy and ion microscopy have made dynamic SIMS a versatile tool in biology and medicine. For example, ion microscopy can provide much needed, novel information on calcium influx and intracellular calcium stores at organelle resolution in normal and transformed cells in order to better understand the altered calcium signaling in malignant cells. 3-D SIMS imaging of cells revealed dynamic gradients of calcium in cells undergoing mitosis and cytokinesis. Studies of subcellular localization of anticancer drugs is another area of research where ion microscopy can provide novel observations in many types of cancers. Ion microscopy is already an essential tool in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of brain cancer as it can be used to quantitatively image the subcellular location of boron in cells and tissues. This information is critically needed for testing the efficacy of boronated agents and for calculations of radiation dosimetry.
Membrane lipid biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Partial characterization of CDP-diacylglycerol: myo-inositol 3-phosphatidyltransferase

Abstract Myo -inositol may be incorporated in the formation of phosphatidylinositol by two mechanisms. One reaction utilizes CDP-diacylglycerol and is catalyzed by phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) synthase (CDP-diacylglycerol: myo -inositol 3-phosphatidyltransferase, EC 2.7.8.11). The second reaction is the phosphatidylinositol: myo -inositol exchange reaction, in which a free inositol is exchanged for an existing inositol headgroup. This characterization of inositol incorporation into phosphatidylinositol in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii provides evidence for the presence of both reactions. The transferase reaction required a divalent cation and exhibited its maximum activity at 2.0 mM Mn 2+ . The optimal pH for this reaction was 8.5–9.0. The best substrate concentrations were 0.5 mM CDP-diacylglycerol and 1.2 mM myo -inositol, with an estimated K m for myo -inositol of 0.2 mM. The exchange reaction also required Mn 2+ for activity, but became saturated at 0.5 mM Mn 2+ . The optimal pH of the exchange reaction was 8.0, the optimal myo -inositol concentration was 0.3 mM, and the estimated K m for myo -inositol in this reaction was 0.015 mM. Measurement of the transferase reaction in cell fractions of C . reinhardtii indicated that the activity occurred primarily in the microsomal fraction, with little or no activity in the plastids.
Femtogram mass sensing platform based on lateral extensional mode piezoelectric resonator

This letter introduces a resonant mass sensor that is based on a lateral extensional mode piezoelectric resonator and has a minimum detectable mass of 10−15g at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The resonator with size of about 200×50×1μm3 has a quality factor (Q) of >1400 at 60MHz, and as small as 0.1ppm shift of its resonant frequency can be detected. The 0.1ppm detection capability corresponds to a mass uncertainty of only about 4.6fg. We have experimentally demonstrated a minimum detectable frequency shift of ∼1.6ppm due to absorption of isopropanol vapor (73fg) on the sidewalls of the parylene-coated lateral extensional mode piezoelectric resonator.
Cortisone and mortality in mouse typhoid. I. Effect of hormone dosage and time of injection.

SummaryCortisone, administered in single injections ranging from 0.25 to 5 mg, markedly decreased resistance of mice to S. typhimurium. Cortisone had the greatest effect on resistance when administered within 2 days before or after typhoid inoculation. Subcutaneous injections of two other steroids, progesterone and desoxycorticosterone acetate, in dosage range of 0.1 to 10 mg, had no effect on mortality in mouse typhoid.
Social Biases and Recent Theories of Competition

Introduction: importance of recognizing the relative nature of "truth," 1. — I. Historical interrelationships between economic thought concerning competition and the social environment, 3. — II. Emergence of theories of imperfect (or monopolistic) competition, 8. — Danger that these may also present a distorted picture of reality, 9. — Their relation to empirical investigation, 10. — Other limitations on their direct usefulness, 12. — The nature of "scientific method," 12. — III. Relation of the new theories to public policy toward business, 14. — Need for humility, 16. — IV. Impact of this aspect of theory upon the social environment, 18. — The New Deal, 18. — Danger in short-run political expediency, 21. — V. Conclusions, 22.
Combined posterior and convergent elbow dislocations in an adult. A case report and review of the literature.

T ranslocation of the proximal radioulnar joint, so-called convergent dislocation, is an extremely rare injury that may occur in isolation or in association with a posterior ulnohumeral dislocation. In this injury, the ulnohumeral joint is disrupted, resulting in medial translation of the radius and lateral translation of the ulna. The cases of ten patients who had convergent dislocation have been reported previously1-7. All of those patients were children. To our knowledge, there has never been a report of convergent elbow dislocation in an adult patient. Our patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication. Figs. 1-A and 1-B The initial radiographs demonstrating posterior dislocation of the left elbow. Fig. 1-A Lateral radiograph. Fig. 1-B Anteroposterior radiograph. A moderately obese thirty-five-year-old woman sustained multiple upper extremity fractures after falling off a porch from a height of approximately four feet. She was initially evaluated at a local emergency room where physical examination and radiographs revealed a posterior elbow dislocation of the left, nondominant arm (Figs. 1-A and 1-B), an ipsilateral displaced and comminuted intra-articular distal radial fracture, and a displaced fracture of the base of the contralateral thumb metacarpal. She was subsequently transferred to our facility for definitive treatment. The patient had pain in the left wrist and elbow, with a limited range of motion, and pain in the right thumb. She had an obvious dorsal deformity of the distal part of the radius in the left arm with minimal swelling. The left elbow was held at approximately 80° of flexion, and she had a painful and limited range of motion. The right thumb was tender to palpation at the base of the metacarpal with no obvious deformity. The neurovascular examination revealed normal findings. An initial review of the radiographs revealed an obvious posterior dislocation of the …
Interpretation of the temperature dependence of the electromagnetic penetration depth in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

The low-temperature behavior of the a-b plane penetration depth, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$, is a probe of the pairing state in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$. A group-theoretic analysis shows that in orthorhombic or tetragonal crystals all singlet pairing states other than ``s wave'' would lead to \ensuremath{\Delta}${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$(T)==${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$(T)-${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$(0)\ensuremath{\sim}T. In contrast, for an isotropic system, there are combinations of singlet pairing states and field directions that would give rise to \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\lambda}(T)\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{T}}^{3}$. We reanalyze the surface impedance data of Fiory et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 1419 (1988)], and show that these data exhibit neither a BCS temperature dependence nor a linear temperature dependence at low temperature, but instead follow \ensuremath{\Delta}${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$(T)\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{T}}^{2}$. This behavior is probably not intrinsic, and possible explanations are discussed.
Tracing of Electron Trajectories Using the Differential Analyzer: Introduction

The differential analyzer is used to give a graphical solution of electron paths in the magnetron and triode oscillators with d.c. and r.f. applied anode potential. A d.c. space charge is approximated in the magnetron; otherwise no space charge is included. The results are of interest in explaining experimental results. In particular, the magnetron paths show a marked tendency towards synchronism, and the triode results indicate that the required peak cathode emission is larger than was supposed.
Web based molecular visualization using procedural shaders in X3D

The introduction of programmable Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and the addition of procedural shaders to the web3D standard X3D provide us with new techniques to develop real-time Web based visualization. In this paper we discuss the applications of these techniques to bioinformatics and chemistry visualization, specifically the visualization of large biomolecules. By using procedural shaders, we are able to produce higher quality visualizations with minimal performance penalty. We have developed methods to automatically convert from the standard bioinformatics PDB format to CML and then to X3D. The procedural shaders are automatically inserted during the CML to X3D conversion. This provides higher quality images and leads to future possibilities of more flexible and enhanced visualizations.
A modern earth narrative: What will be the fate of the biosphere?

Abstract The modern Earth Narrative is the scientific description of the natural and human history of the Earth, and it is based on two fundamental concepts: Deep (or Geologic) Time and Biological Evolution. Changes in the Earth's biosphere and geosphere are discussed from the perspective of natural variability and impacts of the rapid increase in the human population. The failure of humans to comprehend and understand the Earth Narrative, especially the place of humans in it, presages dire consequences for the Earth's biosphere. The actions humans take, individually and collectively, during the 21st century will likely determine the fate of many millions of species, including our own. It is argued that we must quickly establish an Earth System-based conservation ethic that has the objective of complete preservation of the Earth's biotic inheritance.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in Extreme Cases of Male Infertility

Introduction Severely compromised spermatogenesis typical of men with virtual azoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia requires an extreme search for spermatozoa. Our goal was to evaluate the usefulness of a meticulous search carried out in ejaculated or surgically retrieved specimens in achieving pre- and post-implantation embryo development. Patients and Methods In a retrospective cohort study carried out in an academic institution, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes were reviewed as a function of length of microscopic sperm search in ejaculated and surgically retrieved specimens. Couples whose male partner presented with either virtual or non-obstructive azoospermia were treated by ICSI and categorized according to the time spent in identifying and retrieving enough spermatozoa to inject all the oocyte cohort. Semen parameter, fertilization, pregnancies, deliveries, and child welfare in relation to increasing search time were analyzed and compared. Result(s) The maternal and paternal ages were comparable in both ejaculated and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) groups along with the oocytes retrieved. The fertilization rates for both ejaculated and TESE progressively decreased with increasing time (P<0.0001). Clinical pregnancies in the ejaculated cohort remained satifactory. In the TESE cohort, there was a decrease in pregnancy rate with increasing time, from 44% to 23%. In a limited number of cases, offspring health was evaluated in both semen sources and appeared reassuring. Conclusion(s) An extensive and at time exhaustive sperm quest yields kinetically and morphologically impaired spermatozoa without apparent impact on embryo developmental competence. Retrieval of spermatozoa from the seminiferous tubules provided more consistent fertilization and pregnancy outcomes than those retrieved from the ejaculate. A trend indicated that pregnancy rate decreased as search time increased in the TESE group. The utilization of the scarce and unselected spermatozoa did not obviously impair embryo development or cause post-implantation errors.
The role of repair in modulating modal stances in Chinese discourse

This study explores the intersubjective and dynamic construction of modal meanings in Chinese discourse. Specifically, it examines the role conversational repair plays in ascertaining the entailments of modal meanings such as obligation, possibility and permissibility, specifying the range of modal strengths, and assigning an emergent and negotiated quality to these meanings. It argues that repair shapes and sharpens speakers’ modal stances, especially when the modal expression is polysemous. Illustrative data are drawn from 30 hours of audio/video recorded interaction in weekend Chinese language schools.
Arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation independent of adp-release in a patient with a bleeding disorder due to platelet storage pool disease

Abstract Platelets from a patient with a bleeding disorder have been extensively studied. These platelets showed reduced levels of storage pool ADP, reversible aggregation induced by exogenous ADP, markedly reduced aggregation induced by collagen and absent epinephrine induced aggregation. Arachidonic acid, the prostaglandin - thromboxane precursor, induced normal aggregation with no release of enzymatically detectable ADP. Furthermore electron microscopy demonstrated that the aggregated platelets had not discharged their granules. In contrast, thrombin induced normal aggregation accompanied by complete discharge of the platelet granules. This patient's platelets have uniquely demonstrated, a) that arachidonic acid can induce aggregation independent of the release reaction, b) that thrombin induced platelet aggregation and release by an independent mechanism.
Some Challenges for Narrative Accounts of Value

Recently in environmental ethics some theorists have advocated narrative accounts of value, according to which the value of environmental goods is given by the role that they play in our narratives. I first sketch the basic theoretical features of a narrative accounts of value and then go on to raise some problems for such views. I claim that they require an evaluative standard in order to distinguish the valuable from the merely valued and that the project of constructing such a standard faces significant problems. I conclude by questioning whether narrative accounts of value really offer advantages over other pluralistic and context-sensitive accounts of value.
Spinal cannabinoid receptor type 2 activation reduces hypersensitivity and spinal cord glial activation after paw incision.

BACKGROUND Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 and produce analgesia in several pain models, but central side effects from cannabinoid 1 receptors limit their clinical use. Cannabinoid 2 receptors reduce inflammatory responses in the periphery by acting on immune cells, and they are present on glia in the central nervous system. This study tested whether spinal cannabinoid activation would induce analgesia, glial inhibition, and central side effects in a postoperative model or incisional pain. METHODS Rats underwent paw incision surgery, with intrathecal injections of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists and assessment of withdrawal thresholds and behavioral side effects. Spinal glial activation was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Intrathecal administration CP55940 reduced postoperative hypersensitivity (91 +/- 9% maximum possible effect; P < 0.05), and this was prevented by intrathecal administration of both cannabinoid 1 receptor (AM281) and cannabinoid 2 receptor (AM630) antagonists. CP55940 also caused several behavioral side effects, and these were prevented by the cannabinoid 1 receptor but not by the cannabinoid 2 receptor antagonist. Intrathecal injection of the cannabinoid 2 receptor agonist JWH015 reversed postoperative hypersensitivity (89 +/- 5% maximum possible effect; P < 0.05), and this was reversed by the cannabinoid 2 but not by the cannabinoid 1 receptor antagonist. JWH015, which did not induce behavioral side effects, reduced paw incision induced microglial and astrocytic activation in spinal cord (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that intrathecal administration of cannabinoid receptor agonists may provide postoperative analgesia while reducing spinal glial activation, and that selective cannabinoid 2 receptor agonists may do so without central side effects.
Depression among ethnically diverse older women: the role of demographic and cognitive factors

Research has identified a strong relationship between depression and demographic factors such as income and widowed status. Prior studies have also linked common cognitive “slips” to depressive symptomatology. However, very little research has investigated these relationships with respect to the older adult population, particularly within ethnic minorities. To address this gap in the literature, the present study examined the contribution of demographic and cognitive factors to depressive symptomatology among 228 noninstitutionalized women (60 years of age or older) from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The findings identified a significant relationship between depressive symptomatology and cognitive failure, low income, and Middle-Eastern or American-Indian descent.
TOXICITY, MUTAGENICITY AND TERATOGENICITY OF BREVIANAMIDE, VIOMELLEIN AND XANTHOMEGNIN; SECONDARY METABOLITES OF PENICILLIUM VIRIDICATUM

The three major secondary metabolites of Penicillium viridicatum, brevianamide, xanthomegnin, and viomellein were tested for mutagenicity by the Salmonella/microsome test and for toxicity and teratogenicity by the chick embryo test. None were mutagenic. Viomellein was mildly toxic and teratogenic, xanthomegnin was the most toxic and was not a teratogen, and brevianamide was not toxic yet was the most teratogenic.
Pulse sequences and visualization of instruments

While initially advocated primarily for intrasurgical visualization (e. g., craniotomy), interventional MRI rapidly evolved into roles in image-guided localization for needle-based procedures, minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures, and thermal ablation of cancer. In this contest, MRI pulse sequences and scanning methods serve one of four primary roles: (1) speed improvement, (2) device localization, (3) anatomy/lesion differentiation and (4) temperature sensitivity. The first part of this manuscript deals with passive visualization of MR-compatible needles and the effects of field strength, sequence design, and orientation of the needle relative to the static magnetic field of the scanner. Issues and recommendations are given for low-field as well as high-field scanners. The second part contains methods reported to achieve improved acquisition efficiency over conventional phase encoding (wavelets, locally focused imaging, singular value decomposition and keyhole imaging). Finally, the last part of the manuscript reports the current status of thermosensitive sequences and their dependence on spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), water diffusion coefficient (D) and proton chemical shift (δ ).
Space and Deep Submergence Vehicles: Integrated Systems Sythesis

The extension of man's capabilities to explore the ocean depths and to utilize the abundant resources contained therein is one of today's most challenging technological problems. The difficulty in accurately keeping track of position on or under the wide expanses of the sea is one of the significant aspects of this endeavor. Specifically, precise navigation is an absolute necessity for such operations as the search for and recovery of objects from the ocean floor. The design of integrated marine guidance, navigation, and control systems is an outgrowth of aerospace technology adapted to inner space missions. The impact of mission requirements upon the synthesis of guidance, navigation, and control in deep submergence and space systems is illustrated by a comparative study of the Apollo and the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle.
Attempted generation of azacyclopropenones a new route to nitriles

Abstract A synthesis of the unknown azacyclopropenone (azirinone) system was attempted via α-azido ketenes. Treatment of α-azido acid chlorides with triethylamine, in an attempt to generate α-azido ketenes, led in good yield to nitriles containing one less carbon. At −60° it was possible to trap the α-azido ketene 7c with benzalaniline to form a β-lactam. The formation of nitriles most likely proceeds by intermediacy of an azirinone. The sequence of reactions provides a useful degradation of carboxylic acids to nitriles with loss of one carbon.
Nanobiotechnology: Nanowires have cells in their sights

The ability of 'electric tweezers' to guide nanowires coated with biomolecules to specific locations on the surface of individual cells will allow biological processes to be studied in greater detail.
The dynamics of conservative mixing in estuaries

Mixing plots, in which a dissolved constituent is plotted against salinity or chlorinity, are commonly used to interpret conservative and non-conservative processes in estuarine systems. A bend in the resulting curve is generally interpreted as indicative of the reactive or non-conservative nature of the constituent or the presence of multiple sources or sinks within the estuary. This paper demonstrates analytically that bends in mixing curves may also result from temporal variations in end-member (river or ocean) constituent concentrations even for conservative constituents. A one-dimensional dispersion equation is used to calculate the distribution of salinity and a conservative constituent in a model estuary. Both straight and bent mixing curves are shown resulting simply from changing the variability of the river constituent concentration. For no variability the curve is straight. For variability with a period much less than the flushing time, the average curve for a general data set straight, whereas the curve for a synoptic data set is bent. For variability with a period greater than the flushing time a bent curve results. Since bent mixing curves can occur for conservative properties, the use of these curves for interpretation of estuarine processes must be undertaken with an understanding of the temporal variability of the river and ocean constituents and their relationship to the estuary mixing properties and flushing time.
Plasma physics: on the node of a wave.

A compact electron accelerator can be made by the cunning use of laser pulses to let electrons 'surf' on a plasma wave. The problem has been controlling exactly how much the electrons are accelerated.
Onion-shell metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs): a general approach to decorate the exteriors of MOPs using principles of supramolecular chemistry.

Metal−organic polyhedra with surface-exposed organic groups have been designed. The polyhedra are based on concentric shells of alternating negative−positive−negative charges and have been used to design homochiral hosts.
Treating Parents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Effects of Behavioral Parent Training and Acute Stimulant Medication Treatment on Parent–Child Interactions

This multiple baseline study evaluated the efficacy of behavioral parent training (BPT) for 12 parents (M age = 39.17 years; 91% mothers) and their children (ages 6-12; 83% boys) both with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and also explored the acute effect of stimulant medication for parents before and after BPT. Parents rated their own and their children's symptoms and impairment and were stabilized on optimally dosed medication. Then, parents discontinued medication and were randomly assigned to a 3, 4, or 5 week baseline (BL), during which they provided twice-weekly ratings of their impairment, parenting, and their child's behavior. Following BL, parents and their children completed two laboratory tasks, once on their optimally dosed medication and once on a placebo to assess observable effects of medication on parent-child behavior, and they completed additional assessments of family functioning. Parents then completed eight BPT sessions, during which they were unmedicated. Twice-weekly ratings of parent and child behavior were collected during BPT and additional ratings were collected upon completing BPT. Two more parent-child tasks with and without parent medication were conducted upon BPT completion to assess the observable effects of BPT and BPT plus medication. Ten (83.33%) parents completed the trial. Improvements in parent and child behavior were observed, and parents reported improved child behavior with BPT. Few benefits of BPT emerged through parent reports of parent functioning, with the exception of inconsistent discipline, and no medication or interaction effects emerged. These results, although preliminary, suggest that some parents with ADHD benefit from BPT. While pharmacological treatment is the most common intervention for adults with ADHD, further examination of psychosocial treatments for adults is needed.
A CYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF LIPID, GLYCOGEN AND LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE IN THE DEVELOPING LIVER.

In recent studies the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes of adult (Lindsay, '63) and embryonic (Philip and Vesell, '62; Nebel and Conklin, '64) chick liver were demonstrated. A maximum of six isozymes were found in the embryonic liver while four isozymes were present in the liver after hatching. While several theories (Apella and Markert, '61; Markert, '62; Cahn et al., '62; Fritz and Jacobson, '63) have been proposed to account for the number of isozymes, there have been few studies which have attempted to correlate LDH isozymes with either intracellular distribution (Allen, '61) or metabolic function (Lindsay, '63; Plagemann et al., '60). The fact that the major changes in the LDH isozymes were noted during the period from the sixth to the twelfth day of development, the time of onset of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in hepatic cells of the chick (Dalton, '37), suggested a possible correlation between these events. Furthermore, the isozyme changes might be associated not only with the onset of specific function but also with changes in the intracellular distribution of lactate dehydrogenase. In the present study the intracellular deposition of glycogen and lipid and the localization of lactate dehydrogenase activity were demonstrated in order to determine whether any of these factors could be correlated with the isozyme pattern previously reported (Nebel and Conklin, '64). In addition, the application of histochemical methods for revealing LDH activity afforded the opportunity to evaluate certain current problems of histochemical technique, i.e., the use of formalinfixed (Walker and Seligman, '63) vs. acetone extracted (Hitzeman, '63) vs. fresh tissue for the demonstration of oxidative enzyme activity. Finally, in spite of increasing evidence to the contrary (Schnei-
Friction Reduction From Electrochemically Deposited Films

The lubricated sliding friction characteristics of both electrochemically precharged and uncharged piston ring specimens were determined m a laboratory friction apparatus. The iron phosphate films deposited on precharged piston ring specimens from a specific lubricant blend reduced both static and dynamic friction by as much as 25 to 35 percent. The mechanisms of friction reduction using electrochemically deposited films were investigated and interpreted in terms of surface roughness reduction and reaction film formation. The bulk metal properties influenced both the degree to which precharged films could be applied to a metal surface and the friction measured in a lubricated sliding contact. In addition, the friction characteristics and surface morphology of the iron phosphate films deposited on precharged piston ring specimens from a hydrocarbon-based medium were compared with those of traditional phosphate coatings made in an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. The iron phosphate film deposited on pre...
Applications Of Image Processing In Criminalistics

A review of some basic image processing techniques for enhancement and restoration of images is given. Both digital and optical approaches are discussed. Fingerprint images are used as examples to illustrate the various processing techniques and their potential applications in criminalistics.
Validation of a prediction model for control of micro wind turbines

A computational model is developed to guide the design and predict the performance of micro vertical axis wind turbines. A self-starting three-armed vertical axis wind turbine is modeled, with the capability to incorporate double blades, a guide vane, and drag tubes for self-starting and operation at low tip speed ratios. The performance of the model is validated against predictive models and data from the literature. The effects of Reynolds number variations are modeled and found to improve the fidelity of model predictions.
Control Lyapunov functions for adaptive nonlinear stabilization

For the problem of stabilization of nonlinear systems linear in unknown constant parameters, we introduce the concept of an adaptive control Lyapunov function (aclf) and use Sontag's constructive proof of Artstein's theorem to design an adaptive controller. In this framework the problem of adaptive stabilization of a nonlinear system is reduced to the problem of nonadaptive stabilization of a modified system. To illustrate the construction of aclf's we give an adaptive backstepping lemma which recovers our earlier design.
Experimental verification of the existence and structure of ζ Pu6Fe in a Pu-Ga alloy

Abstract A phase belonging to the space group I4/mcm was identified in a Pu–Ga alloy containing trace amounts of Fe and Ni using electron diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) in a transmission electron microscope. The plane group symmetry of six experimental diffraction patterns showed that the structure of this phase was at least body-centered orthorhombic. Simulated diffraction patterns, generated from the body-centered tetragonal structure of ζ Pu6Fe with the space group I4/mcm, match the experimental diffraction patterns closely. These results present the first crystallographic evidence for the existence of ζ Pu6Fe in a dilute Pu–Ga alloy. The Pu/Fe ratio of the phase yielded by EDXS was 12.5 at.% and the Pu/(Fe + Ni) ratio was 15.9 at.%. These results suggest that Ni substitutes for Fe in the ζ, Pu6Fe lattice.