cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The structure of α- and β-adrenergic receptors

Abstract The use of specific affinity labels, monoclonal antibodies, autoantibodies, and radiation inactivation have provided considerable information concerning adrenergic receptor structure. Studies to date suggest that β 1 - and β 2 -receptors may have evolved as a result of gene duplication whereas α 1 -adrenergic receptors may have more in common with muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
Experimental Investigations of Incipient and Desinent Cavitation

High-speed recirculating water tunnel measurements of pressure to show its effect on the onset and cessation of cavitation flow along a wall
A Scalable Synthesis of Meso-Substituted Dipyrromethanes

A one-flask synthesis of meso-substituted dipyrromethanes has been refined. The procedure entails reaction of an aldehyde in 100 equiv of pyrrole as the solvent containing a mild Lewis acid (e.g., InCl3) at room temperature. Following removal and recovery of excess pyrrole, the dipyrromethane is obtained by crystallization. The procedure generates minimal waste and does not require aqueous/organic extraction, chromatography, or distillation. The procedure has been scaled linearly to obtain >100 g of 5-phenyldipyrromethane. The utility of various analytical methods for characterizing dipyrromethanes has been investigated.
Leptin receptor signaling in the lateral parabrachial nucleus contributes to the control of food intake

Pontine parabrachial nucleus (PBN) neurons integrate visceral, oral, and other sensory information, playing an integral role in the neural control of feeding. Current experiments probed whether lateral PBN (lPBN) leptin receptor (LepRb) signaling contributes to this function. Intra-lPBN leptin microinjection significantly reduced cumulative chow intake, average meal size, and body weight in rats, independent of effects on locomotor activity or gastric emptying. In contrast to the effects observed following LepRb activation in other nuclei, lPBN LepRb stimulation did not affect progressive ratio responding for sucrose reward or conditioned place preference for a palatable food. Collectively, results suggest that lPBN LepRb activation reduces food intake by modulating the neural processing of meal size/satiation signaling, and highlight the lPBN as a novel site of action for leptin-mediated food intake control.
Image-guided MR spectroscopy VOI localization for longitudinal studies

Longitudinal magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies require accurate repositioning of the volume of interest (VOI) over which measurements are made. In this work we present and evaluate a method for the image-guided repositioning of brain volumes of interest. The point-based registration technique we developed allows the repositioning to be performed on-line (i.e., while the patient is in the scanner). MR image volumes were acquired from six subjects, three scans each over the course of a month. During the first scan, two spectroscopy VOIs are visually selected: one in the frontal white matter, the other in the superior cerebellar vermis. The coordinates of 13 internal brain landmarks were also identified. During both subsequent scans, the same 13 landmarks were also identified, and the transformation that registers the first set of landmarks to the subsequent set is compared. This result is used to automatically map the position of the spectroscopy. VOIs from the first volume to the current volume. For the six subjects evaluated to date, we show an average repositioning error of the spectroscopy VOIs in the order of 1 mm. This accuracy allows us to conclude that any variation in the MR spectra are unlikely to be due to repositioning error.
Autonomic nervous system balance and personality

The present study examined the relationship between changes in pupil size to light and dark and personality. Extraversion was related to pupil dilation, and psychoticism was related to pupil constriction, but the results differed depending upon the baseline used for the measurement of pupil size. The results, however, do indicate that autonomic nervous system functioning may be related to psychoticism, neuroticism and extraversion.
Retroperitoneal sarcomas in children: outcomes from an institution

Abstract Background Retroperitoneal sarcomas are uncommon in children and tend to present as large tumors with advanced locoregional involvement of abdominopelvic structures. Surgical control of these tumors remains to be a management challenge. We reviewed our institutional experience with retroperitoneal sarcomas in children. Materials and Methods In a retrospective review of charts dating between 1975 and 2005, we identified patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with a histologically confirmed retroperitoneal sarcoma. Patients were followed prospectively through clinic visits and mail correspondence. Standard statistical methods were used for comparative, risk, and survival analyses. Results Twenty-one children with a mean age at presentation of 9 ± 1 years were identified. There were more boys than girls (male/female ratio=1.6). The most common presentations were abdominal mass/distention (76%) and pain (62%). The mean tumor size was 14.2 ± 1.4 cm, with locoregional involvement in 62% of the patients. The common histologic types were rhabdomyosarcoma (33%) and fibrosarcoma (33%). Seventy-six percent of the patients underwent primary or secondary resection, 71% received neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy therapy, and 38% received radiation therapy. Complete resection was achieved in 48% of the patients, including 3 who required inferior vena cava resection and reconstruction. The 5-year disease-specific survival rates for patients who underwent complete resection and those who underwent incomplete resection were 90% and 36% ( P = .018), respectively. For all patients, the mean survival time was 103 ± 16 months and the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 62%. Survival was significantly better for patients with low-grade sarcomas than for those with high-grade sarcomas (90% vs 36%, P = .008). Among those who underwent an initial complete resection, 50% had a recurrence at a mean time of 88 ± 52 months (range = 3-261 months). The 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 24%, respectively; in addition, 14% of the patients experienced long-term complications. Conclusions Resection of retroperitoneal sarcomas can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and mortality. Complete resection and low histologic grade are associated with significantly better disease-specific survival.
Structure-borne noise transmission in stiffened structures

The structure-borne noise transmission of stiffened and interconnected structures under random loads is presented. The method is based on the transfer matrix for the structural response and on the modal decomposition for the interior acoustic field. The acoustic enclosure is taken to be rectangular in shape of which portion of the boundaries are elastic while the remaining surface is acoustically rigid. Numerical results are presented for several acousto-structural problems.
Customer service in business‐to‐business markets: an agenda for research

Drawing on insights from the extant service‐quality literature (which is dominated by an end‐consumer focus), this paper examines customer service in business‐to‐business markets. It first presents a typology of seller‐customer links and discusses the domain of customer service in business‐to‐business contexts. It then develops a research agenda by identifying a variety of issues pertaining to the scope, measurement, and potential impact of customer service in such contexts. It is hoped that this agenda will stimulate further discussion on the role of customer service in business and industrial marketing, and motivate much‐needed research on this topic.
The welfare cost of a global carbon tax when tax revenues are recycled

Abstract This paper assessses the welfare cost of a global carbon tax when tax revenues finance reductions in existing revenue-raising taxes. The analysis finds that by lowering the excess burden from existing taxes, a revenue-neutral carbon tax policy has a positive net welfare effect in the range required to aggressively slow climate change. Based on tax efficiency considerations alone, the optimal reduction in emissions is 37 percent. When benefits from avoiding greenhouse damages are included in the model, the optimal reduction is 40 percent. Even more stringent restraints, avoiding more than 90 percent of greenhouse damages, are shown to have positive net benefits.
An efficient dual frequency antenna feed

Terminals for weather satellite readout require a compact feed for small reflector antennas and operate at L-band (1670-1710 MHz) and S-band (2200-2300 MHz). Both bands require right hand circular polarization and L-band requires linear polarization as well. The analysis and measurement of a novel dual frequency antenna feed is described. Stacked microwave patches for operation at the two separated frequency bands are surrounded by a corrugated surface to improve illumination efficiency. The feed is configured for orthogonal linear polarization, has filtering and modest preamplification with amplitude and phase matched LNAs for each linearly polarized feed terminal, and uses a quadrature hybrid to combine the two outputs for circular polarization. Linear polarization is obtained by turning off one of the preamplifiers.
Summarizing the effectiveness of supercritical fluid extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from natural matrix environmental samples.

A summary of the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from four natural matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) is presented. The work involved the inv...
A forward image model for passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry

Abstract By facilitating measurement of river channel morphology, remote sensing techniques could enable significant advances in our understanding of fluvial systems. To realize this potential, researchers must first gain confidence in image-derived river information, as well as an appreciation of its inherent limitations. This paper describes a forward image model (FIM) for examining the capabilities and constraints associated with passive optical remote sensing of river bathymetry. Image data are simulated “from the streambed up” by first using information on depth and bottom reflectance to parameterize models of radiative transfer within the water column and atmosphere and then incorporating sensor technical specifications. This physics-based framework provides a means of assessing the potential for spectrally-based depth retrieval from a particular river of interest, given a sensor configuration. Forward image modeling of both a hypothetical meander bend and an actual gravel-bed river indicated that bathymetric accuracy and precision vary spatially as a function of channel morphology, with less reliable depth estimates in pools. A simpler, more computationally efficient analytical model highlighted additional controls on bathymetric uncertainty: optical depth and the ratio of the smallest detectable change in radiance to the bottom-reflected radiance. Application of the FIM to a complex, natural channel illustrated how the model can be used to quantify the effects of various sensor characteristics. Bathymetric accuracy was determined primarily by spatial resolution, due to mixed pixels along the banks and sub-pixel scale variations in depth, whereas depth retrieval precision depended on the sensor's ability to resolve subtle changes in radiance. This flexible forward modeling approach thus allows the utility of image-derived river information to be evaluated in the context of specific investigations, leading to more efficient, more informed use of remote sensing methods across a range of fluvial environments.
Time constant and transport delay determination of the gas analyzer

Although methodology to estimate transport delay and time constant of the mass spectrometer (MS) has been discussed for some time, there appears to be a question whether an exponential first order function is an appropriate fit to the analyzer response. We investigated the response of our MS (Perkin-Elmer 1100) to step changes in O2 and CO2 from ambient air to 13% and 5%, respectively, and developed regression technique to estimate transport delay and time constant. Output from the MS coupled to the data acquisition system was sampled at 100 Hz with a PDP 11/10 computer system. Since the general form for a single time constant system with an initial and final values of I and F, with time delay, td, and time constant, τ, is y = F + (I - F) exp ( - (t - td)/τ), data were regressed over time to the straight line transformation - In((y - F)/ (I − F)) = t/τ − td/τ, where t is time and y the experimental data. This is a straight line with slope 1/τ and vertical axis intercept of -td/τ. We find an excellent correlation between gas concentration data and the regression fit (r = 0.99) from 10 to 95% of the response interval, resulting in τ of 0.03 s and transport delay of 0.3 s for the Perkin-Elmer 1100 mass spectrometer. We validated transport delay and time constant corrections on breath-by-breath gas exchange computations during physical exercise, and conclude that the experimental data fit well to the generalized first order exponential equation.
Multifunctional FePt Nanoparticles for Radiation-Guided Targeting and Imaging of Cancer

A multifunctional FePt nanoparticle was developed that targets tumor microvasculature via “radiation-guided” peptides, and is detected by both near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and analytical mass spectrometry methods. Tumor specific binding was first measured by biotinylated peptide linked to fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin. This showed tumor selective binding to tumors using the HVGGSSV peptide. FePt nanoparticles were synthesized sequentially by surface modification with poly(l)lysine, poly(ethylene) glycol conjugation, and functionalized with HVGGSSV peptide and fluorescent probe Alexa fluor 750. NIR fluorescence imaging and ICP-MS analysis showed significant HVGGSSV-FePt nanoparticle binding to irradiated tumors as compared to unirradiated tumors and controls. Results indicate that multifunctional FePt nanoparticles have potential application for radiation-guided targeting and imaging of cancer.
Effects of exogenously supplied gibberellic acid (GA3) on patterns of water hyacinth development

Abstract Gibberellic acid (GA3), exogenously supplied to the roots of water hyacinth, exerts significant effects on the pattern of development of clones. The effects are manifested as: (1) a general release in apical dominance which results in a significant increase in branching of the parental rhizome and its daughter rosettes, and (2) a change in pattern of leaf morphogenesis from a ‘float’ to ‘canopy’ form, as measured by length/width ratio of petioles. The effects, at least at low concentration of GA3 (0.01–0.52 ppm GA3), mimic the growth responses of plants in populations undergoing increase in population density. Growth responses obtained at higher concentrations of GA3 (> 0.05 ppm GA3) include higher rates of production of inflorescences and daughter rosettes which are not observed in natural populations. These observations suggest that biologically active concentrations of exogenous GA3 are less than 0.05 ppm.
Improving computer science diversity through summer camps

Summer camps offer a ripe opportunity for increasing computer science diversity. This panel provides several examples of summer camps that specifically recruit from traditionally underrepresented demographics. The panelists run camps at a community college, a private liberal-arts college, and public universities. The camps are residential and day camps, coed and all-female camps, ranging from three-days to two-weeks long, with campers from 10-years-olds to high school seniors. In addition to describing their camps, the panelists will provide information on securing funding, recruiting campers from underrepresented populations, measuring impact, and lessons learned along the way. Demonstrations of what campers accomplished will also be shown.
Utilization of Radiometric Analysis for Measurement of Activation of Adenyl Cyclase by Sympathomimetic Amines

A simple new assay utilizing radiolabeled adenosine triphosphate for the measurement of adenyl cyclase activity was developed. The effectiveness of various sympathomimetic amines in activating adenyl cyclase was measured by means of the new assay technique.
The nature of the glomerular injury in minimal change and focal sclerosing glomerulopathies.

Glomerular barrier function was evaluated in 12 healthy human volunteers and in 16 proteinuric patients in whom the nephrotic syndrome was associated with alteration of glomerular epithelial cells alone (minimal change nephropathy [MCN]) or in combination with focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS). We determined the glomerular sieving coefficient for each of nine narrow dextran fractions (Einstein Stoke radius [ ESR ] = 30 to 46 A), and directly measured, or indirectly estimated, values for the determinants of glomerular ultrafiltration. These quantities were then subjected to analysis based on an hydrodynamic theory of solute transport through an isoporous membrane. The results indicate that relative to normal subjects, effective pore radius is reduced from 59 to 55 and 53 A in MCN and FGS, respectively; while the ratio, pore area to pore length (a measure of pore density) is correspondingly reduced from 21.7 x 10 6 to 10.1 x 10 6 and 4.7 x 10 6 cm, respectively. We suggest that collapse of the anionic glomerular membrane matrix in these proteinuric disorders may lead to pore shrinkage and reduced pore density, but that reduced electrostatic repulsion of anionic albumin (ESR = 36 A) facilitates its permeation into Bowman's space. The qualitatively similar disorder of glomerular barrier function in MCN and FGS is consistent with a unitary pathogenesis, but may represent a nonspecific response to depletion of glomerular polyanion.
Enhancing Situational Awareness by Ground Truthing with Historical Outbreaks

Situational awareness is important in responding to rapidly unfolding events. To better provide actionable information and knowledge, Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed an app that contextualizes unfolding disease outbreaks in relation to historical data based on epidemiological determinants that influence the timeline of an outbreak. The app provides information on useful data streams that can be monitored for prevention or mitigation actions. This app gives the user an understanding of the developing situation through the integration of operational and epidemiological analysis. In this poster, the usage of this app for cholera will be demonstrated.
Primary Care Physician's Use of Echocardiography as a Screening Tool: Survey of Physician Reasoning ♦ 611

Although studies have shown that using echocardiography as a screening tool for the presence of congenital heart disease is not cost-effective, primary care physicians continue to do so. In an effort to understand their reasoning, a survey containing questions about their estimation of the cost of cardiology services and their approach to several brief clinical scenarios was sent to 867 pediatricians and family physicians in our area. 489 surveys were returned(56%). Data were analyzed using chi square tests, Cramer's V, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs and Spearman's r. 93% of the respondents underestimated the cost of an echo, and 67% overestimated the cost of cardiology referral. In fact, 57% of the respondents estimated that referral was as or more expensive than echo, when in reality echo is 3 to 4 times more expensive. 74% of the respondents felt that it was likely or very likely that a cardiologist would order an echo as part of the evaluation of a child with a murmur, when published studies and an analysis of our own practice pattern have shown that this is not the case. Only 25% said that it was likely or very likely that they would manage a patient with a simple defect (i.e. small VSD) found on echo without cardiology referral, suggesting that the echo is not ordered to avoid the need for specialist referral. Respondents were likely (r=0.43, p<0.001) to reconsider ordering an echo if a consult could be scheduled in 2 days rather than in several weeks, though this association was stronger for pediatricians(r=0.61) than family physicians (r=0.27). Family physicians were significantly(p<0.004) more likely than pediatricians to order echos to evaluate chest pain, syncope, an abnormal ECG, an abnormal CXR, or to exclude mitral valve prolapse.
Use of Tsunami Waveforms for Earthquake Source Study

Tsunami waveforms recorded on tide gauges, like seismic waves recorded on seismograms, can be used to study earthquake source processes. The tsunami propagation can be accurately evaluated, since bathymetry is much better known than seismic velocity structure in the Earth. Using waveform inversion techniques, we can estimate the spatial distribution of coseismic slip on the fault plane from tsunami waveforms. This method has been applied to several earthquakes around Japan. Two recent earthquakes, the 1968 Tokachi-oki and 1983 Japan Sea earthquakes, are examined for calibration purposes. Both events show nonuniform slip distributions very similar to those obtained from seismic wave analyses. The use of tsunami waveforms is more useful for the study of unusual or old earthquakes. The 1984 Torishima earthquake caused unusually large tsunamis for its earthquake size. Waveform modeling of this event shows that part of the abnormal size of this tsunami is due to the propagation effect along the shallow ridge system. For old earthquakes, many tide gauge records exist with quality comparable to modern records, while there are only a few good quality seismic records. The 1944 Tonankai and 1946 Nankaido earthquakes are examined as examples of old events, and slip distributions are obtained. Such estimates are possible only using tsunami records. Since tide-gauge records are available as far back as the 1850s, use of them will provide unique and important information on long-term global seismicity.
Comparative metabolism of 1,1-Bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-2-nitropropane (Prolan) in mouse, insects, and in a model ecosystem

Abstract 14 C-labeled Prolan or 1,1-bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-2-nitropropane was found to be some-what more biodegradable than DDT. This insecticide, although highly resistant to microsomal metabolism, was degraded by elimination to 1,1-bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-1-propene, and by reduction to 1,1-bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-2-aminopropane. The major degradative pathway, however, was by oxidation to 1,1-bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-2-propanone, to 1,1-bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-pyruvic acid, to bis-( p -chlorophenyl)-acetic acid, and ultimately to p,p′ -dichlorobenzophenone. Therefore the ultimate degradative products of Prolan are identical to those produced from DDT.
Mechanisms of virus removal from secondary wastewater effluent by low pressure membrane filtration

Abstract As available drinking water supplies are increasingly strained, use of low pressure membranes (LPMs 1 ) for wastewater reuse has become more widespread. Control of viruses in reclaimed water is critical to the protection of public health. The interaction between viruses, water chemistry and membrane properties plays an important role in the organism's removal, especially when its size is smaller than the size of reported membrane pores. Using MS2 bacteriophage as an indicator organism, the log removal value (LRV 2 ) of the virus in waters containing secondary effluent organic matter increased with filtration time and concentration of high molecular weight organic foulants. The LRV increased from 2.1 to 3.0 for high fouling water, while removal in low fouling water ranged from 0.8 to 1.7. In comparison, a LRV of 1.0 was achieved in model water prepared to simulate a non-fouling condition. Addition of equal ionic strength of either sodium or calcium to model water reduced the LRV from 2.5 to 1.6 for sodium and to 0.9 for calcium. Mechanisms are proposed to explain the complexity of the observed membrane virus exclusion. The data in this study show that the use of pretreatment to reduce membrane fouling may ultimately impair virus removal efficiency.
Motion patterns of Nabesna Glacier (Alaska) revealed by interferometric SAR techniques

Abstract Nabesna Glacier is one of the longest land-terminus mountain glaciers in North America. However, its flow has never been studied. We derived detailed motion patterns of Nabesna Glacier in winter and spring 1994–1996 from the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired by the European Remote Sensing satellites (ERS-1 and ERS-2) using interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques. Special effort was made to assess the accuracy of the motion estimates, and remove data points with high uncertainty from the motion profiles, enabling us to obtain reliable glacier flow patterns along the highly curved main course of Nabesna Glacier. The results, covering 80 km of the 87 km main course of the glacier, were used to delineate four distinctive sections in terms of spatial and temporal variability of the glacier speed: (1) the upper section where glacier flow was apparently random both temporally and spatially presumably due to development of crevasses; (2) the upper-middle section with relatively steady flow around 0.27 to 0.4 m/day; (3) the middle section with a stable pattern of acceleration from 0.27–0.3 m/day to the maximum about 0.67–0.73 m/day, followed by a general deceleration to 0.17–0.33 m/day before reaching (4) the lower section where the glacier motion was generally slow yet highly variable although uncertainty in the estimation is high. Occurrence of the flow maximum, as well as many local maxima and minima at consistent locations over different periods suggests that the valley geometry affect the overall flow pattern. On top of this general trend, many small-scale temporal/spatial variations in the glacier flow patterns were observed along the glacier, especially in the lower sections. On average, the flow speeds were in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 m/day; however this lacks any measurements of summer flow speeds which are expected to be significantly higher.
Elastomeric syntactic foams for stress relief of electronic components

Elastomeric syntactic foams have been developed for use as stress relief coatings on electronic components in encapsulated electronic assemblies. Polysulfide, silicone, and polyurethane elastomers blended with microbubbles made from glass and phenolic resins have all been used to formulate syntactic foams for various applications. These foams are used to minimize the stresses caused by differential thermal expansion between the component and the encapsulant in electronic assemblies. Compressive stress strain curves have been used to determine the effects of temperature, formulation, and test configuration on these foams. The microbubble-resin blends are fluid enough to evacuate and pour before curing. These foams may be applied using a low-pressure injection molding technique or by simply brushing or dipping. Testing techniques, necessary to evaluate these sheets of elastomeric syntactic foams, were developed. These elastomeric syntactic foams have proven to be easily formulated, versatile materials that have been used in many applications to relieve the stresses caused by differential thermal expansion.
Strain energies and heats of formation of a series of bridged dicyclopentanes as a function of stereochemistry and bridge size

Abstract The effect of stereochemistry and the ‘distance’ between two cyclopentane rings was studied in a series of tricycloalkanes in which the two rings are connected by a varying number of methylene groups. Molecular mechanics was used to calculate the strain energies, heats of formation and optimized geometries of these highly strained compounds. The internal strain in these compounds was found to depend in a complex way on the conformations of the cyclopentane rings as well as the bridge chains, not obviously corresponding to the number of bridge atoms or to the stereochemistry of the molecule.
Looking Across Cultural Gender Boundaries

This Special Issue on gender brings the issues of feelings about gender role boundaries to the forefront of our inquiries. Boundaries are the domains where psychological processes act- they function as membranes (in the biological sense). The use of boundary notion in psychological theorizing may take the discipline beyond its current projection of essentialist causal agents into the human psyche.
Traveling-wave electrooptic modulator

An integrated-optics Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulator in LiNbO3 has been designed and fabricated. The electrodes are 3-μm thick asymmetric coplanar striplines formed by ion-beam etching techniques. The push–pull design and the r33 electrooptic coefficient of LiNbO3 are utilized for efficient modulation. Complete modulation is achieved with 6.5 V for the 6-mm long device at 0.83-μm wavelength and with 18 V at 1.3-μm wavelength. The 3-dB bandwidth of the modulator is 3.5 GHz, being limited by the excessive resistive loss of the stripline electrodes. Since this particular modulator retains a dc electrical bias, it performs either as an intensity modulator by applying a π/2 dc phase bias to achieve maximum linearity or as a frequency shifter by changing the dc bias point to π. In addition, we analyzed the principle of operation of the Y junction by observing both the in-phase and the out-of-phase modes of a multimode waveguide modulator.
In vivo studies of low level laser (light) therapy for traumatic brain injury

Low-level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) is attracting growing interest to treat both stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The fact that near-infrared light can penetrate into the brain allows non-invasive treatment to be carried out with a low likelihood of treatment-related adverse events. It is proposed that red and NIR light is absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria of cells leading to changes in gene transcription and upregulation of proteins involved in cell survival, antioxidant production, collagen synthesis, reduction of chronic inflammation and cell migration and proliferation. We developed a mouse model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) TBI and examined the effect of 0, 1, 3, and 14 daily 810-nm CW laser treatments in the CCI model as measured by neurological severity score and wire grip and motion test. 1 laser Tx gave a significant improvement while 3 laser Tx was even better. Surprisingly 14 laser Tx was no better than no treatment. Histological studies at necropsy suggested that the neurodegeneration was reduced at 14 days and that the cortical lesion was repaired by BrdU+ve neural progenitor (stem) cells at 28 days. Transcranial laser therapy is a promising treatment for acute (and chronic TBI) and the lack of side-effects and paucity of alternative treatments encourages early clinical trials.
Computation without Representation

The received view is that computational states are individuated at least in part by their semantic properties. I offer an alternative, according to which computational states are individuated by their functional properties. Functional properties are specified by a mechanistic explanation without appealing to any semantic properties. The primary purpose of this paper is to formulate the alternative view of computational individuation, point out that it supports a robust notion of computational explanation, and defend it on the grounds of how computational states are individuated within computability theory and computer science. A secondary purpose is to show that existing arguments for the semantic view are defective.
NO2 Adsorption on BaO/Al2O3: The Nature of Nitrate Species

Temperature programmed desorption, infrared spectroscopy, and 15N solid state NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize the nature of the nitrate species formed on Al2O3 and BaO/Al2O3 NOx storage/reduction materials. Two distinctly different nitrate species were found: surface nitrates that are associated with a monolayer BaO on the alumina support, and a bulk-like nitrate that forms on this thin BaO layer. The surface nitrates desorb as NO2 at lower temperatures than do the bulk-like nitrates, which decompose as NO+O2 at higher temperatures. The amount of NOx stored in the monolayer nitrate is proportional to the surface area of the catalyst, while that in the bulk nitrate increases with BaO coverage.
Lubricant-Enhanced Fatigue Crack Growth in Silicon Nitride

Effect of a fluorinated lubricant on the subcritical crack growth behavior of a Si3N4 ceramic was examined under cyclic loading condition. The fatigue lifetime of the specimens tested in the oil was shorter, particularly in the low stress regime, compared to that in air. The growth rate of the surface crack was measured in the oil and compared with that in humid air. Crack growth rate in the oil was twice that in the air. XPS analysis of the fatigue fracture surfaces revealed that F had reacted with yttria-containing grain boundary phase, while the fractographical examination indicated that the oil had caused the dissolution of the grain boundary phase. The dissolution was shown to reduce the extent of crack bridging behind the crack tip, resulting in a higher fatigue crack growth rate in the oil.
Single-wafer cluster tool performance: an analysis of throughput

Cluster tools gained greater acceptance over the past several years, although concerns still exist over the throughput these tools can achieve. This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between process times, transport times, and maximum throughput in an individual cluster tool. Theoretical models which quantify the time required to process both an individual wafer and a lot in a cluster tool are developed. Three techniques for increasing throughput, based on these models, are also presented. These modifications require minimal modification of many existing designs and can yield significant increases in performance. >
Evaluation of chemical protection against radiogenic osteodentin synthesis

The effect of the radioprotector 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG) in preventing the synthesis of radiation-induced osteodentin was examined. Fifty rats were exposed to single x-ray doses of between 3 and 19 Gy localized to the maxillary incisor growth centers. Half of the animals received an injection of MPG before irradiation while saline was administered to the other rats. MPG produced statistically significant reductions in the severity of osteodentin generation, but not its frequency, at some radiation levels. The nature of osteodentin and possible mechanisms of chemical radioprotection by MPG are discussed.
Survival factors in retinal degenerations

Recent experiments on the retina have examined the effectiveness of various factors (e.g. growth factors, neurotrophins and cytokines) for enhancing survival and reducing injury of retinal neurons, such as photoreceptors and ganglion cells, whose death leads to blindness in degenerative retinal diseases. It has also been shown that retinal injury stimulates intrinsic survival mechanisms that promote survival of these neurons.
To Stop or Not to Stop

The traffic light turns from green to yellow. With just one car between you and the intersection, your brain sprints into action, calculating distances and relative velocities; checking for hurried pedestrians; simulating the mental processes of the driver in front of you; and readying every muscle in preparation for a split-second decision that could literally change your life: Which pedal? So many of our mental processes, at any given moment, rely upon this constant, “high stakes” computation involving powerful impulses on one hand and inhibitory control on the other. This balancing act of neuronal signals is at the core of complex human behaviors and thus, its malfunction could have a range of adverse medical and social consequences. On page 601 of this issue, Ersche et al. ( 1 ) identify common abnormalities in fronto-striatal brain systems associated with poorer self-control in both drug-dependent individuals and their nonaddicted siblings.
Filtered Geosat altimetry as a tool for global bathymetric chart development

Now that the Geosat altimetry and precise orbit information collected during the 1985–1986 Geodetic mission is declassified, the Naval Oceanographic Office is releasing its chart of Geosat altimetry of the world's oceans (Figure 1). This data set has been used at the Naval Oceanographic Office since 1987.
Response of associated oral soft tissues when exposed to Argon laser during polymerization of dental resins.

Background and Objective Polymerization of dental resins with Argon laser produces restorations with improved physical properties when compared to conventional visible-light polymerization techniques. However, the possibility of damaging adjacent soft tissues has not been addressed. Study Design/Materials and Methods: In this study, Argon laser (488/514 nm) was used for the polymerization of composite resins to determine effects on the parakeratinized gingiva adjacent to both restored and unrestored teeth in six dogs, using 10-, 20-, and 30-second polymerization exposures. Results Gingival tissues removed at 24 hours, 72 hours, or 5 days revealed desiccated, disrupted, hyalinized connective tissue. Tissues exposed for 10 seconds showed minimal change. This minimal degree of change was most evident at 72 hours and returned to normal limits at 5 days. The 20-second exposure produced alterations evident through all time periods. Tissues exposed for 30 seconds exhibited necrosis, severe disruption, and vessiculation, which was still unresolved at 5 days. Conclusion This study demonstrates that clinically relevant Argon laser exposure (10 seconds) of parakeratinized gingiva adjacent to teeth undergoing restoration does not cause lasting damage. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:467–472, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Local-field rate equations for coupled optical resonators

We present a general formalism for obtaining a coupled set of first-order rate equations for the optical field at a finite number of points in an optical resonator. We compare these local-field equations to an expansion in modes of the individual resonators and point out a shortcoming of the latter technique that has not been recognized before. We consider the special case of a set of two coupled resonators and derive the coupled rate equations for the fields in each of the two cavities with coupling coefficients. The resulting formulas are both simpler than those derived from coupled-mode theory and more accurate in the sense that they give a steady-state response which agrees with that calculated from the composite cavity modes. We show how the use of a single local-field rate equation can carry the same information as a full set of multimode rate equations in some cases, in particular, that of partial reflection back into a laser from a distant source.
I–V and Differential Conduction Characteristics of an AlGaAs/GaAs Lateral Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetector

A new infrared detector design, henceforth referred to as a lateral quantum dot infrared photodetector (LQDIP), with the potential for a tunable internal spectral response was investigated. In this design, InAs quantum dots are buried in a GaAs quantum well, which is in turn tunnel-coupled to a second GaAs quantum well. Photoexcited electrons from the quantum dots are expected to tunnel over to the second well, where they are then swept out via a lateral (perpendicular to the growth direction) bias voltage. The lateral photocurrent is in part directed to tunnel into the second quantum well by the depletion field of a narrow pinch-off gate, applied vertically (parallel to the growth direction). Under a proper biasing arrangement, this detector architecture is expected to exhibit the ability to tune to select infrared frequencies as well as operate with reduced dark currents and unity gain in the second well. The LQDIP detector architecture, operating principles and conditions, and preliminary results of I–V, photocurrent, and differential conductance measurements are all discussed.
Developmental Advising: Where Teaching and Learning Intersect

Since the Crookston and O'Banion articles appeared in 1972, economic and technological changes have brought a diverse mix of students to community colleges. Often acadeniically and pragmatically underprepared, these students desperately need developmental advising that goes beyond the advising booth and an initial student success course. If students a r e to succeed in college and in life, the principles of developmental advising must be considered essential to all phases of the institution. "Advising cannot be done in isolation. This process must be integrated among all constituents of the institution" (Grites, 1979, p. 6). Advisors are in a unique position to champion and monitor this integration.
Origin of the solar system dust bands discovered by IRAS

It is shown that distinctive longitudinal variations in thermal flux and mean latitude can be used to determine the typical orbits of the grains comprising the Solar System bands. In particular, how the bands should vary if they are debris associated with the three principal asteroid families is predicted. Based on these ideas, IRAS observations may allow discrimination between asteroidal and cometary origins of the dust bands and, perhaps, of the entire zodiacal cloud.
Understanding the Obama Presidency

This article provides a variety of concepts for understanding the Obama presidency as it proceeds. One can fruitfully comprehend the next four years in terms of Obama’s theory of presidential power, amount of political capital, progress in establishing a political regime, demonstration of political skills and ability to preserve and expand his political authority. The strengths and weaknesses of Obama’s personality – in terms of its levels of extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness – will be come evident in time. Together, these concepts will explain much about his presidency.
Finite unions of locally nice spaces

Abstract It is shown that, for certain “nice” properties P of topological spaces, one can characterize, by a standard “kernel” procedure, those spaces that are expressible as the union of a finite number of subspaces each having the property P locally, and determine the least such number. Further, this least number, minus one, behaves “logarithmically”: it is additive for product spaces. Specific examples of such properties are given, and some related open questions are raised.
OTW noise correlation for variations in nozzle/wing geometry with 5:1 slot nozzles

Acoustic data obtained from a model-scale study with 5:1 slot nozzles are analyzed and correlated in terms of apparent noise sources. Variations in nozzle geometry include roof angle and sidewall cutback. In addition, geometry variations in wing size and flap deflection were included. Three dominant noise sources were evident in the data and correlated: fluctuating lift noise, trailing edge noise and a redirected jet mixing noise that included the effect of reflection of jet noise by the surface. Pertinent variables in the correlations included the shear layer thickness and peak jet flow velocity at the trailing edge.
The effect of fructose diphosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate on cyclic AMP-mediated inactivation of rat hepatic pyruvate kinase

Abstract The addition of cyclic AMP and Mg-ATP to Sephadex-treated hepatocyte homogenates produced a time dependent inactivation of pyruvate kinase. The concentration of cyclic AMP giving half-maximal inhibition was 0.16 μM. The cyclic AMP-induced inactivation of pyruvate kinase was characterized by an increase in the K 0.5 for phosphoenolpyruvate from 0.56 to 1.15 mM and could be completely blocked by the addition of the protein kinase inhibitor. These experiments provide clear evidence that the cyclic AMP induced inactivation is a result of enzyme phosphorylation. Fructose-diphosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate, at physiological concentrations, suppressed inactivation induced by submaximal concentrations of cyclic AMP. It is suggested that hormonal induced changes in the levels of fructose diphosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate may influence the phosphorylation state of the enzyme in intact cells.
Conducting Polyaniline Filaments in a Mesoporous Channel Host

Conducting filaments of polyaniline have been prepared in the 3-nanometer-wide hexagonal channel system of the aluminosilicate MCM-41. Adsorption of aniline vapor into the dehydrated host, followed by reaction with peroxydisulfate, leads to encapsulated polyaniline filaments. Spectroscopic data show that the filaments are in the protonated emeraldine salt form, and chromatography indicates chain lengths of several hundred aniline rings. The filaments have significant conductivity while encapsulated in the channels, as measured by microwave absorption at 2.6 gigahertz. This demonstration of conjugated polymers with mobile charge carriers in nanometer channels represents a step toward the design of nanometer electronic devices.
Modification of Effective-Range Theory in the Presence of a Long-Range Potential

The limitations to the applicability of the effective range theory are discussed. The original derivations were concered primarily with strong, short- ranged potentials. A modified shape-independent approximation, taking into account short-range forces, was derived which is valid for low-energy scattering of ions and electrons by neutral atoms or molecules and neutrons by charged systems. (M.C.G.)
Diffuse subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax after dental extraction

Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax may result from surgical procedures and trauma and usually do not present a diagnostic dilemma. We present a case of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and pneumoretroperitoneum after a dental procedure with an air-and-water-cooled turbine burrdrill. This allowed air and water under pressure to be driven into the field and track through the fascial planes. Although this is a common occurrence, these patients frequently go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as allergic reactions to locally administered anesthetic agents. If a large amount of air is injected, it may track into not only the subcutaneous tissues but also the mediastinum, pleural space, and retroperitoneal space. Patients with significant amounts of air must be admitted, observed for airway compromise, and be provided IV antibiotics and hydration.
JPL Wind Radiometer measurements

The purpose of the JPL Wind Radiometer program is to develop and demonstrate low cost instruments for remotely measuring ocean wind vectors from space. The microwave emission from the ocean surface is elliptically polarized and the degree of polarization and angle is a function of the surface wind speed and direction. JPL has developed a set of microwave polarimetric radiometers at 19 and 37 GHz (WINDRAD), which have been used on the NASA DC-8 aircraft for remote measurements of ocean surface wind vectors. A summary of all the ocean polarimetric data vs. wind speed and incidence angle from three flights in 1994 and eight flights in 1995 is presented. These data show clear wind direction signals at wind speeds from 3 to 24 m/s and incidence angles of 45/spl deg/ to 65.
Signaling Networks That Link Cell Proliferation and Cell Fate

The maintenance of normal cell function and tissue homeostasisis dependent on the precise regulation of multiple signaling path-ways that control cellular decisions to either proliferate, differen-tiate, arrest cell growth, or initiate programmed cell death(apoptosis). Cancer arises when clones of mutated cells escape thisbalance and proliferate inappropriately without compensatoryapoptosis. Many studies have revealed that the disruption of mul-tiple pathways is required for the development of cancer. Thus, notonly is it critical to understand the normal function of specificpathways but equally important is an understanding of how theyinterconnect to synchronously regulate cell growth