cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Size and composition dependent multiple exciton generation efficiency in PbS, PbSe, and PbSxSe1-x alloyed quantum dots

Using ultrafast transient absorption and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies, we studied multiple exciton generation (MEG) in quantum dots (QDs) consisting of either PbSe, PbS, or a PbSxSe1–x alloy for various QD diameters with corresponding bandgaps (Eg) ranging from 0.6 to 1 eV. For each QD sample, we determine the MEG efficiency, ηMEG, defined in terms of the electron–hole pair creation energy (eeh) such that ηMEG = Eg/eeh. In previous reports, we found that ηMEG is about two times greater in PbSe QDs compared to bulk PbSe, however, little could be said about the QD-size dependence of MEG. In this study, we find for both PbS and PbSxSe1–x alloyed QDs that ηMEG decreases lineally with increasing QD diameter within the strong confinement regime. When the QD radius is normalized by a material-dependent characteristic radius, defined as the radius at which the electron–hole Coulomb and confinement energies are equivalent, PbSe, PbS, and PbSxSe1–x exhibit similar MEG behaviors. Our results sugges...
Software process modeling and execution within virtual environments

In the past, multiuser virtual environments have been developed as venues for entertainment and social interaction. Recent research focuses instead on their utility in carrying out work in the real world. This research has identified the importance of a mapping between the real and the virtual that permits the representation of real tasks in the virtual environment. We investigate the use of virtual environments—in particular, MUDs (Multi-User Dimensions)—in the domain of software process. In so doing, we define a mapping, or metaphor, that permits the representation of software processes within a MUD. The system resulting from this mapping, called Promo, permits the modeling and execution of software processes by geographically dispersed agents.
Methyl Bromide, Ethylene Dibromide, and Other Fumigants for Control of Plum Curculio in Fruit

Laboratory-reared multibrood larvae of the plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), were susceptible to methyl bromide as were natural infestations of single-brood larvae in green apples, plums, peaches, or blueberries, or of multibrood larvae in apples and peaches. Pupae and adults appeared to be more susceptible than larvae in fruit at warm temperatures (77°F). A mixture of methyl bromiderethylene dibromide (3:1) was more effective than methyl bromide alone when the dosage was 2 lb per 1000 cubic feet in fumigations of small (less than 3% of the capacity of the chamber) loads of fruit at temperatures near 77, 53, and 41°F, but the efficiency was lower and more variable with an additional heavy load of uninfested fruit, especially when the load was green peaches. However, both fumigants gave complete control of multibrood larvae in nearly mature jonathan apples in a few tests with full load at dosages of 2 lb for 2 or 2.25 hours at temperatures near 73°F or for 3.5 or 4 hours at temperatures near 53°F. Red and Golden Delicious. Lady, Cortland, and several other varieties of apples and other fruit tolerated either fumigant satisfactorily at temperatures near 73 or 53°;F and tolerated methyl bromide alone at temperatures near 41°F. McIntosh apples were somewhat intolerant, and some mature pears were severely injured. Residues of bromide from either fumigant varied from 2 to 5 ppm in apples. Curculio larvae also appeared to be very susceptible to ethylene dibromide alone and less so to ethylene chlorobromide.
Submicroscopic deletion in cousins with Prader-Willi syndrome causes a grandmatrilineal inheritance pattern: effects of imprinting.

The Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) critical region on 15q11-q13 is subject to imprinting. PWS becomes apparent when genes on the paternally inherited chromosome are not expressed. Familial PWS is rare. We report on a family in which a male and a female paternal first cousin both have PWS with cytogenetically normal karyotypes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis shows a submicroscopic deletion of SNRPN, but not the closely associated loci D15S10, D15S11, D15S63, and GABRB3. The cousins' fathers and two paternal aunts have the same deletion and are clinically normal. The grandmother of the cousins is deceased and not available for study, and their grandfather is not deleted for SNRPN. DNA methylation analysis of D15S63 is consistent with an abnormality of the imprinting center associated with PWS. "Grandmatrilineal" inheritance occurs when a woman with deletion of an imprinted, paternally expressed gene is at risk of having affected grandchildren through her sons. In this case, PWS does not become evident as long as the deletion is passed through the matrilineal line. This represents a unique inheritance pattern due to imprinting.
Philosophical Problems concerning the Meaning of Measurement in Physics

The trouble with the idea of measurement is its seeming clarity, its obviousness, its implicit claim to finality in any inquisitory discourse. Its status in philosophy of science is taken to be utterly primitive; hence the difficulties it embodies, if any, tend to escape detection and scrutiny. Yet it cannot be primitive in the sense of being exempt from analysis; for if it were, every measurement would require to be simply accepted as a protocol of truth, and one should never ask which of two conflicting measurements is correct, or preferable. Such questions are continually being asked, and their propriety in science indicates that even measurement, with its implication of simplicity and adroitness, points beyond itself to other matters of importance on which it relies for validation.
On the Existence of 'Time Machines' in General Relativity

Within the context of general relativity, we consider one definition of a “time machine” proposed by Earman, Smeenk, and Wuthrich. They conjecture that, under their definition, the class of time machine spacetimes is not empty. Here, we prove this conjecture.
A new ozone standard: The vapor pressure of ozone at liquid argon temperatures

The vapor pressure of ozone has been measured at liquid argon temperatures. At the normal boiling point of argon (-185.9 C) an ozone pressure of 0.0405 torr was obtained with an accuracy of + or - 1.5 percent. Increases and decreases in liquid argon temperatures raised and lowered the ozone vapor pressure, respectively. During the vapor pressure measurements the purity of ozone was monitored with a mass spectrometer. The proposed ozone standard will considerably improve the calibration of experiments for atmospheric research, the determination of absorption cross sections and other laboratory ozone studies.
Hallucial tarsometatarsal joint in an Oligocene anthropoid Aegyptopithecus zeuxis

SINCE the grasping hallux is such a significant characteristic of the order Primates, its evolutionary history is of some importance to palaeoprimatologists. Although the origin and development of the grasping hallux in primates is usually hailed as a major “evolutionary event”, very little factual data from the palaeontological record can be brought to bear in documenting this feature throughout primate evolution1. Two fossil primates in which an hallucial metatarsal is known are Notharctus (an Eocene pro-simian) and Dryopithecus africanas (a Miocene hominoid); hence the specimen discussed here is the earliest document of hallucial morphology in the anthropoids2,3.
Experimental Demonstration of an NIR Compressive Sensing Hyper-Spectral Imaging System

We utilized the compressive sensing theory in building a hyperspectral imaging system for NIR wavelengths. This system simultaneously captures 24 spectral images for the wavelength range between 990-1450 nm without any mechanical/temporal scanning processes.
An overview of NASA's propeller and rotor noise research

This paper presents a summary of NASA's propeller and rotor noise research. The objective of this research is to develop the technology and data base required to reduce propeller and rotor noise with minimum performance penalties. The status of current research will be described for both low- and high-speed propellers and for helicopter rotors. Recent results and future research thrusts are also discussed
The Shields-Harary number for wheel and broken wheel graphs

Abstract The Shields-Harary number ( SH ) is a graph parameter which has been interpreted in terms of network vulnerability. There is no known algorithm for calculating SH . In this paper, we study the Shields-Harary number for wheel graphs and wheel graphs with deleted outer edges. Wheels with sufficiently many outer edges deleted have the same value of SH as the star. Wheels and wheels with too few edges deleted have a different (but very close) value of SH , which is not precisely known. We show that infinitely many of these graphs have non-integral values of SH . Formerly, only one such graph was known.
Gaiatsu and Japan's Foreign Aid: Rethinking theReactive–Proactive Debate

This article examines the role of the United States in Japan's foreign aid policy. The Japanese government often alters its course of action under U.S. pressure even if doing so would apparently undermine its own interests. Japan's unusual responsiveness to U.S. preferences appears counterintuitive given the fact that at least in the realm of foreign aid Japan's power clearly surpassed that of the United States. This article posits that Japan's responsiveness stems in large part from the asymmetry of interdependence between the two countries. After critically reviewing the existing literature, it conducts two case studies to examine the validity of the argument. The article concludes that the United States played a crucial role but Japan's responsiveness to American pressure reflects an act of will rather than a lack of coherent policy stemming from bureaucratic politics. The findings have important implications to the ongoing debate over whether Japan is a “reactive state.”
New application of the bipolar vapor plasma coagulation system for laparoscopic major liver resections.

In recent years, laparascopic techniques have become a more widely used and accepted means for performing various types of liver resections. In this report, the authors describe the use and initial applications of a new approach to laparoscopic liver resection using vapor pulse coagulation. Liver resections using vapor plasma coagulation technology were performed for 11 patients at the authors’ center. Candidates were initially selected because they had benign disease and lesions amenable to standard resections along anatomic planes. Four resections were performed with a hand-assist technique and seven without it. All the patients faired well. The length of the hospital stay was 3.4 ± 0.7 days. There were no major surgical complications, bile leaks, or reoperations. None of the patients required blood transfusions. One patient was readmitted for fever and urinary tract infection, and one patient had 1 week of right leg swelling attributable to the use of stirrups. Vapor plasma coagulation using a laparoscopic approach for hepatic resection is a promising new technology that deserves further exploration.
Essential function of nitric oxide synthase in Drosophila

Nitric oxide (NO), produced by NO synthases (NOS), is a short-lived intra- and transcellular messenger that regulates many physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates (e.g., blood pressure, muscle contraction, innate immunity, cell division and differentiation, response to hypoxia, and memory formation [1]). Given its numerous functions, it might be expected that a lack of NOS activity would be lethal for the developing organism. However, such an indispensable role for NO in development has not yet been demonstrated. A genetic analysis of NO function in vertebrates is complicated by the presence of three NOS genes. Mice with a homozygous ablation of any single NOS gene are viable, animals with two NOS genes knocked out show drastically reduced viability and triple knockout animals have not yet been generated 2., 3., 4., 5. and 6..
Studies on the DNA elongation inhibitor and its proliferating cell nuclear antigen-dependent control in simian virus 40 DNA replication in vitro

Abstract A 120-kDa protein that blocks DNA termini has been purified from extracts of HeLa cells. This protein inhibits the action of a number of enzymes that catalyze reactions involving the 5' and 3' ends of DNA (DNA ligase, 3' and 5' exonucleases, and DNA polymerase alpha). The 120-kDa protein blocks the synthesis of long DNA chains that are normally formed during simian virus 40 DNA replication, causing the accumulation of small DNA fragments. The effects of this protein can be reversed by the addition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and other protein fractions (activators).
Picosecond electron transport in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract Experimental work aimed at the determination of electron mobilities in a-Si:H in the picosecond time range is reviewed. Recent experiments based on the application of the pump and probe technique to biased p-i-n junctions are presented and the results are discussed.
NetBuild: transparent cross‐platform access to computational software libraries

NetBuild is a suite of tools which automate the process of selecting, locating, downloading, configuring, and installing computational software libraries from over the Internet, and which aid in the construction and cataloging of such libraries. Unlike many other tools, NetBuild is designed to work across a wide variety of computing platforms, and perform fine-grained matching to find the most suitable version of a library for a given target platform. We describe the architecture of NetBuild and its initial implementation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
995 VIRAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THE TOXIC-SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS)

34 patients (pts) fulfilling the criteria for the case definition of TSS were evaluated for associated viral infections. 21 pts were cultured from 47 sites: throat (17), stool (16), urine (6), vagina (3), CSF (2), other (3). Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV1) isolated from two oral and one genital lesion was the only virus demonstrated. Acute and convalescent sera were available for 28 pts. 10 pts (35.7%) had a significant (≥ 4 fold) increase in titer to one or more viruses (Table ). 8 pts had a significant increase in titer to one virus and 2 pts had an increase to each of two viruses. Two pts had primary HSV1 infections documented serologically. One of these pts had a genital HSV1 isolate. 9 additional pts had an acute HSV1 titer of ≥ 1:8; 6/9 were ≥1:32 and 8/9 increased by one dilution. 2/9 pts had an oral HSV1 isolate, 3/9 had ⊖ HSV1 cultures and 4/9 had no cultures. Thus, 13/25 pts (52%) had a primary or recently reactivated HSV1 infection. In conclusion, no viral etiology of TSS was documented but a trend toward HSV1 and CoxB virus infections associated with TSS was demonstrated.
All-frequency shadows using non-linear wavelet lighting approximation

We present a method, based on pre-computed light transport, for real-time rendering of objects under all-frequency, time-varying illumination represented as a high-resolution environment map. Current techniques are limited to small area lights, with sharp shadows, or large low-frequency lights, with very soft shadows. Our main contribution is to approximate the environment map in a wavelet basis, keeping only the largest terms (this is known as a non-linear approximation). We obtain further compression by encoding the light transport matrix sparsely but accurately in the same basis. Rendering is performed by multiplying a sparse light vector by a sparse transport matrix, which is very fast. For accurate rendering, using non-linear wavelets is an order of magnitude faster than using linear spherical harmonics, the current best technique.
Effect of delay in radiation in the combined modality treatment of breast cancer

Abstract Purpose : To study how the timing of radiation influences local control, overall survival, and disease-free survival in patients being treated with chemotherapy and radiation for a local-regional carcinoma of the breast. Methods and Materials : Over a ten year period, 105 patients received chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a local-regional breast cancer. The population was divided into two groups based on the timing of their radiation treatments. Forty-eight patients began their radiation within 6 months of their diagnosis (early radiation group). Fifty-seven patients had a delay in their radiation for 6 or greater months in order to first maximize chemotherapy treatments (delayed radiation group). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to nodal status, stage of the primary, estrogen receptor status, patient age, or type of surgery performed. The only prognostic parameter that was imbalanced was that of a greater percentage of patients with close or positive margins in the early radiation group compared to the delayed radiation group (69% versus 38%, p Results : Comparisons of local control, overall survival, and disease-free survival between the early radiation patients and delayed radiation patients all favored the early radiation group. Respective 8-year actuarial rates were: local control—98% vs. 76%, p = 0.004; overall survival—80% vs. 52%, p = 0.016; disease-free survival-71% vs. 48%, p = 0.008. The differences continued to be significant in a multivariate Cox regression model comparison: p = 0.011, p = 0.050, p = 0.009. There was only one death from intercurrent disease, so that overall survival approximated cause-specific survival to an accurate degree. Conclusions : In patients requiring chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a local-regional breast cancer, a delay in the initiation of radiation for a period of 6 months or greater from diagnosis resulted in a higher local failure rate. Furthermore, this higher local failure rate was associated with an increased rate of distant metastases and a decreased overall survival rate.
Quantitative assays of idiotype-bearing IgE antibodies*

Summary The present report describes a method allowing quantitation of antiarsonate IgE antibodies and the estimation of the fraction of such antibodies which expresses the recurring CRIA idiotypic determinant. This method permits an analysis of the regulation of this idiotype within IgE-type antibodies.
Carbon fiber composites: Effect of fiber oxidation on composite behavior

Abstract Commercially-available high modulus carbon/graphite fibers were oxidised with 60% nitric acid at 118°C for varying periods of time. The weight loss of Modmor—Type I (high modulus-low strength) fibers was independent of oxidation time, whereas Modmor—Type II (low modulus-high strength) fibers lost 50% of their weight after 72 hours. The effect of this oxidative treatment was evaluated by shear and flexure tests on unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. The flexural strength of Type I reinforced epoxy composites increased with oxidation time, whereas the flexural strength of Type II reinforced composites decreased. Oxidation increased the interlaminar shear strength of Type I fiber-reinforced composites from 3000 to 10,000 psi, whereas only a slight improvement (∼25%) was observed for Type II fiber-reinforced composites. Scanning electron micrographs of both the oxidised fibers and fracture surfaces of composites made with oxidised fibers are included.
A network description of the non-Gaussian stress-optic and Raman scattering responses of elastomer networks

The ability to measure orientation in dual or multi-phase materials is of current relevance in the study conthe constitution and deformation characteristics of the separate phases in many technologically important polymeric systems. Raman spectroscopy is a very useful tool in this regard because separation of the scattered Raman intensities by phase is possible and because it can be used accurately on thick specimens. A three dimensional network model concept used previously to describe the stress and birefringence reponses of elastomers is extended to describe the components of the Raman tensor for amorphous elastomers under general finite deformations. The utility of the model is verified via its ability to predict the finite deformation responses of elastomeric networks under large shear deformations. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks are tested to large deformations in uniaxial compression and in shear for comparison with the theory. Simultaneous displacement, load and optical retardation data are collected using apparatus specially designed to allow optical access throughout the deformation tests. The importance of properly accounting for finite rotations when relating the computational results to the experimentally measured optical data is discussed. The proposed network description of the Raman tensor is also compared to Raman intensity in the literature on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The results indicate that the theory accurately predicts the anisotropic Raman tensor components over the full range of deformation for which data are available.
Estimation of stress and bed roughness during storms on the Northern California Shelf

Abstract Turbulent boundary shear stress depends on a roughness length scale which characterizes momentum transfer to the seabed. The effective roughness length is due to physical roughness geometry such as sediment ripples, grain size and processes affecting momentum transfer, such as bedload transport and wave motions. During storms on the California shelf, wave motions dominate the turbulent boundary layer, although feedback through wave-induced bed forms and sediment transport are important. Several intense storms on the Northern California Shelf were monitored with pressure sensors, acoustic current meters and an optical backscatter sensor within 5 m of the bed at 90 m depth. Wave spectra, velocity profiles, turbulent kinetic energy and suspended sediment concentrations were obtained. At 90 m depth, waves were measured in the band of 0.05-0.08 Hz, with nearbed wave velocities of 5–30 cm s −1 . In spite of wave-induced currents of up to three times the mean speed, 30 min average velocities yielded typical logarithmic profiles. Roughness, as indicated by the zero intercept of the logarithmic profiles, z 0 , varied by a factor of 25 throughout the storms, with a maximum of 18 cm, when mean currents were above 5 cm s −1 and the wave amplitude was maximal. Such large increases in z 0 are predicted by models of wave-current interaction. Effects of sediment transport and bed forms are not easily extracted from the data during storms. But, the fairly large non-storm values of ∼0.5cm indicate the effect of bed ripples.
VEGETATIVE AND FRUIT RESOURCES AS DETERMINANTS OF HABITAT USE BY MATURE-FOREST BIRDS DURING THE POSTBREEDING PERIOD

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that many birds of mature forests heavily use early-successional habitat during the postbreeding period. Two frequently invoked hypotheses to explain these shifts are that postbreeding birds select (1) dense cover to reduce risk of predation and (2) abundant fruit resources to facilitate foraging. Using mist nets between 15 June and 16 August in 2002 and 2003, we captured mature-forest birds during the postbreeding period in 12 regenerating hardwood clearcuts (three to seven years old) in southeast Ohio. Vegetation structure and fruit resources were measured at nine net locations within each clearcut. We applied an information-theoretic approach, where we used vegetative and fruit variables as predictors in seven a priori models to evaluate how habitat factors might explain capture rates. In two seasons, we captured 1,089 hatch-year (HY) and 445 after-hatch-year (AHY) postbreeding birds of 32 mature-forest species. In general, models reflecting habitat structure (...
Simulation modeling of a trawl-acoustic survey design for patchily distributed species

Abstract Spatially patchy populations present challenges for precise estimation of abundance from surveys, which typically result in high estimation errors compared to surveys of more evenly distributed species. In this study, we used simulations to evaluate the performance of the Trawl and Acoustic Presence/Absence Survey design (TAPAS) in reducing the variability in estimated biomass. This approach is a double sampling design in which high-density patches observed in a first phase using hydroacoustics are subsequently more intensively sampled (relative to non-patch areas) in a second phase using trawls and area-swept methods. Information on Gulf of Alaska Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus), a patchily distributed rockfish species, was used to parameterize the simulations. The performance of the TAPAS design depends upon the degree to which high acoustic backscatter represents “patch” areas of high density and variability, as the relationship between backscatter and abundance of a given species can be affected by areas unavailable for sampling (i.e., the “dead zone”) and the contribution of multiple species to the backscatter intensity. With a strong relationship between backscatter intensity and density, the TAPAS design resulted in improved precision compared to simple random sampling (SRS). Additionally, more intensive sampling of the patches occurred when areas of high backscatter intensity were randomly distributed over space rather than located in spatially correlated clusters. However, with a weak relationship between backscatter intensity and density, the precision of the TAPAS design was not substantially larger than SRS. The potential improvement in precision when a strong relationship exists between backscatter intensity and fish density offers motivation to continue to refine relationships between underlying fish density, acoustic backscatter, and trawl catches.
The Dialectical Tensions in the Funding Infrastructure of Cyberinfrastructure

This article focuses on funding for cyberinfrastructure and how funding affects the cyberinfrastructure foundation laid, who completes the work, and what the outcomes of the funding are. By following qualitative procedures and thematic analysis, we identify five dialectical tensions across three difference levels of institutions, individuals, and ideologies in the funding infrastructure of cyberinfrastructure. Through an organizational communication lens, we define funding infrastructure as the communication arrangements of institutions, individuals, and ideologies that must be coordinated in order for cyberinfrastructure to be brought into existence. These communication arrangements include salient motivations of and financial compensations for individuals who engage in them. They also comprise explicit policies about funding, as well as implicit ideologies about science embedded in funding, as held by institutions involved in these communication arrangements.
Significant increase in the prevalence of non-rheumatic aortic valve disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk for coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia. The role of Diabetes as an independent risk factor for aortic stenosis or regurgitation has been controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between DM and non-rheumatic aortic valve disease using a very large database. Method: We used PTF documents containing discharge diagnosis using ICD-9 codes of inpatient treatment from all Veterans Health Administration Hospitals (VA). The data were stratified using ICD-9 code for DM (n=293,124), a control group with hypertension (HTN) but no DM (n=552,623). The occurrence of non-rheumatic aortic valve disease in DM patients was studied in comparison with the control. We performed multivariate analysis adjusting for coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), smoking, renal failure, and hyperlipidemia. Results: Non-rheumatic aortic valve disease diagnosis was present in 7,322 (2.5%) of DM patients vs. 10,906 (2.0%) in the control group. (25% relative increase) Using multivariate analysis, DM remained strongly associated with non-rheumatic aortic valve disease: (odds ratio (OR): 2.23, 95%; confidential interval (CI): 2.16 to 2.30 p<0.0001). Conclusion: Type II diabetes mellitus is independently associated with non-rheumatic aortic valve disease. Since women were underrepresented in our study, our results apply only to diabetic men. The cause of this association is not known. Condense Abstract: The role of Diabetes as an independent risk factor for aortic stenosis or regurgitation has been controversial. We used PTF documents containing discharge diagnosis using ICD-9 codes of inpatient treatment from Veterans Health Administration Hospitals (VA) were analysed.( DM (n=293,124), a control group with hypertension (HTN) but no DM (n=552,623)). The occurrence of non-rheumatic aortic valve disease in DM patients was studied in comparison with the control. Non-rheumatic aortic valve disease diagnosis was present in 7,322 (2.5%) of DM patients vs. 10,906 (2.0%) in the control group. Using multivariate analysis, DM remained strongly associated with non-rheumatic aortic valve disease: (odds ratio (OR): 2.23, 95%; confidential interval (CI): 2.16 to 2.30 p<0. 0001). Since women were underrepresented in our study, our results apply only to diabetic men.
Successful and sustained treatment of chronic radiation proctitis with antioxidant vitamins E and C.

Successful and sustained treatment of chronic radiation proctitis with antioxidant vitamins E and C
Analysis of the self-organization of light due to induced reflection gratings in potassium niobate

In this paper we derive the eigenmodes for the nonlinear self- organization of light in photorefractive potassium niobate. This is the first step of the two-step process involved in the self-organization of light into a hexagonal pattern observed in this and other materials. Complete steady state solutions are derived and amplitude and phase variations of the counterpropagating main beam and its spatial sidebands (responsible for ring formation) are shown. Our computations show the bifurcation diagrams of the amplitudes and phases as a function of the photorefractive gain parameter. Dependence of the results on the amount of linear scattering is also demonstrated.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Loudness growth in forward masking: relation to intensity discrimination.

The growth of loudness of a tone burst following an intense forward masker was measured as a function of the tone level. The level of the forward‐masked tone was adjusted to balance the loudness of a standard tone presented without a forward masker, using a 2AFC, double‐staircase, tracking procedure. The forward masker was a 90‐dB SPL, 100‐ms, 1000‐Hz pure tone. The standard tone and the masked tone were both 25‐ms, 1000‐Hz pure tones. The forward masker and the masked tone were always presented in the first interval. With a 100‐ms delay between them, there was little or no threshold elevation for the masked tone. However, the masker caused the masked tone to sound louder than it would if it had not been masked, a phenomenon termed ‘‘loudness enhancement’’ [Irwin and Zwislocki, Percept. Psychophys. 10, 189–192 (1971); Galambos et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 52, 1127–1130 (1972)]. In addition, the present results show a nonmonotonic enhancement function that the forward masker introduced a 10–16‐dB enhancemen...
Training peers to provide ongoing diabetes self-management support (DSMS): results from a pilot study.

Objective This study determined the feasibility of training adults with diabetes to lead diabetes self-management support (DSMS) interventions, examined whether participants can achieve the criteria required for successful graduation, and assessed perceived efficacy of and satisfaction with the peer leader training (PLT) program.
Callosotomy for severe epilepsies with generalized seizures: Outcome and prognostic factors

The purpose of the present study was to verify the effect of callosotomy on generalized seizures, to check the effect on other seizure types and to search for possible prognostic factors.
Breast-feeding and post-partum amenorrhoea in Indonesia.

A prospective study on the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and postpartum resumption of menses among Indonesian women collected data on suckling patterns and menstrual status from 444 women once a month for 2 years. The breastfeeding variables of minutes per episode number of episodes a day number of episodes per night and minutes per 24 hours were derived for each woman giving the average nursing pattern up to menses or the end of the study (whichever occurred 1st). To eliminate bias separate analyses were conducted for women whose infant died women who did not lactate and those who weaned before the return of menses. The median interval from pregnancy to menses was 2.56 months in the nonlactating group. Women who weaned before menses had a median interval from weaning to menses of 3.42 months. Those with infant mortality before menses had a median wait time from infant death to menses of 2.14 months. The relative contribution of suckling patterns to postpartum resumption of menses was investigated directly in only 390 of the women who experienced return to menses while breastfeeding or were amenorrheic and breastfeeding when the study ended. Of these women 260 had experienced the return of menses while breastfeeding with a mean duration of amenorrhea of 17.26 months. Women who nursed little during the day and for shorter durations and little during the night significantly increased their risk of early postpartum return of menses. Those women who nursed either frequently during the day or for longer episodes (but not both) prolonged amenorrhea just slightly beyond the 17.26 month mean. Women who nursed either frequently during the night or for longer episodes prolonged amenorrhea on average somewhat less than the population mean. Women in the groups who nursed both for longer episodes and more often during the day or who nursed both for longer episodes and more often at night significantly reduced their risk of menstruating early in the postpartum period. On average the delay in return of menses for these 2 groups was 7-8 months longer than for women nursing intensely.
Effect of Gravity on Brownian Flocculation

Abstract In previous analyses of simultaneous Brownian and gravity-induced flocculation, it has been assumed that each mechanism contributes independently to the total flocculation rate. In this paper the rigorous problem of coupled Brownian and gravity-induced flocculation is considered for the case of strong Brownian/weak gravity effects. Using a singular perturbation expansion solution of the governing steady-state convective-diffusion equation, coupled flocculation rates are obtained. Comparison of the coupled rates with the rates found from the additivity approach show that additivity is justified only under very restrictive conditions.
Effects of hypertonic solutions on quantal transmitter release at the crayfish neuromuscular junction

1. The effects of a hypertonic bathing medium, containing either NaCl or melezitose, on the average number (m) and the time course of quantal release following an action potential were studied using focal extracellular recording methods at synaptic sites on the opener muscle of the crayfish leg. 2. After the application of hypertonic saline, the rate of spontaneous quantal release increased but m decreased to a new level within 1 min; the extent of depression depended on the magnitude of the increase in tonicity until the osmolarity was 50% greater than the normal value of 0·43 osmol/l (Osm), but greater increases in tonicity exerted little further effect. 3. The synaptic delays were increased and distributed over a longer range of time in hypertonic solutions; also, the latency between the first and second quantal releases in a multiple response to a single nerve impulse was also increased. 4. Hypertonicity had no significant effect on the conduction velocity of the action potential, the independence of successive quantal releases in the same response, or the uniformity of the rise and fall of the probability of quanta release following an action potential, α(t). 5. The time course of α(t) is prolonged in hypertonic solutions; this was manifested as an increase in the time constant of the exponential decline in α(t) from its peak value following the nerve impulse. 5. When the potentiating agent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was added to the hypertonic saline, m was increased, and the time course of α(t) was prolonged further than in the hypertonic solution alone; 5-HT produced no change in the time course of α(t) when it was added to normal saline, although m was increased. 6. It is concluded that in this preparation hypertonicity decreases the rate of release of each quantum from the nerve terminal following a nerve impulse.
The effects of climate-induced elevated seawater temperature on the covering behavior, righting response, and Aristotle's lantern reflex of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

Abstract Anthropogenic climate change is causing a global increase in sea-surface temperatures with some of the largest increases expected in the subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Populations of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus in the Gulf of Mexico are especially vulnerable as they are already living near the upper limit of their thermal tolerance and cannot migrate further north to escape rising seawater temperatures. In regular echinoids, neuromuscular-mediated behaviors including the covering and righting responses, and the Aristotle's lantern reflex can be employed as organismal level “indicators” of well-being under these near-future conditions. Individuals of the regular sea urchin L. variegatus were collected in Eagle Harbor, FL and held in the laboratory under a 12L:12D light cycle at both 28 °C (current summer seawater temperature) and 32 °C (predicted near-future summer seawater temperature) for acute (one day) and chronic (ten day) exposures. Covering and righting responses and Aristotle's lantern reflexes were measured. Individuals chronically exposed to 32 °C covered themselves with less material than did individuals acutely exposed to either 28 °C or 32 °C. They also righted less frequently and had lantern reflexes less often than individuals in the other acute or chronic temperature treatments. Moreover, although individuals acutely exposed to 28 °C and 32 °C covered their tests more during daylight periods, individuals chronically exposed to these temperatures did not, indicating that these individuals had an impaired ability to cover in response to increased light levels. Our results suggest that near-future elevated seawater temperatures may impair important neuromuscular-mediated behaviors that could negatively impact population and community dynamics.
A thermal model of the human body exposed to an electromagnetic field

The human body was modeled by numerical procedures to determine the thermal response under varied electromagnetic (EM) exposures. The basic approach taken was to modify the heat transfer equations for man in air to account for thermal loading due to the energy absorbed from the EM field. The human body was represented in an EM model by a large number of small cubical cells of tissue, and the energy density was determined for each cell. This information was then analyzed by a thermal response model consisting of a series of two-dimensional transient conduction equations with internal heat generation due to metabolism, internal convective heat transfer due to blood flow, external interaction by convection and radiation, and cooling of the skin by sweating and evaporation. This model simulated the human body by a series of cylindrical segments. The local temperature of 61 discrete locations as well as the thermoregulatory responses of vasodilatation and sweating were computed for a number of EM field intensities and two frequencies, one near whole-body resonance.
Effect of Acute Experimental Aortic Stenosis on Coronary Circulation

Acute experimental aortic stenosis was produced by a special instrument in dogs anesthetized with morphine and chloralose. The effect of aortic stenosis was compared to aortic constriction distal to the coronary ostia in 45 matched runs in 12 dogs. In 10 pairs of matched runs in eight dogs, coronary oxygen A-V difference was measured. The runs were matched as to duration, heart rate, and rise in left intraventricular systolic pressure. With the increase in left intraventricular systolic pressure, the mean arterial blood pressure did not change significantly, and the left ventricular output either remained the same or decreased only slightly. The coronary sinus outflow increased in all runs of aortic stenosis as well as in aortic constriction. The coronary oxygen A-V difference tended to increase in aortic stenosis and to decrease in aortic constriction. The rise in coronary blood flow in aortic stenosis was due to vasodilatation alone, since the perfusion pressure remained the same and there was an increase in extravascular compression; in aortic constriction, the increased coronary blood flow was best explained by increased coronary perfusion pressure.
The Effect of Parental Food Supply on Parental Feeding and Squab Growth in Pigeons, Columba livia

The growth and survival of nidicolous birds is determined by variables affecting the frequency and allocation of parental feedings. We manipulated adult pigeons' food supply and measured the effect of food availability and hatching order on the frequency and allocation of parental feeding, squab growth, and parental weight loss. Food availability did not affect any of the dependent variables during the first week, when squabs are fed crop milk. Throughout the remainder of the nestling period, when squabs are fed foraged grain, parents in the food-poor condition delivered fewer regurgitations and lost more weight, and then squabs gained less weight. Within broods, neither the allocation of parental feedings nor squab growth was differential, even in the food-poor environment. Apparently, production of crop milk is buffered from the parents' food supply, thus allowing both squabs to grow rapidly during the first few post-hatch days. The result is nondifferential feeding and growth within broods and delayed effects of food availability on the overall frequency of parental feeding, parental weight loss, and squab growth.
Approaches to the Bargaining Problem before and after the Theory of Games: A Critical Discussion of Zeuthen’s, Hicks’, and Nash’s Theories

It is proposed1 to show that Professor Zeuthen’s solution of the bargaining problem2 (antedating the von Neumann-Morgenstern theory of games3 by more than a decade) is mathematically equivalent to Mr. Nash’s solution4 (based on the theory of games), except that Zeuthen regards the two parties’ mutual bargaining threats as given while Nash furnishes a solution also for the problem of selecting optimal threats. At the same time, it will be submitted that Zeuthen’s approach in turn supplements Nash’s more abstract treatment in an important way by supplying a plausible psychological model for the actual bargaining process. However, certain minor changes in the basic postulates of Zeuthen’s theory and a simplication of Nash’s method for finding the optimal threats will be suggested. Comparing Nash’s theory with Professor Hicks’ theory of collective bargaining5 (published shortly after Professor Zeuthen’s), it will be argued that the former rests on assumptions both more realistic and more consistent with the postulate of rational behaviour. Finally, the economic significance of the Zeuthen-Nash theory of bargaining will be discussed.
Comprehensive pain programs versus other treatments for chronic pain.

Gatchel and Okifuji have carefully reviewed the evidence for the superiority of comprehensive pain programs (CPP) over other treatments for patients with chronic non-malignant pain. I have identified some of the issues, both within the pain management community and in the health care systems in the United States that contribute to the under-utilization of CPP. Providers of care as well as the environment in which they function must change if pain management is to fulfill its role in reducing pain, suffering, and disability. This excellent review serves as a window into what is wrongwithpainmanagementinparticularandhealthcare
Pharmacokinetics of two formulations of alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) tablets 70 mg/5600 IU: An open-label, randomized, single-dose, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, cross-over, bioequivalence study

AbstractA fixed dose combination of alendronate and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 70 mg/5600 IU tablets has been indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis. This study was aimed to assess bioequivalence between test and reference formulations of alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) tablets 70 mg/5600 IU in 110 healthy adult male volunteers under fasting conditions. This was an open label, randomized, single dose, two way cross-over study, separated by a washout period of 14 days. All possible efforts were made to stabilize the baseline endogenous levels of cholecalciferol. Blood samples were collected from 96 h pre-dose to 96 h post-dose and 0–24 h for cholecalciferol and alendronate, respectively. Quantification of alendronate and cholecalciferol was done using distinct validated LC-MS/MS methods. Two baseline adjusted methods, method-I (subtraction of the average concentration from each post-dose concentration) and method-II (subtraction of the individual AUC from post-dose AUC) were applied ...
N-Acetyl-β-D-Hexosaminidase in the Epididymis after Vasectomy

The activity of the lysosomal hydrolytic enzyme, N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase, was determined in the epididymis of control and vasectomized rats. Vasectomy did not cause changes in enzyme levels suggesting normal metabolic function in the epididymis.
Crystal Chemistry of Y2(ZrySn1-y)2O7 Pyrochlore Solid Solutions and its Relation to Fast-Ion Conduction

Pyrochlore oxides, A2B2O7, are of interest as fuel cell materials and sensors because, with suitable doping, they may be fast-ion conducting or p- or n-type electronic conductors. An earlier analysis of Y2(ZryTi1-y)2O7 solid solutions showed that substitution of the larger Zr ion for Ti induced progressive disorder in both the cation and anion arrays causing a 103 increase in oxygen ion conductivity. In contrast, Y2(SnyTi1-y)2O7 solid solutions remained essentially fully ordered over their entire range of composition even though the range of average radii of the cation species in the B site overlapped to a considerable degree with those of the (ZryTi1-y) materials. The present work used Rietveld analysis of both neutron and x-ray powder profiles to examine Y2(ZrySn1-y)2O7 compositions along the third leg of the pseudo-ternary system: solid solutions between the stannate, with strong tendency to remain ordered, and the zirconate which has predilection toward complete disorder. Progressive disorder in the oxygen ion array was again observed with increasing y. Mixing between cation sites was found to progress at a rate independent of anion disordering. The behavior was very similar to Y2(ZryTi1-y)2O7, suggesting that the differing behavior of the three systems is due to the ability of Zr to readily enter the eight-coordinated A site.