cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The preparation of a new series of bridged trinuclear complexes by reaction of η5-(C5H4Li) compounds with alkyltrichlorosilanes

Abstract Several new bridged trinuclear complexes of the general formula RSi[η5-C5H4M(CO)nR1]3, have been prepared in good yield from the reaction of the lithiated compounds (η5-C5H4Li)M(CO)nR1 (M = Mn, W, Fe; R1 = Me, Et, and benzyl) with various alkyl trichlorosilanes. The crystal and mlecular structure of MeSi[η5-C5H4Fe(CO)2C2H5]3 is presented. In addition, some limitations of the direct cyclopentadienyl ring metalation are discussed.
A model for calculation of pressure in the duct due to discharge of gas from a failed fuel pin

Abstract In this paper an anlytical model for the calculation of the pressure pulse in hexagonal ducts due to discharge of gas from a failed fuel pin is developed. The analysis yields the time history of the pressure pulse which can be used in the calculation of permanent deformation of the duct or in the assessment of the susceptibility of the duct to fracture. In this model the analysis is divided into two stages. In the first stage the gas expands as a spherical bubble, but the influence of duct wall is taken into account. At the end of the first stage the spherical shape of the bubble is assumed to be lost and the gas is assumed to expand axially as a column. The end conditions of stage 1 are the initial conditions for stage 2. The analysis involves solving the continuity and momentum equations for the liquid along with the energy balance equation for the gas. In the analysis the liquid is assumed to be incompressible.
The optical calculation of the surface plasma modes for metal spheres and voids in metals

Abstract The introduction of the electronic density directly into the macroscopic dielectric constant has been widely exploited as a means of calculating the response of inhomogeneous electronic systems to electromagnetic or charged probes. Of particular interest in the response of metal spheres and voids in metals are the surface plasma modes, and an optical calculation with a spatial dependent dielectric constant permits an estimate of the frequencies of these excitations. Here we report the results of an optical calculation using the electron densities obtained in recent density-functional calculations.
Towards a new paradigm for securing wireless sensor networks

The network model assumed in this paper consists of tiny, energy-constrained, commodity sensors massively deployed alongside with one or more sink nodes that provide the interface to the outside world. The sensors in the network are initially anonymous and unaware of their location. Our main contribution is to propose a new robust and energy-efficient solution for secure operation of wireless sensor networks. The paper motivates a new paradigm where security is based upon using parameterized frequency hopping and cryptographic keys in a unified framework to provide differential security services for wireless sensor networks.
U.S. senate voting on health and safety regulation: the effects of ideology and interest-group orientations

Ideological and interest-group influences attempt to influence policy formulation during the legislative process. In health and safety policy-making these interest-group influences, which are some of the best organized groups, are related to ideological and interest-group orientations of the legislators themselves. The authors analyzed Senate health care voting in the 95th U.S. Congress. General ideology, structured along the left-right dimension was important, but it was not the overriding factor. The senators voted as supporters or opponents of environmentalism as much or even more than as adherents of either liberal or conservative beliefs.
Matrix cracking with frictional bridging fibres in continuous fibre ceramic composites

Interfacial debonding and matrix cracking due to residual axial stresses have been analysed for unidirectional fibre-reinforced ceramic composites. The analytical solutions for the crack-opening displacement, the axial displacement of the composite due to interfacial debonding, and the critical residual axial stress for matrix cracking have been obtained. The solutions were then compared with those for tensile loading in the fibre direction. Three issues related to Part I, i.e. the effective fracture toughness of the composite, the critical loading stress for matrix cracking in the presence of residual stresses, and the debonded fibre length due to loading, were also addressed in the present study.
Effect of astroglial degeneration on the blood-brain barrier to protein in neonatal rats

Abstract Recent in vitro studies have suggested that astrocytes may be responsible for the induction of several blood-brain barrier (BBB) characteristics. To examine this hypothesis in an in vivo situation, we have investigated the effect of chronic astrocytic deprivation on the BBB to proteins in neonatal rats. Intraperitoneal injections of the gliotoxin 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) resulted in cytotoxic edema with subsequent necrobiosis of differentiated astrocytes and oligodendrocytes throughout the CNS. Animals were sacrificed 1–5 days after chronic exposure to 6-AN during the first postnatal week. Animals sacrificed 24 h after the final injection of 6-AN had the greatest depletion of perivascular astroglia. The BBB to exogenous protein, examined by intravascular administration of horseradish peroxidase, remained intact, as did the BBB to endogenous protein as determined by immunocytochemical detection of rat serum albumin. In no case was any leakage of protein found other than in areas that do not normally possess BBB characteristics. These data show that CNS endothelial cells retain BBB characteristics without a full complement of astrocytic contacts. Since the astroglial cytoplasm was destroyed and only membrane fragments remained, we suggest that factors continuously produced by astroglia cannot be responsible for the induction and maintenance of the BBB to protein, but that substances produced during the prenatal period may be the primary determinant of endothelial phenotype.
Virtual rigid body dynamics

An important direction in biological simulations is the development of methods that permit the study of larger systems and/or longer simulation time scales than is currently feasible by molecular dynamics. One such method designed with this objective in mind is stochastic boundary molecular dynamics (SBMD). SBMD was developed for the characterization of spatially localized processes in proteins, and has been shown to successfully reproduce structural and dynamical properties of these macromolecules, as compared to a molecular dynamics control simulation, when concerted or global motions are not present. The virtual rigid body dynamics method presented in this work extends the range of applicability of the SBMD method, by providing a framework to include these important long time scale conformational transitions. In this paper we describe the two-step implementation of the virtual rigid body model: first, the reduction of the full atomic representation to a reduced particle (virtual bond) model, and second, the propagation of the dynamics of flexibly connected rigid bodies containing virtual atom sites.
Hospital Volume and Patient Outcomes in Major Cancer Surgery: A Catalyst for Quality Assessment and Concentration of Cancer Services

What can physicians do today about the cancer burden? The managed care industry has principally focused on early detec- tion of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Cancer profes- sional organizations have pushed to expand access to research trials and experimental therapy. The role of genetic screening is also hotly debated. However, relatively little attention has been given to the actual care provided to patients with cancer. In other words, does it matter where patients live, what type of insurance coverage they have, what their physician's specialty is, and at what type of medical center they are being treated or what its volume of cases is for a specific cancer? With the prominent exception of factors associated with breast-conserving sur- gery and local radiation compared with mastectomy for early stage breast cancer, the answer is the US health care system does not know and has not even tried to look (B.E.H. and T. J.S., unpublished data, 1998). in this issue of THE JOURNAL contributes important data on factors associated with out- comes for patients undergoing major cancer surgery. In this retrospective, population-based cohort study that uses Sur- veillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data from 1984 through 1993, the authors show that the 30-day mortality for elderly patients undergoing complex surgical procedures— including pancreatectomy, esophagectomy, liver resection, and pelvic exenteration—was associated with the procedural volume at a specific hospital. Higher-volume centers had lower mortality before and after adjustments for case mix and pa- tient factors. These results are consistent with prior work, provide insights into the quality of surgical cancer care, and should lead to explicit steps to concentrate where complex high-risk cancer surgery is performed. Several essential data elements are needed to identify su- perior or inferior cancer care. First, it is necessary to know when disease is initially identified and to determine its extent. Cancer is the only chronic disease, other than HIV, for which the incidence and stage are registered. The National Cancer Institute's SEER program and the National Cancer Database of the American College of Surgeons collect data on type, in- cidence, stage, and therapy. However, because these data are hospital based, they are not readily available to insurers, cli- nicians, or patients. Second, the processes of care must be defined. Obtaining this information is difficult because cancer registries are hospital based, yet evaluation and treatment are increasingly ambula- tory events. The processes of care data are reflected principally in administrative claims. However, due to the uncommon na- ture of most cancers, only the largest insurers can potentially describe patterns of care for specific malignancies. Only re- cently have efforts been made to combine registry data with claims to examine patterns of care and quality indicators. 2,3
Mode-I Stress-Intensity Factors for a Cracked Slab Under an Arbitrary Thermal Shock

A stress intensity factor solution for a cracked slab subjected to an arbitrary thermal shock on one surface has been derived. As a first step, the transient temperature distribution was calculated for an arbitrary surface loading through the use of Duhamul's integral relationship and the unit response for a slab that is insulated on the other face. The arbitrary nature of the transient surface loading was accommodated by a versatile polynomial containing both integral- and half-order terms. Once the resulting transient stress states were determined via elasticity theory, the resulting stress intensification for an arbitrary crack was approximated using a weight-function approach. The procedure was checked with known stress intensity solutions for an edge-cracked plate subjected to a linear down shock followed by a constant temperature soak. Excellent agreement was observed for this test case for a variety of crack lengths.
Allelic imbalance mapping of chromosome 16 shows two regions of common deletion in prostate adenocarcinoma

Abstract Allelic imbalance (AI) has now been reported on the long arm of chromosome 16 in several cancers including breast, prostate, hepatocellular carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Such nonrandom AI is commonly associated with the presence of a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) at or near the tested locus. Previous studies in our laboratory indicated that prostate cancer genomes frequently exhibit a region of allelic loss near the q terminus of chromosome 16. Here we report a detailed, PCR based, allelic imbalance study at ten polymorphic loci on 16q. The data indicate that there are two common regions of 16q AI in prostate cancer, one at 16q21–22 (50% of informative cases) and another at 16q24.2-qter (56% of informative cases). These are similar to regions of 16q previously shown to exhibit AI in breast cancer. Neither of these regions shows correlation of AI with the clinical parameters; Gleason grade, tumor stage, or metastases.
Dialysis and ultrafiltration techniques for isolated sheep heart symbiosis with a living organism. Beneficial effect in hypothermic (13°C) perfusion

Abstract Selective hormonal and metabolic exchange between the perfusate of an isolated sheep heart at 13°C and the bloodstream of a “support animal” was accomplished either by dialysis through a cellulose membrane (Cordis kidney; molecular weight cut off point = 5000) or by exchange ultrafiltration through an Amicon Diaflo membrane permitting the passage of molecules less than 50,000 molecular weight. The cross-exchange of small molecules (dialysis) did not improve the quality of the preservation and raising the perfusion temperature from 5 to 13°C worsened the results. These hearts did not exhibit any activity during their preservation. Exchange of “middle-molecules” (exchange ultrafiltration) was clearly beneficial and resulted in vigorous ventricular contractions at 13°C with no rise in vascular resistance and little or no edema, when the rate of fluid exchange was higher than 15 ml/min and when blood cells were admitted into the perfusate. The results of these experiments demonstrate “symbiosis” between a preserved organ and a living organism through “transmembrane” exchange and suggest that “middle molecules” (up to 50,000 MW) play an important part in this procedure.
Person localization using a wearable camera towards enhancing social interactions for individuals with visual impairment

Individuals with visual impairments are at a loss when it comes to everyday social interactions as majority (65%) of these interactions happen through visual non-verbal media. Recently,efforts have been made towards development of an assistive technology called the Social Interaction Assistant [14] which enables access to such useful cues so as to compensate for the lack of vision and other visual impairments. There have been studies which enumerate the important needs of such individuals when they interact in social situations. Along with feedback about their own social behavior, these studies indicate that individuals with visual disabilities are interested in a number of cues related to the people in their surroundings. In this paper, we discuss the importance of person localization while building a human-centric assistive technology which addresses the essential needs of the visually impaired users. Next, we describe the challenges that arise when a wearable camera setup is used as an input source in order to perform person localization. Finally, we present a computer vision based algorithm adapted to handle the issues that are inherent when such a wearable camera setup is used and demonstrate its performance on a number of example sequences.
Elevated nuclear androgen receptors in nuclease digests of hyperplastic prostatic tissue of aging dogs.

Abstract Androgen receptors were measured in the cytosol, whole nuclei, nuclear matrix and in the nuclease (DNAase I) solubilized fraction of nuclei from normal and hyperplastic prostates of aging Beagle dogs. Androgen-receptor content was significantly elevated in whole nuclei and particularly in the nuclease solubilized fraction of nuclei from hyperplastic glands of aging dogs. The nuclear matrix of hyperplastic tissue had marginally elevated levels of the androgen receptor, and values in the cytosol were not abnormal. This is the first documentation suggesting that a selective defect in nuclear chromatin androgen-receptor content might be critical in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia with age.
Sulfated zirconia and tungstated zirconia as effective supports for Pd-based SCR catalysts

It is now well established that even though Pd supported on acidic zeolites is highly selective for CH 4 -SCR, zeolitic structures are susceptible to dealumination under hydrothermal environments. In this contribution, we have investigated the ability of non-zeolitic acidic materials to promote the SCR selectivity and stability in the presence of H 2 O and SO 2 . The results of catalytic activity measurements and characterization tests indicate that sulfated zirconia and tungstated zirconia are supports as effective as the zeolites for the promotion of SCR activity. The high SCR activity of these catalysts can be ascribed to the formation of isolated Pd 2+ ions on acid sites. It is proposed that the stabilization of Pd 2+ on these supports is similar to the stabilization previously reported for acidic zeolites. The remarkable characteristic of these Pd catalysts supported on sulfated zirconia and tungstated zirconia is that when they were tested over a 40 h reaction period in the presence of H 2 O and SO 2 , they appeared to be significantly more resistant than zeolite-based catalysts.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Survival of Patients With Surgically Treated Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Population studies link increased BMI with an increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality and in particular a greater risk of RCC. We evaluated the impact of BMI and other clinical/pathological characteristics on survival in patients with RCC treated with radical or partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Between 1995 and 2003 patients undergoing radical (760) or partial (399) nephrectomy for RCC were entered into a database. BMI data were available on 1,137 of 1,159 (98%). Demographic and clinical/pathological parameters were analyzed. World Health Organization BMI definitions (normal—less than 25 kg/m2, overweight—25 to 29.9 kg/m2, obese—30 kg/m2 or more) were used.Results: A total of 75% of patients had greater than normal BMI with 472 (41.5%) overweight and 387 (34.0%) obese. Median followup was 33 months with a median overall survival of 110 months and a 5-year overall survival probability of 0.79. BMI categories were similar in age, gender, smoking status, presenting symptoms, tumor si...
Identifying Issues and Concerns With the Use of Interval-Based Systems in Single Case Research Using a Pilot Simulation Study

Momentary time sampling (MTS), whole interval recording (WIR), and partial interval recording (PIR) are commonly used in applied research. We discuss potential difficulties with analyzing data when these systems are used and present results from a pilot simulation study designed to determine the extent to which these issues are likely to be problematic in the context of single case design studies. Results indicate that WIR and PIR may result in invalid effect size estimations. Although MTS more closely paralleled actual duration, it may induce variability in relatively short sessions, increasing the likelihood of Type II errors. Suggestions for practitioners, consumers, and researchers include careful use and reporting of data collected using interval-based systems and continued investigation of properties of these systems, particularly on the effects on effect size estimations.
Epicycles, eccentrics, and ellipses: The predictive capabilities of Copernican planetary models

A theoretical analysis of the potential accuracy of early modern planetary models employing compound circles suggests that fairly simple extensions of those models can be sufficiently accurate to meet the demands of Tycho Brahe's observations in both ecliptic longitude and latitude. Some of these extensions, such as the substitution of the true sun for the mean sun, had already been taken by Kepler before he abandoned circular models. Other extensions, involving one or two extra epicycles, were well within the mathematical capabilities of sixteenth-century and seventeenth-century astronomers. Hence neither the failure of astronomers before Kepler to correct errors in planetary positions nor Kepler's decision to abandon circular models was a consequence of inherent limitations in those models.
The convergence of mimetic discretization for rough grids

We prove that the mimetic finite-difference discretizations of Laplace's equation converges on rough logically-rectangular grids with convex cells. Mimetic discretizations for the invariant operators' divergence, gradient, and curl satisfy exact discrete analogs of many of the important theorems of vector calculus. The mimetic discretization of the Laplacian is given by the composition of the discrete divergence and gradient. We first construct a mimetic discretization on a single cell by geometrically constructing inner products for discrete scalar and vector fields, then constructing a finite-volume discrete divergence, and then constructing a discrete gradient that is consistent with the discrete divergence theorem. This construction is then extended to the global grid. We demonstrate the convergence for the two-dimensional Laplace equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions on grids with a lower bound on the angles in the cell corners and an upper bound on the cell aspect ratios. The best convergence rate to be expected is first order, which is what we prove. The techniques developed apply to far more general initial boundary-value problems.
Determination of the algebraic relations among special Γ-values in positive characteristic

We devise a new criterion for linear independence over function fields. Using this tool in the setting of dual t-motives, we find that all algebraic relations among special values of the geometric r-function over F q [T] are explained by the standard functional equations.
Septate gregarines from Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes virginicus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

. The gregarine parasites of Reticulitermes virginicus and Reticulitermes flavipes begin their development as trophozoites attached to the midgut epithelium by a small button-shaped epimerite. the epimerite is lost when the parasite becomes free-living in the gut lumen as a solitary gamont. Syzygy is late and was not observed. When full-grown, gamonts enter the hemocoel and fuse in pairs to form large gametocysts that are attached to the midgut of the termite by a duct. Thousands of sporocysts are formed within the original gametocyst. the mature sporocysts are released into the lumen of the midgut through the connecting duct. They are then passed out with the feces. These gregarines are believed to be identical to Gregarina termitis Leidy which was described from a single gamont and later erroneously placed in the genus Hirmocystis by Henry.
Robotic High-Speed 3D Scanner Automatically Scans Spacecraft Heat Shields

A novel robotic high-speed 3D scanner has been developed to demonstrate the capability of rapidly inspecting the surface of the entire Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) heat shield (5 meters in diameter), and its individual components. The scanner is used to measure defects (cracks, holes) in the heat shield and to see if the shield was constructed within acceptable geometrical tolerances from the design. A patented NASA 3D laser sensor is mounted onto a six-axis robot arm. The sensor uses the principle of laser triangulation and projects a laser line onto the target surface while the robot arm moves the sensor over the surface. Because of the sensor’s very high 3D point generation capability and the robot arm’s precise position control, scanning the entire heat shield at high-resolution takes about one hour rather than the many hours or days required by existing 3D scanning technologies.
Evaluation of Hurricane Impact on Failure Rate of Transmission Lines Using Fuzzy Expert System

Adverse weather, such as hurricanes, can have severe effects on power system reliability. Incorporating weather effects in power system reliability evaluation has drawn more and more attention in recent years. In past decades, many methods have been proposed to evaluate power system reliability considering weather effects. Some of the earliest methods used the two-state weather model. These have been later expanded into multi-state weather model, regional weather model (RWM) and statistical regression method. In this paper, a fuzzy expert system (FES) is proposed and is combined with RWM to assess hurricane impact on the reliability parameters of transmission lines. Firstly, according to the computation requirements the composite system is partitioned into different regions. Then, the FES maps the nonlinear relationship between the hurricane parameters (indicator of hurricane severity) and the increment multipliers of failure rates (IMFR) of the transmission lines in different regions. In this step, the possible case that transmission lines traverse adjacent regions is investigated by using weighted average method (WAM). Finally, the results obtained by using the proposed method can be used in analytical or simulation method to evaluate composite system reliability considering hurricane impact. The proposed method is applied to the IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS). The implementation demonstrates that the proposed method is effective and efficient and the FES is convenient to construct.
New Universal Solvation Model and Comparison of the Accuracy of the SM5.42R, SM5.43R, C-PCM, D-PCM, and IEF-PCM Continuum Solvation Models for Aqueous and Organic Solvation Free Energies and for Vapor Pressures

We present a new continuum solvation model, called Solvation Model 5.43R (SM5.43R). The model is based on the generalized Born approximation for electrostatics augmented by terms that are proportional to the solvent-accessible surface areas (SASAs) of the atoms of the solute, and it is parametrized to predict the free energy of solvation of solutes containing H, C, N, O, F, P, S, Cl, and Br in water and organic solvents. The new model is an improvement over our previous solvation model, SM5.42R, in that it is based on CM3 charges rather than CM2 charges, it was trained over a larger and more diverse training set, and the choice of the value of the solvent radius, which is used to compute the SASA of the atoms of the solute, was made on a different basis than was used for SM5.42R. This paper presents parametrizations of SM5.43R using HF/6-31G(d), B3LYP/6-31G(d), mPW1PW91/6-31G(d), and mPW1PW91/6-31+G(d) to describe the electronic structure of the solute. For a data set of neutral solutes with known experim...
Recent cadmium exposure among male partners may affect oocyte fertilization during in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Purpose We recently reported evidence suggesting associations between urine cadmium concentrations, reflecting long-term exposure, measured in 25 female patients (relative risk=1.41, P=0.412) and 15 of their male partners (relative risk=0.19, P=0.097) and oocyte fertilization in vitro. Blood cadmium concentrations reflect more recent exposure. Methods We here incorporate those measures into our prior data set and employ multivariable log-binomial regression models to generate hypotheses concerning the relative effects of long-term and recent cadmium exposure on oocyte fertilization in vitro. Results No association is indicated for blood cadmium from women and oocyte fertilization, adjusted for urine cadmium and creatinine, blood lead and mercury, age, race/ ethnicity and cigarette smoking (relative risk=0.88, P= 0.828). However, we suggest an inverse adjusted association between blood cadmium from men and oocyte fertilization (relative risk=0.66, P=0.143). Conclusions These results suggest that consideration of long-term and recent exposures are both important for assessing the effect of partner cadmium levels on oocyte fertilization in vitro.
Grey Scale Ultrasonography in the Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Splenomegaly

Grey scale ultrasonography involves the selective amplification of very low-level echoes which emanate from the internal structure of organs. Diffuse pathology may be apparent both by an abnormal echo pattern and/or abnormal echo amplitudes.
Male-induced estrus synchronization in the female Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus sungorus)

Olfactory cues play an integral role in the organization of events that mediate reproductive success. In a variety of species, priming pheromones, in particular, are important for ensuring reproductive fitness. To date, very little research has focused on how male-emitted priming pheromones, such as those that regulate the onset of puberty and estrus synchronization in females, affect the reproductive physiology of the female Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus sungorus). This lack of research may be due to the physiology of the Phodopus genus; vaginal cytology cannot be used as a reliable indicator of estrus or ovulation. Using a jugular cannulation technique to determine estrous stage by blood analysis of prolactin and luteinizing hormone, we sought to determine if male priming pheromones affect estrous cyclicity in the female Siberian hamster and, if so, whether the production of these priming pheromones is androgen dependent. Our results showed that females exposed to bedding from mature, intact males showed a significantly higher incidence of proestrus 3 days later than did females exposed to the bedding of mature, gonadectomized males. Therefore, we found that not only do male Siberian hamsters emit chemical signals that induce estrus synchronization, but also that this ability is likely to be androgen dependent.
Removal of a hardened steel ring from an extremely swollen finger

For several years various authors have discussed the removal of rings from swollen fingers. Removal normally has involved cutting the ring, but nondestructive methods of removal using string frequently have been recommended as well. A case is reported of a patient who presented with a hardened roller bearing on an extremely swollen index finger, which defied all attempts at removal by previously successful methods. A new yet simple method was developed that eliminated the edema and permitted the removal of the hardened ring. The entire finger distal to the ring was wrapped with a tight, elastic band that reduced the edema and freed the ring. Evaluation of the progress of the edema reversal was permitted by using a blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet. The blood pressure cuff, which was used while the elastic band was removed, prevented the refill of the tissue while the finger was examined. Four sessions of compression lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes each with the elastic band were necessary to eliminate the edema and release the ring. The ring was finally removed utilizing a short piece of string to ease it over a small laceration.
Dry weight and size of cells in the buccal epithelium of zinc-deficient rats: a quantitative study.

Abstract A diet containing 1.3 mg Zn/kg was given to male weanling rats for a 4-week-period. Controls were given the same diet supplemented by 40 mg Zn/kg. After death, dry weight per volume of buccal epithelium was determined for successive histologic layers by methods of ultra-micro-assay and the relative size of granular cells by a comparison of the numbers of cell nuclei in controls and experimental groups. The buccal epithelium of the experimental animals showed parakeratosis and increases in epithelial thickness and in the number of dividing cells. Dry weight per volume was elevated over that of controls beginning in the basal cells, and the size of granular cells was increased. The relative dry weight of granular cells in the experimental group, calculated from increase in dry weight per volume and increase in cell size, was nearly twice that in the control group. Since the rate of production of granular cells is nearly three times that of controls, increased synthetic activity and cell hypertrophy occurred in conjunction with accelerated cell proliferation. The effects of zinc deficiency are compared with those of other conditions of accelerated rates of cell proliferation.
Measurement and control of torque ripple-induced frame torsional vibration in a surface mount permanent magnet machine

A sensor to measure the stator torsional vibration due to torque ripple produced by a surface mount permanent magnet machine is first described. The sensor is relatively inexpensive and is straight forward to incorporate into a drive system. Experiments are performed to validate that the voltage produced by the sensor is linearly related to torque ripple amplitude. Closed-loop controllers are then described that adjust the stator current harmonics applied to the machine to achieve a commanded average torque while mitigating measured torsional vibration. Simulation and experimental results are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control techniques.
Characterizing the shadow space of camera-light pairs

We present a theoretical analysis for characterizing the shadows cast by a point light source given its relative position to the camera. In particular, we analyze the epipolar geometry of camera-light pairs, including unusual camera-light configurations such as light sources aligned with the camerapsilas optical axis as well as convenient arrangements such as lights placed in the camera plane. A mathematical characterization of the shadows is derived to determine the orientations and locations of depth discontinuities when projected onto the image plane that could potentially be associated with cast shadows. The resulting theory is applied to compute a lower bound on the number of lights needed to extract all depth discontinuities from a general scene using a multiflash camera. We also provide a characterization of which discontinuities are missed and which are correctly detected by the algorithm, and a foundation for choosing an optimal light placement. Experiments with depth edges computed using two-flash setups and a four-flash setup illustrate the theory, and an additional configuration with a flash at the camerapsilas center of projection is exploited as a solution for some degenerate cases.
The US Department of Agriculture Automated Multiple-Pass Method reduces bias in the collection of energy intakes

Background: The US Department of Agriculture Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM) is used for collecting 24-h dietary recallsinWhatWeEatInAmerica,thedietaryinterviewcomponent of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Because thedatahaveimportantprogramandpolicyapplications,itisessential that the validity of the method be tested. Objective:TheaccuracyoftheAMPMwasevaluatedbycomparing reported energy intake (EI) with total energy expenditure (TEE) by using the doubly labeled water (DLW) technique. Design:The 524 volunteers, aged 30–69 y, included an equal number of men and women recruited from the Washington, DC, area. EachsubjectwasdosedwithDLWonthefirstdayofthe2-wkstudy period; three 24-h recalls were collected during the 2-wk period by using the AMPM. The first recall was conducted in person, and subsequent recalls were over the telephone. Results: Overall, the subjects underreported EI by 11% compared with TEE. Normal-weight subjects [body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) 25] underreported EI by 3%. By using a linear mixed model, 95% CIs were determined for the ratio of EI to TEE. Approximately 78% of men and 74% of women were classified as acceptable energy reporters (within 95% CI of EI:TEE). Both the percentage by which energy was underreported and the percentage of subjects classified as low energy reporters (95% CI of EI:TEE) were highest for subjects classified as obese (body mass index 30). Conclusions: Although the AMPM accurately reported EIs in normal-weight subjects, research is warranted to enhance its accuracy in overweight and obese persons. Am J Clin Nutr2008;88: 324–32.
Intracellular trafficking and membrane targeting mechanisms of the human reduced folate carrier in Mammalian epithelial cells.

The major pathway for cellular uptake of the water-soluble vitamin folic acid in mammalian cells is via a plasma membrane protein known as the reduced folate carrier (RFC). The molecular determinants that dictate plasma membrane expression of RFC as well as the cellular mechanisms that deliver RFC to the cell surface remain poorly defined. Therefore, we designed a series of fusion proteins of the human RFC (hRFC) with green fluorescent protein to image the targeting and trafficking dynamics of hRFC in living epithelial cells. We show that, in contrast to many other nutrient transporters, the molecular determinants that dictate hRFC plasma membrane expression reside within the hydrophobic backbone of the polypeptide and not within the cytoplasmic NH2- or COOH-terminal domains of the protein. Further, the integrity of the hRFC backbone is critical for export of the polypeptide from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. This trafficking is critically dependent on intact microtubules because microtubule disruption inhibits motility of hRFC-containing vesicles as well as final expression of hRFC in the plasma membrane. For the first time, these data define the mechanisms that control the intracellular trafficking and cell surface localization of hRFC within mammalian epithelia.
A Reconceptualization of Learning Disabilities via a Self-Organizing Systems Paradigm

A dilemma exists regarding the interpretation of learning disabilities. A self-organizing systems (SOS) paradigm suggests widespread, diffuse outcomes, whereas a specific learning disability concept suggests more localized dysfunction. There may be very good reason to doubt the veridicality of the concept of a specific learning disability, not because the construct of learning disabilities itself is a frivolous concept, as some have held, but because the biological or neurological events that underlie a learning disability do not remain focal and constrained only to specific dysfunction. It is important to know whether an identified learning disability remains contained or whether processing disorders might be found in other areas. The assessment profiles of school-age children identified with nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD), assumed to have primarily right-hemispheric brain dysfunctions, and children with language-based learning disabilities (LLD), assumed to have primarily left-hemispheric brain dysfunctions, were examined to explore learning disabilities using an SOS paradigm. The pilot study reported here is used as an exemplar of how a self-organizing systems paradigm is conceptualized. Although a more comprehensive study is needed to confirm the data, this exemplar suggests that overflow into areas not typically associated with each disability subtype may occur. Concerns regarding ways of determining discrepancy for diagnostic purposes are noted, and remediation strategies designed for specific disabilities are questioned.
Aerosol Formation by a Reversible Chemical Reaction: Laser-induced NH4NO3 Aerosol Formation in a Tubular Reactor

Ammonium nitrate aerosol was generated by a reversible chemical reaction in a NH3—NO2—H2O-air mixture flowing through an axially irradiated tubular reactor. A burst of particle formation near the reactor entrance accompanied HNO3 formation along the laser light path. Particle size distributions of the resulting ammonium nitrate aerosol were measured at two points in the reactor. The behavior of the system was analyzed from first principles incorporating a detailed description of the homogeneous gas-phase chemistry, kinetics of nucleation, radial diffusion, and aerosol dynamics. A comparison of calculations and experimental data supports the use of the modified Becker-Doring nucleation theory for the description of particle formation by a reversible chemical reaction, when either reactant is in excess.
Potential for antimicrobial resistance in Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Antimicrobial resistance has not yet been described in wild type Chlamydia pneumoniae isolates, nor has selective emergence of resistance in the laboratory after exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotic. However, few clinical isolates have been tested for resistance, especially strains with resistance phenotypes (i.e., those associated with clinical failure or persistence). More widespread testing of such strains is needed. Further understanding of antimicrobial resistance in chlamydiae would benefit from the development of standardized methods. Further, more physiologic testing methodologies that more closely mimic the chronic intracellular infection usually being treated in vivo would be of value. Animal models demonstrate persistence of C. pneumoniae after antimicrobial therapy and could be used to better define the clinical correlates of in vitro testing.
A System-level Network-on-Chip Simulation Framework Integrated with Low-level Analytical Models

This paper presents a system-level Network-on-Chip modeling framework that integrates transaction-level model and analytical wire model for design space exploration. It enables the analysis of influence of physical wire properties on the system performance and power dissipation in early design stages. SystemC provides the infrastructure to integrate transaction-level model and low-level models. By utilizing approximate timing, different temporal granularity can be used, leading to fast simulation speed. Six deep-submicron CMOS processes from 180 nm to 45 nm are used to evaluate the performance/power of NoC. Additionally, temporal and spatial NoC power analysis under different traffic conditions provides an effective basis for power/thermal optimization and design space exploration in early design stages.
Determination of reliable reference genes for multi-generational gene expression analysis on C. elegans exposed to abused drug nicotine.

More research has recently been focused on multigenerational toxicogenomics impacts. Such studies rely on behavioral as well as genetic and epigenetic analyses using various biotechniques. Of these technologies, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR is considered as a mature discovery and validation tool. Nevertheless, the interpretation of the resulting gene expression necessitates the establishment of reliable internal controls for normalization. No study has been performed to identify reliable reference genes in multigenerational settings. The primary aim was to evaluate the stability of 16 reference gene candidates in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to nicotine and their two subsequent generations for determining the most reliable reference genes for multigenerational study. We exposed C. elegans to nicotine in the F0 generation and investigated the relative stabilities of 16 housekeeping genes in L4 larvae across three generations (F0, F1, and F2) using five statistical approaches (geNorm, ∆Ct method, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). geNorm shows that CDC-42 and Y45F10D.4 were the most stable reference genes. Based on NormFinder, TBA-1, EIF3.C, ARP-6, CDC-42, and MDH2 may serve as the top reliable reference genes. Comparative ∆Ct method ranked TBA-1, CDC-42, EIF3.C, ARP-6, and Y45F10D.4 as the most stable reference genes. BestKeeper shows that Y45F10D.4, F35G12.2, TBA-1, CDC-42, and CSQ-1were better reference genes. Overall, TBA-1, CDC-42, EIF3.C, ARP-6, and Y45F10D.4 were the most reliable reference genes for mutigenerational nicotine-exposed study. Of the 16 tested gene candidates, TBA-1 and CDC-42 were the two most stable reference genes for performing reliable gene expression normalization in the multigenerational impact of nicotine exposure.
Modeling, measurement, and simulation of simultaneous switching noise

The computer package designer depends on modeling power supply noises to ensure that system designs will function properly. Power supply noises can have a tremendous effect on system operation and performance. The circuit simulation of a system power distribution is very challenging since it requires accurate models of active devices, passive components, transmission lines, and a very large power distribution network. This paper presents the development of a high-frequency power distribution model for the simulation of simultaneous switching noise of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) chip on a multilayered ceramic substrate. Measurements are performed on a CMOS chip with simultaneously switching off-chip drivers (OCD's). The modeling approach is validated by the excellent agreement between the measurement waveforms and simulation results.
Bayesian Treatment of Uncertain Data

So far we have only analyzed cases where the observed data were known with certainty and completeness. Reality is messier in a number of ways with respect to observed data. For example, the number of binomial demands may not have been recorded and may have to be estimated. Similarly, the exposure time in the Poisson distribution may have to be estimated. One may not always be able to tell the exact number of failures that have occurred, because of imprecision in the failure criterion. When observing times at which failures occur (i.e., random durations), various types of censoring can occur. For example, a number of components may be placed in test, but the test is terminated before all the components have failed. This produces a set of observed data consisting of the recorded failure times for those components that have failed. For the components that did not fail before the test was terminated, all we know is that the failure time was longer than the duration of the test. As another example, in recording fire suppression times, the exact time of suppression may not be known; in some cases, all that may be available is an interval estimate (e.g., between 10 and 20 min). In this chapter, we will examine how to treat all of these cases, which we refer to generally as uncertain data.
Jarmo: A Village Early Farmers in Iraq

There is a body of theory, most clearly delineated in recent years by V. Gordon Childe, concerning the importance of the appearance of Food-Production as a basic economic revolution. The domestication of plants and animals assured a stable food supply. Proper village life now came into being, and with it a completely new kind of technology. This latter depends on the fact that time now became available for pursuits other than that of simply collecting food. The theory holds it to be no coincidence that such crafts as architecture, pottery, weaving, and presently metallurgy make their appearance with the establishment of Food-production. These crafts make use of materials constructively, and in some cases actually change the physical or chemical properties of the materials. Such a technology was not characteristic of the preceding Food-gathering stage. The Food-producing revolution and the type of technology which attended it were at least the economic prerequisite for the appearance of civilization (in any useful sense of that word).
The Legal Structure of Property Tax Exemption

The author looks at the legal structure of the property tax exemption for charitable organizations. There is a trend toward closer scrutiny of tax exemptions for charitable organizations, the author says. The long-term trend may be toward abolishing or limiting the value of that exemption, she suggests.
What Time is it? Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia

This study assessed adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia and explored the sociocultural context in which they relate to their regimen requirements. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 105 patients on ART and observations held at the study clinic. We analyzed data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Our findings indicate that study participants are highly adherent to dose but less adherent to dose schedule. Strict dose time instructions were reported as stressful and unrealistic. The discrepancy between adherence to dose and dose schedule could be explained by time perception, difficulty with the strictness of medication regimens, or beliefs about dose timing adherence. Care providers should acknowledge the complexities of medication practices and engage in shared decision-making to incorporate patients' perspectives and identify effective interventions.