cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Communities on High School Students' Knowledge Building, Strategic Learning, and Perceptions of the Classroom

Across two years, we examined the effects of teachers' attempts to implement computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) communities in classrooms in two high schools on students' knowledge building, strategic learning, and perceptions of the classroom environment. In year one, 429 (fall) and 317 (spring) students in the classes of 8 teachers and in year two, 946 students in the classes of 18 teachers participated. Students in classes where CSCL communities were more fully established reported more knowledge building goals and activities, more question asking, and higher perception of collaboration with fellow students. Students' reports of knowledge building, strategic learning, and perceptions of the classroom were also associated with their classroom achievement. Results suggest that implementing practices and technology supportive of CSCL communities can foster increased student knowledge building and enhance students' perceptions of collaboration in regular classroom environments.
Rehabilitation of hospital inpatients with visual impairments and disabilities from systemic illness.

Abstract Park WL, Mayer RS, Moghimi C, Park JM, Deremeik JT. Rehabilitation of hospital inpatients with visual impairments and disabilities from systemic illness. Objectives To describe the comorbidity of visual impairment and disability among patients hospitalized for systemic illness and to discuss rehabilitation. Design Retrospective study. Setting Hospital-based, academic tertiary medical center with referring neurology, ophthalmology, and rehabilitation units. Participants Ninety-three hospitalized patients referred to the low vision rehabilitation clinic primarily by the physical medicine and rehabilitation and neurology units. Interventions Measurements of best-corrected visual acuity and other visual function testing. Referrals were made for prescriptive glasses, assistive devices, rehabilitation, resources, and ophthalmologic evaluation. Main outcome measures Specialized services, presence of comorbidities, and visual function measurements. Results The mean admitting visual acuity revealed a moderate visual impairment. The primary diagnosis for admission (51%) was cerebrovascular accidents. There was a mean of 3.5 other comorbidities. Conclusions The majority of patients admitted to the hospital for systemic diseases also had visual impairments. In many patients, this visual disability (either from the systemic and/or ocular disease) interfered with their activities of daily living.
In situ synchrotron studies of the structural properties of Y‐Ba‐Cu‐O thin films during growth

We report the first real time, in situ synchrotron x‐ray studies of Y‐Ba‐Cu‐O thin‐film growth on (100) SrTiO3 using a miniature, faced‐magnetron sputtering system. A combination of the substrate temperature and the deposition rate determines whether the film grows along the a, c, or multiple axes.
Extended period of extinctions across the Cretaceous /Tertiary boundary in planktonic foraminifera of continental-shelf sections: Implications for impact and volcanism theories

The extinction of planktonic foraminiferal species across the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary has been examined in continental-shelf sections at El Kef, Tunisia, and Brazos River, Texas. These sections are considered to contain the most complete boundary transition record known to date. In both sections, an extended period of species extinctions spans from about 300,000 yr below to about 200,000-300,000 yr above the K/T boundary. Distinct episodes of accelerated extinctions occur below the boundary and about 50,000 yr above the boundary. At El Kef, only 26% of the species extinctions appear directly associated with the K/T boundary and iridium anomaly. At Brazos River, no species extinctions or measurable faunal changes appear directly associated with the K/T boundary and iridium anomaly. Species extinctions selectively affect large, ornate, tropical to subtropical species first and small, primitive, nonornate, subtropical to temperate species last. This pattern of species extinction is likely caused by increased ecological stresses as a result of a late Maastrichtian sea-level regression and global cooling. The extended period of species extinctions and absence of extinctions at the K/T boundary at Brazos River is not entirely compatible with either impact or volcanism theories. Perhaps, multiple unrelated causes should be considered, including a sea-level regression, global cooling, a K/T boundary impact of limited extent, and extensive volcanism.
Single-molecule analysis of the Escherichia coli replisome and use of clamps to bypass replication barriers

The process of chromosome duplication faces many obstacles. One way to circumvent blocks is to hop over them by placing a new clamp on a downstream primer. This resembles lagging strand synthesis, where the tight grip of polymerase to the clamp and DNA must be overcome upon completing each Okazaki fragment so it can transfer to new primed sites. This review focuses on recent single-molecule studies showing that Escherichia coli Pol III can hop from one clamp to another without leaving the replication fork. This capability provides a means to circumvent obstacles like transcription or DNA lesions without fork collapse.
Contribution of Neutral Pions to Photon-Photon Scattering (*).

It is shown that the contribution of neutral pion intermediate states is as much important as electron-positron pair states for low energy photon-photon scattering. For unpolarized scattering the interference between two intermediate states is shown to vanish and the contribution of neutral pion states to the differential cross section is shown to have a sharp maximum with 1.15 · 10−26 cm2/sr at a total energy of photons corresponding to the pion mass. The forward and right-angle cross sections for two intermediate states are compared.
The effect of context on the structure of categories

Abstract Three experiments examined the effect of context on the representativeness ordering of exemplars of a category. Experiments 1 and 2 employed an online reading time paradigm to examine the effect of context on the time it takes to establish an anaphoric reference between an exemplar and a category term. Experiment 1 demonstrated that context can change the relation between a category term and an exemplar at the time of comprehension. Experiment 2 showed that category terms presented in context generate graded goodness-of-example distributions of exemplars that are different from the distributions generated in the absence of explicit context. These distributions cannot be derived by assuming that the exemplar most strongly suggested by the context serves as the category representation. Experiment 3 employed a membership verification paradigm. Response time was found to be a function of degree of relatedness to the contextdependent category representation. Typicality, as determined in the absence of explicit context, had no effect on decision time. Several models, including some extensions of current semantic memory theories, are developed to account for the results of these experiments.
An Empirical Investigation Of Variability In Contrast-Detail Diagram Measurements

The contrast-detail (C-D) diagram has been used widely yin the evaluation of imaging systems including screen-film combinations, computed tomography, and digital radiography. Despite its apparent simplicity and efficiency in generating observer performance data, the relationship between this method and the more rigorous ROC or forced-choice procedures is not well understood. With a high-quality image processing/simulation system, we made images by superimposing digitally simulated square patterns on radiographic noise. We then studied the statistical variability in the C-D diagram due to within- and between-reader differences, and the effect of different numbers of image samples. Results indicate that the percent standard deviations due to each of these variations are about 10-20%. We also compared the visibility thresholds measured by the C-D diagram method and by an 18-alternative forced-choice (18AFC) procedure. Although the thresholds defined in these two methods are fundamentally different, we found that the threshold contrasts measured by the two procedures have similar values.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electrical resistivity of metastable Ag-Ni alloys

Abstract We have successfully prepared solid solution metal films of Ag-Ni with Ni content to 23.4 at.%. Four-probe resistivity measurements were conducted between 2.5 and 300°K and while no anomalies of the magnetic type were observed, the temperature dependence of the resistivity indicates significant deviations from Matthiessen's rule.
Hydrogen tungsten bronze as a decoking agent for long-life, natural gas-fueled solid oxide fuel cells

Ni catalyst-based anodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating with natural gas fuel are vulnerable to coking (carbon deposition) and sulfur poisoning, resulting in impaired anodes and eventual cessation of SOFC operation. The incorporation of as small as 1 atom% W to Ni is found to overcome this formidable challenge. The hydrogen tungsten bronze (HxWO3−δ ≡ WO3−x−δ(OH)x) formed by reaction with the water vapor produced during SOFC operation supplies the hydroxyl groups to oxidize carbon and eliminate coking on the Ni surface. Mobile protons adhered to the oxide ions as well as the mobile oxide ions themselves in the AO3 sublattice of the oxygen-deficient perovskite-type HxWO3−δ facilitate a rapid cleaning of the Ni surface. We show here that Ni–HxWO3−δ–Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (GDC) anode-supported single cell SOFCs with GDC electrolyte and Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ cathode exhibit more than 200 h of stable operation with methane fuel at 650–700 °C.
An improved temporally phase-shifted SRI design

This paper uses a Kalman filter to estimate the optical wavefront from the interferograms produced by a temporally phase-shifted self referencing interferometer (SRI). Four methods of estimation are evaluated with varying noise strengths and frame rates. An extended Kalman filter is shown to outperform other estimation methods and expand the conditions under which a temporal SRI can be utilized.
Spallation Neutron Source Beam Dump Radiation Shielding Analysis

Preliminary shielding calculations were performed to establish the dimensions of the radiation shielding surrounding the three Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) beam stops. Steel shielding thicknesses were sized to give dose levels of 1, 2, and 5 mrem/h at the top of the shield, and, to provide enough shielding along the sides and bottom of the beam dump so that soil activation is not a problem. It was concluded that 144 in. of steel shielding is needed above the beam stop. The thickness of the concrete floor in the service building above the dump was not a part of these calculations. This shielding design is current as of January 2000.
TRANSIENT PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF POLYPHASE HYSTERESIS-RELUCTANCE MOTORS

Abstract This paper presents some important aspects of the run-up characteristics of polyphase hysteresis-reluctance motors. Analysis to predict the transient and asynchronous performances of these type of motors are presented. A general equivalent circuit model is developed for the sub-synchronous mode of operation. The experimental rotor was made of 36% cobalt-steel alloys and tested by using a stator of polyphase generalized machine. A discussion to Investigate the influence of motor parameters on run-up response Is given. Digital simulation studies have been carried out for the proposed analysis and the results are compared to those of a practical model
1994 Special Issue: A biologically based model of functional properties of the hippocampus

The hippocampus is a brain structure essential for learning and memory processes, although its precise role has yet to be determined despite intensive experimental study. A combined experimental/theoretical approach is outlined for realizing a biologically based representation of the hippocampal formation. The approach involves developing two models, one a ''nonparametric'' model in which the subsystems, principal neurons, and subcellular processes of the principal neurons are characterized experimentally using random impulse train stimulation. Nonlinearities in the input/output relation are represented as the kernels of a functional power series. Using multidimensional z-transforms, a procedure is demonstrated for deriving kernel functions for interneurons that are not directly observable. A scheme is proposed for developing an ''external'' model of the hippocampus, in which the system is represented as the composite of the input/output functions of its intrinsic elements. The second model is an ''internal'' model, derived from an n-level field theory, in which specific cellular and subcellular processes are included as the parameters of coupled field equations describing the dynamics at a different hierarchical levels of nervous system function. The current model consists of two field equations for each of the synaptic and neuronal levels, respectively; included in each are geometrical relations to incorporate anatomical characteristics (e.g., connectivity patterns, synaptic, and cell densities) of the system. It is proposed that the two models be used in a complementary manner to achieve an understanding of the neurobiological basis of the system dynamics, and thus the mnemonic function, of the hippocampus.
SU‐FF‐T‐430: Comparison of Dose Volume Histograms From Selected Proton Therapy Treatments Between Geant4.5.0 and Geant4.9.0 Monte Carlo Simulations with and Without Dynamic Densities

Introduction: In order to reduce computation time for protonMonte Carlo dose calculations, our group has introduced a method to improve the voxel navigation algorithm in Geant4.5.0 and to dynamically assign material density in a given voxel element during particle transport. In the meantime, we have developed a new fast voxel navigation technique tailored to Geant4.9.0. Furthermore, Geant4.9.0 shows differences in the physics setup and tracking algorithm compared to the Geant4.5.0. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess whether defining all material densities corresponding to a given HU from the CT scan, i.e. without applying dynamic densities, would significantly impact the runtime for the new Geant4 version. In this study we compare dose‐volume histograms as well as runtime from selected proton therapy treatments between Geant4 Monte Carlo calculations using Geant4.5.0 with the dynamic density method and Geant4.9.0 without the dynamic density method. Methods and Materials: The two plans considered in this study were a spinal cord astrocytoma treatment and a prostate treatment. The differences between the Monte Carlo simulations with and without dynamic densities for each treatment were evaluated by plotting the dose‐volume histograms of the PTV and several other organs‐at‐risk considered in the treatment plan. In addition, the dose contours for each treatment and the contour differences were evaluated. Results: There are small discrepancies between dose calculations with and without dynamic densities, particularly in the GTV of both treatments. These discrepancies may suggest problems with the dynamic density method or problems with the CT conversion process used for generating the patient geometry. Conclusion: A comparison of dose calculations using Geant4.5.0 (including improved voxel navigation and dynamic density algorithm) and using Geant4.9.0 (including our new voxel navigation algorithm and no dynamic density algorithm) yields slight but not clinically significant differences with comparable run time.
Adaptive weighting of subband-classifier responses for robust text-independent speaker recognition

A new strategy for robust speaker recognition using multiple classifiers in the subband domain is presented. This approach relies on the computation of a basis for the null space to implement an adaptive combination of subband-classifier responses. The simulation results using speech corrupted by different types of environmental noises show that the proposed method significantly outperforms other techniques reported in the literature.
Runaway Social Selection for Displays of Partner Value and Altruism

Runaway social selection resulting from partner choice may have shaped aspects of human cooperation and complex sociality that are otherwise hard to account for. Social selection is the subtype of natural selection that results from the social behaviors of other individuals. Competition to be chosen as a social partner can, like competition to be chosen as a mate, result in runaway selection that shapes extreme traits. People prefer partners who display valuable resources and bestow them selectively on close partners. The resulting phenotypic covariance between displays and preferences gives fitness advantages to both, creating runaway selection that could shape a whole suite of prosocial traits including altruism, moral capacities, empathy, and theory of mind. Even though they give a net fitness benefit, traits at the endpoint of runaway social selection can have substantial deleterious effects on other traits such as viability, ability to accumulate resources, or vulnerability to mental disorders. Social selection forces arising from self-interested partner choices may be an invisible hand that shaped capacities for commitment, altruism, and other prosocial capacities of the human social brain.
A proof of production line reversibility

Abstract A production line is a series arrangement of k work stations. Each production item passes through all of the stations in sequence. The service time for a single item at station j is assumed to be a random variable. In this mode of operation any station will at any time be either busy, or idle, or blocked. A measure of the productivity of such a line is its mean production rate r. It has been conjectured that the production rate remains invariant under reversal of the production line. Line reversal means that every item passes through the stations in the reverse order, that is, beginning with station k and ending with station 1. A summary of a general proof of the reversibility property is given.
Evaluation of the SeaWinds scatterometer for regional monitoring of vegetation phenology

[1] Phenology, or the seasonality of recurring biological events such as vegetation canopy development and senescence, is a primary constraint on global carbon, water and energy cycles. We analyzed multiseason Ku-band radar backscatter measurements from the SeaWinds-on-QuikSCAT scatterometer to determine canopy phenology and growing season vegetation dynamics from 2000 to 2002 at 27 sites representing major global land cover classes and regionally across most of North America. We compared these results with similar information derived from the MODIS leaf area index (LAI) data product (MOD-15A2). In site-level linear regression analysis, the correspondence between radar backscatter and LAI was significant (p 0.5) for sites with relatively low LAI or where the seasonal range in LAI was large (e.g., >3 m2 m−2). The SeaWinds instrument also detected generally earlier onset of vegetation canopy growth in spring than the optical/near-infrared (NIR) based LAI measurements from MODIS, though the timing of canopy senescence and the end of the growing season were more similar. Over North America, the correlation between the two time series was stratified largely by land cover class, with higher correlations (R ∼ 0.7–0.9) for most cropland, deciduous broadleaf forest, crop/natural vegetation mosaic land cover, and some grassland. Lower correlations were observed for open shrubland and evergreen needleleaf forest. Overall, the results indicate that SeaWinds backscatter is sensitive to growing season canopy dynamics across a range of broadleaf vegetation types and provides a quantitative view that is independent of optical/NIR remote sensing instruments.
Variation in ultrafiltered and LMW organic matter fluorescence properties under simulated estuarine mixing transects: 1. Mixing alone

[1] Ultrafiltered and low molecular weight dissolved organic matter (UDOM and LMW-DOM, respectively) fluorescence was studied under simulated estuarine mixing using samples collected from Delaware, Chesapeake, and San Francisco Bays (USA) transects. UDOM was concentrated by tangential flow ultrafiltration (TFF) from the marine (>33 PSU), mid-estuarine (∼16 PSU), and freshwater (<1 PSU) members. TFF permeates (<1 kDa) from the three members were used to create artificial salinity transects ranging from ∼0 to ∼36, with 4 PSU increments. UDOM from the end- or mid-members was added in equal amounts to each salinity-mix. Three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEMs) spectra were generated for each end-member permeate and UDOM through the full estuarine mixing transect. Fluorescence components such as proteinaceous, terrigenous, and marine derived humic peaks, and certain fluorescent ratios were noticeably altered by simulated estuarine mixing, suggesting that LMW DOM and UDOM undergo physicochemical alteration as they move to or from the freshwater, mid-estuarine, or coastal ocean members. LMW fluorescence components fit a decreasing linear mixing model from mid salinities to the ocean end-member, but were more highly fluorescent than mixing alone would predict in lower salinities (<8). Significant shifts were also seen in UDOM peak emission wavelengths with blue-shifting toward the ocean end-member. Humic-type components in UDOM generally showed lower fluorescent intensities at low salinities, higher at mid-salinities, and lower again toward the ocean end-member. T (believed to be proteinaceous) and N (labile organic matter) peaks behaved similarly to each other, but not to B peak fluorescence, which showed virtually no variation in permeate or UDOM mixes with salinity. PCA and PARAFAC models showed similar results suggesting trends could be modeled for DOM end- and mid-member sources. Changes in fluorescence properties due to estuarine mixing may be important when using CDOM as a proxy for DOM cycling in coastal systems.
Interactive computer graphics in the study of human body planar motion under free fall conditions

Abstract A computer program utilizing interactive graphics was developed in order to study the planar motion of a five-segment model of the human body. By providing instantaneous feedback and convenient graphical representation of the body, the program allows the user to quickly simulate and study body motions of interest. Consequently, the model is a useful tool for the researcher and may be readily employed for student instructional purposes. The configuration of the model, and the derivation and validation of the equations of motion, are included. Several options provided by the simulation are described.
Two functional inhibitory circuits are comprised of a heterogeneous population of fast-spiking cortical interneurons

Abstract Cortical fast spiking (FS) interneurons possess autaptic, synaptic, and electrical synapses that serve to mediate a fast, coordinated response to their postsynaptic targets. While FS interneurons are known to participate in numerous and diverse actions, functional subgroupings within this multi-functional interneuron class remain to be identified. In the present study, we examined parvalbumin-positive FS interneurons in layer 4 of the primary somatosensory (barrel) cortex – a brain region well-known for specialized inhibitory function. Here we show that FS interneurons fall into two broad categories identified by the onset of the first action potential in a depolarizing train as: “delayed firing FS interneurons (FSD) and early onset firing FS interneurons (FSE). Subtle variations in action potential firing reveal six subtypes within these two categories: delayed non-accommodating (FSD-NAC), delayed stuttering (FSD-STUT), early onset stuttering (FSE-STUT), early onset-late spiking (FSE-LS), early onset early-spiking (FSE-ES), and early onset accommodating (FSE-AC). Using biophysical criteria previously employed to distinguish neuronal cell types, the FSD and FSE categories exhibit several shared biophysical and synaptic properties that coincide with the notion of specificity of inhibitory function within the cortical FS interneuron class.
Status epilepticus in a population-based Virginia twin sample.

Summary: Purpose: To characterize status epilepticus (SE) and estimate its frequency of first occurrence, as well as to assess the contribution of genetic factors to risk of SE occurrence in a sample of Virginia-born twins ascertained from the population-based Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry. Methods: The occurrence of SE was determined in 13,506 unselected Virginia-born twin pairs ascertained from birth records. Twins included in the study were between ages 2 and 75 years when surveyed. History of seizures and SE was validated through medical records and by detailed personal or parental interviews. Results: Among 381 twins included in 332 pairs with a verified history of seizures, 70 (18.4%) were validated to have had at least one episode of SE. The frequency of first SE in this sample was 309 per 100,000 twins. First SE occurred in conjunction with 21 of 158 febrile and 49 of 223 afebrile seizure cases, respectively. Mean length of SE episode was 76.2 ± 14.9 min. Age at first SE occurrence ranged from 2 months to 59 years. All concordant twin pairs in the sample were monozygotic (MZ), with a proband-wise concordance rate estimated for SE in this population of 0.31 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–0.52) overall, and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.35–0.90) in pairs concordant for epilepsy. Conclusions: These results provide a direct estimate of the frequency of SE in a defined population of twins and afford further evidence for a genetic contribution to risk for SE.
Blowup for nonlinear equations using a comparison principle in fourier space

On decrit une nouvelle methode pour demontrer l'eclatement en temps fini pour une classe d'equations paraboliques semi-lineaires
Effect of low potassium diet on cyclopropane-epinephrine ventricular tachycardia and arterial plasma potassium in dogs.

SummaryThe effect of a low potassium diet of 2 to 3 weeks duration on cyclopropane-epinephrine ventricular tachycardia and arterial plasma potassium has been studied in 20 dogs. Eleven dogs were protected from the arrhythmias while on the diet and 9 were not. In the protected group the K mobilized by epinephrine was considerably reduced. In the non-protected group the per cent rise in K was on the average approximately the same as in control. It is concluded that these studies confirm the view that an actual or relative increase in plasma potassium contributes, at least in part, to the increased cardiac sensitivity to epinephrine during cyclopropane anesthesia.
Effects of sample orientation on radiative ignition

Abstract The effects of sample orientation on autoignition delay times and the minimum external radiant flux for autoignition were studied using a CO 2 laser and a gas fired radiant panel as external radiant sources with PMMA and red oak as samples. Ignition delay times were shorter with the horizontal sample than with the vertical one at the same external radiant flux. The minimum external radiant flux for ignition was also less with the horizontal sample. The absorption of external radiation by the boundary layer of decomposition products for the vertical orientation is significant, although its amount is less than the absorption through the plume for the horizontal orientation. Surface temperature at ignition is higher with vertical sample orientation than with horizontal at the same external radiant flux. A theoretical calculation of the surface temperature history with endothermic gasification significantly underestimates the experimental results; this raises a question of the applicability of regression rate expression derived from steady state experiments to the dynamic heating condition.
Beginning your career in academia at a new college of pharmacy.

According to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) annual report for January 15, 2007, to January 14, 2008, there were 106 accredited pharmacy schools in the United States: 90 full, 10 candidate, and 6 precandidate status.[1][1] Opportunities in academia at new and existing schools
Some properties of the maximum likelihood strategy for re-pairing a broken random sample☆

Abstract Matching data form a bivariate population is considered when observations are available only in the form of a broken random sample. In other words, a random sample of n pairs is drawn from the population but the observed data consist of n observations on the second component and the n observations on an unknown permutation of the first component of the n pairs of data. A maximum likelihood matching strategy is revisited. The proportion of approximately correct matches (due to Yahav) is used to evaluate the performance of the pairing strategy as n→∞. The small sample behavior of this proportion is studied via a Monte-Carlo simulation in the special case of bivariate normal parent population.
Stability of crop coefficients under different climate and irrigation management practices

The effects to climate and management practices on crop water requirement coefficients were studied for a soybean crop growing on a sandy soil using a mechanistic model that computes evaporation and transpiration in response to soil, crop, and climatic factors. It was found that seasonal errors could the as high as 190 mm when crop coefficients developed under one set of conditions were used under different climate and management conditions. The largest error in ET occurred when vapor pressure was reduced from 26 mb to 14 mb; next in importance were site differences in wind speed, radiation, irrigation interval, temperature and planting date. Correction factors needed to adjust crop coefficients to those site specific conditions ranged from 0.73 to 1.30 depending on the time of season and climate or management variable that was changed. When the overall crop coefficient was divided into a plant specific and a soil specific coefficients, the plant coefficient was relatively stable compared to soil coefficients. The results of this study can help establish a practical range of conditions over which crop coefficients developed at one site can be used to compute the appropriate values for sites where measurements have not been made.
Kalman Filter-Based Tracking System for Automated Inventory of Roadway Signs

Roadway signs represent a substantial investment of public money in road and highway infrastructure. However, the current level of automation in sign identification and recognition, size dimensioning, and location identification is unsatisfactory. In an effort to improve the automation level of sign inventory, feature extraction and Kalman filter-based tracking techniques for road signs in right-of-way (ROW) images are developed. A framework that combines the conventional image-processing methods with the Kalman filter tracking method is applied to improve the accuracy and efficiency of ROW image processing. With this tracking technique, the candidate region of the road sign in an image can be predicted on the basis of the image in the previous frame. With image processing used near the candidate region of a sign, detection efficiency and accuracy can be improved. The methodologies described fit a dynamic and moving environment, appropriate for a highway survey vehicle.
A rapid assay for dipeptidyl aminopeptidase III in human erythrocytes.

Abstract A simple, rapid procedure for the assay of dipeptidyl aminopeptidase III in human erythrocytes has been developed. The cells are lysed with Triton X-100, centrifuged, and the supernatant fractionated on small columns of carboxymethyl Bio-Gel A at pH 6.5. The enzyme is eluted in the void volume and can be obtained completely separated from hemoglobin; it is then assayed by hydrolysis of Arg-Arg-β-naphthylamide. The procedure is suitable for the routine screening of large numbers of human blood samples for their DAP III activity.
Oxygen and carbon isotope compositions of altered carbonates from the western Pacific, core 53.0, Deep Sea Drilling Project

Abstract In the lower part of DSDP core 53.0, partly recrystallized carbonate sediments and well recrystallized limestone breccias of Oligo-Miocene age are associated with altered volcanic flows, lithified tuffs, and tuff breccias, suggesting that carbonate alteration was the result of thermal metamorphism. However, the oxygen isotope compositions of these carbonates (−3.4 to +0.6‰ rel. PDB) are not compatible with recrystallization and isotope exchange with sea water at high temperatures. Evaluating the effects of the composition of the water which exchanged with the carbonates and of carbonate-water isotope exchange in closed systems yields the following approximate maximum temperature of recrystallization: limestone breccias, 100°C; calcite veins rimming breccia clasts, 30°C; and unconsolidated sediments overlying the breccias, 20°C. Therefore, the volcanics at site 53.0 must have been emplaced into the primary carbonate sediments at relatively low temperatures. Subsequent carbonate alteration was probably a consequence of chemical changes in ambient pore waters resulting from the submarine weathering of volcanic material.
Phase change with multiple fronts in cylindrical systems using the boundary element method

Abstract In this paper, multiple front phase change problems in one-dimensional cylindrical systems are investigated. The objective is to develop a numerical solution using the BEM for freezing and melting problems involving multiple moving fronts. Multiple moving phase fronts arise when the phase change material (PCM) is subjected to alternate driving temperatures that cause the surface temperature of the PCM to change back and forth across the phase change temperature. This kind of problem is highly nonlinear at the phase fronts that separate alternate liquid and solid layers with different properties. Fully implicit time discretization is applied to ensure numerically stable results. Numerical results are presented for a cylindrical problem with the inner surface subjected to a convective environment where the temperature changes between values above and below the freeze temperature of the PCM. This condition could occur in ice thermal storage systems. The numerical behaviour of the creation and collapse of the moving fronts is investigated by changing the Stefan number, Biot number, initial temperature, the cycling time length and the time step size.
Larval Behavior and Post-Larval Development in Parasmittina nitida Morphotype B (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata)

Larval behavior and metamorphosis in Parasmittina nitida morphotype B from the Gulf of Mexico has been studied. The larvae have two basic types of movement: (1) a clockwise-counterclockwise movement about the aboral-oral axis of the lobular larval form resulting in either slow horizontal or rapid vertical movement, and (2) a directed horizontal movement of the creeping larval form, whereby either the oral lobe is pressed against the substrate or the aboral-oral axis is tilted forward. In both forms, the vibratile plume of the pyriform organ complex extends the leading edge of the larva. Metamorphosis was observed with Nomarski differential interference microscopy in living specimens and with scanning electron microscopy in fixed specimens. Polypide development— in particular, the formation and diminution of the nutritive mass, the differentiation of the polypide rudiment, diaphragm, vestibular glands, operculum, major components of the musculature and alimentary canal, and the early stages of astogenetic growth—is described. The tata ancestrula of this species is characterized by a frontal wall calcified distally to the aperture, which is surrounded by nine erect spines. The polypide feeds actively within seven to eight days after the onset of larval attachment and metamorphosis under laboratory conditions of 22°C.
Anesthetic potency (MAC) is independent of forebrain structures in the rat.

Background The ability of general anesthetics to suppress somatomotor responses to surgical incision and other noxious stimuli is of particular clinical relevance. When the blockade is due to inhaled agents, this effect can be quantified as the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), i.e., that concentration that blocks movement evoked by a noxious stimulus (ED50). Methods To identify the neural structures that subtend this somatomotor response, we anesthetized 14 rats with isoflurane in oxygen and performed bilateral parietal-temporal craniotomles. In each rat, MAC was repeatedly tested using tail-clamping and Dixon's up-down concentration technique. After determination of baseline MAC, seven rats underwent aspiration decerebration, after which MAC was repeatedly measured. Results In the control group (N = 7), MAC (mean ± SD) remained constant at 1.30 ± 0.25% for more than 6 h. In the seven rats that underwent aspiration decerebration, baseline MAC was 1.26 ± 0.14%. These seven rats with histologically validated precollicular decerebration demonstrated no change in MAC relative to control rats, as much as 11 h after decerebration (P = 0.14). Conclusions These findings suggest that the anesthetic-induced unresponsiveness to noxious stimuli measured by MAC testing does not depend on cortical or forebrain structures in the rat.
Contralateral enhancement and suppression of vibrotactile sensation.

A psychophysical matching procedure was used to measure the effect of a conditioning stimulus on the vibrotactile sensation magnitude of a test stimulus. When both stimuli were applied to the thenar eminence of the same hand, the conditioning stimulus enhanced the sensation magnitude of the test stimulus. Enhancement was also observed when the test stimulus was on the thenar eminence and the conditioning stimulus was either on the contralateral thenar eminence, the ipsilateral middle finger, or the contralateral middle finger. When the conditioning and test stimuli were applied to separate sites, enhancement was maximal when At between the stimuli was 150 msec. At Ate less than 100 msec, suppression was observed. Enhancement and suppression were observed only when the frequencies of the two stimuli were within the same vibrotactile information processing channel.
Carbon-carbon bond formation at a neutral terminal carbido ligand: generation of cyclopropenylidene and vinylidene complexes.

Olefin metathesis is an important tool for organic and polymer synthesis. However, some key functional groups are not tolerated even by Ru-based catalysts. We recently showed that vinyl esters can deactivate [Ru(CHPh)(PCy3)2Cl2] (1) [3] by quantitative formation of [Ru(C)(PCy3)2Cl2] (2) [4,5] A rare neutral terminal carbido complex, 2 is surprisingly stable and has few reported reactions. However, protonation of 2 by strong acid yields catalysts that rapidly initiate olefin metathesis. Thus, 2 is both a precursor to and a decomposition product of olefin metathesis catalysts. We see 2 as a potential source of a C1 fragment. Accordingly, we describe herein the first C C bond-forming reaction of this unusual compound. The terminal carbido ligand in 2 is a poor nucleophile, as shown by its failure to react with MeI, MeCOCl, and PhCH2Br. Although 2 does not react with a variety of alkenes and alkynes (see the Supporting Information), it reacts cleanly with MeO2CC CCO2Me (dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, DMAD) over 4 h in C6H6. A new blue-purple complex, 3, is formed as the carbido signal for 2 (C NMR: d= 471.8 ppm) is replaced by a new signal at d= 195.7 ppm. The H NMR spectrum evinces formation of a 1:1 adduct of 2 with DMAD. Formation of the cyclopropenylidene complex [Ru{=CC2(CO2Me)2}(PCy3)2Cl2] (Scheme 1) accounts for these observations. Several cyclopropenylidene complexes exist. Unlike 3, however, the cyclopropenylidene units in these complexes are substituted by phenyl or electrondonating groups. [Ru(C)(H2IMes)(PCy3)Cl2] (4 ; H2IMes= 4,5-dihydro-1,3-bis(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene) reacts similarly with DMAD, but the reaction is not clean since the product reacts further with DMAD before all of 4 has been consumed. However, 4 reacts more cleanly with HC CCO2Me (see the Supporting Information). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the structure of 3. Figure 1 depicts a thermal ellipsoid plot of one of the two chemically equivalent but crystallographically independent molecules of 3 in the crystal. The data establish the expected connectivity in 3, but the large uncertainty associated with the Ru=C bond length of 1.846(10) A precludes comparison with those in related alkylidene complexes. The cyclopropenylidene ring lies in the Cl-Ru-Cl plane. The structure shows significant bond localization in the cyclopropenylidene fragment. These distances closely resemble those observed in free Scheme 1. Formation of 3 and ring-opening reactions. HBpin=pinacolborane, Ar=3,5-Me2C6H3.
On the isolation of elemental carbon (EC) for micro-molar 14 C accelerator mass spectrometry: development of a hybrid reference material for 14 C-EC accuracy assurance, and a critical evaluation of the thermal optical kinetic (TOK) EC isolation procedure

Abstract. The primary objective of the research reported here has been the development of a hybrid reference material (RM) to serve as a test of accuracy for elemental carbon (EC) isotopic (14C) speciation measurements. Such measurements are vital for the quantitative apportionment of fossil and biomass sources of "soot" (EC), the tracer of fire that has profound effects on health, atmospheric visibility, and climate. Previous studies of 14C-EC measurement quality, carried out with NIST SRM 1649a (Urban Dust), showed a range of results, but since the "truth" was not known for this natural matrix RM, one had to rely on isotopic-chemical consistency evidence (14C in PAH, EC) of measurement validity (Currie et al., 2002). Components of the new Hybrid RM (DiesApple), however, have known 14C and EC composition, and they are nearly orthogonal (isotopically and chemically). NIST SRM 2975 (Forklift Diesel Soot) has little or no 14C, and its major compositional component is EC; SRM 1515 (Apple Leaves) has the 14C content of biomass-C, and it has little or no EC. Thus, the Hybrid RM can serve as an absolute isotopic test for the absence of EC-mimicking pyrolysis-C (char) from SRM 1515 in the EC isolate of the Hybrid RM, as well as a test for conservation of its dominant soot fraction throughout the isolation procedure. The secondary objective was to employ the Hybrid RM for the comparative evaluation of the thermal optical kinetic (TOK) and thermal optical transmission (TOT) methods for the isolation of EC for micro-molar carbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). As part of this process, the relatively new TOK method was subjected to a critical evaluation and significant development. Key findings of our study are: (1) both methods exhibited biomass-C "leakage"; for TOT, the EC fraction isolated for AMS contained about 8% of the original biomass-C; for TOK, the refractory carbon (RC) isolated contained about 3% of the original biomass-C.; (2) the initial isothermal oxidation stage of the TOK method substantially reduced the transfer of artifact char to the RC fraction, improving isolation capabilities; (3) the Hybrid RM was not equal to the sum of its parts, with matrix interactions inducing premature loss of EC which, however, could be quantified and minimized; (4) the three-stage TOK method provided a superior capability for carbonate quantification at the sub-micromolar level, with "reagent-free" removal of carbonate-C from EC – essential for low-level EC-14C AMS.
Bragg–Williams Model of CsCl-Type Ordering of the FeCo System in Strong Magnetic Fields

A modified Bragg–Williams (B–W) model of α and α′ FeCo is extended to estimate the effect of strong magnetic fields on the critical ordering temperature (T ORDER) taking into account long-range chemical and magnetic ordering. The model discussed here is generalized from our previous work in which only the larger average exchange per atom in the chemically ordered state was taken into account. A positive shift of critical temperatures for the higher order α→α′ order-disorder phase transformation has been predicted in the presence of a strong field. In this work, the experimentally observed dependence of the average magnetic moment of Fe atoms on the degree of chemical order has been accounted for explicitly. The estimated shift in the critical ordering temperature (ΔT ORDER) is larger when the dependence of the Fe moment on the degree of chemical order is taken into account, particularly in the case of Fe-rich compositions (e.g., ΔT ORDER ∼ 13 K vs ΔT ORDER ∼ 10 K for H ∼ 50 T at equiatomic composition). For most compositions, however, the contribution to ΔT ORDER associated with the larger average exchange per atom in the chemically ordered state accounts for the majority of the shift. The estimated effect remains quite small and is only expected to be experimentally observable in static fields larger than currently available in most laboratories (ΔT ORDER is only predicted to be larger than ∼2 to 3 K for H > ∼10 T).
Beyond Moore's Law: the interconnect era

Reversing early limitations on Moore's low, interconnectors have replaced transistors as the main determinants of chip performance. This "tyranny of interconnectors" will only escalate in the future, and thus the nanoelectronics that follow silicon must be interconnect-centric. This new technology will likely use "transistors" that approach, if not surpass, the 0.1 ps latency of 10 nm generation silicon transistors. Consequently, if we optimistically assume that the interconnects of this post-Moore's Law nanotechnology will be superconductive, their latency will exceed that of the transistors for interconnect lengths greater than 30 /spl mu/m, while long, on-chip interconnect lengths will be 1,000 times greater at 30 mm. Consequently, mainstream electronics will have an interconnect era beyond Moore's law.
Application of liquid chromatography/thermospray mass spectrometry to studies on the formation of glutathione and cysteine conjugates from monomethylcarbamate metabolites of bambuterol.

Liquid chromatography/thermospray mass spectrometry (LC/TSP-MS) has been used to identify and study the rates of formation of S-(N-methylcarbamoyl) cysteine and S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)glutathione as products of the in vitro reaction of cysteine and glutathione, respectively, with two monomethylcarbamate metabolites of the bronchodilator pro-drug bambuterol. The conjugates of interest afforded MH+ species and yielded abundant structurally informative fragment ions which were employed in the development of quantitative, selected-ion monitoring assays. It is concluded that LC/TSP-MS represents a rapid and convenient approach to the direct aqueous-phase analysis of the class of S-(N-alkylcarbamoyl) conjugates of cysteine and glutathione.
The evolving role of avotermin in scar prevention

Evaluation of: Bush J, Duncan JA, Bond JS et al. Scar-improving efficacy of avotermin administered into the wound margins of skin incisions evaluated by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II clinical trial. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 126(5), 1604–1615 (2010).Scar formation is a medical problem that affects a diverse population of patients, at times leading to devastating physical and psychological consequences. In contrast to adult skin, early gestational fetal skin heals without scar formation. This discovery has led to a large field of research related to defining the factors responsible for scarless wound healing. The TGF-β superfamily has been a major focus for the field of regenerative medicine, as its three mammalian isoforms exhibit varying degrees of activity between fetal and adult skin. Avotermin is a novel human recombinant TGF-β3 protein that has been studied both in vitro and in vivo for its antiscarring properties. This article evaluates a recently published Phase II clinical ...