cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensor Tendon Repair With and Without Central Slip Reattachment to Bone: A Biomechanical Study

Purpose Swanson's technique for repair of the extensor tendon of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, entailing bony reattachment of the extensor tendon to the base of the middle phalanx, is a common procedure. We introduce a repair technique that is less complicated and that may be equally appropriate for approach to the PIP joint. The extensor tendon is incised longitudinally directly over the PIP joint. The insertion of the central slip and capsule are elevated off of the base of the middle phalanx. This allows excellent visualization of the PIP joint. The extensor tendon is then repaired by side-to-side approximation using Ethibond suture. The purpose of this study was to test and compare the strength of this proposed technique with that of Swanson in a cadaver model. Methods The index, long, and ring fingers from 4 pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver hands were harvested (24 digits total). One technique was performed and tested in all digits of the 3-digit contralateral pairings from 2 pairs of hands (3 digits × 4 hands; 12 digits total per technique). Twelve control digits were used to measure the fixation strength and stiffness of the Swanson approach, and the other 12 digits were used to measure the fixation strength and stiffness of the new procedure. Results All tendon repairs tolerated physiologic loading of 25 N. There was no statistically significant difference in stiffness between the control and experimental groups (mean ± SD, 4.74 N/mm ± 0.46 and 4.62 N/mm ± 0.30, respectively; p >.05). Conclusions Simple repair of the central slip without reattachment to bone preserves the function of the extensor mechanism at the PIP joint and provides excellent exposure to the joint.
The effects of augmented virtual science laboratories on middle school students' understanding of gas properties

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize authentic scientific practices such as developing models and constructing explanations of phenomena. However, research documents how students struggle to explain observable phenomena with molecular-level behaviors with current classroom experiences. For example, physical laboratory experiences in science enable students to interact with observable scientific phenomena, but students often fail to make connections to underlying molecular-level behaviors. Virtual laboratory experiences and computer-based visualizations enable students to interact with unobservable scientific concepts, but students can have difficulties connecting to actual instantiations of the observed phenomenon. This paper investigates how combining physical and virtual experiences into augmented virtual science laboratories can help students build upon intuitive ideas and develop molecular-level explanations of macroscopic phenomena. Specifically, this study uses the Frame, a sensor-augmented virtual lab that uses sensors as physical inputs to control scientific simulations. Eighth-grade students (N?=?45) engaged in a Frame lab focused on the properties of gas. Results demonstrate that students using the Frame lab made progress developing molecular-level explanations of gas behavior and refining alternative and partial ideas into normative ideas about gases. This study offers insights for how augmented virtual labs can be designed to enhance science learning and encourage scientific practices as called for in the NGSS. Combining virtual and physical labs has potential to promote science learning.Minimal research exists on augmented virtual technologies in authentic classrooms.Students use physical controls of the Frame to manipulate rich, virtual simulations.Pilot tests show student improvement on explanations about gas properties.
Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Das Märchen der 672. Nacht and the Trials of Oscar Wilde

In this article, the author argues for a reading of Hofmannsthal's Marchen der 672. Nacht (1895) as a work that was profoundly influenced by the three trials and ultimate criminal conviction of Oscar Wilde. In addition, he asserts that the Wilde trials led Hofmannsthal to reassess the shortcomings inherent in aestheticism and, as a consequence, to reaffirm the critical importance of social engagement for the artist.1
Multichannel Mueller matrix ellipsometer based on the dual rotating compensator principle

Abstract A multichannel ellipsometer in the dual rotating-compensator configuration has been designed and constructed for applications in real time Mueller matrix ellipsometry (approx. 2–5 eV) of anisotropic surfaces and films. The sequence of optical elements for this instrument is denoted PC 1r ( ω 1 ) SC 2r ( ω 2 ) A , where P , S , and A represent the polarizer, sample, and analyzer. C 1r ( ω 1 ) and C 2r ( ω 2 ) represent two MgF 2 biplate compensators that rotate at frequencies of ω 1 /2 π =10 Hz and ω 2 /2 π =6 Hz, synchronized for a ratio ω 1 : ω 2 of 5:3. Spectra in the 16 Mueller matrix elements of a transmitting or reflecting sample can be established from the 25 non-zero Fourier coefficients of the irradiance waveform acquired in a single 0.25 s optical cycle . Initial high speed Mueller matrix measurements have been performed on weakly anisotropic samples that push the instrument to its precision/accuracy limits. These include the (110) Si surface with maximum cross-polarization ellipsometric angles of ψ ps ∼0.1° and nanostructured thin films with maximum ψ ps ∼1°.
SU-FF-J-06: Off-Axis Variation of the Varian OBI Photon Spectrum and Impact On Cone-Beam CT Image Quality

Purpose: Bow‐tie filters used in CBCTimage acquisition alter photon spectra across the radiation field. Furthermore, incident spectra vary along the longitudinal direction of an X‐ray tube due to the anode‐heel effect. The goal of this study is to characterize off‐axis spectral variation of a Varian® on‐board kV imager and to investigate its impact on the quality of reconstructed images.Method and Materials: Spectra were derived by fitting the semi‐empirical Birch‐Marshall (BM) model to narrow‐beam aluminum transmission data measured with a parallel‐plate ion‐chamber at different locations along the transverse axes of the OBI field. Photon spectra with and without filtration of the full and half bow‐tie filters were measured. Simple analytical models for deriving off‐axis spectra at arbitrary detector locations from the central‐axis spectrum were developed and validated against the measured spectra. Imagesreconstructed from synthetic datasets with constant and spatially variant photon spectra were used to assess both bow‐tie filter and anode‐heel spectral hardening effects on image quality. Results: The derived spectra accurately reproduced the transmission measurements with mean and maximum deviations of 0.6% and 2.5%, respectively. The anode‐heel effect is insignificant at small off‐axis angles. The variation of aluminum HVLs of spectra is less than 0.5 mm within 3° off‐axis angles. Bow‐tie filters significantly alter photon off‐axis spectra. The mean photon energies at 5° off‐axis angle with the full bow‐tie and the half bow‐tie filter are 78.7 keV and 67.6 keV, respectively, compared to the centralaxis mean energy of 60.0 keV. Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates the feasibility of using narrow‐beam transmission measurements in conjunction with the BM model to characterize relative small off‐axis spectral variations. The spectra at arbitrary off‐axis angles can be adequately characterized by hardening the central‐axis spectra. The anode‐heel effect does not significantly alter beam‐hardening artifacts in the reconstructed images. Supported by Varian Medical Systems
Metabolism of Hempa Uniformly Labeled with C14 in Male House Flies

When hempa was uniformly labeled with C14 and its metabolism in male house flies, Musca domestica L., was studied, total recovery of radioactivity from treated flies and their excreta was about 90%. The recovery of radioactivity from respiratory CO2 was only 1.25% of the injected 5.71 μg of C14-hempa/fly during the first 24 hours. Radiometric and colorimetric determinations indicated that 2.5-3 hours after treatment, treated flies retained 50% of the dose and that at the end of 24 hours they retained about 2-3% of the dose. The treated flies were 50% sterile 4 hours 45 minutes after treatment and completely sterile about 7 hours after treatment. The only major metabolite of hempa found in treated flies and in their excreta was pentamethylphosphoric triamide. Unchanged hempa and its metabolite were separated from the extracts of treated flies and their excreta by thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and radiochromatography. For identification, the 2 compounds were isolated by thin-layer chromatography, and their structure was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy.
A Low Emission Power Plant: An Integrated Technique to Remove Major Pollutants

This manuscript presents an integrated approach for the simultaneous reduction of major combustion-generated pollutants from powerplants. This approach combines dry-sorbent injection for SO2 concentration reduction, coal injection (reburning) for NOx reduction in conjunction, with a ceramic honeycomb filter for particulate emission capture. A succinct economic analysis was conducted to show the financial feasibility of the system, as compared with other state of the art systems. The performance of low-cost commercial sorbent, calcium carbonate [CaCO3 ] as well as sodium bicarbonate [NaHCO3 ] was evaluated in this laboratory. The sorbent powders were blended with three types of pulverized coal (bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite coal) to achieve NOx reduction and results were contrasted with the performance of the more costly sorbent calcium formate [Ca(COOH)2 ], which forms porous calcium oxide. The sorbents were injected in a simulated effluent gas containing SO2 and NO at a gas temperature of 1150°C (1423 K), upstream of the ceramic filter, which was kept at 600°C (873 K). Most of the tests have been run in the Ca/S range 1–2. The fuel-to-air equivalence ratio, φ, was in the neighborhood of 2 for all tests. This integrated sorbent/filter method is cost-effective in comparison to current technologies, on both capital cost ($/kW) and levelized cost ($/ton pollutant removed) bases, if a limestone/coal mixture is used as the sorbent for fossil fuel plants. Capital costs for the filter/sorbent combination are estimated to be in the range of $61–105/kWe for new plants of different size. Since current technologies are designed for removing one pollutant at a time both their cost and space requirements are higher than those of this integrated technique. At the minimum projected removal efficiencies for SO2 /NOx of in the order of 40% and particulate removal efficiencies in the order of 99%, the levelized costs are projected to be $203–261/ton of combined pollutant SO2 /NOx and particulates removed from coal fired power plants.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Structures of Substituted-Cyclopentadienyl Uranium(III) Dimers and Related Uranium Metallocenes Deduced by EXAFS

The crystal structures of [Cp‘ ‘2UF]2 and [Cp⧧2UO]2 are reported, where Cp‘ ‘ is 1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3 and Cp⧧ is 1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3. Both complexes have idealized C2h symmetry, and their U···U distances a...
The changing nature of urban affirmative action programs: the search for race-neutral alternatives

In January, 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court cast in doubt the legality of minority set-aside programs. The Court required government set-aside programs to meet a “strict-scrutiny” standard of review and required cities to first explore race-neutral means for increasing minority firm participation prior to utilizing any type of rigid quota system. This paper examines how four cities have reacted quite differently, with some cities continuing old practices, and others developing a mixture of new policies and implementation structures. It is argued that the Supreme Court's decision will have only a minor impact on minority contracting programs, with cities seeking to combine affirmative action contracting programs with those that stress economic development.
New perceptual objects that capture attention produce inhibition of return

New perceptual objects are known to capture attention. We show that such attentional capture is similar to that produced by peripheral luminance changes, as opposed to symbolic central cues, in that it produces inhibition of return. Two experiments employed equiluminant texture changes that attracted attention, producing an initial attentional benefit (in detection and discrimination) followed by inhibition of return. However, when the display was altered so that the texture change did not define a new object, no facilitation or inhibition was observed. The results bolster recent claims of the importance of new perceptual objects and extend our understanding of the effect of such objects on attention.
An energetic perspective on the regional response of precipitation to climate change

The hydrological cycle is ultimately driven by solar energy, so it is not surprising that energy constraints affect the response of rainfall to climate change at a global level. Now analysis shows that the regional response of rainfall to greenhouse-gas-driven warming can also be understood from an energetic perspective.
A mechanistic modeling system for estimating large-scale emissions and transport of pollen and co-allergens

Allergic airway diseases represent a complex health problem which can be exacerbated by the synergistic action of pollen particles and air pollutants such as ozone. Understanding human exposures to aeroallergens requires accurate estimates of the spatial distribution of airborne pollen levels as well as of various air pollutants at different times. However, currently there are no established methods for estimating allergenic pollen emissions and concentrations over large geographic areas such as the United States. A mechanistic modeling system for describing pollen emissions and transport over extensive domains has been developed by adapting components of existing regional scale air quality models and vegetation databases. First, components of the Biogenic Emissions Inventory System (BEIS) were adapted to predict pollen emission patterns. Subsequently, the transport module of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system was modified to incorporate description of pollen transport. The combined model, CMAQ-pollen, allows for simultaneous prediction of multiple air pollutants and pollen levels in a single model simulation, and uses consistent assumptions related to the transport of multiple chemicals and pollen species. Application case studies for evaluating the combined modeling system included the simulation of birch and ragweed pollen levels for the year 2002, during their corresponding peak pollination periods (April for birch and September for ragweed). The model simulations were driven by previously evaluated meteorological model outputs and emissions inventories for the eastern United States for the simulation period. A semi-quantitative evaluation of CMAQ-pollen was performed using tree and ragweed pollen counts in Newark, NJ for the same time periods. The peak birch pollen concentrations were predicted to occur within two days of the peak measurements, while the temporal patterns closely followed the measured profiles of overall tree pollen. For the case of ragweed pollen, the model was able to capture the patterns observed during September 2002, but did not predict an early peak; this can be associated with a wider species pollination window and inadequate spatial information in current land cover databases. An additional sensitivity simulation was performed to comparatively evaluate the dispersion patterns predicted by CMAQ-pollen with those predicted by the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, which is used extensively in aerobiological studies. The CMAQ estimated concentration plumes matched the equivalent pollen scenario modeled with HYSPLIT. The novel pollen modeling approach presented here allows simultaneous estimation of multiple airborne allergens and other air pollutants, and is being developed as a central component of an integrated population exposure modeling system, the Modeling Environment for Total Risk studies (MENTOR) for multiple, co-occurring contaminants that include aeroallergens and irritants.
High contrast multi-pass Fabry-Perot interferometer

A technique for improving the contrast ratio of a Fabry-Perot spectrometer is presented. Using triplepasses of radiation through a mesh-reflector Fabry-Perot it is shown how the contrast ratio may be improved by orders of magnitude. Experimental verification has been demonstrated and the application of the technique to specific cases of interest discussed briefly. Overall improvement in finesse as well as contrast ratio has been achieved with only small loss in transmission.
A myopic review of the viscoelastic behavior of polymers

Abstract Many of the developments in the analysis and understanding of the linear viscoelastic behavior of amorphous polymers, starting with early experimental studies and the Boltzmann superposition principle, have been chronologically followed. The appreciation of the role of entropic forces, time-temperature equivalence, normal mode theory, and the volume-based temperature changes in rate are noted. The reports on Andrade creep are summarized and structure-property correlations are followed. The types of thermorheological complexity which have been observed in the behavior of linear amorphous polymers are listed. The molecular weight dependence of the viscosity at T g and the influence of cross-linking are mentioned.
Performance of density functionals for computation of core electron binding energies in first-row hydrides and glycine

A number of density functionals are benchmarked for calculation of 1s core electron binding energies for carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen nuclei in glycine, and for comparison in the first-row hydrides methane, ammonia, and water. The goal is to establish methods having potential to aid the analysis of experimental X-ray photoelectron spectra on compounds such as amino acids, DNA nucleosides, and large polypeptides in various environments. Several promising density functionals are identified that can reproduce experimental results within 0.2 eV on average for the absolute binding energies and also for the intramolecular and intermolecular shifts in the studied molecules.
Anatomy of a Campus Crisis Center.

This article describes the organization and implementation of a crisis calling center for college students at Southern Colorado State College. The “Help Anonymous” telephone service was established in November of 1968 to make counseling help readily available to students in distress. Volunteers staffed the service after they had completed special training supervised by professional personnel. Calls received as of May 28, 1969, totalled 380. Problem areas mentioned most frequently by callers included dating, family, college classes, loneliness, and lack of information. Help Anonymous thus far has evolved three functions: a listening service, an information service, and a referral service. In addition, the program has revealed unusual potential for a variety of future applications within the college community.
Computational design of orthogonal nucleoside kinases

We report the computational enzyme design of an orthogonal nucleoside analog kinase for 3'-deoxythymidine. The best kinase variant shows an 8500-fold change in substrate specificity, resulting from a 4.6-fold gain in catalytic efficiency for the nucleoside analog and a 2000-fold decline for the native substrate thymidine.
The relationships between the dimensions of health care quality and price: the case of eye care.

Address correspondence to: Deborah Haas-Wilson, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063. t Also some hospitals and public and private health insurers use information on physician quality to decide which physicians are given privilege to either perform a particular medical procedure or to be paid for performing a particular medical procedure. Some businesses even use patient's evaluations of quality to determine physician reimbursement. Allied-Signal Inc. awards a 10% to 15% bonus on top of fixed monthly fees to physicians evaluated as "outstanding" by patients. (Wall Street Journal 10/13/92). t There is some evidence that physician profiling, the practice of documenting how a physician is practicing and then comparing the physician's profile to a national standard or practice guideline improves performance by physicians."2 about providers' reputations for quality may correct the market failure due to uninformed
Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanotube Composite for Ultrasound Transducer Application

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PbZr1−xTixO3, PZT) is a high performance piezoelectric material which is widely used for making ultrasound transducers. However, pure PZT suffered from high acoustic impedance and crosstalk effect, which deteriorate their performances. To solve these problems, people developed micro fiber PZT composite. As restricted by the fabrication method, like dicing, the size of PZT micro fibers are usually on the order of 10s micros. In this paper, we are going to introduce a PZT nanotube composite, in which the size of active material is on the order of nanometers. To fabricate the PZT nanotube composite, we used a template assistant method. First an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template was made by two step anodic process. Then PZT nanotube composite was made by wetting the AAO template with PZT sol-gel. Following, top and bottom electrodes were made by silver paste. After fabrication, hysteresis loops were measured to verify the piezoelectricity property of this nanotube composite. Then the impedance of the composite transducer was measured by a network analyzer. Resonant frequency of the transducer was found by the impedance data. This nanotube composite based transducer could theoretically reduce or even eliminate the crosstalk effect, since the diameter of nanotube is much smaller than half wave length of ultrasound. So an improved performance of PZT nanotube composite based ultrasound transducer could be expected.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cloning and characterization of the human stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene promoter: transcriptional activation by sterol regulatory element binding protein and repression by polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a microsomal enzyme required for the biosynthesis of oleate (C18:1) and palmitoleate (C16:1) which are the major monounsaturated fatty acids of membrane phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol esters. Previously the full-length human skin cDNA was sequenced and the exon and intron structure of the single functional SCD gene determined. Here we report on the cloning and characterization of the promoter region of the human SCD gene. The human promoter structure is very similar to that of the mouse SCD1 isoform and contains conserved regulatory sequences for the binding of several transcription factors including the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), CCAAT enhancer binding protein-alpha (C/EBPalpha) and nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) that have been shown to transactivate the transcription of the mouse SCD1 gene. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol decreased the SCD promoter-luciferase activity when transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The decrease in promoter activity correlated with decreases in endogenous SCD mRNA and protein levels. Cotransfection experiment in HepG2 cells showed transactivation of the SCD promoter-luciferase activity by an expression vector containing SREBP-1a and 1c. Our studies indicate that the transcription of the human SCD gene is repressed by polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol and that SREBP plays a role in the transcriptional activation of this gene.
Surface preparation of ZnSe substrates for MBE growth of II-VI light emitters

Abstract This paper describes substrate surface preparation techniques used in the development II–VI light emitting diode and laser diode structures on high-quality, bulk ZnSe substrates supplied by Eagle-Picher Industries. The use of ZnSe substrates eliminates many of the problems associated with lattice mismatch in heteroepitaxy of II–VI light emitters on GaAs substrates. However, defects still form during nucleation of an epitaxial layer on ZnSe substrates because of surface roughness, contamination, and defects. We have employed a variety of wet chemical etches, vacuum anneals, plasma treatments, and characterization techniques such as RHEED, Auger electron spectroscopy, and SEM studies to improve the ZnSe substrate surface prior to MBE film growth. A combination of hydrogen plasma exposure and annealing was found to be the most effective way to remove contaminants from ZnSe substrates but less than optimum homoepitaxial quality showed that the surface preparation is more complex than simply cleaning the polished surface. Since polishing can leave residual damage in the form of near-surface defects, the top layer of these substrates was removed by reactive ion etching with BCl 3 . Parameters were chosen such that this etch was homogeneous and smoothed the ZnSe surface. Etch pit density measurements revealed that the polish-induced damage to ZnSe extended up to about 5 μm deep. A dramatic improvement in the characteristics of blue/green light emitting devices was observed for devices grown on ZnSe substrates from which this damaged layer had been removed. This surface preparation procedure has led to the brightest and longest lasting II–VI green LEDs made in the world today.
Social Influences on the Diffusion of Knowledge

Primary social factors that may act as facilitators or inhibitors to the diffusion of knowledge in the social setting are discussed. The source of information is examined with respect to credibility, trustworthiness and attractiveness. In addition, four major issues are presented regarding information diffusion: logical vs. emotional appeals, one‐sided vs. two‐sided arguments, order of presentation and size of discrepancy.
Effect of potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate, perfluorooctanoate and octanesulfonate on the phase transition of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers

Abstract Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent environmental pollutant that may cause adverse effects by inhibiting pulmonary surfactant. To gain further insights in this potential mechanism of toxicity, we investigated the interaction of PFOS potassium salt with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) – the major component of pulmonary surfactant – using steady-state fluorescence anisotropy spectroscopy and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). In addition, we investigated the interactions of two structurally related compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and octanesulfonic acid (OS) potassium salt, with DPPC. In the fluorescence experiments a linear depression of the main phase transition temperature of DPPC (Tm) and an increased peak width was observed with increasing concentration of all three compounds, both using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH) as fluorescent probes. PFOS caused an effect on Tm and peak width at much lower concentrations because of its increased tendency to partition onto DPPC bilayers, i.e., the partition coefficients decrease in the K(PFOS) > K(PFOA) >> K(OS). Similar to the fluorescence anisotropy measurements, all three compounds caused a linear depression in the onset of the main phase transition temperature and a significant peak broadening in the DSC experiments, with PFOS having the most pronounced effect of the peak width. The effect of PFOS and other fluorinated surfactants on DPPC in both mono- and bilayers may be one mechanism by which these compounds cause adverse biological effects.
Intergenerational social support and the psychological well-being of older parents in China.

This study explores the relationship between intergenerational social support and the psychological well-being of older Chinese parents. Effects of structural, functional, emotional, and appraisal social support on older Chinese parents’ well-being were tested by analyzing data collected from a random sample of 3,039 persons aged 55 and over who participated in the 1992 baseline survey of the Beijing Multidimensional Longitudinal Study on Aging (BMLSOA). Multiple regression is used to determine whether intergenerational exchanges of social support influence older parents’ morale. Findings reveal that providing instrumental support to children and satisfaction with children directly improve parents’well-being. The benefits of receiving support from children are fully mediated by parents’satisfaction with their children. The positive effects of providing functional support are magnified among parents who adhere to more traditional norms regarding family support. The results suggest that the psychological be...
Real-time prediction of atmospheric Lagrangian coherent structures based on forecast data: An application and error analysis

Abstract The language of Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) provides a new means for studying transport and mixing of passive particles advected by an atmospheric flow field. Recent observations suggest that LCSs govern the large-scale atmospheric motion of airborne microorganisms, paving the way for more efficient models and management strategies for the spread of infectious diseases affecting plants, domestic animals, and humans. In addition, having reliable predictions of the timing of hyperbolic LCSs may contribute to improved aerobiological sampling of microorganisms with unmanned aerial vehicles and LCS-based early warning systems. Chaotic atmospheric dynamics lead to unavoidable forecasting errors in the wind velocity field, which compounds errors in LCS forecasting. In this study, we reveal the cumulative effects of errors of (short-term) wind field forecasts on the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) fields and the associated LCSs when realistic forecast plans impose certain limits on the forecasting parameters. Objectives of this paper are to (a) quantify the accuracy of prediction of FTLE–LCS features and (b) determine the sensitivity of such predictions to forecasting parameters. Results indicate that forecasts of attracting LCSs exhibit less divergence from the archive-based LCSs than the repelling features. This result is important since attracting LCSs are the backbone of long-lived features in moving fluids. We also show under what circumstances one can trust the forecast results if one merely wants to know if an LCS passed over a region and does not need to precisely know the passage time.
Feedforward Excitation and Inhibition Evoke Dual Modes of Firing in the Cat’s Visual Thalamus during Naturalistic Viewing

Thalamic relay cells transmit information from retina to cortex by firing either rapid bursts or tonic trains of spikes. Bursts occur when the membrane voltage is low, as during sleep, because they depend on channels that cannot respond to excitatory input unless they are primed by strong hyperpolarization. Cells fire tonically when depolarized, as during waking. Thus, mode of firing is usually associated with behavioral state. Growing evidence, however, suggests that sensory processing involves both burst and tonic spikes. To ask if visually evoked synaptic responses induce each type of firing, we recorded intracellular responses to natural movies from relay cells and developed methods to map the receptive fields of the excitation and inhibition that the images evoked. In addition to tonic spikes, the movies routinely elicited lasting inhibition from the center of the receptive field that permitted bursts to fire. Therefore, naturally evoked patterns of synaptic input engage dual modes of firing.
Multipath-cluster channel models

In multipath channels, paths often arrive in clusters. An early model that exhibits clustering was proposed by Saleh and Valenzuela in 1987, and since then, several extensions have been developed. Although these models are straightforward to simulate, little analysis of them has been carried out. Here, a generalized multipath-cluster channel model is proposed that subsumes the Saleh-Valenzuela model and its extensions as special cases. The proposed model provides a unified framework for the understanding and analysis of multipath-cluster channel models. The framework is used to derive formulas for the power-delay profile, excess-delay moments, and similar channel characteristics.
Use of an Oscillograph for Recording Vacuum-Tube Characteristics

This paper describes the method involved and results obtained in using an oscillograph for plotting photographically vacuum-tube characteristics. The main requirement is an alternating voltage of fairly pure wave-form with as few harmonics as possible. The "dynatron" action of vacuum tubes is shown very clearly when large alternating e.m.f.'s are applied to the grid. Static and dynamic characteristics can also be quite easily recorded.
A hybrid current/voltage mode on-chip signaling scheme with adaptive bandwidth capability

This brief describes an adaptive bandwidth bus architecture based on hybrid current/voltage mode repeaters for long global RC interconnect static busses that achieves high-data rates while minimizing the static power dissipation associated with current-mode (CM) signaling. An experimental adaptive bandwidth bus test chip fabricated in AMI 1.6-/spl mu/m Bulk CMOS indicates a reduction in power dissipation of approximately 62% over CM sensing and an increase in maximum data rate of 40% over voltage-mode signaling.
Ti plasmid-encoded genes responsible for catabolism of the crown gall opine mannopine by Agrobacterium tumefaciens are homologs of the T-region genes responsible for synthesis of this opine by the plant tumor.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens NT1 harboring pSaB4, which contains the 14-kb BamHI fragment 4 from the octopine/mannityl opine-type Ti plasmid pTi15955, grew well with agropine (AGR) but slowly with mannopine (MOP) as the sole carbon source. When a second plasmid encoding a dedicated transport system for MOP was introduced, these cells grew well with both AGR and MOP. Transposon insertion mutagenesis and subcloning identified a 5.7-kb region of BamHI fragment 4 that encodes functions required for the degradation of MOP. DNA sequence analysis revealed seven putative genes in this region: mocD (moc for mannityl opine catabolism) and mocE, oriented from right to left, and mocRCBAS, oriented from left to right. Significant identities exist at the nucleotide and derived amino acid sequence levels between these moc genes and the mas genes that are responsible for opine biosynthesis in crown gall tumors. MocD is a homolog of Mas2, the anabolic conjugase encoded by mas29. MocE and MocC are related to the amino half and the carboxyl half, respectively, of Mas1 (MOP reductase), the second enzyme for MOP biosynthesis. These results indicate that the moc and mas genes evolved from a common origin. MocR and MocS are related to each other and to a putative repressor for the AGR degradation system encoded by the rhizogenic plasmid pRiA4. MocB and MocA are homologs of 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, respectively. Mutations in mocD and mocE, but not mocC, are suppressed by functions encoded by the chromosome or the 450-kb megaplasmid present in many Agrobacterium isolates. We propose that moc genes derived from genes located elsewhere in the bacterial genome and that the tumor-expressed mas genes evolved from the bacterial moc genes.
A STUDY OF PNEUMOCOCCI ISOLATED FROM HORSES UNDERGOING PNEUMOCOCCUS IMMUNIZATION.

It has been shown that the pneumococcus multiplying in the tissues of the immunized animal (horse) becomes attenuated: loses, in varying degrees, its virulence, capacity of capsule formation, susceptibility to phagocytosis, and type specificity. The antigenic activity as an immunizing agent and the production of "soluble specific substance" are also altered. In some instances, the typical pneumococcus characteristics may be quickly restored by one or two passages through a susceptible animal (mouse). In others, virulence is not recovered and the organism remains atypical. Whether these changes are to be attributed to the specific action of immune bodies in the tissues, or are to be considered as the result of some biologic adaptive process to an adverse environment, has not been determined. Proof of the specific action of immune bodies is possibly open to question, whereas it is well known that virulence and with it some other characteristics are profoundly affected under unfavorable conditions in the absence of immune bodies, notably when the organism is grown at elevated temperatures or in certain unsuitable media. These studies of pneumococci isolated from the infected immunized horse provide opportunities for further investigation of the significance of changes in virulence, type specificity, and formation of "soluble specific substances" in various forms of pneumococcus infection.
Evidence for Preferential T Cell Receptor Vβ Gene Usage and T Cell Clonal Expansion in the Synovium of BB Rats with Early-Onset Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Abstract Type II collagen (CII) is a potent arthritogen in the BB rat. To determine whether a restricted group of T cells is involved in the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis, lymphocytes from synovium, peripheral blood, and lymph nodes of arthritic rats were studied for T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ gene usage using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Oligoclonal TCR Vβ usage was found only insynovium recovered day 2 post-arthritis onset, but not day 7; lymph node and peripheral blood T cells showed diverse TCR usage at both times. To determine whether T cell local clonal expansion occurred in synovium at day 2 of arthritis, cDNAfor four TCR β families was sequenced through VDJ regions. Strong selective expansion of TCR Vβ 8.2,4, and 17 was noted. Importantly, the dominant clonotype of Vβ 8.2 was identical to that of a lymph node-derived T hybridoma specific for the immunodominant epitope in CII(181–210). Cells from synovium (day 2 postonset) analyzed by flow cytometry also showed Vβ 8.2 + cell enrichment. These observations, plus finding that T cells from inflamed synovium respond to CII(181–201) in vitro, suggest the local recruitment and clonal expansion of some T cells families, possibly driven by autologous CII released during cartilage degradation.
Surgical treatment of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a single center experience with eighty-eight patients.

Background Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign tumor that can cause thromboembolism. We have found no large surgical series describing its treatment and outcome. Methods A retrospective review of all patients treated surgically for this tumor from 1985 to 2002. Results There were 88 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 16 years. Sixty-two (71%) were male. Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma was a primary indication for surgery in 47 (group 1, 53%) and an incidental finding in 41 (group 2, 47%). The common clinical symptoms were neurologic (group 1) and cardiac (group 2). Cardiac valves were predominantly involved (77%); the aortic valve was the most affected (52%). Other common sites were the left ventricular outflow tract (18%) and anterior mitral leaflet (11%). All heart valves were involved in one patient. Seventy-three patients (83%) had shave excision and 8 (9%) excision with valve repair. Of 5 (6%) valve replacements, 2 were for concurrent degenerative valve disease. Concomitant procedures included repair or replacement of another valve (32 %), CABG (28%), and septal myectomy (19%). Surgical mortality occurred in 1 patient (2.1%) in group 1 who had concomitant lung resection for bronchiolitis obliterans. There was no tumor recurrence, and no tumor-related late morbidity or mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years. Conclusions Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma has a propensity to affect the anatomically contiguous structures of the aortic valve, left ventricular outflow tract, and anterior mitral leaflet. Surgical treatment by simple shave excision is low risk and can achieve good results.
Effects of hot and cold temperature exposure on performance: a meta-analytic review

A meta-analysis to mathematically summarize the effect of hot and cold temperature exposure on performance was completed. The results from 515 effect sizes calculated from 22 original studies suggest that hot and cold temperatures negatively impact performance on a wide range of cognitive-related tasks. More specifically, hot temperatures of 90°F (32.22°C) Web Bulb Globe Temperature Index or above and cold temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or less resulted in the greatest decrement in performance in comparison to neutral temperature conditions (14.88% decrement and 13.91% decrement, respectively). Furthermore, the duration of exposure to the experimental temperature, the duration of exposure to the experimental temperature prior to the task onset, the type of task and the duration of the task had differential effects on performance. The current results indicate that hot and cold temperature exposure have a negative impact on performance and that other variables (e.g., length of exposure to the temperature or task duration) may modify this relationship.
Smart Vehicle Spaces [Guest Editorial]

During the past few decades, cars have transformed from being relatively mundane spaces underpinned by mechanical platforms with sprinklings of electronics into complex computational platforms. As a result of this continual development and the smart spaces it has enabled, we are now seeing the signs of tectonic shifts in car-related experiences, ranging from ride services to autonomous vehicles. These are underpinned by the key elements of intelligent systems--sensing, actuation, computation, and communication resources--which are now routinely built-in to cars, along with additional resources brought in via mobile devices and beamed-in from the cloud. This special issue offers an insight into what we can expect from smart vehicle spaces and the technology that enables them.
A hybrid simulation model of inbound logistics operations in regional food supply systems

Regional food hubs aggregate, distribute, and market local food, with a goal of promoting environmental and social sustainability. They provide an alternative distribution channel through which small-scale producers can access wholesale markets. However, food hubs face many barriers to growth and success. In particular, they are often unable to achieve the logistical and operational efficiencies that characterize conventional large-scale food distribution. One possible method of improving food hub efficiency targets inbound logistics operations -- specifically, the scheduling of producer deliveries to the food hub. In this paper, we describe a hybrid simulation model of the inbound logistics operations of a food hub. Using this model, we observe the scheduling behavior of the producers under different conditions and explore the effectiveness of implementing incentives to encourage producers to schedule their deliveries in advance.
Le microbillage de tubes de générateur de vapeur : comment améliorer la dosimétrie

Entre sa premiere intervention a Dœl en 1985 et les interventions pratiquees sur les tranches EDF de 1300 MW en 1989, Framatome a considerablement ameliore le procede du microbillage et ses conditions d'utilisation.Cet article explique la demarche du constructeur.
What's Love Got to Do with It?

To the popular singer Tina Turner's bittersweet song that repeatedly asks, "What's love got to do with it?," Ann Laura Stoler would surely reply, "Everything, girl." No secondhand emotions here. For in the workings of the intimate domain, through sentimental education, through child rearing, and through sex, Stoler sees the making of race, the management of empire, and the congruence of imperial projects about the globe. Stoler's stunning essay forces our gaze to the politics of intimacy, to those spaces and places in Asia, Africa, and the Americas where "colonial regimes of truth were imposed, worked around, and worked out."' Her provocations to comparative historical work, to frames of analysis that move beyond nation-states, to circuits of knowledge production and circulation that tie core and periphery, metropole and colony as one, are of great import. Stoler and her interlocutors ask us to see as commensurate colonial projects that might otherwise escape notice as exceptional and unique. Such insights seem to stem from the tenor of our time, from our own institutional locations as professors in the United States with passports, frequent-flier miles, and Internet connections that give us relatively free movement about the globe, which only a very small fraction of the world's population enjoys. That images, people, ideas, and money are crossing the globe in previously known but unimagined ways has recently replaced the not-so-old mantra on the intersection of gender, race, and class and the even older pronouncement that all history is the history of class struggle. Provocative as this analysis of intimate frontiers and tender ties is, what is sorely missing from this adroit emplotment of Michel Foucault's "grids of intelligibility" and "governmentality" are bodies.2 Bodies that talked back, fought back, and actively resisted the technologies and regimes of their colonial lords. Material bodies that were conceived, born, and died, that were sexed and engendered differently into at least two categories worldwide and that required different gender strategies of rule. The celibate Franciscan friars who narrated and witnessed the 1598 conquest of New Mexico's Pueblo Indians understood this well when they noted quite matter-of-
THE GENETICS OF ADAPTATION: THE GENETIC BASIS OF RESISTANCE TO WASP PARASITISM IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

There have been very few genetic analyses of "natural" adaptations, that is, those not involving artificial selection or responses to human disturbance. Here we analyze the genetic basis of geographic variation in Drosophila melanogaster's resistance to parasitism by a wasp, Asobara tabida. Our results suggest that population differences in ability to encapsulate parasitoid eggs have a fairly simple genetic basis: 60% of the D. melanogaster genome plays no role in differences between resistant and susceptible populations. Instead, resistance gene(s) are restricted to chromosome two, and may be further restricted to the centromeric region of this chromosome. This finding suggests that natural adaptations-like many responses to artificial selection and human disturbance-sometimes have a simple genetic basis. We know little about the genetic basis of adaptation. We do not, for instance, know if most adaptive evolution is due to fixation of newly arising mutations or to changes in the frequency of alleles from the standing genetic variation. Sim- ilarly, we do not know if the alleles responding to natural selection in the wild are typically dominant or recessive, or if epistatic interactions between these alleles are common. Perhaps most remarkably, we do not know if adaptations are typically built from a few genes of large effect each from many genes of small effect each, or from some other, more intermediate, distribution of effects. Population genetic theorists have traditionally favored polygenic models of adaptation. Fisher (1930) famously claimed that adaptation can "use" only those mutations hav- ing very small phenotypic effects: arguing from a simple but ingenious geometric model of adaptation, he showed that the probability that a random mutation is favorable falls off
Focused transthoracic echocardiography during critical care medicine training: curriculum implementation and evaluation of proficiency*.

Objectives:We designed and implemented a focused transthoracic echocardiography curriculum for critical care medicine fellows participating in 1- and 2-year training programs. We quantitatively evaluated their proficiency in focused transthoracic echocardiography.Design:Prospective study evaluating