cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Accuracy Analog Measurements via Interpolated FFT

By use of an interpolated fast-Fourier-transform (FFT) algorithms are developed for multiparameter measurements upon periodic signals. Eight pertinent measurements, such as fundamental frequency, phase, and amplitude, are made with enhanced accuracy compared to existing algorithms, including tapered-window-FFT algorithms. For the more general case of nonharmonic multitone signals also the method is shown to yield exact amplitudes and phases if the tone frequencies are known beforehand. These measurements are useful in a variety of applications ranging from analog testing of printed-circuit boards to measurement of Doppler signals in radar detection.
Maintenance on a high-fat diet impairs the anorexic response to glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor activation

Abstract Previous data suggests that the adiposity signal leptin reduces food intake in part by enhancing sensitivity to short-term signals that promote meal termination, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). We hypothesized that maintenance on a high-fat (HF) diet, which causes resistance to leptin, would impair GLP-1's ability to reduce food intake. To test this hypothesis, we examined the anorexic responses to intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg/kg GLP-1 and 1 μg/kg exendin-4 (Ex-4), the potent, degradation resistant GLP-1 receptor agonist, in Wistar rats maintained on a low-fat (10%; LF) or HF (60%) diet for 4–6 weeks. Rats maintained on each of these diets were tested twice, once while consuming LF food and once while consuming HF food, to distinguish between effects of acute vs. chronic consumption of HF food. LF-maintained rats tested on LF diet reduced 60-min dark phase intake in response to GLP-1, but HF-maintained rats failed to respond to GLP-1 whether they were tested on HF or LF diet. LF-maintained rats tested on HF diet also showed no response, suggesting that even brief exposure to HF diet can impair sensitivity to GLP-1 receptor activation. Both LF- and HF-maintained rats showed significant anorexic responses to Ex4 at 4 h post-treatment, but only LF-maintained rats had significantly reduced intake and body weight 24 h after injections. To determine whether the ability of endogenous GLP-1 to promote satiation is impaired by HF maintenance, we examined the response to exendin 3 (9–39) (Ex9), a GLP-1 receptor antagonist. In LF-maintained rats, Ex9 increased intake significantly, but HF-maintained rats reduced food intake in response to Ex9. These data support the suggestion that maintenance on HF diet reduces the anorexic effects of GLP-1 receptor activation, and this phenomenon may contribute to overconsumption of high-fat foods.
Candidate metastasis-associated genes of the rat 13762NF mammary adenocarcinoma

Differential hybridization was used to isolate genes potentially involved in the process of metastasis. Ten complementary DNAs (cDNAs) that were differentially expressed between a highly metastatic (MTLn3) and a nonmetastatic (MTC.4) line of the rat 13762NF mammary adenocarcinoma were isolated and sequenced. Examination of the EMBL/GenBank database revealed that one of the genes had a high degree of homology (98.8%) to annexin I (also known as calpactin II). Quantitative analysis of Northern blot hybridizations showed that the annexin I-like sequence was expressed 4- to 7-fold higher in MTLn3 than in MTC.4 cells. Steady state mRNA levels were also low in MTLn2, a cell line of low metastatic potential closely related to MTLn3, but were not related to metastatic potential in colon adenocarcinoma or melanoma cells. Two of the cDNAs (designated 8.11 and 10.14) were found to be novel. The expression of 10.14 mRNA (3.2 kb) was 4-fold higher in MTLn3 than in MTC.4 cells. Sequencing of the 10.14 cDNA (2.2 kb) revealed a putative open reading frame of 583 amino acids that was also novel. Expression of 8.11 mRNA (>7 kb) inversely correlated with metastatic potential. Another differentially transcribed gene was highly homologous to ERK2 (extracellular signal related kinase 2), a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Northern analysis of ERK2 expression revealed 3-fold higher amounts of a 1.3 kb mRNA in MTLn3 than in MTC.4 cells. Higher levels of ERK2 mRNA were generally seen in the more metastatic human colon but not in melanoma cell lines. We also corroborated the work of Taniguchi (Nucl Acids Res 19:6949, 1991) by independently identifying EF-1α as a putative metastasis-associated gene.
Comparative effectiveness of situational programming, financial pay-offs and group pressure in weight reduction

Forty-nine overweight women participated in a study comparing the relative effectiveness of financial remuneration, situational eating management and social pressure procedures in a weight reduction program conducted by two female therapists. Results indicated that a combination of situational management and monetary pay-offs for weight loss was not reliably more effective than behavioral management techniques. Both of these procedures led to significantly greater weight loss at posttreatment assessment than social pressure or no treatment. Weight loss as a result of participation was maintained over a two-month follow-up period. Therapist specificity and intrasubject variability in weight fluctuation were ruled out as competing hypotheses, and suggestions regarding methods of increasing the efficacy and replicability of weight-control programs were made.
Improving the Value of Analysis for Biosurveillance

Biosurveillance provides information that improves decisions about mitigating the effects of disease outbreaks and bioterrorism. The success of biosurveillance depends on the effectiveness of at least four key processes: data collection, data analysis and interpretation, data integration from across organizations, and action (including public responses) based upon results of the analysis. Questions typically arise about whether information from biosurveillance systems represents a threat that justifies a response. To begin answering these questions, the Institute of Medicine Standing Committee on Health Threats Resilience has been undertaking discussions of strategies that the Department of Homeland Security National Biosurveillance Integration Center could use to strengthen its decision support and decision analysis functions. As part of these discussions, this paper applies two standard decision analysis tools to biosurveillance–decision trees and value-of-information analysis—to assess the implications...
DISCRETIONARY PAROLE RELEASE: LENGTH OF IMPRISONMENT, PERCENT OF SENTENCE SERVED, AND RECIDIVISM

ABSTRACT Mandatory release has become the dominant prison release mechanism over the last two decades, as states and the federal system moved away from the practice of discretionaly release towards “tough-on-crime” sentencing laws. However, little research has examined the impact of discretionaiy versus mandatory prison release on ofenders’ length of imprisonment, percent of imposed sentence served, and recidivism during parole. Using national data fiom the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) National Corrections Reporting Program (NCRP), this study examines the extent to which discretionary versus mandatory release impacts length of actual prison time served, time served as a percent of sentence imposed, and successful completion of parole supervision. This analysis indicates that for almost every offense, especiallj violent crimes, those released discretionarily sewed longer prison terms and were about twice as likely to successfully complete parole supervision than those released mandatorily. While thos...
Mechanistic studies on gas-phase negative ion unimolecular decompositions. Alkoxide anions

Les ions alcoolates subissent une elimination de molecules neutres pour donner des ions enolates
Critical current behavior of superconducting MoN and Mo 3 Sb 7 microfibers

We present the transport and critical current measurements on carbon microfibers coated with 40-nm of polycrystalline $\ensuremath{\delta}\text{-MoN}$ and on carbon microfibers coated with 160 nm of ${\text{Mo}}_{3}{\text{Sb}}_{7}$. In each case the coatings where synthesized directly onto the $6\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\mu}\text{m}$ diameter carbon fibers. The superconducting transition temperature of the MoN microfibers was ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}13.1\text{ }\text{K}$, which is the highest temperature reported in any thin film form and is higher than what was reported for stoichiometric $\ensuremath{\delta}\text{-MoN}$, produced by high pressure synthesis. The transition temperature of the ${\text{Mo}}_{3}{\text{Sb}}_{7}$-coated microfibers ${T}_{c}=7.5\text{ }\text{K}$ was significantly higher than that observed in powder samples. Near the transition temperature ${T}_{c}$, the critical current density ${J}_{c}$ for both systems was well described by the power-law form ${[1\ensuremath{-}{(T/{T}_{c})}^{2}]}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1.5$ is the Ginzburg--Landau exponent. We extrapolated ${J}_{c}(0)\ensuremath{\approx}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}\text{ }\text{A}/{\text{cm}}^{2}$ for the MoN microfibers and ${J}_{c}(0)\ensuremath{\approx}2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}\text{ }\text{A}/{\text{cm}}^{2}$ for the ${\text{Mo}}_{3}{\text{Sb}}_{7}$ fibers.
Forced convection in-tube steam condensation in the presence of noncondensable gases

An experimental and analytical investigation has been conducted to determine the effects of the presence of noncondensable gases on in-tube steam condensation under forced convection conditions. The local mixture Nusselt numbers were correlated in terms of the local mixture Reynolds number, mixture Jakob number, and the gas mass fractions or the mixture Schmidt number. Correlations including the mixture Schmidt number did better in representing the condensation process in the presence of one noncondensable gas. The experiments covered steam/gas mixture inlet Reynolds numbers from about 6000 to 26000, inlet helium mass fraction range from 0.022 up to 0.20, inlet air mass fraction range from 0.045 up to 0.20, and mixture inlet temperature of 100°C and 130°C (corresponding to a pressure range from 114 to 603 kPa). The ratios of the condensate film thermal resistance to the thermal resistance of the steam/noncondensable gas mixture at the same bulk temperature were calculated. In general, the condensate film thermal resistance was found to be significant for turbulent gas mixture conditions (Re > 6000) and relatively low gas mass fraction (W < 0.2). A diffusion-based, simplified boundary layer model has been developed. The steady-state radial diffusion equations of the mixture components were solved in order to obtain the steam mass flux at the interface between the condensate film and the mixture. The effect of the axial flow was included in terms of an effective boundary layer thickness which decreases with mixture Reynolds number. The model included the effect of more than one noncondensable gas on steam condensation. The model-predicted mixture heat transfer coefficients were favorably compared to the experimental results.
Is there a universal scale of time

The assumption that the same universal scale of time applies for different physical laws depends uponthe hypothesis that there is a unique universal scale of time in the universe. Intrinsic to that hypothesis is the assumption that if extraneous factors that affect physical clocks and processes that run on different physical principles could be removed, all clocks are synchronizable with one another. The consequences of that hypothesis not being true are considered. It was found thatclock asynchrony implies that: (1) a mass variation theory is probable; (2) there is a need for multiple clocks; and (3) t in the equations of physics is referring to clocks rather than time such that the properties of time are reduced to its direction (as characterized by thermodynamics and cosmology).
On Energy Optimized Network Construction for Distributed Averaging in a Dynamic Environment

Abstract We study the energy costs of running a distributed averaging/consensus algorithm in a dynamic, time-varying wireless sensor network. It has been recently shown in Olshevsky and Tsitsiklis [2009] that running a load-balancing algorithm over a symmetric interconnected network is preferable in terms of convergence time. We formulate the problem of selecting a minimal energy interconnected network as a sequential decision problem and cast it into a Dynamic Programming (DP) framework. This problem is hard to solve, especially when incurring a penalty cost for not reaching interconnectivity within a pre-determined block of time. We first consider the scenario of a large enough time horizon and show that solving the DP is equivalent to constructing a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST), which can be done in a distributed manner. We then consider the scenario of a limited time horizon and employ a “rollout” heuristic that leverages the MST solution and yields efficient solutions for the original DP. Numerical experiments verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithms.
Formation and analysis of particulate carbon in a synthetic lubricant

The formation of discrete carbonaceous particles has been investigated for a conventional synthetic ester-based lubricant degraded in thermal and thermal–oxidative environments. Experimental factors included oxidative and nonoxidative environments, high and low humidities, and the presence or lack of a metal catalyst surface, with all samples generated at 250 °C. Characterization performed for changes in antioxidant content, IR spectroscopy, molecular weight, total acid number, viscosity, and uv/vis absorbance spectrometry were used to determine the influences of the aforementioned variables on the rates of oil degradation and formation of high-molecular-weight species. Discrete carbonaceous particle formation was analyzed using Einstein's relationship for the viscoelastic behavior of particles in Newtonian fluids and by calculating associated radii of gyration. This viscoelastic behavior of the particles in solution is used to demonstrate how the absorption behavior of the carbonaceous degradation products tracks the discrete particulate species. The results show the formation of particulate species to be diffusion-limited after antioxidant depletion, and optical absorption analysis is shown to be a viable technique for monitoring the formation of discrete carbonaceous particles during lubricant degradation.
Theory-driven n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid education delivered by written correspondence and problem-based approaches

Abstract To examine the impact of education on n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) knowledge and behaviors, we used 3 interventions that combined 2 delivery methods (mail and problem-based learning) and 2 treatment theories (social learning theory and facts only) in a 4-month educational experience for 85 elderly persons (mean age, 70.9 ± 9.7 years) diagnosed with arthritis. Baseline, midpoint, and final assessments were analyzed using a general linear model with repeated measures. n−3 PUFA intake, knowledge, confidence, and intention to consume dietary sources of n−3 PUFAs increased throughout the study ( P
An integrative model of regulation centered on recognition of TCR peptide/MHC complexes.

Summary: We have described a T-cell receptor (TCR)-centered model of immune regulation, in which MHC/TCR peptide complexes provide for the activation of regulatory T cells and likewise act as their target structures. In this model, the disease-causing effectors are TCR Vβ8.2+ and each of the required CD4 and CD8 regulatory T-cell populations are specific for different conserved regions of the Vβ8.2 chain, in the appropriate MHC context. We have characterized the dominance, the dynamics as well as the TCR usage of both effector and regulatory T cells. We have begun to characterize the essential elements of the regulatory program, including the mechanism of interaction among effector and regulatory T-cell populations. Principles learned in this model have important implications for immune regulation in general.
How the pilidium larva grows.

Background For animal cells, ciliation and mitosis appear to be mutually exclusive. While uniciliated cells can resorb their cilium to undergo mitosis, multiciliated cells apparently can never divide again. Nevertheless, many multiciliated epithelia in animals must grow or undergo renewal. The larval epidermis in a number of marine invertebrate larvae, such as those of annelids, mollusks and nemerteans, consists wholly or in part of multiciliated epithelial cells, generally organized into a swimming and feeding apparatus. Many of these larvae must grow substantially to reach metamorphosis. Do individual epithelial cells simply expand to accommodate an increase in body size, or are there dividing cells amongst them? If some cells divide, where are they located?
Protein synthesis during flight muscle development in normal and wupB indirect flight muscles of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract We have looked at protein synthesis in Drosophila pupae during normal and abnormal development of indirect flight muscle. Abnormal development was followed in the dominant flightless mutant wupB isolated by Hotta and Benzer ( Genetic Mechanisms of Development , pp. 129–167. Academic Press, New York, 1972). The mutant muscles in adult wupB flies have abnormal morphology and disorganized myofibrils. Protein synthesis in developing muscle was followed on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. During early stages of development (55–60 h) protein synthesis patterns are similar in the mutant and the wild-type. However, at 61 h, the mutant shows a transient increase in synthesis of the 68 and 70 kDa heat shock proteins. This is followed at about 70 h by a divergence of the patterns of synthesis of other proteins seen in the mutant and wild type. These results suggest that induction of heat shock protein synthesis is an early event in abnormal morphogenesis in this mutant.
PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

As a result of the International Indian Ocean Expedition, the bottom of the Indian Ocean is now one of the best known areas of the ocean floor. The Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge, a rugged mountain range, lies in the centre of the Indian Ocean. North-northeast trending fractures offset the axis of the ridge. In the Arabian Sea these fractures are right lateral; in the southwest Indian Ocean they are left lateral. Displacements range from a few miles* to over 200 miles. The northeast Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are occupied by huge abyssal cones built by sediments discharged from the Indo-Gangetic plain. Extensive abyssal plains lie seaward of the abyssal cones. In low latitudes smooth topography is characteristic of the continental rise, the abyssal cones, and the oceanic rises. However, near the polar front smooth c swale9 topography laps over the normally rugged Mid-Oceanic Ridge. This c swale5 smoothing appears the result of the higher organic productivity of the Antarctic seas. Microcontinents, mostly linear meridional ridges, are unique features of the Indian Ocean. These massive but smooth-surfaced blocks contrast markedly with the broad rugged Mid-Oceanic Ridge.
Motorist Actions at a Crosswalk With an In-Pavement Flashing Light System

Objective: An in-pavement flashing light system is used at crosswalks to alert motorists and pedestrians of possible conflicts and to influence their behavior to enhance safety. The relative behaviors of the drivers and the pedestrians affect safety. An evaluation of motorist behavior at a pedestrian crosswalk with an in-pavement flashing light system is presented in this manuscript. Methods: Field observations provide the basis to evaluate motorist behavior at a crosswalk with an in-pavement flashing light system. Outcomes of pedestrian and motorists actions were observed to quantify measures of effectiveness (MOEs) such as yielding behavior of motorists, vehicle speeds, and yielding distance from the crosswalk. A before-and-after study design was used. The before condition was prior to the activation of the in-pavement flashing light system and the after condition was after the activation of the in-pavement flashing light system. The study was conducted on a relatively low-volume roadway located in the ...
A Single-Station Approach to Model Output Statistics Temperature Forecast Error Assessment

Error characteristics of model output statistics (MOS) temperature forecasts are calculated for over 200 locations around the continental United States. The forecasts are verified on a station-by-station basis for the year 2001. Error measures used include mean algebraic error (bias), mean absolute error (MAE), relative frequency of occurrence of bias and MAE values, and the daily forecast errors themselves. A case study examining the spatial and temporal evolution of MOS errors is also presented. The error characteristics presented here, together with the case study, provide a more detailed evaluation of MOS performance than may be obtained from regionally averaged error statistics. Knowledge concerning locations where MOS forecasts have large errors or biases and why those errors or biases exist is of great value to operational forecasters. Not only does such knowledge help improve their forecasts, but forecaster performance is often compared to MOS predictions. Examples of biases in MOS forecast errors are illustrated by examining two stations in detail. Significant warm and cold biases are found in maximum temperature forecasts for Los Angeles, California (LAX), and minimum temperature forecasts for Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS), respectively. MAE values for MOS temperature predictions calculated in this study suggest that coastal stations tend to have lower MAE values and lower variability in their errors, while forecasts with high MAE and error variability are more frequent in the interior of the United States. Therefore, MAE values from samples of MOS forecasts are directly proportional to the variance in the observations. Additionally, it is found that daily maximum temperature forecast errors exhibit less variability during the summer months than they do over the rest of the year, and that forecasts for any one station rarely follow a consistent temporal pattern for more than two or three consecutive days. These inconsistent error patterns indicate that forecasting temperatures based on recent trends in MOS forecast errors at an individual station is usually not a good strategy. As shown in earlier studies by other authors and demonstrated again here, MOS temperature forecasts are often inaccurate in the vicinity of strong temperature gradients, for locations affected by shallow cold air masses, or for stations in regions of anomalously warm or cold temperatures. Finally, a case study is presented examining the spatial and temporal distributions of MOS temperature forecast errors across the United States from 13 to 15 February 2001. During this period, two surges of cold arctic air moved south into the United States. In contrast to error trends at individual stations, nationwide spatial and temporal patterns of MOS forecast errors could prove to be a powerful forecasting tool. Nationwide plots of errors in MOS forecasts would be useful if made available in real time to operational forecasters.
Measures of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A and state anxiety after a nursing back rub.

Abstract This study examined the effects of a 10-minute nursing back rub on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and state anxiety in well older adult subjects. A control group ( n = 14) received no intervention, and an experimental group ( n = 18) received aslow stroke effleurage back rub. All subjects initially completed the state portion of the Spielberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and provided a timed, nonstimulated saliva sample. Control subjects lay positioned in bed for 10 minutes, and experimental subjects received the back rub. Both groups then provided a second saliva sample saliva sample and completed the STAI again. Anxiety scores decreased for both groups, but not significantly, and s-IgA concentation increased in the experimental group. This study provides rationale for further research into the holistic benefits of the nursing back rud and should encourage nurses to continue to provide caring touch interventions to patients.
Localization of breast tumor using holographic interferometry

For the purpose of locating breast lesions, we have utilized holographic interferometry (HI) to generate a fringe contour distortion superficial to an indwelling tumor. HI has been successfully utilized to examine material defects or dynamic characteristics of laminated structure. Application of HI technique in medical imaging has been reported. HI requires appropriate stressing mechanism to produce fringe patterns of reasonable density and contrast. Based on our research, it was found that pressure stressing has the advantages of providing both adequate density and patterns of fringe lines and an easily controlled stressing capacity. In our setup, both breasts of a subject hang within a Lucite pressure chamber while the intramural pressure of the chamber is raised by reducing volume of air inside. Our preliminary results found distorted fringe lines over breast lesions. The accuracy of the developed system in localizing breast lesions was determined by correlating results to those of x- ray mammography.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ion-selective field effect transistors with polymeric membranes

Abstract The construction and operation of ion-selective field effect transistors (ISFET) with polymeric membranes are described, and their electrical and chemical performance are discussed. The H+, K+, and Ca2+ ISFET's all show responses similar to those of the corresponding ion-selective electrodes, with t95% response times of approximately 40 ms and accurate ion activity measurements for periods up to one month.
Multimodeling strategy for assessment of complex mechanical systems

Abstract Engineering modeling plays an important role in the overall design process for a complex mechanical and/or structural system, yet the development and generation of a suitable finite element model for the static, dynamic, or thermal analysis of the system is one of the most tedious and time consuming tasks in engineering analysis. Enormous amounts of resources (human and computational) are dedicated and lost to the development of complex mathematical models that do not accomplish the function they are intended to fulfill, namely to produce reliable results. This paper presents a strategy for complex system modeling using the application of finite element modeling techniques. In this approach, the model reflects the objective of the analysis and its associated attributes. Said attributes indicate the type of analysis required, the type of loading and boundary conditions, the type of geometry and the environment for the analysis, including hardware, software, and time-frame resources. To illustrate this strategy, the paper concludes by presenting a model of a flexible internal combustion engine system based on the Stiller-Smith mechanism, in which a combination of solid, beam, and gap elements is used to represent an entire, three-dimensional system. The model presented is used to produce elastodynamic response needed for system design.
Paramagnetic shimming for high-field MRI

The diamagnetism of biological tissues reduces the homogeneity of the magnetic field and may limit the number of samples in multi-sample gradient-recalled echo (GRE) experiments. This study aims to 1) evaluate the magnetic field distortions and signal loss artifacts in GRE images of proximal water samples, and 2) develop a passive shimming device to overcome this limitation. The magnetic field distribution produced by a diamagnetic H2O sphere and a paramagnetic CuSO4 disk in a secondary phantom were mapped using GRE experiments and the phase reference method, and compared to the corresponding magnetostatics models. The water sphere produced a pronounced signal loss artifact in amplitude images. This artifact was significantly reduced when the paramagnetic disk was placed symmetrically between the water sphere and the secondary spherical phantom. The present study suggests that the use of paramagnetic shimming devices can help to minimize susceptibility-related MRI signal losses and to increase the number of samples in multi-sample MRI experiments. The volume susceptibility and the shape of paramagnetic shimming devices could be optimized for particular setups and samples accordingly.
An Abnormal Protein Associated with Tobacco Mosaic Virus Infection

IN virus-free extracts from mosaic tobacco leaves a protein which was not detected by Frampton and Takahashi1 or by Wildman, Cheo and Bonner2 has been resolved and isolated by electrophoresis.
Studies on the ketogenic effect of glucagon in intact rat liver

Abstract Glucagon administered by intravenous infusion to rats in viv has been shown to stimulate ketogenesis and increase levels of acetyl CoA and fatty acyl CoA in the liver. This effect was observed in fed rats, where it was prompt and transient, but not in rats unfed for 24 hours. These results substantiate that glucagon has a lipolytic effect in liver. The ketogenesis induced either by glucagon or starvation was associated with elevated levels of citrate and decreased levels of oxalacetate. A relationship between acetyl CoA and acetoacetate levels in the liver is described.
Estimating Ground Water Yield in Small Research Basins

An analysis of ground water recharge in 32 small research watersheds shows the average flow of ground water out of the watershed (deep seepage) is 45% of streamflow and ranges from 8 to 350 mm/year when apportioned over the watershed area. It is time to meld ground water and small watershed science. The use of well networks and the evaluation of ground water well hydrographs or the use of ground water models to estimate deep seepage from small research basins is highly recommended. Future investigators are now armed with better tools necessary to estimate all the water and nutrients and have no need to quietly assume deep seepage is zero.
Psychosexual Counseling of the Mastectomy Patient.

A pilot research study is described, aimed at investigating the hypotheses that psychosexual factors are of central importance in the psychological recovery of the mastectomy patient and that counseling would prove beneficial. Forty-one women were interviewed. Results indicated (1) that sexual self-concept superseded mortality as the primary concern of most recovery mastectomy patients, (2) that the attitude of the partner--husband or lover--was crucial to that self-concept, (3) that most partners were eager to help, and (4) that psychosexual counseling was welcomed and found to be appropriate. Resistances to the execution of the study are also described.
Procedural results and outcomes after extensive stent coverage with drug-eluting stent implantation in single coronary lesions.

Longer stent length has remained associated with the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era; therefore, we aimed to determine clinical outcomes after extensive stent coverage with DES implantations in single coronary lesions. We evaluated the data from 99 consecutive patients treated with extensive DES coverage, defined as ≥50 mm (mean 63.3 ± 13.2, range 50 to 115), and a concurrent series of 466 patients with ≤24-mm DES length (mean 18.4 ± 3.8, range 8 to 24). The periprocedural, 1-, and 6-month outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The baseline characteristics were mostly comparable between the 2 groups, and procedural and in-hospital outcomes were similar. Although the incidence of death and myocardial infarction at follow-up were comparable, the combined end points of target lesion revascularization plus MACEs at 6 months occurred more often with extensive stent coverage. Multivariate analysis revealed stent length to be the only independent predictor of target lesion revascularization plus MACEs. Patients treated with extensive DES coverage had similar procedural success, major in-hospital complications, and death and myocardial infarction at follow-up, but had more combined adverse events because of an overall higher target lesion revascularization rate.
Scalar Decoupled Control of Induction Motor

A scalar control method for an induction motor is described in which the dynamic response is enhanced by a feedforward decoupling network. The scalar control method is inherently simple and does not require intricate signal processing as in vector control methods. The parameters of the adaptive decoupler are solved by off-line computation and can be implemented by using a microcomputer. A preliminary control schemp using a voltage-fed PWM inverter bas been tested in the laboratory, but more investigation is needed to explore fully the potential of the method. The proposed control scheme is expected to give comparable or better performance than the conventional vector control methods.
Compound Acquisition and Prioritization Algorithm for Constructing Structurally Diverse Compound Libraries

In the present study, we report a compound acquisition and prioritization algorithm established for rational chemical library purchasing or compound synthesis to increase the diversity of an existing compound collection. This method was established based on a chemistry-space calculation using BCUT (Burden CAS University of Texas) descriptors. To identify the acquisition of compounds from candidate collections into the existing collection, a derived distance-based selection rule was applied, and the results were well supported by pairwise similarity calculations and cell-partition statistics in chemistry space. The correlation between chemistry-space distance and Tanimoto similarity index was also studied to justify the compound acquisition strategy through weighted linear regression. As a rational approach for library design, the distance-based selection rule exhibits certain advantages in prioritizing compound selection to enhance the overall structural diversity of an existing in-house compound collecti...
Ab-initio calculations of the gold-sulfur interaction for alkanethiol monolayers

Abstract We have performed ab-initio geometry optimization of SCH 3 absorbed on cluster models of Au (111), to examine the gold-sulfur-carbon head group energetics for self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold. The ab-initio calculations are performed using gradient-corrected density functional theory. The data obtained from these calculations, are used to construct a realistic empirical potential function to describe the complete headgroup- Au (111) energy surface. In particular, the dependence of the energy of the system on the Au surface-sulfur separation, and the surface-sulfur-carbon angle is determined for positions representative of the entire gold(111) surface plane.
Phase-retrieval error: a lower bound

Estimation theory is applied to problems in which it is desired to estimate an object given measurements of the intensity of its Fourier transform and object constraint information. The Cramer–Rao lower bound on the mean-squared error of the object estimate is found. The lower bound is independent of the phase-retrieval algorithm and is therefore indicative of the best possible estimation performance. Objects with complex Gaussian statistics were simulated and corresponding noisy Fourier intensity measurements computed. An iterative phase-retrieval algorithm was then used to estimate the object. Comparison of the error with the lower bound indicates that estimation theory is useful in predicting phase-retrieval error.
Excitation of layered media having rough interfaces by line sources

A method for determining the radiation characteristics of a line source embedded in a layered medium having rough interfaces is described. This technique utilizes the plane wave spectral decomposition of the relevant fields in the framework of the extended boundary condition method. It is also shown that the equations derived for the general case reduce considerably when the interfaces are periodically rough. Extensions of the problem solved here have been briefly mentioned, and some numerical examples have been provided.
Technology, innovation and performance in corporate mergers: A managerial evaluation

Abstract This study focused on the managerial perceptions of the success of corporate mergers and acquisitions as a means of acquiring new technologies. Based on the data from 31 acquisitions, it was found that the professed motives were rarely achieved. We found that a proactive and aggressive R & D posture in the postacquisition period was positively related with performance. Improved post-acquisition performance was related with competitive environment, which necessitated incremental changes in improvements of products and production processes. Sharing of corporate technology with the acquired division improved the division's performance. Marketing help from the corporation also improved division's performance. Finally, organizational integration without an excessive increase of formalization was found to be key to enhance the performance of the acquired division.
Cumulants in risk-sensitive control: the full-state-feedback cost variance case

The risk-sensitive optimal stochastic control problem has an interpretation in terms of managing the value of a denumerable linear combination of the cumulants of a traditional performance index. This paper considers in detail the foundations for a full-state-feedback solution to the problem of controlling the second cumulant of a cost function, given modest constraints on the first cumulant. The formulation is carried out for a class of nonlinear stochastic differential equations, associated with an appropriate class of non-quadratic performance indices. A Hamilton-Jacobi framework is adopted, and the defining equations for solving the linear, quadratic case are determined. The method is then applied to a situation in which a building is to be protected from earthquakes.
The Repatriation of a Southern Cheyenne Burial and the Contingencies of Authenticity

Focusing upon an assemblage of Southern Cheyenne burial objects, the author narrates their trajectory through cultural, temporal, and geographic spaces, tracing contingencies of meaning and use. Collected by a US Army medical officer during the 1860s campaigns against the Cheyenne, this assemblage went from the Army Medical Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, and finally, in the 1990s, was successfully repatriated from the National Museum of Natural History to the Southern Cheyenne. Through the combined use of archival records, historical analysis, and consultation with the Southern Cheyenne repatriation delegate, the author analyzes the continuance and re-negotiation of colonial configurations of culture, race, and scientific authority as manifested in shifting formulations of authenticity. She contends that Southern Cheyenne re-interpretations of these objects provide productive reformulations of authenticity, which take into account cultural hybridity, change, and the politics of survival.
Effects of nicotine chewing gum on cigarette smoking and subjective and physiologic effects

Our study was conducted to assess the effects of multiple doses of nicotine chewing gum on a variety of measures of cigarette smoking, affect, and physiologic response. Cigarette smokers resided on a research unit for the duration of the study, during which time their smoking behavior was measured during nine 12-hour test sessions. At the start of each session and every 2 hours thereafter, subjects received oral doses of nicotine (2 or 4 mg) or placebo in the form of a chewing gum (nicotine polacrilex). Each dose of active drug and placebo was given for three sessions in a randomized block sequence. Total number of puffs per day was significantly decreased at both the 2 and 4 mg doses when compared with placebo, and the total number of cigarettes smoked per day was significantly decreased at the 4 mg dose. There were dose-related changes in certain subjective effects: Self-reported ratings of dose strength were directly related to dose, desire to smoke tended to be inversely related to dose, and prominent measures of abuse liability did not change. The only cardiovascular measure that was significantly changed by nicotine dose was systolic blood pressure, which showed an attenuation of the diurnal pattern as the dose increased. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1986) 39, 625–630; doi:10.1038/clpt.1986.110
Bench–scale evaluation of calcium sorbents for acid gas emission control

Calcium sorbents for acid gas emission control were evaluated for effectiveness in removing SO{sub 2}/HCl and SO{sub 2}/NO from simulated incinerator and boiler flue gases. All tests were conducted in a bench-scale reactor (fixed-bed) simulating fabric filter conditions in an acid gas removal process. Reagent grade Ca(OH){sub 2} was used to establish baseline sorbent performance. The reactivity of reagent grade Ca(OH){sub 2} with HCl from SO{sub 2}/HCl mixtures gradually increased with decreasing approach to saturation temperature. SO{sub 2} reactivity toward Ca(OH){sub 2} was very sensitive to approach to saturation. Novel calcium silicate sorbents were tested for reactivity with both SO{sub 2} and HCl. A thermal window for optimum NO removal was found at 90{degree}C (194{degree}F) when Ca(OH){sub 2} was used at SO{sub 2}/NO ratios of 1:1. Reactivity of Ca(OH){sub 2} toward SO{sub 2} from SO{sub 2}/NO mixtures was very sensitive to approach to saturation, while reactivity with NO was insensitive. Several additives were subsequently tested to determine optimum sorbent combinations for SO{sub 2}/NO control. To date the most promising additives are Mg(OH){sub 2} and Na{sub 2}HPO{sub 4} at 10 mol% concentrations. As with SO{sub 2}/HCl, calcium silicate has been shown to be superior for SO{sub 2}/NO capture. Some implications formore » larger-scale process configurations and sorbent selection for HCl/SO{sub 2}/NO control are discussed. Future activities and limited larger-scale pilot plant results are also discussed.« less
Stress bridging in a heterogeneous material

Abstract The fracture process of a material denoted PBS 9501 sugar mock, a simulant of the PBX 9501 high explosive, was studied using the optical technique of Coherent Gradient Sensing (CGS) interferometry. We found that in the PBS 9501 sugar mock material, crack initiation and propagation are preceded by the formation and extension of a sizable stress-bridging zone. Two mechanisms were identified as contributing to the bridging process. One is crystal interlocking and friction, and the other is binder stretching. By comparing the experimental CGS fringe pattern with one simulated using a simple bridging model, we found that the overall behavior of the bridging zone is hardening, which is consistent with the fact that majority of the bridging region is dominated by a binder stretching mechanism. We conclude that the entire process of stress-bridging initiation and extension, as well as subsequent crack propagation, has to be considered in describing the fracture behavior of high explosive materials.
Substrate Specificity for 4-Thiouridine Modification in Escherichia coli

The biosynthesis of 4-thiouridine (s4U) in Escherichia coli tRNA requires the action of both the thiamin pathway enzyme ThiI and the cysteine desulfurase IscS. IscS catalyzes sulfur transfer from l-cysteine to ThiI, which utilizes Mg-ATP to activate uridine 8 in tRNA and transfers sulfur to give s4U. In this work, we show through deletion analysis of unmodified E. coli tRNA(Phe) that the minimum substrate for s4U modification is a mini-helix comprising the stacked acceptor and T stems containing an internal bulged region. The size of the bulged loop must be at least 4 nucleotides and contain the target uridine as the first nucleotide. Replacement of the T loop sequence with a tetraloop in the deletion substrate increases activity and shows that the TpsiC primary sequence is not a recognition element. An unmodified tRNA(Phe) transcript in which the 3'-terminal ACCA sequence is removed to give a blunt terminus has <0.1% activity, although the addition of a single overhanging base essentially restores activity. In addition, reducing the distance of the 3' terminus relative to U8 by as little as 1 bp severely impairs activity. By dissecting a minimal RNA substrate in the T loop region, a two-piece system consisting of a substrate RNA and a "guide" RNA is efficiently modified. Our results indicate that outside of the modified U8, there is no primary sequence requirement for substrate recognition. However, the secondary and tertiary structure restrictions appear sufficient to explain why s4U modification is limited in the cell to tRNA.
A synthesis procedure for parameter adaptive control systems

Given a plant with differential equations characterized by a parameter vector ω which is unknown and slowly varying with time and given a corresponding feedback controller with equations characterized by an adjustable parameter vector γ, a synthesis procedure is presented which leads to a closed-loop adaptive control system for adjusting γ in the face of drift variations in ω. The steps in the synthesis procedure involve 1) the structuring of the basic control system such that model matching is possible for an optimal choice in γ corresponding to every ω, \gamma^{\ast} = \gamma^{\ast}(\omega) , 2) the selection of a performance index \rho(\gamma, \gamma^{\ast}) which has the properties of a metric function on every adjustment interval, and 3) the derivation of a modified gradient for updating the value of γ which can be implemented on-line during the normal course of system operation. An example of a pitch-rate orientational control system is used to illustrate the synthesis procedure, and the results of a computer simulation study of the overall adaptive system are discussed which include the effects of nonlinearities, disturbance and measurement noises, as well as time variations in the unknown ω-parameters.
Addition Polyimides from Non-Mutagenic Diamines:

Studies were conducted to find an acceptable non-mutagenic diamine to replace 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA), a suspect carcinogen, which is currently being used in PMR-15 polyimide applications. Several diamines containing fluorine and trifluoromethyl substituent groups were synthesized. The diamines were polymerized with the dimethyl ester of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BTDE), using the monomethyl ester of nadic acid (NE) as an endcap. The effect of diamine structure on rheological properties, glass transition temperature, and thermo-oxidative stability was investigated. Unidirectional laminates were fabricated from selected resins, using carbon fiber as the reinforcement. The results indicate that some of the diamines containing trifluoromethyl groups are non-mutagenic, and have potential to replace MDA in PMR polyimides for long-term applications at temperatures up to 300 C.
Computational Intelligence for Risk and Disaster Management

In this paper we provide a computational intelligence methodology for risk and disaster management using attitudinal and fuzzy modeling. We provide a paradigm representing the relationship among threats, events, control alternatives and losses. In evaluating a control alternative we look beyond the traditional expected value as a summary measure of expectation and the traditional variance as a measure of dispersion. We introduce a new measure of dispersion which incorporates the decision maker's attitude. We present a fuzzy model to use this attitudinal variance in conjunction with the attitudinal expected value in order to assess the overall value of control alternatives.