cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical phase unwrapping of holographic interferograms

Although fully automated phase unwrapping of stepped phase interferograms is a worthy goal and is receiving considerable attention, this Utopian circumstance has not yet been uniquely achieved in a reasonable time on complex real life structures such as an automotive powertrain. The method presented here uses a binary bad spot mask and a seed point mask to phase unwrap the underlying modulo 2(pi) phase map of very complicated structures. Fringe amplitude, modulation, and triangular unit cell path dependence are used to automatically create a portion of the mask. Partition lines are added manually to the mask to separate sheared fringe systems, structural boundaries, and regions of sampling theorem violation.
Calcific Pulmonic Stenosis

Seven patients are described in whom calcium deposits occurred in stenotic pulmonary valves. In five the calcific deposits were visible on chest roentgenogram. Survival into adulthood and severe pulmonic stenosis appeared to be the prerequisites for the development of large deposits of calcium in this valve.
Variable π-Bonding in Iron(II) Porphyrinates with Nitrite, CO, and tert-Butyl Isocyanide: Characterization of [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)(CO)]-

The addition of the strongly π-bonding ligands CO or tert-butyl isocyanide to the low-spin five-coordinate iron(II) nitrite species [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)]- (TpivPP = picket fence porphyrin) gives two new six-coordinate species [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)(CO)]- and [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)(t-BuNC)]-. These species have been characterized by single-crystal structure determinations and by UV−vis, IR, and Mossbauer spectroscopies. All evidence shows that in the mixed-ligand iron(II) porphyrin species, [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)(CO)]-, the two trans, π-accepting ligands CO and nitrite compete for π density. The CO ligand however dominates the bonding. The Fe−N(NO2) bond lengths for the two independent anions in the unit cell at 2.006(4) and 2.009(4) A are lengthened compared to other nitrite species with either no trans ligands or non-π-accepting trans ligands to nitrite. The Fe−C(CO) bond lengths are 1.782(4) A and 1.789(5) A for the two anions. The two Fe−C−O angles at 175.5(4) and 177.5(4)° are essentially linear in both anions. The quadrup...
Nifedipine is an antagonist to cyclotron resonance enhancement of 45Ca incorporation in human lymphocytes

The incorporation of 45Ca in mixed human lymphocytes was measured following one-hour exposures of the cells to combined steady and periodic magnetic fields designed to probe for cyclotron resonance response in calcium incorporation. Measurements were made as a function of magnetic field frequency, up to 30 Hz, and as a function of magnetic field amplitude, up to 1.5 x 10(-4) Trms. The amplitude measurements demonstrated that the relative 45Ca uptake at resonance follows different mechanisms of interaction above and below 0.2 x 10(-4) Trms. After adjusting the magnetic field configuration for maximum incorporation, we then determined the effects of the calcium influx blocker nifedipine on 45Ca incorporation, with and without simultaneous exposure to this specific magnetic field combination. The presence of nifedipine in both unexposed and exposed cell suspensions resulted in decreased 45Ca uptake, presumably through the slow inward calcium channels. Evidence was found suggesting that nifedipine acts antagonistically to the 45Ca cyclotron resonance tuning signal.
Qualitative restriction of transcription in human leukemic lymphocytes

Abstract RNA from human normal lymphocytes and Burkitt lymphoma cells were compared with respect to the number of kinds of hybridizable RNA complementary to normal human DNA, and to the degree of similarity between normal and lymphoma RNA. Both saturation and competition experiments were performed with RNA uniformly labeled in vitro with dimethyl-H 3 -sulfate and human placental DNA. Normal lymphocytes possess more kinds of RNA that hybridize with normal human DNA than the Burkitt lymphoma cells. Competition experiments revealed that some kinds of hybridizable species of RNA present in normal lymphocytes are not present in the leukemic cells.
Erectile dysfunction: evaluation and new treatment options.

Objective:Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition of aging men. Indeed as many as 50% of men over age 40 will suffer some degree of ED. This erectile dysfunction has substantial impact on interaction with their partners, families, and employment. ED may be a harbinger of more serious vascula
Focused, high accuracy 5-methylcytosine quantitation with base resolution by benchtop next-generation sequencing

The growing interest in the role of epigenetic modifications in human health and disease has led to the development of next-generation sequencing methods for whole genome analysis of DNA methylation patterns. However, many projects require targeted methylation analysis of specific genes or genomic regions. We have developed an approach, termed BiSulfite Amplicon Sequencing (BSAS), for hypothesis driven and focused absolute DNA methylation analysis. This approach is applicable both to targeted DNA methylation studies as well as to confirmation of genome-wide studies. BSAS uses PCR enrichment of targeted regions from bisulfite-converted DNA and transposome-mediated library construction for rapid generation of sequencing libraries from low (1 ng) sample input. Libraries are sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq benchtop sequencer. Generating high levels of sequencing depth (>1,000 ×) provides for quantitatively precise and accurate assessment of DNA methylation levels with base specificity. Dual indexing of sequencing libraries allows for simultaneous analysis of up to 96 samples. We demonstrate the superior quantitative accuracy of this approach as compared to existing Sanger sequencing methods. BSAS can be applied to any genomic region from any DNA source, including tissue and cell culture. Thus, BSAS provides a new validation approach for rapid and highly quantitative absolute CpG methylation analysis of any targeted genomic regions in a high throughput manner.
Social and Abnormal Psychology Textbooks: An Objective Analysis

Given the increased demand for undergraduate psychology courses beyond the introductory level, research on textbooks for such courses is surprisingly sparse. This study partially rectifies this problem. Because social and abnormal psychology are the two most frequently listed advanced courses in college catalogs (Perlman & McCann, 1999), we provide feature and content analyses of the 14 social psychology and 17 abnormal psychology survey texts published from 1995 to 1998. We also furnish comparisons between these two types of tesxts and introductory psychology texts. These analyses and comparisons should greatly facilitate the text selection process for teachers of social and abnormal psychology courses.
Influence of ration form and nitrogen availability on ruminal fermentation patterns and plasma of growing bull calves.

Nine rations containing three forms (ground hay, .2 to 2 cm; chopped hay, 6 to 10 cm; or all concentrate) and three percents (30, 45, and 60%) of rumen degradable nitrogen were fed to 54 Holstein calves (3 X 3 factorial) between 8 and 20 wk of age. Rumen fluid samples were obtained at 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 wk of age and plasma at 14 and 20 wk of age. Rumen fluid acetate concentration was greatest for ground hay and lowest for concentrate; propionate was greatest for concentrate and lowest for calves fed ground hay. Calves fed concentrate had highest valerate and total volatile fatty acid concentration, whereas lactate concentration and pH were least for concentrate. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen increased with increasing ruminally degradable protein feedstuffs in the ration. Plasma acetate was highest for chopped hay and lowest for concentrate, whereas calves fed concentrate and ground hay were comparable with higher propionate and glucose concentrations than calves fed chopped hay. Plasma urea nitrogen was highest for calves fed 60% ruminally degradable protein.
The with Electro-oculogram in Choroidal Melanoma Eyes

The electro-oculogram (EOG) in the involved eyes of 20 patients with a choroidal melanoma was compared to the EOG in the uninvolved eyes of these 20 patients and to the EOG in both eyes of 10 patients with a choroidal nevus in one eye and 19 normal control patients. A statistically significant reduction in the EOG occurred in eyes with melanomas compared to patients with nevi. No difference was found between the EOG of normals and the uninvolved eye of melanoma patients. Patients with nevi did not differ from normals. This observation was independent of tumor size and was not related to the extent of retinal detachment.
WE-E-BRB-04: Quantitative Dose Tracking Enabled Through a Novel Deformable 3D Dosimeter

Purpose: To evaluate and investigate the feasibility of a new method for validating dose tracking algorithms in deforming tissues using a novel deformable 3D dosimeter. Methods: A novel deformable 3D Presage dosimeter is reported consisting of a stretchy polyurethane matrix doped with radiochromic leuco‐dye. Two deformable cylindrical dosimeters (6 cm diameter, 5 cm long) were manufactured and irradiated with a checkerboard arrangement of 5 mm square pencil beams created by MLC fields. One dosimeter was irradiated under lateral compression by 33% (6 cm down to 4 cm diameter) to simulate a deformed organ. A second control dosimeter was irradiated with the same checkerboard pattern but without deformation applied. High‐resolution 3D dose distributions (isotropic 1 mm resolution) were obtained by optical‐CT imaging. Physical dose deformation was quantified by comparing checkerboard pencil beam shapes and positions in the deformed and control dosimeters. Results: Deformation of dose in the deformed dosimeter was clearly visible in all 3 dimensions. The deformed checkerboard dose pattern showed expansion of 16% – 46% along the axis of compression, with higher expansion observed in the central regions of the dosimeter. Perpendicular to the compression axis, the dose pattern contracted by 7% – 13%. Peak dose changes of −6% and +30% were observed parallel and perpendicular to the compression axis respectively. Dose response was linear from 0–8 Gy. Conclusions: Dose tracking was successfully quantified in a novel deforming 3D dosimeter. This capability has potential as a powerful new method for validating deformable dose tracking and registration algorithms. NCI R01CA100835
Population, Land, Economic Conditions, and the Allocation of New Deal Spending

Abstract This paper identifies two problems in Wallis's (1998) analysis of New Deal spending, addresses those problems, and contributes new findings. One problem is the interpretation of 1/population as an apolitical variable. The other is that, although Wallis discusses land area as a criterion in spending formulas, his econometric analysis omits land area. Controlling for land area eliminates Wallis's estimated effects of 1/population. After discussing those problems, this paper presents an empirical relationship sought but not uncovered by previous authors: A few land and income variables can predict the vast majority of the cross-state variation in per capita spending.
First-Year Medical Student Attitudes About Advocacy in Medicine Across Multiple Fields of Discipline: Analysis of Reflective Essays

Background Advocacy is often described as a pillar of the medical profession. However, the impact of advocacy training on medical students’ identity as advocates in the medical profession is not well described.
Distributed channel assignment algorithms for 802.11n WLANs with heterogeneous clients

As the latest IEEE 802.11 standard, 802.11n applies several new technologies, such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO), channel bonding, and frame aggregation to greatly improve the rate, range and reliability of wireless local area networks (WLANs). In 802.11n WLANs, access points (APs) are often densely deployed to provide satisfactory coverage. Thus nearby APs should operate at non-overlapping channels to avoid mutual interference. It is challenging to assign channels in legacy 802.11a/b/g WLANs due to the limited number of channels. Channel assignment becomes more complex in 802.11n WLANs, as the channel bonding in 802.11n allows WLAN stations (APs and clients) to combine two adjacent, non-overlapping 20MHz channels together for transmission. On the other hand, IEEE 802.11n is backward compatible, such that 802.11n clients will coexist with legacy clients in 802.11n WLANs. Legacy clients may affect the performance of nearby 802.11n clients, and reduce the effectiveness of channel bonding. Based on these observations, in this paper, we study channel assignment in 802.11n WLANs with heterogeneous clients. We first present the network model, interference model, and throughput estimation model to estimate the throughput of each client. We then formulate the channel assignment problem into an optimization problem, with the objective of maximizing overall network throughput. Since the problem is NP-hard, we give a distributed channel assignment algorithm based on the throughput estimation model. We then present another channel assignment algorithm with lower complexity, and aim at minimizing interference experienced by high-rate, 802.11n clients. We have carried out extensive simulations to evaluate the proposed algorithms. Simulation results show that our algorithms can significantly improve the network throughput of 802.11n WLANs, compared with other channel assignment algorithms.
Separation of photoluminescent fragment from the silica spheres modified the surface with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane

Abstract Photoluminescent fragment was separated from the silica spheres modified the surface with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. The spheres were synthesized with the Stober synthetic method, washed three times with acetone and stored in acetone for 12, 20, and 60 days. The solution color became yellow to dark red with the increase of the storing time. The UV-visible absorption spectra show absorption shoulder at 320 nm for only 60 days sample. Although the major Fourier transform infrared absorption peaks are similar for the 20 and 60 days samples, medium and small absorption peaks for the 20 days samples are not clear compared with 60 days samples. The absorption peaks at 3315, 2869/2968, 2928, 1703, 1294, 1185, 1219, 1080/1033, 971 and 864/761 cm −1 represent C–OH, R–CH 3 , R 2 –CH 2 , –C=O, C–O, C=S, C–C, Si–O–Si, Si–O–C and Si–C absorption, respectively. The luminescent peak is between 2.7 and 3.0 eV with the excitation energies between 3.76 and 3.44 eV for both 12 and 20 days samples. However, the new luminescent peak is observed at near 2.5 eV for the 60 days samples, which may related with sulfur group.
Inversion of the G DNA segment of phage Mu controls phage infectivity

THE 3,000 base pair-long G segment of temperate coliphage Mu DNA has been shown to invert spontaneously with high frequency1,2. Inversion, which is independent of the rec system of the host3, results in Mu phage with the G segment in either orientation. Nearly equal numbers of both G orientations are observed in a lysogen or when a lysate is obtained by induction of a lysogen. When phage is grown by a series of infections one and the same G orientation prevails4. One attractive explanation for these observations implicates inversion of the G segment in the control of phage or host functions. We report here experiments which show that the orientation of the G segment determines infectivity of Mu phage particles and that G inversion is mediated by a phage-specific enzyme system.
The potential commercial aspects of gossypol

Gossypol, a yellow polyphenolic pigment contained in all plant parts of the predominant cotton cultivars, has been the source of practical as well as scientific interest for over a century. Recent changes in both cotton fiber and cottonseed products markets have focused renewed interest on potential alternate uses for fiber and seed and other products of cotton and for the gossypol contained in the seed. A review of the literature dealing with the potential commercial use of gossypol from 1886, when it was first isolated, until the present, is presented.
Neoplastic transformation of rat liver epithelial cells is enhanced by non-transferrin-bound iron.

Iron overload is associated with liver toxicity, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. While most iron circulates in blood as transferrin-bound iron, non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) also becomes elevated and contributes to toxicity in the setting of iron overload. The mechanism for iron-related carcinogenesis is not well understood, in part due to a shortage of suitable experimental models. The primary aim of this study was to investigate NTBI-related hepatic carcinogenesis using T51B rat liver epithelial cells, a non-neoplastic cell line previously developed for carcinogenicity and tumor promotion studies. T51B cells were loaded with iron by repeated addition of ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) to the culture medium. Iron internalization was documented by chemical assay, ferritin induction, and loss of calcein fluorescence. Proliferative effects were determined by cell count, toxicity was determined by MTT assay, and neoplastic transformation was assessed by measuring colony formation in soft agar. Cyclin levels were measured by western blot. T51B cells readily internalized NTBI given as FAC. Within 1 week of treatment at 200 μM, there were significant but well-tolerated toxic effects including a decrease in cell proliferation (30% decrease, p < 0.01). FAC alone induced little or no colony formation in soft agar. In contrast, FAC addition to cells previously initiated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) resulted in a concentration dependent increase in colony formation. This was first detected at 12 weeks of FAC treatment and increased at longer times. At 16 weeks, colony formation increased more than 10 fold in cells treated with 200 μM FAC (p < 0.001). The iron chelator desferoxamine reduced both iron uptake and colony formation. Cells cultured with 200 μM FAC showed decreased cyclin D1, decreased cyclin A, and increased cyclin B1. These results establish NTBI as a tumor promoter in T51B rat liver epithelial cells. Changes in cyclin proteins suggest cell cycle disregulation contributes to tumor promotion by NTBI in this liver cell model.
Free‐radical attachment of nadic anhydride onto poly(alkylene terephthalate)s

There has been little research on poly(alkylene terephthalate) modification by graft copolymerization with vinyl monomers. There is no reported information on graft polymerization in the molten state. In this study, nadic anhydride was grafted onto poly(butylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) with a free-radical initiator in an internal mixer. The influence of the monomer and initiator concentrations on the degree of grafting was investigated. The degradation of these polymers was investigated and characterized with their complex melt viscosity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1839–1845, 2003
The electrical field produced by a focal brain injury: Relation to experimental cerebral infarction

Abstract Acute, circumscribed injury of the brain results in an injury potential which forms an electrical field extending well beyond the spatial boundaries of the injury. When both G 1 and G 2 electrodes are in contact with the brain, the SP change recorded must be interpreted in terms of the effect of this electrical field at both electrode positions. If relative SP values at several positions on the cortical surface are to be compared with one another, this may be accomplished by using a common reference point (G 2) at a distance from the brain. Multichannel recording will then frequently show a gradient of SP across the cortical surface, positive to negative when referred to the distant point, indicating the general region of a margin of injury. With lesions having sharp margins (ablation), the immediate SP gradient produced is correspondingly abrupt. Lesions with presumably decrementing degrees of injury, perhaps both in decreasing numbers of neural elements involved and in relative completeness of depolarization along the length of individual axons (occlusion of the middle cerebral artery), produce SP gradients which are correspondingly less well defined. In the latter, maxima of relative SP positivity and negativity may be assumed to lie on either side of the boundary of injury, and when the gradient has two maxima of positivity and one of negativity between them, the maximum of negativity may be assumed to correspond to the approximate region of greatest injury. Whether relative SP positivity or negativity is recorded at a distance from an injury depends upon locus of SP recording in relation to orientation of source and sink of current at the site of injury. The cerebral injury potential differs from cortical spreading depression of Leao in that the cerebral injury potential can arise in the white matter, and need not spread downward from the cerebral cortex. There is, as yet, no evidence that current flowing from electrical source near a margin of injury through structurally intact brain, and back to electrical sink at the sight of injury, exerts an effect upon the neuronal activity of this surrounding brain.
First Report of the Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Invasive Ferns, Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum, in Florida.

Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R.Br. (Old World climbing fern) and L. japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. (Japanese climbing fern), in the family Schizaeaceae, are among the most invasive weeds in Florida (1). L....
Uptake of gases in bundles of carbon nanotubes

Model calculations are presented that predict whether or not an arbitrary gas experiences significant absorption within carbon nanotubes and/or bundles of nanotubes. The potentials used in these calculations assume a conventional form, based on a sum of two-body interactions with individual carbon atoms; the latter employ energy and distance parameters that are derived from empirical combining rules. The results confirm intuitive expectation that small atoms and molecules are absorbed within both the interstitial channels and the tubes, while large atoms and molecules are absorbed almost exclusively within the tubes.
Submyelin potassium accumulation may functionally block subsets of local axons during deep brain stimulation: a modeling study

Deep brain stimulation has been used for over a decade to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, although its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. To better understand the direct effects of DBS on central neurons, a computational model of a myelinated axon has been constructed which includes the effects of K+ accumulation within the peri-axonal space. Using best estimates of anatomic and electrogenic model parameters for in vivo STN axons, the model predicts a functional block along the axon due to K+ accumulation in the submyelin space. The functional block occurs for a range of model parameters: high stimulation frequencies (>130 Hz); high extracellular K+ concentrations (>3 × 10−3 M); low maximum Na+/K+ ATPase current densities (<0.026 A m−2); low diffusion coefficients for K+ diffusion out of the submyelin space (<2.4 × 10−9 m2 s−1); small periaxonal space widths of the myelin attachment sections (<2.7 × 10−9 m) and perinodal/internodal sections (<8.4 × 10−9 m). These results suggest that therapeutic DBS of the STN likely results in a functional block for many STN axons, although a subset of STN axons may also be activated at the stimulating frequency.
Fictions of Childhood: Toward a Sociohistorical Approach to Human Development

In the wake of the recent shift in the "nature-nurture" debate as evidenced in Neurons to Neighborhoods, we examine and critique how context, culture, and development are currently construed in human development research. We go on to argue for a sociohistorical approach to development that incorporates multiple positional perspectives, micro- and macrohistorical processes, and globalization processes, thus positing a more holistic and realistic understanding of human development.
Lithium lengthens circadian period in a diurnal primate, Saimiri sciureus.

Abstract Lithium lengthens the period of free-running circadian rhythms in a variety of species, but this effect has not been demonstrated unequivocally in primates. Because of the possible link between lithium's action on the circadian clock and its therapeutic action in human mood disorders, we tested the ability of lithium to lengthen circadian period in a diurnal primate with circadian properties similar to those of humans. Lithium carbonate was administered in food pellets to 8 adult male squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) for at least 27 consecutive days. Serum lithium levels on the last day of lithium administration ranged from 0.76 to 2.02 mEq/liter, comparable to the therapeutic range for treatment of bipolar disorder in humans (0.6–1.2 mEq/liter). Circadian periods of perch-hopping activity were longer during lithium treatment than during baseline in 7 of the 8 monkeys (changes of −0.08 to +1.41 hr, mean + 0.55 hr, p = 0.01), and returned toward baseline values when lithium was discontinued. In most cases, the period change was evident within a few days after beginning full lithium dose, and was not accompanied by changes in level or pattern of activity, nor in amplitude of the circadian rhythm. Food consumption and body weight were reduced during lithium treatment, and rebounded on return to lithium-free diet. Period change was related to lithium dose (p
Gonadal steroid and chronic morphine treatment do not change the posttranslational processing of β-endorphin in the rat brain

Abstract The present study examines whether two treatments known to induce refractoriness to exogenous morphine produce this desensitization through a change in the posttranslational processing of brain β-endorphin (β-End). The first experiment examined whether an ovarian steroid regimen which produces a transient desensitization of brain opiate receptor mechanisms alters β-End processing in the preoptic area (POA), medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), and brainstem (BS). The second experiment monitored the effects of morphine pellet treatment, known to produce morphine dependency, on immunoreactive β-End forms in the hypothalamus and periaquaductal gray area of the midbrain (PAG). The individual molecular forms of β-End were separated using ion exchange chromatography and collection fractions were quantitated for β-End immunoreactivity by RIA. The results show that regional differences occur in the posttranslational processing of β-End. In the hypothalamus, MBH and POA, β-End-(1–31) and its non-acetylated C- terminal cleavage products, β-End-(1–27) and β-End-(1–16) were the predominant forms of β-End. The PAG pools produced a β-End peptide elution profile similar to the hypothalamus, although small amounts of N-acetyl-β-End-(1–31) were also identified. The BS exhibited the least posttranslational processing of β-End; β-End-(1–31) was the primary product with smaller amounts of β-End-(1–27) and β-End-(1–26) observed. However, neither ovarian steroid treatment nor chronic morphine produced any changes in posttranslational processing of β-End or in total β-End concentration in any of the brain regions examined in these experiments. These data indicate that the refractoriness or tolerance to exogenous morphine associated with steroid or chronic morphine treatment cannot be explained by alterations in the biological activity of β-End resulting from the differential regulation of its posttranslational processing products.
Provenance and credibility in scientific data repositories

Despite a long history of rich theoretical work on provenance, empirical research regarding users’ interactions with and judgments based upon provenance information in archives with scientific data is extremely limited. This article focuses on the relationship between provenance and credibility (i.e., trustworthiness and expertise) for scientists. Toward this end, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with seventeen proteomics researchers who interact with data from ProteomeCommons.org, a large online repository. To analyze the resulting interview data, the authors apply Brian Hilligoss and Soo Young Rieh’s empirically tested theoretical framework for user credibility assessment. Findings from this study suggest that together with other information provided in ProteomeCommons.org and subjects’ own experiences and prior knowledge, provenance allows users to determine the credibility of datasets. Implications of this study stress the importance of the archival perspective of provenance and archival bond for aiding scientists in their credibility assessments of data housed in scientific data repositories.
Human locomotion and workload for simulated lunar and Martian environments

Abstract Human locomotion in simulated lunar and Martian environments is investigated. A unique human-rated underwater treadmill and an adjustable ballasting harness simulate partial gravity in order to better understand how gravity determines the biomechanics and energetics of human locomotion. This study has two research aspects, biomechanics and energetics. The fundamental biomechanics measurements are continuously recorded vertical forces as exerted by subjects of the treadmill which is instrumented with a force platform. Experimental results indicate that peak vertical force and stride frequency decrease as the gravity level is reduced. Foot contact time is independent of gravity level. Oxygen uptake measurements, VO2, constitute the energetics, or workload, data for this study. As theory predicts, locomotion energy requirements for lunar ( 1 6 -g ) and Martian ( 3 8 -g ) gravity levels are significantly less than at 1-g. The observed variation in workload with gravity level is nonmonotonic, however, in over half the subject population. The hypothesis is offered that energy expenditure increases for lunar, as compared with Martian, locomotion due to the subject “wasting energy” for stability and posture control in simulated lunar gravity. Biomechanics data could influence advanced spacesuit design and planetary habitat design, while workload data will help define oxygen requirements for planetary life support systems.
Electronic Structures of Polyatomic Molecules and Valence

The electronic structures of a number of molecules and ions (${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, N${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$, C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, C${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}_{4}$, Cl${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, S${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{=}$, Cl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, S${\mathrm{O}}_{3}^{=}$, C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and others) are briefly described in terms of one-electron wave functions; other molecular types are easily described in a similar way, and will be discussed in later detailed papers. Many valence phenomena can be understood using these wave functions and a simple rule based on the Pauli principle.
Dynamic phase transitions in confined lubricant fluids under shear.

A surface force apparatus was used to measure the transient and steady-state friction forces between molecularly smooth mica surfaces confining thin films of squalane, ${\mathrm{C}}_{30}{\mathrm{H}}_{62},$ a saturated, branched hydrocarbon liquid. The dynamic friction ``phase diagram'' was determined under different shearing conditions, especially the transitions between stick-slip and smooth sliding ``states'' that exhibited a chaotic stick-slip regime. The apparently very different friction traces exhibited by simple spherical, linear, and branched hydrocarbon films under shear are shown to be due to the much longer relaxation times and characteristic length scales associated with transitions from rest to steady-state sliding, and vice versa, in the case of branched liquids. The physical reasons and tribological implications for the different types of transitions observed with spherical, linear, and branched fluids are discussed.
Error tolerance and privacy enhancement in matching fingerprint templates

Biometric systems attempt to solve a matching problem through live measurements of human body features. However, two obstacles hinder the wider applications of biometrics: non-reproducibility and privacy concerns. In this paper we study fingerprint minutiae-based templates. Our testing results show templates can still match under some step-wised modification and therefore the biometric system can tolerate certain amounts of errors. Our testing results also show that partial fingerprint templates can still match successfully. Therefore, the security and privacy of fingerprint can be protected with these techniques.
The Effect of Rebuild on the Combustion Performance of an Industrial Gas-Fired Flat Glass Furnace

Abstract Post-rebuild profiles of velocity, species concentration (02, CO, and CO2), and gas temperature are reported in the portnecks of a regenerative, side-port, 550-ton/day, gas-fired, flat-glass furnace. These measurements are also compared to similar ones made before the same furnace was rebuilt. Measurements were also made below one of the regenerators in the tunnel leading to the furnace stack after the rebuild. Fewer variations were observed in the exhaust profiles of most measured variables after the rebuild. Flat inlet velocity profiles were measured with a magnitude of approximately 11 m/s before and after the rebuild. The temperature of the inlet preheat air was generally speaking higher and the furnace exhaust temperature lower before the rebuild. Locations of low O2 concentration in the effluent are consistent with high CO concentrations before and after the furnace rebuild. CO2 concentrations are nearly uniform across the portneck height, more so after the rebuild. The measurements in the ...
Some Physiologic Observations in Smoke Inhalation

Six persons were overcome by smoke inhalation when they were trapped within an elevator of a burning building. Evidence of bronchospasm as determined by spirometric examination was found in all six, but the only three who exhibited wheezing reported preexisting asthmatic conditions. An elevated carboxyhemoglobin was found in all. Three patients had metabolic acidosis but this finding did not correlate with the carboxyhemoglobin saturations. Two patients developed acute myocardial infarction; both had preexisting coronary artery disease. Our physiologic observations indicate that in addition to the routine use of oxygen, victims of smoke inhalation should be under careful surveillance, and may benefit from bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Arterial blood gas analysis should be done to determine the severity of hypoxemia. Metabolic acidosis, if present, should be treated with intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
Relating Turbulence and Fish Habitat: A New Approach for Management and Research

Understanding how fish perceive turbulence characteristics to utilize complex habitats (large wood, rock, channel bedforms, etc.) is a critical, but poorly understood component of aquatic habitat restoration. Many recent studies attempt to relate turbulence characteristics to habitat utilization, but results are inconsistent for two reasons. First, turbulence is a complex, multi-scale manifestation of fluid flow that can be characterized in different ways with different interpretations. Second, fish behavioral response to flow field features is also complex because both acclimation and learning are important. For example, some studies show that turbulence decreases swimming stability, increases energy expenditure for a given swimming speed, and alters feeding behavior, whereas others show turbulence to decrease energy needed to swim at a given speed and correlates with fish abundance. We describe a Turbulence Attraction and Avoidance (TAA) hypothesis to reconcile inconsistent, even seemingly contradictory...
Acoustic characteristics of the question-statement contrast in severe dysarthria due to cerebral palsy.

Studies of prosodic control in severe dysarthria (DYS) have focused on differences between impaired and nonimpaired speech in terms of the range and variation of fundamental frequency (F0), intensi...
Variation in Lipid and Fatty Acid Contents of Atlantic Croakers, Striped Mullet, and Summer Flounder

Abstract Lipid and fatty acid contents of fillets (with skin) of Atlantic croakers Micropogonias undulatus, striped mullet Mugil cephalus, and summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus were determined for three harvest dates over a 1-year period. In striped mullet and Atlantic croakers, total lipid increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in late summer (from 21.72 to 31.78% and 12.68 to 31.94% of dry weight, respectively). No significant change in total lipid content was noted in the leaner summer flounder (9.38–9.87%). However, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of fillets of summer flounder varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05), ranging from low levels in June and August (6.24 and 3.33% of dry weight, respectively) to much higher levels (17.32%) in January. The difference in PUFA content of fillets was due mainly to a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (22: 6n3). The PUFA content of Atlantic croakers (22:6n3) also increased significantly (from 3.19 to 6.16%) from August to January, but the PUFA conten...
The Quality of Group Decisions, Group Verbal Behavior, and Intervention

Abstract Individuals bring beliefs and knowledge to group meetings. Group decisions arise out of the exchange of these beliefs and knowledge. Because group interactions are mainly verbal, group verbal behavior should play a central role in determining the quality of group decisions, and process interventions should change group verbal behavior. Subjects were 168 new employees in a Japanese drug company, who constituted 42 four-person groups. Treatment groups received the Consensual Conflict Resolution (CCR) intervention that emphasizes a knowledge-based logical discussion and consensual resolution of conflicts. The group task was the NASA Moon Survival problem. It was found that (1) the quality of group decisions increases to the extent that group members exchange facts and reasons (defined as a "reasoning" orientation of group verbal behavior) and decreases to the extent that group members stick to their positions (defined as a "positional" orientation), and (2) the CCR intervention increases the reasoning orientation and decreases the positional orientation, thereby improving the quality of group decisions.
Diamagnetic effects during the early stages of star formation

The role of magnetic fields during the initial stages of protostellar cloud collapse is investigated, in particular with respect to the scenario where the magnetic force can be an effective compressor due to diamagnetic effects. A multifluid approach involving electrons, ions of different atomic masses and neutrals is adopted, where each species is treated separately. The electron fluid is compressed by the magnetic pressure force, and the other ion species are pulled by the collective electric field developed by the space charge separation. The neutrals are also dragged owing to collisions with the ions. The difference in charge-to-mass ratio ensures that each ion species is accelerated differently, resulting in a distribution following their atomic masses. This model explores the scenario where the electromagnetic forces can achieve a supercritical mass-to-flux ratio in a magnetized cloud before dynamical collapse due to gravity takes over.
Transient Monocular Visual Loss

Purpose To provide a practical update on the diagnosis and management of transient monocular visual loss (TMVL). Design Perspective. Methods Review of the literature. Results TMVL is an important clinical symptom. It has numerous causes but most often results from transient retinal ischemia. It may herald permanent visual loss or a devastating stroke, and patients with TMVL should be evaluated urgently. A practical approach to the evaluation of the patient with TMVL must be based on the patient's age and the suspected underlying etiology. In the older patient, tests should be performed to investigate giant cell arteritis, atherosclerotic large vessel disease, and cardiac abnormalities. In the younger patient, TMVL is usually benign and the evaluation should be tailored to the particular clinical setting. Conclusions Specific prevention strategies are tailored to the most likely cause of TMVL and the patient's underlying risk factors. Prevention of a future event should begin in the ophthalmologist's office with education and aggressive treatment of artherosclerotic risk factors.
Defining a role for endoscopic ultrasound in staging periampullary tumors

Abstract Background: The goal of the preoperative workup in patients with suspected periampullary carcinoma is to establish the diagnosis with a high degree of certainty. In this study we compared endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) scans for the detection of tumor, lymph node metastasis, and vascular invasion in patients with suspected periampullary carcinoma in order to define a role for EUS in the preoperative staging of these patients. Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive patients received EUS and CT scanning followed by operation for presumed periampullary carcinoma during a 30-month period. Both imaging modalities were reviewed in a blinded fashion and the results compared with pathology and operative reports on all patients. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for tumor detection by EUS were 97%, 33%, 94%, and 50%, respectively, compared with 82%, 66%, 97%, and 25% for CT scan. For lymph nodes the values were 21%, 80%, 57%, and 44%, respectively, for EUS compared with 42%, 73%, 67%, and 50% for CT. For vascular invasion, the values were 20%, 100%, 100%, and 89%, respectively, for EUS, compared with 80%, 87%, 44%, and 96% for CT. Conclusions: CT is the initial study of choice in patients with suspected periampullary tumors. EUS is superior for detecting tumor and for predicting vascular invasion. Therefore, EUS should be used for patients in whom CT does not detect a mass and for those with an identifiable mass on CT in whom vascular invasion cannot be ruled out.
An execution model for distributed object-oriented computation

This paper describes an execution model being developed for distributed object-oriented in a message-passing multiple-instruction/multiple-data-stream (MIMD) environment. The objective is to execute an object-oriented program as concurrently as possible. Some opportunities for concurrency can be identified explicitly by the programmer. Others can be identified at compile time. There are some opportunities for concurrency, however, that can only be discovered at runtime because they are data-dependent. The model of execution we describe attempts to discover and exploit the data-dependent concurrency that exists in a given program execution.
Determination of F, Cl, and Br in Solid Organic Compounds by Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy

The feasibility of using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) as a rapid and simple method to analyze fluorine, chlorine, and bromine in solid organic compounds was investigated. A Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with pulse energy of 100 mJ was used to produce the plasma. This method presents many advantages for the determination of halogens in organic compounds, including very simple sample preparation and near-real-time analysis. Solid organic compounds were measured in air and helium atmospheres. Carbon in organic compounds was chosen as the internal standard for the measurement of F, Cl, and Br. Linear responses for these elements were obtained for both atmospheres. However, the sensitivity was much higher and the background noise was much lower in the helium atmosphere.
Trade-off between Capacity and Diversity for Block Fading Sub-Channels

We consider the trade-off between multiplexing gain and diversity gain for the block-fading sub-channel model. The channel vector may be rank deficient and has arbitrary covariance structure. We derive this trade-off by considering the scaling law of the ergodic capacity, which represents the multiplexing gain, and the error probability, which determines the diversity gain at high SNR. With a fixed multiplexing gain, we give an upper bound and a lower bound on the maximum diversity gain, and give an optimization procedure to get the exact maximum diversity gain.
Fate of the uterus in 46XX cloacal exstrophy patients

Abstract Purpose Genetically female cloacal exstrophy (46XX CE) patients develop complications later in life due to their abnormal uterine anatomy, resulting in various invasive gynecologic procedures. Furthermore, they have difficulty becoming pregnant, and if they do conceive, they are unlikely to carry the pregnancy to term. We performed this review to determine the rate of gynecological complications, the fate of the uterus, and the rate of pregnancy in 46XX cloacal exstrophy patients. Methods All charts for 46XX CE patients treated by us were reviewed following IRB approval. Patient age at last follow-up, surgical management of the uterus, uterine complications, and pregnancies were recorded. Results The charts of all 16 of our 46XX CE patients who survived past the neonatal period were reviewed. Two patients underwent hemi-hysterectomy (HH): 1 for an atretic hemi-uterus at birth, another for abnormal uterine insertion at 3years. A third patient initially had HH for hydrometrocolpos leading to ureteral and colonic obstruction at 14years but she required a completion hysterectomy a year later. Four patients underwent total hysterectomy (TH) at the outset: 2 neonates for a diminutive uterus with extreme disparity in the halves, another for uterine prolapse at 1month of age, and a fourth for hematometrocolpos at 16years of age. Six patients reached adulthood without requiring gynecologic intervention; one of these six is now being managed at another institution. Two patients are prepubertal and one was lost to follow-up. The only patient in the series who became pregnant miscarried at 11weeks gestation. Conclusion Out of 13 post-pubertal patients 6 have retained the entire uterus and another 2 had a hemi-hysterectomy. One patient who became pregnant miscarried at 11weeks gestation. We believe it is appropriate to avoid ablative genital surgery as far as possible and for these patients to become pregnant after detailed discussion with physicians experienced in the care of 46XX CE patients.
Relationships between rhizoplane and rhizosphere bacteria and verticillium wilt resistance in potato

Six cultivars and breeding lines of potato (Solanum tuberosum) differing in susceptibility to verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae were studied with respect to quantitative and qualitative differences in the bacterial flora of their soil and rhizosphere-rhizoplane. Although, no association was observed between the types of bacteria that inhabited the soil or roots of wilt resistant and susceptible cultivars, quantitative differences were evident. These differences provide the first direct evidence that potato genotypes can influence bacterial populations. Bacterial populations were 9–25-fold higher on roots than in the adjacent soil. As the plants aged, the total number of rootcolonizing bacteria increased between 15 and 245%. Pseudomonas spp. were the most abundant microbes in the soil and rhizosphere-rhizoplane. The bacteria antagonistic to V. dahliae in vitro were identified as members of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, and Gluconobacter. A statistically significant trend was evident toward the association of antagonistic bacteria with the more resistant potato cultivars.