cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid decision-making system for fuzzy moves

In this paper, the basic principles of the theory of fuzzy moves (TFM) are developed based on the theory of moves (TOM) and game theory. Especially, the new hybrid decision-making system based on both fuzzy inference and precise inference for achieving the globally good goal of fuzzy moves is rationally proposed based on not only order payoffs used by TOM but also fuzzy payoffs including more decision-making information. Generally, classical game theory and TOM can locally make a player reach an absolute optimal outcome which is as advantageous to his own side as possible only based on his own payoffs. For completeness and rationale, TFM is able to globally make a player reach a relative optimal outcome which is not only as advantageous to his own side as possible but also as disadvantageous to the counterplayer as possible based on both the given payoffs (i.e. order payoffs and fuzzy payoffs) and the globally strategic goals the players choose. Finally a typical example of fuzzy moves has indicated that TFM is a rational and effective methodology to deal with complex fuzzy moves games in the real world. >
Gradient-based sparse approximation for computed tomography

Limited-data Computed Tomography (CT) presents challenges for image reconstruction algorithms and has been an active topic of research aiming at reducing the exposure to X-ray radiation. We present a novel formulation for tomo-graphic reconstruction based on sparse approximation of the image gradients from projection data. Our approach leverages the interdependence of the partial derivatives to impose an additional curl-free constraint on the optimization problem. The image is then reconstructed using a Poisson solver. The experimental results show that, compared to total variation methods, our new formulation improves the accuracy of reconstruction significantly in few-view settings.
The Role of Geometry in Computational Dynamics

This paper is an informal discussion of how geometry and numerical analysis are intertwined in the computational study of dynamical systems and their bifurcations. We use the example of determining the phase portrait of planar vector fields to illustrate the more general and philosophical attitudes that constitute our main thesis. Few mathematical details are included.
Quantitative analysis of security protocols in wireless networks

Security has been a major concern for computer networks, and required levels of security continue to increase and become more complicated to provide. Wireless devices face new challenges in securely exchanging information due to their limitations such as power and bandwidth. Powerful algorithms have also been developed to provide authentication, confidentially, and integrity to information exchanged over computer networks. We evaluate security protocols, designed to overcome these limitations and quantitatively determine the performance differences between them. All the protocols were developed based on the assumption that a certificate authority (CA) exists and maintains the certificates of each device.
Primary Central Nervous System Tumors in Children.

The standard treatment for children with medulloblastoma, especially those who are older than 3 years of age at the time of diagnosis, includes craniospinal radiation therapy, local radiation therapy, and chemotherapy during and after radiation therapy. The benefits of administering chemotherapy before radiation therapy are unproven, and this approach may result in overall poorer disease control because it delays the initiation of radiation therapy. The amount of radiation therapy needed in patients with nondisseminated disease is unclear. The treatment of children younger than 3 years of age with medulloblastoma is discussed later in this article. The management of brain stem gliomas is currently far from optimal. Surgery has no role in either the diagnosis or the treatment of diffuse intrinsic tumors. Radiation therapy remains the standard treatment for patients with diffuse intrinsic tumors, although the majority die within 18 months of diagnosis. The optimal treatmen for exophytic cervicomedullary lesions has yet to be determined. Although surgical resection can result in disease control in many patients, it is often associated with increased neurologic morbidity. Alternative treatments, such as partial resection, followed by focused radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be as effective as complete resection in controlling disease and may result in less morbidity. The treatment of childhood low-grade gliomas is complex, and both the histologic subtype of the tumor and its location must be considered. For some tumors, especially cerebellar astrocytomas, the treatment of choice is total surgical resection. For tumors that are not amenable to gross total resection, radiation therapy remains the standard treatment. Focused radiation therapy may, in time, be significant in the management of children with low-grade tumors, but it is not clear whether such therapy will control the leading edge of the tumor or cause excessive neurologic morbidity. Chemotherapy is being used more and more frequently for children with low-grade gliomas. For the majority of children, it is used to delay the need for more definitive therapy, such as radiation therapy or more aggressive surgical resection. In this regard, it is unclear whether more aggressive chemotherapy is of greater long-term benefit than less aggressive regimens for patients with low-grade gliomas. Clear-cut evidence indicates that chemotherapy, especially the combination of carboplatin and vincristine, is active in low-grade gliomas and delays the need for radiation therapy in the majority of children younger than 5 years of age. The role of chemotherapy in older children is poorly defined. Currently, the standard treatment for children with high-grade gliomas probably includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy with CCNU plus vincristine. Studies are using chemotherapy before radiation therapy in attempts to identify active agents in this disease type. Other active subjects of investigation include the use of high-dose chemotherapy after radiation therapy for children with newly diagnosed disease and the use of radiosensitization agents.
Decomposition characteristics of chlorinated ethylenes on metal loaded zeolite Y and γ-Al2O3

Complete catalytic oxidation of 1075 ppm of vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene in humid (∼11 500 ppm water) air was studied over the temperature range of 250 to 400°C. Three different catalysts, chromium exchanged zeolite Y (CrY), cobalt exchanged zeolite Y (CoY) and cobalt impregnated γ-Al2O3 (Co/Al2O3) were prepared and their activities investigated for the above reaction. Conversions varied from 1.6 to 100% with catalytic activities decreasing in the order: CrY > CoY>Co/Al2O3. The adsorption capacity of the reactants also followed the same trend. The ability of chromium cation to exhibit multiple oxidation states coupled with its high ionization potential probably led to the higher activity of CrY. The catalytic activity was found to diminish with increasing chlorine content of the reactant. Therefore, the catalytic activity decreased in the order: vinyl chloride > trichloroethylene > perchloroethylene. This phenomenon was attributed to the inductive and resonance effects of chlorine atom(s) on the electron density at the CC bond. The zeolitic support produced higher activity than non-zeolitic because of the differences in the cation dispersion, acidity and redox potential of the cation.
Brain areas implicated in cholinergic regulation of sexual behavior

Abstract Sexual behavior in female rats was facilitated by infusion of a cholinergic agent into specific brain regions. Carbachol, a cholinergic receptor agonist, increased the incidence of lordosis in estrogen-primed female rats following bilateral infusion (0.5 μg/cannula) into either the medial preoptic area or the ventromedial hypothalamus. The behavioral response was highest 15 min after carbachol infusion and returned to control levels within 90 min after infusion. Carbachol failed to activate lordosis following infusion into the mesencephalic reticular formation or frontal cortex. These results indicate that the potential of a brain area to respond to cholinergic stimulation may be related to the ability of that area to concentrate estrogen.
Radiolytically Induced Polymer Formation in Alkenyl Carboranes: Phase Effects

Abstract The primary concern of this investigation has been to determine the effects of the physical state of structurally similar alkenyl substituted carborane monomers on their γ-ray induced polymerization. In the course of the investigation it was shown that I-vinyl-o-carborane apparently exhibits mesomorphic behavior at room temperature. This behavior was isotropic and most probably plastic crystalline in nature, whereas 1-isopropenyl--o-carborane exhibited only crystalline behavior below its capillary melting point. In the case of 1-vinyl-o-carborane it was shown that polymerization occurs in a “head to tail” manner with a high yield of polymer up to 11–12 units in length. Under the same conditions it was found that 1-isopropenyl--o-carborane gave rise to two dimer products which were structurally different. The dimerization of 1-isopropenyl--o-carborane appears to be topotatic in nature. The results of this study indicated that the physical state of the monomer has a pronounced effect both qualitati...
Effectiveness of a videotape for sexual counseling after myocardial infarction.

A two-group randomized clinical trial was used to test the hypothesis that patients with myocardial infarction (MI) who receive both written instructions and a videotape to view at home will have greater knowledge, better quality of life, less anxiety, greater sexual satisfaction, and will resume sexual activity more quickly than will those who receive written instructions alone. The participants, 115 patients diagnosed with an MI, were pretested in the hospital and followed at home at 1, 3, and 5 months. The intervention was an educational videotape on return to sexual activity. Significant improvements in knowledge were found for the experimental group at 1 month. The videotape intervention provides an alternative method for education to facilitate recovery post-MI. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:269–280, 2004
CORR Insights ®: Coexisting lumbar spondylosis in patients undergoing TKA: how common and how serious?

This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Coexisting Lumbar Spondylosis in Patients Undergoing TKA: How Common and How Serious?” by Chang and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3298-7. The author certifies that he, or a member of his immediate family, has no funding or commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR ® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article available at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3298-7.
Dynamic measurements of corrosion rates at high temperatures in high electrical resistivity media

Abstract A gallium orthophosphate crystal microbalance makes possible rapid measurements of dynamic corrosion rates at high temperatures in high electrical resistivity media. The crystal microbalance has allowed for the first time the determination of time resolved corrosion rates of iron immersed in an electrically insulating oil with naphthenic acid at high temperature (270 °C).
Methylation of DNA in rat liver and intestine by dimethylnitrosamine and N-methylnitrosourea.

Abstract A chromatographic procedure for improved separation of deoxyribonucleosides and methylated deoxyribonucleosides is described. DNA was isolated from liver and small intestine of rats treated with [14C]dimethylnitrosamine ([14C]DMN) or N-[ 3 H ] methyl -N- nitrosourea ([3H]MNU), and the purified DNA was hydrolyzed enzymatically. The deoxyribonucleosides were chromatographed on an Aminex A-6 cation exchange column at 37°C with 0.4 M ammonium formate, pH 4.5, as eluant. In addition to showing the presence of the expected alkylated products, N7-methyldeoxyguanosine (determined as N7-methylguanine) and O6-methyldeoxyguanosine, several other minor methylated products were found in liver and intestinal DNA of rats treated with DMN or MNU. Two of these products are believed to be N3-methylthymidine and O4-methylthymidine.
Processes of scene recognition memory in young children and adults

The study presented here investigates Mandler's (1983) claim that memory for scenes is qualitatively similar in children and adults. We assessed 5- to 7-year-olds' and adults' memory for inventory information in scenes as assessed by type changes, in which one object is replaced by a conceptually different object. We tested for effects of three schema-related processes on scene memory. Results showed that both children and adults used two of those processes, which we have called the added unexpected object effect and the congruency effect. In the added unexpected object effect viewers tended to correctly reject any distractor scenes in which a new unexpected object was added. In the congruency effect viewers tended to correctly reject distractor scenes that contained a new unexpected object if each of the original scenes that they had viewed had contained all expected objects, and vice versa. There was no evidence at either age for what we have called the deleted unexpected object effect, in which viewers would notice that an unexpected object in the original scene was now missing in the distractor scene. The only developmental difference was that adults appeared to give relatively greater weight to the added unexpected object effect than to the congruency effect, whereas children weighted them equally. We conclude by speculating on the role of metacognitive awareness in the developmental trend toward greater influence from the added unexpected object effect in memory for scenes.
Emerging Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Oral Cancers

Mounting effective anti-tumor immune responses against tumors by both the innate and adaptive immune effectors is important for the clearance of tumors. However, accumulated evidence indicates that immune responses that should otherwise suppress or eliminate transformed cells are themselves suppressed by the function of tumor cells in a variety of cancer patients, including those with oral cancers. Signaling abnormalities, spontaneous apoptosis, and reduced proliferation and function of circulating natural killer cells (NK), T-cells, dendritic cells (DC), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been documented previously in oral cancer patients. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the functional deficiencies of tumor-associated immune cells in oral cancer patients. Both soluble factors and contact-mediated immunosuppression by the tumor cells have been implicated in the inhibition of immune cell function and the progression of tumors. More recently, elevated levels and function of key transcr...
Lack of Prolactin Release-Inhibiting Activity in Synthetic LH-Releasing Hormone*

ABSTRACT In order to test if LH-RH also displays prolactin release-inhibiting activity, synthetic LH-RH was injected into intact diestrous rats and ovariectomized, estrogen-progesterone treated rats. Both groups of rats were pretreated with reserpine in order to increase serum prolactin levels. LH and prolactin were determined by radioimmunoassays. In spite of the fact that LH-RH brought about significant serum LH increase in both groups, no prolactin inhibition was seen. These results indicate that under the conditions of this investigation, LH-RH does not seem to display any prolactin release-inhibiting activity.
Depletion of WRN enhances DNA damage in HeLa cells exposed to the benzene metabolite, hydroquinone

Werner syndrome is a progeroid disorder caused by mutations of the WRN gene. The encoded WRN protein belongs to the family of RecQ helicases that plays a role in the maintenance of genomic stability. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in WRN have been associated with an increased risk for some cancers and were recently linked to benzene hematotoxicity. To further address the role of WRN in benzene toxicity, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) to silence endogenous WRN in HeLa cells and examined the susceptibility of these WRN-depleted cells to the toxic effects of the benzene metabolite hydroquinone. HeLa cells were used as the experimental model because RNAi is highly effective in this system producing almost complete depletion of the target protein. Depletion of WRN led to a decrease in cell proliferation and an enhanced susceptibility to hydroquinone cytotoxicity as revealed by an increase in necrosis. WRN-depleted HeLa cells treated with hydroquinone also displayed an increase in the amount of DNA double-strand breaks as determined by the Comet assay, and an elevated DNA damage response as indicated by the sevenfold induction of gammaH2AX and acetyl-p53 (Lys373 and Lys382) over control levels. Together, these results show that WRN plays an important role in the protection of HeLa cells against the toxicity of the benzene metabolite hydroquinone, specifically in mounting a normal DNA damage response following the induction of DNA double-strand breaks. Further studies in bone marrow-derived stem or progenitor cells are required to confirm our findings in HeLa cells and expand our ability to extrapolate the results to benzene toxicity in humans.
A comparison of laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy: objective outcome and perioperative differences

The purpose of this study was to compare anatomic and perioperative outcomes following laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) and abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC). The hypothesis is that the laparoscopic technique has similar anatomic outcomes as compared with the open technique. A retrospective comparative chart review was conducted consisting of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and 41 patients who underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy. Demographics were comparable between groups except mean follow-up time (LSC = 7.4 months, ASC = 10.6 months). Mean improvement at the apex was similar between the two groups. Hospital stay in hours was shorter for the LSC group (mean/median = 35.4/30.9) than the ASC group (mean/median = 63.3/54.1, p < 0.001). Mean operative time was similar (LSC = 183, ASC = 168 min, p = NS) and complication rates were comparable between the groups. Patients undergoing laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy have comparable anatomical outcomes and operative times. Laparoscopy affords a shorter hospital stay.
Friendship Is the Ocean: Importance of Friendship, Acceptance, and Leadership in the Transition to Adulthood.

Youth with disabilities, compared with their typical peers, have a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and experience poorer transition outcomes. Evidence supports programs and interventions focusing on inclusive education and leadership skills results in successful transition to college and career. This article describes the experiences of six youth with and without disabilities as they participate in the Youth Empowerment Series, a project helping students navigate the path to postsecondary education and/or employment. A phenomenological approach and photoelicitation was used to gather information about participant’s transition experiences. Findings suggest participants valued forming personal connections and friendships as they entered adulthood. Themes included acceptance, leadership, self-advocacy, inclusion, and planning for future goals. Participants were aware of transition needs and goals and had an understanding of the support systems needed to reach their goals. Future research on the r...
Film Polarizer for Visible and Ultraviolet Radiation

A dichroic film of unlimited aperture which polarizes radiation efficiently over the 260–800 mμ spectral range is described. The film is prepared by special treatment of the conventional polvinyl alcohol-iodine type polarizer. Spectral curves on its dichroic properties are included.
Learning Disabilities in Children

Of the many factors that may combine to produce school problems, learning disabilities constitute the most prevalent underlying cause. This article is devoted to a better understanding of this complex disorder. Following a brief discussion of diagnosis, etiology, and prevalence, the focus will be on controversies surrounding therapy arising from recent outcome studies and the attention given to dietary treatment. Objectives of this report include reviewing the evidence that suggests limitations of medication as the only treatment for this disorder, some of the possible harmful effects of medication, and the efficacy of diet as a mode of therapy. The discussion will also acquaint the clinician with major aims of therapy and suggest multiple approaches to treatment. DEFINITION AND TERMINOLOGY Learning disabilities can be broadly defined as a cluster of biologically based disturbances in development that significantly impair school performance. These developmental problems fall into two broad categories that differ in the kind of symptoms that predominate, the manner in which school performance is affected, the regions of the central nervous system most likely involved, and the types of therapy needed. The first category affects primarily the acquisition of specific academic skills (such as reading individual words, spelling, handwriting, and mathematic computation) information remains intact.
Hypertriacylglycerolemia in the chick: Effect of estrogen on hepatic microsomal enzymes of triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis

Abstract Hepatic microsomal enzymes of triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis were investigated in chicks made hyperlipidemic by estrogen treatment. The total activities of two liver microsomal enzymes common to the triacylglycerol and phospholipid biosynthetic pathways, the fatty acid CoA ligase (AMP) (EC 6.2.1.3) and the sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyl-CoA acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15), and an enzyme unique to triacylglycerol synthesis, the diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.20), increased 2.5–3.6-fold, as did total liver protein, relative to the activities and protein from controls. Upon subcellular fractionation, little change in the specific activities of these biosynthetic enzymes was observed. The microsomal marker activity NADPH cytochrome C reductase (EC 1.6.2.a) also increased proportionately with liver protein. However, the total activity of a phospholipid biosynthetic enzyme, diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.2) increased only 32% after a 5-day diethylstilbestrol course, while the specific activity of this enzyme decreased 40%. The total activity of succinic dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1), a mitochondrial marker activity, increased only 22%, further demonstrating the differential effect of estrogen on hepatic enzyme activities. The augmentation of triacylglycerol synthesis may be mediated, in part, by increases in total activities of two enzymes common to the triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthetic pathways and/or by regulation at the diacylglycerol branch point of triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis.
Use of a de-epithelialized local skin flap in hypospadias repairs accomplished by tubularization of the incised urethral plate.

Abstract Objectives Results Sixteen patients have returned for follow-up, and all patients have an excellent cosmetic and functional result with an elliptical glanular meatus. There have been no cases of fistula or meatal stenosis. Conclusions Distal hypospadias repair utilizing a de-epithelialized local skin flap to cover a tubularized incised urethral plate gives an excellent cosmetic and functional result. Optimal blood supply to the ultimate skin coverage is preserved, and penile torsion is avoided.
Quantitative evaluation of concanavalin A receptor site distributions on the surfaces of specific populations of embryonic cells

MORPHOGENESIS and malignant invasion seem to be dependent on cellular migration and changes in cellular adhesiveness1–3. Plant lectins such as concanavalin A (con A) have been extensively used to study the nature and distribution of lectin receptor sites on the surfaces of normal, embryonic and tumour cells. These sites may be involved in controlling cellular migration and adhesiveness2,4,5.
Blood Oxygen Changes in Intermittent Claudication

ConclusionsDeterminations of the oxygen saturation of the venous blood reveal a lower oxygen content in a series of normal individuals after exercise than in a series of arteriosclerotic subjects with intermittent claudication. If intermittent claudication in arteriosclerotic subjects is produced by a tissue anoxemia, it cannot be demonstrated by determinations of the oxygen content of the superficial and deep venous blood.
Ionic association in oligo(ethylene glycol)-lithium triflat solutions as studied by FT Raman spectroscopy

Abstract The symmetric stretching mode of the SO 3 groups and the LiO breathing mode of LiCF 3 SO 3 in oligo(ethylene glycol) n dimethylethers (EG) n DME with n = 2, 3 and 11 as well as oligo(ethylene glycol) 9 dicyano acetate ((EG) 9 DCA) were studied as a function of ether oxygen to lithium ratio and temperature by means of FT Raman spectroscopy. The ratios of free anions, ion pairs and higher aggregated ionic species were quantitatively determined. The part of free anions decreases with increasing salt concentration and with increasing temperature. It is higher with (EG) n DME n = 11 than with n = 2 and 3 as well as with (EG) 9 DCA than with (EG) 11 DME.
Physical properties of a bisphenol-F epoxy containing a silica filler treated with silane coupling agents

A model epoxy system consisting of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-F epoxy resin, 1,4-butanediol, and cured with 4-methyl-2-phenylimidazole has been investigated. Thermal analysis indicated that 3 parts per hundred resin (phr) is the optimum amount of curing agent for this system. The influence of silane-treated amorphous fumed silica fillers on properties of the cured epoxy was also examined. Silica particles were treated with 3-aminopropyldiethoxymethylsilane (APDS) and3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) coupling agents. No change in glass transition temperatures was observed with the addition of the filler (with or without coupling agents) to the epoxy. Addition of the filler led to a slight increase in the activation energy for the glass transition; however, no change in activation energy was observed when using the coupling agent. Addition of either coupling agent to the filler surface led to an increase in cooperativity. Fumed silica also did not significantly affect moisture diffusion properties, b...
When Should Original Equipment Manufacturers Use Branded Component Contracts with Suppliers

Abstract Branded components are becoming increasingly popular in industrial markets; yet extant research provides limited understanding of the use of such arrangements in the real world. The authors use the governance lens of transaction cost economics to propose that leveraging the vendor's brand reputation and safeguarding the vendor's customization investments are key motivators for choosing branded component contracts. Data on 191 contracts from three engineering-intensive industry sectors provide support to the authors' hypotheses. The authors find that firms are more likely to choose branded component contracts when the supplier's brand name adds significant differentiation (leveraging) and when the component supplier has made significant component customization investments (safeguarding). This safeguarding motivation is relevant even to suppliers with modest brand reputation. The authors also investigate the normative consequences of these contracting decisions and find significant adverse outcomes...
A Diversity Combining Approach for MIMO FSO Nodes with Misaligned Receivers

The performance of Free Space Optical (FSO) links is severely influenced by misalignment of optical nodes. Pointing errors and misalignment can be caused as a result of unintentional optical heads sway induced by external sources. Misalignment can be also considered intentionally under some cases, e.g. mobile FSO, to establish optical connections while maintaining node mobility. In this paper, the authors utilize an angular diversity model to characterize the performance of multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) FSO receivers with misalignment and atmospheric turbulence. The transmitted beam is assumed as a uniform plane wave. Channel turbulence fading is modeled as a spatially correlated lognormal distribution. Diversity scheme called switch-and-examine combining (SEC) is proposed by this study. When compared with a conventional selection-combining scheme, SEC provides a reduction in processing load. The corresponding bit error rate performance, however, degrades slightly.
COMPARISON OF THE VALIDITY OF MONOTHEMATIC VERSUS NONMONOTHEMATIC SELF-REPORT SURVEYS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION '

The validity of self-reported health behaviors using monothematic questionnaires has been questioned as such use may enhance subjects' response set. Subsequently, 367 students in a midwestern university were randomly assigned to one of two questionnaire groups, monothematic or nonmonothematic. No significant differences were observed between the two groups on total reported alcohol consumption.
Single-shot imaging of OH radicals and simultaneous OH radical/acetone imaging with a tunable Nd : YAG laser

Single shot imaging capability for OH radical distributions in various atmospheric pressure methane flames upon excitation with a tunable frequency-quadrupled Nd : YAG laser is demonstrated. The laser wavelength can be tuned with an intra-cavity etalon to produce laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) signals from OH via absorption in the OH A–X (2,0) P 1(10) line. Simultaneous single-shot imaging of the burnt and unburnt zones in laminar nonpremixed, premixed and turbulent flames is presented. The unburnt areas are visualized with LIF of acetone that is seeded to the methane fuel. Acetone levels are set to match signal intensities to that of the OH signals to allow imaging on a single intensified CCD camera.
Light attenuation by the human eyelid

Although it has been reported that light treatment during sleep can modify biological rhythms, the amount of light that is transmitted through the human eyelid has not been established. We evaluated eyelid transmission with a visual threshold response. Estimated light transmission through the eyelids was 0.3% for blue, 0.3% for green, and 5.6% for red light. The eyelid was an effective attenuator and acted as a red-pass filter. Illumination intensity and color balance after passing through the eyelid should be considered in evaluating the effects of light treatments during sleep.
Heavy minerals in surficial sediments from lower Cook Inlet, Alaska

Amphiboles, orthopyroxenes, and clinopyroxenes dominate the heavy mineral suite of surficial sediments in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska. Sources for these sediments include the igneous arc terrane of the northeast Alaska Range, reworked intrabasinal sediments, and local drainages in lower Cook Inlet. The distribution of these deposits is a reflection of both the tidal currents and the prevailing southerly net movement from the head of Cook Inlet. The heavy mineral studies concur with similar findings from gravel analyses, clay mineral investigations, and quartz microtexture observations.
Reversals of the Earth's magnetic field and climatic changes

IT has been suggested that evolution may be influenced by reversals of the Earth's magnetic field1–3. It was observed that there were correlations between discontinuities in microfossil assemblages (or evolutionary discontinuities) and reversals of the Earth's magnetic field in deep sea sediment cores4–6. This observation was put on a firm base when Hays7 showed statistically that reversals directly or indirectly exert a selective influence on radiolaria. The explanation offered by Uffen1,2 and Simpson3 for the connection between evolution and reversals was that during reversals of the Earth's magnetic field, the intensity of the field would be reduced to a very low value, allowing organisms at the surface of the Earth to be bombarded by increased cosmic radiation normally shielded by the field. This increased radiation should then cause an enhanced mutation rate and hence produce an evolutionary discontinuity. It was, however, shown later that the estimated increase in the mutation rate would be small and unlikely to cause evolutionary discontinuities8–10.
Economic Policy with bounded controls

Abstract When investigating optimal policies for macroeconomic models, it is common practice to modify the objective function so that the resulting optimal control trajectories become acceptable from a practical point of view. In this paper we argue that the sole purpose of the objective function should be to express the preference of the decision makers, and that explicit bounds on the controls should be used to ensure that the optimal controls will be practical. Using a piece-wise quadratic objective function involving only the unemployment and inflation rates, which are state (endogenous) variables, we first develop a discrete minimum principle, giving necessary and sufficient optimality conditions. Then we perform various bounded control experiments with the 35-equation quarterly CLEAR model of the Canadian economy, which is very briefly described. The empirical results which were obtained using a version of the GRG algorithm are discussed in view of the conclusions that might be drawn for a real-world practical policy analysis.
Incremental value in outcome prediction with gene-expression based signatures in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Multiple gene expression–based signatures have been identified in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that are predictive for survival outcomes. Most studies assess predictive significance based on P values from multivariable Cox regression. Few investigations have evaluated the incremental usefulness
Modality tags and memory for repetitions: Locus of the spacing effect

Two experiments used a combined frequency- and modality-judgment task to investigate incidental memory for input modalities of repeated words. In both experiments, a series of words was presented in which frequency of occurrence (0, 1, or 2) was orthogonally combined with modality of each presentation in such a way that modalities of repeated words either were switched or remained the same. In Experiment II, the spacing of repetitions was varied. The conclusions were: (a) Frequency judgments increase and then decrease slightly as a function of spacing. (b) Neither the absolute level of judged frequency nor the magnitude of the spacing effect depends much, if at all, on whether the two presentations occur in the same modality. (c) Both modalities of a repeated word are remembered fairly accurately, except at short spacings. (d) The temporal order of modalities is remembered for the most part independently of spacing. (e) Modality judgments are most consistent with the hypothesis that the spacing effect is due to a failure to encode (or later retrieve) the second occurrence of a word when it closely follows the first.
Incidence of the inability to flex the proximal interphalangeal joint in normal subjects

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the incidence of the inability to flex the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in normal subjects and to find clinically useful patterns of symmetry between hands. Subjects, Design, and Setting: Two hundred consecutive patients (122 women, 78 men) from a musculoskeletal clinic and inpatient rehabilitation service without history of hand or forearm injury underwent finger flexion testing. Results: Forty-eight percent were able to independently flex all of their PIP joints. Thirty-three percent could not do so in both fifth digits, and 19% could not do so on either the left or the right hand alone. Four subjects could not independently flex their fourth PIP joints. Nineteen percent of subjects showed asymmetry between hands. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the finger flexor test should be interpreted with caution when evaluating the fifth finger PIP joint flexion. Symmetry patterns are of doubtful usefulness in predicting the function of the injured hand on the basis of the function of the uninjured hand.
Quotas as options: Valuation and equilibrium implications

Abstract This paper presents formulae for the values of quota licenses in stochastic environments that are based on observable parameters, and examines the impact of parameter changes on domestic equilibrium. We show that the option-pricing methodology currently used widely in the finance literature may be applied to the valuation of licenses in a potentially wide range of market environments.
Haplotype-specific differences in signaling by transfected class II molecules to a Ly-1+ B-cell clone

Abstract CH12.LX B cells are responsive to antigen-dependent differentiative signals transmitted through their surface Ek molecules. Although CH12.LX cells express surface Ak molecules with normal protein sequence, the Ak molecules do not deliver differentiative signal to these B cells. To determine whether introduction of a new A molecule into CH12.LX cells would correct this deficiency, CH12.LX cells were transfected with the genes encoding new Aalpha and/or Abeta molecules. It was found that transfected cells responded to antigen-specific signals delivered via the Ealphak Ebetak, Aalphab Abetab, or Aalphak Abetab molecule. However, the B cells did not respond to signals generated by the molecule Aalpha kAbetak, Aalphab Abetak, Aalphak Abetad, or Aalpha kAbetau. Comparison of these sequences suggests that two Abeta residues, His-47 and Trp-197, are important to the transmission of differentiative signals to B cells.
The Mediterranean Diet, its Components, and Cardiovascular Disease

One of the best-studied diets for cardiovascular health is the Mediterranean diet. This consists of fish, monounsaturated fats from olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes/nuts, and moderate alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the burden, or even prevent the development, of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, depression, colorectal cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive decline. This diet is also known to improve surrogates of cardiovascular disease, such as waist-to-hip ratio, lipids, and markers of inflammation, as well as primary cardiovascular disease outcomes such as death and events in both observational and randomized controlled trial data. These enhancements easily rival those seen with more established tools used to fight cardiovascular disease such as aspirin, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and exercise. However, it is unclear if the Mediterranean diet offers cardiovascular disease benefit from its individual constituents or in aggregate. Furthermore, the potential benefit of the Mediterranean diet or its components is not yet validated by concrete cardiovascular disease endpoints in randomized trials or observational studies. This review will focus on the effects of the whole and parts of the Mediterranean diet with regard to both population-based and experimental data highlighting cardiovascular disease morbidity or mortality and cardiovascular disease surrogates when hard outcomes are not available. Our synthesis will highlight the potential for the Mediterranean diet to act as a key player in cardiovascular disease prevention, and attempt to identify certain aspects of the diet that are particularly beneficial for cardioprotection.
Governing U.S. Metropolitan Areas: Self-Organizing and Multiplex Service Networks

How are fragmented metropolitan areas characterized by multiple actors and multiple relationships governed? This has been a question of enduring interest in the study of local politics and policy. Recent works have made progress in understanding the emergence of self-organizing networks for individual service relationships. However, in the context of multiple service relationships, patterns of service networks that evolve as a consequence of local governments’ actions to address transaction problems have been long overlooked. This article begins to fill this gap in the literature by analyzing pay-for-service contracts across multiple municipal services in one metropolitan county in Florida. The results obtained from matrix correlation and matrix regression based on a quadratic assignment procedure reveal that local jurisdictions develop cross-service reciprocity networks in a multiple services contract environment to resolve credibility of commitment problems they encounter in entering and maintaining interlocal service contracts.
Determination of buried channel parameters from IV and CV measurements

Abstract A simple, direct method is described for the extraction of the minimum carrier potential vs charge packet size in a buried channel CCD. Also obtainable from this technique is a direct measurement of the location of the top of the charge packet with respect to the silicon surface. Close correlation is found between the results obtained from this technique and the predictions of the step junction depletion layer approximation.
Recurrent diabetes; spontaneous remissions and exacerbations.

INTRODUCTION “ONCE a diabetic always a diabetic” is a truism. Experience demonstrates that the diabetic may undergo either no changes, moderate (10) changes or tremendous (12) changes in carbohydrate tolerance. The seemingly mild case (2) may suddenly require large doses of insulin; normoglycemia is often maintained in the apparently severe case with successively smaller doses (21) of insulin, or even without it (11). A patient who has been diabetic for several years may even develop spontaneous hyperinsulinism (14). Recovery from diabetes has seemed to follow development of liver cirrhosis (1). Infrequently reports of cure (5) or apparent cure (8) of diabetes are found in the literature. There is some reason to believe that cure is possible (3) in diabetes, but such claims are usually denied (13). This paper is not concerned with the cure that sometimes follows the correction of endocrinopathies (4) or of inflammatory processes (20) in the region of the pancreas.
Prevalence, pathogenesis, and functional significance of aldosterone deficiency in hyperkalemic patients with chronic renal insufficiency

Our findings indicate that hypoaldosteronism occurs commonly (23/31 patients) in hyperkalemic patients with chronic renal insufficiency and that the deficiency of aldosterone contributes to the pathogenesis of the hyperkalemia. In most patients (83%), hypoaldosteronism could be accounted for by deficient renal secretion of renin, but in some patients (17%) overt renin deficiency did not appear to be present, and therefore other (unidentified) causes of aldosterone deficiency must be invoked. The results also indicate that the urinary excretion rate of aldosterone secretion rate in this group of patients.
Most Rare Missense Alleles Are Deleterious in Humans: Implications for Complex Disease and Association Studies

The accumulation of mildly deleterious missense mutations in individual human genomes has been proposed to be a genetic basis for complex diseases. The plausibility of this hypothesis depends on quantitative estimates of the prevalence of mildly deleterious de novo mutations and polymorphic variants in humans and on the intensity of selective pressure against them. We combined analysis of mutations causing human Mendelian diseases, of human-chimpanzee divergence, and of systematic data on human genetic variation and found that ∼20% of new missense mutations in humans result in a loss of function, whereas ∼27% are effectively neutral. Thus, the remaining 53% of new missense mutations have mildly deleterious effects. These mutations give rise to many low-frequency deleterious allelic variants in the human population, as is evident from a new data set of 37 genes sequenced in >1,500 individual human chromosomes. Surprisingly, up to 70% of low-frequency missense alleles are mildly deleterious and are associated with a heterozygous fitness loss in the range 0.001–0.003. Thus, the low allele frequency of an amino acid variant can, by itself, serve as a predictor of its functional significance. Several recent studies have reported a significant excess of rare missense variants in candidate genes or pathways in individuals with extreme values of quantitative phenotypes. These studies would be unlikely to yield results if most rare variants were neutral or if rare variants were not a significant contributor to the genetic component of phenotypic inheritance. Our results provide a justification for these types of candidate-gene (pathway) association studies and imply that mutation-selection balance may be a feasible evolutionary mechanism underlying some common diseases.
Coalbed methane resources of the Appalachian Basin, eastern USA

Abstract In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the technically recoverable, undiscovered coalbed-gas resources in the Appalachian basin and Black Warrior basin Assessment Provinces as about 15.5 trillion cubic feet. Although these resources are almost equally divided between the two areas, most of the production occurs within relatively small areas within these Provinces, where local geological and geochemical attributes have resulted in the generation and retention of large amounts of methane within the coal beds and have enhanced the producibility of the gas from the coal. In the Appalachian basin, coalbed methane (CBM) tests are commonly commercial where the cumulative coal thickness completed in wells is greater than three meters (10 ft), the depth of burial of the coal beds is greater than 100 m (350 ft), and the coal is in the thermogenic gas window. In addition to the ubiquitous cleating within the coal beds, commercial production may be enhanced by secondary fracture porosity related to supplemental fracture systems within the coal beds. In order to release the methane from microporus coal matrix, most wells are dewatered prior to commercial production of gas. Two Total Petroleum Systems (TPS) were defined by the USGS during the assessment: the Pottsville Coal-bed gas TPS in Alabama, and the Carboniferous Coal-bed Gas TPS in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. These were divided into seven assessment units, of which three had sufficient data to be assessed. Production rates are higher in most horizontal wells drilled into relatively thick coal beds, than in vertical wells; recovery per unit area is greater, and potential adverse environmental impact is decreased.