cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Vehicle Systems:Applications and New Trends

Most people usually do not consider the car sitting in their drivewayto be on the leading edge of new technology. However, for most people, the personal automobile has now become their initial exposure to new intelligent computational technologies such as fuzzy logic, neural networks, adaptive computing, voice recognition and others. In this chapter we will discuss the various intelligent vehicle systems that are now being deployed into motor vehicles. These intelligent system applications impact every facet of the driver experience and improve both vehicle safety and performance. We will also describe recent developments in autonomous vehicle design and demonstrate that this type of technology is not that far away from deployment. Other applications of intelligent system design apply to adapting the vehicle to the driver’s preferences and helping the driver stay aware. The automobile industry is very competitive and there are many other new advances in vehicle technology that cannot be discussed yet. However, this chapter provides an introduction into those technologies that have already been announced or deployed and shows how the automobile has evolved from a basic transportation device into an advanced vehicle with a host of on-board computational technologies.
Detection and monitoring of H2O and CO2 ice clouds on Mars

We have developed an observational scheme for the detection and discrimination of Mars atmospheric H2O and CO2 clouds using ground-based instruments in the near infrared. We report the results of our cloud detection and characterization study using Mars near IR images obtained during the 1990 and 1993 oppositions. We focused on specific wavelengths that have the potential, based on previous laboratory studies of H2O and CO2 ices, of yielding the greatest degree of cloud detectability and compositional discriminability. We have detected and mapped absorption features at some of these wavelengths in both the northern and southern polar regions of Mars. Compositional information on the nature of these absorption features was derived from comparisons with laboratory ice spectra and with a simplified radiative transfer model of a CO2 ice cloud overlying a bright surface. Our results indicate that both H2O and CO2 ices can be detected and distinguished in the polar hood clouds. The region near 3.00 μm is most useful for the detection of water ice clouds because there is a strong H2O ice absorption at this wavelength but only a weak CO2 ice band. The region near 3.33 μm is most useful for the detection of CO2 ice clouds because there is a strong, relatively narrow CO2 ice band at this wavelength but only broad “continuum” H2O ice absorption. Weaker features near 2.30 μm could arise from CO2 ice at coarse grain sizes, or surface/dust minerals. Narrow features near 2.00 μm, which could potentially be very diagnostic of CO2 ice clouds, suffer from contamination by Mars atmospheric CO2 absorptions and are difficult to interpret because of the rather poor knowledge of surface elevation at high latitudes. These results indicate that future ground-based, Earth-orbital, and spacecraft studies over a more extended span of the seasonal cycle should yield substantial information on the style and timing of volatile transport on Mars, as well as a more detailed understanding of the role of CO2 condensation in the polar heat budget.
Luminosity Function, Star Density, and Star Formation Efficiency in Regions of Star Formation

Clusters of young stars have been found near a number of compact HII regions. These clusters do not show a turnover in the K-band luminosity and are probably several million years old. In L 1641 only moderate clustering tendency has been observed and many sources show signs of extremely young age.
The loss of phenotypic traits by differentiated cells. IV. Changes in polysaccharides produced by dividing chondrocytes.

Abstract The behavior of 10-day, embryonic, vertebral chondrocytes was examined in three different in vitro situations. Chondrocytes cultured in intact cartilages synthesized a sulfated polysaccharide which was indistinguishable from chondroitin sulfate. No net DNA synthesis was detected in such cartilages. When liberated from their matrix and cultured as pellets, chondrocytes continued to synthesize chondroitin sulfate and remained an essentially postmitotic population. Identical cells cultured as monodisperse populations on plasma clots, ceased synthesizing chondroitin sulfate and began to synthesize DNA and other molecules necessary for cell division. Concomitantly with the initiation of DNA synthesis, an unsulfated polysaccharide appeared in the system. This polysaccharide was not synthesized by similar cells in intact cartilages or in pellets. When the initially monodisperse cultures became “crowded,” net DNA synthesis ceased and the cells began making sulfated polysaccharides. Unsulfated polysaccharide continued to be synthesized in “crowded” cultures. Cells from liver and muscle were cultured under the same conditions as were chondrocytes. These populations synthesized both unsulfated and sulfated polysaccharides in dispersed and confluent cultures. It is concluded that (1) chondroitin sulfate synthesis and DNA synthesis appear to be mutually exclusive processes, (2) intimate cell association is optimal for the maintenance of the cartilage phenotype, (3) lack of association will induce replication together with loss of the ability to synthesize chondroitin sulfate, and (4) many cell types may react to an in vitro experience by dividing and synthesizing both unsulfated and sulfated polysaccharides.
Fasting-induced oxidative stress in very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase-deficient mice

Hepatopathy and hepatomegaly as consequences of prolonged fasting or illnesses are typical clinical features of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCACD) deficiency, the most common long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation defect. Supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) is an important treatment measure in these defects, in order to supply sufficient energy. Little is known about the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to hepatopathy. Here, we investigated the effects of prolonged fasting and an MCT diet on liver function. Wild-type (WT) and VLCAD knockout mice were fed with either a regular long-chain triglyceride diet or an MCT diet for 5 weeks. In both groups, we determined liver and blood lipid contents under nonfasting conditions and after 24 h of fasting. Expression of genes regulating peroxisomal and microsomal oxidation pathways was analyzed by RT-PCR. In addition, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were examined. In VLCAD knockout mice fed with a long-chain triglyceride diet, fasting is associated with excessive accumulation of liver lipids, resulting in hepatopathy and strong upregulation of peroxisomal and microsomal oxidation pathways as well as antioxidant enzyme activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. These effects were even evident in nonfasted mice fed with an MCT diet, and were particularly pronounced in fasted mice fed with an MCT diet. This study strongly suggests that liver damage in fatty acid oxidation defects is attributable to oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species as a result of significant fat accumulation. An MCT diet does not prevent hepatic damage during catabolism and metabolic derangement.
Latent gonorrhea in obstetric patients

Abstract The gonococcus has long been identified as an etiologic factor in puerperal morbidity and the syndrome of second-week fever associated with lower abdominal pain and considerable general reaction has been recognized as characteristic of this type of puerperal infection. It has also been appreaciated that certain women who harbor gonococci even during the last month of pregnancy suffer no such complication, but the true extent of such silent infections could not be demonstrated. Recently improved cultural techniques offer the opportunity to approximate more closely the true frequency of latent gonorrheal infections. This report is concerned with an investigation by modern bacteriologic methods of the vaginal flora of a consecutive series of patients admitted to the University Hospitals for delivery.
Reading in Contested Terrain

It is not an easy time to be a reading educator. Teachers of reading in both K–12 and university classrooms face unprecedented scrutiny and navigate a political and ideological minefield. Political...
Correlation between abnormal cardiac physical examination and echocardiographic findings in neonates with Down syndrome

Congenital heart disease is present in 40-50% of individuals with Down syndrome. Although cardiovascular evaluation is a standard component of the diagnostic work-up in patients with Down syndrome, the value of routine neonatal echocardiography in this population is debated. We studied 114 neonates with Down syndrome who underwent both cardiac physical examination and echocardiography in the neonatal period to assess the accuracy of physical examination for identifying cardiovascular anomalies in this population. We retrospectively reviewed physical examination records and echocardiogram reports in 114 neonates with Down syndrome and trisomy 21. A patient was considered to have an abnormal cardiac physical examination if there was a pathologic cardiac murmur and/or cyanosis or an abnormal systemic arterial oxygen saturation. The median age at the time of physical examination was 2 days (1-30 days). Physical examination findings suggestive of cardiovascular pathology were noted in 77 patients (68%), with an abnormal cardiac murmur in 34 (30%), cyanosis and/or a pulse oximeter reading of < or = 92% in 35 (31%), and both in 7 (6%). The echocardiogram was abnormal in 75 patients (66%), with an atrioventricular septal defect in 33, tetralogy of Fallot in 13, both of these anomalies in 2, a ventricular septal defect in 17, a patent ductus arteriosus beyond 7 days of age in 7, and other anomalies in 2. The sensitivity of physical examination findings for detection of cardiovascular anomalies was 80% and the specificity was 56%. The positive predictive value of an abnormal physical examination was 78% and the negative predictive value of a normal physical examination was 59%. Fifteen patients had a normal physical examination but an abnormal echocardiogram, nine of whom eventually required surgery. Physical examination alone is not sufficient to identify cardiovascular anomalies in neonates with Down syndrome. In the newborn with Down syndrome, the potential benefits of early diagnosis, in the context of physical examination findings, should be considered in determining whether an echocardiogram should be performed in the neonatal period.
In Vivo Strain in Cranial Sutures: The Zygomatic Arch

Although cranial sutures presumably play a role in absorbing and/or transmitting loads applied to the skull, loading patterns on facial sutures are poorly understood. The zygomatic arch provides a comparatively isolated mechanical part of the skull containing a single suture, the zygomatico-squamosal. In pigs the zygomatico-squamosal suture has a short vertical segment located within the postorbital process and a longer horizontal segment which extends posteriorly. In anesthetized pigs single-element high-elongation strain gages were bonded over both segments of the suture. Strain was recorded during stimulation of the masseter muscles and while the lightly anesthetized animals masticated food pellets. The predominant strain patterns differed in the two segments of the suture. During mastication compressive strains predominated in the vertical segment, but tensile strains predominated in the horizontal segment. The same patterns were also produced by stimulation of the ipsilateral masseter muscle. Contraction of the contralateral masseter reversed the strain pattern, but strain levels were low and during mastication such reversals occurred only transiently. The two segments of the suture have contrasting morphologies. The vertical segment has broad, interdigitating contacts with fibers arranged in a compression-resisting orientation. The horizontal segment has a simple tongue and groove structure with fibers arranged to resist tension. Thus, the structure of the suture reflects the predominant strain pattern.
Post-embedding tem signal-to-noise ratio of S-100

We assessed the reactivity of purified S-100 antiserum in immuno-electron microscopy by counting the number of gold particles per microns 2 over inner ear tissues embedded in different media. Sections containing predominantly Schwann's cell cytoplasm and nucleus, afferent fiber axoplasm and myelin sheath of chick cochleae were reacted with anti-S-100 IgG, an antibody to a calcium binding protein of neuronal tissues, then labeled with anti-IgG-gold conjugate. This investigation was conducted because previously published procedures, unmodified, did not yield acceptable results. Preparation of all specimens was identical. Only the medium (PolyBed 812, Araldite or Spurr epoxies; and LR White, LR Gold or Lowicryl plastics) was changed. The medium was made the changing variable because antigens available in post-embedding immuno-electron microscopy are decreased by heat, either used and/or released during polymerization of the embedding medium. The results indicate that: (a) none of the embedding media above provided optimal signal-to-noise ratio for all parts of the nerve stained in the same section; (b) aggregation of gold particles over cells was highest in embedding media with high background labeling over areas devoid of tissue (noise); (c) aggregation occurred randomly throughout both cellular and acellular regions; and (d) particles aggregated less and were distributed more evenly in tissues from media yielding good ultrastructural integrity.
Separation of complexes containing protein A and IgG or Fcγ fragments by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Protein A of Staphylococcus aureus is a bivalent Fc receptor that can form complexes with immunoglobulin G (IgG) or Fcγ fragments that activate humoral (e.g., complement) and cellular (e.g., lymphocyte) components of the immune system both in vitro and in vivo . To obtain complexes formed between protein A of Staphylococcus aureus (SpA) and rabbit IgG or Fcγ fragments for purposes of characterizing their compositions and studying their biological activities, we have used high-performance liquid chromatography to separate complexes in 20 min. Complexes were prepared with trace amounts of 125 I-SpA and 131 I-IgG or 131 I-Fcγ to simplify the analyses. With excess molar amounts of IgG or Fcγ the complexes have the molecular formulas [(IgG) 2 SpA] 2 or [(Fcγ) 2 SpA] 2 . With excess SpA, complexes corresponding to (IgG)(SpA) or (Fcγ)(SpA) are formed, perhaps with other complexes that have different ratios of components. Since SpA is a rod-shaped molecule it elutes at a molecular weight corresponding to 240,000 rather than the true value of 42,000. This behavior is reflected in the elution of certain complexes at shorter retention times than expected on the basis of actual molecular weights, and facilitates separation of complexes from free IgG or Fcγ. The true molecular weights and molecular formulas of complexes isolated by HPLC were verified by ultracentrifugation. This HPLC method was used to study the interconversion and stability of complexes.
A Review of School-Based Initiatives in Media Literacy Education

When teachers use videos, films, Web sites, popular music, newspapers, and magazines in the K-12 classroom or when they involve students in creating media productions using video cameras or computers, they may aim to motivate students’interest in the subject, build communication and critical-thinking skills, encourage political activism, or promote personal and social development. This article reviews teachers’motivations for implementing media literacy in K-12 education, focusing on current efforts in elementary education, secondary English language arts, and media production. An overview of statewide media literacy initiatives in Texas, Maryland, and New Mexico is provided, and the author examines some public anxieties concerning the uses of popular media in K-12 classrooms and makes recommendations for future research.
TRANSITION STRATEGIES TO EXIT PREEMPTION CONTROL: STATE-OF-THE-PRACTICE ASSESSMENT

Preempting the normal control of a traffic signal has the potential to affect the safety and efficiency of the vehicle requesting priority and the general-purpose traffic at the intersection. These impacts may also influence traffic flow at other intersections along a roadway or within the corridor. A state-of-the-practice assessment is provided of different transition strategies used to exit a preemption control plan and return to the coordinated operation of a signal timing plan. The reallocation of green time that results from preempting a traffic signal has the potential to affect the flow of traffic negatively. A methodology that integrates the operation of a traffic signal controller with a microscopic traffic simulation model will accurately replicate the stochastic characteristics of travel and quantify the impacts of preemption control. The time required to exit a preemption control plan will vary on the basis of the exit transition strategy selected, when this plan terminates, and where the normal signal timing plan would have been if it had not been preempted. The preemption control exit transition strategies available to practitioners are typically restricted to the options supported by different types of traffic controllers or firmware products. The five most commonly available exit transition strategies are reviewed, and additional research needed to advance the state of the practice and the state of the art in using preemption control exit transition strategies is also identified.
Rank numbers of graphs that are combinations of paths and cycles

A k-ranking of a graph G is a function f V V.G/!f1; 2;:::; kg such that if f.u/D f.v/, then every u-v path contains a vertexw such that f.w/ > f.u/. The rank number of G, denoted r.G/, is the minimum k such that a k-ranking exists for G. It is shown that given a graph G and a positive integer t, the question of whether r.G/ t is NP-complete. However, the rank number of numerous families of graphs have been established. We study and establish rank numbers of some more families of graphs that are combinations of paths and cycles.
Implementation of a titanium strain gauge pressure transducer for CTD applications

Abstract The installation and operational characteristics of a titanium element strain gauge pressure sensor in conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) instruments is described. The behavior of the sensor is examined in both steady state and transient conditions, the latter consisting of thermal shocks achieved in laboratory plunge tests. The titanium pressure sensor has superior linearity and reduced hysteresis as compared with strain gauges which utilize a stainless steel lement. However, significant transient pressure errors are noted for certain gauge installations. A model of the pressure sensor's transient is developed from heat transfer theory, which is solved for an idealization of the Mark III CTD configuration. This, in turn, motivates a numerical procedure for reducing the thermally-induced static and transient pressure error in the titanium strain gauge pressure sensor data, and an installation procedure that thermally isolates the gauge. Residual pressure error in calibrated data from the titanium strain gauge is an acceptably fraction of a decibar.
On the asymptotic flatness of the C metrics at spatial infinity

It is shown that a family of exact, radiating solutions of Einstein's field equations (theC metrics) is asymptotically flat at spatial infinity (in the sense of Ashtekar-Hansen). The ADM and Bondi masses are discussed.
Carotid endarterectomy with simultaneous retrograde common carotid artery stenting: Technical Considerations

Carotid endarterectomy with simultaneous retrograde common carotid artery stenting (CEA-RCCAS) is performed with increasing frequency to treat tandem common and internal carotid artery stenoses. Technical details are not clearly delineated in the literature. Our procedure aims to maximize procedural ease and cerebral protection. Although the need for the endovascular component being performed first, followed by shunt placement, and the use of short wires and sheaths has been advocated, we describe the avoidance of shunt placement and the use of long sheaths to facilitate the procedure using local anesthesia and cervical blockade. Use of local anesthesia, avoidance of a shunt, and use of a long sheath may increase the procedural applicability and safety in some patients. CEA-RCCAS permits safe simultaneous treatment of tandem common and internal carotid artery stenoses. The use of technical adjuncts described here will permit further expansion of the procedure to allow additional patients to be treated in this hybrid fashion. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Collection management in Australian academic libraries: An American perspective

Abstract This paper discusses collection management in Australian academic libraries. The author's sabbatical project was interviewing over 30 academic librarians in October/November of 1992 in eight of the largest research university libraries in Australia. These librarians gave their opinions on selection, acquisition, assessment, budget allocation, cooperative arrangements, and resource sharing. This paper also explores the recent changes in the higher education system in Australia and its impact on Australian universities and libraries, as well as the part Australia's distance from suppliers plays in procurement of materials.
Localized herpes simplex lymphadenitis mimicking large-cell (Richter's) transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma†

We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who presented with rapid enlargement of a cervical lymph node due to localized herpes simplex lymphadenitis, which was clinically indistinguishable from large cell (Richter's) transformation. The diagnosis was made by excisional lymph node biopsy, which demonstrated CLL/SLL and zonal necrosis due to herpes simplex infection. The herpetic zone was surrounded by a brisk proliferation of immunoblasts. This case demonstrates the need for excisional biopsy and histologic examination of rapidly enlarging nodes in patients with CLL/SLL. The diagnosis of herpes simplex lymphadenitis in patients with CLL/SLL is especially important because, unlike large cell transformation, the infection usually responds well to treatment.
Real-space renormalization-group analysis of quantum percolation

Quantum percolation problems are studied with the use of a real-space renormalization-group method. A quantum effect is taken into account by calculating the quantum-mechanical efficiency of the Kadanoff cell in opening a channel for an electron in the cell. The quantum percolation threshold and the critical index for the correlation length are obtained for both the site and bond problems in the square and simplecubic lattices.
Emergency department thoracotomy for traumatic cardiac arrest.

Abstract There continues to be a debate on the indications for and value of emergency department thoracotomy, especially with regard to thoracotomies performed by emergency physicians. The current literature does not deal specifically with thoracotomies performed by an emergency physician on trauma patients in full cardiopulmonary arrest in a setting with no immediate surgical backup. This paper reports the results of 6 years of experience by one emergency physician in such a setting involving 80 patients, with a 6% overall survival rate, including two patients who survived blunt traumatic cardiac arrests. This lends support to emergency-physician-performed thoracotomies on trauma patients in “extremis”, even in the setting of a hospital with no immediate surgical backup.
Characterizing a Production or a Cost Function by Elasticities of Substitution

When demand elasticities or elasticities of substitution are estimated, reported and discussed, the tacit belief is that there exists an underlying production function or cost function fully characterized by such elasticities. Recently Lau (1976) challenged this notion. He showed that the set of cross-elasticities of substitution denoted here as Aij, i, j = 1, 2, ..., m, i : j (not including own elasticities, A ii) "characterizes the cost function up to m arbitrary constants". Therefore, knowledge of these Aij is insufficient to characterize a cost function and, by duality, the underlying production function. The purpose of this note is to show that by removing Lau's restriction, i = j, own elasticities are admitted into the set of substitution functions and analytic linear homogeneous cost (production) functions can be determined up to a multiplicative constant. One of the properties of Aij derived by Allen ((1938), p. 504) is,
Ripple effects in memory: judgments of moral blame can distort memory for events.

Can judging an individual as being morally responsible for a negative act affect memory for details of the act? We presented participants with a story describing an individual (Frank) who committed a crime (he walked out on a restaurant bill). Some participants were told that the negative act was not intentional and that Frank was essentially a good person. Others were told that the negative act was intentional and that Frank actually enjoyed it. Control participants were given no extra information. All the participants then judged Frank’s moral responsibility for walking out on the bill. When asked a week later to recall information about the event, the participants who had received negative information about Frank remembered that Frank had walked out on a larger restaurant bill than he actually had. Moreover, the degree of memory distortion was predicted by the degree of moral blame that had been attributed to Frank.
Mechanisms of ribosome rescue in bacteria

Ribosomes that stall during translation need to be rescued to ensure that the protein synthesis capacity of the cell is maintained. Stalling arises when ribosomes become trapped at the 3' end of an mRNA, which occurs when a codon is unavailable, as this leads to the arrest of elongation or termination. In addition, various factors can induce ribosome stalling in the middle of an mRNA, including the presence of specific amino acid sequence motifs in the nascent polypeptide. Almost all bacteria use a mechanism known as trans-translation to rescue stalled ribosomes, and some species also have other rescue mechanisms that are mediated either by the alternative ribosome-rescue factor A (ArfA) or ArfB. In this Review, I summarize the recent studies that have demonstrated the conditions that trigger ribosome stalling, the pathways that bacteria use to rescue stalled ribosomes and the physiological effects of these processes.
African American prostate cancer survivors’ treatment decision-making and quality of life

Objective To examine African-American prostate cancer (PCa) survivors’ involvement in treatment decision-making (TDM), and examine the association between TDM and quality of life (QOL), using secondary data.
Analysis of servomechanisms with nonlinear feedback control

THIS PAPER gives a procedure for the analysis of servomechanisms with nonlinear elements in the feedback link. The method is then extended to the analysis of servomechanisms with nonlinear control in the forward link and nonlinear control in the feedback path. Phase-plane equations representing the equations of the projections of an n-dimensional space trajectory on suitable planes are obtained. These can be solved by the methods detailed in previous papers.1?3
Insulin receptors and insulin action in dissociated brain cells

Abstract The present study was conducted to characterize insulin receptors and insulin action in rat brain cells. Binding of [ 125 I]insulin to cells obtained by mechanicaly dissociating rat brains was 86% specific, time-dependent and reached equilibrium within 90 min. The t 1/2 of association was 14 min and t 1/2 of dissociation was 8 min. Scatchard analysis demonstrated the typical curvilinear plot providing high affinity (0.03 nM) and low affinity (6.6 nM) binding sites. The total number of binding sites were 0.15 pmol/mg protein. Crosslinking of [ 125 I]insulin to its receptors on dissociated brain cells followed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography showed that the α-subunit of the receptor had a molecular weight of 122,000. This was in contrast with a molecular weight of 134,000 for the liver α-subunit. Incubation of dissociated brain cells with insulin resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of total [ 3 H]norepinephrine (NE) uptake. This inhibitory effect of insulin on [ 3 H]NE uptake was soduim ino-dependent suggesting that 80–98% of the sodium ion-dependent uptake was insulin-sensitive. Incubation of lectin-purified insulin receptors with insulin resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent stimulation of phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue of an exogenous substrate poly (GLU, Tyr) (4:1). In addition, insulin also stimulated the autophosphorylation of the β-subunit of the insulin receptors. These observations corroborate our contentio that insulin exerts neuromodulation effects mediated by the specific insulin receptors in the brain.
Evaluation of Intramuscular Levonantradol and Placebo in Acute Postoperative Pain

Double-blind administration of a single intramuscular dose of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 mg levonantradol or placebo to 56 patients with moderate to severe postoperative or trauma pain showed significant analgesic effects of each dose of levonantradol as compared to placebo (P less than 0.05). However, no significant dose response was observed. Compared to 2/16 patients on placebo, 23/40 patients (57 per cent) on levonantradol reported one or more side effect. Drowsiness was most frequent. Dry mouth, dizziness, "weird dreams," mild hallucinations, nervousness, apprehension and confusion occurred less frequently. Changes in resting heart rate and blood pressure were minor and general acceptability was good.
Interaction of hydrogen with surfaces of silicates: single crystal vs. amorphous.

We have studied how the formation of molecular hydrogen on silicates at low temperature is influenced by surface morphology. At low temperature (<30 K), the formation of molecular hydrogen occurs chiefly through weak physical adsorption processes. Morphology then plays a role in facilitating or hindering the formation of molecular hydrogen. We studied the formation of molecular hydrogen on a single crystal forsterite and on thin films of amorphous silicate of general composition (FexMg(x−1))2SiO4, 0 < x < 1. The samples were studied ex situ by Atom Force Microscopy (AFM), and in situ using Thermal Programmed Desorption (TPD). The data were analysed using a rate equation model. The main outcome of the experiments is that TPD features of HD desorbing from an amorphous silicate after its formation are much wider than the ones from a single crystal; correspondingly typical energy barriers for diffusion and desorption of H, H2 are larger as well. The results of our model can be used in chemical evolution codes of space environments, where both amorphous and crystalline silicates have been detected.
Energy intake and energy expenditure during the menstrual cycle in short-term smoking cessation.

Abstract The effect of short-term smoking abstinence on energy intake and expenditure parameters was investigated for women in different phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular or late luteal) in a rigorous inpatient laboratory setting. Twenty-one participants were randomized to a continued smoking ( n = 5) or a smoking abstinence ( n = 16) group and admitted for 2 7-day inpatient periods during alternate cycle phases. The smoking abstinence group experienced 2 days of baseline smoking and 5 days of smoking abstinence. Measurements included caloric intake (kcal/24 hours), energy expenditure (by indirect calorimetry), and weight. Results of within-subject analyses indicated no smoking abstinence effect on mean daily total kilocalorie intake, sweet kilocalorie intake, or resting metabolic rate. However, a significant cycle phase effect was observed, with increased kilocalorie intake and expenditure—as well as minor weight gain—occurring during the late luteal phase when premenstrual symptoms are highest. In light of this phase effect, women smokers might benefit by attempting to quit smoking during the follicular phase of their cycle.
Word to the Wise: Materials Mineralogy

Synthetic analogues of long-known minerals, and in some cases, the natural materials themselves, are quickly establishing a place of importance in today's high-tech world. In what contexts is the s...
Precise Optical Evaluation Using Phase Measuring Interferometric Techniques

Fabrication of high quality optical surfaces requires both sensitive methods for measuring surface characteristics and delicate control of the fabrication process. Conventional metrology interferometers have been augmented with computer controlled interference phase measuring techniques to give greater accuracy and provide real-time data analysis. Key elements of a Phase Measuring Interferometer (PMI) system are a Twyman-Green interferometer; piezoelectric-driven reference mirror; image detector; and a minicomputer system with a graphic display, keyboard, and hard copier. Surface quality data is obtained by a direct measurement of intensity and computation of phase difference over an aperture containing a 32 x 32 element array. System functions include: isometric contour mapping at variable sensitivity, array subtraction, surface calibration, time averaging, determination of tilt and power over subapertures with respect to a clear aperture, and deconvolution of wavefront data to yield aberration coefficients. The system is being used to produce high-quality reflecting spheres, flats, mirrors, and refractive elements. A measurement uncertainty of <0.01A peak to valley and 0.001 Xrms has been achieved in the evaluation of a large spherical reflector.
Cultured Chinese hamster cells undergo apoptosis after exposure to cold but nonfreezing temperatures.

Cultured Chinese hamster V79 fibroblast cells at the transition from logarithmic to stationary growth have been shown to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) after cold shock [B. L. Soloff, W. A. Nagle, A. J. Moss, Jr., K. J. Henle, and J. T. Crawford, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 145, 876-883 (1987)]. In this report, we show that about 95% of the cell population was susceptible to cold-induced apoptosis, and the amount of cell killing was dependent on the duration of hypothermia. Cells treated for 0-90 min at 0 degrees C exhibited an exponential survival curve with a D0 of 32 min; thus, even short exposures to the cold (e.g., 5 min) produced measurable cell killing. The cold-induced injury was not produced by freezing, because similar results were observed at 6 degrees C, and cell killing was not influenced by the cryoprotective agent dimethyl sulfoxide. Cold-induced apoptosis was inhibited by rewarming at 23 degrees C, compared to 37 degrees C, by inhibitors of macromolecular synthesis, such as cycloheximide, and by 0.8 mM zinc sulfate. The results suggest that apoptosis represents a new manifestation of cell injury after brief exposure to 0-6 degrees C hypothermia.
Parameterized modeling and estimation of spatially varying optical blur

Optical blur can display significant spatial variation across the image plane, even for constant camera settings and object depth. Existing solutions to represent this spatially varying blur requires a dense sampling of blur kernels across the image, where each kernel is defined independent of the neighboring kernels. This approach requires a large amount of data collection, and the estimation of the kernels is not as robust as if it were possible to incorporate knowledge of the relationship between adjacent kernels. A novel parameterized model is presented which relates the blur kernels at different locations across the image plane. The model is motivated by well-established optical models, including the Seidel aberration model. It is demonstrated that the proposed model can unify a set of hundreds of blur kernel observations across the image plane under a single 10-parameter model, and the accuracy of the model is demonstrated with simulations and measurement data collected by two separate research groups.
Thermal evolution of the Earth as recorded by komatiites

Abstract Komatiites are rare ultramafic lavas that were produced most commonly during the Archean and Early Proterozoic and less frequently in the Phanerozoic. These magmas provide a record of the thermal and chemical characteristics of the upper mantle through time. The most widely cited interpretation is that komatiites were produced in a plume environment and record high mantle temperatures and deep melting pressures. The decline in their abundance from the Archean to the Phanerozoic has been interpreted as primary evidence for secular cooling (up to 500°C) of the mantle. In the last decade new evidence from petrology, geochemistry and field investigations has reopened the question of the conditions of mantle melting preserved by komatiites. An alternative proposal has been rekindled: that komatiites are produced by hydrous melting at shallow mantle depths in a subduction environment. This alternative interpretation predicts that the Archean mantle was only slightly (∼100°C) hotter than at present and implicates subduction as a process that operated in the Archean. Many thermal evolution and chemical differentiation models of the young Earth use the plume origin of komatiites as a central theme in their model. Therefore, this controversy over the mechanism of komatiite generation has the potential to modify widely accepted views of the Archean Earth and its subsequent evolution. This paper briefly reviews some of the pros and cons of the plume and subduction zone models and recounts other hypotheses that have been proposed for komatiites. We suggest critical tests that will improve our understanding of komatiites and allow us to better integrate the story recorded in komatiites into our view of early Earth evolution.
An information discounting routing strategy for advanced traveler information systems

Although there is a lot of enthusiasm and hope that in-vehicle information and route guidance systems will become an integral part of the solution to the traffic congestion problem, there are still a lot of technological and other problems that need to be addressed before such systems operate successfully. This paper examines design aspects of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) such as frequency of information update, location of information nodes and, most importantly, approaches to estimate the travel times for use in routing decisions and suggestions. In particular, a routing strategy based on information discounting for travel time projection is developed. The importance of the above issues and their implications on the effectiveness of ATIS are demonstrated with a small network.
Target definition for malignant gliomas: No difference in radiation treatment volumes between 1.5T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Purpose Currently, most high-grade glioma patients undergo a 1.5T brain magnetic resonance (MR) for radiation treatment planning. We hypothesized that 3T MR imaging (MRI) scanning is superior to 1.5T due to higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and thus will result in more accurate quantification of tumor volumes. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine differences in radiation planning volumes for high-grade gliomas when scanned on 3T MR versus 1.5T MR. Methods and materials In this prospective controlled trial, 23 patients with high-grade gliomas underwent brain MRI scanning in both 1.5T and 3T field strengths within a 24-hour period; no steroids or treatment changes were made in-between scans. After 3 investigators contoured the T2 fast low-angle inversion recovery (FLAIR) abnormality (gross tumor volumes or [GTV]) for all patients, clinical target volume (CTV) and planning treatment volumes (PTV) were defined. Calculations by an independent investigator included volumes, standard deviations, SNRs, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs); statistical analysis was performed on raw data. Results Planning treatment volume ratios (3T:1.5T) for each investigator were 0.95 ± 0.12 (range, 0.64-1.10), 0.98 ± 0.10 (range, 0.64-1.16), and 0.99 ± 0.06 (range, 0.86-1.13). By paired 2-tailed t test, these volumes were not statistically different ( P = .051), although there is a trend to 3T producing smaller volumes than 1.5T. Dice similarity coefficients were 0.90 ± 0.05, 0.90 ± 0.06, and 0.91 ± 0.05 for the investigators. Conclusions Planning target volumes for high-grade gliomas were similar at 3T and 1.5T MR using our standard imaging protocols. However, in some patients, the 3T MR may reveal substantially smaller tumor volume due to inferior conspicuity of the lesion. These findings imply that while overall the radiation target volumes are comparable, there are differences in CNR and SNR that lead to differences in individual patients. The 1.5T may be better for gaining conspicuity of the tumor.
Embryotoxic effect of homogenized polymorphs, macrophages, endometrial and liver cells in vitro

Abstract The effect of macrophages, endometrial and liver cells on the development of pre-implantation mouse embryos cultured from the two-cell stage to blastocysts was investigated and compared to the effect of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs). Homogenized macrophages, endometrial as well as liver cells exhibited the same embryotoxic effect as PMNLs. Phagocytosis did not play a role in this in vitro system. The embryotoxic factor(s) is not species specific, is not limited to uterine cells, and is not affected by storage at -20 °C. The present experiment suggests that cellular products released from leukocytes, macrophages and endometrial cells are responsible for the antifertility effect of intrauterine contraceptive devices.
When parents refuse treatment for their child

Summary The key to resolving conflicts over care is communica-tion. It is imperative, however, that healthcare pro-viders enter any such conversations with an open mindand a willingness to listen first and talk later. Listeningto parents is essential in order to understand theirconcerns and build trust. Team members should also becognizant that at times it is they, not the parents, whoare making uninformed or irrational choices. The vastmajority of such conflicts can be resolved through opendiscussions, which may be facilitated by non–teammembers (eg, an ethics consultant or psychologist).When all attempts at communication fail to achieveconsensus, practitioners must seek judicial review.Courts have ruled that when there is a clear andimminent threat to life, and a delay in treatment is likelyto lead to the death of a child, it may be appropriate forhealthcare professionals to overrule parents withoutjudicial review (eg, in the case of a blood transfusion fora Jehovah’s Witness child with life-threatening bleedingafter a motor vehicle accident). When irreconcilabledifferences of opinion arise and there is time to obtainjudicial review, however, practitioners should turn tothe courts for guidance and authority. In the end,however, the court should be viewed as a last resort.It has been my experience that once a court becomesinvolved, all parties are dissatisfied in the end
Soil Water Retention and Relative Permeability for Conditions from Oven-Dry to Full Saturation

Common conceptual models for unsaturated flow assume that the matric potential is attributed to the capillary force only. These models are successful at high and medium water contents but often give poor results at low water contents. The lower bound of existing water retention functions and conductivity models was extended from residual water content to the oven-dry condition (i.e., zero water content) by defining a state-dependent residual water content for a soil drier than a critical value. The advantages of the extended water retention functions include not refitting the retention parameters from the unextended model, its reduction to the unextended form when the soil is wetter than the critical value, and its compatibility with existing relative permeability models. In addition, a hydraulic conductivity model for film flow in a medium of smooth uniform spheres was modified by introducing a correction factor to describe the film flow-induced hydraulic conductivity for natural porous media. The total unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is the sum of those due to capillary and film flow; it smoothly transits between capillary-dominated flow and film-dominated flow over the full range of water content. The film flow is insignificant when the soil is wetter than the critical water content, and, vice versa, the capillary flow is insignificant when the soil is drier than the critical water content. The extended retention and conductivity models were tested with measurements. Results show that, when the soil is at high and intermediate water content, there is no difference between the unextended and the extended models as defined by the theory. When the soil is at low water content, the unextended models overestimate the water content but underestimate the conductivity. The extended models match the retention and conductivity measurements well.
Uniform Cesaro limit theorems for synchronous processes with applications to queues

Abstract Let X={X(t):t⩾0} be a positive recurrent synchronous process (PRS), that is, a process for which there exists an increasing sequence of random times τ={τ(k)} such that for each k the distribution of θ τ(k) X = def {X(t+τ(k)):t⩾0} is the same and the cycle lengths T n = def τ(n+1)−τ(n) have finite first moment. Such processes (in general) do not converge to steady-state weakly (or in total variation) even when regularity conditions are placed on the cycles (such as non-lattice, spread-out, or mixing). Nonetheless, in the present paper we first show that the distributions of {θsX:s > 0} are tight in the function space D (0,∞) . Then we investigate conditions under which the Cesaro averaged functionals μ i = def ( 1 t )∫ t 0 E(ƒ(θ s X)) d s converge uniformly (over a class of functions) to π(ƒ) , where π is the stationary distribution of X. We show that μ t (ƒ)→π(ƒ) uniformly over ƒ satisfying ‖ƒ‖ ∞ ⩽1 (total variation convergence). We also show that to obtain uniform convergence over all ƒ satisfying |ƒ|⩽g (gϵL + 1 (π) fixed) requires placing further conditions on the PRS. This is in sharp contrast to both classical regenerative processes and discrete time Harris recurrent Markov chains (where renewal theory can be applied) where such uniform convergence holds without any further conditions. For continuous time positive Harris recurrent Markov processes (where renewal theory cannot be applied) we show that these further conditions are in fact automatically satisfied. In this context, applications to queueing models are given.
Gender differences in body mass index and weight loss strategies among African Americans

Abstract The goals of this study were to examine gender differences in body satisfaction, obesity status, and weight loss strategies among African Americans. A self-administered survey was completed by a convenient sample of 789 African Americans, but 763 provided weight and height information. Significantly more men than women were satisfied or very satisfied with their weight. Based on self-reported weights, the mean body mass index for both men (26.61±4.23) and women (26.44±5.80) was greater than 25, thus classifying them as being overweight. Sixty-two percent of respondents had tried to lose weight in the last 12 months, with significantly more women trying to lose weight than men ( P P