cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin localization in the rat glomerulus.

Fibronectin (FN) has been localized in the rat glomerulus using indirect immunolabeling. It was demonstrated in frozen sections by immunofluorescence, in sections of fixed kidneys by both peroxidase and ferritin-labeled antibodies, and in isolated glomerular basement membranes (GBM) with ferritin-labeled antibodies. Complementary and convergent results were obtained with these approaches. FN was most abundant in the mesangial matrix where it was especially concentrated at the interface between the endothelial and mesangial cells. In the peripheral capillary loop, FN was also detected in the laminae rarae (interna and externa) of the GBM--i.e., between the endothelial and epithelial cells, respectively, and the GBM. These findings indicate that FN is an important constituent of the glomerulus, and they are compatible with the assumption that, in the glomerulus, as in cultured cells, FN is involved in cell-to-cell (mesangial-mesangial, mesangial-endothelial) and cell-to-substrate (mesangial cell-mesangial matrix, epithelium-GBM, endothelium-GBM) attachment.
Benthic primary production and nitrogen cycling in Spartina alterniflora marshes: effect of restoration after acute dieback

The sudden and massive Spartina alterniflora dieback at the turn of the millennium generated numerous unanswered questions regarding its mechanistic causes and consequences. This study, conducted during 2007–2008, aimed to elucidate mechanisms of recovery and determine whether recovery was accelerated by replanting efforts. The onset of a severe drought during the summer of 2007, however, provided a potential glimpse into the mechanisms driving dieback events. Study sites were established in two of the hardest hit states, Georgia and Louisiana. Each site had a replicated block design consisting of the following four treatments: reference, dieback, dieback with low density replanting (90 cm spacing), and dieback with high density replanting (30 cm spacing). To assess biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem functioning, we quantified rates of nitrogen fixation, potential nitrification, potential denitrification, and benthic production biannually. All measured process rates decreased following the drought year of 2007. Nitrogen fixation was positively correlated with benthic production rates in Louisiana, while denitrification was positively correlated with benthic production rates in Georgia and Louisiana. The lack of decreased benthic production during the 2007 drought could indicate that benthic microphytes cope with better with drought than plants, but may be outcompeted during non-drought years. Replanting efforts significantly increased ecosystem recovery in Louisiana and to a lesser extent in Georgia.
Energy and Entropy Balances in a Combustion Chamber: Analytical Solution

Abstract An analytical solution of the energy and entropy balance equations for a combustible gas mixture contained in an open combustion chamber, for example of an internal combustion engine, is presented. The solution is free of major assumptions and is in a form suitable for incorporating any detailed models for the effects of wall heat transfer, wall thermal boundary layer, non-uniform temperature distributions in the burnt mixture, crevice regions, mass exchange through the boundaries of the chosen control volume and other similar effects. Explicit expressions for the instantaneous mass of burnt mixture and for the entropy generated by irreversibility are presented as functions of pressure and volume history of the combustion chamber and properties of the gas mixtures.
Potential-driven statistical ordering of transformations

Successive, well organized application of transformations has beenwidely recognized as an exceptionally effective, but complex anddifficult CAD task. We introduce a new potential-driven statisticalapproach for ordering transformations. Two new synthesis ideasare the backbone of the approach. The first idea is to quantifythe characteristics of all transformations and the relationship betweenthem based on their potential to reorganize a computationsuch that the complexity of the corresponding implementation isreduced. The second one is based on the observation that transformationsmay disable each other not only because they prevent theapplication of the other transformation, but also because both transformationstarget the same potential of the computation. These twoobservations drastically reduce the search space to find efficient andeffective scripts for ordering transformations. A key algorithmicnovelty is that both conceptual and optimization insights as well asall optimization algorithms are automatically derived by organizedexperimentation and statistical methods. On a large set of diversereal-life examples improvements in throughput, area, and power bylarge factors have been obtained. Both qualitative and quantitativestatistical analysis indicate effectiveness, high robustness, and consistencyof the new approach for ordering transformations.
Gel filtration of the hemolymph of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Proteine von Bienenhaemolymphe und Kaninchenhaemolysin wurden nach Trennung an Sephadex G-200 verglichen. Aufgrund der bekannten Molekulargewichte der Haemolysinproteine konnten Anhaltspunkte fur das Molekulargewicht der Haemolymph-proteine gefunden werden.
Superlative Virtue: the Problem of Monarchy in Aristotle' S 'Politics'

ECENT interpreters of Aristotle's writings hope to find in them a communitarian alternative to contemporary liberalism. Although these interpretations vary considerably, they share the hope that the recovery of Aristotelian policial philosophy could mitigate the a priori individualism of the liberal tradition without detracting from its broader democratic impulse. Notable among them is the recent study by Ronald Beiner (1983), who follows the work of H.-G. Gadamer (1975, 1976, 1983) in looking to Aristotle for a philosophy that recognizes communal "discourse" rather than "technical expertise" as constituting our political essence. Both believe that a recovery of Aristotle's emphasis on the "context of mutual agreement" immanent in a healthy society can help to offset the alienating tendencies of the modern technological state.1 Although these are serious and thought-provoking studies, what is absent from them is a consideration of Aristotle's reflection on the good and bad potentialities of monarchical rule as he analyses the prospects for achieving and sustaining political community. Beiner's analysis of Aristotelian prudence, for example, rightly suggests that prudent judgments can be understood by non-expert citizens. But while Beiner hopes to make Aristotelian prudence the basis for wider and more meaningful participation, Aristotle himself never attributes the capacity for making prudent judgments to more than a few leaders in any given time or place. Beiner concedes this difficulty in a footnote, but he does not explore the implications it would have for his main argument that we need to combine the universalism (both logical and political) of Kant with the "heteronomy" the richness of experience and responsiveness to circumstance of Aristotle (Beiner 1983: 177-78, 48, 63, 68, 103). For if Aristotle does not believe that even a sizable minority, let alone a majority of people in a community are capable of exercising prudent political judgment, what grounds are there for drawing upon his conception of prudence to justify wider and more meaningful political par-
Prejudice in context departs from attitudes toward groups

The analysis offered by Dixon et al. fails to acknowledge that the attitudes that drive prejudice are attitudes that are constructed in particular contexts. These attitudes (e.g., toward men as childcare workers) can diverge strongly from attitudes toward the group in general. Social change is thus best achieved through challenging the requirements of roles and by changing group stereotypes.
Blacks (African Americans) Have Shorter Free-Running Circadian Periods Than Whites (Caucasian Americans)

The length of the free-running period (τ) affects how an animal re-entrains after phase shifts of the light-dark (LD) cycle. Those with shorter periods adapt faster to phase advances than those with longer periods, whereas those with longer periods adapt faster to phase delays than those with shorter periods. The free-running period of humans, measured in temporal isolation units and in forced desychrony protocols in which the day length is set beyond the range of entrainment, varies from about 23.5 to 26 h, depending on the individual and the experimental conditions (e.g., temporal isolation vs. forced desychrony). We studied 94 subjects free-running through an ultradian LD cycle, which was a forced desychrony with a day length of 4 h (2.5 h awake in dim light, ~35 lux, alternating with 1.5 h for sleep in darkness). Circadian phase assessments were conducted before (baseline) and after (final) three 24-h days of the ultradian LD cycle. During these assessments, saliva samples were collected every 30 min and subsequently analyzed for melatonin. The phase shift of the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) from baseline to final phase assessment gave the free-running period. The mean ± SD period was 24.31 ± .23 h and ranged from 23.7 to 24.9 h. Black subjects had a significantly shorter free-running period than Whites (24.18 ± .23 h, N =20 vs. 24.37 ± .22 h, N = 55). We had a greater proportion of women than men in our Black sample, so to check the τ difference we compared the Black women to White women. Again, Black subjects had a significantly shorter free-running period (24.18 ± .23, N = 17 vs. 24.41 ± .23, N = 23). We did not find any sex differences in the free-running period. These findings give rise to several testable predictions: on average, Blacks should adapt quicker to eastward flights across time zones than Whites, whereas Whites should adjust quicker to westward flights than Blacks. Also, Blacks should have more difficulty adjusting to night-shift work and day sleep, which requires a phase delay. On the other hand, Whites should be more likely to have trouble adapting to the early work and school schedules imposed by society. More research is needed to confirm these results and predictions.
Work in progress: Investigating the engineering design process: Novices vs. experts

This study investigates the engineering design process. It compares expert and novice engineers during the processes of decomposition of a problem and the recomposition of subproblems when working in teams. The paper describes the research questions, research design, and method of collecting data and analyzing data of the study.
Prevalence of validated risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation--can we identify high-risk ED patients?

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether emergency department (ED) patients who were newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) displayed risk factors for incident AF on prior ED visits. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of ED patients with symptomatic AF at a tertiary referral center. We selected patients who were newly diagnosed with AF between July 1, 2005, and August 31, 2008, and had at least 1 ED visit before their diagnosis. We calculated the Framingham Heart Study AF risk score for each visit by documenting the presence of the risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, hypertension treatment, PR interval, and ages of clinically significant cardiac murmur and heart failure diagnosis). Results Of the 296 patients newly diagnosed with AF, 115 (39%) had at least 1 prior ED visit resulting in 454 ED visits for analysis. The median time from first to last visit was 4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.1-5.9). The median age was 66 years (IQR, 49-79 years). Home medications included antihypertensives in 81% of visits, and 60% of visits with available electrocardiograms had a PR interval of 160 milliseconds or more. Heart failure history was reported in 23% of visits. The median AF risk score was 8 (IQR, 4-10) corresponding to a 16% 10-year predicted risk. Conclusions Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with new AF had previous ED visits and displayed validated risk factors for incident AF. The ED provides an opportunity to identify and educate these patients as well as refer them for primary prevention interventions.
EFFECTS OF GAMMA RAYS ON THE ACUTE LETHALITY AND REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF LESSER GRAIN BORER ADULTS.

The acute lethality and reproductive potential of one week-old adult Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) were determined at various exposures ranging between 5 and 320 kR of gamma rays. Observations revealed that exposure of 320 kR killed all the beetles during irradiation. Treatments of 20 kR or greater produced 100% mortality within 4-25 days, depending on the exposure. Beetles surviving the 5 kR exposure for the 1st 30-day-post treatment period lived as long as the controls. The exposure of 5 kR or greater resulted in the permanent sterility of both sexes of the beetles. Practical and radiobiological implications of the findings are discussed.
An Inquiry-Based Contextual Approach as the Primary Mode of Learning Science with Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Technology

Science instruction can be designed to be laboratory-data driven. We report on an investigation of the use of thematic inquiry-based tasks with active incorporation of mathematics, science, and microcomputer-based laboratory technology in standards-correlated activities that enhanced learning experiences. Activities involved students in two major contexts: forensic science investigations and environmental science issues. The core of the project consisted of an analysis of students' proficiency in dealing with discipline-specific content, and of their development of critical thinking process skills. Significant gains were observed in both content proficiency and improvement on critical thinking skills, most noticeably those involving meta-cognitive processes. An interesting and unexpected feature of tool use emerged from the data that provides exciting opportunities for further research. The results provide evidence that such an instructional approach can have a dramatic impact on the development of studen...
The role of radical surgery in the management of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Background: Acquired arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can develop after uterine instrumentation. The increased risks of vascular changes, including abnormal placentation, after repeated cesarean sections are well studied. Herein, we describe a patient with delayed hemorrhage from a uterine AVM, following dilation and curettage for a cesarean scar pregnancy. Case: A 32-year-old G3P2 presented with a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy managed with dilation and curettage, which incurred a 1,500-ml blood loss. Within 6 weeks, she returned with 2 episodes of vaginal bleeding. Initial angiography demonstrated a high-flow arteriovenous fistula, which was coiled. Vaginal hemorrhage recurred; repeat angiography demonstrated a large AVM. Gelfoam embolization of the bilateral internal iliac arteries reduced the vascularity of the AVM. The AVM's location, starting at the left lateral apex of the cesarean scar and extending into the parametrium, necessitated a radical hysterectomy. Pathologic examination revealed a placenta percreta extending into the parametrium. Conclusion: The prevalence of uterine AVMs has increased with the rise in surgical obstetrics. In patients with a failed prior interventional procedure, surgical management is necessary to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. The location of the AVM within the abnormal uterine scar tissue requires familiarity with radical pelvic surgical techniques that are normally used in cancer surgery in order to definitively treat this delayed obstetrical complication.
Simulation model for multi-level distribution system planning

The analysis of multi-level inventory/distribution systems has been pursured from both the analytical and similation viewpoints. The simulation model IDIMS (Inventory and Distribution of Items in a Multi-echelon System) is presented and demonstrated in this paper. IDIMS can handle up to ten separate items at four levels of a distribution system, including a limited-capacity, forecast-driven production entity. The use of continuous or periodic review inventory management systems are allowed and all stochastic events are generated via user-specified probability distributions or empirical distributions input to IDIMS. The use and alteration of system architecture, serving responsibilities, service levels and cost parameters are easily accomplished via input and reasonable default values. IDIMS has been developed for use by industrial management/analysis personnel as well as professors and students in an academic environment to study a wide range of multi-item, multi-level production/inventory/distribution systems.
Value of splenectomy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A retrospective review of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who underwent palliative splenectomy for splenomegaly, hypersplenism, or autoimmune complications was done. From 1970 through 1981, 46 patients had palliative splenectomy for splenomegaly alone (n = 3) or various hematologic abnormalities with (n = 35) or without (n = 8) splenomegaly. Splenectomy was performed for life-threatening (n = 7), severe (n = 15), or mild (n = 24) symptoms/signs. The most common hematologic abnormalities were thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 120,000/mm3; n = 38) and/or anemia (hemoglobin level < 11.0 g/mm3; n = 29). Response to splenectomy was defined as greater than a threefold increase in preoperative platelet count and/or an increase in hemoglobin levels to greater than 11.0 g/mm3 in the first postoperative month. Four patients with thrombocytopenia did not respond, whereas 33 patients responded with greater than a sevenfold increase in platelet count. All four nonresponders died of complications of thrombocytopenia or progressive disease. Eighteen of 28 (64%) patients with anemia responded to splenectomy. Larger spleens (2000 g versus 1410 g; P < 0.05) and lower platelet counts (42,000 versus 75,000; P < 0.05) were found in all nonresponding patients. Responders and nonresponders could not be distinguished on the basis of age, sex, race, duration of disease or splenic involvement, primary site of disease, histopathologic findings, bone marrow or lymphangiogram results, or prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients with mild symptoms/signs were more likely to respond hematologically than patients with life-threatening or severe symptoms/signs (86% versus 54%; P = 0.06). For all patients, 2- and 5-year survival from the time of splenectomy was 44% and 26%, respectively. Median survival was 18 months (range, 1–144 months). Inability to reverse hematologic abnormalities was associated with poor survival. All nonresponding patients died within 36 months of surgery, whereas 5-year survival in responding patients was 40%. Nine of 30 patients (30%) who responded hematologically survived longer than 5 years, but this group of patients could not be distinguished from the remaining patients on the basis of age, sex, race, duration of disease or splenic involvement, primary site of disease, histopathologic features, bone marrow or lymphangiogram results, or prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery was well-tolerated (mortality, 9%; morbidity, 21%). All surgical mortalities and 78% of complications occurred in patients operated on for life-threatening or severe symptoms/signs. For optimal hematologic response, palliative splenectomy should be considered in NHL patients before the spleen becomes excessively large, the platelet count becomes excessively low, or life-threatening or severe symptoms/signs develop from progression of the disease. Cancer 55:1256-1264, 1985. Cancer 55:1256-1264, 1985.
Insulin lispro update.

PURPOSEThis paper provides a review of the literature and clinical studies for insulin lispro and updated information on its advantages over regular insulin for various populations of people with diabetes.METHODSInformation was gathered from a search of Medline articles and from review of clinical studies.RESULTSPatients in various special populations using insulin lispro, with proper adjustment of basal insulin, had a greater reduction in hemoglobin Al C and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia than patients on regular insulin.CONCLUSIONSMore recently published literature shows that due to its faster onset and shorter duration of action, insulin lispro is useful for not only lowering Al C values, but also for reducing hypoglycemic events in various populations with diabetes, including pediatric and pregnant patients, those with gastroparesis, and insulin pump users.
Bullet embolus to the pulmonary artery after gunshot wound to the face: case report and review of literature.

Gunshot wounds to the face can have devastating effects on local and distant tissues. The amount of local damage is directly proportional to the kinetic energy transmitted by the missile. Distant injuries, not in the path of the bullet, can be incurred by a pressure wave created by the temporary cavity, a secondary projectile, aspiration of the missile or bony fragments, and embolization of the bullet, which is a rare phenomenon. Embolization, aspiration, and ingestion of the missile should be suspected when there is an entry wound but no exit wound and no missile is found on x-ray in the expected area after a gunshot wound to the head and neck. Bullet embolism to the heart after gunshot wound of the mandible has been reported in the literature. There are several case reports of bullet embolization to the pulmonary artery after sustaining gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and/or extremities. The purpose of this article is to present a case of bullet embolization to the pulmonary artery after a gunshot wound to the face, fracturing the mandible along its course, to review the literature, and to offer a strategy for managing such injuries.
Layered architectural design with photonic qubit topological cluster state computation

We study the modular and layered framework to develop large scale quantum computer architecture with photonic qubits. A chip-based photonic module is integrated with the TCQC as depicted in [2] along with detailed analysis of resources.
Scaling of events spaced in time.

Pigeons were trained to peck on a key, which could be lit by red or green light, and produce feeder-light stimuli intermittently. On some trials, food followed the fourth feeder flash providing the key color was red, while on other trials food followed the sixteenth flash providing the color was green. The change in color from red to green was produced by a peck to a second, changeover key. Pigeons typically responded in the presence of red until four or more flashes occured and then, if food had not been delivered, changed the main-key color and responded on the green key. Following training, the variable-interval schedule arranging-feeder light events was changed to longer and shorter values to alter the amount of time (and number of responses) between events. Data from these test days indicate that the change from red to green was influenced by the number of events, but also by the time elapsed and/or responses emitted since the onset of a trial. The results suggest multiple sources of related information and stimulus control when events and behavior occur over time.
Potential Therapeutic Initiatives for Fibrogenic Lung Diseases

Fibrotic process affecting the lung and other tissues is characterized by stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and connective tissue deposition. Conventional therapy consisting of glucocorticoids or cytotoxic agents is usually ineffective in blocking progression of disease. Potential new therapies have emerged from the use of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis and recent advances in the cellular and molecular biology of inflammatory reactions. Such therapies involve the use of substances directed against the action of certain growth factors, cytokines, or oxidants that are elaborated during the fibrotic reaction. In this article, we review possible therapeutic applications of these advances.
Selection of optimal angles for inversion of multiple-angle ellipsometry and reflectometry equations

Multiple angles of incidence have been employed in both ellipsometry and reflectometry as a means of obtaining several independent measurements for multiparameter estimation of optical constants. However, we know of no systematic investigation into the determination of a set of incidence angles and polarizations that are optimal in terms of reducing both random and systematic errors and minimizing correlations among the measurements. Several researchers have found configurations that give good results for certain problems by using physical arguments, but a general procedure that applies to all cases has not been developed. We show that the multidimensional Cramer–Rao (CR) bound gives a quantitative measure of the random errors, systematic errors, and correlations in one canonical expression; hence it is an ideal candidate for selecting an optimal experimental configuration. Maximum-likelihood estimation theory is used for the inversion problem because the estimation error is known to approach the CR bounds asymptotically. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the procedure.
On Equity in Intergroup Exchange Process, Outcome Distributions, and Some Considerations of Cognitive Orientation

Interactive behavior, viewed on a continuum ranging from intragroup to intergroup situations, is modeled in an attempt to describe the effectiveness of feedback structures in the modification of exchange equity. It is concluded that intragroup situations permit the use of feedback in the alternation of interpersonal equity relations, but that the corresponding application to integroup structures is highly limited. Collectivities that do not constitute groups in the traditional sociological sense are difficult to manipulate and care must be taken to select aspects of interactive outcomes shared by participants if attempts to modify unjust interactive structures are to be successful.
Comparison of Static and Dynamic Models for the Force Output of Magnetorheological Dampers

Magnetorheolgical (MR) fluid dampers have the capability of changing their effective damping force depending on the current input to the damper. A number of factors in the construction of the damper, as well as the properties of the fluid and the electromagnet, create a dynamic response of the damper that cannot be fully described with a static model dependant on current and velocity. In this paper, a static deterministic model for the force response of a damper will be compared to a time dependant dynamic model. Data collection was performed by providing a normally distributed random signal for velocity and a uniformly distributed random signal for current to Lord rheonetic seat damper; the signal distributions were chosen so dynamic effects were not artificially reduced. The parameters for the static and dynamic models were found by minimizing the error in force output. The error of the models is then compared, as well as the probability distribution for both models and the original data.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effective stress analysis of seismic site response

A procedure is presented which allows site response analyses to be performed with any general multidimensional finite element analysis package. Numerical results which corrorate the theory are presented. Also, as an illustration of the procedure, results of an effective stress analysis for the scismic response and liquefaction of a horizontally layered saturated sand deposit are presented.
ACP Journal Club. Review: Diabetes is not a coronary disease equivalent.

Source Citation Bulugahapitiya U, Siyambalapitiya S, Sithole J, Idris I. Is diabetes a coronary risk equivalent? Systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabet Med. 2009;26:142-8. 19236616
Collimation effects in quantum point contacts

Abstract We report magnetoresistance measurements on staggered quantum contacts in series. The enhanced conductance reveals interesting effects associated with the geometry of the structure and its collimation of the ballistic electrons. We are able to isolate the contributions of ballistic and non-ballistic trajectories to the conductance. We also show the system to be an interesting demonstration of the reciprocity theorem.
Pseudogap in cuprates in the loop-current ordered state

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has revealed that the magnitude of the pseudo-gap in under-doped cuprates varies spatially and is correlated with disorder. The loop-current order, characterized by the anapole vector Ω, discovered in under-doped cuprates occurs in the same region of the temperature and doping as the pseudo gap observed in STM and ARPES experiments. Since translational symmetry remains unchanged in the pure limit, no gap occurs at the chemical potential. On the other hand for disorder coupling linearly to the different possible orientations of Ω, there can only be a finite temperature dependent static correlation length for the loop-current state at any temperature. This leads to formation of domains of the ordered state with different orientation and magnitude of Ω in each. For the characteristic size of the domains much larger than the Fermi-vectors , the boundary of the domains leads to forward scattering of the Fermions. Such forward scattering is shown to push states near the chemical potential to energies both above and below it leading to a pseudo-gap with an angular dependence which is maximum in the directions because the single-particle energies are degenerate in these directions for all domains. The magnitude of the average gap systematically increases with the square of the average loop order parameter measured by polarized neutron scattering. This result is tested. A unique result of the gap due to forward scattering is the lack of a bump in the density of states at the ‘edge’ of the pseudo-gap so that the depletion of states near the chemical potential is recovered only in integration up to the edge of the band. This is also in agreement with a variety of experiments. Some predictions for further experiments are provided. Due to the finite correlation length, low frequency excitations are expected at long wavelength at all temperatures in the ‘ordered’ phase. Such fluctuations motionally average over the shifts in frequencies of local probes such as NMR and muon resonance expected for a truly static order.
Precision characteristics of simple spectrophotometers

Abstract A step-by-step procedure for the analysis of the precision characteristics of spectrophotometers is described. A high-resolution digital voltmeter is connected to the output of two common simple spectrophotometers, so that noise is obvious and the ultimate factors which limit measurement precision can be determined. The precision of measurement is limited by cell positioning irreproducibility and noise independent of the photon signal (0 % T noise) but not limited by fundamental signal shot noise or source flicker noise.
Sensor placement and selection for bearing sensors with bounded uncertainty

We study the problem of placing bearing sensors so as to estimate the location of a target in a square environment. We consider sensors with unknown but bounded noise: the true location of the target is guaranteed to be in a 2α-wedge around the measurement, where α is the maximum noise. The quality of the placement is given by the area or diameter of the intersection of measurements from all sensors in the worst-case (i.e. regardless of the target's location). We study the bi-criteria optimization problem of placing a small number of sensors while guaranteeing a worst-case bound on the uncertainty. Our main result is a constant-factor approximation: We show that in general when α ≤ Π/4, at most 9n* sensors placed on a triangular grid has diameter and area uncertainty of at most 5.88UD* and 7.76UA* respectively, where n*,UD* and UA* are the number of sensors, diameter and area uncertainty of an optimal algorithm. In obtaining these results, we present some structural properties which may be of independent interest. We also show that in the triangular grid placement, only a constant number of sensors need to be activated to achieve the desired uncertainty, a property that can be used for designing energy/bandwidth efficient sensor selection schemes.
A case of pre-excitation.

Abstract A 57-year-old man with paroxysmal tachycardias since 31 years of age and pre-excitation discovered at age 55 was hospitalized at age 57 for a myocardial infarction. Serial electrocardiograms showed Type A pre-excitation as well as normal conduction. The patient was studied six weeks after his infarction with carotid sinus pressure. This induced Type A pre-excitation having QRS complexes of two different configurations without a change in the P-R interval or the delta wave, best explained as resulting from inhibition of conduction over James fibers, and activation over a Kent bundle only.
Bargaining with durable offers and endogenous timing

Abstract The timing structure of a bargaining game is crucial. In the static bargaining model of J. Nash (1953 , Econometrica 21 , 128–140), any division of the surplus is a possible equilibrium. In the alternating offer model of A. Rubinstein (1982 , Econometrica 50 , 97–109), there is a unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE). This paper takes a step toward endogenizing the timing of offers by expanding the strategy space to include the duration of the offer and permitting (but not imposing) simultaneous moves. We find that virtually any division is a possible SPNE whenever simultaneous accept/reject decisions are permitted.
Superconducting RF-new directions

In the last two years, there has been substantial progress in superconducting accelerator technology both in long term operation at many facilities as well as in high gradients at many laboratories. These rapid advances have made RF superconductivity an enabling technology for a variety of new applications. In high energy physics, low frequency (200-400 MHz) cavities are envisioned to accelerate muons for intense neutrino beams and muon colliders (200-1300 MHz). For storage ring based light sources, superconducting cavity systems (500 MHz) will upgrade the Taiwan Light Source and provide high voltage and high power for new storage rings under construction for the Canadian Light Source (CLS), DIAMOND in England, and SOLEIL (350 MHz) in France. Similar systems are envisioned for BEPC in China and for the new Shangai Light Source.
Autosomal dominant hemolytic uremic syndrome: variable phenotypes and transplant results.

Autosomal dominant hemolytic uremic syndrome (ADHUS) is a rare disorder with a poor prognosis that was considered to present mainly in adults. Recurrent episodes of ADHUS were also thought to be uncommon. However, increasing reports suggest that children are often affected, that recurrent episodes may occur pre-transplantation, and that post-transplant recurrences occur in about 50% of cases. We describe the occurrence of ADHUS in two unrelated families with different outcomes. It is apparent that there are several types of ADHUS (with and without serum complement abnormalities) and that there may be variable expression of the phenotype. There was variable penetration of HUS in four (possibly five) adults and two children in four generations of one kindred. There was also one definite unaffected carrier. Two patients had successful renal transplants without recurrences; the HUS recurred in a third patient soon after transplantation. In a second family, the father had three episodes of HUS at 18, 26 and 29 years of age; his son had one episode of HUS at 5 years of age. Both recovered completely. Evaluation of these patients, previous reports, and follow-up contacts of previous reports suggests that post-transplant recurrence of ADHUS is more common than previously reported and may not be prevented by prior nephrectomy of native kidneys.
Influence of heat pretreatments of oat grain on the viscosity of flour slurries

Heat treatment of oat grain had significant effects on the viscosity of flour slurries. Steamed oats produced highly viscous flour slurries, whose viscosity increased with time, whereas the viscosity of flour slurries produced from raw or roasted (104°C for 120 min) oats was much lower and degraded rapidly. Slurry viscosity was correlated with (1→3), (1→4)-β-D-glucan concentration in the flours and treatment of slurries with lichinase lowered viscosity significantly. Effects of steaming were partially reversed by roasting treatment and vice versa. Mixtures of equal amounts of raw and steamed flour resulted in slurries more viscous than either flour alone, but that viscosity degraded after 3 h to less than the mean viscosity of the steamed and raw controls. Water-soluble extracts from steamed flour had about twice the viscosity of raw or roasted flour extracts, but contained only 80% of the (1→3), (1→4)-β-D-glucan present in those extracts. Molecular weight analysis of soluble carbohydrates from raw, roasted and steamed soluble extracts indicated the molecular weight of β-glucans in these extracts was similar. However, if extracts were made from slurries that had incubated for 3 h, extensive degradation of β-glucans was evident in raw and roasted samples. It is likely that enzymic degradation of (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucans is responsible for much of the decreased raw and roasted flour slurry viscosity over extended time periods, but different heat treatments appear to also affect (1→3), (1→4)-β-D-glucan polymer interaction. © 1997 SCI.
‘‘The Acceptable Face of the Unintelligible’: Intermediality and the Science Play’

AbstractThe limitations of the ‘science-in-theatre’ genre is explored and the concept of the intermedial science play is introduced as an alternative to conventional science plays. How the science-in-theatre play dampens the mediality of the stage in order to establish a specific contract with its audience in order to realize what Carl Djerassi calls ‘didactic realism’ is considered. By virtue of the dramatic form and the didacticism it establishes, the science-in-theatre play limits the means by which audiences may encounter and enjoy responding to science. In particular, when staging concepts from the postclassical sciences, the intermedial science play offers artists and spectators new approaches to the sciences of infinities, complexity and emergence whilst also establishing a new, interactive contract with the audience based on forms of pedagogy associated with the thinking of Jacques Ranciere. Using the media theory of Peter Boenisch and others, intermediality is identified as more than the mere pre...
Lexical acculturation, areal diffusion, lingua francas, and bilingualism

This study continues an investigation of lexical acculturation in Native American languages using a sample of 292 language cases distributed from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego (Brown 1994). Focus is on the areal diffusion of native language words for imported European Objects and concepts. Approximately 80% of all sharing of such terms is found to occur among closely genetically related languages. Amerindian languages only distantly related, or not related at all, tend to share native labels for acculturated items only when these have diffused to them from a lingua franca, such as Chinook Jargon (a pidgin trade language of the Pacific Northwest Coast) or Peruvian Quechua (the language of the Inca empire). Lingua francas also facilitate diffusion of terms through genetically related languages; but sometimes, as in the case of Algonquian languages, these are neither familiar American pidgins nor languages associated with influential nation states. An explanatory framework is constructed around the proposal that degree of bilingualism positively influences extent of lexical borrowing. (Amerindian languages, bilingualism, language contact, lexical acculturation, lexical diffusion, lingua francas)
The influence of food portion size and energy density on energy intake : implications for weight management

The increase in the prevalence of obesity has coincided with an increase in portion sizes of foods both inside and outside the home, suggesting that larger portions may play a role in the obesity epidemic. Although it will be difficult to establish a causal relationship between increasing portion size and obesity, data indicate that portion size does influence energy intake. Several well-controlled, laboratory-based studies have shown that providing older children and adults with larger food portions can lead to significant increases in energy intake. This effect has been demonstrated for snacks and a variety of single meals and shown to persist over a 2-d period. Despite increases in intake, individuals presented with large portions generally do not report or respond to increased levels of fullness, suggesting that hunger and satiety signals are ignored or overridden. One strategy to address the effect of portion size is decreasing the energy density (kilojoules per gram; kilocalories per gram) of foods. Several studies have demonstrated that eating low-energy-dense foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and soups) maintains satiety while reducing energy intake. In a clinical trial, advising individuals to eat portions of low-energy-dense foods was a more successful weight loss strategy than fat reduction coupled with restriction of portion sizes. Eating satisfying portions of low-energy-dense foods can help to enhance satiety and control hunger while restricting energy intake for weight management.
Making the Grade: Predicting Retention in Undergraduate Teacher Education

Researchers describe results from a longitudinal study of variables predicting retention in undergraduate teacher education. Selected teacher candidates' background characteristics were correlated with undergraduate grade point ratio (GPR) as a measure of academic success. The sample consisted of 657 candidates in an initial course in teacher education. Data collection included the following: high school GPR; SAT scores; other pre-enrollment information such as parents' occupations and educational levels; and scores on McCarthy's Learning Type Measure (LTM) which reports four learning preferences or types. Multiple regression analysis revealed five significant variables that predicted first-year spring GPR in descending order: 1) SAT-V score; 2) SAT-M score; 3) high school GPR; 4) level of father's education; and 5) thinking/reflecting score on the LTM. Researchers discuss implications for teacher candidates' academic success.
Functional neuroimaging of speech perception during a pivotal period in language acquisition

A pivotal period in the development of language occurs in the second year of life, when language comprehension undergoes rapid acceleration. However, the brain bases of these advances remain speculative as there is currently no functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from healthy, typically developing toddlers at this age. We investigated the neural basis of speech comprehension in this critical age period by measuring fMRI activity during passive speech comprehension in 10 toddlers (mean +/- SD; 21 +/- 4 mo) and 10 3-year-old children (39 +/- 3 mo) during natural sleep. During sleep, the children were presented passages of forward and backward speech in 20-second blocks separated by 20-second periods of no sound presentation. Toddlers produced significantly greater activation in frontal, occipital, and cerebellar regions than 3-year-old children in response to forward speech. Our results suggest that rapid language acquisition during the second year of life may require the utilization of frontal, cerebellar, and occipital regions in addition to classical superior temporal language areas. These findings are consistent with the interactive specialization hypothesis, which proposes that cognitive abilities develop from the interaction of brain regions that include and extend beyond those used in the adult brain.
Between the sacred and the secular: indigenous intellectual property, international markets and the modern African state

In the modern global economy, transnational corporations have become important sources of technology, market access and capital – all of which states seek in propelling economic growth. States themselves provide territory, and establish the ‘ rules of the game ’ by which corporations may operate within that territory. However, with the commodification and commercialisation of indigenous cultural and intellectual property, states are bypassed and negotiations emerge between corporations and sub-state actors who claim to represent population segments. May the bypassing of the state further weaken national or state identity among indigenous groups ? Such is the case that may be emerging in Africa with groups who claim profits derived from the development and marketing of indigenous cultural and intellectual property. This paper explores the possibility that profit-sharing agreements between transnational corporations and sub-state groups may contribute to the widening of ethnic cleavages in African states by promoting inequalities between groups.
Design of tunable metamaterial based on-chip spiral inductor

This paper presents an innovative and practical architecture for tunable spiral inductor with high quality factor (Q) on standard CMOS technology. Metamaterial based winding ring structures are employed to achieve the proposed high performance inductor. Specifically, the proposed structure is realized by utilizing the multiple metal-layers and vias available in a CMOS process. It is found that, by controlling the number of additional metamaterial ring structure applied to the original spiral inductor, the total inductance can be tuned. Using full-wave electromagnetic simulator, 20% and 40% increase are achieved in inductance when adding single-turn and two-turn metamaterial winding rings respectively. Moreover, the resultant Q of the metamaterial based tunable inductor is also increased from 2.75 to 3.75 at 17GHz (i.e. 36% increment).
Self-Motion and the Shaping of Sensory Signals

Sensory systems must form stable representations of the external environment in the presence of self-induced variations in sensory signals. It is also possible that the variations themselves may provide useful information about self-motion relative to the external environment. Rats have been shown to be capable of fine texture discrimination and object localization based on palpation by facial vibrissae, or whiskers, alone. During behavior, the facial vibrissae brush against objects and undergo deflection patterns that are influenced both by the surface features of the objects and by the animal's own motion. The extent to which behavioral variability shapes the sensory inputs to this pathway is unknown. Using high-resolution, high-speed videography of unconstrained rats running on a linear track, we measured several behavioral variables including running speed, distance to the track wall, and head angle, as well as the proximal vibrissa deflections while the distal portions of the vibrissae were in contact with periodic gratings. The measured deflections, which serve as the sensory input to this pathway, were strongly modulated both by the properties of the gratings and the trial-to-trial variations in head-motion and locomotion. Using presumed internal knowledge of locomotion and head-rotation, gratings were classified using short-duration trials (<150 ms) from high-frequency vibrissa motion, and the continuous trajectory of the animal's own motion through the track was decoded from the low frequency content. Together, these results suggest that rats have simultaneous access to low- and high-frequency information about their environment, which has been shown to be parsed into different processing streams that are likely important for accurate object localization and texture coding.