cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the accuracy of head related transfer functions in a virtual reality environment

While graphics and visual representations for Virtual Reality (VR) systems are very well developed, the manner in which audio signals and acoustic environments are recreated in a VR system is not. In the case of audio spatialization, the current approach makes use of a library of standard head related transfer functions (HRTFs), i.e., a user selects a generic HRTF from a library, with limited personal information. It is essentially a “best-guess” representation of that individual’s HRTF. This limits the accuracy of audio developments for virtual reality. This paper reports on results from localization tests to determine the capabilities of a generic HRTF used in a VR environment. Volunteers entered a VR world, and an invisible sound source made a short bursts of white noise at various position in the room. Volunteers were asked to point to the location of the sound source, and results were captured to the nearest millimeter using the VR’s motion tracking system. It is proposed that future versions of this experimental methodology will enable the development of a pseudo-personalized HRTF, unique to each individual VR user.While graphics and visual representations for Virtual Reality (VR) systems are very well developed, the manner in which audio signals and acoustic environments are recreated in a VR system is not. In the case of audio spatialization, the current approach makes use of a library of standard head related transfer functions (HRTFs), i.e., a user selects a generic HRTF from a library, with limited personal information. It is essentially a “best-guess” representation of that individual’s HRTF. This limits the accuracy of audio developments for virtual reality. This paper reports on results from localization tests to determine the capabilities of a generic HRTF used in a VR environment. Volunteers entered a VR world, and an invisible sound source made a short bursts of white noise at various position in the room. Volunteers were asked to point to the location of the sound source, and results were captured to the nearest millimeter using the VR’s motion tracking system. It is proposed that future versions of this...
Small Intestinal Atresia

If not diagnosed antenally, small intestinal atresia usually presents as bilious vomiting, abdominal distention and failure to pass meconium. Dilated loops of bowel without distal air on abdominal x-ray is highly suggestive of small bowel atresia. These patients are often treated with bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis. This chapter talks about the presentation of small intestinal atresia, operative approach, and the management of these patients in the perioperative period.
Use of puppets to teach resourcefulness skills to women who self-injure: An exploratory study.

Abstract Background Self-injurious behavior (SIB), when frequent and repetitive, can lead to risk behaviors resulting in accidental or intentional suicide. Psychoeducation about resourcefulness can be critical to interrupt the cycle of self-injury. Therapeutic puppetry provides a safe and secure vehicle for expressing feelings without fear of retaliation. Objectives Determine the outcome of a resourcefulness psychoeducation program, utilizing hand puppets as a teaching tool, on the measure of resourcefulness for adult women who self-injure. Methods A psychoeducation program, utilizing hand puppets as a teaching tool, was offered to women during psychiatric hospitalization. Participants completed the Resourcefulness Scale (RS) pre and post intervention. A program evaluation to determine the effectiveness of hand puppets was completed. Acceptability and feasibility of the program was evaluated. Results Sixteen participants completed the program. Results showed a statistically insignificant increase in scores. The program evaluation revealed agreement that resourcefulness learning was accomplished. Participants reported that hand puppets were helpful in practicing resourcefulness skills. Majority of participants recommended continuation of the program.
Don't mind the gap: Bridging network-wide objectives and device-level configurations: brief reflections on abstractions for network programming

We reflect on the historical context that lead to Propane, a high-level language and compiler to help network operators bridge the gap between network-wide routing objectives and low-level configurations of devices that run complex, distributed protocols. We also highlight the primary contributions that Propane made to the networking literature and describe ongoing challenges. We conclude with an important lesson learned from the experience.
Legal paradigms: How jurisprudence affects insider/outsider status quo, outsider jurisprudence, and transformative directions.

The jurisprudence of Latina and Latino Critical Theory (“LatCrit Theory”) brings forth much needed layers of complexities and sophisticated nuances to legal formalistic studies. Legal scholar Karl Llewellyn long ago declared, “Jurisprudence is as big as law, and bigger.” Since the nineteenth century, jurisprudence has been defined as the “philosophy of law.” This definition evolved from earlier identifications distinguishing the “body of law” of specific countries. As applied here,
Why should Muscular Relaxation be Clinically Useful? Some Data and 2½ Models

A growing body of evidence, much of it accumulated over the past several years, indicates that muscle relaxation is a powerful variable and one which can be clinically useful. Our own work with electromyographic (EMG) feedback was triggered by reports in the older literature concerning the effects of progressive relaxation (Jacobson, 1938) and autogenic training (Schultz & Luthe, 1959). With both these older techniques--essentially ways of training a “cultivated” low arousal condition--a number of successes with anxiety and stress-linked disorders have been reported. Similarly, in the behavior therapy technique of systematic desensitization, muscle relaxation has been utilized as a response incompatible with anxiety (Wolpe, 1973).
The impact of a modified electronic probe tip design on patient perception of discomfort during periodontal probing using standardized probing force: A randomized controlled trial

AIMS This study evaluated pain associated with electronic probing comparing two commercially available probe tip designs using standardized force. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty adult patients with slight-moderate chronic periodontitis received periodontal probing using controlled-force electronic probe at 2 visits. In visit 1, a random arch was probed with either a ball-end (0.6 mm diameter, 408 kPa; Test) or straight (0.45 mm diameter, 726 kPa; Control) probe tip. The opposing arch was then probed using the other probe tip. Discomfort associated with each probing episode was recorded using visual analogue scale (VAS). 7 days later, tip assignments were alternated from visit 1 and VAS re-scored. VAS scores were compared by probe tip, arches and visits. RESULTS Both tips provided similar VAS scores (median 13.5 for ball-end and 14 for straight, p = .3713). However, the straight tip was associated with decreased VAS scores in the maxilla (p = .01). Overall, VAS values did not differ by arch or study visit. Individual VAS scores showed high levels of correlation between study visits and between tips used (R2 = .86 and 0.64, respectively, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Both probing approaches were associated with low levels of pain on probing. The straight tip may be perceived as more comfortable in the maxilla.
Retroperitoneal Recurrence from Anal Canal Carcinoma

Five years ago, a 53-year-old woman was treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal with metastasis to the right inguinal lymph nodes with 5-fluorouracil (5FU)/mitomycin concurrently with 3000 cGy.
Lagging or leading? Exploring the temporal relationship among lagging indicators in mining establishments 2006-2017.

Abstract Problem: Safety management literature generally categorizes key performance indicators (KPIs) as either leading or lagging. Traditional lagging indicators are measures related to negative safety incidents, such as injuries, while leading indicators are used to predict (and therefore can be used to prevent) the likelihood of future negative safety incidents. Recent theory suggests that traditional lagging indicators also possess characteristics of leading indicators, and vice versa, however empirical evidence is limited. Method: The current research investigated the temporal relationships among establishment-level injuries, near misses, and fatal events using injury and employment data from a sample of 24,910 mining establishments over a 12-year period. Results: While controlling for employee hours worked, establishment-level reported injuries and near misses were associated with of future fatal events across the sample of mines and over the time period studied. Fatal events were also associated with increases in future reported near misses, providing evidence of a cyclic relationship between them. Discussion: These findings challenge the strict categorization of injuries, near misses, and fatal events as lagging indicators. Practical applications: Understanding the KPIs that should be used to manage organizational safety, and how they can be used, is of critical practical importance. The results of the current study suggest that, depending on several considerations, metrics tied to negative safety incidents may be used to anticipate, and possibly prevent, future negative safety events.
Workforce Differentiation, Perceived Network-Building HR Practices, and Network Outcomes

This paper reports on a study of employee perceptions of network- building HR practices. Using a sample of 52 employees working at a Dutch bank, a series of hypotheses regarding the antecedents and...
Performance evaluation of shale gas processing and NGL recovery plant under uncertainty of the feed composition

Abstract The dramatic increase in discovering reserves of unconventional oil and gas wells has led to significant production of shale gas. It is predicted that by 2035, shale gas will be nearly half of the U.S. production of natural gas. One of the key challenges in processing shale gas is its varied flow rate and uncertain composition. The continual decrease in shale gas flowrate from a well can be managed by integrating supply of other wells and optimizing plant capacity. On the other hand, the composition of shale gas that differs from one well to another depending on the age and geological formation of the well is a natural phenomenon and hard to mitigate. Furthermore, prediction of the anticipated composition before production is uncertain. The uncertain variation in composition provides a challenge in the efficient design of a shale gas processing and natural gas liquids (NGLs) recovery plants. In this work, a stochastic approach is used for shale gas characterization and its impact on the performance of shale gas processing and NGL recovery units is addressed. The corresponding performance outcomes provide the distribution profile that is probabilistically characterized and design and performance targets that meets sustainability criteria (e.g. economic as well as environmental) are identified. A case study with three design capacities is solved to illustrate the value of the proposed approach. The analysis shows that the plant performance meets the minimum profitability criteria (ROI, %/year) only under specific feed composition and for a given plat capacity. The economic benefit as obtained from stochastic analysis is found to differ from that using the median value of the uncertain variables by ≅ 9.79%, suggesting limitations of traditional design approaches that do not account for uncertainty. The environmental performance is found to be insensitive to uncertainty.
Superconducting Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O Thin Films

The superconducting Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O thin films (0.6–2µm) on (001)MgO and YSZ single crystal substrates have been prepared by diffusion and interaction between Tl2O3 vapor and sputtered Ca-Ba-Cu-O films in the flowing O2 furnace. The best superconductivity of the films is Tc(onset) =120K and Tc(zero)=78K. The superconducting phase is highly oriented Tl1Ca1Ba2Cu2Ox.
The role of diacylglycerol kinases in allergic airway disease

Asthma is an obstructive inflammatory airway disease. Airway obstruction is mediated by hyperresponsive airway smooth muscle cell contraction, which is induced and compounded by inflammation caused by T lymphocytes. One important signal transduction pathway that is involved in the activation of these cell types involves the generation of a lipid second messenger known as diacylglycerol (DAG). DAG levels are controlled in cells by a negative regulator known as DAG kinase (DGK). In this review, we discuss how the DAG signaling pathway attenuates the pathological function of immune cells and airway smooth muscle cells in allergic airway disease and asthma. Furthermore, we discuss how the enhancement of the DAG signaling pathway through the inhibition of DGK may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
Thermodynamic Prediction and Experimental Verification of Multiphase Composition of Scale Formed on Reheated Alloy Steels

The structure, phase, and composition of scale formed on a continuously cast steel slab during reheating depend on intrinsic factors (steel chemistry, microstructure, and as-cast surface condition) and extrinsic parameters (temperature, time, composition, and velocity of combustion gas atmosphere). The scale that forms on a slab normally has several layers with differing compositions and phases and knowledge of this scale structure is important in subsequent descaling and hot rolling processing steps. Formation of multiphase scale structures on steel during high temperature oxidation in reheat furnace proceeds according to a local thermodynamic equilibrium, while thickness of layers depends on kinetic conditions (mostly by diffusion). In this study, the local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions through the scale layer were simulated using different oxygen/steel ratios, which mimicked the conditions for scale formation at the external, internal, and sublayer oxide region at metal/scale boundary. Experiments were performed in a simulated combustion atmosphere using typical industrial reheat time/temperature conditions. The phases that developed in layered scale structure were documented using SEM/EDX and Raman spectroscopy. The predicted scale compositions and phases were in good agreement with the experimental results for studies with Mn and Si-alloyed carbon steel, Cr-alloyed ferritic, and Cr, Ni-alloyed austenitic steels.
Wearable Focal Muscle Vibration on Pain, Balance, Mobility, and Sensation in Individuals with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Pilot Study

People with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) experience a lower quality of life caused by associated pain, loss of sensation and mobility impairment. Current standard care for DPN is limited and lacking. This study explores the benefits of 4-week, in-home wearable focal muscle vibration (FMV) therapy on pain, balance, mobility, and sensation in people with DPN. Participants were randomized into three groups and received different FMV intensities. FMV was applied using a modified MyovoltTM wearable device to the tibialis anterior, distal quadriceps, and gastrocnemius/soleus muscles on both lower limbs for three days a week over four weeks. The outcomes included pain, balance, mobility, sensation, device usage log, feedback survey, and a semi-structured interview. In all, 23 participants completed the study. The results showed significant improvement in average pain (Pre: 4.00 ± 2.29; Post: 3.18 ± 2.26; p = 0.007), pain interference with walking ability (Pre: 4.14 ± 3.20; Post: 3.09 ± 1.976; p = 0.03), and standard and cognitive Timed Up-and-Go scores (Pre: 13.75 ± 5.34; Post: 12.65 ± 5.25; p = 0.04; Pre: 15.12 ± 6.60; Post: 12.71 ± 5.57; p = 0.003, respectively); the overall pain improvement was trending towards significance (Pre: 3.48 ± 2.56; Post: 2.87 ± 1.85; p = 0.051). Balance and sensations improved but not significantly. There was a trend towards significance (p = 0.088), correlation (r = 0.382) between changes in balance and baseline pain. The participants were highly satisfied with wearable FMV and were 100% compliant. FMV therapy was associated with improved pain, mobility, and sensation. Further study with a larger sample and better outcome measures are warranted.
Effect of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations on skeletal mineralization in black and white women.

There is controversy over the adverse effect of vitamin D deficiency on bone mineralization. The purpose of this study was to determine the ethnical differences in vitamin D and bone mineralization as well as the association between vitamin D deficiency and bone mineralization defects. We examined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and transiliac bone biopsies in 92 healthy black and white women, aged 20–73 years. The major bone mineralization indices include osteoid volume per bone volume (OV/BV), osteoid surfaces per bone surface (OS/BS), osteoid thickness (O.Th) and mineralization lag time (Mlt). 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower and prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly higher in blacks than in whites. However, none of the mineralization indices showed significant difference between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant correlation between 25(OH)D levels and mineralization indices in both black and white cohorts. Only one case had O.Th marginally greater than 12.5 µm, which is the cutoff value for identifying bone mineralization defects. OV/BV and OS/BS, but not O.Th, were significantly positively correlated with activation frequency (Ac.f). Our study indicated: (1) vitamin D deficiency is common, but bone mineralization is not impaired in black women, and (2) there are no significant correlations between serum 25(OH)D levels and bone mineralization indices, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may not be an independent factor contributing to bone mineralization defects and osteomalacia.
Impacts of tapered sidewall profile on subwavelength grating wideband reflectors

We have demonstrated the significant impacts of grating tapered sidewall profile on the subwavelength grating wideband reflector characteristics when taking into account the practical fabrication process. Two different classes of wideband reflectors, referred to as zero-contrast gratings and high-contrast gratings, are numerically investigated in detail and the distinct differences of the impacts due to a grating tapered sidewall are observed. Our works reveal that this tapered sidewall profile plays a critical role in determining the reflection bandwidth, average reflectance, and the band edge. The results could be widely utilized in applications of a variety of nanophotonic devices and their integration, as well as facilitate the design of the fabrication process on how to control the degree of tapered sidewall profile for the integrated subwavelength grating nanophotonic devices.
Alcohol septal ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: outcomes in young, middle-aged, and elderly patients.

Objectives We compared the efficacy and safety of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in young, middle-aged, and elderly patients. Background Intersociety guidelines suggest based on limited evidence that young patients with medically refractory symptoms of obstructive HCM should undergo surgical myectomy while elderly patients may be more appropriate for ASA. Methods Data for 360 patients undergoing 389 ASAs were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed according to age. Results Young (<45 years), middle-aged (45–64 years), and elderly (≥65 years) patients comprised 28, 40, and 32% of the study population, respectively. Young patients had thicker left ventricular septal walls at baseline, and elderly patients had more comorbidity and dyspnea. Resting, mean left ventricular outflow tract gradients (LVOTGs) were similar across the age groups at baseline (62, 66, and 68 mm Hg, respectively; P = NS for all comparisons). LVOTGs and dyspnea were significantly and similarly improved in all age groups immediately after ASA and through 12 months of follow-up (P < 0.001 for before and after comparisons; P = NS for intergroup comparisons). Complication rates were similar for young and middle-aged patients but higher for elderly patients (9.1 and 6.3% vs. 20.8%, respectively; P ≤ 0.016 for elderly vs. others). Mortality rates for young and middle-aged patients were lower than for elderly patients, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions Patients undergoing ASA had significant and similar improvements in LVOTGs and symptoms regardless of age. Procedural complications were increased in elderly patients, who had numerically but not statistically significantly higher mortality rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors which affect the abundance of an invasive cladoceran, Daphnia lumholtzi, in U.S. reservoirs

1. Daphnia lumholtzi is a subtropical, Old World species which is rapidly spreading throughout reservoirs in the southern U.S.A. It was first recorded in Lake Texoma (Oklahoma–Texas) in September 1991. 2. Southern U.S. reservoirs typically have strong spatial and temporal gradients in temperature, conductivity, turbidity and in the distribution of organisms. Therefore, the present experiments examined the reproductive and moulting rates, and survival of D. lumholtzi in relation to extremes of food concentration, temperature, conductivity and turbidity. 3. Increases in temperature (range = 15–29 °C) and decreases in turbidity (range = 0.6–470 NTU) increased reproductive and moulting rates, whereas food concentration only affected the rate of reproduction, while conductivity had no effects. Survival was affected only by temperature. 4. Daphnia lumholtzi tolerates high temperatures (27–30 °C) at which other cladocerans in Lake Texoma disappear. Therefore, D. lumholtzi may exploit resources in midsummer, when there are few potential competitors.
Dialogue understanding in a logic of action and belief

In recent work, Langley et al. (2014) introduced UMBRA, a system for plan and dialogue understanding. The program applies a form of abductive inference to generate explanations incrementally from relational descriptions of observed behavior and knowledge in the form of rules. Although UMBRA's creators described the system architecture, knowledge, and inferences, along with experimental studies of its operation, they did not provide a formalization of its structures or processes. In this paper, we analyze both aspects of the architecture in terms of the Situation Calculus—a classical logic for reasoning about dynamical systems—and give a specification of the inference task the system performs. After this, we state some properties of this formalization that are desirable for the task of incremental dialogue understanding. We conclude by discussing related work and describing our plans for additional research.
Relationship between the Oceanic Geoid and the Structure of the Oceanic Lithosphere

Data from the GEOS 3 and SEASAT Satellites have provided a very accurate geoid map over the oceans. Broad bathymetric features in the oceans such as oceanic swells and plateaus are fully compensated. For these features it can be shown that the geoid anomalies due to the density structure of the lithosphere are proportional to the first moment of the density distribution. Deepening of the ocean basins is attributed to thermal isostasy. The thickness of the oceanic lithosphere increases with age due to the loss of heat to the sea floor. Bathymetry and the geoid provide constraints on the extent of this heat loss. Offsets in the geoid across major fracture zones can also be used to constrain this problem. Geoid-bathymetry correlations show that the Hawaiian and Bermuda swells and the Cape Verde Rise are probably due to lithospheric thinning. A similar correlation for the Walvis Ridge and Agulhas Plateau indicates that these features are probably due to an anomalously light mantle lithosphere.
Dynamic Storage and Retrieval in Sparsity Programming

It is shown that sparsity programming is no more than a substitution of a higher level microcompiler for a basic microcompiler in the storage retrieval and processing involving elements of linear and multidimensional arrays. The substitution property of microcompilers permits the coding of a program first in a natural language using formal subscripts and then converting the conventional coding into a sparsity coding after the conventional coding has been fully debugged. This two-stage process not only preserves coding efficiency but also will generally shorten the overall program debugging time. It additionally provides for division of labor between the conventional coder and the sparsity coder. A formal list structuring strategy which has built-in "garbage collection" for sparsity programming is described in detail. This strategy constitutes a conversion guide from conventional to sparsity programming.
Using alternative teaching techniques to enhance student performance in the traditional introductory public relations course

Abstract This research examined the value of two alternative tools as supplements for the traditional introduction to public relations course. Past research has indicated that review sessions and study guides can improve student learning. The point totals from four exams taken by 506 students were regressed with students’ reported usage of a study manual, usage of televised review sessions, year in school and major status. The results indicate that all four variables are significantly correlated with class performance, but that the study manual explains the most variance.
Antenna designs for wearable body sensor communication

Wireless body-centric telemedicine systems have gained considerable attention in the past decade because of continued miniaturization of electronic devices and technological advancements in wireless communications. These systems have potential applications in medical therapy and diagnosis, health monitoring, disease, obesity and overweight management. Recent advances in wireless sensor network (WSN) technology and the overall miniaturization of their associated hardware are leading to several potential applications in the medical industry. This paper addresses the path loss performance and the packet error rate of the flexible antenna designs. These have been studied at different environmental conditions and in the presence of the human body.
THE RESPONSE OF HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIAS TO ATROMID AND ETHYL CHLOROPHENOXYISOBUTYRATE.

Summary (1) Atromid and CPIB have been given in a total daily dose of 2 g to a group of 33 ambulatory patients with various types of hyperlipoproteinemias. A total of 330 patient-weeks of drug administration is reported in this study. (2) Atromid, with CPIB as its active ingredient, was found to have a profound and fairly specific S f 20–400 hypolipoproteinemic effect (mean decrease, 54 %), whereas its effect on the S f 0–20 lipoprotein class was slight (mean decrease, 7 %) and variable depending on initial S f 0–20 levels. (3) No escape from its lipid-lowering effect has been observed, and to date Atromid has not caused any significant side effects or toxic effects on any organ system. Prolongation in prothrombin time in patients taking coumadin has been noted; no conclusive changes in serum uric acid concentrations have been observed. (4) Our studies with 33 patients suggest that Atromid and CPIB are highly effective and apparently safe agents of specific merit in the treatment of S f 20–400 hyperlipoproteinemias. However, more extensive studies are needed to evaluate the safety of this promising agent.
Measurements of Interdiffusion Coefficients and Densities for the System HCl + H2O at 25 °C

Interdiffusion (mutual diffusion) coefficients have been measured by Gouy interferometry for the system HCl + H2O at 25 °C from 0.100 M to 11.991 M concentration. They vary from 3.336 × 10-9 m2 s-1 at infinite dilution, to a minimum of about of 3.03 × 10-9 m2 s-1 near 0.1 M, to a maximum of about 6.0 × 10-9 m2 s-1 near 7.25 M, and back down to 4.306 × 10-9 m2 s-1 at 11.99 M. Thermodynamic diffusion coefficients have been calculated and appear to decrease monotonically and smoothly from 3.3368 × 10-9 m2 s-1 at infinite dilution to a value of 0.947 × 10-9 m2 s-1 at 11.99 M. Densities of HCl solutions have been measured from 0.125 M to 12.186 M at 25 °C. These increase approximately linearly with molarity M from the density of pure water of 0.997 045 g cm-3 to a density of 1.1827 g cm-3 at 12.186 M.
Stable isotope evidence for the saprotropic status of the truffle Schenella pityophilus

This research attempts to resolve the mode of nutrition, i.e., saptrtrophic or ectomycorrhizal, for Schenella pityophilus, a sequestrate hypogeous fungus. While a majority of truffles in both the Ascomycota and the Basidiomycota are ectomycorrhizal, S. pityophilus is in the Geastrales in which species are saprotrophic. Stable isotope ratios of C and N have been used to elucidate fungal trophic modes. Stable isotopic ratios of N and C from fruiting bodies of S. pityophilus were compared to those of Rhizopogon species collected from the same sites and known to be ectomycorrhizal. Fruiting bodies of S. pityophilus were depleted in δ 15 N and enriched in δ 13 C relative to Rhizopogon species. Stable isotope data support the conclusion that S. pityophilus is saprotrophic rather than mycorrhizal.
Instantaneous flow field in an unstable vortex ring measured by holographic particle velocimetry

Instantaneous velocity field in the three‐dimensional flow of an unstable vortex ring (Re=1360) in water has been measured by employing a newly developed holographic particle velocimeter, IROV. The vorticity distribution and circulation as a function of radius from the vortex core center are also presented.
Antilymphocyte antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and their relatives: reactivity with nonhuman lymphocytes.

Abstract Sera from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, family members, and normal human donors were found to contain antibodies against surface antigens on peripheral blood lymphocytes from various animals. SLE sera contained high antilymphocyte antibody titers against all animal cells tested, while the normal sera had low titers against mammalian lymphocytes and high titers against lymphocytes from chickens. Sera from family members contained antilymphocyte antibody in titers that differed from normal sera only when the human lymphocytes were used as targets. Absorption with human and chicken lymphocytes indicated that at least two antilymphocyte antibody systems occur in these sera.
Modulation of lysyl oxidase substrate specificity by the oleate anion.

AbstractExtracts of bovine ligamentum nuchae have been assayed for lysyl oxidase activity using as substrates soluble elastin and soluble collagen labeled with tritiated lysine. The assays were performed in the presence and absence of sodium oleate. At 0.8 mM, oleate decreased activity with elastin more than 50% and enhanced activity with collagen to approximately 200% that of controls without oleate. The results show that this hydrophobic anion modulates lysyl oxidase specificity in crude extracts and suggests a mechanism for modifying activity in tissues.
Programmed Instruction and its Non‐Use in Canadian Correctional Institutions*

Abstract A survey was conducted of all correctional institutions in Canada in order to determine the extent to which correctional institutions were using programmed instruction. This report dealt primarily with those Canadian correctional institutions that did not use programmed instruction but whose superintendents had either read an article on programmed instruction or were familiar with its vocabulary. The following areas were considered: acquaintance with the field, present and future funding, steps taken and steps to be taken regarding programmed instruction, intent to use programmed instruction in the future and in what manner, and the distribution by population of the non‐users. The principal findings were that 60 per cent. of the non‐user institutions not only had not taken any steps to use programmed instruction but also did not contemplate taking any steps to do so. Further, 64 per cent. of all the correctional institutions answering this survey will not be using programmed instruction in the fu...
Demonstration of liquid nitrogen wicking using a multi-layer metallic wire cloth laminate

Abstract Cryogenic heat transport devices are the most basic and critical component for the thermal integration between the cryogenic component and its cooling source. In space environments, containment of heat transfer fluid inside a capillary structure is critical due to the absence of gravity. Cryogenic heat pipes using the capillary force for circulation may provide a solution for heat transfer in space applications due to its independence of gravity and transport distance. To achieve a high effective capillary performance, several options of wicking structures have been investigated. An efficient wicking flow of liquid nitrogen is demonstrated with a sintered, multi-layer, porous lamination of metal wire (pore size as low as 5 μm) in an open cryogenic chamber. The test data are presented in this paper. This technology has potential for use in development of improved cryogenic heat transfer devices and containment of cryogenic propellants under micro-gravity environment.
Droplet centrifugation, droplet DNA extraction, and rapid droplet thermocycling for simpler and faster PCR assay using wire-guided manipulations.

A computer numerical control (CNC) apparatus was used to perform droplet centrifugation, droplet DNA extraction, and rapid droplet thermocycling on a single superhydrophobic surface and a multi-chambered PCB heater. Droplets were manipulated using “wire-guided” method (a pipette tip was used in this study). This methodology can be easily adapted to existing commercial robotic pipetting system, while demonstrated added capabilities such as vibrational mixing, high-speed centrifuging of droplets, simple DNA extraction utilizing the hydrophobicity difference between the tip and the superhydrophobic surface, and rapid thermocycling with a moving droplet, all with wire-guided droplet manipulations on a superhydrophobic surface and a multi-chambered PCB heater (i.e., not on a 96-well plate). Serial dilutions were demonstrated for diluting sample matrix. Centrifuging was demonstrated by rotating a 10 μL droplet at 2300 round per minute, concentrating E. coli by more than 3-fold within 3 min. DNA extraction was demonstrated from E. coli sample utilizing the disposable pipette tip to cleverly attract the extracted DNA from the droplet residing on a superhydrophobic surface, which took less than 10 min. Following extraction, the 1500 bp sequence of Peptidase D from E. coli was amplified using rapid droplet thermocycling, which took 10 min for 30 cycles. The total assay time was 23 min, including droplet centrifugation, droplet DNA extraction and rapid droplet thermocycling. Evaporation from of 10 μL droplets was not significant during these procedures, since the longest time exposure to air and the vibrations was less than 5 min (during DNA extraction). The results of these sequentially executed processes were analyzed using gel electrophoresis. Thus, this work demonstrates the adaptability of the system to replace many common laboratory tasks on a single platform (through re-programmability), in rapid succession (using droplets), and with a high level of accuracy and automation.
Inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase by thioacetamide and thioacetamide-S-oxide

Abstract Thiocetamide and one of its metabolites, thioacetamide- S -oxide, were shown to inhibit δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase when administered in vivo to adult male mice. Thioacetamide and thioacetamide- S -oxide also inhibited the 3,5-dicarboethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-mediated induction of ALA synthetase when given either 1hr prior to or 3 hr after the administration of DDC. The results of these studies also indicate that thioacetamide- S -oxide is generally a more potent inhibitor of ALA synthetase than thioacetamide.
Alcohol modulation of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels: from binding to therapeutics.

Alcohol (ethanol)-induced behaviors arise from direct interaction of alcohol with discrete protein cavities within brain proteins. Recent structural and biochemical studies have provided new insights into the mechanism of alcohol-dependent activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, which regulate neuronal responses in the brain reward circuit. GIRK channels contain an alcohol binding pocket formed at the interface of two adjacent channel subunits. Here, we discuss the physiochemical properties of the alcohol pocket and the roles of G protein G subunits and membrane phospholipid PIP2 in regulating the alcohol response of GIRK channels. Some of the features of alcohol modulation of GIRK channels may be common to other alcohol-sensitive brain proteins. We discuss the possibility of alcohol-selective therapeutics that block alcohol access to the pocket. Understanding alcohol recognition and modulation of brain proteins is essential for development of therapeutics for alcohol abuse and addiction.
Properties of Ultracompact Neutron Stars

Some of the effects extreme gravity would have on the propagation of particles inside and around constant density ultracompact stars are examined. The possible observational characteristics due to the gravitational lensing of surface hot spots are examined. The change that would be seen in the Eddington luminosity near such an object is computed. It is shown that such stars would exhibit a 'neutrino' sphere inside the surface and a 'neutrino cloud' partially exterior to the surface.
Sound localization by monkeys: A field experiment

Characteristic responses shown by free ranging mangabeys to playback of species-specific vocalizations allow field measurement of their sound-localizing abilities. The median error of localization of single 10 to 15 s calls heard through several hundred meters of tropical forest was only 6°.
Java visual debugger

We have developed a visual debugger for Java programs (JVD) that makes use of smooth continuous graphical animation and runtime state history retention to display program state during execution, in order to consider the viability of this approach in the context of both software engineering and computer science education.
Second-order properties of estimators of serial correlation from regression residuals

Abstract Second-order properties of estimators and tests offer a way of choosinf among aymptotically equivalent procedures. This paper studies the second-order terms of two estimators of serial correlation in the linear model. Using these second-order approximations, the maximum likelihood estimator is judge to be superior in terms of bias and variance. A small Monte Carlo experiment is done to assess the accuracy of the results.
On the nature of the cluster ions from concentrated sulfuric acid produced by fast atom bombardment

Abstract Liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry positive and negative ion spectra for concentrated sulfuric acid and water mixtures are reported. Extensive clustering around H 3 O + , H 3 SO + 4 , and HSO − 4 core ions with cluster numbers up to n = 21 were observed. No preferred “magic numbers” are observed in cluster distributions. A 10 6 -fold change in water content of the solution increased the intensity of water-containing cluster ions by only a small amount. Collision-induced dissociation and metastable ion studies trace the major neutral loss mechanisms. Simple hydrogen-bonded structures and gas phase ion stability relationships rationalize these observations satisfactorily.
Validation of Geant4 and MCNPX-PoliMi simulations of fast neutron detection with the EJ-309 liquid scintillator

Abstract In organic liquid scintillators, the energy distribution of neutrons is indirectly measured by characterizing the pulse height distribution of light output produced through nuclear reactions within the detectors. However, the complexity of the light generation on these detectors makes simulating their response difficult with standard Monte Carlo techniques. This paper presents the response of 7.62-cm-long×7.62-cm-diameter and 12.7-cm-long×12.7-cm-diameter EJ-309 liquid scintillators, simulated using the Geant4 and MCNPX-PoliMi Monte Carlo codes. The simulations are restricted to the neutron transport and interaction models. Monoenergetic neutrons as well as fission neutrons emitted by a 252 Cf spontaneous fission source are used in these simulations. The energy deposition of neutrons in organic liquid scintillators is dependent upon their collisions with hydrogen and carbon nuclei; therefore simulating neutron collisions on an event-by-event basis is important to generate neutron pulse height distributions. There are no default physics models in Geant4 hence proper selection of physics models is required for accurate simulation. In this paper, we compare Geant4 (ver. 4.9.5) and MCNPX-PoliMi (ver. 2.0) neutron pulse height distributions. The simulations are validated with time-of-flight (TOF) measurements obtained with 12.7-cm-long×12.7-cm-diameter EJ-309 detectors. Results show that both Geant4- and MCNPX-PoliMi-generated distributions are in good agreement with the measured data.
No Methane Here. The HCN Puzzle: Searching for CH3OH and C2H in Oxygen-rich Stars

I present results from a sensitive imaging search for CH3OH and C2H in two oxygen-rich stars (IK Taurus and TX Camelopardalis) carried out with the Owens Valley Millimeter Array. Neither CH3OH nor C2H are detected in these stars, in agreement with single-dish observations by Charnley and Latter. The observations place upper limits on the fractional abundance of C2H of 9.7 × 10-9 in IK Tau and 3.2 × 10-8 in TX Cam and also place upper limits on the fractional abundance of CH3OH of 4.5 × 10-9 in IK Tau and 1.1 × 10-8 in TX Cam. A chemical model developed by Charnley and coworkers explaining the presence of HCN in these objects is clearly ruled out by these observations. The HCN distribution in these oxygen-rich stars has been mapped with a resolution of ≈3''. The HCN emission is marginally resolved, centrally concentrated, and does not appear to be well fitted by a thin-shell model. Continuum fluxes for the sources have been measured. At 96.7 GHz, the observed continuum fluxes were 6.1 ± 0.4 mJy for IK Tau and 3.7 ± 0.4 mJy for TX Cam. The continuum emission is unresolved at the ≈3'' level, as expected from a model for the emission mechanism proposed by Reid and Menten.
Ontogeny of hepatobiliary secretion: Role of glutathione

The ontogeny of hepatic synthesis and biliary secretion of glutathione was characterized and correlated with hepatic gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, bile flow rate, biliary bile acids and amino acids in Sprague-Dawley rats at 18 days of gestation and postnatally at ages 7, 14, 21, 28 and 54 days. Bile was collected by bile duct cannulation under intraperitoneal anesthesia with nembutal/ketamine. Glutathione, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and bile acids were analyzed enzymatically and amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography using established methods. Hepatic glutathione was low in the fetus, but increased to approximate adult levels by 7 days postnatally (2.77 mumol/gm liver). Hepatic gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity, high in the fetus, declined to adult levels by day 7 (0.03 mumol/mg protein). In contrast, significant efflux of glutathione and its constituent amino acids into bile did not occur until weaning (21 days of age). During weaning, there was a fivefold increase in the biliary glutathione and with a twofold increase in bile flow rate. Biliary bile acids concentration remained constant throughout development, with only a 30% to 50% increase in its secretion rate. The data suggest that the developmentally related increase in bile flow rate was principally a result of the increase in bile acid independent flow from 1.1 microliters/(min.100 gm body wt) in the suckling to 4.3 microliters/(min.100 gm body wt) in the post-weanling animal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Inhibitory adenosine receptors in the heart: Characterization by ligand binding studies and effects on β-adrenergic receptor stimulated adenylate cyclase and membrane protein phosphorylation

Adenosine causes negative chronotropic and inotropic effects on cardiac tissue. We have investigated the nature of the cardiac adenosine receptor and its effector mechanisms in preparations of newborn chick heart. The adenosine analog [3H]N6 (L-phenylisopropyl) adenosine (L-PIA), an agonist at R-type adenosine receptors, bound with high affinity to receptors in crude and highly-purified membrane preparations. The K d was 3–5 n m . The receptor density was low in crude membranes (10 fmol/mg protein) but significantly enriched in purified sarcolemma (164 fmol/mg protein). Competition studies showed that N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine and N6 (D-phenylisopropyl)adenosine were less potent than N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine at the chick heart adenosine receptor, as expected for an Ri-type adenosine receptor. Gpp(NH)p decreased the binding of [3H]N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine to chick heart membranes, suggesting that the guanine nucleotide converted the receptor to a lower affinity state. N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine inhibited β-adrenergic receptor stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. The IC50 for cyclase attenuation by N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine was 1 μ m . N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine reversed the effect of the β-receptor agonist isoproterenol on phospholamban phosphorylation in 32P-labelled slices of newborn chick hearts. This effect of N6 (L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine was evident by 2 min, had an IC50 of 200 n m , and was prevented by the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline. Taken together, the results suggest that the antiadrenergic effects of adenosine on cardiac tissue are mediated by a decrease in membrane protein phosphorylation signalled by activation of Ri-adenosine receptors. The coupling mechanism between receptor activation and protein phosphorylation may be an attenuation of adenylate cyclase.
The formation and crystal and molecular structures of (η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(η5-cyclopentadienyl)dichloro-titanium, -zirconium and -hafnium

Abstract A reaction between (η5-C5Me5)TiCl3 and C5H5Tl in benzene solution has afforded (η5-C5Me5)(η5-C5H5)TiCl2 (I) in quantitative yield. (η5-C5Me5)(η5-C5H5)HfCl2 (III) has been prepared in 83% yield from a reaction between (η5-C5Me5)HfCl3 and C5H5Na·DME in refluxing toluene solution. The crystal and molecular structures of (η5-C5Me5)(η5-C5H5TiCl2 (I), (η5-C5Me5)(η5-C5H5)ZrCl2 (II) and (η5-C5Me5)(η5-C5H5HfCl2 (III) have been determined from X-ray data measured by counter methods. The three compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in the orthorhombic space group Pnma. The cell constants are: (I): a 9.873(1), b 12.989(3), c 11.376(4) A and Dcalc 1.45 g cm−3 for Z = 4; (II): a 9.930(3), b 13.231(9), c 11.628(3) A and Dcalc 1.58 g cm−3 for Z = 4; (III): a 9.938(1), b 13.156(2), c 11.582(2) A and Dcalc 1.97 g cm−3 for Z = 4. In each case the metal atom resides on a crystallographic mirror plane which bisects both cyclopentadienyl rings and the ClMCl bond angle. The MCl bond lengths are 2.3518(9) for I, 2.4421(9) for II and 2.415(1) A for III. The metal—cyclopentadienyl and metal—pentamethylcyclopentadienyl bond distances average 2.38(5) and 2.42(2) A for I, 2.50(4) and 2.53(2) A for II, and 2.48(4) and 2.50(1) A for III respectively.