cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining Titan surface topography from Cassini SAR data

A technique, referred to as SARTopo, has been developed for obtaining surface height estimates with 10 km horizontal resolution and 75 m vertical resolution of the surface of Titan along each Cassini Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) swath. We describe the technique and present maps of the co-located data sets. A global map and regional maps of Xanadu and the northern hemisphere hydrocarbon lakes district are included in the results. A strength of the technique is that it provides topographic information co-located with SAR imagery. Having a topographic context vastly improves the interpretability of the SAR imagery and is essential for understanding Titan. SARTopo is capable of estimating surface heights for most of the SAR-imaged surface of Titan. Currently nearly 30% of the surface is within 100 km of a SARTopo height profile. Other competing techniques provide orders of magnitude less coverage. We validate the SARTopo technique through comparison with known geomorphological features such as mountain ranges and craters, and by comparison with co-located nadir altimetry, including a 3000 km strip that had been observed by SAR a month earlier. In this area, the SARTopo and nadir altimetry data sets are co-located tightly (within 5–10 km for one 500 km section), have similar resolution, and as expected agree closely in surface height. Furthermore the region contains prominent high spatial resolution topography, so it provides an excellent test of the resolution and precision of both techniques.
Thermoluminescence study of charge traps under high pressure in crystalline coronene

Abstract The effect of pressure has been studied on the thermoluminescence glow curves of crystalline coronene. In general the effect of pressure is to decrease the energy of charge carrier traps and to change their relative occupation. The energy of the shallowest occupied traps decreases over a 40 kbar range from 0.18 to 0.11 eV as a result of the difference in the pertubation of the charge carrier-induced dipole interactions near defects relative to those far away from them. In addition, the occupation ratio of deeper traps increases relative to that of the shallow traps with increasing pressure.
Rabbit C1q: purification, functional and structural studies.

Abstract Methods for obtaining rabbit C1q in highly purified form and preparing monospecific antisera have been described. The purification procedure consists of two successive precipitations in low ionic strength EDTA buffers. This method significantly yields approximately 40% of the starting C1q. The final product is electrophoretically and immunochemically pure and functionally active. Antigenic and functional thermolability was demonstrated. Two distinct non-covalent subunits were obtained after treatment of rabbit C1q with 8 M urea. After reduction and alkylation three distinct polypeptide chains were obtained. These findings show a structural similarity between rabbit and human C1q.
Leverage regulation: An agent-based simulation

Abstract An agent-based financial market model is used to simulate the effects of financial regulation to reduce financial leverage. Results suggest that regulating leverage using margin calls can lead to less frequent financial crises per century, however, it creates harder hit financial crises than without regulation. In addition, regulation where the central authority tries to prick bubbles also leads to less frequent financial crises, but, creates greater volatility. Lastly, I find that leverage regulation where agent’s ability to borrow is not dependent on price produces less frequent crises and less volatility than the other regimes.
Effect of spatially distributed light sources on the frequency-domain solution to the diffusion equation

We have investigated the accuracy of the frequency-domain, diffusion equation Green's function in modeling optical signals in turbid media. Our optical measurements were conducted in strongly scattering media having absorption coefficients in the range 0.035 - 0.14 cm-1 and reduced scattering coefficients in the range 5 - 22 cm-1. The optical signal was both delivered to and collected from the sample by means of optical fibers. We have verified that the r-independent factor in the Green's function does not agree with the experimental data. This discrepancy shows that the photons launched in the medium by an optical fiber cannot be modeled by a point source located at a fixed position. These results have no influence on multi-distance measurement protocols (which only employ the r-dependent part of the solution), while they must be considered when calibration measurements on a known sample are performed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Rolling in Bone Marrow Microvessels: Parallel Contributions by Endothelial Selectins and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1

We have used intravital microscopy to study physiologically perfused microvessels in murine bone marrow (BM). BM sinusoids and venules, but not adjacent bone vessels, supported rolling interactions of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Rolling did not involve L-selectin, but was partially reduced in wild-type mice treated with antibodies to P- or E-selectin and in mice that were deficient in these two selectins. Selectin-independent rolling was mediated by α4 integrins, which interacted with endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1. Parallel contribution of the endothelial selectins and VCAM-1 is not known to direct blood cell trafficking to other noninflamed tissues. This combination of constitutively expressed adhesion molecules may thus constitute a BM-specific recruitment pathway for progenitor cells analogous to the vascular addressins that direct selective lymphocyte homing to lymphoid organs.
Total Synthesis of Enigmazole A from Cinachyrella enigmatica. Bidirectional Bond Constructions with an Ambident 2,4-Disubstituted Oxazole Synthon

The first total synthesis of the cytotoxic marine macrolide enigmazole A has been completed in 22 steps (longest linear sequence). The sensitive, densely functionalized 2,4-disubstituted oxazole fragment was constructed using an efficient Negishi-type coupling of an oxazol-2-ylzinc reagent formed directly from the parent ethyl 2-iodooxazole-4-carboxylate by zinc insertion. Other key steps include a hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition to form the central embedded pyran ring, a Wittig reaction to unite Eastern and Western hemispheres, and a ring size-selective Keck macrolactonization.
Incorporating human sexuality content into a positive youth development framework: Implications for community prevention

Abstract As approaches to positive youth development (PYD) gain momentum, the issue of sexuality – a critical component of human development – is being subsumed by ideological debates. In the current political climate, sexuality education is often relegated to biological and/or values-based approaches, neglecting essential relational and collective aspects of sexuality. Through the explication of sexuality as an important component of youth's social ecology, this paper provides a conceptual link between the goals of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States' (SIECUS) Guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education and those of PYD. We argue that sexuality, as a normative part of human development, culture, identity, and relationships, be approached from an asset-based perspective, rather than a deficit-based perspective. We propose a framework that illustrates how aspects of sexuality are embedded within PYD contexts, and demonstrates how a sexuality education program rooted in SIECUS guidelines can further PYD goals across community contexts.
Tameness and Its Relation to Aggressiveness and Productivity of the Domestic Chicken

Abstract THE behavior of chickens is recognized as an important factor in poultry management because behavior influences production and fertility. Summaries of information on their behavior have been made by Guhl (1953) and Wood-Gush (1955). Attention has been focused on aggressive-submissive behavior, the resultant peck-order, and the function of the social order in the various activities within the flock. There are other behavior traits which often affect the performance of individuals or flocks. Some of these are tameness or wildness as shown by flightiness which may involve relative sensitivity or nervousness; activity level; curiosity; and fearfulness. Each individual shows varying degrees of these traits along with its characteristic level of aggressiveness and submissiveness. Although these terms are in common usage, they are difficult to define precisely. Attempts to measure any one of these traits qualitatively and quantitatively are confounded by their interrelationships, e.g., a relatively inactive or phlegmatic individual may show …
Safety of nifedipine in subjects with bronchial asthma and COPD

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocking agent, on 60 subjects with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), angina, and normal subjects. All subjects received nifedipine, 20 mg, sublingually. Spirometry was done pre-drug administration and every 20 minutes after for two hours. Parameters measured were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), and forced expiratory flow at 25 percent to 75 percent of total volume (FEF25-75%). Subjects with asthma and COPD were also given nifedipine 20 mg three times daily, orally for two weeks, and tested biweekly during this period. All bronchodilators, beta-blockers, and long acting nitrates were withheld for five half-lives of the drug prior to test day. There was no adverse effect on the pulmonary function. We found a statistically significant improvement (p 1 after nifedipine. There was no tachyphlaxis at the end of two weeks. Nifedipine is safe in patients with asthma and/or chronic bronchitis.
LLP-2 Domain on the Cytoplasmic Terminal Tail (CTT) of HIV-1 GP41 affects T-Cell but not HIV Virion Membranes

Kalia et al.1 produced a mutant MX2 of LLP-2 where two highly conserved arginine residues (R3 and R21) were replaced with negatively charged glutamic acid. Although MX2 mutation showed no loss of Env expression, Env processing or infectivity of the HIV virion, both viral-initiated T-cell death and T-cell syncytium formation (cell-cell fusion) were greatly decreased. In the present work we investigated the interactions of five LLP-2 variants with lipid mimics of the HIV virion and the T-cell membranes. The LLP-2 peptides were designed to investigate the role of electrostatics, as well as the effect of a Crac, or cholesterol-binding motif, preceding LLP-2, and of a palmitoylated cysteine. We obtained synchrotron x-ray diffuse scattering of oriented, fully-hydrated peptide/lipid bilayers that provides both structural and bending flexibility information. We find that none of the LLP-2 peptides changed the structure or properties of the HIV mimic membrane, whereas they clearly altered the T-cell membrane mimic, and, importantly, did so differently for the wild type LLP-2 and MX2 mutant. Our work provides a structural explanation for the mutation studies, namely, that LLP-2 has an effect on the HIV lifecycle only when it alters a membrane.1Kalia et al., J Virol 77, 3634-3646 (2003).Research reported in this abstract was supported by the NIGMS of the NIH under award # R01GM44976. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. ALB was supported by Howard Hughes Medical Foundation. JDS and RCM were supported by AI087533. X-ray data were taken at Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, which is supported by the NSF and the NIH/NIGMS under NSF Award DMR-0225180.
Evaluation of search algorithms and clustering efficiency measures for machine-part matrix clustering

Clustering a machine-part matrix is the first step in the design of a cellular manufacturing system. It provides a basis for matching the machine groups to the part families that they must produce. The problem of clustering a machine-part matrix can be decomposed into two problems: designing a measure for clustering efficiency (CE) and searching for a permutation of rows and columns of the matrix to maximize this measure. Clustering is done by permuting the rows and columns of the initial machine-part matrix to produce a block diagonal form (BDF). The clustering efficiency of a machine-part matrix measures the desirability of its BDF as a solution to cell design. This paper evaluates six measures of CE and six search methods. Extensive experiments were carried out to find the combination of CE measure and search method that produces the best solution in reasonable CPU time. We used several benchmark machine-part matrices from the literature and several problems obtained from a local manufacturer. We perfo...
Self-Regulated Learning in Learning Environments With Pedagogical Agents That Interact in Natural Language

This article discusses the occurrence and measurement of self-regulated learning (SRL) both in human tutoring and in computer tutors with agents that hold conversations with students in natural language and help them learn at deeper levels. One challenge in building these computer tutors is to accommodate, encourage, and scaffold SRL because these skills are not adequately developed for most students. Automated measures of SRL are needed to track progress in meeting this challenge. A direct approach is to train students on fundamentals of metacognition and SRL, which is the approach taken by iSTART, MetaTutor, and other agent environments. An indirect approach to promoting SRL, taken by AutoTutor, is to track the student's knowledge and SRL based on the student's language and to respond intelligently with discourse moves to promote SRL. This fine-grained adaptivity considers the student's cognitive states, the discourse interaction, and the student's emotional states in a recent AutoTutor version.
Differences between surrogate telephone triage calls in an adult population and self calls

We reviewed surrogate calls (i.e. those made on behalf of the patient) to a national triage call centre to determine whether there were differences between calls made by surrogates and self calls. During a three-year period there were 14,646 calls (14% of the total) made by a surrogate on behalf of the patient. Surrogate calls, as a percentage of total calls, increased with the age of the patient from 12% in the 18-34 year age group to 43% in the 80 and over age group (P < 0.0001). The symptoms of vomiting or nausea and dizziness or light-headedness were significantly more likely to be reported by surrogate callers than self callers. Surrogates reported a higher original intention of taking patients to the hospital emergency department (ED) compared with self callers across all adult age groups (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.57 to 1.71). A higher proportion (38%) of surrogate calls ended with the nurse recommending an ED visit compared with only 26% of self calls (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.66 to 1.79). Calls about men accounted for 54% of surrogate calls but only 26% of self calls (OR 3.3; 95% CI 3.2 to 3.4), suggesting that surrogate calls may be a way of increasing medical access for men.
Gyorgy Kepes, Billy Klüver, and American Art of the 1960s: Defining Attitudes Toward Science and Technology

Argument This essay aims to broaden our understanding of relationships between art, science, and technology during the 1960s by juxtaposing two of the most important, and under-examined, figures of this period, the artist Gyorgy Kepes and the engineer Billy Kluver. While these two are generally linked due to their similarities, a closer examination demonstrates significant differences in their outlook. Comparing the organizations they nurtured, Kepes, the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Kluver, Experiments in Art and Technology, provides unique insight into the distinct origins of such organized collaborations between art, science, and technology. It reveals both how the cultural conditions of the 1960s contributed to the perceived need for such agencies and how interactions between art, science, and technology reflected, at once, the culmination of aspirations reaching back to the opening decades of the twentieth century, and a perceived break with the past.
Maternal sensitivity, posttraumatic stress, and acculturation in Vietnamese and Hmong mothers.

PURPOSE: To determine the extent of posttraumatic stress and acculturation in Vietnamese and Hmong mothers and identify their relationship to maternal sensitivity. DESIGN: Descriptive correlational research design. METHODS: A sample of 30 mothers was evenly divided between Hmong and Vietnamese who had lived in the United States 2 to 21 years, had healthy children under 30 months, and had varied education and literacy levels. Data were collected in the home using a script. The mother's sensitivity to her infant was measured by Ainsworth's Sensitivity vs. Insensitivity to the Baby's Communication, degree of acculturation by the Suinn-Lew Self-identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA), and posttraumatic stress by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). RESULTS: Depression and anxiety correlated highly with posttraumatic stress (PTS), and thus were substituted for PTS. Almost half (43%) were clinically depressed or anxious, with less acculturated mothers tending to be more anxious and depressed. One third had considered suicide in the previous week. Mothers found it difficult to communicate their distress to primary providers. In spite of high depression and anxiety rates, maternal sensitivity was high, and was not significantly correlated to any variable. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should incorporate screening for depression and anxiety into routine assessments or discharge planning for foreign-born mothers, then refer stressed mothers to appropriate resources. It is important to not assume diminished sensitivity in depressed or anxious mothers and to consider the coaching role of the grandmother. Language: en
Lie - Bäcklund symmetries of dispersionless, magneto- hydrodynamic model equations near the triple umbilic point

Lie - B?cklund symmetries and conservation laws are derived for weakly nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations describing the interaction of the Alfv?n and magnetoacoustic modes propagating parallel to the ambient magnetic field, in the parameter regime near the triple umbilic point, where the gas sound speed matches the Alfv?n speed . The dispersive form of the equations can be expressed in Hamiltonian form and admit four Lie point symmetries and conservation laws associated with space-translation invariance (momentum conservation), time translation invariance (energy conservation), rotational invariance about the magnetic field B (helicity conservation), plus a further symmetry that is associated with accelerating wave similarity solutions of the equations. The main aim of the paper is a study of the symmetries and conservation laws of the dispersionless equations. The dispersionless equations are of hydrodynamic type and have three families of characteristics analogous to the slow, intermediate and fast modes of MHD and the Riemann invariants for each of these modes are given in closed form. The dispersionless equations are shown to be semi-Hamiltonian, and to possess two infinite families of symmetries and conservation laws. The analysis emphasizes the role of the Riemann invariants of the dispersionless equations and a hodograph transformation for a restricted version of the equations.
Prestimulus Effects on Human Startle Reflex in Normals and Schizophrenics

Graham (1975) demonstrated that a weak prestimulus could effectively inhibit or facilitate the eyeblink component of the startle reflex in humans, depending on the temporal duration of the prestimulus. This study had three goals: 1) to replicate the findings of Graham, 2) to establish the reliability of this phenomenon by a test-retest comparison, and 3) to compare the eyeblink reflex response of normal subjects with schizophrenic subjects. Seven prestimulus durations of continuous tone (from 0 to 2000 msec) were presented to 20 normal subjects and the results confirmed that maximal inhibition of eyeblink amplitude occurred in the 120 msec prestimulus condition. Increased amplitude occurred nonsignificantly when the prestimulus lasted for 2000 msec. On retest, 14 normal subjects showed a significant degree of reliability. When 20 normal subjects were compared to 12 schizophrenic subjects, significant differences in eyeblink response were found for blink amplitude and latency in the 60 msec prestimulus condition. This change is consistent with information processing “overload” theories of sensory overstimulation in schizophrenia. The blink reflex is a rather stable phenomenon and is probably altered in schizophrenia and/or by antipsychotic medication.
Signal-to-noise ratio behavior of steady-state free precession.

Steady-state free precession (SSFP) is a rapid gradient-echo imaging technique that has recently gained popularity and is used in a variety of applications, including cardiac and real-time imaging, because of its high signal and favorable contrast between blood and myocardium. The purpose of this work was to examine the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) behavior of images acquired with SSFP, and the dependence of SNR on imaging parameters such as TR, bandwidth, and image resolution, and the use of multi-echo sequences. In this work it is shown that the SNR of SSFP sequences is dependent only on pulse sequence efficiency, voxel dimensions, and relaxation parameters (T1 and T2). Notably, SNR is insensitive to bandwidth unless increases in bandwidth significantly decrease efficiency. Finally, we examined the relationship between pulse sequence performance (TR and efficiency) and gradient performance (maximum gradient strength and slew rate) for several imaging scenarios, including multi-echo sequences, to determine the optimum matching of maximum gradient strength and slew rate for gradient hardware designs. For standard modern gradient hardware (40 mT/m and 150 mT/m/ms), we found that the maximum gradient strength is more than adequate for the imaging resolution that is commonly encountered with rapid scouting (3 mm × 4 mm × 10 mm voxel). It is well matched for typical CINE and real-time cardiac imaging applications (1.5 mm × 2 mm × 6 mm voxel), and is inadequate for optimal matching with slew rate for high-resolution applications such as musculoskeletal imaging (0.5 × 0.8 × 3 mm voxel). For the lower-resolution methods, efficiency could be improved with higher slew rates; this provokes interest in designing methods for limiting dB/dt peripherally while achieving high switching rates in the imaging field of view. The use of multi-echo SSFP acquisitions leads to substantial improvements in sequence performance (i.e., increased efficiency and shorter TR).
Cough in Hot Pepper Workers

Study objective To determine whether there is an effect on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, an alteration in lung function, or an increase in the cough threshold to capsaicin among workers chronically exposed to hot chili (Capsicum) peppers. Design Cross-sectional study of responses to a structured questionnaire, lung function assessed by spirometry and cough threshold to inhalation of capsaicin aerosol in a group of occupationally-exposed Capsicum workers as compared to non-exposed employees of the same work site. Setting Spice manufacturing facility. Participants Twenty-two Capsicum-exposed and 19 nonexposed workers. Measurements and main results When evaluated by questionnaire, 13 (59 percent) of the Capsicum-exposed workers reported cough as compared to 4 (21 percent) of the nonexposed workers (p 1 and FVC did not differ between the two groups. Cough threshold, as assessed by the lowest concentration of inhaled capsaicin eliciting cough, was related to workplace exposure (p=0.05), displaying a bimodal pattern of higher and lower cough thresholds among the Capsicum workers as compared to a unimodal distribution among the nonexposed workers. Within the exposed group, a higher cough threshold was significantly related to male gender (p=0.03) and was associated to a lesser extent with dietary preference for hot food (p=0.09) and cumulative cigarette smoking (p=0.07). Conclusion Chronic occupational exposure to chili peppers is associated with complaints of cough but does not alone lead to decreased responsiveness of capsaicin-sensitive nerves when assessed by cough threshold. The cough response to capsaicin inhalation may be modified by the effects of multiple, potentially interactive factors. (Chest 1991; 99:27–32)
APPLICATIONS OF A.E.M. TO RAPIDLY SOLIDIFIED MATERIALS

We describe (a) a STEM analysis of centrifugally-atomised powders of high-phosphorous steels, and (b) a study of the oxide scale formed on wrought or rapidly solidified stainless steels during high-temperature oxidation.
e-maestro: the electronic conductor

This project is an attempt to recreate the musical experience of being in front of a symphony orchestra containing more than 80 members. The interaction between the audience and the orchestra is achieved through the development of an interactive control panel enabling users to manipulate groups of musicians, truly putting the viewer in the role of the symphony orchestra conductor.
The tumor inhibitor and antiangiogenic agent withaferin A targets the intermediate filament protein vimentin.

Summary The natural product withaferin A (WFA) exhibits antitumor and antiangiogenesis activity in vivo, which results from this drug's potent growth inhibitory activities. Here, we show that WFA binds to the intermediate filament (IF) protein, vimentin, by covalently modifying its cysteine residue, which is present in the highly conserved α-helical coiled coil 2B domain. WFA induces vimentin filaments to aggregate in vitro, an activity manifested in vivo as punctate cytoplasmic aggregates that colocalize vimentin and F-actin. WFA's potent dominant-negative effect on F-actin requires vimentin expression and induces apoptosis. Finally, we show that WFA-induced inhibition of capillary growth in a mouse model of corneal neovascularization is compromised in vimentin-deficient mice. These findings identify WFA as a chemical genetic probe of IF functions, and illuminate a potential molecular target for withanolide-based therapeutics for treating angioproliferative and malignant diseases.
Effects of minocycline on cocaine sensitization and phosphorylation of GluR1 receptors in 5-lipoxygenase deficient mice.

Abstract In wild-type (WT) mice, the antibiotic minocycline inhibits development of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Some of the actions of minocycline may involve the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathway. We used the model of 5-LOX-deficient mice to investigate whether 5-LOX participates in minocycline’s influence on the effects of cocaine. Locomotor sensitization was induced by 4 daily cocaine injections and the phosphorylation status of GluR1 glutamate receptors was assayed in brain samples. Minocycline failed to affect cocaine sensitization in 5-LOX-deficient mice. In these mice, neither cocaine nor minocycline 4-day treatment altered GluR1 phosphorylation. In WT mice in which minocycline inhibited development of cocaine sensitization, a 4-day cocaine treatment increased GluR1 phosphorylation at both Ser831 and Ser845 sites in the frontal cortex but not the striatum; further, this effect was prevented by minocycline. Under basal conditions and in response to a single cocaine injection the levels of GluR1, GluR2, and GluR3 AMPA receptor subunits did not differ between WT and 5-LOX-deficient mice, but the response of GluR1 phosphorylation to a single cocaine injection was greater under the 5-LOX deficiency. Hence, in WT mice GluR1 phosphorylation increased only in the frontal cortex and only at the Ser831 site. In 5-LOX-deficient mice, acute cocaine injection increased both Ser831 and Ser845 phosphorylation both in the frontal cortex and in the striatum. We suggest that in studying minocycline’s action on cocaine’s effects and/or addiction in humans, it would be important to consider the characterization of the subjects’ 5-LOX system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Trends in Neuropharmacology: In Memory of Erminio Costa’.
Extremal solutions of differential inclusions via Baire category: A dual approach

Abstract Let F be a continuous multifunction on R n with compact convex values. For any vector w, let F w ( x ) ⊆ F ( x ) be the subset of points which maximize the inner product with w. Call W the set of all continuous functions w : [ 0 , T ] ↦ R n with the following property: all solutions to the Cauchy problem x ˙ ( t ) ∈ F w ( t ) ( x ( t ) ) , x ( 0 ) = 0 , are also solutions to x ˙ ( t ) ∈ ext F ( x ( t ) ) . We prove that W is residual in C ( [ 0 , T ] ; R n ) .
Measurement of snow density and microstructure using computed tomography

In the past, two-dimensional images of internal snow structure have been obtained through plane surface sections or thin sections. These techniques are time-consuming and necessarily destroy the snow specimen. Computed tomography (CT) allows similar images to be obtained, but in a more efficient and non-destructive manner. To demonstrate the methodology, a CT scanner was used to obtain cross-sectional images over time of a snow sample undergoing kinetic-growth metamorphism. Densities calculated from the CT images correlated well to density measured using a traditional method. A procedure was developed that allows the CT image to be converted to binary in an objective manner. Employing innovative stereological software, the microstructural properties (grain diameter, bond diameter, neck length and intercept length) of the snow were then measured from the two-dimensional CT images. The presented methodology provides significant improvements over previous techniques, requiring less time and labor to obtain high-quality microstructural data.
Rapid calculation of seismic amplitudes

The ability to calculate traveltimes and amplitudes of seismic waves is useful for many reflection seismology applications such as migration and tomography. Traditionally, ray tracing (C⁁erveny et al., 1977; Julian, 1977), paraxial methods (Claerbout, 1971), or full‐wave methods (Alterman and Karal, 1968) are used for such calculations. These methods have in common considerable computational expense. Recently, Vidale (1988, 1990a) presented two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional methods to efficiently compute traveltimes of the first arrivals to every point in a regularly spaced grid of points, given an arbitrary velocity field sampled at these points. The computational cost of finding each traveltime is roughly one square root operation.
Echocardiographic Patterns of Pulmonic Valve Motion with Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonic valve echograms were examined in 24 normal subjects and 32 patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT), (mean pulmonary arterv pressure, 20 mm Hg). Atrial systole normally imparted a slight posterior or opening motion (“a” wave) to the posterior pulmonic leaflet. This “a” wave varied with respiration and the maximum “a” wave depth (A Max.) in normals averaged 3.7±1.2 mm (range 2–7 mm). In 19 of 24 patients with PHT and sinus rhythm no “a” wave was present. In the other 5, the “a” waves were 2 mm or less. In 4 of these 5, right heart failure was present. The diastolic slope (e–f) averaged 36.9±25.4 mm/sec (range 6–115 mm/sec) in normals. With PHT this slope became flat, averaging 5.2±8.9 mm/ sec.(range 9–30 mm/sec. p.001). In 6 patients with PHT a negative e-f slope occurred, this was never seen in normals. Mid-systolic closure or “notching” of the systolic (c–d) segment occurred in 18 of 20 subjects with PHT in whom the leaflet was clearly recorded in mid-systole. This finding was not observed in normals. This study confirms a previous observation that the echocardiographic recording of pulmonic valve motion may be a useful indicator of PHT.
Synthesis and reactivity of molybdenum and tungsten bis(dinitrogen) complexes supported by diphosphine chelates containing pendant amines.

Molybdenum and tungsten bis(dinitrogen) complexes of the formula M(N2)2(PNP)2 (M = Mo and W) and W(N2)2(dppe)(PNP), supported by diphosphine ligands containing a pendant amine of the formula (CH2PR2)2NR′ = PRNR′PR (R = Et, Ph; R′ = Me, Bn), have been prepared by Mg reduction of metal halides under an N2 atmosphere. The complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. Reactivity of the target Mo and W bis(dinitrogen) compounds with CO results in the formation of dicarbonyl complexes.
FEM Optimization of Energy Density in Tumor Hyperthermia Using Time-Dependent Magnetic Nanoparticle Power Dissipation

General principles are developed using a finite element model regarding how time-dependent power dissipation of magnetic nanoparticles can be used to optimize hyperthermia selectivity. To make the simulation more realistic, the finite size and spatial location of each individual nanoparticle is taken into consideration. When energy input into the system and duration of treatment is held constant, increasing the maximum power dissipation of nanoparticles increases concentrations of energy in the tumor. Furthermore, when the power dissipation of magnetic nanoparticles rises linearly, the temperature gradient on the edge of the tumor increases exponentially. With energy input held constant, the location and duration of maximum power dissipation in the treatment time scheme will affect the final energy concentration inside the tumor. Finally, connections are made between the simulation results and optimization of the design of nanoparticle power dissipation time-schemes for hyperthermia.
Charles C. Lauritsen: A Reasonable Man in an Unreasonable World

Charles C. Lauritsen (1891-1968) was a leading American experimental nuclear physicist and government advisor. He emigrated from Denmark to the United States in 1916 with his wife and baby. In 1926 he talked his way into graduate study at Caltech. Within four years he completed a physics Ph.D. degree, built the world’s highest voltage X-ray tube, and became a Caltech faculty member and director of the Kellogg Radiation Laboratory - founded to treat cancers with his X-ray tube. Converting one of his tubes into a particle accelerator, he became a nuclear physicist. During World War II he established and ran a large program for developing rocket munitions. After the war he advised government agencies on weapons development and research funding. He opposed the U.S. decision to develop the H-bomb. I discuss here his achievements, character, leadership, and the difficulties of science advising - especially evident in Project Vista.
Insulin-like growth factor-II and its binding proteins in placental development

To identify potential mediators or modulators of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) action in the placenta, we used in situ hybridization to map patterns of gene expression for IGF-II, the functionally related IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) 1-4, and the type 1 and 2 IGF receptors in developing rat and term human placentas. IGF-II mRNA was highly abundant in trophoblast-derived elements of the rat placenta from implantation to maturity, except for a significant local reduction in IGF-II gene expression in the junctional zone just before term. IGFBP2 mRNA was barely detected during early placental development, but increased significantly toward term and was most abundant in the junctional zone. The basal plate of the term human placenta showed a similar pattern, with a superficial layer of cytotrophoblasts containing IGF-II mRNA anatomically apposed to a deeper layer of cells expressing IGFBP2 mRNA. Placental IGFBP1, -3, and -4 mRNAs were much less abundant than IGFBP2 and were restricted to the yolk sac...
Genetically Programming Interfaces between Active Materials, Conductive Pathway and Current Collector in Li Ion Batteries

Abstract : In this work we genetically programmed the M13 virus, so that the new clone expressed multifunctional coat protein sequences that selectively bind to designated surfaces and species. Using these new clones, composite network consisting of ironphosphate nanowire (a-FePO4) and single wall carbon nanotubes were self-assembled onto aluminum surfaces. Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations confirmed the 3D-structure as well as the electrochemical activity of such composite nanowires.
Visualizing Incomplete and Partially Ranked Data

Ranking data, which result from m raters ranking n items, are difficult to visualize due to their discrete algebraic structure, and the computational difficulties associated with them when n is large. This problem becomes worse when raters provide tied rankings or not all items are ranked. We develop an approach for the visualization of ranking data for large n which is intuitive, easy to use, and computationally efficient. The approach overcomes the structural and computational difficulties by utilizing a natural measure of dissimilarity for raters, and projecting the raters into a low dimensional vector space where they are viewed. The visualization techniques are demonstrated using voting data, jokes, and movie preferences.
E-privacidad y redes sociales

The technological risks for privacy and anonymity are not limited to the problems of databases. Social networks, RFID tags, ubiquitous data processing and robotics, for example, are other examples of risk. Social networks have an economic value and search engines increasingly try to access their users' personal information. In contrast, the study of privacy in social networks is a new area. Experts in information technology generally consider privacy as a quantifiable attribute which can be negotiated and probably exchanged between individuals for certain benefits. We believe, on the other hand, that regulation should favour the socalled Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PET) to guarantee privacy, and that these are particularly necessary
The combination of preoperative prostate specific antigen and postoperative pathological findings to predict prostate specific antigen outcome in clinically localized prostate cancer.

AbstractPurpose: The independent clinical and pathological predictors of time to postoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) failure were used to identify prostate cancer patients at high risk for this end point.Materials and Methods: A Cox regression multivariate analysis was used to determine the prognostic significance of preoperative PSA, pathological stage, prostatectomy Gleason score and margin status in predicting the time to postoperative PSA failure in 862 men with palpable (T2) or PSA detected (T1c) prostate cancer. The 2-year PSA failure rates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the results of Cox regression analysis and a bootstrap procedure with 2,000 replications, respectively, and are presented in nomogram format stratified by preoperative PSA, pathological stage, prostatectomy Gleason score and margin status.Results: Preoperative PSA (p = 0.0001), pathological stage (p [less than=]0.002), margin status (p = 0.0001) and prostatectomy Gleason score (p = 0.034) were independ...
Optical delay line memory model with efficient algorithms

The extremely high data rates of optical computing technol- ogy (100 Mwords/s and upward) present unprecedented challenges in the dynamic memory design. An optical fiber loop used as a delay line is the best candidate for primary, dynamic memory at this time. However, it poses special problems in the design of algorithms due to synchroniza- tion requirements between the loop data and the processor. We develop a theoretical model, which we call the loop memory model (LLM), to capture the relevant characteristics of a loop-based memory. An impor- tant class of algorithms, ascend/descend—which includes algorithms for merging, sorting, discrete Fourier transformation (DFT), matrix transpo- sition, and multiplication and data permutation—can be implemented without any time loss due to memory synchronization. We develop both sequential and parallel implementations of ascend/descend algorithms and some matrix computations. Some lower bounds are also demon- strated. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(97)03709-4)
Evaluation of maxillary sinus width on cone‐beam computed tomography for sinus augmentation and new sinus classification based on sinus width

Purpose The degree of difficulty in performing lateral window sinus augmentation may depend on the morphology of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this was to measure the distances between the medial and lateral sinus wall (sinus width [SW]) at different levels and apply those SW values to formulate a new sinus classification. Materials and methods Edentulous sites adjacent to maxillary sinuses with inadequate ridge height (RH; <10 mm) were included from cone-beam computed tomography database in the University of Michigan. SW was measured at the heights of 5, 7, 10, 13, and 15 mm from alveolar crest at the edentulous sites. Mean SW was stratified by residual RH into three different groups (group 1: <4 mm, group 2: ≥4 and <7, and group 3: ≥7 and <10), study sites (first and second premolars and molars), and measurement levels. Results Three hundred and twenty subjects (mean 50.1 years old) with 422 edentulous sites were included. Mean SW was wider at molar sites, higher measurement levels, and sites with shorter residual RH. Mean SW at the lower (average 2.3 mm from sinus floor) and higher boundary (15 mm from the alveolar crest) of lateral window osteotomy was 9.0 (2.8) and 16.0 (4.4) mm, respectively. Narrow, average, or wide sinuses were classified when the SW was 10 mm at the lower boundary or 17 mm at the upper boundary, respectively. Conclusion SW at levels that were relevant to lateral window sinus augmentation was measured. The proposed sinus classification could facilitate communication between health providers and determine the degree of easiness of sinus augmentation. It might be particularly useful for the selection of grafting materials and surgical approaches. Further studies are required to test its clinical implications.
Regular copolyamides. I. A facile method for the preparation of diamine‐oxamides

α,ω-Diamine-oxamides with 2–12 CH2 groups between the two amino groups were obtained by the reaction of the diamines and diethyl or dimethyl oxalate. Diethyl oxalate is added slowly to a substantial excess of diamine in the proper solvent over a period of time under controlled temperature conditions. All variables are very important for each individual diamine in order to obtain optimal conversions to the diamine-oxamides under the most favorable conditions. Diamine-oxamides were obtained in approximately 80% yield with only small amounts (5–10%) of the corresponding polyoxamides as the side product. Diamine-oxamides from diamines with less than six methylene groups are water-soluble. All diamine-oxamides show an alternation of their melting points and are useful intermediates for the preparation of regular copolyoxamides.
A functional approach to cross-linguistic influence in ab initio L3 acquisition*

The present study follows the role of the first (L1, English) and second (L2, Japanese or Spanish) languages in ab initio third language (L3, Latin) acquisition. Participants (N = 25) were L2 classroom learners without immersion experience. In order to complement previous generativist studies and to offer a fuller developmental account of how transfer operates at the morphosyntactic level, the Competition Model (CM) was adopted as theoretical framework. Positive changes in overall accuracy and sentence processing patterns in role assignment in L3 Latin show L3 development as largely modulated by the L1, suggesting that higher levels of L2 resonance are necessary for integrated patterns of L1 and L2 cues to emerge.
Asymptotic Stability in Hybrid Systems via Nested Matrosov Functions

A theorem on nested Matrosov functions is extended to time-varying hybrid systems. It provides sufficient conditions for uniform global asymptotic stability of a compact set. An application to parameter identification with state resets is made and illustrated on an example.
Trends in inpatient prolapse procedures in the United States, 1979–2006

Objective We sought to describe national trends for inpatient procedures for pelvic organ prolapse from 1979–2006. Study Design The National Hospital Discharge Survey was analyzed for patient and hospital demographics, as were International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedures codes from 1979–2006. Age-adjusted rates (AARs) per 1000 women were calculated using the 1990 US Census data. Results There was a significantly decreasing trend in the AARs for inpatient prolapse procedures, from 2.93–1.52 per 1000 women from 1979–2006. AARs for hysterectomy decreased from 8.39–4.55 per 1000 women from 1979–2006. Over the study period, AARs remained at about the 1979 level among the women ≥52 years old (2.73–2.86; P = .075). In women P Conclusion AARs for inpatient procedures for prolapse in the United States remained stable for women aged ≥52 years from 1979–2006; rates declined by two-thirds for women aged
Structural and proton transport studies on nanocrystalline [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] (HAp), HAp–Nafion® composite, and natural human bone

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) is synthesized from hydroxide gels at room temperature using sonochemical technique. The as-synthesized material is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and solid- state (1H and 31P) NMR techniques. Hexagonal structure with space group P63/m is evident from powder XRD. Microscopic analysis with SAED indicates the nanocrystalline nature of the compound. Average particle size of 30 nm with excellent phase purity in good stoichiometric ratios of HAp is observed. The prevalence of protons as hydroxyls in apatitic structure of HAp is evident from FT-IR and solid-state NMR. The microstructure and proton conducting properties of the synthesized material are compared with the natural human bone powder having similar constituents. The sonochemically prepared HAp, and HAp-Nafion® composite exhibited excellent AC conductivities ∼10−5 S cm−1 at 650 °C and ∼10−5 S cm−1 at 160 °C, respectively, may find application as an electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) and high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFCs) applications.
A decade of West Antarctic subglacial lake interactions from combined ICESat and CryoSat‐2 altimetry

We use CryoSat-2 interferometric satellite radar altimetry over the Mercer and Whillans ice streams, West Antarctica, to derive surface elevation changes due to subglacial lake activity at monthly resolution for the period 2010 to 2013. We validate CryoSat-2 elevation measurements, trends, and spatial patterns of change using satellite image differencing and in situ vertical movement from Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Two subglacial lake discharge events occur in the same subglacial-hydrological catchment within a 9 month period. Using GPS measurements that are spanning the gap between the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite and Cryosat-2 missions, we cross-calibrate the two missions to establish the efficacy of CryoSat-2 altimetry to measure dynamic changes on the ice sheets.