cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sound levels with aural suctioning: Effects of suction size, canal moisture, and distance from the eardrum

Objective To determine sound levels resulting from aural suctioning of the external auditory canal. Methods Unweighted decibels (dB) and A-weighted decibels (dBA) sound pressure level measurements were recorded using a retrotympanic microphone in cadaveric human temporal bones. Sound measurements were made with common otologic suctions, size 3, 5, and 7 French, within the external ear canal at the tympanic membrane, 5, and 10 mm from the tympanic membrane in the dry condition. In the wet condition, the ear canal was filled with fluid and completely suctioned clear to determine sound effects of suctioning liquid from the ear canal. Results Sound levels generated from ear canal suctioning ranged from 68.3 to 97 dB and 62.6 to 95.1 dBA. Otologic suctions positioned closer to the tympanic membrane resulted in louder sound levels, but was not statistically significant (P > .05). Using larger diameter suctions generated louder dB and dBA sound levels (P < .001) and the addition of liquid in the ear canal during the suction process generated louder dB and dBA sound levels (P < .001). Conclusions Smaller caliber suction sizes and nonsuctioning techniques should be utilized for in-office aural toilet to reduce noise trauma and patient discomfort. Level of evidence 5.
Human immunodeficiency virus interaction with oral and genital mucosal epithelia may lead to epithelial–mesenchymal transition and sequestration of virions in the endosomal compartments

Oral and genital mucosal epithelia are multistratified epithelial barriers with well-developed tight and adherens junctions. These barriers serve as the first line of defense against many pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV interaction with the surface of mucosal epithelial cells, however, may activate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. When activated, these pathways may lead to the disruption of epithelial junctions and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). HIV-induced impairment of the mucosal barrier may facilitate the spread of pathogenic viral, bacterial, fungal, and other infectious agents. HIV-induced EMT promotes highly motile/migratory cells. In oral and genital mucosa, if EMT occurs within a human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected premalignant or malignant cell environment, the HPV-associated neoplastic process could be accelerated by promoting viral invasion of malignant cells. HIV also internalizes into oral and genital mucosal epithelial cells. The majority (90%) of internalized virions do not cross the epithelium, but are retained in endosomal compartments for several days. These sequestered virions are infectious. Upon interaction with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes, epithelial cells containing the virus can be transferred. The induction of HIV-1 release and the cell-to-cell spread of virus from epithelial cells to lymphocytes is mediated by interaction of lymphocyte receptor function-associated antigen-1 with the epithelial cell receptor intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Thus, mucosal epithelial cells may serve as a transient reservoir for HIV, which could play a critical role in viral transmission.
Managing the Inter-Functional Tension between Accounting- and Financial-Profits in Remanufacturing Multiple-Usecycle Products

We investigate the tension between accounting and financial functions of an OEM who manufactures and remanufactures capital‐intensive products. The OEM operates a servicizing business model in which it leases a product, remanufactures the product returned at the end of the lease, and re‐leases the remanufactured product (usecycle), with multiple such usecycles. The accounting function at the firm would suggest that the OEM: (i) recovers the initial manufacturing cost of the product over its useful life as prescribed by IRS guidelines via depreciation; (ii) remanufactures the product as long as its initial manufacturing cost is not fully recovered; and (iii) removes the product from the books immediately after it has completely depreciated. In contrast, the financial function would consider the initial manufacturing cost of the product to be a sunk cost and would suggest that the firm continues to remanufacture the product as long as the remanufacturing cost is lower than the cost of a new unit. In this study, we investigate and prescribe ways to resolve this tension using analytical models. Specifically, we first show that the optimal durations over which the product should be used and lease prices that maximize the OEM's accounting profit and financial profit are different. We then discuss two operational approaches to align the accounting and operational perspectives while following IRS guidelines. Finally, informed by this analysis, we develop policy prescriptions to promote remanufacturing of multiple usecycle products. Overall, this analysis highlights the role of regulatory guidelines on remanufacturing operations and the inter‐functional effort required by OEMs to successfully integrate remanufacturing operations in their business strategy.
Complex dynamics of multicomponent biological coacervates

Abstract Phase transitions and coacervates play key roles in natural and synthetic soft matter. In particular, the past few years have seen a rapid expansion in studies of these phenomena in the context of dynamic cellular compartmentalization. In this brief review, we mainly focus on a few concepts and selected in vitro and cellular examples of recent developments in the areas of dynamics and multicomponent systems. Topics covered include the flexibility and conformational dynamics of polymeric species involved in phase separation, valence and non-monotonic effects, noise modulation and feedback loops, and multicomponent systems and substructure. The fundamental concepts discussed in this review are widely applicable, including in the context of cellular function and the development of materials with novel properties.
A supervised machine learning semantic segmentation approach for detecting artifacts in plethysmography signals from wearables.

Objective Wearable devices equipped with plethysmography (PPG) sensors provided a low-cost, long-term solution to early diagnosis and continuous screening of heart conditions. However PPG signals collected from such devices often suffer from corruption caused by artifacts. The objective of this study is to develop an effective supervised algorithm to locate the regions of artifacts within PPG signals. Approach We treat artifact detection as a 1D segmentation problem. We solve it via a novel combination of an active-contour-based loss and an adapted U-Net architecture. The proposed algorithm was trained on the PPG DaLiA training set, and further evaluated on the PPG DaLiA testing set, WESAD dataset and TROIKA dataset. Main results We evaluated with the DICE score, a well-established metric for segmentation accuracy evaluation in the field of computer vision. The proposed method outperforms baseline methods on all three datasets by a large margin (≈ 7 percentage points above the next best method). On the PPG DaLiA testing set, WESAD dataset and TROIKA dataset, the proposed method achieved 0.8734±0.0018, 0.9114±0.0033 and 0.8050±0.0116 respectively. The next best method only achieved 0.8068±0.0014, 0.8446±0.0013 and 0.7247±0.0050. Significance The proposed method is able to pinpoint exact locations of artifacts with high precision; in the past, we had only a binary classification of whether a PPG signal has good or poor quality. This more nuanced information will be critical to further inform the design of algorithms to detect cardiac arrhythmia.
Operating Standards for the High Altitude Ballooning Community

This paper provides an overview of work to define a set of standards for adoption by the academic high altitude balloon community. These standards go above-and-beyond the requirements imposed by §101 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, incorporating best practices and suggesting how §101 requirements should be interpreted and applied in several situations. One area where FAR§101 is extremely vague is with regards to the operations of balloons with small payloads. These payloads are exempt from most requirements; however, they are required to not create a “hazard”. Problematically, what exactly qualifies as a “hazard” is not defined in FAR§101 or elsewhere (with direct applicability). The definition of “hazard” within the scope of aviation law is explored. Prospective standards for these light-weight payloads to comply with the requirement to not create a hazard are presented and discussed. The paper also considers the value of enacting standards and how they might be adopted. Value, primarily, stems from three areas. First, by enacting the standards, community members (particularly those new to high altitude ballooning) have a clear expectation of how to conduct safe and effective operations. Second, in the event of an incident, adherence to broadly accepted guidelines may have the impact of demonstrating prudent decision making and non-negligent behavior. Third, in the event of an accident, pre-existing voluntary self-regulation may be looked upon favorably by the FAA preventing a reactionary prohibition of high altitude ballooning in the United States or onerous regulations created in response to the incident.
Interdisciplinary Surgical Management of Skin Cancer: the Saint Louis University Experience

While the vast majority of skin cancers can be managed by a single practitioner in the outpatient setting, there is a subset of complex skin cancers that benefit from multidisciplinary care. At our institution, we have built strong collegial relationships with allied specialties such as surgical oncology, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. It is common for patients with high-risk or complex tumors to be seen pre-operatively by several allied specialties. This allows for care coordination and more seamless care in addition to fostering skin cancer expertise within our collaborators in allied specialties.
Lumber attributes, characteristics, and species preferences as indicated by secondary wood products firms in the continental United States

The purpose of this research was to evaluate selected lumber attributes, species preferences, and lumber use properties among secondary wood manufacturers in the United States. Our sample included producers of kitchencabinets, furniture, doors, windows, and molded products who attended regional and national wood manufacturing events. More than 51% of respondents had annual sales of less than $500000, and the median company size was five employees. Results are presented for 17 selected lumber attributes, and indicate that appearance-related attributes were generally the most important, and that use of certified lumber was generally the least important. Price-related attributes (including low price and price stability) were generally intermediate in importance. There were statistically significant differences among geographic regions for four of the attributes, and among business types for three of the attributes. The most popular species for use by secondary manufacturers included the oaks, maple, and cherry, and there were strong preferences for kiln-dried, 4/4 (2.54 cm) lumber having random length and width.
Use of fluorescence spectroscopy as thermodynamics tool.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the various ways that fluorescence techniques can be used to obtain thermodynamics information about biological macro-molecules. It discusses that one might think of fluorescence as a spectroscopic method, which of course it is, some of the most valuable applications of fluorescence are to determine thermodynamic and kinetic information about proteins, nucleic acids, and membrane systems. Some of the advantages of fluorescence, over other experimental methods such as scanning or titration microcalorimeter or plasmon resonance, are that (1) fluorescence permits study with an extremely wide range of macromolecule concentrations, (2) fluorescence measurements are amenable to a wide range of solution conditions, (3) it is a rapid monitoring method, which makes it possible to have a rapid throughput in data collection, and (4) fluorescence can provide selectivity by focusing on a relatively few fluorescing centers within a macromolecule. This latter feature can be important, because it helps in understanding of what molecular events are happening and it permits some thermodynamics studies to be carried out even when the samples are not 100% pure. It also reviews that many biological macromolecules contain intrinsic fluorescing groups, or these groups can be attached as extrinsic probes. Also, in cases involving a small molecule as a ligand, the ligand may be the fluorescing species.
Gas Fluxing of Molten Aluminum: An Overview

The aluminum industry is under continual pressure to improve metal quality, while at the same time reduce costs. Although a reasonably mature technology, there has been a continual evolution in degassing equipment over the years. A detailed review and theoretical analysis is given of the chemical and kinetic factors which control the metal quality after gas fluxing, and the evolution of degassing technology in Alcoa is summarized. Particular emphasis is placed on hydrogen removal, minimization of chlorine use, reduced operating costs and minimization of environmental emissions. Considerations related to inclusion removal are also discussed briefly.
Corporate Governance and Performance During Consolidation of the United States and European Defense Industries

Under a market-oriented corporate governance system, the United States defense industry consolidate quicker and gained a comparative advantage in simple measures of firm performance, including profit margin and market share, than the continental European defense industry, which is more oriented toward stakeholder relationships in corporate governance. The defense industry in the United Kingdom, also characterized by market-oriented governance, performed well. On a wider set of measures related to firm performance and other stakeholders, the evidence is less clear. Concerns have been expressed about the European defense industry's survival in its current form. Likewise, concerns have been raised about the increasing level of concentration in the United States, its potential effect on innovation, and the erection of trade barriers. This paper concludes that corporate governance concepts are useful in analyzing firm conduct and performance in the defense industry and other traditionally -- 'national' industries. It also concludes that policy concerns might successfully be addressed through increased Transatlantic cooperation, attention to the flexibility inherent in the Anglo-American system of corporate governance, and recommendations to modify public procurement policies.
Estimating the 4d respiratory lung motion by spatiotemporal registration and building super-resolution image

The estimation of lung motion in 4D-CT with respect to the respiratory phase becomes more and more important for radiation therapy of lung cancer. Modern CT scanner can only scan a limited region of body at each couch table position. Thus, motion artifacts due to the patient's free breathing during scan are often observable in 4D-CT, which could undermine the procedure of correspondence detection in the registration. Another challenge of motion estimation in 4D-CT is how to keep the lung motion consistent over time. However, the current approaches fail to meet this requirement since they usually register each phase image to a pre-defined phase image independently, without considering the temporal coherence in 4D-CT. To overcome these limitations, we present a unified approach to estimate the respiratory lung motion with two iterative steps. First, we propose a new spatiotemporal registration algorithm to align all phase images of 4D-CT (in low-resolution) onto a high-resolution group-mean image in the common space. The temporal consistency is persevered by introducing the concept of temporal fibers for delineating the spatiotemporal behavior of lung motion along the respiratory phase. Second, the idea of super resolution is utilized to build the group-mean image with more details, by integrating the highly-redundant image information contained in the multiple respiratory phases. Accordingly, by establishing the correspondence of each phase image w.r.t. the high-resolution group-mean image, the difficulty of detecting correspondences between original phase images with missing structures is greatly alleviated, thus more accurate registration results can be achieved. The performance of our proposed 4D motion estimation method has been extensively evaluated on a public lung dataset. In all experiments, our method achieves more accurate and consistent results in lung motion estimation than all other state-of-the-art approaches.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in the nursing population: a concept analysis.

Purpose This article is a report of an analysis of the concept of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its application to the nursing population. Background Nurses are at an increased risk for work-related stress resulting in retention issues and impaired functioning in work and home environment. The nursing discipline has been inconsistent with the concepts used to describe the distress and resultant discussions related to the comprehensive nature of the distress experienced, heavily focusing on existing medical language that emphasizes disorders and psychopathology. Review methods Walker and Avant's strategy for concept analysis was used in this analysis. A literature review for 1994–2011 was conducted for the following keywords: secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, posttraumatic stress disorder, and nurse. Results The concept of posttraumatic stress disorder in the nursing population is best described within the context of the Nurse as Wounded Healer theory. Essential attributes include intrusions, avoidance, and hyperarousal. The consequences include worldview changes, retention issues, sleep disruption, and social network disturbances. Conclusion This concept analysis viewed through The Nurse as Wounded Healer lens, offers clarity to the concept of PTSD within the nursing population and identifies limitations to prior conceptualizations.
Cross‐Border Mergers and Differences in Corporate Governance

We examine whether corporate governance differences affect firm valuation in cross-border mergers. We find that takeover premiums are decreasing in the quality of the foreign acquirer's home country governance for deals completed with stock, suggesting that the acquirers compensate target shareholders for the resulting exposure to inferior corporate governance regimes. Correspondingly, we find that the acquiring firm stockholders' abnormal returns at the merger announcement are increasing in the quality of corporate governance for stock offers. Finally, we find that foreign acquirers from countries with better corporate governance are more likely to make stock offers.
Two Kinds of Culpability

There are two kinds of culpability at work in the criminal law, corresponding to two different senses of mens rea or guilty mind. An older tradition conceives of mens rea broadly as signifying blameworthiness. However, mens rea often has a narrower sense, signifying the mental elements of an offense, such as whether the agent intended harm, foresaw harm, recklessly caused harm, or negligently caused harm. On this elemental view, mens rea is the mental dimension of the offense, complementing the objective dimension contributed by the specification of actus reus. Whereas the narrower sense of culpability associated with elemental mens rea is well understood, the broader sense of culpability as blameworthiness and especially the relationship between the two kinds of culpability are not always clearly articulated. In this essay I offer an account of these two kinds of culpability and explain their relationship to each other. In particular, broad and narrow culpability are complementary, rather than rival, conceptions. Each is an important part of an adequate criminal jurisprudence. This is because they correspond to different parts of a broadly retributive rationale for blame and punishment, which sees these attitudes and practices as fitting responses to culpable or responsible wrongdoing. The elemental sense of mens rea is the mental or subjective dimension of wrongdoing, whereas the broader sense of culpability attaches to wrongdoing for which the agent was responsible and blameworthy. Each kind of culpability plays an important role in this account of the architecture of a broadly retributive rationale for the criminal law that predicates blame and punishment on the fair opportunity to avoid wrongdoing. Being clear about the role of both kinds of culpability in an adequate criminal jurisprudence is valuable in itself but also pays other dividends as well. The two kinds of culpability are tied to two different faces of responsibility -- responsibility as attributability and as accountability. Narrow culpability is concerned with responsibility as attributability, whereas broad culpability is concerned with responsibility as accountability. Moreover, the two kinds of culpability give rise to two different conceptions of strict liability crimes that are worth distinguishing -- liability without narrow culpability and liability without broad culpability. The second sort of strict liability is even more problematic than the first; both are condemned by fairness norms in a broadly retributive criminal jurisprudence.
On the Gaussian Polynomials

The main features of the constructive proof of the unimodality of the Gaussian polynomials in [O] are (1) the introduction of two auxiliary statistics, spread and degree, for the set of partitions whose Ferrers diagram fits in a given rectangle, (2) a Cartesian product decomposition of the set of partitions with given spread and degree, and (3) an inductive argument based on the Cartesian product decomposition.
Using Leray-Schauder degree

Although the Leray-Schauder theory of topological degree [9, 7, 2, ll] is a powerful tool for work in nonlinear analysis, there are obstacles to its application. Two of these are: first, the degree theory provides only existence information, not information about the actual number of solutions of the corresponding equation; second, it is generally difficult to compute the Leray-Schauder degree of a given map. Our purpose here is to describe some methods for overcoming these obstacles. We show in Section 2 that if the map is differentiable, the degree is (with certain exceptions) a lower bound for the actual number of solutions of the equation, and with this result we prove an in-the-large implicit function theorem. In Section 3 we show that the degree of a corresponding map in a complex linear space is (again with certain exceptions) an upper bound for the number of solutions of the given equation. The results in Sections 2 and 3 are known for the Brouwer degree of maps in Euclidean space [2, 31 and we obtain the analogous results for the Leray-Schauder degree by using Smale’s [13] infinite-dimensional version of Sard’s Theorem. The crucial statement in Section 2 is Lemma 2 which is a special case of Smale’s theorem. (Actually this special case follows from earlier work. See [4].) Lemma 3 in Section 2 is also closely related to Smale’s work. See [13, p. 8661. In Section 4 we study nonlinear integral equations and reduce the problem of computing the Leray-Schauder degree to a finite-dimensional problem by using Bernstein polynomials. Then the results of Section 3 are applied to obtain an upper bound for the number of solutions of certain nonlinear integral equations (Theorem 3).
GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. linear power-amplifier stage giving 1 W

A balanced GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. power stage has been developed for the 7–8 GHz satellite communication frequency band. At 7.5 GHz, the output power at 1 dB comparession 1 W with a power added efficiency of 37%. The small-signal gain was 6.65 ± 0.45 dB across the frequency band. The small-signal gain, phase, group delay and input and output v.s.w.r. as function of frequency are described. Large-signal gain saturation and 3rd-order intermodulation distrotion measurements are also presented.
Human polyoma JC virus minor capsid proteins, VP2 and VP3, enhance large T antigen binding to the origin of viral DNA replication: Evidence for their involvement in regulation of the viral DNA replication

JC virus (JCV) lytically infects the oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system in a subset of immunocompromized patients and causes the demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. JCV replicates and assembles into infectious virions in the nucleus. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of its virion biogenesis remains elusive. In this report, we have attempted to shed more light on this process by investigating molecular interactions between large T antigen (LT-Ag), Hsp70 and minor capsid proteins, VP2/VP3. We demonstrated that Hsp70 interacts with VP2/VP3 and LT-Ag; and accumulates heavily in the nucleus of the infected cells. We also showed that VP2/VP3 associates with LT-Ag through their DNA binding domains resulting in enhancement in LT-Ag DNA binding to Ori and induction in viral DNA replication. Altogether, our results suggest that VP2/VP3 and Hsp70 actively participate in JCV DNA replication and may play critical roles in coupling of viral DNA replication to virion encapsidation.
Population dynamics among Asmat hunter-gatherers of New Guinea: data, methods, comparisons.

Asmat hunter-gatherers of Irian Jaya have been experiencing rapid culture change since 1953, yet demographically still can be classified as “living primitives.” Methods of nonstandard data analysis are utilized in an attempt to provide specific information on age-sex structure, fertility, birth rates, death rates, population growth, internal migration, and life expectancy in the contact era, and to aid in the development of a two-part model of population growth encompassing the immediate precontact and contact eras. Special attention is paid to the continuing albeit reduced impact of infanticide. Brief comparisons with other Melanesian and Third World societies are presented; the Asmat average annual growth rate of 1.5% since first permanent contact in 1953 contrasts with the generally higher rates reported for most of these other groups.
The effect of l-tryptophan on thermal stability of bacteriophage T4,38

Abstract 1. 1. It has been found that l -tryptophan at a concentration of 10 −6 M decreases the thermal stability of phage T4,38 (a strain of T4 which requires either l -tryptophan, l -tyrosine or l -phenylalanine as cofactor for adsorption) with loss of some phage DNA. 2. 2. No tryptophan effect is observed with phages which do not require any cofactor for adsorption. The effect on T4,38 is obtained also with l -tyrosine or dl -phenylalanine replacing l -tryptophan, but not with 15 other amino acids (including d -tryptophan). Thus the adsorption requirement and the effect on thermal stability show the same specificity. 3. 3. The kinetics of the inactivation have been studied as a function of l -tryptophan concentration. The results suggest that one molecule of tryptophan adsorbing at a critical site is sufficient to destabilize a virus particle. 4. 4. The rate of inactivation is strongly temperature-dependent. This indicates that a marked configurational change occurs in the process. 5. 5. The results of similar studies on the DNA liberation show that this process may also be caused by the binding of one tryptophan molecule to the virus particle and that the binding also has the same amino acid specificity as the adsorption cofactor phenomenon. Thus binding sites of the same kind are presumably involved in these three processes: activation for adsorption, thermal inactivation and DNA liberation. A major configuration change is inferred to occur in each of these processes. 6. 6. The results of the present study, therefore, support the “denaturation” theory for the adsorption cofactor phenomenon. They also suggest that an active center of an enzyme could involve as few as two or three functional groups and that a biological functional structures in vivo may well have different activity from that in vitro . 7. 7. The possibility of using the present tryptophan effect as a convenient assay for l -tryptophan is discussed.
Evolution of the innermost stable orbits around accreting neutron stars

The surface of most neutron stars with 'soft' equations of state lies within the innermost stable circular orbit predicted by general relativity. In disk accretion onto a weakly magnetized neutron star, the disk will reach the stellar surface for 'stiff' equations of state, but for soft equations of state the matter will hit the surface in free fall at an angle of about 0.001 to 0.1 radians. All calculations are carried out through first order in the angular momentum of the star.
Preliminary 3-D analysis of a high gradient magnetic separator for biomedical applications☆

Abstract A prototype portable high-gradient magnetic separator is being developed for in vivo magnetic separation from human blood flow. In this separator design, an array of biocompatible capillary tubing and magnetizable wires is immersed in an external magnetic field, which is generated by two parallel permanent magnets. The wires are magnetized and the high magnetic field gradient from the magnetized wires helps to collect blood-borne magnetic nanospheres. In this study, a 3-D mathematical model was created and the effect of tubing–wire configurations on the capture efficiency (CE) of the system was analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics 3.3®. The results show that an optimal design was a configuration characterized by bi-directionally alternating wires and tubes as an optimal design. In vitro experiments verified the theoretical predictions for the CE. The CE of the optimal design was more than 20% higher than that of the other design at 20 cm/s. The results further optimized a prototype portable magnetic separator suitable for rapid sequestration of magnetic nanospheres from the human blood stream while accommodating necessary clinical boundary conditions.
Potent anorexic-like effects of RDS-127 (2-di-n-propylamino-4,7-dimethoxyindane) in the rat: a comparison with other dopamine-receptor agonists.

Abstract Modification of food intake and motor activity was investigated following administration of amphetamine (AMP), apomorphine (APO) and three novel 2-aminoindanes (2-AI): 2-di- n -propylaminoindane (JPC-60-36), 2-di- n -propylamino-5,6-dimethoxyindane (JPC-211) and 2-di- n -propylamine-4,7-dimethoxyindane (RDS-127). These compounds demonstrated dose- and time-related inhibition of food intake in male rats which were habituated to eating 4 hr each day. The ranked potencies were as follows: RDS-127 > AMP = APO > JPC-60-36 and JPC-211 was inactive. 2-di- n -Propylamine-4,7-dimethoxyindane (RDS-127) did not increase motor activity in a dose range that significantly inhibited food intake (66% of control intake with 0.08 μmol/kg). Food intake inhibition was blocked by pimozide, but not by propranolol or phentolamine. The anorectic-like actions of RDS-127 were long-lasting (>4 hr ) and RDS-127 was approximately 3-fold more potent than amphetamine or apomorphine in producing increased locomotor activity; the other 2-aminoindanes were less potent in producing hyperactivity. Hyperactivity responses were blocked by pimozide, but not by α -methyl- p -tyrosine. These results suggest that 2-aminoindanes may modify motor behaviors, at least in part, via direct stimulation of dopamine receptors. The structure-activity relationships of 2-aminoindanes on locomotor activity and inhibition of food intake are discussed.
Characterization of Unsteady Impeller-Blade Loading in a Centrifugal Compressor With a Discrete-Passage Diffuser

Unsteady numerical simulations in a centrifugal compressor stage consisting of an impeller followed by a discrete passage diffuser are employed to characterize unsteady impeller blade loading. For a stage typical of modern design, peak dynamic loads can be as high as 3.5 times greater that the peak steady-state loads. Unsteady load fluctuations of 0.2 times the tip dynamic pressure are observed in the forward 30% splitter chord, indicating a significant upstream propagation of the unsteady pressure disturbance. There can thus be an upstream manifestation of a downstream stimulus. The upstream manifestation is the considerable unsteady loading in the splitter blade leading edge while the downstream stimulus is the unsteady interaction between the rotating impeller and the stationary downstream diffuser. Increased relative frame diffusion, characterized by the DeHaller number, increases the sensitivity to downstream disturbances and leads to decreased attenuation of the upstream disturbance. Increased relative Mach number decreases the relative frame disturbance wavelength and thus improves the attenuation of the upstream disturbance. The length scale of spatial variation in unsteady loading is set by the relative Mach number, diffuser passing time, and the acoustic speed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
CubeSat developments at Cal Poly: the standard deployer and PolySat

Cal Poly students are participating in the development of a new class of picosatellite, the CubeSat. CubeSats are ideal as a development project for universities around the world. In additioin to their significant role in educating space scientists and engineers, CubeSats provide a low-cost platform for testing and space qualification of the next generation of small payloads in space. In expensive, commercial off-the- shelf components are used to demonstrate their ability to function in the space environment. A key innovation of the project is the development of a standard CubeSat deployer. This deployment system is capable of releasing a number of CubeSats as secondary payloads on a wide range of launchers. The standard deployer requires all CubeSats to conform to common physical requirements, and share a standard interface with the deployer.
Genome-wide Meta-analysis Identifies Variants Associated with Platinating Agent Susceptibility Across Populations

Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies variants associated with platinating agent susceptibility across populations
The Biosynthesis and Processing of Vitellogenin in the Fat Bodies of Females and Males of the Cockroach Leucophaea maderae

Abstract The juvenile hormone analog (JHA) methoprene was used to induce the synthesis of the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg) in adult females and males of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae . The female- and male-produced vitellogenin (VgF and VgM, respectively) contained polypeptides of 112, 95, 92, and 54 kDa. Also present in the secreted vitellogenins was a small quantity of a short-lived transitional 155 kDa Vg polypeptide, and a variable amount of an 85 kDa species. Quantitatively, the VgF and VgM were significantly different in the Vg112 and Vg95 units (VgF>VgM), and in the Vg85 polypeptide (VgF 35 S-methionine/cysteine and 32 P-orthophosphate. The glycosylation of the Vg precursors was examined by digestion with endoglycosidase H and by the inhibition of N-linked glycosylation with tunicamycin. The data showed that in both females and males, the synthesis of the vitellogenin precursor occurred in a stepwise fashion: (1) the co-translational glycosylation of Vg203; (2) the post-translational phosphorylation of Vg203 to form Vg220; (3) the proteolytic processing of Vg220 to form the constituent Vg polypeptides. The 203 and 220 kDa Vg precursors of females and males appeared to be similarly glycosylated and phosphorylated. The additional processing of Vg112 to Vg85 was more pronounced in the fat bodies of males than in females, and appears to account for the quantitative difference in the distribution of these polypeptides in VgF and VgM. Finally, the major oligosaccharides of VgF and VgM appear to be those of N-linked mannose residues. The treatment of females and males with tunicamycin indicated that the co-translational glycosylation of Vg precursors was required for the phosphorylation of the Vg precursor, as well as the secretion of Vg from the fat body.
A bi-labeling based XPath processing system

We present BLAS, a Bi-LAbeling based XPath processing System. BLAS uses two labeling schemes to speed up query processing: P-labeling for processing consecutive child (or parent) axis traversals, and D-labeling for processing descendant (or ancestor) axis traversals. XML data are stored in labeled form and indexed. Algorithms are presented for translating XPath queries to SQL expressions. BLAS reduces the number of joins in the SQL query translated from a given XPath query and reduces the number of disk accesses required to execute the SQL query compared with the traditional XPath processing using D-labeling alone. We also propose an approximate P-labeling scheme and the corresponding query translation algorithm to handle XML data trees that contain a large number of distinct tag names, and/or are very deep. This extension captures a spectrum of XPath-to-SQL query translation schemes, ranging from existing schemes that do not use P-labels to the one that uses exact P-labels. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the BLAS system.
Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: an expansion of the clinical and histological spectrum

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, a fibrohistiocytic tumour of intermediate malignancy that usually presents on extremities of young patients, has a broader clinical/histological spectrum than is widely appreciated. We summarise our experience with an emphasis on unusual features. Twenty-seven cases were analysed for clinical and histological features, including immunohistochemistry and FISH for rearrangements of EWSR1 or FUS. Five (19%) occurred in patients >40 years old, and ten (37%) occurred outside the extremities. Three that occurred in patients >40 years old arose in atypical locations. Evaluation for classical histological features (lymphocytic cuff, fibrous pseudocapsule, pseudovascular spaces, haemorrhage, haemosiderin, and histiocytoid morphology) showed that all had two or more classical features. Unusual features were noted in many cases. Ten (37%) displayed significant areas of sclerosis; three of these ten had areas with a perineurioma-like pattern. Nine displayed at least moderate pleomorphism, with two exhibiting striking pleomorphism. Eight had eosinophils in the stroma, one with numerous eosinophils. One had a reticulated pattern of cells in a myxoid stroma. Mitotic rates were low [average 0.67/10 high power fields (HPFs)]. Three had atypical mitotic figures. Thirteen of 20 (65%) were CD68 positive, 11 of 17 (65%) were EMA positive, and 10 of 18 (56%) were desmin positive. Thirteen of 16 (81%) had a rearrangement of EWSR1; none had a FUS rearrangement.This series expands the spectrum of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma.
Solving the dynamical inverse problem for the Schrödinger equation by the boundary control method

We consider the inverse problem of determining the potential in the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation from dynamical boundary observations, which are the range values of the Neumann-to-Dirichlet map. Dynamical boundary data have not been used in the inverse problem for the Schrodinger equation, since the traditional Gelfand–Levitan–Marchenko approach reconstructs the potential from spectral or scattering data. Here we show that one can completely recover the spectral data from the dynamical boundary data. The construction of the spectral data uses new results on exact and spectral controllability for the Schrodinger equation, which we obtain by using the properties of exponential Riesz bases (nonharmonic Fourier series). From the spectral data, we solve the inverse problem using the boundary control method, which—unlike other identification methods based on control and optimization—is consistently linear and, in principle, independent of dimensionality.
Cultural aspects of telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry may involve working with clinicians, patients and systems of care that are both geographically and culturally distinct. In this context, culturally appropriate care is an important component of telepsychiatry. The outline for cultural formulation from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) provides general principles for addressing these issues. Two components of the outline are particularly relevant in telepsychiatry: (1) how the cultural background of patients (i.e. their cultural identity) influences their comfort with technology; and (2) the effect of cultural differences on the patient-provider relationship. Cultural differences between patient and provider are often highlighted in telepsychiatry by the patient and provider location (e.g. rural versus urban differences). Familiarity with the rural community and regular contact and feedback are important. Future research should examine the effect of telepsychiatry on patient-provider relationships, patient attitudes towards care and, most importantly, patient outcomes.
Fear word choice in preschoolers

Abstract This study examines fear-word preferences in four-and five-year-old children. Forty preschoolers were presented with a forced word choice game-task consisting of pairs of synonyms describing fear. Synonyms used were afraid, nervous, tense, scared and worried. Sex and age related variations in preference were observed to be significant at the P ≦0.05 level. The authors conclude that when examining a preschooler for the presence of anxiety, the clinician would be wise first to evaluate the word preference of the child client.
Transient experiments of an inclined copper-water heat pipe

The effects of inclination angle on the transient operation of a gravity-assisted copper-water heat pipe are investigated experimentally. The inclination angle and (he input power are varied from 0 (horizontal) to 90 deg (vertical), and from 520 to 820 W, respectively. The transient vapor and wall temperatures are measured at 11 axial locations along the length of the heat pipe. The heatup and cooldown time constants, although specific to this heat pipe design and experimental setup, are used to assess the effect of the inclination angle at different power input and cooling rates. The experimental data of the transient vapor and wall temperatures and the effective power throughput are also used to benchmark a two-dimensional, heat pipe transient analysis model. The model predictions are in good agreement with experiments.
Observer-feedback design for linear systems with large parameter uncertainties

A design procedure is presented for linear systems with inaccessible states and large parameter variations. A nominal observer structure is used in the feedback loop. The design parameters are the observer gain matrix and the estimated-state feedback matrix. The prime design objectives are an asymptotically stable closed-loop system and a minimal upper bound on an integral-quadratic performance measure. A modified performance measure is introduced which, while only indirectly related to the prime design objectives, yields a computationally feasible algorithm for the design parameters. This work extends the observer-feedback theory developed by Newmann, Rom and Sarachik, and others, for systems with no uncertainty to systems with parameter uncertainty.
Process Deduced From Ironmaking Wastes and Artefacts

Microstructures and compositions of ironmaking slag found at 42 sites where known technique was practiced show how the different processes for making wrought iron can be identified from the wastes they produced. Fayalite, wustite (or magnetite), and glass are common to all the slags. Puddling slags contain characteristic bands of iron sulfides. Minerals present only in bloomery slag identify 41 of 57 bloomery and finery slags examined. In the absence of diagnostic minerals, the higher content of wustite in finery slag usually distinguishes it from bloomery slag. Unbroken pieces of bloomery and finery slag indicate hearth size and shape. Diagnostic characteristics of puddling and bloomery slags are also found in inclusions present in wrought-iron artefacts. Comparisons with mechanical tests show that inferences about the strength properties of wrought iron can be drawn from the microstructure. Slag formation rates and metal loss in bloom smelting and fining are calculated from analyses of ores and slags collected at forge sites. Comparison of process details for bloom smelting and fining at New England forges shows that ironmasters chose the indirect process to control phosphorus in their product rather than to reduce fuel or ore consumption.
Cool-down time of solid oxide fuel cells intended for transpotation application

Abstract To provide answers to the concern as to how quickly the temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for transportation application will drop, a thermal analysis of the cool-down time of an SOFC stack during vehicle idle or stand-by has been carried out. Because a large amount of thermal energy is stored in high-temperature SOFC stacks, it is important to select suitable thermal insulations to reduce heat loss. Three typical kinds of thermal insulating materials have been selected in the present calculations. The results indicate that a high-performance, vacuum-multifoil thermal insulation can be applied to significantly reduce heat loss and to maintain temperature uniformity across a cell stack. Consequently, the cool-down time from 1000 to 800°C is extended from 2 h (with a 5 cm thick conventional material) to about 31 h (with a 1 cm thick high-performance material).
On Trigonometric Formulations of Polynomial Equations

The displacement analysis of open and closed kinematic chains is based on polynomial equations whose variables are functions of relative joint displacements. The objective of this paper is to investigate new and interesting properties of the transformations between the canonical cosine-sine polynomials and the even degree tan-half angle polynomials associated with displacement kinematics. Using a homogeneous coordinate formulation, it is shown that the coefficients of the polynomials are linearly related by a projective transformation whose elements can be defined recursively. The canonical cosine-sine polynomial is then transformed to a cosine or a sine polynomial which can be rooted by usual techniques. However, all real roots are bracketed between −1 and +1 which can have numerical advantages over a corresponding tan-half angle polynomial for which the entire real axis must be searched. It is also demonstrated how polynomial solutions corresponding to circular points at infinity in the tan-half angle, which are typically introduced as extraneous roots via algebraic elimination, may be easily factored out by the transformation to the cosine-sine formulation.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Beam deflecting optical switch using volumetric thermal gratings.

Volumetric thermal gratings were created in liquid and gaseous media and were used to efficiently deflect laser beams. In gaseous media, a low-input energy requirement and high switching efficiency make this type of switch a good candidate for a practical device. The switch is scalable to large apertures and has low insertion loss.