cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective real-time head motion correction using inductively coupled wireless NMR probes

Purpose Head motion continues to be a major source of artifacts and data quality degradation in MRI. The goal of this work was to develop and demonstrate a novel technique for prospective, 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) rigid body motion estimation and real-time motion correction using inductively coupled wireless nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe markers. Methods Three wireless probes that are inductively coupled with the scanner's RF setup serve as fiducials on the subject's head. A 12-ms linear navigator module is interleaved with the imaging sequence for head position estimation, and scan geometry is updated in real time for motion compensation. Flip angle amplification in the markers allows the use of extremely small navigator flip angles (∼1°). A novel algorithm is presented to identify marker positions in the absence of marker specific receive channels. Motion correction is demonstrated in high resolution 2D and 3D gradient recalled echo experiments in a phantom and humans. Results Significant improvement of image quality is demonstrated in phantoms and human volunteers under different motion conditions. Conclusion A novel real-time 6DOF head motion correction technique based on wireless NMR probes is demonstrated in high resolution imaging at 7 Tesla. Magn Reson Med 72:971–985, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
StreamIt: A Language for Streaming Applications

We characterize high-performance streaming applications as a new and distinct domain of programs that is becoming increasingly important. The StreamIt language provides novel high-level representations to improve programmer productivity and program robustness within the streaming domain. At the same time, the StreamIt compiler aims to improve the performance of streaming applications via stream-specific analyses and optimizations. In this paper, we motivate, describe and justify the language features of StreamIt, which include: a structured model of streams, a messaging system for control, a re-initialization mechanism, and a natural textual syntax.
An efficient self-test strategy for testing VLSI chips

The author describe a strategy for built-in self-test in conjunction with the boundary-scan technique applicable to VLSI chips. The method allows self-test features implemented at chip level to be transported into the field. As a result, the test effort for higher-level packages can be reduced. The test strategy is incorporated in an IBM/370 processor chip set. The hardware overhead (in circuits) needed for self-test is about 1.5% more than that for a normal level-sensitive scan-design implementation. Although most of this additional circuitry is provided as macros to logic designers, some extra design effort is needed for designing self-testable VLSI-components. >
Fuzzy set methods for representing commonsense knowledge

Knowledge representation plays a fundamental role in the construction of artificial intelligence for modeling commonsense reasoning. We emphasize the role fuzzy logic can play in extending some of the models of AI. Some basic ideas from the fuzzy set based theory of approximate reasoning are introduced. We then discuss two extensions of the theory of approximate reasoning, possibilistic logic and effectation logic.
Simultaneous flame ionization and absorbance detection of volatile and nonvolatile compounds by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with a water mobile phase.

A flame ionization detector (FID) is used to detect volatile organic compounds that have been separated by water-only reversed-phase liquid chromatography (WRP-LC). The mobile phase is 100% water at room temperature, without use of organic solvent modifiers. An interface between the LC and detector is presented, whereby a helium stream samples the vapor of volatile components from individual drops of the LC eluent, and the vapor-enriched gas stream is sent to the FID. The design of the drop headspace cell is simple because the water-only nature of the LC separation obviates the need to do any organic solvent removal prior to gas phase detection. Despite the absence of organic modifier, hydrophobic compounds can be separated in a reasonable time due to the low phase volume ratio of the WRP-LC columns. The drop headspace interface easily handles LC flows of 1 mL/min, and, in fact, compound detection limits are improved at faster liquid flow rates. The transfer efficiency of the headspace interface was estim...
Bounds on the performance of protocols for a multiple-access broadcast channel

A general model is presented for synchronous protocols that resolve conflicts among message transmissions to a multiple-access broadcast channel. An information-theoretic method is used now to show that if only finitely many types of conflicts can be distinguished by the protocol, utilization of the channel at rates approaching capacity is impossible. A random-coding argument is used to show that if the number of conflicting transmissions can be determined (which requires distinguishing infinitely many types of conflicts) then utilization of the channel at rates arbitrarily close to capacity can be achieved.
Positron Annihilation in Metals

We derive a nonlinear integral equation, which has three-body correlations built in it, for the Fourier transform of the polarization charge around a positron in an electron liquid. The calculated annihilation rate of the positron in the entire metallic density range, besides being in very good agreement with experiment, merges smoothly into the mean positronium lifetime for larger density. To illustrate the large nonlinear effects, the polarization charge around a fixed proton for a density ${r}_{s}=2$ has also been calculated.
Volitional Weight-Lifting in Rats Promotes Adaptation via Performance and Muscle Morphology prior to Gains in Muscle Mass.

Investigation of volitional animal models of resistance training has been instrumental in our understanding of adaptive training. However, these studies have lacked reactive force measurements, a precise performance measure, and morphological analysis at a distinct phase of training – when initial strength gains precede muscle hypertrophy. Our aim was to expose rats to one month of training (70 or 700 g load) on a custom-designed weight-lifting apparatus for analysis of reactive forces and muscle morphology prior to muscle hypertrophy. Exclusively following 700 g load training, forces increased by 21% whereas muscle masses remained unaltered. For soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, 700 g load training increased muscle fiber number per unit area by ~20% and decreased muscle fiber area by ~20%. Additionally, number of muscle fibers per section increased by 18% for SOL muscles. These results establish that distinct morphological alterations accompany early strength gains in a volitional animal model of load-dependent adaptive resistance training.
Dual-energy Compton-scatter densitometry

Abstract The determination of the electron density of a substance may lead to characterization of the structure and function of the substance. Medical applications of this assessment may provide useful information describing the status of human tissues, such as bone. The non-invasive method presented here is the dual-energy Compton-scattering technique, which incorporates the determination of an effective attenuation coeffecient for the substances under study. The theoretical considerations of dual-energy Compton scattering are presented, as well as the results of experiments using samples of materials of known electron density. The radionuclide gadolinium-153 provides two photon energies, 41 keV and 100 keV for the scatter measurement. This method is found to have an accuracy of 1–3%.
Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus Core Mutants That Inhibit Viral Replication

We have generated and functionally characterized dominant negative core protein variants of the hepadnaviruses to determine their effects on "wild type" viral replication. Plasmids expressing these constructs were introduced into hepatoma cell lines by transient transfection and effects on wild type woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication were evaluated by Southern blot analysis of purified viral core particles. WHV and HBV constructs expressing a truncated core protein fused in frame with the C-terminus of the small surface protein were found to inhibit viral replication by 90-95% due to disruption of the viral nucleocapsid assembly process and preventing encapsidation of pregenomic RNA. The antiviral effects were found to be specific for the targeted virus. These results demonstrate that mutants of hepadnaviral core protein may represent a novel class of antiviral agents.
Diagnostic studies on desolvated aerosols from ultrasonic nebulizers

Abstract Dual-beam, light-scattering interferometry was used for simultaneous measurements of particle-size and particle-velocity distributions, size-velocity correlation, particle number density, and volume flux and span of desolvated aerosols. A commercial ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) and a low-cost, humidifier-based USN were used to nebulize pure water, or aqueous solutions containing H 2 SO 4 , HNO 3 , or NaCl. In general, Sauter mean diameter, velocity of droplets, and volume flux of desolvated aerosol were larger when Ar was used as the injector gas instead of He. Sauter mean diameter increased with acid concentration, but it was independent of salt concentration. The velocity of desolvated droplets did not change with analyte concentration or the temperature of the heating tube. Pulsations and clustering of particles were observed for the first time by time-resolved measurements on the aerosol before injection into an inductively coupled plasma. In certain cases, the local number density of the desolvated particles within the clusters and the diameter of the dry particles varied by a factor of ten on a millisecond time scale. The implications of these observations in plasma spectrochemical measurements are discussed.
Functional changes associated with short and long lateral ileal reservoirs in a canine model

Colectomy and endorectal ileal pull-through with ileal reservoir (PTR) have become a standard operative procedure for severe ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli. Satisfactory results have been reported with a number of different reservoir designs; however, the optimal reservoir size and configuration remain controversial. Two groups of five dogs each, undergoing colectomy and PTR with construction of either 5-cm-long or 18-cm-long lateral ileal reservoirs, were studied to compare defecatory patterns, intestinal transit, and reservoir emptying. Three months postoperatively, dogs with long ileal reservoirs demonstrated a higher stool frequency and made more unsuccessful attempts at defecation. Evacuation of viscous polyethylene glycol solution from the long reservoirs was prolonged during the first hour compared with short reservoirs. Two of the five long reservoirs showed mucosal ulcerations on postmortem examination, whereas none were present in any of the short pouches. Increases in stool water content and subsequent reduction of urine volumes as well as a prolongation in oroanal transit times occurred to a similar degree in both groups. It is concluded that short lateral isoperistaltic reservoirs empty more effectively than do long reservoirs.
Apollo's oracle: Strategizing for peace

This paper examines the role of power structures and strategic decisions in trajectories toward war and peace. Part I introduces a fuzzy inference engine for computationally simulating “balance of power”. Part II compares simulation results from hegemonic, bi-polar, and multi-polar system structures, each with three actors. Part III explores strategies for maximizing peace under each of these system structures. Part IV applies these lessons to real-world event chronologies.
Learning through Inquiry: An Overview of Undergraduate Research.

Undergraduate researchers are involved in learning, and universities can structure programs to support them in a number of ways.
Buprenorphine: Its Role in Preventing HIV Transmission and Improving the Care of HIV-Infected Patients with Opioid Dependence

In the United States, approximately 25% of the 40,000 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections each year are secondary to injection drug use. Worldwide, there are an estimated 12.6 million injection drug users, and 10% of HIV infections (420,000 infections in 2003) are associated with this practice. Buprenorphine is a new medication used to treat opioid dependence that shows promise for reducing the rate of HIV transmission and improving the care of opioid-dependent patients with HIV infection. Although buprenorphine faces fewer clinical and regulatory barriers than does methadone, the optimal strategy for integration of office-based treatment of opioid dependence and HIV disease is an area of ongoing research. This review addresses the introduction of buprenorphine, in terms of public health, policy, and clinical implications for HIV-infected patients and for HIV care providers.
Using High-Precision Specific Gravity Measurements to Study Minerals in Undergraduate Geoscience Courses

This article describes ways to incorporate high-precision measurements of the specific gravities of minerals into undergraduate courses in mineralogy and physical geology. Most traditional undergraduate laboratory methods of measuring specific gravity are suitable only for unusually large samples, which severely limits their usefulness for student projects involving minerals in ordinary rocks of the sort usually encountered by working geologists. To overcome this limitation, a custom-built apparatus is described that, when combined with a precision analytical balance of the type commonly present in academic research laboratories, can be used to determine the specific gravities of samples as small as several milligrams. For a balance with precision to 0.01 mg, G can typically be measured with an accuracy of ±0.01 or better for specimens weighing several tens of milligrams and ±0.03 or better for specimens as small as 5-10 milligrams. The apparatus is easy to make and easy to use. It provides students with ...
Continental collisions and the creation of ultrahigh-pressure terranes: Petrology and thermochronology of nappes in the central Scandinavian Caledonides

The formation of the vast Devonian ultrahigh-pressure terrane in the Western Gneiss Region of Norway was investigated by determining the relationship between these ultrahigh-pressure rocks and the structurally overlying oceanic and continental Koli and Seve Nappes in the Trondelag-Jamtland region. Thermobarometry and thermochronology reveal that the oceanic Koli Nappes reached peak conditions of 9–10 kbar and 550–650 °C prior to muscovite closure to Ar beginning at ca. 425 Ma. The continental Seve Nappes attained slightly higher pressures and temperatures (~11–12 kbar and 700–725 °C) and closed to Ar loss in muscovite by 415 Ma in the east and by 400 Ma in the west. In contrast, the ultrahigh-pressure rocks were still deep in the mantle at eclogitefacies pressures at 410–400 Ma. These data, in combination with structural, petrological, and thermochronological data from elsewhere in the orogen, show that the ultrahighpressure metamorphism occurred in the late stages of continental collision, after the earlier stages of ophiolite emplacement and passive-margin subduction.
Opioid receptor characterisation of neuronally stimulated isolated human vas deferens

Rodent vas deferens is routinely used as a native tissue preparation to assess opioid pharmacology of new compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a selected number of opioid compounds in the human vas deferens. Stable contractions to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were inhibited by guanethidine (1 μM) and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μΜ), confirming neuronally induced contractions. Contractile responses to EFS were inhibited by the selective δ-opioid agonists (DPDPE ([d-Pen2,5]enkephalin), PF-391459 (3-{4-[(R)-[(2S,5R)-4-benzyl-2,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl](3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]phenyl}propanoic acid) and SNC-80 ((+)-4-[(αR)-α-((2 S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide)) (tested from 1 ρM to 10 μM or maximum), and the μ-opioid agonists DAMGO ([d-Ala2, NMe–Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin), loperamide and SC-50484 (N-{2-[(N-acetyl-l-phenylalanyl)amino]-1,1-dimethylethyl}-l-tyrosinamide). There was no effect using the selective κ agonist U50488 (trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide) (tested from 1 ρM to 10 μM). The selective δ-opioid antagonist naltrindole (10 nM) surmountably antagonised the responses to DPDPE, but not to PF-3911459. Responses to DAMGO were completely abolished in the presence of the μ-opioid antagonist CTAP (3 μM), which only weakly antagonised responses to SC-50484. We conclude that under these conditions, δ and μ-opioid receptors, but not κ-opioid receptors, are functional in the neuronally stimulated longitudinal human vas deferens. Additionally, the human vas deferens preparation can be used as part of a drug discovery screening project to assess opioid potency, efficacy and selectivity at native human tissues, thus providing more confidence in translation.
Congenital sacrococcygeal teratomas: effect of gestational age on size, morphologic pattern, ploidy, p53, and ret expression.

Prognosis of infants born with sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) correlates with gestational age (GA). The survival rate after 30 weeks of gestation is 75%, compared to 7% before 30 weeks of gestation. Studies correlating GA with size, morphologic composition of teratomas, ploidy or expression of cell cycle control proteins such as p53, and ret [a tyrosine kinase receptor of the GDNF (glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factors)] receptor family may provide information explaining differences in survival. Seven SCTs (GA 21 to 41 weeks), ranging in size from 5 to 15 cm, were evaluated for morphologic composition. DNA ploidy was assessed in mature and immature neural elements. Immunohistochemical reactivity with monoclonal antibodies recognizing p53, and ret was quantitated and correlated with morphological pattern and GA. Relative size of teratomas to infants' weight and content of immature neural tissues correlated inversely with advancement of GA. Yolk sac tumor (YST) and immature tissues showed aneuploid cell populations. Nuclear p53 reactivity was apparent in the teratoma with YST in the microcystic patterns, the neuroectodermal rosettes, and the glandular patterns. Ret reactivity was seen in osteoclasts adjacent to bone formation surrounding developing teeth in an immature teratoma, and in rare mature neural cells of one SCT of 35 weeks GA. The rapid growth of SCT (GA <30 weeks) correlates with increase in immature neural tissues. Our study confirms aneuploidy in YST and suggests aneuploid populations within immature tissues. p53 accumulates in a variety of patterns of YST and may be seen in immature components of SCTs. To understand the possible role of ret, further studies comparing ret expression in immature human tissues are needed.
Comparison of peripheral arterial response to mental stress in men versus women with coronary artery disease.

There are profound gender-related differences in the incidence, presentation, and outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD). These differences are not entirely explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Nontraditional risk factors, such as psychological traits, have increasingly been recognized as important contributors to the genesis and outcomes of CAD. Mental stress induces significant peripheral arterial vasoconstriction, with consequent increases in heart rate and blood pressure. These changes are thought to underlie the development of myocardial ischemia and other mental stress–induced adverse cardiac events in patients with CAD. This study examined for gender-related differences in peripheral arterial response to mental stress in a cohort of patients with CAD using a novel peripheral arterial tonometric (PAT) technique. There were 211 patients (77 women; 37%) with a documented history of CAD and a mean age of 64 ± 9 years. Patients were enrolled from August 18, 2004, to February 21, 2007. Mental stress was induced using a public speaking task. Hemodynamic and PAT measurements were recorded during rest and mental stress. The PAT response was calculated as a ratio of pulse wave amplitude during stress to at rest. PAT responses were compared between men and women. The PAT ratio (during stress to at rest) was significantly higher in women compared with men. Mean PAT ratio was 0.80 ± 0.72 in women compared with 0.59 ± 0.48 in men (p = 0.032). This finding remained significant after controlling for possible confounding factors (p = 0.037). In conclusion, peripheral vasoconstrictive response to mental stress was more pronounced in men compared with women. This finding may suggest that men have higher susceptibility to mental stress–related adverse effects. Additional studies are needed to determine the significance of this finding.
Effect of coinitiator and water on the photoreactivity and photopolymerization of HEMA/camphoquinone-based reactant mixtures.

It was reported previously that, in the presence of water, a commercially available light-activated BisGMA/HEMA adhesive underwent physical separation into solid BisGMA-rich particles and a fluid-like HEMA-rich phase. The HEMA-rich phase exhibited limited monomer conversion suggesting that the photoinitiator is localized to the hydrophobic phase or that the photoinitiator is not compatible with the hydrophilic HEMA. The objective of the present study was to identify photoinitiators that are compatible with the hydrophilic HEMA-rich phase, when the mixtures are prepared without and with water added. The photoinitiator was camphoquinone (CQ, 0.5 mol %), and the coinitiators (0.5 mol %) were 2,2′-dihydroxyethyl-para-toluidine (DHEPT), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and N-phenylglycine (NPG), and (1 wt %) diphenyliodonium chloride (DPIC). Reactivities were evaluated using photodifferential scanning calorimetry, at 37°C, using visible light (>418 nm), with the parameters determined being enthalpy (ΔH), the induction time (herein defined as the time for 1% of the photopolymerization to be complete), and the time at which the maximum exotherm occurred. The degree of monomer conversion was measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy. It was shown that the reactivity ranking (based on time to exotherm peak maximum and total enthalpy) was HEMA/CQ/DHEPT < HEMA/CQ/DMAEMA < HEMA/CQ/NPG. Reactivity was dramatically increased for CQ/DMAEMA and CQ/NPG in the presence of DPIC, but not for CQ/DHEPT. Water has a major effect on HEMA conversion. At 10% of water, the conversion level of HEMA formulated with CQ/DMEMA dropped from ∼100% to 86%. In comparison, the conversion in 10% of water increased to nearly 96% when DPIC was used. The results suggest that DHEPT, which is commonly used in commercial adhesives, is not compatible with HEMA. Both NPG and DMAEMA appear compatible with the HEMA. The ionic hydrophilic iodonium salt, DPIC, enhances the polymerization of HEMA, even in the presence of water. Future studies on water-compatible photoinitiators should be performed to address the detrimental effects of water on dentin adhesive systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
β-crystallin mRNAs: Differential distribution in the developing chicken lens

Abstract The synthesis of the β-crystallin polypeptides has been studied in different regions of the embryonic chicken lens. Seven β-crystallin polypeptides ranging in molecular weight from approximately 19,000 (19K) to 35,000 (35K) daltons were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Each polypeptide was synthesized in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free system supplemented with RNA from the embryonic lens fiber cells suggesting that each is encoded by a separate mRNA. Analysis of the cell-free translation products of the RNAs from 6-, 15-, and 19-day-old embryonic chicken lens fibers demonstrated that all seven polypeptides are translated at each of the stages and that the proportion of β-crystallin mRNAs increases as the chicken embryo matures. Fingerprints of methionine-containing tryptic peptides indicated that the three predominant β-crystallin polypeptides synthesized in the reticulocyte lysate (20K, 26K, and 35K) have related but distinct primary structures. Surprisingly, both the 35K β-crystallin polypeptide and its mRNA were selectively absent from the cells in the central region of the epithelium. Synthesis of this polypeptide from extracted RNAs was detected in the elongating cells of the equatorial region of the epithelium and from the fiber cells. In contrast to the 35K polypeptide, the six lower-molecular-weight β-crystallin polypeptides were synthesized in a reticulocyte lysate directed by RNAs extracted from all three regions of the lens. These data indicate that lens cell elongation and fiber cell differentiation in the embryonic chicken are accompanied by the appearance of the mRNA for the 35K polypeptide.
Speech recognition with syllables and concepts

The transformation of speech to words is not necessary to emulate human linguistic performance in some contexts. A large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) system can perform more accurately with a syllable-based, as opposed to a word-based, language model. This accuracy can be further enhanced by the addition of a concept model, where a concept is an equivalence class of words and phrases.
Alternating-Offer Bargaining with Two-Sided Incomplete Information

I study alternating-offer bargaining games with two-sided incomplete information about the players' discount rates. For both perfect Bayesian equilibrium and a rationalizability-style notion, I characterize the set of expected payoffs which may arise in the game. I also construct bounds on agreements that may be made. The set of expected payoffs is easy to compute and incorporate into applied models. My main result is a full characterization of the set of perfect Bayesian equilibrium payoffs for games in which the distribution over the players' discount rates is of wide support, yet is in a weak sense close to a point mass distribution. I prove a lopsided convergence result: each player cannot gain from a slight chance that she is a strong type, but the player can suffer greatly if there is a slight chance that she is a weak type.
Double-chain surfactants with two carboxylate head groups that form vesicles

Double-chain, double-head group surfactants, 1, were prepared by dispersal of a 1:1 mixture of diastereomeric diacids 3a (r-2-(carboxymethyl)-2,t-5-dipentadecyl-c-4-(carboxymethyl)-1,3-dioxolane) and 3b (r-2-(carboxymethyl)-2,c-5-dipentadecyl-t-4-(carboxymethyl)-1,3-dioxolane) into pH 9.2 and 10.7 carbonate buffers. The resultant small unilamellar vesicles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic laser light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and gel filtration chromatography. The vesicles at pH 9.2 were larger and had a greater phase transition temperature than those at pH 10.7. These differences were attributed to a greater fraction of carboxyl groups among the carboxyl and carboxylate head groups at the lower pH.
Blockage of NF-κB signaling by selective ablation of an mRNA target by 2-5A antisense chimeras

Activation of 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease by 5'-phosphorylated, 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates, known as 2-5A, is one pathway of interferon action. Unaided uptake into HeLa cells of 2-5A linked to an antisense oligonucleotide resulted in the selective ablation of messenger RNA for the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase PKR. Similarly, purified, recombinant human 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease was induced to selectively cleave PKR messenger RNA. Cells depleted of PKR activity were unresponsive to activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) by the dsRNA poly(I):poly(C), which provides direct evidence that PKR is a transducer for the dsRNA signaling of NF-kappa B.
Belief in Afterlife, Religion, Religiosity and Life-Threatening Experiences

The interrelated effects of religion, religiosity, belief in afterlife, and life-threatening experiences were studied to empirically test a number of previously untested propositions raised in the ...
Approaches to the Hardy-Weinberg manifold

Let fertilities and death rates be additive, let fertilities be positive, and let mating be random in the Nagylaki-Crow continuous model of selection at a multiallelic locus in a monoecious population. Then polymorphisms are in Hardy-Weinberg proportions. If some fertilities vanish, there is an example of a diallelic polymorphism that is not in Hardy-Weinberg proportions. If the fertilities are larger, in one sense or another, than the difference between any two death rates, then convergence to the Hardy-Weinberg manifold is shown. If, in addition, the Malthusian parameters are constant, and only a finite number of equilibria exist, then global convergence to equilibria is proved.
A Neural Theory of Punishment and Avoidance, II: Quantitative Theory

This article continues where section VIII of Chapter 4 leaves off. The article is filled with psychopharmacological predictions, some of which have since been confirmed. Others still need to be tested. The article follows the conceptual path forced by the synchronization problem. It leads to a reinforcement theory whose network realizations define explicit drive, reinforcement, and incentive motivational concepts.
Histopathological changes with age in the flight muscles of the African mosquito, Eretmapodites chrysogaster.

Abstract Histopathological changes occurred with age in the flight muscles of adult Eretmapodites mosquitoes. There was a loss of nuclei and a decrease in nuclear size, a loss of cross striations in the muscle fibers, a loosening of the sarcostyle network, and an increase in fiber diameter. Such changes did not occur in 2- and 10-day-old mosquitoes; they first were observed in 25-day-old mosquitoes, and increased in frequency and severity with age. Although muscle degeneration may result from a loss of activity, it is suggested that the histopathological lesions described above are caused by senescence.
Vestibular-ocular reflex in patients with lesions involving the vestibulocerebellum

Abstract We studied the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) with and without visual interaction in five patients with lesions involving the vestibulocerebellum. These patients had normal VOR dynamics but demonstrated a remarkable inability to modulate their VOR with vision. Induced compensatory eye movements had approximately the same gain and phase whether the patient was sinusoidally rotated (0.0125 to 0.1 Hz) in the dark, in the light with a fixed surround, or in the dark with a fixation point. Similarly the time constants of slow-phase decay after an impulse change in chair velocity were approximately the same under each of these three test conditions. We conclude that the vestibulocerebellum is critical for visual-vestibular interaction in humans.
Acetylene as a substrate in the development of primordial bacterial communities

The fermentation of atmospheric acetylene by anaerobic bacteria is proposed as the basis of a primordial heterotrophic food chain. The accumulation of fermentation products (acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetate and hydrogen) would create niches for sulfate-respiring bacteria as well as methanogens. Formation of acetylene-free environments in soils and sediments would also alter the function of nitrogenase from detoxification to nitrogen-fixation. The possibility of an acetylene-based anaerobic food chain in Jovian-type atmospheres is discussed.
Visual Communications And Image Processing: An Overview

Let me begin by thanking Dr. Hsing for inviting me to speak to you today. It is a rare event, at least in my experience, to have the opportunity to tell a captive audience of the leaders in one's field exactly what one thinks about the work that has been done up to this point. History is always worth studying if for no other reason than to find some clues to the future. If we carefully examine which approaches had good results and which did not, then we may be able to direct our work more effectively.
Single-event charge enhancement in SOI devices

Studies are presented of single-particle ion effects in body-tied CMOS/silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices. It is shown that two mechanisms can contribute to SOI soft-error rates: a direct ion-induced photocurrent and a local lateral bipolar current. The total amount of charge collected is sensitive to the relative locations of the ion strike and the body-to-source tie. >
Sea-surface microlayer toxicity off the Florida Keys

Abstract A survey of sea-surface microlayer (SSML) toxicity was initiated off the Florida Keys in early 1993. Ex situ toxicity tests, based on the development of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus, demonstrated that 59.2% of SSML samples taken from visibly slicked areas (n=27) were toxic compared to collected subsurface water. A random subset of samples tested a second time using a fish early life-stage test with embryos from the spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, confirmed the presence of the toxicant. Results from a partial toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) procedure indicated that an organic compound(s) containing a non-polar functional group was the primary determinant of toxicity in all of the SSML samples tested. While subsequent GC-MS analyses failed to identify a specific compound, they did tend to rule out common xenobiotics, such as organochlorine pesticides as potential toxicants. Preliminary tests, done by an outside laboratory, indicated that two of the most toxic SSML samples contained a brevetoxin, a biotoxin produced by Gymnodinium breve. This is the first report of natural toxins concentrating in the SSML; however, without a completed TIE, including a Phase III—toxicity confirmation procedure, the identification of any toxic agent remains speculative.
The negative alkali flame detector response

Abstract Under certain conditions, the alkali flame detector will give negative response (inverted peaks) for organic compounds containing halogen, nitrogen, or other elements. With a modification of the alkali flame detector particularly suited for such a study, the range and magnitude of negative response was defined in terms of alkali bead bore, hydrogen flow, carrier gas flow, electrode height, and other parameters. Organic compounds containing chlorine, bromine, iodine, and nitrogen, were used as test substances; an organophosphate was studied under the same conditions for purposes of comparison. Cl, Br, I, N, and C can show either positive or negative response and each can be distinguished from the others by proper choice of parameters. Both halides and carbon compounds show stronger response in the negative mode than in the positive mode. The use of two different carrier gases, nitrogen and helium, did not cause significant differences, except in its effect on the response of nitrogen compounds. In general, a large bead bore, a high hydrogen supply and/or a low carrier gas flow favor negative response. These are also the conditions which establish a large area of contact between flame and alkali surface and, consequently, a large background current. In order to obtain reproducible response of adequate magnitude, the Rb2SO4 salt surface must be smooth and homogenous. The described detector functions can be used for qualitative microanalysis of hetero-organic compounds by gas—liquid chromatography.
Theory of valence-band Auger line shapes: Ideal Si (111), (100), and (110)

We report independent-electron model calculations of the L/sub 2/,/sub 3/VV and L/sub 1/L/sub 2/, /sub 3/V Auger line shapes for ideal Si(111), (100), and (110) surfaces and compare the results to data of Houston, Lagally, and Moore. For the L/sub 2/, /sub 3/VV transitions, agreement between experiment and theory is excellent, in contrast to poor agreement between experiment and the self-fold of the occupied Si density of states; this result shows that matrix-element angular momentum dependence and not many-electron effects cause the latter discrepancy. For the L/sub 1/L/sub 2/, /sub 3/V lines our calculated results are less satisfactory. We suggest that the disagreement between theory and data for these ''Coster--Kronig'' transitions is due to the difficulty of calculating accurate Auger matrix elements at low energies and, perhaps, to the use of ''ideal'' (i.e., unreconstructed) surface geometries in modeling actual Si surfaces.
Healthy hospital food initiatives in the United States: time to ban sugar sweetened beverages to reduce childhood obesity.

While childhood obesity is a global problem, the extent and severity of the problem in United States, has resulted in a number of new initiatives, including recent hospital initiatives to limit the sale of sweetened beverages and other high calorie drinks in hospital vending machines and cafeterias. These proposed policy changes are not unique to United States, but are more comprehensive in the number of proposed hospitals that they will impact. Meanwhile, however, it is advised, that these initiatives should focus on banning sugar sweetened beverages, including sodas, 100% fruit juice and sports drinks, from hospital cafeterias and vending machines instead of limiting their presence, so as to ensure the success of these programs in reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. If US hospitals comprehensively remove sugar sweetened beverages from their cafeterias and vending machines, these programs could subsequently become a model for efforts to address childhood obesity in other areas of the world. Conclusion Hospitals should be a model for health care reform in their communities and removing sugar sweetened beverages is a necessary first step.
A new era in contraceptive counseling for early adolescents

In a new era of increased concern about sexually transmitted diseases, the ethical focus of contraceptive counseling for the early adolescent has changed. A discussion of the ethical aspects of contraceptive counseling is included to emphasize contemporary concerns about informed consent and safe contraceptive methods.
Anomalies in the pure rotation spectrum of fluoroform in excited vibrational states

Abstract Theoretically, the K = 0 levels of a symmetric top can have only a quadratic Stark effect, but in the J = 1 ← 0 spectrum of CHF3, the rotation lines in three of the excited vibrational states have a linear Stark effect, with displacements Δv 5 = ±0.82 × 10 −2 ϵ Mc/sec, Δv 4 = ±2.30 × 10 −2 ϵ Mc/sec , Δv 2 = ±2.16 × 10 −2 ϵ Mc/sec . No quadratic Stark effect could be detected for these lines. Their line width is only one third that of the normal lines, but the Stark lobes broaden very rapidly as the field is increased. The J = 1 ← 0 spectrum of CDF3 is entirely normal, and the α′s were measured for five of the six fundamental vibrations. The value of α1 for the CD stretching vibration was obtained from a high-resolution study of the ν1 fundamental band, and therefore Be = 9999.20 Mc/sec could be obtained. In the J = 2 ← 1 spectrum of CHF3 the ν6, K = 0 line is displaced 14.7 Mc/sec from its expected position, and has four Stark lobes. In CDF3, the ν6, J = 2 ← 1, K = 0 line is split into three lines spread over 157 Mc/sec. At least two of these lines are degenerate with a linear Stark effect. This splitting is indeed puzzling, since the K = 0 levels of a degenerate vibration are of species E, and it is normally considered that these levels cannot be split by any interaction of vibration and rotation. No explanation can be offered for any of the anomalies.
Investigating cloud absorption effects: Global absorption properties of black carbon, tar balls, and soil dust in clouds and aerosols

[1] This study examines modeled properties of black carbon (BC), tar ball (TB), and soil dust (SD) absorption within clouds and aerosols to understand better Cloud Absorption Effects I and II, which are defined as the effects on cloud heating of absorbing inclusions in hydrometeor particles and of absorbing aerosol particles interstitially between hydrometeor particles at their actual relative humidity (RH), respectively. The globally and annually averaged modeled 550 nm aerosol mass absorption coefficient (AMAC) of externally mixed BC was 6.72 (6.3–7.3) m2/g, within the laboratory range (6.3–8.7 m2/g). The global AMAC of internally mixed (IM) BC was 16.2 (13.9–18.2) m2/g, less than the measured maximum at 100% RH (23 m2/g). The resulting AMAC amplification factor due to internal mixing was 2.41 (2–2.9), with highest values in high RH regions. The global 650 nm hydrometeor mass absorption coefficient (HMAC) due to BC inclusions was 17.7 (10.6–19) m2/g, ∼9.3% higher than that of the IM-AMAC. The 650 nm HMACs of TBs and SD were half and 1/190th, respectively, that of BC. Modeled aerosol absorption optical depths were consistent with data. In column tests, BC inclusions in low and mid clouds (CAE I) gave column-integrated BC heating rates ∼200% and 235%, respectively, those of interstitial BC at the actual cloud RH (CAE II), which itself gave heating rates ∼120% and ∼130%, respectively, those of interstitial BC at the clear-sky RH. Globally, cloud optical depth increased then decreased with increasing aerosol optical depth, consistent with boomerang curves from satellite studies. Thus, CAEs, which are largely ignored, heat clouds significantly.
Dynamics of a globally coupled oscillator array

Abstract We study a set of N globally coupled ordinary differential equations of the form encountered in circuit analysis of superconducting Josephson junction arrays. Particular attention is paid to two kinds of simple time-periodic behavior, known as in-phase and splay phase states. Some results valid for general N , as well as further results for N = 2 and N → ∞, are presented; a recurring theme is the appearance of very weak dynamics near the periodic states. The implications for Josephson junction arrays are discussed.
A Review of: “Roda Mushkat, International Environmental Law and Asian Values: Legal Norms and Cultural Influences”

In this book, Roda Mushkat argues that the influence of culture on international environmental law may be a newly emerging area of research. More specifically, she takes on the widespread perceptio...
Spinal metastases of malignant intracranial meningioma

BACKGROUND Spinal metastasis of intracranial meningiomas has rarely been reported. Three out of ten previously reported cases of malignant meningioma metastasizing to the spine had undergone surgical debulking with no neurological improvement. The authors retrospectively reviewed the treatment course of three patients with malignant meningioma metastasizing to the spine who underwent early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiotherapy without surgical debulking. CASE DESCRIPTION Three patients with intracranial malignant meningiomas underwent multiple resections of intracranial lesions, and developed spinal intradural metastases an average of 64 months (range, 27-102 months) from their initial presentation. All three patients had at least two operations for recurrent intracranial tumors. All had localized back pain with motor weakness, and MRI scans demonstrated spinal involvement. No surgical exploration was performed for the spinal lesions; rather, all patients received steroids and radiotherapy for the spinal lesions. All three patients improved neurologically after the steroid and radiation treatments, and went on to survive from 3 to 18 months. CONCLUSION Early MRI should be performed in patients with spinal symptoms and signs after the treatment of intracranial meningiomas. Radiotherapy is an effective palliative treatment for spinal metastases.
Differential branch pulmonary artery regurgitant fraction identifies patients with unilateral stenosis associated with relatively elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in the contralateral lung after repair of conotruncal anomalies

Repaired conotruncal anomaly pts may have residual branch pulmonary artery (BPA) stenosis or significant differences in the sizes of the BPAs. Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance (PCMR) can measure differential BPA regurgitation.
Comparison of melt-solid interface position by radiography and temperature measurement in a vertical Bridgman furnace

The melt-solid interface position was measured during the Bridgman growth of germanium by both temperature profiling and by X-ray imaging. The temperature field of the ampoule, growth material and measurement thermocouples was analyzed by means of numerical analysis. It is shown that both the temperature shift and the discontinuity in temperature gradient is a function of the imposed thermal field and the thermal properties of the thermocouples.
Photovoltaic heterojunctions of inorganic semiconductors in the defective limit

Abstract A large amount of current research in thin film photovoltaics based on inorganic semiconductors aims to deposit and process these active layers using inexpensive and low temperature processing methods resulting in high densities of electronic states in the bandgap associated with structural and point defects. We define semiconductors in which the Fermi level is pinned throughout the bulk as being at the defective limit and explore the consequences for heterojunctions designed to separate photocarriers. Using this novel concept of the defective limit, heterojunction band offsets can be predicted for less-common materials such as the earth-abundant materials also under intense investigation. Because of the Fermi level pinning in the bulk, only Type II heterojunctions will separate charges but the high defect concentrations will also result in small minority carrier diffusion lengths. These limitations require the use of nanostructured device architectures for cells of such materials with appreciable power conversion efficiency.
Specific binding of fluorescein labelled serum retinol-binding protein to its cell surface receptor in isolated, purified bovine pigment epithelial cells

Abstract Purified bovine pigment epithelial cells were labelled specifically with fluorescein tagged serum retinol-binding protein. This labelling was specific for serum retinol-binding protein and for pigment epithelial cells. The fluorescent label was confined to the choroidal surface of the cell. The hemicellular labelling pattern was used for a vectorial orientation of isolated cells, using the melanin pigment as an internal filter for fluorescence. Fluorescent labelled hexokinase, an unrelated protein, did not show specific labelling of pigment epithelial cells. Prealbumin, which circulates in plasma as a tight complex with retinol-binding protein, did not bind to pigment epithelial cells. Retinol-binding protein can act as a bridge between the pigment epithelial cell surface receptor and fluorescein tagged prealbumin. This suggests that the topological sites of the retinol-binding protein molecule for binding to the cell surface receptor and to prealbumin are different.