cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiments on Turbulence Characteristics and Multiwavelength Scintillation Phenomena

Measurements of atmospheric turbulence structure and multiwavelength scintillation statistics are described. The scintillation measurements use coincident virtual point sources, and include log-amplitude variances and covariances, spectra, and receiver-aperture smoothing. These are related to turbulence strength, spectral slope, and inner scale. The saturation of scintillations is found to be wavelength independent. The Kolmogorov atmospheric model breaks down under weak turbulence conditions, and hence the commonly used atmospheric and propagation theories tend to apply under mutually contradictory conditions. The transverse amplitude-correlation length and resultant receiver-aperture smoothing depart from theoretical predictions under strong scintillations. Scintillation spectra show much data spread but averages support the Taylor hypothesis. Short-path optical determinations of turbulence strength are seriously affected by nonzero inner scales of turbulence. Correlations of multiwavelength scintillations vs time indicate nonuniformity of both turbulence spectra and strength over the path.
Exploring head tracked head mounted displays for first person robot teleoperation

We explore the capabilities of head tracking combined with head mounted displays (HMD) as an input modality for robot navigation. We use a Parrot AR Drone to test five techniques which include metaphors for plane-like banking control, car-like turning control and virtual reality-inspired translation and rotation schemes which we compare with a more traditional game controller interface. We conducted a user study to observe the effectiveness of each of the interfaces we developed in navigating through a number of archways in an indoor course. We examine a number of qualitative and quantitative metrics to determine performance and preference among each metaphor. Our results show an appreciation for head rotation based controls over other head gesture techniques, with the classic controller being preferred overall. We discuss possible shortcomings with head tracked HMDs as a primary input method as well as propose improved metaphors that alleviate some of these drawbacks.
The play's the thing how the essential processes of therapy are seen most clearly in child therapy

Analytic child therapy techniques developed as modifications of techniques from adult psychoanalysis. Child therapy continues to be regarded as an adaptation of adult analysis and to give a central place to the methods and conditions of adult analysis, such as interpretation, in its understanding of how therapy heals. I propose that child therapy is not a modified form of therapy and that the essential processes of therapy are fully present in child therapy. In fact, they often may be seen more clearly there than in adult therapy. I suggest two interrelated processes as the essential ones in all analytic therapy. The first is play. I examine several interrelated aspects of play, specifically as they occur in child therapy. These include the emergence and integration of dissociated self‐states, symbolization, and recognition. The second process I propose as essential in analytic therapy is the renegotiation of self—other relationships through action. This renegotiation is what can help patients become able...
Structure‐activity studies of hydrophobic amino acid replacements at positions 9, 11 and 16 of glucagon

We have designed and synthesized eight compounds 2-9 which incorporate neutral, hydrophobic amino acid residues in positions 9, 11 and 16 of the glucagon molecule: (2) [desHis1, Val9. Ile11,16] glucagon amide, (3) [desHis1, Val9,11,16] glucagon amide, (4) [desHis1, Val9, Leu11,16]glucagon amide, (5) [desHis1, Nle9, Ile11,16]glucagon amide, (6) [desHis1, Nle9, Val11,16] glucagon amide, (7) [desHis1,-Nle9, Leu11,16] glucagon amide, (8) [desHis1, Val9, Leu11,16, Lys17,18, Glu21] glucagon amide and (9) [desHis1, Nle9, Leu11,16, Lys17,18, Glu21] glucagon amide. The effect of neutral, hydrophobic residues at positions 9, 11 and 16 led to good binding to the glucagon receptor. Compared to glucagon (IC50 = 1.5 nM), analogues 2-9 were found to have IC50 values of 6.0, 6.0, 11.0, 9.0, 2.5, 2.8, 6.5 and 7.0 nM, respectively. When these compounds were tested for their ability to block adenylate cyclase (AC) activity, they were found to be antagonists having no stimulation of adenyl cyclase, with pA2 values of 6.15, 6.20, 6.30, 7.25, 6.10, 7.30, 6.25 and 7.25, respectively.
Cytophotometric analysis of T-2 toxin induced alterations in chromatin condensation and neuronal nuclear volume of rat supraoptic-magnocellular neurons.

Abstract Quantitative cytophotometry and ocular filar micrometry were used to monitor T-2 toxin induced alterations in chromatin and neuronal nuclear volume in supraoptic-magnocellular neurons of rat hypo-thalami. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–220g) were given a single i.p. injection of T-2 toxin (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 × LD 50 ), a trichothecene mycotoxin; rats were decapitated 8 hours post-dosing. After stoichiometric Feulgen-DNA staining of brain sections, scanning-integrating microdensitometry was used to quantify changes in the susceptibility of chromatin to Feulgen acid hydrolysis. Changes in neuronal nuclear volumes were also determined histometrically. Within the magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nuclei, significant reducctions in F-DNA reactivity were observed in the 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 × LD 50 groups (i.e. 3.7%, 4.4% and 2.5%, respectively); however, rats receiving 1.5 × LD 50 T-2 toxin showed no difference in F-DNA reactivity compared to controls. In addition, ocular filar micrometry demonstrated increased neuronal nuclear volumes in all groups receiving T-2 toxin, and following an inverse trend to that seen with F-DNA stainability. Additional observations included pronounced polydipsia, polyphagia and horripilation in the experimental groups, independent of the dosages employed; these changes were evident within 1 hour post-injection. It is postulated that the T-2 toxin induced reduction in the susceptibility of chromatin to Feulgen acid hydrolysis and concomitant increases in neuronal nuclear volumes represent an early indication of impaired metabolic activity. Since these neurons are important sites of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) synthesis, these data suggest an impaired osmoregulatory ability. The pronounced polydipsia which occured shortly after intoxication is further evidence of this impairment. Although these findings do not provide insight relating to the mechanism of osmoregulatory disruption, it is evident that an impaired ability to osmoregulate is among the earliest indications of acute T-2 toxin mycotoxicosis.
A concurrent multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics

In this work, we have derived a multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics (MMMD) from first principle to extend the (Andersen)-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics to mesoscale and continuum scale. The multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics is a con-current three-scale dynamics that couples a fine scale molecular dynamics, a mesoscale micromorphic dynamics, and a macroscale nonlocal particle dynamics together. By choosing proper statistical closure conditions, we have shown that the original Andersen-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics is the homogeneous and equilibrium case of the proposed multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics. In specific, we have shown that the Andersen-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics can be rigorously formulated and justified from first principle, and its general inhomogeneous case, i.e., the three scale con-current multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics can take into account of macroscale continuum mechanics boundary condition without the limitation of atomistic boundary condition or periodic boundary conditions. The discovered multiscale scale structure and the corresponding multiscale dynamics reveal a seamless transition from atomistic scale to continuum scale and the intrinsic coupling mechanism among them based on first principle formulation.
Inflectional paradigms have a base: evidence from s-Dissimilation in Southern German dialects

In many varieties of Southern German the contrast between /s/ and /\(\int\) / is neutralized to \([\int]\) before /p t/ anywhere within a word (e.g. \(Post \,[{\rm po}\int t]\) ‘mail’), but neutralization does not occur before inflectional suffixes (e.e. kuss-t [kyst] ‘kiss (3 SG)’). It will be argued that the underapplication of neutralization before inflectional suffixes is an example of a Paradigm Uniformity effect: Neutralization is blocked from applying to the final /s/ of a stem so that it will retain a constant shape in a paradigm. Underapplication in examples like [kyst] follows from a requirement that the stem in a derived word be identical to the unaffixed base. By contrast, the German data will be shown to be problematic for the Optimal Paradigms model (McCarthy 2005), since this approach does not allow for a base in inflectional paradigms.
Correlation Between Thiopental Induction Dose and the Volume of Distribution of Caffeine in Human Subjects

The correlation between the apparent volume of distribution (aVd) of caffeine and the induction dose of thiopental was studied in 23 patients. Caffeine, which has an effective partition coefficient that approaches that of thiopental, was used as an indicator substance to estimate the immediate volume of distribution of thiopental. The immediate volume of distribution is critical in determining thiopental induction dose. The aVd of caffeine was determined noninvasively from serial saliva samples after consumption of caffeine, which was given to the patients as coffee. A strong correlation (r = .69; P less than .01) was found between the aVd of caffeine and the anesthetic induction dose of thiopental when the loss of eyelid reflex was used as the end point. The correlation between thiopental induction dose and body weight for the same individuals (r = .188) was not statistically significant.
65.1: Invited Paper: Amorphous Silicon TFT's with 100‐Year Lifetimes in a Clear Plastic Compatible Process for AMOLEDs

critical elements of a-Si technology on clear plastic for flexible AMOLED applications. First, we show that a- Si TFT's with gate voltages under 5 V provide sufficient current for OLED pixel brightness of over 1000 cd/m 2 , with minimum geometries (W/L = 1) for 100 µm × 100 µm pixels. Critical to this result is a clear plastic with the combined properties of high transparency, glass transition temperature in excess of 300 o C, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Second, we show that by engineering the a-Si TFT stack, under the bias conditions for pixel operation, the "half-life" of the TFT (defined as the time for the current to fall by 50% in DC operation) is 10 years for a 280 o C process on clear plastic, and at least 100 years for 300 o C. This is several orders of magnitude higher than that of common a-Si TFT processes and in general larger than the lifetimes for the 50% decay of the luminescence of the OLED's themselves. Finally, we provide a framework demonstrating the tradeoff between drive current and TFT stability.
Surface Elastic Waves in Cubic Crystals

A theoretical investigation of surface elastic waves in cubic crystals has been carried out using a theory developed by Stoneley. The range of elastic constants for which Rayleigh type surface waves exist on a (100) free surface has been determined. For other allowed values of the elastic constants generalized Rayleigh waves exist which are characterized by complex attenuation constants. In either case waves may not be propagated in certain directions parallel to the surface depending on the values of the elastic constants. A lattice dynamical theory of surface waves has been developed for a monatomic simple cubic lattice with nearest and next nearest neighbor central forces and angle-bending forces involving successive nearest neighbors. The surface waves exhibit dispersion when the wavelength is comparable to the lattice spacing. In the case of Rayleigh waves a critical wavelength exists, in general, such that for shorter wavelengths the atomic displacements show a reversal in phase between successive layers parallel to the surface.
A period analysis of parity distribution among white and nonwhite women in the United States 1940-1974.

Abstract The historical trends of childlessness and of one‐child, two‐child, and three‐or‐more‐child families among white and nonwhite women in the United States are studied in terms of period fertility tables. Given the age and parity of a woman, we can read from the fertility tables how her parity is expected to change at successive ages during the rest of her childbearing period, if she is subjected to the age‐parity‐specific fertility rates for a particular year. The fertility tables for white and nonwhite women are constructed for the years 1940, 19S0, 1960, 1970, and 1974. These tables show that among white women who have completed their childbearing (with period rates), the percentage with more than two children has decreased from 66 in 1960 to 27 in 1974, whereas the corresponding reduction among nonwhite women is from 67 to 48 per cent (Table 1, Case 1).
SU‐FF‐J‐86: Intra‐ and Inter‐Breath‐Hold Position Variations for OBI Guided Amplitude Gating Treatment with Breath Hold

Purpose: We have applied OBI guidance together with a respiratory gating system to effectively control patient positioning for amplitude gating treatment with breath hold. The deep inspiration breath‐hold treatment has been proven effective in reducing the heartdose for left‐breast treatment. Breath‐hold technique is also useful for other sites where respiratory motion exists. In this study, we quantified the degree of intra‐fraction motion detected via continuous monitoring of patient position throughout treatment delivered during a single breath hold or multiple breath holds. Method and Materials: A real‐time position management (RPM) system (Varian, CA) was used to monitor radiation treatment for patients with tumors located in the thoracic through upper‐abdominal regions and the left breast. Simulation CT scans were acquired during breath holds when the breathing level was between the upper and lower thresholds that were preset in the RPM system. OBI kV radiographs and CBCTimages were used to verify the patient position and breath‐hold level during the treatment sessions. To assure accurate positioning, the OBI/CBCT images were acquired only when the breathing level was within the same thresholds as those used for the simulation CT. Cine mode portal vision images were acquired every second during treatment. The intra‐ and inter‐breath‐hold position variations were analyzed based on the cine mode portal vision and kV radiographicimages.Results: The intra‐/inter‐ breath‐hold position variations were analyzed for a total of ninety two fractions in six patients undergoing OBI guided breath‐hold treatments. The breath hold length ranged from 10 to 50 seconds. The intra‐breath‐hold position variation was within 2 mm. The inter‐breath‐hold position variation, within the same fraction, was within 4 mm. Conclusion: With proper OBI guidance and respiratory gating, the breath‐hold technique can effectively control the target position for treatment of cancer sites where respiratory motion exists.
Children in accident and emergency: parental perceptions of the quality of care. part 2

Abstract An exploratory descriptive survey of the perceptions of parents of children attending an Accident and Emergency department is described. The study examines parental perceptions of the quality of care received, and explores whether this sphere of patient care requires further attention. A retrospective postal questionnaire was administered to parents of children, under the age of 10, attending the department. Follow-up interviews were also conducted, allowing further exploration of the issues affecting the parents' perceptions of care. The study confirmed the usefulness of auditing parents' perceptions of care. Quality aspects of care were highlighted, with lack of information and communication patterns shown to affect the perceived standard of care.
Thermal Management in Catalytic Microreactors

In reactors with one or two physical dimensions in the microscale and the remaining dimensions in the mesoscale or macroscale, thermal uniformity is often assumed. However, this assumption is not necessarily correct, especially for well-insulated reactors with fast reaction chemistries. In this paper, a catalytic microreactor with “tunable” wall thermal resistance (conductivity and thickness) is fabricated. Changing the thermal properties of the wall of this reactor is found to have a substantial effect on reactor thermal uniformity but only a slight effect on conversion and extinction limits. Further experiments show that the flow rate and feed composition for this reactor have a large effect on the operating temperature but only a moderate effect on thermal uniformity. An analysis of the overall energy balance of this system indicates that more than 50% of the generated heat is lost to the surroundings before the fluid exits the reactor, although this energy exchange becomes less efficient as the flow r...
Aneurysm embolization with biologically active coils: An animal study

Objectives: Cellular adhesion on the surface of Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC) promotes accelerated occlusion of aneurysms. We hypothesized that coils coated with transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) will promote clot organization and endothelial or cellular proliferation to facilitate closure of large experimental aneurysms relative to uncoated GDC coils. Methods: GDC were inserted either uncoated, coated with albumin, coated with TGF-beta (500 mg/ml) or with VEGF (500 mg/ml) into the ligated common carotid artery of adult male wistar rats for 14 days. Twentyfour adult male Wistar rats (280–300 g) were divided into four groups (n56 per group). Subjects were killed 2 weeks after implantation and common carotid artery (CCA) segments were harvested and coils were removed. Arterial tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Significant differences in the proportion of aneurysm luminal area (mm 2 ) was shown among Group I (0.22i0.14 SD) and Group II (0.16i0.8 SD) compared to Group III (0.04i0.03 SD; P,0.05), and Group IV (0.02i0.02 SD; P,0.05) analyzed 2 weeks postoperatively. Light microscopy showed well organized fibrous tissue formation of epithelial cells and intimal hyperplasia around the coils when using the coated GDC’s (Group III and Group IV). Conclusion: The result of this study suggests that the coated GDC with TGF-beta or VEGF appears beneficial in promoting endothelization, clot organization, and cellular tissue integration of the coils.
The possibility of determining the absolute number of hemagglutinating antibody molecules in antisera.

Abstract The frequency of red blood cell dimers as a function of antibody concentration has been determined by direct observation. At low concentrations of antibody the frequency of dimers is not a linear function of antibody concentration; therefore the photometric technique of Levine, Puck and Sagik (1) cannot be used for a quantitative estimation of the number of hemagglutinating antibody molecules.
3D-printed microfluidic automation

Microfluidic automation – the automated routing, dispensing, mixing, and/or separation of fluids through microchannels – generally remains a slowly-spreading technology because device fabrication requires sophisticated facilities and the technology's use demands expert operators. Integrating microfluidic automation in devices has involved specialized multi-layering and bonding approaches. Stereolithography is an assembly-free, 3D-printing technique that is emerging as an efficient alternative for rapid prototyping of biomedical devices. Here we describe fluidic valves and pumps that can be stereolithographically printed in optically-clear, biocompatible plastic and integrated within microfluidic devices at low cost. User-friendly fluid automation devices can be printed and used by non-engineers as replacement for costly robotic pipettors or tedious manual pipetting. Engineers can manipulate the designs as digital modules into new devices of expanded functionality. Printing these devices only requires the digital file and electronic access to a printer.
Analysis of Short Pulse Radiation Transport Through Tissues for Tumor Detection

The objective of this paper is to perform a comprehensive experimental and numerical study to analyze short pulse laser propagation through animal tissue samples and phantoms with inhomogeneities imbedded in them. Initially a parametric study of different absorption and scattering coefficients of the tissue phantoms and of inhomogeneities imbedded in them, size and location of the inhomogeneities is performed in order to optimize the time resolved optical detection scheme. Tissues can be modeled primarily as having two main layers-skin and the underlying muscle. To study the interaction of light with the tissue layers, experiments are next performed on freshly excised rat tissue samples to validate the time varying optical signatures of rat skin and muscle with the numerical model. The next step is to perform in vivo imaging of anaesthetized rats with tumors injected on the skin as well as below the skin surface in order to test the optical detection scheme. The goal is the detection and characterization of tumors in rats.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Transition probabilities and oscillator strengths of E1 transitions in Fe XII and Fe XIV

Abstract Non-orthogonal orbitals in the multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock approach are used to calculate line strengths, oscillator strengths and transition probabilities for E1 transitions among the fine-structure levels of the 3s23p3, 3s3p4, 3s23p23d, 3s3p33d, 3p5 and 3s23p3d2 configurations in Fe XII and 3s23p, 3s3p2, 3s23d, 3p3, 3s3p3d, 3p23d, 3s3d2, 3p3d2, 3s24s, 3s24p, 3s3p4s and 3s24d configurations in Fe XIV. The lifetimes of excited levels belonging to these configurations of Fe XII and Fe XIV are also presented. An accurate representation of the levels has been obtained using spectroscopic and correlation radial functions. The wavefunctions exhibit large correlations and significant dependence of one-electron valence orbitals due to both the total and intermediate terms. The relativistic corrections are included through the one-body and two-body operators in the Breit–Pauli Hamiltonian. Progressively larger calculations are performed to check for important electron correlation contributions and for convergence of results. The atomic wavefunctions give excitation energies which are in close agreement with experiment. The present oscillator strengths and transition probabilities compare very well with previous large scale calculations.
MonteSim: a Monte Carlo performance model for in-order microachitectures

In this paper, we present a predictive Monte Carlo based performance model for in-order microarchitectures that is validated against the Itanium-2 processor. In such architectures, we find that application specific characteristics such as load carried dependence and prefetching significantly impact performance. We parametrize these effects and use the PIN instrumentation tool to obtain them. We use Monte Carlo sampling techniques to model the processor core, memory hierarchy and application characteristics. These techniques are widely used in physical simulations but their application to computer architecture performance modeling is atypical and the application parameterization used in this work is also believed to be novel. Preliminary results indicate that the model predicts CPI with a high degree of accuracy as validated against real measurements. Unlike detailed cycle accurate simulation which is computationally infeasible for evaluating realistic scientific applications, the proposed Monte Carlo model converges to a prediction in a few seconds. The accuracy of the model given its simplicity is surprising.
Velocity Measurement for Flow Particles by Using Spatial Filtering Technique Based on Sensor Array

In comparison with cross correlative method based particle velocity measurement, the spatial filtering method for particle velocity measurement has the advantages of simplicity of the measurement system and convenience of data processing. In the paper a capacitive velocimeter, based on the spatial filtering method, is described. In this approach a capacitance sensor array has been used as a spatial filter for particle velocity measurements. Experiments were performed on a test rig and the experimental results show that the system relative error is within ±4% over a velocity range of 2-5m/s for a moving particle.
The effects of clinically relevant doses of amphetamine and methylphenidate on signal detection and DRL in rats

Low dose amphetamine (AMPH) and methylphenidate (MPH, Ritalin®) are the most widely prescribed and most effective pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Certain low, clinically relevant doses of MPH improve sustained attention and working memory in normal rats, in contrast to higher doses that impair cognitive ability and induce locomotor activity. However, the effects of AMPH of MPH on sustained attention and behavioral inhibition remain poorly characterized. The present experiments examined the actions of AMPH (0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg) and MPH (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) in a rat model of 1) sustained attention, where signal and blank trials were interspersed randomly and occurred at unpredictable times, and 2) behavioral inhibition, using a differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL) schedule. In a signal detection paradigm, both 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg MPH and 0.25 mg/kg AMPH improve sustained attention, however neither AMPH nor MPH improve behavioral inhibition on DRL. Taken together with other recent studies, it appears that clinically-relevant doses of AMPH and MPH may preferentially improve attention-related behavior while having little effect on behavioral inhibition. These observations provide additional insight into the basic behavioral actions of low-dose psychostimulants and further suggest that the use of sustained attention tasks may be important in the development of novel pharmacological treatments for ADHD.
MEASUREMENTS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID ON MAMMALIAN GERM CELLS USING THE INTEGRATING MICRODENSITOMETER.

Measurements of Deoxyribonucleic Acid on Mammalian Germ Cells using the Integrating Microdensitometer
The role of environmental factors in the ecology of tubificid oligochaetes, an experimental study

The effects of temperature, oxygen and substrate on growth rates of three tubificid oligochaetes were examined in the laboratory. Two species Tubifex tubifex and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Tubificidae, Oligochaeta) had similar narrow temperature ranges over which growth occurred, from 10–13°C and both showed a considerable tolerance to extended periods of anoxia, of at least 16 and 10 weeks respectively. However no growth was observed under anoxic conditions. A third common species Ilyodrilus templetoni was sensitive to anoxia and could not survive more than four weeks. There was no evidence of differences in substrate quality affecting growth rates of either T. tubifex or L. hoffmeisteri. The temperature and oxygen responses of these three species may explain their distribution in some lakes of the English Lake District.
Characterization of the Positivity of the Density Matrix in Terms of the Coherence Vector Representation

A parametrization of the density operator, a coherence vector representation, which uses a basis of orthogonal, traceless, Hermitian matrices is discussed. Using this parametrization we find the region of permissible vectors which represent a density operator. The inequalities which specify the region are shown to involve the Casimir invariants of the group. In particular cases, this allows the determination of degeneracies in the spectrum of the operator. The identification of the Casimir invariants also provides a method of constructing quantities which are invariant under local unitary operations. Several examples are given which illustrate the constraints provided by the positivity requirements and the utility of the coherence vector parametrization.
Effects of mineral fillers on polystyrene melt processing

Abstract The recycling of thermoplastics containing mineral fillers represents great technological challenges in the waste management in the plastics industry. Several mineral-filled polystyrene samples were prepared and their morphological and melt processing properties were studied with respect to the processing conditions and mineral loadings. The results should provide insights that are needed to solve complex issues encountered in the industry dealing with the recycling of this important class of materials.
THE VISUAL DISCRIMINATION OF INTENSITY AND THE WEBER-FECHNER LAW.

1. A study of the historical development of the Weber-Fechner law shows that it fails to describe intensity perception; first, because it is based on observations which do not record intensity discrimination accurately, and second, because it omits the essentially discontinuous nature of the recognition of intensity differences. 2. There is presented a series of data, assembled from various sources, which proves that in the visual discrimination of intensity the threshold difference ΔI bears no constant relation to the intensity I. The evidence shows unequivocally that as the intensity rises, the ratio See PDF for Equation first decreases and then increases. 3. The data are then subjected to analysis in terms of a photochemical system already proposed for the visual activity of the rods and cones. It is found that for the retinal elements to discriminate between one intensity and the next perceptible one, the transition from one to the other must involve the decomposition of a constant amount of photosensitive material. 4. The magnitude of this unitary increment in the quantity of photochemical action is greater for the rods than for the cones. Therefore, below a certain critical illumination—the cone threshold—intensity discrimination is controlled by the rods alone, but above this point it is determined by the cones alone. 5. The unitary increments in retinal photochemical action may be interpreted as being recorded by each rod and cone; or as conditioning the variability of the retinal cells so that each increment involves a constant increase in the number of active elements; or as a combination of the two interpretations. 6. Comparison with critical data of such diverse nature as dark adaptation, absolute thresholds, and visual acuity shows that the analysis is consistent with well established facts of vision.
Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis and steroids: Case report and literature review

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating disease that typically affects immunocompromised patients but can also affect healthy patients. The disease can be caused by a monomicrobial or polymicrobial infection and spreads rapidly. Monomicrobial infections are usually due to group A streptococcus and are uncommon. NF can rapidly produce septic shock and requires immediate surgical management of the necrotic tissue. Patients taking corticosteroids can have impaired immune function, which can increase the risk of infection. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman who was taking intravenous corticosteroids for traumatic neuritis caused by a motor vehicle collision. She developed NF and required intensive medical and surgical treatment.
American Indian Prehistory as Written in the Mitochondrial DNA: A Review

Abstract Native Americans have been divided into three linguistic groups: the reasonably well-defined Eskaleut and Nadene of northern North America and the highly heterogeneous Amerind of North, Central, and South America. The heterogeneity of the Amerinds has been proposed to be the result of either multiple independent migrations or a single ancient migration with extensive in situ radiation, To investigate the origin and interrelationship of the American Indians, we examined the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in 87 Amerinds (Pima, Maya, and Ticuna of North, Central, and South America, respectively), 80 Nadene (Dogrib and Tlingit of northwest North America and Navajo of the southwest North America), and 153 Asians from 7 diverse populations. American Indian mtDNAs were found to be directly descended from five founding Asian mtDNAs and to cluster into four lineages, each characterized by a different rare Asian mtDNA marker. Lineage A is defined by a HaeIII site gain at np 663, lineage B by a 9-bp de...
Discovering routine events in sensor streams for macroscopic sensing composition

This poster abstract introduces the problem of macroscopic sensing composition, where a sensor capable to detect complex events is synthesized dynamically by a collection of simpler sensors using a data-driven approach. Our solution is geared towards discovering the structure of human activities by considering the triggering of simple sensors over a diverse set of spatial and temporal scales. The goal is to identify routines from their components by leveraging the fact that the components have the same temporal persistence as the routines themselves. To this end we have devised an algorithm for determining if an event occurs consistently within a time interval where the interval is periodic but the event is not. The goal of the algorithm is to identify events with this property and also determine the minimum interval in which they occur. Our first results using testbed data and simulations indicate that this approach can uncover components of routines by identifying which events are parts of the same routine through their temporal properties.
Emergency Evaluation of 12-Lead ECGs

Scenario: A 45-year-old male with a medical history of lumbar radiculopathy, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction with subsequent bradycardia that required an implantable dual-chamber pacemaker arrived at the emergency department complaining of lower back pain. Because of his cardiac history, a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained, but it was evaluated after his back pain was treated and he was discharged. After a cardiologist read the ECG, the patient was immediately called and encouraged to schedule an urgent appointment with his cardiologist. Why was the patient called? A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for clinical practice. To send an eLetter or to contribute to an online discussion about this article, visit www.ajcconline.org and click “Respond to This Article” on either the full-text or PDF view of the article. We welcome letters regarding this feature.
A beta zero-thalassemic beta-globin RNA that is labile in bone marrow cells is relatively stable in HeLa cells

We have shown previously that a beta-globin RNA-deficient beta zero-thalassemia is caused by a single base-pair deletion in codon 44 of the human beta-globin gene1. The lack of beta-globin RNA in erythroid cells of these affected individuals is due to extreme beta-globin RNA instability (t 1/2 = 30 min)2. We have further investigated the mechanism of this extreme lability by transiently expressing the beta zero-thalassemic allele in HeLa cells and assaying the stability of the beta-globin RNA that is produced. Surprisingly, the beta zero-thalassemic RNA is much more stable in HeLa cells than in bone marrow cells. Apparently, developing erythroid cells have a mechanism for turning over this thalassemic RNA while cervical carcinoma cells do not. We also have assayed the stability of RNA derived from in vitro-mutagenized beta-globin genes. In HeLa cells, beta-globin RNAs harboring deletions in and around the translation initiation codon accumulate to steady-state levels that are similar to the level of normal beta-globin RNA.
Neurosurgery of the peripheral nervous system: entrapment syndromes of the brachial plexus

Entrapment of the brachial plexus (BP) can be primary or secondary to either trauma or surgery. Most frequently, the BP is entrapped at the “thoracic outlet” resulting in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Hyperabduction syndrome, scalenus anterior (or anticus) syndrome, costoclavicular syndrome, cervical rib syndrome, and long-C7 transverse process syndrome are all entrapment syndromes of the BP. These last terms are used either independently or as part of TOS, although “true TOS” is due to an alteration of the soft tissues at the thoracic outlet and not to bone causes. In 1956, Peet et al. [4] introduced the term TOS to describe a clinical picture with signs and symptoms due to compression of the BP and subclavian vessels at the thoracic outlet. The etiology and clinical presentation of BP entrapment syndromes, including TOS, are variable; diagnosis may be difficult, and treatment is controversial. Knowledge of the anatomy, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and therapeutic options is very important for correct diagnosis and therapy.
Silicon-on-insulator irregular waveguide mode converters.

Irregular waveguide elements in a silicon-on-insulator platform that allow new device concepts are introduced. Specific designs are achieved using a multiresolution optimization strategy where the waveguide width is varied in stepwise increments. Simulation results are given for high-efficiency waveguide mode converters, power splitters, and waveguide transitions operating at 1.55 µm. The degrees of freedom available permit these functions and small dimensions, making these devices candidates for optical integrated circuits.
A Clinical View of Simple and Complex Renal Cysts

The availability and use of abdominal diagnostic ultrasonography or computed tomography has led to the frequent detection of asymptomatic renal cysts. The vast majority of these are simple cysts that are usually unilateral and solitary with well-defined structural and imaging features and whose occurrence, number, and bilaterality increase with age. Simple cysts are asymptomatic, except when complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or rupture lead to the development of complex cysts with calcification, demarcation irregularities, and multilobularity. The diagnostic challenges that cysts present are in the differentiation of the less common complicated complex cysts from those associated with malignancy and when numerous the possible heralding of genetic or acquired multicystic diseases of the kidney.
The intraclass correlation coefficient as a measure of reliability.

A procedure for estimating the reliability of sets of ratings in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient is discussed. The procedure is based upon the analysis of variance and the estimatio...
Aborted reversal of the palaeomagnetic field in the Brunhes Normal Chron in east-central California

SUMMARY Exposed Pleistocene lake sediments in Long Valley, California, record a palaeomagnetic field of reversed polarity of short duration in the Brunhes Normal Chron that is interpreted as an aborted reversal. The Virtual Geomagnetic Poles for that field reach a southern mid-latitude and form a large clockwise-directed loop when traced from old to young. The poles enter the southern hemisphere about 90" east of Long Valley and exit about 90" west of it. Part of the record is present in exposed lake sediments in Mono Basin, 40 km northwest of Long Valley. Along with the palaeomagnetic record, tephrochronology is used to correlate and date the stratigraphy at the two localities. Assuming the sedimentation rate in both lakes was a constant 25cm per thousand years, the recorded anomalous field behaviour is estimated to span about 4000 yr and be about 280 000 yr old.
Estimation of Hidden State Variables of the Intracranial System Using Constrained Nonlinear Kalman Filters

Impeded by the rigid skull, assessment of physiological variables of the intracranial system is difficult. A hidden state estimation approach is used in the present work to facilitate the estimation of unobserved variables from available clinical measurements including intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The estimation algorithm is based on a modified nonlinear intracranial mathematical model, whose parameters are first identified in an offline stage using a nonlinear optimization paradigm. Following the offline stage, an online filtering process is performed using a nonlinear Kalman filter (KF)-like state estimator that is equipped with a new way of deriving the Kalman gain satisfying the physiological constraints on the state variables. The proposed method is then validated by comparing different state estimation methods and input/output (I/O) configurations using simulated data. It is also applied to a set of CBFV, ICP and arterial blood pressure (ABP) signal segments from brain injury patients. The results indicated that the proposed constrained nonlinear KF achieved the best performance among the evaluated state estimators and that the state estimator combined with the I/O configuration that has ICP as the measured output can potentially be used to estimate CBFV continuously. Finally, the state estimator combined with the I/O configuration that has both ICP and CBFV as outputs can potentially estimate the lumped cerebral arterial radii, which are not measurable in a typical clinical environment
Classification of biomedical data through model-based spatial averaging

Ensemble learning is frequently used to reduce classification error. The more popular techniques draw multiple samples from the training data and employ a voting procedure to aggregate the decisions of the classifiers constructed from those samples. In practice, such ensemble methods have been shown to work well and improve accuracy. Here we present a meta-learning strategy that combines the decisions of classifiers constructed from spatial models taken at multiple resolutions. By varying the resolution from coarse to fine-grained, we are able to partition the data on global features that describe a majority of the objects, as well as small, local features that are present in just a few problem cases. We test our technique on a biomedical dataset containing surface elevation values for diseased and nondiseased corneas. We transform these elevations into a series of coefficients using two different spatial transformations. Using these coefficients, we determine how well they distinguish between the two classes. We find our algorithm can increase the classification accuracy of a single decision tree up to 10% and can also be used in conjunction with traditional meta-learning techniques such as bagging to further improve performance. In an attempt to improve the execution time of the transformation algorithms, we have developed a distributed, grid-based implementation as well.
Gain-of-function mutations indicate that Escherichia coli Kch forms a functional K+ conduit in vivo.

Although Kch of Escherichia coli is thought to be a K+ channel by sequence homology, there is little evidence that it actually conducts K+ ions in vitro or in vivo. We isolated gain-of-function (GOF) Kch mutations that render bacteria specifically sensitive to K+ ions. Millimolar added K+, but not Na+ or sorbitol, blocks the initiation or continuation of mutant growth in liquid media. The mutations are mapped at the RCK (or KTN) domain, which is considered to be the cytoplasmic sensor controlling the gate. Additional mutations directed to the K+-filter sequence rescue the GOF mutant. The apparent K+-specific conduction through the ‘loose-cannon’ mutant channel suggests that the wild-type Kch channel also conducts, albeit in a regulated manner. Changing the internal ATG does not erase the GOF toxicity, but removes kch’s short second product, suggesting that it is not required for channel function in vivo. The mutant phenotypes are better explained by a perturbation of membrane potential instead of internal K+ concentration. Possible implications on the normal function of Kch are discussed.
Desmoglein Isoform Distribution Affects Stratum Corneum Structure and Function

Desmogleins are desmosomal cadherins that mediate cell–cell adhesion. In stratified squamous epithelia there are two major isoforms of desmoglein, 1 and 3, with different distributions in epidermis and mucous membrane. Since either desmoglein isoform alone can mediate adhesion, the reason for their differential distribution is not known. To address this issue, we engineered transgenic mice with desmoglein 3 under the control of the involucrin promoter. These mice expressed desmoglein 3 with the same distribution in epidermis as found in normal oral mucous membranes, while expression of other major differentiation molecules was unchanged. Although the nucleated epidermis appeared normal, the epidermal stratum corneum was abnormal with gross scaling, and a lamellar histology resembling that of normal mucous membrane. The mice died shortly after birth with severe dehydration, suggesting excessive transepidermal water loss, which was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo measurement. Ultrastructure of the stratum corneum showed premature loss of cohesion of corneocytes. This dysadhesion of corneocytes and its contribution to increased transepidermal water loss was confirmed by tape stripping. These data demonstrate that differential expression of desmoglein isoforms affects the major function of epidermis, the permeability barrier, by altering the structure of the stratum corneum.
New measure for severity of near-source seismic ground motion

In order to estimate seismic hazards, there is a need for measures that properly characterize the severity of ground motions. Such measures are used along with the fragility of structures to estimate the probability of failure. Structures subjected to severe seismic ground motions undergo inelastic response. Proper measures of ground motions are required to be well correlated with responses of interest. In this paper, it is shown that modeling a near-source ground motion, by a simple pulse form that matches well with the main velocity pulses of the ground motion, dose not lead to a reliable prediction of the inelastic response of structures having periods of less than about 1 s . An equivalent rectangular acceleration pulse, called the significant peak ground acceleration (SPGA), is defined. Compared to other available measures, the SPGA correlates significantly better with the inelastic response of structures (having periods of less than about 1 s and displacement ductility of at least two). Subsequently...
PATTERNS AND PREDICTORS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POWER IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A POLICY PERSPECTIVE ON ISSUES IN ONE STATE

The purpose of this paper is to examine patterns and predictors of local government economic development in one state. The approach uses data from local governments and various statistical analyses to derive common dimensions of local government power and examine predictors of these dimensions. The results suggest that state policies on development strat-egies have to be developed and effectively exercised to increase the power of the local government in the multiple constituent network.
Deterministic approaches for blind equalization of time-varying channels with antenna arrays

In this paper, we study the blind equalization problem of time-varying (TV) systems where the channel variations are too rapid to be tracked with conventional adaptive equalizers. We show that using a finite Fourier basis expansion, a TV antenna array system can be cast into a time-invariant multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) framework. The multiple inputs are related through the bases, thereby allowing blind equalization to be accomplished without the use of higher order statistics. Two deterministic blind equalization approaches are presented: one determines the channels first and then the equalizers, whereas the other estimates the equalizers directly. Related issues such as order determination are addressed briefly. The proposed algorithms are illustrated using simulations.