cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Westerly wind bursts and the diversity of ENSO in CCSM3 and CCSM4

[1] This study investigates the effect of parameterized westerly wind bursts (WWBs) on the diversity of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) warm events, namely, eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) ENSO in Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) and version 4 (CCSM4). The parameterization includes the possibility of state-independent (SI) and state-dependent (SD) WWBs. The inclusion of WWBs enhances the overall tropical Pacific variability. This is accompanied by an increased in the so-called thermocline and advective feedback mechanisms. The SI WWB results present some model discrepancies, with CCSM3 (CCSM4) having enhanced CP (EP) ENSO variability. For the SD WWB case, both models show enhanced EP variability relative to CP variability.
Long-term trends in reservoir water quality and quantity in two major river basins of the southern Great Plains

AbstractTrends in water quality and quantity were assessed for 11 major reservoirs of the Brazos and Colorado river basins in the southern Great Plains (maximum period of record, 1965–2010). Water quality, major contributing-stream inflow, storage, local precipitation, and basin-wide total water withdrawals were analyzed. Inflow and storage decreased and total phosphorus increased in most reservoirs. The overall, warmest-, or coldest-monthly temperatures increased in 7 reservoirs, decreased in 1 reservoir, and did not significantly change in 3 reservoirs. The most common monotonic trend in salinity-related variables (specific conductance, chloride, sulfate) was one of no change, and when significant change occurred, it was inconsistent among reservoirs. No significant change was detected in monthly sums of local precipitation. Annual water withdrawals increased in both basins, but the increase was significant (P < 0.05) only in the Colorado River and marginally significant (P < 0.1) in the Brazos River. S...
How should pregnant women with spinal disease be managed

This Practice Point commentary discusses a retrospective case series by Han et al. that investigated the management of spinal disease during pregnancy.
‘You can’t mandate what matters’: bumping visions against practices

In this study, an American public school principal’s vision of promoting growth in her teachers and students was inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Unlike other educational approaches, this approach did not involve a product, i.e., ‘to become Reggio’, and it did not involve a set of rules or mandates. Instead, the principal had her teachers engaging in a process that examined and bumped into their own teaching practices. Through this work, they also tapped into their own identity, worldviews or beliefs, as well as others’ in order to bring greater awareness, congruency, and growth as individual teachers and as a school. Since there is no direct equivalent of the American public school principal in the Italian approach, this study provides a glimpse of one principal’s role in introducing and utilizing the approach for inspiration, exploration and growth.
Genetics and Speleogenesis

Karst environments are ideal places to study the linkages between biological and geological processes because of the evolutionary record in the DNA of the resident species and because of the remarkable historical record in the rocks and sediments. The trace of time is apparent in karst, yet time is seldom discussed in and of itself bykarst scientists. The Karst Research Institute (KRI, part of the Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences (ZRC-SAZU)) and the Karst Waters Institute (KWI, Leesburg, Va.) hosted a meeting to specifically discuss “time in karst.” The KWI and the KRI have consistently provided outlets for interdisciplinary research efforts. This jointly hosted meeting brought together about 130 scientists from 27 countries in Postojna, Slovenia. The scientists included 40 who were supported by Marie Curie Grants for Young Researchers. The technical sessions focused on the topics paleokarst, historical biogeography, agedating methods, the sediment record, the age of karst landscapes, and the age of animal lineages. A proceedings volume is available elsewhere (www.karstwaters.org/publications/).
Wave-function Monte Carlo method for simulating conditional master equations

Wave-function Monte Carlo methods are an important tool for simulating quantum systems, but the standard method cannot be used to simulate decoherence in continuously measured systems. Here I present a Monte Carlo method for such systems. This was used to perform the simulations of a continuously measured nanoresonator in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 057208 (2009)].
Supramolecular Templating of Thermally Stable Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides Using Nanoparticulate Precursors

A supramolecular templating approach to the preparation of crystalline mesoporous metal oxides using inorganic colloidal nanoparticles as building blocks is presented. The nanoparticles are used to...
Historical and Recent Evidence for Close Relationships Among Rickettsia parkeri, R. conorii, R. africae, and R. sibirica: Implications for Rickettsial Taxonomy

ABSTRACT: Rickettsia parkeri, a member of the spotted fever group rickettsias, was first described in 1939 and was thought to be non-pathogenic until recently, when it was found to cause a spotted fever-like illness in humans and areas of necrosis (eschars) at the sites of tick bites. Accordingly, there is currently much interest in this emerging pathogen. In this study, all published articles concerning R. parken were reviewed and analyzed for evidence of relatedness among this agent and other spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae which also produce similar clinical syndromes and/or eschars, including R. conorii, R. africae, and R. sibirica. A synthesis of the historical (antigenic) and recent (molecular) data supporting a phylogenetic sub-grouping of these SFG organisms is presented and comments are offered about the taxonomy of rickettsial organisms in general, and R. parken in particular.
Grain alignment: effects on fabric and garment drape

Undesirable garment drape often occurs because of the manufacturer’s desire to save fabric by rotating patterns to position them more closely in the marker, and thus cutting the garment off‐grain. This study was designed to subjectively and objectively measure the effect of grain alignment on fabric and garment drape. Data from an apparel industry survey were utilized to establish tilt values for quantitative analysis of drape and shear. Twelve tilt combinations were examined. No significant differences were found between drape values of control samples and those with tilt variations. Generally, shear stiffness and hysteresis values increased as tilt angles increased across all fabrics. Asymmetry of shear curves also increased. Twenty‐one apparel design students subjectively evaluated fabrics draped on a pedestal and skirts constructed in each tilt variation. Fabric drape amount evaluations were more highly correlated with drape values than were drape preference evaluations. Advanced design students were more sensitive to small differences in garment drape than were beginning students.
Visualization of retrovirus uptake and delivery into acidic endosomes

Diverse enveloped viruses enter cells by endocytosis and fusion with intracellular compartments. Recent evidence suggests that HIV also infects permissive cell lines by fusing with endosomes in a pH-independent manner. This finding highlights the importance of time-resolved monitoring of viral uptake. In the present study, we designed an imaging-based assay to measure endocytosis in real-time through probing the virus' accessibility to external solutions. Exposure of viruses bearing a pH-sensitive GFP (green fluorescent protein) variant on their surface to solutions of different acidity altered the fluorescence of surface-accessible particles, but not internalized viruses. By sequentially applying acidic and alkaline buffers with or without ammonium chloride, we were able to quantify the fractions of internalized and non-internalized virions, as well as the fraction of detached particles, over time. The exact time of single-virus internalization was assessed from the point when a particle ceased to respond to a perfusion with alternating acidic and alkaline buffers. We found that, surprisingly, HIV pseudoparticles entered acidic compartments shortly after internalization. These results suggest that the virus might be sorted to a quickly maturing pool of endocytic vesicles and thus be trafficked to fusion-permissive sites near the cell nucleus.
The Dialectics of Depression

This article attempts to illuminate the phenomenology of clinical depression by making it sociologically intelligible. It proceeds from the fundamental premise of the sociology of medicine that there is a dialectical relationship between illness and social experience. Throughout, it explores the paradox that depressed persons greatly desire connection while they are simultaneously deprived of the ability to realize it. In-depth interview data from 35 persons diagnosed and treated for clinical depression suggest that four factors interact synergistically to deepen depression's isolation: (1) the intrinsic character of the emotional experience of depression, (2) the failure of individuals to have a clear vocabulary for understanding their own predicament, (3) the incomprehensibility of depression to “normals,” and (4) the stigma attached to “going public” with one's problem. The article concludes by outlining a research agenda that links the incidence of depression to structural factors diminishing social connection.
Predictors of Mortality among Elderly African-Americans

Older African-Americans face many barriers that impede access to formal support services. Therefore, informal social networks may be the only source of support for many elderly African-Americans. This study looked at three measures of informal social networks: contacts with family members, contacts with friends, and social involvement outside the home. Data were from the 1984-1988 Longitudinal Survey of Aging. Bivariate associations with lower mortality occurred for all three social network indices. When controlling for sociodemographic, physical health variables, and self-rated health in logistic regression, church attendance retained significance. Men appeared to be at high risk when social network was limited. Other significant factors were: cancer, activities of daily living, sex-specific body mass, and self-rated health.
Event generator overview

Due to their ability to provide detailed and quantitative predictions, the event generators have become an important part of studying relativistic heavy ion physics and of designing future experiments. In this talk, the author will briefly summarize recent progress in developing event generators for the relativistic heavy ion collisions.
Positive Classroom Motivational Environments : Convergence between Mastery Goal Structure and Classroom Social Climate.

In a series of 4 studies we investigated the relations of mastery goal structure and 4 dimensions of the classroom social climate (teacher academic support, teacher emotional support, classroom mutual respect, task-related interaction). We conducted multidimensional scaling with separate adolescent samples that differed considerably (i.e., by racial and demographic characteristics, grade level, and educational contexts). Studies 1, 2, and 3 (Ns = 537, 537, and 736, respectively) showed that mastery goal structure items occupied a central space among the climate items and overlapped partially with the areas formed by the respect and academic and emotional support items. In Study 4 (N = 789) we investigated the structural relations of mastery goal structure and the 4 social climate scales with another adolescent sample. Using confirmatory factor analysis we compared these 2 models: (a) all 5 measures at the same level and (b) mastery goal structure as a 2nd-order factor, with the 4 social climate measures as its indicators. The fit for both models was good, although the 1st-order model fit was better. Nevertheless, in the 2nd-order model mastery goal structure accounted for between 92% and 67% of the variance in the climate measures.
Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (Smart Mechatronics & CIM) at Louisiana State University

Abstract The Smart Mechatronics/Intelligent Manufacturing Research initiative at Louisiana State University has designed and implemented an object control model for a simple manufacturing cell. Using object oriented programming and design has allowed the internal program structure (virtual cell space) to closely match the physical cell construction (physical cell space). This paper discusses the second phase of the cell implementation in which the existing C++ objects were implemented as autonomous units under operating system control. The operating system used is Microsoft R Windows™ and Windows for Workgroups™ 3.1. Since each object is autonomous, they can assume the properties of self-monitoring agents in the system rather than simple request servers under the sole control of the calling object. Communication between objects is facilitated by the operating system using dynamic data exchange (DDE) calls or by compiling the module into dynamic link library (DLL) modules. This arrangement of system control architecture increases system autonomy, concurrence, and ease of use for a relatively small overhead penalty.
Chemosensitivity and breathing pattern regulation of the coatimundi and woodchuck.

Abstract An analysis of breathing pattern regulation was carried out on the coatimundi and woodchuck who represent two different volume-time patterns. It was found that the coati, with a short expiratory time as a fraction of total breath time, Te/Ttot , has a greater sensitivity to CO 2 as represented by the slope and threshold of its ventilatory response. Breathing air the coati maintains post-inspiratory inspiratory activity (PIIA) of the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) through 51% of expiration, while the woodchuck, who is less sensitive to CO 2 and has a long Te/Ttot , exhibits no PIIA of the PCA. The woodchuck also has a greater incidence and duration of end-expiratory pauses (or delayed inspiratory onset). The woodchuck does not demonstrate the usual inverse relationship between Vt and Te in response to 5% CO 2 and does not recruit PIIA of the PCA at this level of CO 2 . These data confirm the importance of CO 2 chemosensitivity in regulation of Te . It is further demonstrated that interspecific differences in chemosensitivity among three mammals of the same size are reflected in regulation of Te but not in inspiratory ‘drive’ (as indicated by mean inspiratory flow, Vt/Ti ).
Continuous-processing related ERPS in adult schizophrenia: continuity with childhood onset schizophrenia.

Abstract Background: Previous work with schizophrenic children disclosed deficits on two continuous performance tests (CPTs) and ERP indices of reduced attentional resource allocation. Methods: The two CPTs were administered to adult schizophrenics and matched control subjects. The simple CPT required only that the subject respond whenever the target digit was displayed. The complex version required a response whenever any digit was displayed on two successive trials. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during task performance. Results: Schizophrenics had fewer hits on both CPT versions, showed a greater drop in performance from the simple to the complex CPT, and took longer to respond than controls. The processing negativity (Np) showed a greater amplitude increase from nontarget to target in normals than in schizophrenics, and the overlapping P2 component was more negative in normals. P3 latency was longer in schizophrenics, but P3 amplitude did not differ. Conclusions: Group performance and processing negativity effects replicated those from an earlier study of schizophrenic and normal children administered the same versions of the CPT, suggesting similar abnormalities in the allocation and modulation of information processing resources.
Kinetic phase transition in polymerization.

We study the kinetics of a simple mean-field model of multifunctional polymerization. We are able to derive some exact results for the time dependence of some quantities of interest by making use of a transformed time variable. The gel fraction and the average of the reciprocal of the degree of polymerization are both evaluated in this model and exhibit nonanalytic behavior at the gelation point.
A Unidirectional Series-Elastic Actuator Design Using a Spiral Torsion Spring

This paper presents a novel series-elastic actuator (SEA) design that uses a spiral torsion spring to achieve drivetrain compliance in a compact and efficient mechanism. The SEA utilizes electromechanical actuation and is designed for use in the experimental biped robot KURMET for investigating dynamic maneuvers. Similar to helical torsion springs, spiral torsion springs are particularly applicable for legged robots because they preserve the rotational motion inherent in electric motors and articulated leg joints, but with less drivetrain backlash and unwanted coil interaction under load than helical torsion springs. The general spiral torsion spring design equations are presented in a form convenient for robot design, along with a detailed discussion of the mechanism surrounding the spring. Also, the SEA mechanism has a set of unidirectional hardstops that further improves the position control by allowing series-elasticity in only one rotational direction.
Chemical calcium indicators.

Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling as well as our appreciation for its ubiquitous role in cellular processes and has been rapidly advanced, in large part, due to the development of fluorescent Ca2+ indicators. In this chapter, we discuss some of the most common chemical Ca2+ indicators that are widely used for the investigation of intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Advantages, limitations and relevant procedures will be presented for each dye including their spectral qualities, dissociation constants, chemical forms, loading methods and equipment for optimal imaging. Chemical indicators that are now available allow for intracellular Ca2+ detection over a very large range ( 50 μM). Higher affinity indicators can be used to quantify Ca2+ levels in the cytosol while lower affinity indicators can be optimized for measuring Ca2+ in subcellular compartments with higher concentrations. Indicators can be classified into either single wavelength or ratiometric dyes. Both classes require specific lasers, filters, and/or detection methods that are dependent upon their spectral properties and both classes have advantages and limitations. Single wavelength indicators are generally very bright and optimal for Ca2+ detection when more than one fluorophore is being imaging. Ratiometric indicators can be calibrated very precisely and they minimize the most common problems associated with chemical Ca2+ indicators including uneven dye loading, leakage, photobleaching and changes in cell volume. Recent technical advances that permit in vivo Ca2+ measurements will also be discussed.
Assessment and measurement of cough: the value of new tools.

On systematic investigation, patients with persistent cough are often diagnosed as having asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and post-nasal drip; often, there is no associated diagnosis. Cough-variant asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis are conditions presenting with cough, usually associated with airway eosinophilia and responding well to corticosteroids. These conditions including asthma are best grouped as 'eosinophil-associated cough'. Analysis of induced sputum for eosinophils is an important tool in the investigation of chronic persistent cough. Reliable ambulatory counters for cough have been developed and the contribution of cough count and intensity to the severity of cough have been partly evaluated, and used in assessing antitussive therapies. Self-scoring evaluations are still widely used, but the inclusion of quality of life tools specifically adapted to the evaluation of cough appears to be a useful tool that can directly measure the impact of chronic cough. We need a greater assessment and evaluation of all these tools.
A randomized trial of peer coach and office staff support to reduce coronary heart disease risk in African-Americans with uncontrolled hypertension

OBJECTIVE Adopting features of the Chronic Care Model may reduce coronary heart disease risk and blood pressure in vulnerable populations. We evaluated a peer and practice team intervention on reduction in 4-year coronary heart disease risk and systolic blood pressure.
Corneal edema after miochol.

Corneal edema after cataract extraction is usually caused by mechanical or chemical injury to the corneal endothelium.' Our patient had corneal edema immediately after the instillation of Miochol (acetylcholine chloride, IoLab Pharmaceuticals, Claremont, California) into the anterior chamber during an otherwise routine cataract extraction. A 43-year-old man with a white cataract and visual acuity of counting fingers in the left eye underwent an extracapsular cataract extraction on July 24, 1991. Viscoat (sodium chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate, Alcon Surgical, Ft. Worth, Texas) was used during the operation. At the end of the operation, the instillation of Miochol was immediately followed by rapid corneal endothelial clouding. The anterior chamber was thoroughly irrigated with Balanced Salt Solution after approximately three minutes, but the cornea remained edematous. Inspection of the Miochol bottle disclosed that the bottle's upper compartment failed to deliver the distilled water to the lower chamber despite complete depression of the bottle's
Effect of α-MSH 11–13 (lysine-proline-valine) on fever in the rabbit

Abstract In previous experiments, α-MSH (1–13) and ACTH (1–24), which contains the α-MSH 1–13 amino acid sequence, were found to reduce fever after central and peripheral administration of low, non-hypothermic doses. Shorter molecules, including α-MSH 1–10, had no effect. The idea that the 11–13 amino acid sequence is important to the effect of the parent molecule was tested by giving lysine-proline-valine both centrally and peripherally to rabbits made febrile by IV administration of leukocytic pyrogen. The tripeptide reduced fever after both central (0.5–2.0 mg) and peripheral (2–200 mg) administration. It appears that the 11–13 sequence is part of the message sequence of α-MSH with regard to antipyretic activity. However, the lower potency relative to that of the parent molecule suggests that other portions of the molecule are essential to full expression of the antipyretic effect.
Rotational Degrees of Freedom of Molecules in Solids. I. The Cyanide Ion in Alkali Halides

In continuation of the work described in the preceding paper we have studied a defect with three different principal axes of inertia, namely the N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion. In KCl and KBr, the energy levels corresponding to free rotation, libration, and tunneling have been found. They have been analyzed in the same manner as in the preceding paper. Very different potential barriers for the three different axes of rotation have been found. Strong phonon scattering is again observed in connection with the states of free rotation and of tunneling. In NaCl the ion is frozen in even at room temperature and is only librating. In KI further evidence is found that the N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion does occupy an off-center position. Consequently the molecule can perform not only rotational, but also translational motion, i.e., its potential is considerably more complex than the Pauling-Devonshire potential. Hence the KI:N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ system seems to present the most general case of motion of molecules in solid solution. From the fine structure of the near infrared spectrum of KI:N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ we have found all the impurity modes detected so far by different techniques, which shows that this type of spectroscopy is a very useful tool for the study of impurity modes. We suggest further that some of these impurity modes are librational motions.
Calculated properties of the commensurate monolayers of helium and hydrogen on graphite

Calcul des deplacements lateraux de moindre carre et de la bande interdite en frequence du centre de la zone de Brillouin pour des monocouches solides adsorbees. Les resultats sont en bon accord avec les donnees experimentales
Note on the current/field relationship of electrode kinetics, especially as applied to the anodic growth of oxide layers☆

Abstract It is shown that a kinetic expression of the form i = A exp [(βE - γE2)/RT] can be derived from the transition-state theory, if the energy stored in the dielectric is taken into account. This relationship involves a term with the square of the field E (or the potential) in the exponent. The meaning of the factor γ is discussed. Its magnitude is estimated and compared with values obtained experimentally by Young in the anodic oxidation of tantalum.
Bidirectional promoters of insects: genome-wide comparison, evolutionary implication and influence on gene expression

Abstract Bidirectional promoters are widespread in insect genomes. By analyzing 23 insect genomes we show that the frequency of bidirectional gene pairs varies according to genome compactness and density of genes among the species. The density of bidirectional genes expected based on number of genes per megabase of genome explains the observed density suggesting that bidirectional pairing of genes may be due to random event. We identified specific transcription factor binding motifs that are enriched in bidirectional promoters across insect species. Furthermore, we observed that bidirectional promoters may act as transcriptional hotspots in insect genomes where protein coding genes tend to aggregate in significantly biased (p
The effect of relaxation on the epitope mapping by saturation transfer difference NMR.

Abstract The effect of longitudinal relaxation of ligand protons on saturation transfer difference (STD) was investigated by using a known binding system, dihydrofolate reductase and trimethoprim. The results indicate that T1 relaxation of ligand protons has a severe interference on the epitope map derived from a STD measurement. When the T1s of individual ligand protons are distinctly different, STD experiments may not give an accurate epitope map for the ligand–target interactions. Measuring the relaxation times prior to mapping is strongly advised. A saturation time shorter than T1s is suggested for improving the potential epitope map. Reduction in temperature was seen to enhance the saturation efficiency in small to medium size targets.
Position-specific radioiodination utilizing an aryltributylstannyl intermediate. Synthesis of 125I-iodotamoxifen

Abstract An isotopically substituted, iodinated derivative of the antiestrogen tamoxifen is produced utilizing a novel aryltributylstannyl intermediate. Methods of introducing the radioiodine are explored. Potential generality of this method for labeling of other aromatic organic molecules is discussed.
Cholesterol modulates the effects of membrane perturbers in phospholipid vesicles and biomembranes.

Abstract The order parameter of spin-labeled phosphatidylcholine vesicles has been shown to increase upon incorporation of cholesterol, cannabinol, chlorpromazine and pentobarbital. Cannabinol was as effective on a mole basis as cholesterol in increasing the order parameter of 5-doxyl stearic acid in phosphatidylcholine: 4% phosphatidic acid bilayers at low concentrations. The average increase in order parameter with chlorpromazine and pentobarbital was two to three times less than that of cholesterol. Relative to cholesterol these compounds were less effective at ordering 1-acyl-2[8(4,4-dimethyloxazolidine- N -oxyl)] palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. The ordering effect with any given membrane perturber became smaller when increasing amounts of cholesterol were incorporated in the phospholipid bilayers until a disordering effect was finally observed. The cholesterol composition at which this cross-over from ordering to disordering occurred varied with the perturber, being 26 mole % for chlorpromazine, 23 mole % for cannabinol and 14 mole % for pentobarbital. The ability of cholesterol itself to increase the order parameter of the bilayer was decreased in the presence of these perturbers. These compounds may exert their ordering effect on the interfacial region of phospholipid bilayers in an analogous manner to cholesterol. However, at higher cholesterol contents their additional ordering effect is more than counterbalanced by a weakening of the cholesterol-acyl interaction and a net disordering effect results. In biological membranes a similar role for cholesterol in modulating the effect of perturbers was observed. Cannabinol decreased the order of erythrocyte membranes but increased that of mitochondrial membranes, while octanol disordered both of these biological membranes.
Basic Concepts of Neurotransmission

An understanding of synaptic neurotransmission is fundamental to the understanding of various neuropsychiatric symptoms and disorders. It is also essential to the discovery of pharmacologic agents that modulate neurotransmission to alleviate such symptoms and conditions. Various aspects of the process of neurotransmission and the synthesis, release, reuptake, or destruction are all potential events for action of therapeutic drugs. This article reviews the basic aspects of relevant neuroanatomy, neurotransmission, and major neurotransmitter systems.
Teaching medical students about cancer impact through a longitudinal surgical experience: a case study.

Background: We designed and execute a longitudinal curriculum that provides a comprehensive understanding of cancer illness and its impact upon the patient. Summary: The Harvard Medical School–Cambridge Integrated Clerkship is a redesign of the 3rd year where the traditional rotations are replaced by a single integrated year-long experience. Students are required to follow a patient with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer and breast cancer, across all venues and disciplines. Twenty-nine of 34 students responded to a survey. On average patients were followed for 7 months, through 12 encounters across 4 different specialties. Students responded that this experience facilitated their understanding of cancer in a way not feasible in a traditional clerkship model. Conclusions: Medical students perceive that this longitudinal model of cancer education improves integration of the surgical, medical, scientific, emotional, and social issues. Traditional “block rotation” students and even residents are rarely ...
Visualization of dynamic adaptive resolution scientific data

Interactive visualization of very large data sets remains a challenging problem to the visualization community. One promising solution involves using adaptive resolution representations of the data. In this model, important regions of data are identified using reconstructive error analysis and are shown in higher detail. During the visualization, regions with higher error are rendered with high resolution data, while areas of low error are rendered at a lower resolution. We have developed a new dynamic adaptive resolution rendering algorithm along with software support libraries. These libraries are designed to extend the VisIt visualization environment by adding support for adaptive resolution data. VisIt supports domain decomposition of data, which we use to define our AR representation. We show that with this model, we achieve performance gains while maintaining error tolerances specified by the scientist.
Processible Optically Transparent Block Copolymer Films Containing Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoclusters

Free-standing block copolymer films containing magnetic iron oxide nanoclusters within the microdomains were produced by static casting. The thickness of the nanocomposite films was easily controlled to make optically transparent thin films. The size distribution of the nanoclusters was relatively narrow and the nanoclusters were uniformly distributed within the films. The spherical nanoclusters, ca. 5 nm in diameter, were identified as γ-Fe2O3 and had a well-defined crystalline structure. Magnetic measurements revealed that the nanocomposite films are superparamagnetic.
Conversions of Cyclic Amines to Nylon Precursor Lactams Using Bulk Gold and Fumed Silica Catalysts

Bulk gold powder (∼50 μm) and alumina-supported gold catalyzed the oxidative dehydrogenation of 5-, 6-, and 7-membered cyclic amines to amidines. These amidines were hydrolyzed upon treatment with Aerosil 200 (fumed silica gel) and water, producing lactams in 42–73% yields and amines in 36–63% yields. The gold and Aerosil 200 catalysts could also be combined in a one-pot reaction to catalyze the conversion of cyclic amines to lactams in yields up to 51%.
Formal sections and de Rham cohomology of semistable Abelian varieties

We give a geometric description of the unit root splitting of the Hodge filtration of the first de Rham cohomology of an ordinary Abelian variety over a local field, as the splitting determined by a formal completion of the universal vectorial extension of the Abelian variety.
Growth of thick YBa2Cu3O7-δ films carrying a critical current of over 230 A/cm on single LaMnO3-buffered ion-beam assisted deposition MgO substrates

A single LaMnO 3 buffer layer was developed for the growth of superconducting thick YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 - δ (YBCO) films on polycrystalline Ni-alloy substrates where a biaxially textured MgO layer, produced by ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD), was used as a template. Using pulsed laser deposition, a 1.65-μm-thick YBCO film with a critical current density of 1.4 x 10 6 A/cm 2 in self field at 75 K was achieved on sputtered LaMnO 3 -buffered IBAD MgO substrates. This corresponds to a critical current (I c ) of 231 A/cm-width. This result demonstrates the possibility of using both LaMnO 3 buffer and IBAD MgO template for producing high current density YBCO-coated conductors.
In vitro culture of human retinal pigment epithelium for biochemical and metabolic study.

Abstract The proper functioning of the many types of ocular epithelium, most notably the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is critical to the sensory functions of the human eye. We have developed new techniques for the in vitro culture of human RPE using collagen coated tissue culture dishes and Epithelial Growth Factor. These techniques increased culture success using pairs of donor eyes from 25% to 87%. Human RPE has been cultured for up to 4 months while retaining marked pigmentation and epithelioid characteristics. Use of pure cultures of human RPE will allow biochemical study of this important tissue.
The effect of pressure on the electrical conductance of sea water

Abstract The percentage increase in the electrical conductance of sea water with pressure has been measured at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° and 25°C for salinities of 31, 35 and 39% over a pressure range of 0–10,338 decibars above atmospheric pressure. The accuracy of the results is estimated to be equivalent to better than ±0·01% salinity. An interpolation formula which fits the observed values to within an error equivalent to ±0·005% salinity is given. A table of values for the percentage increase in electrical conductance has been computed from this formula at 1000 decibar intervals of pressure from 0–10,000 decibars above atmospheric pressure.
Managerial and windfall rents in the market for corporate control

This paper examines the role of the top competent management team in generating firm and managerial rents, and draws implications for the market for corporate control. The analysis suggests that superior top managers have inherent incentives to act efficiently, and that the potential for conflict between manager and stockholder interests may be less than is often presumed. Rent-seeking behavior in the market for corporate control and its consequences are examined.
Tracking of two closely spaced objects using monopulse measurements

The ultimate goal of this paper is to track two closely spaced and unresolved targets using monopulse radar measurements, the quality of such tracking being a determinant of successful detection of target spawn. It explores statistical estimation techniques based on the maximum likelihood criterion and Gibbs sampling, and addresses concerns about the accuracy of the measurements delivered thereby. In particular, the Gibbs approach can deliver joint measurements (and the associated covariances) from both targets, and it is therefore natural to consider a joint filter. The ideas are compared; and amongst the various strategies discussed, a particle filter that operates directly on the monopulse measurements is especially promising.
The last interglacial as represented in the glaciochemical record from Mount Moulton Blue Ice Area, West Antarctica

Abstract Understanding climate during the last interglacial is critical for understanding how modern climate change differs from purely naturally forced climate change. Here we present the first high-resolution ice core record of the last interglacial and transition to the subsequent glacial period from Antarctica and the first glaciochemical record for this period from West Antarctica. Samples were collected from a horizontal ice trench in the Mt. Moulton Blue Ice Area (BIA) in West Antarctica and analyzed for their soluble major anions (Cl−, NO3−, SO42-), major and trace elements (Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Pb, Bi, U, As, Al, S, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) and water hydrogen isotopes (δD). The last interglacial is characterized by warmer temperatures (δD), weakened atmospheric circulation (dust elements, seasalts aerosols), decreased sea ice extent (Na, nssSO42-) and decreased oceanic productivity (nssSO42-). A combined examination of Mt. Moulton seasalts, dust, nssSO42- and δD records indicates that the last interglacial was extremely stable compared to glacial age climate events and it ended through a long period of gradual cooling unlike that projected for future Holocene climate.
Fine‐needle aspiration of primary osseous lesions: A cost effectiveness study

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is not widely used in the work-up of osseous lesions because of concerns regarding its high incidence of nondiagnostic specimens. Although several studies have shown that FNA is less expensive than surgical biopsy, the authors are aware of only one prior study evaluating the cost effectiveness of FNA, which includes the cost of incisional or core needle biopsies necessary to establish a diagnosis when the initial FNA was noncontributory. A computerized search of the pathology records of three medical centers was performed to obtain all FNAs of primary osseous lesions. For each FNA case, all subsequent core needle, incisional or excisional biopsies were recorded as was the result of the definitive operative procedure. The cost of obtaining the definitive diagnosis was calculated for each case including the cost of FNA, imaging guidance utilized, and cost of subsequent surgical biopsy when necessary. The cost of an alternate approach using only surgical biopsy was calculated. The average per patient costs of these two protocols were compared. A total of 165 primary bone tumors underwent FNA. One hundred six of these yielded a definitive cytologic diagnosis. In 59 cases, FNA yielded a result insufficient for definitive therapy necessitating surgical biopsy. FNA investigation of the 165 bone lesions cost 575,932 (average of 3,490 per patient). Surgical biopsy alone would have cost 5,760 per patient. FNA resulted in a cost savings of 2,215 per patient. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dual decompositions of 4-manifolds III: S-cobordisms

The main result is that an s-cobordism (topological or smooth) of 4-manifolds has a product structure outside a "core" sub-s-cobordism. These cores are arranged to have quite a bit of structure, for example they are smooth and abstractly (forgetting boundary structure) diffeomorphic to a standard neighborhood of a 1-complex. The decomposition is highly nonunique so cannot be used to define an invariant, but it shows that the topological s-cobordism question reduces to the core case. The simply-connected version of the decomposition (with 1-complex a point) is due to Curtis, Freedman, Hsiang and Stong. Controlled surgery is used to reduce topological triviality of core s-cobordisms to a question about controlled homotopy equivalence of 4-manifolds. There are speculations about further reductions. The decompositions on the ends of the s-cobordism are "dual decompositions" with homotopically-controlled handle structures, and the main result is an application of earlier papers in the series.
Treatment of Complications Arising in the Course of Pneumothorax Therapy of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

This paper sets forth the statistics of a large U. S. Naval Hospital Tuberculosis Unit with special attention to the occurrence and treatment of complications associated with Pneumothorax Therapy. Such complications are classified as those resulting from the performance of pneumothorax and those resulting from coincident intrathoracic changes. An outline of suggested pneumothorax technique is presented with the suggestion that proper procedure will eliminate complications. In complications resulting from intrathoracic changes, it is suggested that the patient suffer a minimum of interference; that the condition of the patient and his response to his disease rather than the mere presence of fluid, adhesion or other complication be the determining factor for the institution of surgical procedures. The various complications are discussed as regards treatment, particularly with the aim of their elimination without the forced abandonment of the pneumothorax and the performance of more permanent surgical procedures. Finally, tables of the collapse procedures instituted, the complications arising and the measures used to combat these in 1,048 consecutive cases are presented.
Cure characterization of an epoxy network by fluorescence behaviour of trans-diaminostilbene

Abstract A small amount of trans -diaminostilbene (DAS) was used as a reactive label to probe cure reactions in an epoxy, a stoichiometric mixture of the diglycidyl ether of butanediol (DGEB) and methylene dianiline (MDA). DAS was found to mimic the reactivities of MDA. Bathochromic shifts of about 20 nm are found in ultra-violet spectra due to the conversion of primary amine groups to tertiary amine groups in DAS. The fluorescence spectra show similar bathochromic shifts with enhanced emission (about a factor of 3), especially after gelation. Comparison of the fluorescence intensity of DAS with the fully substituted DAS (tt-DAS) as a function of cure of the matrix indicates that the chemical reaction as well as the medium viscosity effect contribute to the emission enhancement, particularly at later stages of cure. A calibration curve relating emission intensity with the extent of epoxide reaction by the infra-red method has been established to estimate cure extent from emission measurement. Lastly, the fluorescence behaviour of DAS and tt-DAS as a function of medium viscosity is discussed assuming similar photochemical and photophysical mechanisms as in trans -stilbene.
Weldability of aluminium-lithium alloy 2090 using laser welding

Lithium-containing aluminium alloys are of considerable current interest in the aerospace and aircraft industries because lithium additions to aluminium improve the modulus and decrease the density compared to conventional aluminium alloys. Many such alloys are under development for aircraft applications, which usually involves mechanical fastening. While aluminium-lithium alloys are fusion weldable with gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc and electron beam processes, they suffer from problems of weld porosity, heat-tearing cracking, poor penetration and low joint efficiency. In this paper, the weldability of aluminium-lithium alloys is briefly reviewed. The weldability of commercial aluminium-lithium alloy 2090 in the peak-aged condition was studied using laser welding. The quality of the welds was evaluated through mechanical tests (hardness and tensile tests) and microscopical observations. Mechanical property data and microscopical observations of the welds on prior surface-prepared (milled) material revealed a low degree of the weld surface degradation and an absence of porosity. This coupled with the attractive joint efficiencies suggest the superiority of the laser welding to conventional arc welding of this alloy. The performance of laser-welded butt joints is rationalized.
A microcomputer-based ergonomic software for the design and evaluation of frequent manual lifting tasks

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to generate ergonomic software that can be used in the design and evaluation of manual lifting tasks so as to minimize the risk of injury. Specifically, this study is aimed at developing a microcomputer-based model for the design and evaluation of frequent manual lifting tasks built upon the concept of job severity index. The microcomputer-based software package is intended to be used by non-experts in the field of manual materials handling. Possible engineering and administrative controls are implemented in the software if human lifting abilities are exceeded. These controls are discussed at length in the main text. The software was written in AutoLISP for the IBM personal computer. The knowledge based of the software is built upon a set of two models which were developed in the present study. The models were based on 2736 observations. An example is given to illustrate the usage of the software.
Measuring the absolute quantum efficiency of luminescent materials

Abstract A measurement system and mathematical procedure are developed for determining the absolute quantum efficiency (QE), of luminescent materials. This technique, based on absorption of diffuse light within an integrating sphere, is applied to fluorescent laser dyes and conventional phosphor powders. The system described is tested for excitation in the near-UV and blue regions, but can be applied to higher energy excitation (UV), as well as lower energy excitation in the visible to near-IR, with the appropriate photodetectors and optical filters. The system was tested on both liquid and solid samples such as Coumarin 500 (CM500) dye in methanol and ethyl acetate; Rhodamine 6G in ethanol; and a variety of powder phosphors. The QE of quinine sulfate dihydrate solution (5×10 −3 M in 0.1 N H 2 SO 4 ), a NIST fluorescence standard, was found to be in good agreement with the NIST value under 390 nm excitation. The accuracy of this measurement technique is acceptable for samples with absorption cross sections greater than ∼6 mm 2 .
Effect of an audience on performance of a motor task.

40 College Ss were placed in 4 groups and tested on a star-tracing task on 2 occasions under the following conditions: spectators-no-spectators; spectators-spectators; no-spectators-no-spectators; no-spectators—spectators. It was found that the presence or absence of spectators had no noticeable effect on the initial learning phase as contrasted to later stages of performance. When conditions remained the same on both testing occasions, less errors were made. Speed was generally quicker under altered task conditions.