cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Resistance and Reactance of Expanded ACSR [includes discussion]

A convenient method for the measurement of reactance and resistance of aluminum cables steel reinforced (ACSR) has been used and found to be accurate. The equipment and testing method are used to obtain accurate information concerning the a-c characteristics of all sizes of ACSR up to high values of current density, but the first use was to measure the impedance characteristics of expanded ACSR. Expanded ACSR, 1.60 inches diameter, 1,275,000 circular mils (CM), has been found to have a d-c resistance of 0.0717 ohm per mile at 25 degrees centigrade (C), a ratio of a-c to d-c resistance of about 1.015, and a reactance at 60 cycles per second (cps) at 1.0-foot spacing of 0.347 ohm per mile per conductor. This reactance value corresponds to a geometric mean radius of 0.690 inch, or 86.2 per cent of the nominal conductor radius. Expanded ACSR, 1.75 inches diameter, 1,414,000 CM, has been found to have a d-c resistance of 0.0660 ohm per mile at 25 C, a ratio of a-c to d-c resistance of about 1.015, and a reactance at 60 cps at 1.0-foot spacing of 0.337 ohm per mile per conductor. For this conductor, the reactance value corresponds to a geometric mean radius of 0.747 inch, or 85.4 per cent of the nominal conductor radius.
Computing Controllers for Nonlinear Hybrid Systems

We discuss a procedure for synthesizing controllers for safety specifications for hybrid systems. The procedure depends on the construction of the set of states of a continuous dynamical system that can be driven to a subset of the state space, avoiding another subset of the state space (the Reach-Avoid set). We present a new characterization of the Reach-Avoid set in terms of the solution of a pair of coupled Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equations. We also discuss a computational algorithm for solving such partial differential equations and demonstrate its effectiveness on numerical examples.
What do State-Owned Firms Maximize? Evidence from Italian Banks

This Paper studies the objective function of state-owned banks. Using information on individual loan contracts, I compare the interest rate charged to two sets of companies with identical characteristics borrowing respectively from state-owned and privately owned banks. State-owned banks charge lower interest rates than do privately owned banks to similar or identical firms, even if the company is able to borrow more from privately owned banks. State-owned banks mostly favour firms located in depressed areas and large firms. The lending behaviour of state-owned banks is affected by the electoral results of the party affiliated with the bank: the stronger the political party in the area where the firm is borrowing, the lower the interest rates charged. This result is robust to including bank and firm fixed effects.
The Drosophila melanogaster tropomyosin II gene produces multiple proteins by use of alternative tissue-specific promoters and alternative splicing.

Abstract The structure of the Drosophila melanogaster tropomyosin II (TmII) gene has been determined by DNA sequencing of cDNA clones and the genomic DNA coding for the gene. Two overlapping transcriptional units produce at least four different tropomyosin isoforms. A combination of developmentally regulated promoters and alternative splicing produces both muscle and cytoskeletal tropomyosin isoforms. One promoter is a muscle-specific promoter and produces three different tropomyosin isoforms by alternative splicing of the last three 3' exons. The second promoter has the characteristics of a housekeeping promoter and produces a cytoskeletal tropomyosin isoform. Several internal exons along with a final 3' exon are alternatively spliced in the cytoskeletal transcript. The intron-exon boundaries of the TmII gene are identical to the intron-exon boundaries of all vertebrate tropomyosin genes reported, but are very different from the intron-exon boundaries of the D. melanogaster tropomyosin I gene. The TmII gene is the only reported tropomyosin gene that has two promoters and a quadruple alternative splice choice for the final exon. Models for the mechanism of D. melanogaster tropomyosin gene evolution are discussed.
Fiber Bragg gratings for dispersion compensation

The group delay of a chromatic dispersion compensation grating module was measured using the phase-shift method and the system performance was predicted using a Fourier transform algorithm. Good agreement was obtained between the system simulation and the measured eye-diagram. This numerical prediction is accurate only with a proper choice of the wavelength resolution used for the group delay measurement.
Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma

We see so few invasive squamous cell carcinomas these days that we have a paucity of cases to use as illustrations. As such, we have included the few cases we have seen recently. Some invasive squamous carcinomas keratinize whereas other do not, and the amount of keratin formation varies from a tiny focus to a lot. The cancers also vary in differentiation from very well (a good caricature of normal) to very poorly, which looks nothing like normal. In the 2010 World Health Organization book [1], invasive squamous cancers are divided into well, moderate, and poor differentiation, with mention that the most common type is moderately differentiated, but there are no definite histologic criteria for making this determination. What is apparent is that a squamous esophageal carcinoma is likely to be heterogeneous with different areas looking quite different histologically. We have chosen to illustrate different squamous cancers and we will leave it to the reader to determine the degree of differentiation of each tumor. The issue of incipient invasion into the lamina propria is covered in depth at the end of Chap. 6.
Synthesis of α-methylene-β-alanine and one of its naturally occurring α-ketomides

Abstract α-Methylene-β-alanine ( 1 ) has been synthesized from t -butyl bisbromomethyleneacetate by successively generating the α-methylene, then the β-amino function from a bromomethylene. Hydrolysis or methanolysis completes the synthesis of 1·HC1, and of its methyl ester ( 3 )·HCl, from which the α-ketopalmitic acid amide of 1 was prepared.
Synthesis of sulfur-bridged piperazinediones by reaction of 3,6-dibromo-1,4-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinedione with geminal dithiols

The reaction of several geminal dithiols with 3,6-dibromo-1,4-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinedione gave in good yields piperazinedione derivatives substituted at the 3,6-position with a geminal dithiol-bridging group. These sulfur-bridged piperazinediones formally represent derivatives of the 2,4-dithia-6,8-diaza-7,9-dioxobicyclo[3.2.2]nonane ring system. Attempts to transform these sulfur-bridged piperazinediones to 3,6-epidithiopiperazinediones by removal of the bridging group common to the sulfur functionality were unsuccessful. Studies also are reported of addition of thioacetic acid to 3,6-dimethylene-2,5-piperazinedione to give 3,6-diacetylthio-3,6-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinedione. Conversion of the 3,6-diacetylthio derivative to the epithiopiperazinedione ring system yielded a mixture of epimono- and epidithiopiperazinediones.
Visual evoked responses in cats with optic tract lesions

Abstract Some electrophysiological consequences of lesions destroying 80% or more of the optic tract were studied in nine cats with chronically implanted electrodes, the visual capacities of which have previously been described. Lesions sparing as little as 5–10% of the optic tract left the photically-elicited averaged response recorded from central visual projection sites unaffected or only minimally attenuated, as compared to prelesion response. Larger subtotal lesions greatly attenuated and distorted the potentials, and total transection of the optic tract abolished them entirely Recordings from sites distal to the lesion showed that the input from the retina was not affected by the lesions. Responses elicited by electrical stimulation of the optic tract distal to the lesion were somewhat more affected than the photic responses. Barbiturate anesthesia had no differential effect on the electrophysiological consequences of the lesions.
On grade and formal connectivity for weakly normal varieties

A weakly normal variety X can be characterized by the fact that any variety which is birationally homeomorphic to X is actually isomorphic to X. Various other characterizations of weakly normal varieties exist but to date there is no characterization from the point of view of local cohomology. It is well known that the vanishing of the first local cohomology groups with supports in the singular locus is a criterion for normality and it is natural to ask if there is a similar criterion for weak normality. In [ 71 this author and J. V. Leahy defined a generic type singularity for weakly normal varieties called the multicross. Briefly, a point .1’ E X is a multicross for X if the point y on X is analytically isomorphic to a point J,’ on X’ where X’ is the union of linear subspaces of afftne space all meeting transversally along a common linear subspace. For a weakly normal variety X the complement Z of the set of multicrosses is a closed subset of the singular locus of X and has codimension at least two [7], Theorem 3.81. We say a variety is C-weakly normal if the first local cohomology groups with supports in Z are identically zero. By a Hartogs-like result [ 71, Corollary 3.111 it was shown that a C-weakly normal variety is weakly normal but there are simple examples of weakly normal varieties that are not C-weakly normal [ 71, Example 4.5 1. In this paper we give, within the class of weakly normal varieties. a topological criterion for the vanishing of the first local cohomology groups with supports in an arbitrary closed subset of the singular locus. Our techniques also enable us to prove the converse of Hartshorne’s depthconnectivity result [5], Proposition 2.11 in the case of a reduced complete seminormal local ring with rational normalization.
Equine Malignant Lymphomas: Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Classification:

Gross lesions, microscopic appearance, and immunophenotyping are reported in a retrospective study of 31 cases of equine malignant lymphoma. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Monoclonal antibodies to surface glycoprotein BLA.36 and intracytoplasmic domains of mb-1 and B29 were used to document the presence of B lymphocytes in the equine tumors. Polyclonal antibody to CD3 and monoclonal antibodies to T-lymphocyte markers CD3 and CD5 revealed the presence of variable numbers of T cells within the equine lymphomas. The neoplastic component of the equine lymphomas was determined through morphologic evaluation, immunophenotyping, and the use of proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Equine malignant lymphomas were composed of a heterogeneous cell population. Most tumors contained B and T lymphocytes. Twenty-four horses had diffuse lymphomas derived from B lymphocytes. Thirteen of these lymphomas contained primarily neoplastic B lymphocytes. Eleven additional cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma contained from 40% to 80% nonneoplastic T lymphocytes and were classified as T-cell-rich, large B-cell lymphomas. This is the first description of T-cell-rich, B-cell lymphoma in the horse. Six tumors with a diffuse architecture were derived from T lymphocytes. Four T-cell tumors were large-cell tumors, 1 was a small-cell tumor, and in 1 tumor the size of the cells could not be determined accurately because of autolytic change in the tissues. One diffuse large-cell lymphoma did not react with either B- or T-cell markers.
Role of Narrow Mountains in Large-Scale Organization of Asian Monsoon Convection*

Abstract The Asian summer monsoon is organized into distinct convection centers, but the mechanism for this organization is not well understood. Analysis of new satellite observations reveals that narrow mountain ranges are an important organizing agent anchoring monsoon convection centers on the windward side. The Bay of Bengal convection, in particular, features the heaviest precipitation on its eastern coast because of orographic lifting as the southwest monsoon impinges on the coastal mountains of Myanmar (also known as Burma). This is in contrast to the widely held view that this convection is centered over the open ocean as implied by coarse-resolution datasets, a view that would require an entirely different explanation for its formation. Narrow in width and modest in height (≤1 km), these mountains are hardly mentioned in conceptual depictions of the large-scale monsoon and poorly represented in global climate models. The numerical simulations of this study show that orographic rainbands are not a...
Experimental investigation of cerebral contusion: histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of dynamic cortical deformation.

We used a new approach, termed dynamic cortical deformation (DCD), to study the neuronal, vascular, and glial responses that occur in focal cerebral contusions. DCD produces experimental contusion by rapidly deforming the cerebral cortex with a transient, nonablative vacuum pulse of short duration (25 milliseconds) to mimic the circumstances of traumatic injury. A neuropathological evaluation was performed on brain tissue from adult rats sacrificed 3 days following induction of either moderate (4 psi, n = 6) or high (8 psi, n = 6) severity DCD. In all animals, DCD produced focal hemorrhagic lesions at the vacuum site without overt damage to other regions. Examination of histological sections showed localized gross tissue and neuronal loss in the cortex at the injury site, with the volume of cell loss dependent upon the mechanical loading (p < 0.001). Axonal pathology shown with neurofilament immunostaining (SMI-31 and SMI-32) was observed in the subcortical white matter inferior to the injury site and in the ipsilateral internal capsule. No axonal injury was observed in the contralateral hemisphere or in any remote regions. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining revealed widespread reactive astrocytosis surrounding the necrotic region in the ipsilateral cortex. This analysis confirms that rapid mechanical deformation of the cortex induces focal contusions in the absence of primary damage to remote areas 3 days following injury. Although it is suggested that massive release of neurotoxic substances from a contusion may cause damage throughout the brain, these data emphasize the importance of combined injury mechanisms, e.g. mechanical distortion and excitatory amino acid mediated damage, that underlie the complex pathology patterns observed in traumatic brain injury.
Chaos, entropy and integrals for discrete dynamical systems on lattices

Abstract Discrete time dynamical systems on discrete state spaces called lattices are the subject of this paper. These dynamical systems have properties that differ from discrete time dynamical systems on continuous state spaces. These differences include the existence of discrete integrals as constants of motion along orbits. Computer arithmetic, on lattices of floating point numbers, is used typically to evaluate orbits of discrete dynamical systems defined on continuous state spaces, i.e. the iteration of maps on continuous spaces. For chaotic dynamical systems, in which orbits diverge rapidly, computer arithmetic is not suited to this purpose. Calculations based on exact arithmetic performed on lattices are developed in this paper. New dynamical properties are found for discrete dynamical systems on discrete state spaces by restricting to embedded lattices discrete dynamical systems on continuous state spaces. The new results include theorems on existence of discrete integrals for discrete time dynamical systems on lattices, entropy of orbits described by probability distributions, and decompositions of lattices by the dynamics into orbits. A new viewpoint emerges when one takes a countable infinite union of lattices. This is a way in which the computable number field can be approached. The nature of dynamics changes when the discrete state space is infinite. Chaos appears naturally in this setting and in an interesting way.
Kinetics and Stability of a Multicomponent Organophosphate Antidote Formulation in Glass and Plastic

An aqueous solution of trimedoxime bromide, atropine, and benactyzine hydrochloride was formulated to have maximum stability as an antidote in organophosphorus poisoning. The stability of the mixture in glass and plastic cartridges was determined. Glass cartridges were more desirable than plastic; there was less vapor loss, color formation, and anomolous reaction. Trimedoxime was stable, losing 1.4% of its potency after 1 year at 25° and atropine was more stable than trimedoxime. Considerable degradation of benactyzine occurred; 20% of its potency was lost after 1 year at 25°. Equations for predicting the shelf life of each ingredient at selected temperatures are presented.
The Transmogrification of Faerie Land Into Prairie Land

In the spring of 1827 the splendidly appointed steamship Albany slid for the first time into the waters of the Hudson River to begin what proved to be an eighteen-year career of commercial travel on that busy waterway. Two years earlier the opening of New York's Erie Canal linking Albany to its western sister city, Buffalo, had enhanced the already flourishing steamboat commerce on the Hudson, for that mighty river then became the principal access to the great westward water route that terminated with the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Every effort was made, in the newly competitive field of steamboat passage, to capture the fancy and the bookings of river passengers, and steamboat owners vied with one another for excellence in the design and equippage of their vessels. In outfitting the Albany its owner, Col. James A. Stevens, had hit upon an unusual appeal to the esthetic and the patriotic sensibilities of his passengers. In what must surely have been one of the earliest instances of the commercial use of art in America, Col. Stevens included in the Albany's design a picture gallery in which were displayed paintings done by American artists.1 This unique feature, which contributed to the ship's long-term success as part of the Hudson's traffic, meant that passengers could supplement their enjoyment of the magnificant views offered by the river and its forested banks with the study of about a dozen paintings executed by Americans. For the citizen of the young nation the wedding of artistry and technology symbolized by the Albany's picture
Discrete Lanczos derivatives of noisy data

Finite differences are frequently used to differentiate empirical functions, but standard differences tend to amplify the random error that is present in almost all empirical data. This paper uses higher-order Lanczos derivatives and discretized Legendre polynomials to generate minimum variance finite differences to approximate ordinary derivatives of all orders for a fixed discretization error magnitude. The resulting differences can be implemented as finite impulse response filters and are therefore very fast on a computer.
Remembering and representing prose: Quoted speech as a data source

Experiments involving memory for prose have shown that subjects remember meaning better than form and that memory for prose is better in natural environments than in the laboratory. In even the most favorable circumstances, however, verbatim recall is faulty. Words that are not tightly integrated into the clause are remembered less well than those that are not, e.g., hedges and intensifiers, conjunctions, and modifiers. The data have implications for a language of thought.
Development of a serum-free system for the in vitro cultivation of Brugia malayi infective-stage larvae.

Over the past several years, numerous attempts have been made to culture the infective-stage (L3) larvae of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi in an in vitro system that promotes molting to the fourth larval stage (L4). Although there have been reports in the literature of successful L3 to L4 development in vitro, all of these systems have required serum supplementation. The complexity of serum as a culture supplement has made reproducibility of results and identification of specific factors necessary for L3 development problematic. We have developed a serum-free in vitro system consisting of RPMI 1640 supplemented with one of three fatty acids (arachidonic, linoleic, or linolenic) that supports consistent and reproducible molting to the fourth larval stage in the presence of a basidiomycetous yeast, Rhodotorula minuta. Coculture with this yeast, initially isolated as a culture contaminant, is required for successful molting. In serum-free cultures lacking R. minuta, L3 larvae survive for upward of 2 weeks, but do not molt successfully. The L4 larvae generated in cultures containing R. minuta are well formed, as seen by light and electron microscopy, and are capable of further development upon transfer to a permissive host. This culture system is inexpensive and easily reproducible, thus making it a useful tool for studying the requirements for the development of B. malayi L3.
Slip and fall-related injuries in relation to environmental cold and work location in above-ground coal mining operations.

Background The association between slip and fall-related injuries and environmental temperature was examined for mostly enclosed (inside vehicles, machinery, or buildings), outdoor (outside, not enclosed), and enclosed/outdoor jobs in the coal mining industry to see if differences existed among the three work locations that had varying exposure to cold temperatures. Methods Temperature data from the National Climatic Data Center and injury data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration were evaluated from 1985–1990 for seven states. Proportionate methods were used to examine the relationship between slips and falls and temperature. Results Proportionate injury ratios of slips and fall-related injuries increased as temperature declined for all three work locations. Proportion of slips and fall-related injuries that occurred while running/walking increased with declining temperature, with the ground outside as the most common source of these injuries. Conclusions Outside movement becomes a greater hazard at freezing temperatures for workers in all locations, not just outdoor workers. Any intervention methods geared toward reducing injury incidents facilitated by cold weather must also be directed toward workers who spend time in more enclosed locations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:40–48, 2000. © Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Blinded comparison of esophageal capsule endoscopy versus conventional endoscopy for a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux

Background Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is an alternative to EGD for Barrett's esophagus screening. A multicenter study found ECE to be safe, well tolerated, and accurate; however, a post hoc adjudication process was used that may have biased results. Objective To assess the accuracy of ECE for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Design Prospective and blinded, with no adjudication. Patients Screening patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux and surveillance patients with known Barrett's esophagus. Interventions ECE followed by EGD in each subject. Main Outcome Measurements Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ECE for Barrett's esophagus by using EGD results, with histologic confirmation as the criterion standard. Results Ninety-six subjects were enrolled, of whom 90 (94%) completed the study, including 66 screening and 24 surveillance patients. ECE was 67% sensitive and 84% specific for identifying Barrett's esophagus, diagnosing 14 of 21 cases of biopsy-confirmed Barrett's esophagus. Positive and negative predictive values were 22% and 98%, respectively (calculated for screening patients only). Sensitivity for short- and long-segment Barrett's esophagus was similar. Conclusions Our blinded, unadjudicated study shows that ECE had only moderate sensitivity and specificity for identifying Barrett's esophagus. ECE in its present form is not suitable as a primary screening tool for Barrett's esophagus but may be used in patients unwilling to undergo EGD. Inadequate visualization of the gastroesophageal junction may be the cause of suboptimal ECE accuracy; this may be improved by advances in ingestion protocol and capsule calibration.
Chemically reactive thin diffusion barriers

Abstract We assess the degree of protection against diffusion of an environmental pollutant afforded by a thin, chemically reactive surface film on a slab or membrane. For the case of an irreversible quasi-unimolecular reaction in such a surface film we derive a modified radiation boundary condition which adequately describes the presence of such a film. We show that the two extra parameters which appear in this boundary condition, an effective surface conductivity and an effective ambient concentration can be found from the permeation steady state flux and time lag through such a membrane. We compare our approximate boundary condition with that obtained for a chemically passive thin film and a newly derived boundary condition which exactly describes the transport in the composite medium — reactive film and body (slab or membrane). In certain instances such a thin, reactive film is effective as a diffusion barrier.
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Based Launch Lock

Most NASA missions require the use of a launch lock for securing moving components during the launch or securing the payload before release. A launch lock is a device used to prevent unwanted motion and secure the controlled components. The current launch locks are based on pyrotechnic, electro mechanically or NiTi driven pin pullers and they are mostly one time use mechanisms that are usually bulky and involve a relatively high mass. Generally, the use of piezoelectric actuation provides high precession nanometer accuracy but it relies on friction to generate displacement. During launch, the generated vibrations can release the normal force between the actuator components allowing shaft's free motion which could result in damage to the actuated structures or instruments. This problem is common to other linear actuators that consist of a ball screw mechanism. The authors are exploring the development of a novel launch lock mechanism that is activated by a shape memory alloy (SMA) material ring, a rigid element and an SMA ring holding flexure. The proposed design and analytical model will be described and discussed in this paper.
The role of microglial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease [1,2]. Patients typically present with clinical evidence of corticospinal (upper) and anterior horn cell (lower) motor neuron weakness [3]. While continuously losing their muscle strength, patients typically remain cognitively intact and completely aware of their progressive disability. The prevalence of ALS is approximately 5 to 7/100,000 worldwide [3]. ALS strikes adults of any age, and most patients die within 3 to 5 years after onset of symptoms. Among the major neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, ALS is clearly the most rapidly progressive. Most cases of ALS are sporadic and probably acquired; however, approximately 10% of cases of ALS are familial, usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. ALS pathology is characterized by neuronal atrophy and degeneration limited almost exclusively to upper and lower motor neurons. Tragically, available treatment is limited and does not prevent disease progression and death. The cause of sporadic ALS and most familial cases is still unknown. Most likely, ALS represents a heterogeneous group of disorderswith environmental and genetic causes, which all lead to a common final pathway of selective motor neuron degeneration [1]. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been suggested, including (1) oxidative stress, (2) glutamate toxicity, (3) neurofilament
Phase diagram of aggregation of oppositely charged colloids in salty water.

Aggregation of two oppositely charged colloids in salty water is studied. We focus on the role of Coulomb interaction in strongly asymmetric systems in which the charge and size of one colloid is much larger than the other one. In the solution, each large colloid (macroion) attracts a certain number of oppositely charged small colloids $(Z$-ion) to form a complex. If the concentration ratio of the two colloids is such that complexes are not strongly charged, they condense in a macroscopic aggregate. As a result, the phase diagram in a plane of concentrations of two colloids consists of an aggregation domain sandwiched between two domains of stable solutions of complexes. The aggregation domain has a central part of total aggregation and two wings corresponding to partial aggregation. A quantitative theory of the phase diagram in the presence of monovalent salt is developed. It is shown that as the Debye-H\"uckel screening radius ${r}_{s}$ decreases, the aggregation domain grows, but the relative size of the partial aggregation domains becomes much smaller. As an important application of the theory, we consider solutions of long double-helix DNA with strongly charged positive spheres (artificial chromatin). We also consider implications of our theory for in vitro experiments with the natural chromatin. Finally, the effect of different shapes of macroions on the phase diagram is discussed.
The Distribution of Active ingredients in Supported Catalysts Prepared by Impregnation

Abstract Supported catalysts, one of the commonest forms of heterogeneous catalysts in practical use, consist of small crystallites of a catalytically active component dispersed in a porous support of high surface area. Impregnation of the support with an aqueous solution of a compound containing the appropriate catalytic component is an important and frequently used method of preparing this type of catalyst. A nonaqueous solution should be used if the sup port surface is hydrophobic or if hydrolysis of the support surface is to be avoided. In its simplest form, this impregnation method involves three steps: (1) contacting the support with impregnating solution for a certain period of time, (2) drying the support to remove the imbibed liquid, and (3) activating the catalyst by calcination, reduction, or other appropriate treatment.
Extraction of Connected Edges from Knee Radiographs

A computer algorithm is described that extracts the edge information from a digital image of an AP radiograph of the knee. Automated image field partitioning is used as a simplifying first step in the process. Methods that employ a priori knowledge are used to insure simple connected edges.
A Modern Control Approach to Inertial Instrument Capture Loop Design

This paper describes the application of modern control to enhance the performance of a digital capture loop design. A Disturbance Accommodating Controller structure is used to provide type-N servo response. Estimates of average inertial inputs are constructed, which exhibit dynamic characteristics, and resolution superior to that of classical designs. A dry accelerometer is used as a design example. Time and frequency responses are presented.
Effects of Capture on the Reproductive Performance of Female Moose

Abstract Since 1998, 83 female moose Alces alces have been captured and instrumented with radiocollars as part of a population dynamics study in southwestern Alaska. Moose were pursued and immobilized with carfentanil citrate and xylazine HCl administered from a dart gun fired from a helicopter. We investigated the potential for capture and radiotelemetry instrumentation to alter calf production or recruitment of 78 radiocollared adult female moose. Calf production or recruitment by radioed females was not significantly different between capture and noncapture years (P < 0.290; P < 0.789, respectively). We recommend the continued use of these capture and immobilization methods for deploying radiocollars to study moose population dynamics in this region.
SU-E-T-513: Probabilistic Approach to Plan Evaluation in Linac-Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Patient Specific Uncertainty Analysis

Purpose: Acoustic neuroma is treated using highly conformal, framed-based radiosurgery. The gross target volume (GTV) is located near the radiosensitive brainstem. Currently, plan evaluation methods that consider GTV dose conformity and dose to organs at risk (OAR) do not account for setup uncertainty, thereby potentially giving a false sense of target coverage and OAR sparing. More realistic plan evaluations should consider delivery uncertainties. In this work, we introduce a new plan evaluation method based on probability and investigate the effect of translational and rotational setup errors. Methods: Clinically approved 18 acoustic neuroma treatment plans were studied retrospectively. For each treatment plan, 200 new dose distributions were re-calculated while introducing both translational (in all cardinal directions) and rotational errors (in all 3 orthogonal rotation angles). The magnitude of errors for each simulation was randomly generated from the Gaussian distribution with one standard deviation of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degree respectively. From the simulated dose distributions, an approximated probability density function of dose objective for both GTV and brainstem were calculated. The probability density function was then used to compute the probability of delivering prescribed dose to 90% of GTV for each patient. For brainstem, the probability of limiting maximum dose to 11Gy was calculated. These probabilistic metrics were then analyzed with respect to GTV volume, conformity index, and min and max dose to the GTV and brainstem. Results: Across all cases, the average probability of delivering prescribed dose to the 90% of GTV volume was 85±14%. Four patients showed > 50% risk of exceeding 11Gy limit to the brainstem. Conclusion: In highly conformal, single fraction radiosurgery, a small setup error can be critical. We found that the probabilistic assessment of plan objectives can be used to quantitatively assess true target coverage better than the conventional plan assessment metrics.
Preparation for movement in the cat. II. Unit activity in the basal ganglia and thalamus

Abstract Of the movement-related units in the globus pallidus and entopenduncular nucleus 30–40% show early (more than 500 msec) onsets of their movement-related activity preceding self-initiated ‘elbow’-flexing movements in cats. The medial pericruciate motor cortex and the VL-VA thalamic nuclei display similar distributions of onset times, in contrast to the lateral cruciate cortex where 97% of neurons change their activity much later. The possible significance of the early activity is discussed in relation to the notion of ‘response set’. It is suggested that these data support the concept that the basal ganglia participate in the enabling and sequencing of movements rather than in directly causing them to occur.
Pancreatic Stellate Cell Models for Transcriptional Studies of Desmoplasia-Associated Genes

Background: Pancreatic stellate cells are emerging as key players in pathophysiopathological processes underlying the development of pancreatic disease, including pancreatitis and cancer. The cells are scarce in the pancreas making their isolation time and resource use consuming. Methods: Therefore, with the ultimate goal of facilitating mechanistic studies, here we report the isolation, characterization, and immortalization of stellate cell lines from rat and mouse origin. Results: These cell lines display morphological and molecular markers as well as non-tumorigenic characteristics similar to the frequently used hepatic counterparts. In addition, we have tested their robustness as a model for transcriptional regulatory studies. We find that these cells respond well to TGFβ signaling by triggering a distinct cascade of gene expression, some genes overlap with the TGFβ response of LX2 cells. These cells express several key chromatin proteins and epigenetic regulators involved in the regulation of gene expression, including co-repressors such as Sin3A (short-term repression), HP1 (long-term repression), as well as CBP/p300 (activation). Furthermore, these cells are well suited for Gal4-based transcriptional activation and repression assays. Conclusions: The cell model reported here may therefore help fuel investigations in the field of signaling, transcription, and perhaps other studies on similarly exciting cellular processes.
An experimental investigation of the large-strain tensile behavior of neat and rubber-toughened polycarbonate

Abstract The large-strain tensile behavior of polycarbonate and polycarbonate filled with several volume fractions ( f ) of rubber particles is studied via an optical technique. Digital image correlation is used to determine, in two dimensions, the local displacement gradients and full-field displacements during a uniaxial tension test. Full-field strain contours, macroscopic true stress–strain behavior, and local volumetric strain are reduced from the raw test data. Full-field strain contours exhibit a decreasing degree of localization with increasing f . The true stress–strain results show a decrease in modulus, yield stress, post-yield strain softening, and subsequent strain hardening with increasing f . The volumetric strain decreases with increasing f as well. In the case of the neat polymer, comparisons are made to a three-dimensional finite element simulation.
N2 rotational energy distributions in cold, supersonic beams from electron excited fluorescence measurements of N+2

Abstract Ground-state rotational energy distributions of N2 molecules produced in pure and He-seeded supersonic expansions have been determined by measurements of the N+2 first negative band rotational line intensities produced by 800 eV electron impact on cooled pure and He-seeded N2 supersonic beams. Sufficient spectral resolution was employed to resolve completely both P and R branches of the first negative bands. Rotational state distributions were obtained to much higher values of J than in previous investigations. The data show that at 800 eV, the electric dipole selection rule, |ΔJ| = 1, is consistent with the observed N+2 emission bands and that the rotational energy distributions produced in the cooled, supersonic beam are non-Boltzmann with a large population in the first few rotational states followed by a long, high-energy fail to quite high J values.
Lutetium Alkyls Supported by a Dearomatized and Functionalized Terpyridine Ligand: Preparation of Fluorinated Anilide Complexes

Lutetium alkyl complexes supported by a monoanionic, tridentate ligand system formed by the dearomatization and functionalization of a 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine have been reacted with 2,4,6-triphenylaniline or the fluorinated anilines 4-F-C6H4NH2 and C6F5NH2 to give both terminal mono(amide) and bis(amide) lutetium(III) complexes, which have been fully characterized. Both [tBu3(2′-Me3SiCH2)tpy]Lu[NH(2,4,6-Ph3-C6H2)]2 (3) and [tBu3(2′-Me3SiCH2)tpy](C5Me5)Lu(NHC6F5) (7) have been structurally characterized. The fluorinated anilide complexes [tBu3(2′-Me3SiCH2)tpy](C5Me5)Lu(NHArF) (ArF = 4-F-C6H4 (6), C6F5 (7)) provide rare examples of lutetium organofluorine complexes, with 7 featuring an intramolecular F···H−C interaction that is present in both solid state and solution.
Proteolysis and tyrosine phosphorylation of p34cdc2/cyclin B. The role of MCM2 and initiation of DNA replication to allow tyrosine phosphorylation of p34cdc2.

Previously, it has been shown that Aspergillus cells lacking the function of nimQand the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) component bimE APC1 enter mitosis without replicating DNA. Here nimQ is shown to encode an MCM2 homologue. Although mutation of nimQ MCM2 inhibits initiation of DNA replication, a few cells do enter mitosis. Cells arrested at G1/S by lack of nimQ MCM2 contain p34 cdc2 /cyclin B, but p34 cdc2 remains tyrosine dephosphorylated, even after DNA damage. However, arrest of DNA replication using hydroxyurea followed by inactivation of nimQ MCM2 and bimE APC1 does not abrogate the S phase arrest checkpoint over mitosis. nimQ MCM2, likely via initiation of DNA replication, is therefore required to trigger tyrosine phosphorylation of p34 cdc2 during the G1to S transition, which may occur by inactivation of nimT cdc25. Cells lacking both nimQ MCM2 and bimE APC1 are deficient in the S phase arrest checkpoint over mitosis because they lack both tyrosine phosphorylation of p34 cdc2 and the function of bimE APC1. Initiation of DNA replication, which requires nimQ MCM2, is apparently critical to switch mitotic regulation from the APC to include tyrosine phosphorylation of p34 cdc2 at G1/S. We also show that cells arrested at G1/S due to lack of nimQ MCM2 continue to replicate spindle pole bodies in the absence of DNA replication and can undergo anaphase in the absence of APC function.
Model-free approach to controlling nonlinear systems with single output delay

A recently introduced technique called Advanced Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) lays out the principles of designing controllers for nonlinear systems without explicitly knowing the system model. In this paper, we study ADRC in the presence of a single output measurement delay, which may destabilize the observer segment of the ADRC and in turn destabilize the overall nonlinear system. We develop tools to select the controller gains of this observer, which concerns the linear control design, so that the observer can be made asymptotically stable for a range of delays including the output delay. A case study is presented to demonstrate the control implementation on a nonlinear system.
Technical and Computational Aspects of the Measurement of Aggregate Shape by Digital Image Analysis

Aggregates need to pass numerous tests to ensure the performance of asphalt and concrete structures and pavements. Some of these tests are fairly onerous, requiring manual, labor intensive, cost ineffective measurements that do not provide significant statistical validity, and are prone to errors through ignorance, negligence, or even in some cases through deliberate misrepresentation. This paper presents a vision based alternative to measure the shape of aggregate particles. The system, although requiring increased capital invest- ment, will result in objective, cost effective, and timely testing of aggregate shape. The system uses dual, synchronized, double speed progressive scan cameras to image the aggregate piece from two directions. A dual image acquisition card simultaneously digitizes both images and does real-time thresholding to create a binary image, which is ported to the host computer. A software trigger determines the presence of an aggregate piece in the image, and the boundaries of the piece are delineated by a perimeter-walking routine. Measurements of aspect ratio and minimum curve radius are made on the perimeter array, and are compared to flat and elongated tests, coarse aggregate angularity ~uncompacted voids!, compacted voids, and fractured face counts.
HEALTHFUL MENU OFFERINGS IN RESTAURANTS: A SURVEY OF MAJOR U.S. CHAINS

Numerous studies have been conducted which link healthful eating (low fat, high fiber, low sodium, low saturated fat, and low cholesterol) with good health. Consumer attitudes indicate an interest in health and nutrition. Today's health and fitness conscious consumers continue to examine many aspects of their lifestyles which affect good health. This study examines the extent to which restaurant chains are addressing issues of health and nutrition in their restaurant menus. A survey requesting information on nutritional aspects of restaurant menus was sent to the directors of product research and development of 309 major restaurant chains with corporate offices in the United States. A total of 105 (34%) usable responses was obtained. The restaurant chains represented in this study have made changes to their menus in an effort to provide more healthful options. The majority of responding companies (>50%) offer such options as grilled entrees, leaner cuts of beef, and low calorie items. The results of this study indicate there is still room for improvement and survey respondents recognize this fact. Responses to this survey indicate that U. S. chains plan to continue emphasizing the nutritional aspects of their menu offerings.
Assessing the Utility of a PCR Diagnostics Marker for the Identification of Africanized Honey Bee, Apis mellifera L., (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the United States

An assessment of a molecular diagnostic technique for distinguishing Africanized honey bees from European honey bees in the United States was conducted. Results from multiplex PCR diagnostics of a mitochondrial DNA cyt-b marker corresponded with results based on COI-COII sequencing analysis, but differed from morphometric analysis results. We suggest utilizing both multiplex PCR and morphometric methods for Africanized honey bee diagnostics in the United States, when possible.
Kangite, (Sc,Ti,Al,Zr,Mg,Ca,□)2O3, a new ultra-refractory scandia mineral from the Allende meteorite: Synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction

Kangite (IMA 2011-092), (Sc,Ti,Al,Zr,Mg,Ca,□)_2O_3, is a new scandia mineral, occurring as micrometer-sized crystals with REE-rich perovskite and spinel in a davisite-dominant ultra-refractory inclusion from the Allende CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. The phase was characterized by SEM, EBSD, synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction, micro-Raman, and EPMA. The mean chemical composition of the type kangite is (wt%) TiO_2 36.6, Sc_2O_3 26.4, ZrO_2 11.3, Al_2O_3 7.0, Y_2O_3 5.4, CaO 3.9, MgO 3.14, Dy_2O_3 1.8, SiO_2 1.7, V_2O_3 1.31, Er_2O_3 0.92, FeO 0.8, Gd_2O_3 0.60, Ho_2O_3 0.40, Tb_2O_3 0.18, Cr_2O_3 0.09, ThO_2 0.04, O −0.3, sum 101.28, which leads to an empirical formula calculated on the basis of 3 O atoms of [(Sc_(0.54)Al_(0.16)Y_(0.07)V_(0.03)Gd_(0.01)Dy_(0.01)Er_(0.01))^(3+)_(∑0.83)(Ti_(0.66)Zr_(0.13))^(4+)_(∑0.79)(Mg_(0.11)Ca_(0.06) Fe_(0.02))^(2+)_(∑0.19) □_(0.19)] _(∑2.00)O_3. Synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction (i.e., an energy scan by a high-flux X-ray monochromatic beam) on one type domain at submicrometer resolution revealed that kangite has a cation-deficient Ia3 bixbyite-type cubic structure. The cell parameters are a = 9.842(1) A, V = 953.3(1) A^3, Z = 16, which leads to a calculated density of 3.879 g/cm^3. Kangite is a new ultra-refractory mineral, likely originating through low-temperature oxidation of a Sc-,Ti^(3+)-enriched high-temperature condensate oxide dating to the birth of the Solar System.
Onset of the charge-density wave conduction at low temperatures in K0.3MoO3

Abstract The low temperature charge-density wave depinning is investigated in K0.3MoO3 by combined a.c.-d.c. experiments. We observe fast transit times from pinned to depinned state, in agreement with the notion of increased rigidity of the condensate at low temperatures.
A new method for the 1,4-oxygenation of 1-alkylated cyclopentadienes

Abstract The diene 1 was efficiently transformed into the ketol 2 by a three-step process which includes a novel oxygenation by a chlorochromate reagent.