cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Message-based screen interfaces: the effects of presentation rates and task complexity on operator performance

The present experiments investigated the effects of varying message-presentation rate and task complexity on human performance. Variables examined in the experiments included message rate, message presentation format, probability of a target message, and number of response alternatives for target messages. Response accuracy was used as a measure of operator performance. Significant main effects were obtained on all independent variables, except format of message flow. Increasing the message rate, target probability, and number of target categories resulted in poorer accuracy. In general, decreases in accuracy were accentuated when two or more of the manipulated factors were increased. This negative synergism must be taken into account in designing a user-system interface for control systems based on textual-message communications. Language: en
A concept analysis of social support as experienced by siblings of children with cancer

Social support is a complex phenomenon. The concept is variably defined by multiple disciplines. This article analyzes the concept of social support by using the methods outlined in the nursing literature. The concept analysis focuses on psychosocial support of siblings of children with cancer. Each step in the concept analysis is presented to show the relevance of the concept with siblings of children with cancer.
The FIRRE Act and Housing for Low-Income Families

During the 1980s, federal government real, direct expenditures for low-income housing increased modestly, budget authority for future housing spending fell dramatically, and subsidies shifted from primarily construction to tenant aid. These changes reflect the delicate balance struck between Reagan's "decentralized federalism" as it applied to low-income housing and the much more pro-active, centralized positions often advocated by the Congress. Although Congress did not win the budget battle, it did add new resources to low-income housing in less direct ways. One of those less direct initiatives is the low-income housing programs contained in FIRREA, which add both money and institutions to the delivery of housing services for the poor. This article evaluates these new FIRREA programs in expanding the supply of housing for the poor. The article concludes that their success will largely depend on the ability of the low-income housing delivery system to integrate these new institutions and join with them in an active partnership to make efficient use of these new housing resources.
An analysis of cracks in ductile single crystals—II. Mode I loading

A geometrically rigorous formulation of crystalline plasticity is used to analyze the crack-tip deformation and stress fields in ductile single crystals subjected to mode I loading. The theory accounts for finite deformations and finite lattice rotations, as well as for the full three-dimensional crystallographic geometry of the crystal. An experimentally based self-hardening rule exhibiting an initial stage of rapid hardening followed by a saturation stage is also adopted. The problem of a stationary semi-infinite crack in FCC and BCC crystals is considered. As regards the dominant modes of deformation, the results are in partial agreement with earlier analytical and numerical solutions, but in excellent qualitative agreement with recent experimental observations. The results suggest that both finite-deformation and lattice rotation effects, as well as the details of the hardening law, strongly influence the structure of the solution.
Performance of timber buildings under high wind loads

Timber structures often represent the largest percentage of structures built in regions at greatest risk of hurricanes and other high wind events. In countries in which wood structures are common, they often comprise the majority of residential, light commercial, and other low-rise structures. This paper addresses some of the important issues in the performance of wood buildings subject to high wind loads. Implications for design are addressed and recent and on-going research is discussed. Developments in the codes and standards areas and future research directions also are discussed.
Characterization of Vapor Wall Loss in Laboratory Chambers

Laboratory chambers used to study atmospheric chemistry and aerosol formation are subject to wall loss of vapors and particles that must be accounted for in calculating aerosol yields. While particle wall loss in chambers is relatively well-understood and routinely accounted for, that of vapor is less so. Here we address experimental measurement and modeling of vapor losses in environmental chambers. We identify two compounds that exhibit wall loss: 2,3-epoxy-1,4-butanediol (BEPOX), an analog of an important isoprene oxidation product; and glyoxal, a common volatile organic compound oxidation product. Dilution experiments show that BEPOX wall loss is irreversible on short time scales but is reversible on long time scales, and glyoxal wall loss is reversible for all time scales. BEPOX exhibits minimal uptake onto clean chamber walls under dry conditions, with increasing rates of uptake over the life of an in-use chamber. By performing periodic BEPOX wall loss experiments, it is possible to assess quantitatively the aging of chamber walls.
Patients' expectations and satisfaction with total hip arthroplasty

Although there have been many studies focusing on the increasingly important assessment of patients' satisfaction, few studies have specifically addressed this tissue for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The goals of this study were to measure patients' satisfaction with THA and to evaluate the relationships of expectations and outcome to patients' satisfaction. A total of 180 patients were surveyed 2 to 3 years after THA about their experiences with THA. Patients cited 45 different expectations, which were grouped into five categories reflecting improvement in pain, walking, psychological state, essential activities, and nonessential activities. Overall, 89% of patients were satisfied with the results of surgery. Lower rates of satisfaction were found in patients who had a better preoperative condition (as measured by the surgeons with The Hospital for Special Surgery Hip Scale), in patients who expected improvement in nonessential activities, and in patients who reported worse postoperative condition (as measured by self-assessment with the Hip Rating Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form General Health Survey). Patients were also asked how they came to THA. Nearly 50% of patients were first referred to an orthopaedist by family or friends or based on their own knowledge. Seventy-four percent either had subsequently referred others for THA or would have done so if they knew someone with hip pain. This study demonstrates that satisfaction with THA is a complex phenomenon, affected by expectations, outcome, and what patients know about the procedure from their community network. A better understanding of THA satisfaction will enable better future selection of patients and an additional dimension of outcome, both of which are important to patients and payers.
Uredinales of continental China collected by S. Y. Cheo. II.

The rusts reported in this paper were collected in cooperation between the Farlow Herbarium of Harvard University and the University of Nanking. All specimens are deposited in the Arthur Herbarium, Purdue University, and the Farlow Herbarium. Spe? cies preceded by an asterisk have not been recorded previously from continental China, insofar as I have been able to ascertain. In general a conservative attitude has been adopted with respect to identifications; consequently only a few species have been de? scribed as new. This policy was followed because of the meager amount of Chinese material available for comparative study and because of uncertainty, in some cases, concerning the identity of the host material of Cheo's collections. With respect to both specimens and literature I have had the valuable assistance of Dr. Lee Ling of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organizations as well as access to the rust specimens in the Chinese National Herbarium, now deposited in the Mycological Collections of the United States Department of Agriculture. Pucciniastrum agrimoniae (Diet.) Tranz. On Agrimonia sp.: Kwangsi: Yung Hsien, Aug. 1933, (2588); Kweichow : Chiang K'ou Hsien, Sept. 1931, (384). Pucciniastrum potentillae Kom. On Fragaria sp.: Anhwei : Ch'ing Yang Hsien, Oct. 1932, (1155) ; Kiangsi : Sin Tsz Hsien, Sept. 1932, (1046).
Clozapine is a potent and selective muscarinic M4 receptor agonist

Clozapine was studied in functional assays at human muscarinic M1-M5 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Clozapine was a full agonist at the muscarinic M4 receptor (EC50 = 11 nM), producing inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. In contrast, clozapine potently antagonized agonist-induced responses at the other four muscarinic receptor subtypes. Selective stimulation of M4 receptors may, in part, explain the hypersalivation observed clinically with clozapine. Moreover, the unique overall muscarinic profile of clozapine may contribute to its atypical antipsychotic efficacy.
Redox-based probes as tools to monitor oxidized protein tyrosine phosphatases in living cells

Reversible oxidation of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) has emerged as an important regulatory mechanism whereby reactive oxygen species (ROS) inactivates the PTP and promotes phosphorylation and induction of the signaling cascade. The lack of sensitive and robust methods to directly detect oxidized PTPs has made it difficult to understand the effects that PTP oxidative inactivation play in redox signaling. We report the use of redox-based probes to directly detect oxidized PTPs in a cellular context, which highlights the importance of direct approaches to assist in the study of physiological and pathophysiological PTP activity in redox regulation. We also demonstrate, as a proof-of-concept, that these redox-based probes serve as prototypes for the design and development of a new class of inhibitors for phosphatases. We envision a nucleophile reacting with the oxidized inactive catalytic cysteine to generate an irreversible thioether adduct which prevents the phosphatase from being reactivated and ultimately fortifies the signaling cascade. Our results reveal the potential of translation of our redox-based probes, which are used to understand redox cell circuitry and disease biology, to small-molecule nucleophile-based inhibitors, which may treat diseases associated with redox stress. This may have implications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Activation of Human Histidine Decarboxylase Gene Promoter Activity by Gastrin Is Mediated by Two Distinct Nuclear Factors

The human histidine decarboxylase gene is regulated by gastrin through a cis-acting element known as the gastrin response element (GAS-RE) that was initially localized to a site (+2 to +24) downstream of the transcriptional start site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using sequentially deleted DNA probes and nuclear extracts from AGS-B gastric cancer cells showed that the GAS-RE is actually composed of two overlapping binding sites (GAS-RE1, +1 to +19; and GAS-RE2, +11 to +27) that bind distinct nuclear factors. Reporter gene assays demonstrated that each element alone could confer gastrin responsiveness, but the presence of both elements was required for complete gastrin response. Stimulation of AGS-B cells with gastrin for 10–20 min resulted in a >2-fold increase in factor binding. The binding was inhibited by pretreatment of AGS-B cells with cycloheximide and the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059, indicating a requirement for protein synthesis and also indicating that activation occurs through the MEK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. UV cross-linking and Southwestern blot analysis showed that GAS-RE1 bound a 52-kDa protein, whereas GAS-RE2 bound a 35-kDa protein. Hence, activation of histidine decarboxylase gene promoter activity by gastrin is most likely mediated by two separate nuclear factors.
Enhanced intramolecular amide-amide hydrogen bonding through cooperativity

Abstract Model peptides 1–6 are prepared and studied by IR and variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopies. The α-hydroxy diamides 3 and 4 form intramolecular amide-amide hydrogen bond through an eight-membered and a nine-membered ring, respectively. When compared to Gellman's simple diamides of same chain length, the enhanced hydrogen bond strength is considered as an indication of a cooperative effect.
Use of estuarine water column tests for detecting toxic conditions in ambient areas of the chesapeake bay watershed

Various estuarine water column toxicity tests were conducted twice in nine different ambient stations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed over a 2-year period (1991 to 1993) to determine if toxic conditions existed. The following 8-d toxicity tests were conducted: larval sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) survival and growth test; larval grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) survival and growth test; and a copepod (Eurytemora affinis) life-cycle test. During the second year of testing, two 48-h coot clam (Mulinia lateralis) tests were conducted at each station during each testing period. In 1991, the toxicity tests were conducted twice at stations in the Potomac River at Morgantown and Dahlgren, and in the Patapsco River and the Wye River at the Manor House. All of the above tests were conducted during the fall of 1992 and spring of 1993 at two stations in the Wye River, Nanticoke River, and Middle River. Inorganic contaminants, organic contaminants, and water-quality conditions were measured concurrently during the toxicity testing of ambient water. In 1991, reduced growth of sheepshead minnow larvae was reported at both Potomac River stations during the first test. Significant mortality of either the copepod or sheepshead minnow larvae was also reported at the Wye River during bothmore » tests. Results from the 1992/93 testing generally showed minimal effects for three of the test species at all stations. Reduced normal shell development was reported for the coot clam at both Middle River stations during the fall and spring tests concurrently with concentrations of various trace metals that exceeded chronic marine water-quality criteria.« less
Hepatitis C infection: a systemic disease with extrahepatic manifestations.

Mixed cryoglobulinemia, renal syndromes, lymphoproliferative disorders, Sjogren syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda, and neuropathies are all strongly associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Diabetes, thyroid disease, and the presence of autoantibodies in the serum are also linked to HCV, but less strongly. The pathophysiologic basis for most of these syndromes seems immunologic. Cirrhosis and chronic HCV infection seem to be risk factors.
Describing autophagy via analysis of individual organelles by capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection.

Autophagy is a cellular process responsible for the degradation of intracellular cargo. Its dynamic nature and the multiple types of autophagy organelles present at a given time make current measurements, such as those done by Western blotting, insufficient to understand autophagy and its roles in aging and disease. Capillary electrophoresis coupled to laser induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF) has been used previously to count and determine properties of individual organelles, but has never been used on autophagy organelles or for determination of changes of such properties. Here we used autophagy organelles isolated from L6 cells expressing GFP-LC3, which is an autophagy marker, to develop a CE-LIF method for the determination of the number of autophagy organelles, their individual GFP-LC3 fluorescence intensities, and their individual electrophoretic mobilities. These properties were compared under basal and rapamycin-driven autophagy, which showed differences in the number of detected organelles an...
Involvement of receptor-interacting protein 2 in innate and adaptive immune responses

Host defences to microorganisms rely on a coordinated interplay between the innate and adaptive responses of immunity1. Infection with intracellular bacteria triggers an immediate innate response requiring macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells, whereas subsequent activation of an adaptive response through development of T-helper subtype 1 cells (TH1) proceeds during persistent infection1. To understand the physiological role of receptor-interacting protein 2 (Rip2), also known as RICK and CARDIAK, we generated mice with a targeted disruption of the gene coding for Rip2. Here we show that Rip2-deficient mice exhibit a profoundly decreased ability to defend against infection by the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Rip2-deficient macrophages infected with L. monocytogenes or treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have decreased activation of NF-κB, whereas dominant negative Rip2 inhibited NF-κB activation mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 and Nod1. In vivo, Rip2-deficient mice were resistant to the lethal effects of LPS-induced endotoxic shock. Furthermore, Rip2 deficiency results in impaired interferon-γ production in both TH1 and natural killer cells, attributed in part to defective interleukin-12-induced Stat4 activation. Our data reflect requirements for Rip2 in multiple pathways regulating immune and inflammatory responses.
Regulation of glutathione by oxidative stress in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Glutathione plays important roles as an intracellular antioxidant and in the maintenance of cellular thiol-disulfide balance. In addition, glutathione may regulate cell growth signaling induced by ...
Postmortem examinations and the embodiment of inequality in 19th century United States.

Abstract A young adult female recovered from the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground (1830–1870) exhibits evidence of a postmortem examination in which the calvarium was circumferentially cut. At this time in the United States postmortem examinations and dissections were only legal when performed on criminals and the poor. However, the illegal appropriation of bodies from the cemeteries of marginalized groups such as African Americans served as a major source of anatomical specimens. The goals of this paper are to describe the evidence for a postmortem examination and subsequently to contextualize the significance of such a procedure within the prevailing cultural attitudes toward the body and anatomy. The first task is relatively straightforward and adds to our understanding of medical practices of the time. Realization of the second task is more elusive as it necessitates characterizing the motivation for the procedure, something that must remain speculative. The discussion of the procedure as a form of embodied identity, however, gives us insight into race relations during this time while also providing a lens through which we can consider embodiment in other contexts.
Multicore Photonic Crystal Fiber Force Meters

ABSTRACT A silica based three core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) force meter with fast response times (<30 s) for low wind speed detection is presented. Results are provided for PCF structures containing cores with varied lattice spacing. Force meters with high spatial resolution (sample regions  10cm) specially outfitted for extreme environmental conditions are of interest to both industry and basic research institutions. Th e featured PCF force meter exhibited sensitivities that agreed with theoretical predictions that are useful for the detection of minimum displacements for wind speeds <30m/s. The results of this investigation are relevant to civil engineering applications including urban sensing technologies that involve air quality monitoring. The deflection of the PCF detection interface was measured as a function of the fiber deflection or the applied force (e.g. wind speed). The three core PCF has a core diameter of 3.9 m, outer diameter of 132.5 m and 7.56 m core-core spacing. A 4cm length of the PCF is attached to the surface of a thin metal beam. One end of the PCF section is fusion spliced to a single mode fiber (SMF) at the fiber input. The remaining fiber end is coupled to a CCD camera with a lens at the PCF output. The applied force deflect s the supported PCF such that the intensity distribution of the optical field for the multiple cores changes as a function of displacement. Experimental results from static deflection measurements are in agreement with coupled-mode theory and simple beam deflection theory models. Keywords: photonic crystal fiber, force meters
Diffraction analysis of metallic, semiconducting and inorganic glasses

Abstract Recent advances in both diffraction theory and experiments have led to the determination of the topological and chemical short-range order in metallic, semiconducting and inorganic glasses. The introduction of the variable wavelength experiments in x-ray diffraction (energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction) and in neutron diffraction (time-of-flight measurements with polychromatic neutrons) has extended the reciprocal space to the values of K = ( 4π γ ) sin ϑ as high as 40 A−1. These extended diffraction data have yielded high resolution radial distribution functions for such glasses. The structure of two-component systems, consisting of elements 1 and 2 (binary alloys), is characterized by three partial structure factors SNN (K), SCC (K), and SNC (K) which describe interference functions I11 (K), I22 (K) and I12 (K), or the topological short-range order, the chemical short-range order, and the correlation between number density and concentration, respectively. These partial functions can be evaluated from three total interference functions obtained by (1) isomorphous substitution of one or both elements, (2) isotopic substitution (for neutrons), (3) three different radiations (x-rays, neutrons, and electrons), (4) anomalous dispersion, and/or (5) polarized neutrons for magnetic materials. Three special cases facilitate the evaluation of the partial interference functions or structure factors: (1) x-ray or neutron experiments on two-component systems with elements i, whose coherent scattering amplitudes fi are similar, will yield the topological shortrange order SNN(K) = c12I11(K) + c22I22(K) + 2c1c2I12(K) where ci is the atomic concentration of element i. (2) If we choose a system for which c1f1 + c2f2 = 0, (zero-alloy), we can directly determine the chemical short-range order SCC(K) = c1c2{1 + c1c2[I11(K) +I22(K) − 2I12(K)]}. (3) If the coherent scattering amplitude f2 of element 2 is zero (null-element), then we obtain directly the partial interference function I11(K). Examples of recent attempts to determine the partial interference functions Iij(K) and their corresponding atomic distribution functions ϱij(r) will be given for metallic, semiconducting and inorganic glasses.
Nonpremixed edge flames in spatially varying straining flows

Abstract Nonpremixed flames subject to steady but spatially varying straining flows were studied to examine one aspect of nonpremixed flames in strongly turbulent flows or near quenching conditions (e.g., near a burner rim), where strain-rate gradients are present and local strain rates may be high enough to cause local flame-front extinguishment. The spatially varying straining flow were created using an opposed slot-jet burner with slightly nonparallel jet exits. The most significant observation was that steady flame “edges” could be created where the flame would exist in the low-strain region but would be extinguished in the high-strain region. The local strain at the location of the stationary flame edge was almost always lower than the strain required to extinguish flames in the same mixture subject to a spatially uniform strain. The strain rate at the edge-flame location was independent of the strain-rate gradient and gradual transitions from edge-flame behavior to uniformly strained flame behavior were not observed, indicating that conventional nonpremixed flames and edge flames are quite distinct structures yet each has well-defined properties. At the flame edge, interferometer images indicate a region of locally intense burning and an abrupt transition to nonburning conditions away from the edge. These observations were found to be qualitatively consistent with recent theoretical models of flame edges. These results indicate that “laminar flamelet” models of nonpremixed turbulent combustion may require reevaluation at conditions approaching those where local flame quenching occurs. It is proposed that these models could be improved by adding edge-flame libraries to existing laminar flamelet libraries.
Pronuclear Location Before the First Cell Division Determines Ploidy of Polyspermic Pig Embryos

Polyspermy occurs frequently in the fertilization of mammalian eggs, but little is known about whether polyspermic eggs have developmental ability in vitro or in vivo. We previously reported that poly-pronuclear (PPN; 3 or more pronuclei) pig eggs developed normally to the blastocyst stage despite having fewer inner cell mass cell numbers as compared to blastocysts derived from two-pronuclear (2PN) eggs. Here it is shown that most PPN pig eggs have abnormal cleavage patterns (having 3 or more cells) in the first cell division and retarded development of pronuclei prior to syngamy as compared to 2PN eggs. Most blastocysts (14 of 18) that developed from PPN eggs showed abnormal ploidy (were haploid, triploid, and tetraploid) whereas 20 of 22 blastocysts derived from 2PN embryos were diploid. The size and morphology of most Day 40 fetuses that developed from PPN eggs appeared to be normal. Of 8 Day 40 fetuses analyzed, 1 was triploid (XXY) and another was a mosaic with both diploid (XX) and tetraploid cells (frequency of less than 10%, XXXX), and the others were diploid. Anomalies of chromosomal composition were not detected in these fetuses. Five live piglets and one dead piglet were born from two recipients of PPN eggs. It is proposed that not all pronuclei of PPN pig eggs participate in syngamy, resulting in diploid cells in the conceptus. Our data suggest that there are two types of pronuclei location in polyspermic pig eggs and that the resulting ploidy is determined at the zygote stage before the first cell division according to pronuclear location.
The case for reader research

The author argues for a new attitude and praxis in consumer publishing that entails ongoing reader research. This change would reduce failure rates, increase profits, and better serve publishers’ cultural and economic objectives. Such studies would encompass both basic research and research on specific titles.
Initial Articles in Library Catalog Title Searches: An Impediment to Information Retrieval

Initial articles have posed difficulty for end-users since the first online library catalogs. This study examines the way users search using left-anchored title searches for items that contain insignificant initial articles in a library catalog. It also investigates how users react when they do not find an item because their search phrase included an insignificant initial article. The results show that a considerable number of users do not find existing titles that have insignificant initial articles because their search strategy does not coincide with the way the Library Management System was designed to handle index and retrieve these titles. Suggestions for further research are offered.
Computing Pareto Optimal Coordinations on Roadmaps

We consider the coordination of multiple robots in a common environment, each robot having its own (distinct) roadmap. Our primary contribution is a classification of and exact algorithm for computing vector-valued (or Pareto) optima for collision-free coordination. We indicate the utility of new geometric techniques from CAT(0) geometry and give an argument that curvature bounds are the key distinguishing feature between systems for which the classification is finite and for those in which it is not.
Second-order Jahn–Teller instability and the activation energy for Al+(1S) + H2 AlH+(2∑+) + H

The interaction of Al[sup +] ([sup 1]S) ions with H[sub 2] on the lowest electronic energy surface is studied using ab initio electronic structure methods. A C[sub s] symmetry transition state is located and found to have the geometry of a product AlH[sup =] ion loosely bound to a H atom, consistent with the Hammond postulate for this endothermic reaction. Locating this transition state, beginning at geometries that characterize vibrationally cold H[sub 2] and translationally hot Al[sup +], posed special challenges to the commonly used hill-climbing' algorithm because of regions of geometrical instability along the path thus generated. This instability was found to be a result of second-order Jahn-Teller coupling with a low-lying [sup 1]B[sub 2] electronic state. In addition to these primary findings, a weakly bound T-shaped Al[sup +]---H[sub 2] C[sub 2v] van der Waals complex is found that lies only 242 cm [sup [minus]1] below the Al[sup +] and H[sub 2] asymptote, with H-H internuclear separation only slightly distorted from the equilibrium bond distance of H[sub 2] and an Al-H distance (3.5 [angstrom]) much longer than the covalent bond length in AlH[sup +] (1.6 [angstrom]). The locally stable but thermodynamically unstable linear HAlH[sup +] ([sup 1][Sigma][sup +][sub g])more » species and, of course, the H + AlH[sup +]([sup 2][Sigma][sup +]) reaction products have also been identified as critical points on the ground-state surface. Where known, the geometries and energies that are calculated agree well with experimental data. 10 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Rapid solidification by unstable combustion synthesis

During combustion/micropyretic synthesis, conditions that give rise to rapid solidification and rapidly solidified microstructures may be encountered. In this article, many such conditions are identified for the first time in a Ni–Al system. In addition, the banded structures and aligned dendrites that are encountered in this system are also examined. The various techniques of rapid solidification that may be initiated with combustion synthesis are examined and discussed.
Type III intermittency: a nonlinear dynamic model of EEG burst suppression

Abstract Burst suppression electroencephalograms from 9 comatose patients have been studied using nonlinear dynamic techniques. These EEG records show many dynamical features characteristic of nonlinear systems, including sensitive dependence on initial conditions, self-organization, similarity across scales, and intermittency. Histograms of burst durations showed an asymmetric distribution with a decreasing tail of increasing duration. Interpreting the histograms from the standpoint of intermittency classifications of iterated dynamical maps, the absence of any conspicuous maximal cut-off duration suggests a type III intermittency. The power-law exponent of the decreasing tail is − 3 2 for type III intermittency in the large scale sample size limit, and we have found the EEGs to be consistent with type III intermittency behavior. We have also developed a nonlinear algorithm which models burst suppression pattern based on a low dimensional return map. Burst suppression pattern appears to be the constrained activity of a nonlinear dynamical system at the transition to chaos.
Future studies of planetary rings by spaceprobes

Recent observations by the Pioneer and Voyager missions have been the basis for major advances in our know ledge and understanding of the Jovian and Saturnian rings. Future spaceprobe observations offer further opportunities for studying the ring systems of giant planets.
Iris Yellow Spot Virus in Onion Bulb and Seed Crops in Washington.

The geographic distribution of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV, Genus Tospovirus, Family Bunyaviridae) in onion (Allium cepa L.) crops in the western United States has increased with the most recent r...
Chat It Up! Extending Reference Services to Assist Off-Campus Students

Abstract A virtual reference service is likely to attract both on-campus and off-campus students and providing one service for all users can extend the hours of availability to all students. The needs of these two student populations may differ and off-campus users may present some specific challenges to the reference staff. While some libraries do have a specified distance education librarian, it is unlikely at many institutions that there will be reference staff dedicated only to answering questions from off-campus students. Reference services for off-campus students do present special issues about which general reference staff may not be aware. With awareness of these challenges and proper training, an existing virtual reference service can be extended (or improved) to help off-campus students, or a new chat service can be developed with the objective to assist all user groups with equal success.
Some Aspects of a Theory of Interpersonal Contracts

In this introductory paper are examined some of the aspects or parameters of interpersonal contract formation. The Interpersonal Contract Exercise, a technique for making contracts explicit in a group setting, is introduced. Underlying the discussion of the various aspects of interpersonal contracts is the theme of the desirability of open communication of these contracts—both in their interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects. Another principle contains the idea of an implicit hierarchy of contracts in which the most powerful contract may be the least conscious or overt, as in real versus presumed contracts, primary versus secondary subself involvements or hidden simultaneous contracts with self. Conditions which favor or inhibit contract formation include mutual trust and identification, degree of social dissonance, third parties, and egalitarian versus authoritarian social systems. The Interpersonal Contract Exercise is outlined and some of its applications mentioned.
Linear estimation in Krein spaces. I. Theory

The authors develop a self-contained theory for linear estimation in Krein spaces. The derivation is based on simple concepts such as projections and matrix factorizations and leads to an interesting connection between Krein space projection and the recursive computation of the stationary points of certain second-order (or quadratic) forms. The authors use the innovations process to obtain a general recursive linear estimation algorithm. When specialized to a state-space structure, the algorithm yields a Krein space generalization of the celebrated Kalman filter with applications in several areas such as H/sup /spl infin//-filtering and control, game problems, risk sensitive control, and adaptive filtering.
Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy of mixed-anion semiconductor heterostructures

Abstract The engineering of advanced heterostructure and nanoscale semiconductor devices has made essential a detailed understanding of, and control over, the structure and properties of semiconductor materials and devices at the atomic to nanometer scale. Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy provides unique and powerful capabilities for characterization of structural morphology and electronic properties in semiconductor epitaxial and device structures with spatial resolution at or near the atomic scale. The basic technique of cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy, and key experimental considerations, are described in this article. Some representative applications of this technique drawn from recent investigations in our laboratory of atomic-scale alloy layer and interface structure in mixed-anion semiconductor heterostructures are presented. By combining the results of scanning tunneling microscopy studies with those of other, complementary characterization techniques, it is possible to develop a detailed understanding of atomic- to nanometer-scale properties of semiconductor materials and devices and to establish correlations between atomic-scale material properties and the behavior of actual devices.
The density of states for interacting systems with inelastic transitions and its relation to the collision lifetime

Abstract The quantum mechanical excess density of states ρ(E) is shown to be given in terms of the S matrix by (i/2π) Tr{SdS+/dE}, giving the relationship ρ(E) = h−1 Tr{Q}, where Q is the collision lifetime matrix of Smith.
Wallerian degeneration in human nerves: Serial electrophysiological studies

After nerve transection, the distal stump undergoes Wallerian degeneration (WD). Little information is available concerning sequential changes in nerve conduction measurements during WD in humans. Five patients with nerve injuries were studied temporally. Motor-evoked amplitudes were reduced by 50% at 3 to 5 days after injury; the response was absent by day 9. Sensory-evoked amplitudes were reduced by 50% at 7 days after injury; the response was absent by day 11. Sensory and motor nerves with shorter distal stumps showed earlier loss of amplitude than did those with longer distal stumps. Denervation potentials were seen 10 to 14 days after injury. Our results suggest that WD occurs earlier if the distal stump is shorter, and that motor-evoked responses are affected earlier than sensory-evoked responses. The time-lag between the loss of the motor-evoked response and the appearance of denervation potentials, the latter coinciding with reduction of sensory evoked responses, suggests that failure of neuromuscular transmission precedes axonal loss during WD.
Matched filter vs. least-squares for multiple-coil MRI

To achieve the best possible performance in parallel MRI, two reconstruction methods have been widely used in practice: (1): least squares error minimization, e.g. the SENSE method, and (2) maximization of the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), known as the matched filter or the MR phased array. We discuss precise assumptions under which methods (1) and (2) become equivalent and also give examples to show that, in general, the two performance criteria can not both be optimized at the same time. We also show that the g-function, which is widely used to assess performance with SENSE, is actually a case of the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB). For unbiased linear reconstructions (not necessarily the particular SENSE reconstruction), the Cramer-Rao bound can be used either to give a general floor on reconstruction error or a ceiling on attainable reconstruction SNR. These results are helpful for performing tradeoffs among algorithms, for optimizing coil array design, and for assessing the ultimate achievable algorithm performance.
A TEST OF THE CHROMOSOMAL REARRANGEMENT MODEL OF SPECIATION IN DROSOPHILA PSEUDOOBSCURA

Recent studies suggest that chromosomal rearrangements play a significant role in speciation by preventing recombination and maintaining species persistence despite interspecies gene flow. Factors conferring adaptation or reproductive isolation are maintained in rearranged regions in the face of hybridization, while such factors are eliminated from collinear regions. As a direct test of this rearrangement model, we evaluated the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility in a sympatric species pair, Drosophila pseudoobscura pseudoobscura and D. persimilis, and an allopatric species pair, D. pseudoobscura bogotana and D. persimilis. Our results are consistent with the proposed model: virtually all of the sterility factors in the former pair are associated with three inverted regions, whereas sterility factors are present in the collinear regions in the latter pair. These findings indicate recombination and selection may have eliminated sterility factors outside the inverted regions between D. p. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis, suggesting chromosomal rearrangements may facilitate species persistence despite hybridization.
High Power Current Sensorless Bidirectional 16-Phase Interleaved DC-DC Converter for Hybrid Vehicle Application

A new 16-phase interleaved bidirectional dc/dc converter is developed featuring smaller input/output filters, faster dynamic response and lower device stress than conventional designs, for hybrid vehicle applications. The converter is connected between the ultracapacitor (UC) pack and the battery pack in a multisource energy storage system of a hybrid vehicle. Typically, multiphase interleaved converters require a current control loop in each phase to avoid imbalanced current between phases. This increases system cost and control complexity. In this paper, in order to minimize imbalance currents and remove the current control loop in each phase, the converter is designed to operate in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The high current ripple associated with DCM operation is then alleviated by interleaving. The design, construction, and testing of an experimental hardware prototype is presented, with the test results included. Finally, a novel soft switch topology for DCM operation is proposed for future research, to achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS), or zero-current switching (ZCS) in all transitions.
Effects of Kupffer Cell Depletion on Acute Alpha-Naphthylisothiocyanate-induced Liver Toxicity in Male Mice

Depletion of Kupffer cells, known to modulate chemical-induced hepatocellular injury, has not been studied with regard to biliary epithelial injury. Here, the authors investigated the effect of Kupffer cell depletion by clodronate on the toxicity of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT), known to injure biliary epithelium as well as hepatocytes. Up to 99% depletion of Kupffer cells occurred in ANIT and liposome-encapsulated clodronate-treated mice. The effect of Kupffer cell depletion was most evident one day following ANIT treatment. Histologically, there was a modest increase in neutrophil infiltration of the bile ducts, hepatocytic necrosis, and microvesicular vacuolization in the ANIT and clodronate-treated mice, but differences between other groups did not persist. Clinical pathology analytes related to the biliary or hepatocellular injury were significantly elevated in ANIT and clodronate-treated mice compared to mice given clodronate only. This was also true for mice given ANIT and empty liposomes in the case of the biliary analytes. However, group means were typically higher for the ANIT and clodronate-treated group than others on the first 2 days following ANIT injection. These findings suggest that Kupffer cell reduction increases hepatobiliary damage due to ANIT treatment.
Minimally invasive endoscopic resection of sinonasal and anterior skull base malignant neoplasms

The evolution of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, coupled with advances in surgical instrumentation and computer-aided surgery, has greatly facilitated the management of complex sinonasal and skull-base pathology. This accrued experience has facilitated consideration of the treatment of malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses and skull base via the endoscopic route. This strategy uses the rigid endoscope as the primary surgical modality for resection of neoplasms within the paranasal sinus confines, along with the adjacent orbit and skull base. The endoscopic approach has been demonstrated to be effective, with surgical outcomes approaching the traditional open craniofacial resection, providing unparalleled visualization, avoidance of facial incisions and reduction in morbidity. This article outlines the salient components of the endoscopic paradigm for minimally invasive tumor resection, focusing on requisite technology, surgical techniques and patient outcomes.
Dynamic mechanical properties of lightly sulfonated polystryrene ionomers

The effects of counterion type and addition of plasticizers on the dynamic mechanical properties of sulfonated atactic polystyrene (SaPS) containing 2.1 mole percent ionic groups have been investigated. For SaPS neutralized with alkali metal counterions at temperatures below 180°C, the matrix Tg and elastic modulus were not significantly affected by counterion type. However, above 180°C, the breadth of the rubbery plateau significantly decreased with increasing counterion size. Neutralization of SaPS with alkyl ammonium counterions decreased both the matrix Tg and the breadth of the rubbery plateau with increasing counterion size. By incorporating an ionic plasticizer in Na+ neutralized SaPS, dynamic mechanical properties were observed to be intermediate of systems neutralized with the alkali metal and alkyl ammonium counterions.
On the costs for reliable messaging in Web/grid service environments

As Web services have matured they have been substantially leveraged within the academic, research and business communities. An exemplar of this is the realignment, last year, of the dominant grid application framework - Open Grid Services Infrastucture (OGSI) - with the emerging consensus within the Web services community. Reliable messaging is an important component within the Web services stack. There are two competing, and very similar, specifications within this domain viz. WS-ReliableMessaging (WSRM) and WS-reliability (WSR); this work focuses on the WSRM specification. In this paper we provide an overview of the WSRM protocol, describe our implementation of WSRM, and present an analysis of the costs (in terms of latencies and memory utilizations) involved in the use of WSRM. Since WSRM is very similar to WS-reliability we expect the performance of WSRM to be very similar to that of WSR. We hope that the work presented here helps researchers and systems designers gauge the suitability of Web services based reliable messaging in their applications and also to make appropriate trade-offs, which includes inter alia interoperability, guarantees, quality of service and performance
Covered Call ETFs for BRIC Markets

We explore the feasibility of creating a covered call ETF within BRIC countries to serve the growing global demand for emerging market investments having attractive risk and return characteristics Our findings suggest that currently among BRIC nations India alone has stock and options markets that make an index covered call ETF practically achievable. Such an ETF on India's NIFTY index appear to provide the valuable covered call benefits of yield enhancement over cash returns with volatility below that of the NIFTY index, diversification benefits due to a lower correlation with the NIFTY and a degree of protection against falling markets. Using closing price and intraday price data on the NIFTY and NIFTY options we verify that covered call returns in India are attractive and compatible with findings of past covered call studies. We conclude a covered call ETF on the NIFTY could be created, listed and quoted on local exchanges in India, Europe, the US or elsewhere.
Melanocortin subtype-4 receptor agonists containing a piperazine core with substituted aryl sulfonamides

Abstract The biological activity for a set of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonists containing a piperazine core with an ortho-substituted aryl sulfonamide is described. Compounds from this set had binding and functional activities at MC4R less than 30 nM. The most selective compound in this series was >25,000-fold more potent at MC4R than MC3R, and 490-fold more potent at MC4R than MC5R. This compound also reduced food intake after oral dosing at 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 in fasted mice.