cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subcarrier Power Adjustment Technique for Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction of OFDM Systems

In this paper, we propose a novel peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction algorithm for OFDM systems that employs a two-step approach for adjusting the subcarrier power levels. The first step re-distributes the power level across all subcarriers, which slightly reduces the error robustness of the system, while the second step ensures the subcarrier power distribution obeys a subband power constraint. The resulting power levels satisfy spectrum regulatory requirements across the transmission spectrum while simultaneously reducing the PAPR and maintaining a degree of error robustness. Since no overhead information is required, the proposed algorithm does not incur a throughput penalty. Simulation results for a 256-subcarrier OFDM system employing QPSK symbols and the proposed algorithm show a PAPR reduction of 1.5 dB for a complementary cumulative distribution of 0.1%.
La cirugía convencional sigue siendo la mejor opción en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la valvulopatía aórtica. Argumentos a favor

Es prematuro intentar establecer una comparacion entre los resultados obtenidos en el reemplazo valvular aortico con las denominadas tecnicas «minimamente invasivas » y los que se obtienen rutinariamente usando la esternotomia media. La casuistica disponible con los procedimientos de abordaje limitado es aun reducida y quizas anecdotica. Entre cien enfermos consecutivos operados por esternotomia media en la Clinica Mayo, hubo un caso de muerte hospitalaria. La duracion media de la circulacion extracorporea fue de 72 min; la duracion media de pinzamiento aortico fue de 50 min. No hubo ningun caso de sangrado o de infeccion postoperatoria. La duracion media de hospitalizacion fue de 6,4 dias. Estos resultados son semejantes a los obtenidos mediante las tecnicas de abordaje limitado.
A non-linear system controller

A method is given for finding a feedback controller that forces the response of a given non-linear system to follow the response of a predetermined linear system. A test is provided that gives sufficient conditions for the existence of such a control. Algorithms are given that allow implementation on a digital computer. Possible solutions to some of the difficulties encountered in using this method are also investigated. Both the deterministic and stochastic cases are examined.
Bovine Intramammary Pressure Changes during Mechanical Milking

Summary Pressure changes within the intact bovine udder were measured during mechanical milking. Simultaneous pressure recordings were obtained from the teat sinus, gland sinus, pulsator line, and milk line. Indwelling polyvinyl catheters were used to obtain pressure measurements in the teat and gland sinuses. Data from 24 recordings on 12 different quarters of five cows were evaluated. Intramammary pressure increased with milk letdown and was followed by a gradual decline during milk flow. At the end of milk flow a pulsating vacuum developed in the teat sinus, and a residual teat sinus vacuum persisted after inflation collapse. A slight residual gland sinus vacuum also developed after the end of milk flow. After milk removal and teat canal ligation, residual vacuum did not develop in the teat sinus during normal milking machine operation, although a pulsating vacuum was noted. Pressure change in the teat sinus apparently resulted from inflation action upon the teat wall and extension of milk line vacuum through the teat canal.
Laser-pulled ultralong platinum and gold nanowires

We report the preparation and characterization of single platinum and gold nanowires with lengths up to 5 millimeters. Quartz-sealed platinum and gold nanowires are fabricated by drawing a short piece of the corresponding microwire using a highly reproducible laser pulling procedure. Bare metal nanowires are prepared by hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching of the quartz encapsulation. We show that these nanowires have cylindrical shape and taper down to an observed diameter as small as 10 nm for platinum and 40 nm for gold, yielding exceptionally high aspect ratios. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that both the gold and platinum nanowires exhibit a significant preference for development of the {111} crystal face in the axis normal to the nanowire length, whereas the {200} crystal face is nearly absent in this axis which is supported by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. Quartz-sealed nanowires can be easily manipulated and arranged into complex patterns with an increasing number of contact points. Electrical properties of single nanowires were measured at nearly 0.5 mm lengths at room temperature. Each of the samples tested was found to have a resistivity approaching the bulk metal value and high observed current densities before wire failure. The grain boundary reflection coefficient was calculated on single laser-pulled nanowires to be R = 0.616 for gold and R = 0.259 for platinum.
Tutorial: Mathematical Modeling of Library Systems.

The purpose of mathematical models is discussed and the phases of the modeling process are reviewed. These phases include: defining performance, representing the problem, predicting performance, estimating parameters, defining an optimization criterion, determining the optimal solution, and implementing the results. A selected review of models applied to library problems is presented. Models for book use, resource allocation, and library networks are considered.
[Tyr1]-nociceptin, a novel nociceptin analog, decreases systemic arterial pressure by a naloxone-insensitive mechanism in the rat.

The heptadecapeptide nociceptin, also known as Orphanin FQ, is a newly discovered endogenous ligand for the opioid-like G-protein-coupled receptor ORL1. In the present study, responses to a novel nociceptin analog, [Tyr1]-nociceptin, were investigated in the systemic vascular bed of the rat. [Tyr1]-nociceptin induced dose-related decrease in systemic arterial pressure when injected in doses of 1-30 nmol/kg i.v. In terms of relative vasodepressor activity, [Tyr1]-nociceptin was comparable in potency to nociceptin. The decreases in systemic arterial pressure in response to [Tyr1]-nociceptin were not altered by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone in a dose that reduced responses to Met-enkephalin. The results of the present study show that vasodepressor responses to [Tyr1]-nociceptin are not mediated by the activation of a naloxone-sensitive opioid receptor and are not dependent on the presence of Phe at the N-terminus of the nociceptin sequence.
Assessment of branching in hydrolysates of S. salivarius levan and L. mesenteroides dextran from small-angle X-ray scattering

Abstract A fraction of low molecular weight from a partially acid-hydrolyzed S. salivarius levan was examined in aqueous solution at 25° by the method of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The weight-average molecular weight of 26,570 and radius of gyration of 47.6 A are in good agreement with the values obtained previously from sedimentation equilibrium and light scattering, respectively. Although this fraction behaves hydrodynamically as a linear random coil, the higher mass per unit length [(mu)b] of 45.82 daltons/A (obtained from SAXS), compared with the calculated value of (mu)l = 28.94 for linear levan, confirms its branched structure. The g-factor, a measure of branching, was computed as 0.63 from the derived expression, g = (mu)l/(mu)b = L/Ll, where L and Ll are the hydrodynamic length (stretched length) of the backbone of the branched levan and linear levan, respectively. The values for persistence length (a* = 17.7 A), radius of gyration of the cross-section (Rq = 8.2 A), and L = 534 A were also obtained for the levan hydrolysate. The lower values of (mu)b = 35.1 A and Rq = 2.3 A, and the higher value of g = 0.90 for the L. mesenteroides dextran hydrolysate of comparable molecular weight, show that the levan hydrolysate is more branched. The higher value of a* = 26.2 A for the dextran suggests that its molecules are stiffer than those of the levan.
The dead space in a compartmental lung model.

A compartmental lung model with any number of synchronously filling and emptying functional chambers and a common dead space or conducting region is considered. It is shown that the model gives rise to an output, in an open circuit washout determination, which is a weighted sum of exponentials. From estimates of these weights and exponential components, estimates of the model parameters can be recovered. Relations giving the unique correspondence between the output parameters and the model parameters are derived and the existence and uniqueness of solutions established.
The Prevention of Low Birthweight and Its Sequelae

Background. Low birthweight and its components preterm birth and fetal growth retardation account for the vast majority of perinatal mortality and more than 50% of the long term neurologic morbidity. Methods. Historical trends and the effectiveness of various interventions designed to improve pregnancy outcomes associated with low birthweight were evaluated in an attempt to define which future research efforts might be useful. Results. Practices aimed at achieving a reduction in the low birthweight rate (the use of tocolytics, enhanced prenatal care, nutritional interventions) have not generally been successful or have not been widely utilized (smoking cessation programs). Practices aimed at improving low birthweight survival and reducing morbidity (group B streptococcus prophylaxis, maternal corticosteroids, surfactant use, newborn ventilation) have been responsible for most of the improvements in outcome. Conclusion. Continued effort into discovering effective practices for reducing low birthweight, for understanding the most appropriate methods of implementing practices known to be effective in reducing low birthweight, and refinement of practices known to reduce mortality and long term handicap in low birthweight babies should be major foci of prevention research.
Construction, administration and validation of a written and oral language assessment in an undergraduate teacher education programme

This article is a description of the process of constructing an assessment of written and oral language for pre‐service teachers. This assessment was used prior to their formal admission into the teacher education programme. The rationale for this evaluation is presented along with the actual processes involved. Finally, comparisons are made between students’ performance on this assessment and their achievement on a standardised test (PRAXIS I) designed to measure reading, writing and mathematics skills.
Interrater Reliability of the Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance

The interrater reliability of a new standing balance test, the pediatric version of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (CTSIB), was examined. The CTSIB is a test that evaluates a ...
The Mass of the Atmosphere: A Constraint on Global Analyses

Abstract The total mass of the atmosphere varies mainly from changes in water vapor loading; the former is proportional to global mean surface pressure and the water vapor component is computed directly from specific humidity and precipitable water using the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analyses (ERA-40). Their difference, the mass of the dry atmosphere, is estimated to be constant for the equivalent surface pressure to within 0.01 hPa based on changes in atmospheric composition. Global reanalyses satisfy this constraint for monthly means for 1979–2001 with a standard deviation of 0.065 hPa. New estimates of the total mass of the atmosphere and its dry component, and their corresponding surface pressures, are larger than previous estimates owing to new topography of the earth’s surface that is 5.5 m lower for the global mean. Global mean total surface pressure is 985.50 hPa, 0.9 hPa higher than previous best estimates. The total mean mass of the atmosphere is 5.1480 ...
Bioaugmentation of an anaerobic biotrickling filter for enhanced conversion of trichloroethene to ethene

Abstract During biological reduction of trichloroethene (TCE), incomplete reduction to partially dechlorinated intermediates cis -1,2-dichloroethene ( cis -DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) can occur due to kinetic and inhibitory limitations. In this study, an anaerobic biotrickling filter was inoculated initially with a mixed culture containing Dehalococcoides spp. that contained the TceA and VcrA reductive dehalogenases. After significant accumulation of cis -DCE and VC was observed in the bioreactor effluent, it was hypothesized that bioaugmentation with Dehalococcoides strain BAV1, which contains the BvcA dehalogenase responsible for the metabolic dechlorination of cis -DCE and VC, would improve the conversion of TCE to ethene. It was found that at TCE loadings of 8–9 g m bed −3 h −1 , bioaugmentation with strain BAV1 resulted in 45% conversion of TCE to ethene, as opposed to less than 10% prior to bioaugmentation. Strain BAV1 was found to grow to the same density (10 6 –10 7 cells per g of packing material) as Dehalococcoides strains containing the TceA and VcrA dehalogenases. Strain BAV1 was also confirmed to be active, as determined by RT-qPCR of the BvcA mRNA. This study shows that it is possible to enhance the performance of continuously fed dechlorinating bioreactors by using a consortium that contains all three known reductive dehalogenases in the TCE dechlorination pathway. This is also the first study where a gas-phase biotrickling filter has been bioaugmented with a single strain to result in improved performance.
Selective control of surface properties using hydrodynamic interactions.

Using computational modeling, we design nano-structured surfaces able to selectively regulate interactions between microchannel walls and flowing colloid–polymer suspensions. Depending on the geometry of nanoscopic posts lining internal channel surfaces, suspended nanoparticles and polymeric chains can be either hydrodynamically attracted to channel walls or repelled to the bulk fluid.
Soy hull carbon as an adsorbent of minor crude soy oil components

A carbon adsorbent was prepared from soy hulls. The adsorbent was used in a laboratory study to examine its performance under commercial soy oil adsorption bleaching conditions. Phospholipids, peroxides, and free fatty acids were effectively removed from the soy oil with little effect on carotenoid content. There may be competitive adsorption between oil components, the rank of the affinity of oil components for soy carbon was phospholipid>peroxides>free fatty acid>lutein.
Metal-nanocluster composites made by ion implantation: a novel third-order nonlinear material

We describe our recent studies of metal-insulator nanocluster composites made by ion implantation in such substrates as glass and sapphire. The metal clusters have diameters ranging from 3 to 30 nm. The composites exhibit an electronic nonlinear optical response which is fast on the picosecond time scale. In addition to their evident possibilities for technological application, these materials also offer an unprecedented way of studying unusual properties of composite materials, such as the quantum confinement of conduction-band electrons and the transverse relaxation time T2 as a function of cluster size.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Controlled activity polymers. XI Hydrolytic release studies of hydrophilic copolymers with labile esters of model allelopathic phenols

Abstract The controlled hydrolytic release of phenolic and naphthoic allelopathic compounds from copolymers of acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM) and N-vinylpyrrolidinone with acrylate monomers phenyl acrylate (PA), 2-isopropylphenyl acrylate (IPPA), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl acrylate (DIPPA), 2-acryloxybenzoic acid (2ABA) and 2-acryloxy-1-naphthoic acid (2A1NA) was studied. UV spectroscopy was utilized to monitor the release kinetics of these alleopathic model compounds from well-defined copolymers in (60:40 v/v) aqueous buffer/dioxane solution at five pH conditions. Release behavior of totally soluble copolymers with 2–8 mole % phenolic or naphthoic compound was compared to that of the respective monomers. Hydrolysis rates and extent of hydrolysis depended on the nature of the monomer, comonomer type, copolymer microstructure and pH. Enhanced release rates of 2ABA-AA and 2A1NA-AA polymers were attributed to neighboring group assistance by carboxyl moieties of the pendent allelochemical and polymer chain. Except for 2ABA-AA and 2A1NA-AA, copolymers exhibited a limited extent of hydrolysis dependent upon pH, nature of the monomer and comonomer type. The presence of hydrophobic microdomains in aqueous solutions of these amphiphilic copolymers is likely responsible for the observed behavior. Comparisons of release data from acrylic acid, acrylamide and N-vinylpyrrolidinone copolymers with approximately 40 mole % phenolic ester substitution showed that neighboring ionic groups of PA-AA significantly enhanced release rates. The reduced hydrolysis rates of PA-AM were attributed to a more hydrophobic copolymer microstructure relative to PA-AA.
Enterovirus infections of neonates and infants

Enteroviruses are frequent and important pathogens of neonates and young infants. Intrauterine infection may lead to spontaneous abortion, neonatal illness, or possibly, congenital anomalies. Infection acquired at or after birth may be asymptomatic, produce mild illness, or manifest as severe, life-threatening disease with features including meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, and coagulopathy. Enteroviruses are a major cause of illness and hospitalization in young infants. Clinical manifestations include fever and nonspecific symptoms, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, herpangina, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, rashes, myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis, and paralytic disease. Cell culture is the standard method of detecting enterovirus infections, but detection of viral RNA by the polymerase chain reaction offers enhanced sensitivity and rapid diagnosis. Standard treatment of enterovirus infections of newborns and infants is supportive. Immune globulin remains an experimental therapy, and specific antiviral therapy currently is undergoing clinical trials.
Estimation of mutation rate in autogamous diploids

The principle and practice of a procedure for the estimation of mutation frequency in diploid multicellular tissues is outlined and discussed. The formula of calculation is as follows: R=MS×GECN×2×D R = mutation rate M = number of M2 families segregating for recessive mutants S = number of surviving plants GECN = genetically effective cell number of the mutagen-treated tissues (germline) 2 = correction factor for diploidy D = dose of the mutagen Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV
The House of Glass Noodles

Borrowing the “unreal” to cultivate the “real,” this co-performance fuses fact and fiction as a tool to bring this lived experience to life.
Reconfigurable flight control

AbstractIndirect adaptive control for reconfigurable flight control is advocated. Specifically, online static system identification using a moving window/batch estimation is implemented. The ensuing linear regression is augmented with an intercept. The intercept parameter is included to address the effects of trim change associated with the occurrence of a control surface failure. Parameter estimate information is used to adjust the inner loop's control gains, and a command derived from the intercept estimate is fed forward to automatically retrim the aircraft. The tracking performance of this automatic retrimming method, which relies on system identification, surpasses the conventional approach of exclusively relying on integral action for retrimming. These adaptive and reconfigurable flight control concepts are illustrated in the context of a fighter aircraft's pitch plane dynamics. The novel adaptive and reconfigurable flight control system successfully handles a 50 per cent horizontal tail control sur...
The correlation between race and domestic violence is confounded with community context

Why do African Americans appear to have a higher likelihood of engaging in domestic violence than whites? To address this question, we draw on insights from social disorganization theory and recent research on urban poverty. We argue that the apparent correlation between race and domestic violence is confounded with the different ecological contexts typically occupied by African Americans and whites. Using data from wave 2 of the National Survey of Families and Households and the 1990 U.S. census, we show that: (1) rates of domestic violence for both African Americans and whites vary systematically by type of community; (2) the correlation between race and domestic violence is substantially reduced or disappears altogether when whites are compared to African Americans in similar ecological contexts; and (3) individual-level risk factors for domestic violence appear to operate similarly for both African Americans and whites.
High-fat diet transition reduces brain DHA levels associated with altered brain plasticity and behaviour

To assess how the shift from a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to a diet rich in saturated fatty acid affects the substrates for brain plasticity and function, we used pregnant rats fed with omega-3 supplemented diet from their 2nd day of gestation period as well as their male pups for 12 weeks. Afterwards, the animals were randomly assigned to either a group fed on the same diet or a group fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) rich in saturated fats for 3 weeks. We found that the HFD increased vulnerability for anxiety-like behavior, and that these modifications harmonized with changes in the anxiety-related NPY1 receptor and the reduced levels of BDNF, and its signalling receptor pTrkB, as well as the CREB protein. Brain DHA contents were significantly associated with the levels of anxiety-like behavior in these rats.
Learning theoretic approach to differential and perceptual geometry: I. Curvature and torsion are the independent components of space curves

In standard differential geometry, the Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves states that two differential invariants of a curve, namely curvature and torsion, determine its geometry, or equivalently, the isometry class of the curve up to rigid motions in the Euclidean three-dimensional space. Consider a physical model of a space curve made from a sufficiently thin, yet visible rigid wire, and the problem of perceptual identification (by a human observer or a robot) of two given physical model curves. In a previous paper (perceptual geometry) we have emphasized a learning theoretic approach to construct a perceptual geometry of the surfaces in the environment. In particular, we have described a computational method for mathematical representation of objects in the perceptual geometry inspired by the ecological theory of Gibson, and adhering to the principles of Gestalt in perceptual organization of vision. In this paper, we continue our learning theoretic treatment of perceptual geometry of objects, focusing on the case of physical models of space curves. In particular, we address the question of perceptually distinguishing two possibly novel space curves based on observer's prior visual experience of physical models of curves in the environment. The Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves inspires an analogous result in perceptual geometry as follows. We apply learning theory to the statistics of a sufficiently rich collection of physical models of curves, to derive two statistically independent local functions, that we call by analogy, the curvature and torsion. This pair of invariants distinguish physical models of curves in the sense of perceptual geometry. That is, in an appropriate resolution, an observer can distinguish two perceptually identical physical models in different locations. If these pairs of functions are approximately the same for two given space curves, then after possibly some changes of viewing planes, the observer confirms the two are the same.
Children with Moderately Elevated Lead Levels: Is Chelation with DMSA Helpful?

This study evaluates the effectiveness (use under routine circumstances) of DMSA (2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid) and environmental remediation as compared with placebo and environmental remediation on children with blood lead (BPb) levels of 30-45 pg/dL (1.45-2.17 pmol/L). The endpoints were BPb at 1 month and 6 months after study entry. This double-blind placebo-controlled trial involved 39 children aged 2-5 years, who were randomized to one course of DMSA or placebo. The mean BPb levels of the two groups at study entry were similar, placebo group 33.0 pg/dL (1.59 pmol/L) and the DMSA group 34.9 pg/dL (1.68 pmol/L). At 1 month (the end of treatment) the mean BPb levels of the two groups were: placebo group 33.2 pg/dL (1.60 pmol/L) and the DMSA group 27.4 pg/dL (1.32 pmol/L), p=0.16. At 6 months, the mean BPb levels were 25.1 pg/dL (1.21 pmol/L) for the placebo group and 28.8 pg/dL (1.39 pmol/L) for the DMSA-treated group, p=0.06. Neither of these differences is statistically significant. All children with ...
What We Know and Do Not Know about Sex and Cardiac Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the single leading cause of death in both men and women. A large proportion of the population with CVD will die with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF). It is becoming increasingly recognized that sex differences exist in the etiology, development, and outcome of CHF. For example, compared to male counterparts, women that present with CHF are typically older and have systolic cardiac function that is not impaired. Despite a growing body of literature addressing the underlying mechanisms of sex dimorphisms in cardiac disease, there remain significant inconsistencies reported in these studies. Given that the development of CHF results from the complex integration of genetic and nongenetic cues, it is not surprising that the elucidation and subsequent identification of molecular mechanisms remains unclear. In this review, key aspects of sex differences in CVD and CHF will be highlighted with an emphasis on some of the unanswered questions regarding these differences. The contention is presented that it becomes critical to reference cellular mechanisms within the context of each sex to better understand these sex dimorphisms.
Nodular Adenomatosis of Iris Pigment Epithelium

A 62-year-old man manifested multiple nodular growths in his left iris and unilateral glaucoma. Detailed clinical and pathologic studies showed that these lesions were adenomas derived from the spurs of Fuchs, Michel, and Grunert in the iris pigment epithelium. We suggest terming this newly described entity nodular adenomatosis of the iris pigment epithelium and propose a classification of primary neoplastic lesions of the iris.
A Unifying Approach to Single-Phase Synchronous Reference Frame PLLs

The three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (3-SRF-PLL) is widely used in three-phase power electronics and power system applications thanks to its desirable performance and its simple yet robust structure. Inspired from the 3-SRF-PLL and due to the increasing interest in single-phase applications, multiple single-phase SRF-PLL (1-SRF-PLL) versions have also been proposed in the recent years. This paper presents a unifying approach to the understanding and analysis of the 1 -SRF-PLLs. This paper integrates several 1 -SRF-PLLs having apparently different structures into a single structure. The approach is much useful in understanding various PLLs and also in facilitating further developments in this field.
The Relationship of Glycogen, Glucose, and Lactate to Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Late Hemorrhagic Shock'

Abstract The relationship of glycogen depletion, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidemia to mitochondrial dysfunction in late hemorrhagic shock was examined. Anesthetized rats were hemorrhaged through a femoral artery catheter using a modified Wiggers' technique. Animals were sacrificed after 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60% uptake of the maximum shed volume. Hepatic mitochondrial energy-linked functions, hepatic glycogen and lactate, and serum glucose and lactate were determined at the time of sacrifice. The frequency of uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation increased with percentage of shed blood taken up. Although blood glucose was significantly lower in animals in whom uncoupling occurred, there was a wide range of values and a poor coefficient of correlation. A borderline difference between the coupled and uncoupled groups was noted with glycogen, and no difference was observed with blood or hepatic lactate. Glycogen depletion, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidemia although all manifest in late, experimental, hemorrhagic shock do not cause hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction. Effective treatment of late shock requires a more precise definition of the underlying metabolic pathology.
Mutagenicity of coal fly ash from electric power plant precipitators

The earlier work of Chrisp et al showed that stack-collected fly ash carried a low level of mutagenic activity, approximately 30 revertants per milligram. We find, in contrast, that fly ash collected from precipitators of the same kinds of electrical power plants, burning a similar type of coal, are not observably mutagenic in the same assay system. Our results indicate that although precipitator fly ash account for approximately 95% of the fly ash product, it contributes little if at all to the total mutagenic activity of fly ash produced by coal-fired power plants.
Recounting the K-12 school experiences of adults who stutter: a qualitative analysis.

Abstract This study qualitatively explored the primary and secondary (K-12) school experiences of adults who stutter. The primary investigator conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 participants, a first focus group interview with 6 participants, and a second focus group interview with 4 participants. Participants discussed the various ways in which stuttering affected their personality; emotional and psychological experiences in the context of school; academic and learning experiences; classroom participation; teacher and peer relationships; speech therapy experiences; school activity involvement; and post-educational experiences. Results suggest that school is a complex cultural environment in which students must engage on academic and social levels. People who stutter may experience observable and unobservable challenges as they navigate the complexity of school. Educational objectives: After reading this article, the reader will be able to: (1) provide a rationale for the need to explore the school experiences of people who stutter; (2) describe the major themes associated with the school experiences of participants in the study; and (3) discuss how knowledge of school experiences can be useful to classroom teachers and speech-language pathologists.
3.3.3 VERDICT: A Distributed Virtual Environment for System Engineering

1 This paper proposes a framework for the development of a distributed virtual interface (called VERDICT) for a system engineering development environment that (1) focuses on the role of the human in the system being designed, (2) focuses on the cognitive needs of the engineers using the development environment, and (3) facilitates the intended universality of the environment by relying on technologies that allow architecture independence. VERDICT stands for Virtual Environment for Remote Design Integration and Configuration Testing. Its purpose is to provide a distributed virtual interface to a system engineering environment for the design of complex systems. Principal among its goals is the organization of information through the development of a taxonomy of the types of knowledge representations, or cognitive media, used in system design. Related to this goal is the determination of how these cognitive media are best represented by physical media (text, graphics, animation, sound, etc.). Another goal is implementation transparency, through the utilization of enabling technologies such as Java and CORBA.
Enterprise-scale image distribution with a Web PACS

The integration of images with existing and new health care information systems poses a number of challenges in a multi-facility network: image distribution to clinicians; making DICOM image headers consistent across information systems; and integration of teleradiology into PACS. A novel, Web-based enterprise PACS architecture introduced at Massachusetts General Hospital provides a solution. Four AMICAS Web/Intranet Image Servers were installed as the default DICOM destination of 10 digital modalities. A fifth AMICAS receives teleradiology studies via the Internet. Each AMICAS includes: a Java-based interface to the IDXrad radiology information system (RIS), a DICOM autorouter to tape-library archives and to the Agfa PACS, a wavelet image compressor/decompressor that preserves compatibility with DICOM workstations, a Web server to distribute images throughout the enterprise, and an extensible interface which permits links between other HIS and AMICAS. Using wavelet compression and Internet standards as its native formats, AMICAS creates a bridge to the DICOM networks of remote imaging centers via the Internet. This teleradiology capability is integrated into the DICOM network and the PACS thereby eliminating the need for special teleradiology workstations. AMICAS has been installed at MGH since March of 1997. During that time, it has been a reliable component of the evolving digital image distribution system. As a result, the recently renovated neurosurgical ICU will be filmless and use only AMICAS workstations for mission-critical patient care.
CAMAC and NIM Systems in the Space Program

Electronics systems for space missions have often been highly constrained by weight and power as well as performance. This led to highly customized designs for most missions. With the advent of the Shuttle launch vehicle and spacecraft, and the Spacelab concept in the late 1970' s, it will be possible to fly payloads of several very large experiments for periods of 7 to 30 days. For such experiments weighing several thousand Kg, ~100 Kg of supporting electronics is quite acceptable and this weight is adequate to acomplish the design in NIM and CAMAC for a large variety of experiments. Power consumption is a problem both from the point of view of sizing of the fuel cells and thermal consequences. Several studies are now underway on reducing this power consumption and the outlook is promising. The motivation for the usage of NIM and CAMAC on Shuttle is not only convenience to the experimenter, but a substantial cost savings originally, and still more in the future as the modules are reconfigured for yet another experiment.
Electrical and thermal transport in metallic single-wall carbon nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess extraordinary electrical and thermal properties. They support two orders of magnitude higher current densities than copper wires and have thermal conductivity comparable to diamond, or more than five times that of copper. Hence, their electrical and thermal properties are of fundamental importance. This abstract covers recent experimental and modeling work shedding light on the coupled electro-thermal behavior of electrically-contacted SWNTs, both freely suspended and in contact with insulating substrates.
Measurement and Fundamental Processes in Quantum Mechanics

In the standard mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics, measurement is an additional, exceptional fundamental process rather than an often complex, but ordinary process which happens also to serve a particular epistemic function: during a measurement of one of its properties which is not already determined by a preceding measurement, a measured system, even if closed, is taken to change its state discontinuously rather than continuously as is usual. Many, including Bell, have been concerned about the fundamental role thus given to measurement in the foundation of the theory. Others, including the early Bohr and Schwinger, have suggested that quantum mechanics naturally incorporates the unavoidable uncontrollable disturbance of physical state that accompanies any local measurement without the need for an exceptional fundamental process or a special measurement theory. Disturbance is unanalyzable for Bohr, but for Schwinger it is due to physical interactions’ being borne by fundamental particles having discrete properties and behavior which is beyond physical control. Here, Schwinger’s approach is distinguished from more well known treatments of measurement, with the conclusion that, unlike most, it does not suffer under Bell’s critique of quantum measurement. Finally, Schwinger’s critique of measurement theory is explicated as a call for a deeper investigation of measurement processes that requires the use of a theory of quantum fields.
Utilization of enzymatically interesterified cottonseed oil and palm stearin-based structured lipid in the production of trans-free margarine

Abstract trans-Free margarine fat was enzymatically synthesized from palm stearin (PS) and regular cottonseed oil (CO). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization. The independent variables were substrate molar ratio (PS:CO, 2–5), temperature (50–65 °C), time (6–22 h), and lipases (Lipozyme® TLIM and Novozym® 435). Incorporation of stearic acid (mol%) was the dependent variable. Desirable products composition 5.2 mol% stearic acid were achieved at 57 °C, 14 h, 4:1, using Lipozyme TLIM, and at 56 °C, 6 h, 4:1, using Novozym 435 (5.9 mol% stearic acid). Using optimal conditions, structured lipids (SLs) were synthesized in a 1 L stir-batch reactor. Solid fat contents at 25 °C were lower for SLs (24.8–30.8%) than the corresponding physical blends (34.7–39.3%). Novozym 435-catalyzed SL product had desirable fatty acid profile, physical properties, β′ polymorph, and was further used to formulate margarine. Compared to commercial margarine (19.1 mol% trans fatty acids (TFA), the SL containing margarine had no trans fat. However, it was harder and less spreadable than commercial margarine but no difference was observed in their flavor. In this study, we were able to formulate trans-free margarine suitable for possible use as hard/industrial margarine.
Meditation and psychosocial adaptation: An exploratory study

The current study examined differential patterns of interrelationships between meditators and nonmeditators on issues pertaining to psychosocial adaptation. Subjects (N=66) were randomly selected from mailing lists provided by theAssociation of Transpersonal Psychology or were solicited via classified advertising in theChicago Tribune and theDallas Morning News. The findings of the current study indicate that there are no differences between meditators and nonmeditators on level of psychosocial adaptation. However examination of the zero-order correlations between dependent measures revealed differential patterns of interrelationships within the meditator and nonmeditator groups. The findings suggest that further research is needed which expands upon the influence of meditation on psychosocial adaptation by addressing topics specific to meditative practice. The implications for the development of qualitative research methods designed to investigate psychosocial parameters in transpersonal psychology are discussed.
SU-C-218-01: Comparison of Single-View and Dual-View Digital Chest Tomosynthesis

Purpose: Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) has been applied to chest imaging to crudely separate objects at different depth levels. However, the spatial resolution in the posterior‐anterior (PA) direction is very poor. We implement a dual‐view DTS technique to improve the spatial resolution along the PA direction and compare the results with the single‐view DTS technique and the cone beam CT(CBCT) technique. Methods:Computer simulations and experiments were conducted with the CBCT, dual‐view DTS and single‐view DTS techniques using the same geometry. For simulations, clinical CTimages obtained at 120 kVp were used to generate a digital chest phantom, with which the projection images were computed. For imaging experiments, an anthropomorphic chest phantom was scanned with a bench top experimental CBCT system. 300 projections were obtained for CBCTimaging using the FDK algorithm for reconstruction. 51 projections covering 60 degrees in the PA direction were used for single‐view DTS imaging using the iterative algorithm for reconstruction. 25 projection over 60 degrees in the PA direction and another 25 images over 60 degrees in the lateral direction were used for dual view DTS. Results: For sagittal slice images, the CBCTimage closely resembled the original phantom image. The dual‐view DTS images were fairly accurate in depicting the shape and dimensions of the anatomy in the fulcrum, despite the presence of some artifacts. With the single‐view DTS images, the anatomy was poorly depicted in the PA direction. For coronal slice images, the single‐view DTS images appeared less blurred but were much more affected by artifacts from the off‐fulcrum objects, resulting in severe distortion. The dual‐view DTS images, while not free from artifacts, provides more accurate rendition of the anatomy.Conclusions: Our results show that the dual‐view DTS technique substantially improved the spatial resolution of the reconstructed images in the PA direction. This work was supported in part by grants CA104759, CA124585, and CA138502A1 from NIH‐NCI, a research grant CA00117 from NIH‐NIBIB, and a subcontract from NIST‐ATP.
Length matters: The Einstein–Swann correspondence and the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity

In this paper and its sequel I discuss a rarely mentioned correspondence between Einstein and W.F.G. Swann on the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity, in which Einstein points out that the attempts to construct a dynamical explanation of relativistic kinematical effects require postulating a minimal length scale in the level of the dynamics. I use this correspondence to shed light on several issues under dispute in current philosophy of spacetime that were highlighted recently in Harvey Brown's monograph "Physical Relativity", namely, Einstein's view on the distinction between principle and constructive theories, and the philosophical consequences of pursuing the constructive approach to the special theory of relativity.
Josef K.'s (A + x) Problem: Kafka on the Moment of Awakening1

This article argues that moments of awakening in Die Verwandlung and Der Proces provide spatial and temporal indices in which Kafka's protagonists attempt to re-orient themselves in a world where previous empirical grounding has been undermined. In particular, I explore a deleted passage from the manuscript of Der Proces, in which Josef K. explains his lack of surprise at his arrest by giving a short lecture on the psychology of awakening. K. relates how awakening, the “riskiest moment of the day,” is a decisive epistemological event, requiring a great amount of cognitive composure to keep the world from slipping into incoherence. These comments also offer a unique instance of Kafka's engagement with a contemporary work of psychological theory. They resemble a passage from Max Brod and Felix Weltsch's 1913 book on perception, Anschauung und Begriff, in which the authors explain the difficulty of perceptual orientation upon awakening through their concept of the “memory-image,” expressed in the formula (A + x). K. intimates that this is one way he might be able to understand his arrest: by locating it, at the moment of waking up, as a problem of (A + x).
Internet messaging frameworks

Electronic mail (e-mail) has become an important tool for companies to use to conduct their businesses. With the introduction of the World Wide Web, awareness of the existence of the Internet has exponentially increased over the last two years, and people are starting to realize that there is more to the Internet than just the Web. Companies are expanding their use of e-mail from internal to external. But the large set of proprietary, noninteroperable e-mail systems make this more of a trip through a jungle than a drive along the information highway. Most approaches to overcome the connectivity problems use gateways to convert between the proprietary format and the Internet standards. These conversions are lossy at best; hence, most proprietary system vendors are revamping their systems to base them on Internet standards. This paper summarizes the current state of the most important Internet standards related to e-mail and the general state of proprietary e-mail systems. It then introduces a set of technologies we developed to solve the complex problem of evolving from proprietary to Internet-standards-based e-mail systems. We have structured these technologies into Internet Messaging Frameworks.
The Distribution of coagulation factors VII and VIII and fibrinogen in adults over 65 years results from the cardiovascular health study

The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) was designed to examine cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in older adults. We report here the distributions of the coagulation factors fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in a population-based cohort of men and women 65 years or older. In other studies of middle-aged individuals, these factors were shown to be associated with cardiovascular risk. In the CHS cohort, all three factors were elevated, compared to levels reported in middle-aged individuals, and fibrinogen and factor VIII values were higher in each successive age group; factor VII values, in contrast, declined slightly with age in the CHS cohort. Compared to white subjects, blacks had higher values for fibrinogen and factor VIII and lower values for factor VII. While women had markedly higher values for factor VII and factor VIII than men at all ages in the CHS, mean fibrinogen values were not different between men and women.
Mechanisms for adaptive cohort splitting

Abstract Understanding the role of adaptive plasticity under random environmental variation is a central challenge of contemporary life history analysis. An important class of plastic responses is “cohort splitting” ( Sunderland et al., 1976 ), in which groups of organisms beginning development at nearly the same time follow discrete developmental pathways or tracks differing in duration. We identify published studies on the topic and focus on three mechanisms predominant in those studies; we refer to the mechanisms as initiation asynchrony , in which differences in start-up timing can cause a split; mid-point cueing , a bifurcation at some seasonal time and intermediate developmental stage; and diversified tracking , in which individuals are assigned to developmental tracks probabilistically at the outset of development. We use optimization models to evaluate production of cohort splits by these mechanisms. We show that initiation asynchrony is generally a possible explanation but is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Initiation asynchrony may result either from random variation in development or environment, with subsequent adaptive choices of life-cycle pathway—or from adjustments in developmental onset via diversified bet hedging. Mid-point cueing requires sufficiently high random variation in developmental rates. The adaptive response for Mid-point cueing results from matching the fitness-maximizing pathway to the stage of development at the bifurcation point. Diversified tracking can result from diversified bet hedging, but in this case, high random variation between pathways in reproductive success is essential for diversified tracking to prove adaptive. When diversified tracking results instead from frequency dependence of survival or reproductive success, this mechanism is potentially independent of environmental variation, but frequency dependence is challenging to demonstrate. Additional empirical analyses, especially experimental and comparative approaches, are high priorities for future work.