cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Graphite oxidation in molten sodium carbonate

Abstract The oxidation of spectroscopic grade graphite using air or oxygen in molten sodium carbonate was investigated at 900, 1000 and 1050†C. The oxidation rate increased with increasing temperature, increasing oxygen concentration, and increasing graphite surface area but decreased slightly as the reaction air was diluted with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations. At high-graphite loadings, the reaction rate was 0.45 order in oxygen, 0.45 order in graphite surface area with an apparent activation energy (Ea) of 35 kcal/mole and appeared to tend toward a rate limit imposed by the available oxidant in the melt. At low-graphite loadings, the rate was 0.42 order in oxygen, 0.78 order in graphite surface area with E = 32 kcal/mole and appeared to tend toward a rate limit imposed by the available graphite surface area. Virtually no carbon monoxide was observed under the conditions of the experiments. A sequence of reactions is proposed in which sodium peroxide, formed by the reaction of oxygen with sodium carbonate is the active oxidizing species.
Leg ulcers of venous origin: From ancient to modern times.

“When we consider how filthy the habits of many persons are, who often leave their feet unwashed for weeks and months together, it cannot be wandered that skin so neglected should in the decline of life, possess a very imperfect vitality. Daily washing the lower limbs with a piece of flannel and yellow soap and water, is one of the best means of reviving their decayed powers . . . . . . . and finally, the limb should be well and evenly bandaged from the toes to the knee, observing that the bandage is to be applied most tightly below, and more loosely by degrees as it ascends . . .”
Extrusion of self-reinforced thermoplastic composites illustrated by high density polyethylene

A method is described for solid state coextrusion of self-reinforced and transparent composites for high density polyethylene composed of core and sheath components. The high density polyethylenes are coextruded below their melting points. The cocylindrical composites have a high tensile modulus and strength, a high orientation for both core and sheath components and possess considerable resistance to core/sheath separation. This resistance to pull-out is due to compressive and radial stresses developed during the composite coextrusion and not to bonding by epitaxial crystallization.
pH titration study of cytochrome c peroxidase and apocytochrome c peroxidase.

Abstract A pH titration study of cytochrome c peroxidase and apocytochrome c peroxidase was carried out at 25°C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The net charge on cytochrome c peroxidase due to proton association and dissociation varies from +32 at pH 2 to −50.2 at pH 12, while that of apocytochrome c peroxidase varies between +24.5 at pH 3 to −48 at pH 12. The apoprotein tented to aggregate below pH 3. Between pH 4 and 8, the titration behavior of both the native enzyme and the apoenzyme are consistent with the semi-empirical Linderstrom-Lang theory. Between pH 9 and 12, the titration behavior of both the holoand apoproteins suggest they assume a more extended conformation which reduces the electrostatic interaction charged groups on the surface. In the acid region, between pH 4 and 3, a similar transition occurs in which the protein expands 40% based on the electrostatic factor of the Linderstrom-Lang theory.
Phase ordering of the O(2) model in the post-Gaussian approximation

The Gaussian closure approximation previously used to study the growth kinetics of the non-conserved O(n) model is shown to be the zeroth-order approximation in a well-defined sequence of approximations composing a more elaborate theory. This paper studies the effects of including the next nontrivial correction in this sequence for the case n=2. The scaling forms for the order-parameter and order-parameter squared correlation functions are determined for the physically interesting cases of the O(2) model in two and three spatial dimensions. The post-Gaussian versions of these quantities show improved agreement with simulations. Post-Gaussian formulas for the defect density and the defect-defect correlation function g-tilde(x) are derived. As in the previous Gaussian theory, the addition of fluctuations allows one to eliminate the unphysical divergence in g-tilde(x) at short scaled distances. The nontrivial exponent \ensuremath{\lambda}, governing the decay of order-parameter autocorrelations, is computed in this approximation both with and without fluctuations.
Globus Nexus: Research Identity, Profile, and Group Management as a Service

Collaborative e-Science applications often need to manage large numbers of user identities, profiles, and groups. However, developing and maintaining such capabilities is often challenging given the plethora of security protocols available and requirements for scalable, robust, and highly available implementations. Globus Nexus is a professionally hosted Platform-as-a-Service that provides these capabilities for collaborative e-Science applications, with a particular focus on the needs of scientific communities. It provides features such as identity provisioning, identity federation, profile management, user-oriented group management, and branded web interfaces that are important to many e-Science applications. Globus Nexus implements best practices approaches for each of these features for example using delegated security protocols such as OAuth, provides sophisticated workflows for actions such as email validation, and implements complex user-defined policies regarding permissible actions. We present here Globus Nexus' capabilities, motivate design choices, and present results that characterize the scalability, reliability, and availability of its implementation and deployment.
A bitline sense amplifier for offset compensation

The industry has continuously demanded lower voltages and higher densities in DRAM chips [1]. To satisfy this need, it is desirable to use a low V CORE in the DRAM core, even though with such a low voltage it is difficult to sense the cell signal due to an insufficient sensing margin in high density DRAM [2–3]. When the bitline (BL) sense amp (BLSA) starts the sensing operation, all the BLs in the cell array go to the data transition stage. This leads to sensing noise in the BLSA, resulting in a sensing failure. There are several noise sources that contribute to this sensing failure, but the major noise source is the coupling capacitance between the BL and the wordline (WL) [4], which leads to a cell MAT array noise as shown by the data patterns. We develop a BLSA to compensate for this MAT sensing noise. In this experiment, we fabricate a 68nm DRAM chip that shows only a 15% amplitude of the total normal chip noise by eliminating 85% of original MAT sensing noise by using a new BLSA scheme. Fabricated DRAM chips operate in the condition of V CORE = 1.5V and V DD = 1.8V. Generally, a sensing margin problem occurs in BLSAs with a large threshold voltage mismatch. Because this kind of worst-case BLSA is rare, we focus only on the worst BLSA found with a probability of 10−3%. All the measured data is from the BLSAs of 10−3% probability, which we define as a sensing margin failure.
The Use of Time-Interrelated Covariates to Predict Survival Following Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract One hundred four patients survived isolated aortic valve replacement with the model 1200 prosthesis between 1965 and 1968, with a 12-year survival of 64%. Multiple regression survival analysis was employed in an attempt to determine which of 26 preoperative variables affected late survival and to devise a formula to predict survival for a given individual. The most important variables in the regression equation were right atrial mean pressure, etiology, and sex. The effect of the last two were found to vary with time over the 12-year postoperative period. An extension of the standard regression analysis technique was developed to incorporate time-related cofactors into the model. Based on the multiple regression model, 12-year survival was estimated to range from 92% to 14% for the best and worst combinations, respectively, of the three significant variables. The advantages of the regression method are outlined and the findings of other studies with regard to factors affecting survival after aortic valve replacement are summarized and discussed.
Exploitation of nonlinear growth of betatron oscillations to obtain efficient slow extraction from the AGS

Abstract Nonlinear effects in resonant slow extraction from a synchrotron are such that a displacement in angle by means of a thin septum deflector can result in a displacement in position an integral number of betatron wavelengths downstream. This fact is exploited in the choice of location for an electrostatic septum to improve the extraction efficiency of the Brookhaven AGS. A curved septum, operating at 80 kV cm −1 , is used. The extraction efficiency is measured by a loss monitor technique. The measured efficiency is 97%, compared with 85% without the electrostatic septum.
Subtleties in forcing eddy resolving ocean models with satellite wind data

Using new global satellite remote sensing data, we show that ignoring the ocean current dependence in the wind stress artificially increases global wind power input to the oceanic general circulation by about 32%, and more than doubles the input in the regions of strong ocean current systems. Scatterometer-derived wind stress naturally accounts for the moving ocean that is not included in traditional wind stress products. However, forcing an ocean model with a scatterometer-derived wind stress cannot actually account for the ocean current effect on the wind power input. The difference between the real and modeled surface eddy fields can reduce the damping associated with the ocean current dependence in wind stress, leading to a positive bias in global wind power input of about 23%. Most of this spurious energy flux goes directly to the fluctuation eddy field and is several times larger than the energy flux to real ocean eddies.
Effect of late-gestation maternal heat stress on growth and immune function of dairy calves

Heat stress during the dry period affects the cow's mammary gland development, metabolism, and immunity during the transition period. However, the effect of late-gestation heat stress on calf performance and immune status is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of heat stress during the final ~45 d of gestation on growth and immune function of calves. Calves (17/treatment) were born to cows that were exposed to cooling (CL) or heat stress (HT) during the dry period. Only heifer calves (CL, n=12; HT, n=9) were used in measurements of growth and immune status after birth. Heifer calves were managed under identical conditions. All were fed 3.78 L of colostrum from their respective dams within 4 h of birth and were weaned at 2 mo of age (MOA). Body weight (BW) was obtained at weaning and then monthly until 7 MOA. Withers height (WH) was measured monthly from 3 to 7 MOA. Hematocrit and plasma total protein were assessed at birth, 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 d of age. Total serum IgG was evaluated at 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 d of age, and apparent efficiency of absorption was calculated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at 7, 28, 42, and 56 d of age, and proliferation rate was measured by (3)H-thymidine incorporation in vitro. Blood cortisol concentration was measured in the dams during the dry period and in calves in the preweaning period. Gestation length was 4d shorter for HT cows compared with CL cows. Calves from CL cows had greater BW than calves from HT cows at birth (42.5 vs. 36.5 kg). Compared with CL heifers, HT heifers had decreased weaning BW (78.5 vs. 65.9 kg) but similar BW (154.6 vs. 146.4 kg) and WH (104.8 vs. 103.4 cm) from 3 to 7 MOA. Compared with CL, heifers from HT cows had less total plasma protein (6.3 vs. 5.9 g/dL), total serum IgG (1,577.3 vs. 1,057.8 mg/dL), and apparent efficiency of absorption (33.6 vs. 19.2%), and tended to have decreased hematocrit (33 vs. 30%). Additionally, CL heifers had greater peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation relative to HT heifers (23.8 vs. 14.1 fold). Compared with CL, late-gestation HT did not affect the blood cortisol concentration of dams during the dry period or that of the calves in the preweaning period, but CL calves tended to have increased circulating cortisol at birth (7.6 vs. 5.7 µg/dL). We conclude that heat stress of the dam during the dry period compromises the fetal growth and immune function of offspring from birth through weaning.
Mapping Basal Melt Under the Northern Greenland Ice Sheet

Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are based on continental rock and are coupled strongly to changes in global sea level. Their beds may be frozen or thawed, but it has not been known how much or where basal melt occurs, except in special cases where a borehole has reached the bed or where airborne radar has revealed subglacial lakes and reflective ice stream beds in Antarctica. We have used a previously published technique to detect subglacial melt water in the general case and have here applied it to radar-sounder data collected over northern and central Greenland. We have found extensive subglacial water along between 13% and 20% of the flight paths. This paper provides maps of the measured locations and probable extent of subglacial water.
Studies on the pathogenesis of vincristine‐induced neuropathy

The pathogenesis of the peripheral neuropathy induced by vincristine is poorly understood, but interference of vinca alkaloids with microtubule assembly suggests that microtubule changes could be important. This possibility was studied by directly exposing the rat sciatic nerve to graded concentrations of vincristine sulfate. Microtubule length histograms prepared from randomly selected axons showed a unimodal distribution in vincristine and control axons. In vincristine-exposed axons, however, there was a shift to shorter length microtubules, and the mean measured length of microtubules (0.42 +/- 0.37 micron) was significantly (P less than 0.001) shorter than controls (0.67 +/- 0.55 micron). On cross-sections, the vincristine-exposed axons showed a decrease in the number of microtubules per square micrometer of axonal area compared to controls. These findings fit best with a loss of portion(s) of each microtubule and support the possibility that microtubules changes were associated with malorientation of microtubules and neurofilaments, accompanied by free vesicle accumulation and fragmentation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These structural alterations would account for the previously observed abnormalities in axoplasmic transport and would also provide insight into the commonly observed peripheral neuropathy induced by vincristine treatment.
Glassy vortex dynamics induced by a random array of magnetic particles above a superconductor

The magnetic relaxation of a Nb film covered with a random array of permalloy particles has been studied using various procedures. When the sample undergoes a field-cooled process, the magnetic relaxation becomes logarithmic in time. The relaxation rate is nearly temperature independent at low temperature and characteristic glassy dynamics-aging and memory effects-are observed. These results are interpreted as the consequence of pinning by the statistical variation of the number of nanoparticles within the area of a vortex core.
Retinal racemose hemangioma.

A 13-year-old white boy had a history of decreased vision for 11 years in his left eye. His medical history was remarkable for cutaneous hemangiomas treated with laser at age 4 years and 6 years.Visual acuity was 20/20 in right eye and 20/100 in left eye. The anterior segment and intraocular pressur
Combined coronary and bilateral carotid stenting: a case report.

We describe a patient who underwent stenting of both internal carotid arteries and two coronary arteries. Two combined carotid and coronary procedures were done 4 wk apart to revascularize the patient. The first procedure was complicated by a minor stroke with good recovery. At 6 mo of follow-up, he is asymptomatic and without angiographic restenosis. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 40:202–206, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linkages between Family and Societal-Level Intergenerational Attitudes:

Issues concerning links between intergenerational expectations at family and societal levels are investigated with survey data from 1,200 respondents aged 40 and over. Both family- and societal-lev...
Validation of flow cytometry for rapid enumeration of bacterial concentrations in pure cultures

Flow cytometry was investigated as a rapid detection and counting method for bacteria in pure cultures. A simple two-parameter detection scheme was employed: particle size was measured by forward angle light scatter and nucleic acid content by fluorescence of the DNA/RNA-binding dye ethidium bromide. The technique gave results that correlated exceptionally well with conventional plate counting for four species of bacteria, and concentrations in the range 10(2) to 10(7) cfu/ml. Cytometric counts were obtained in a few minutes, as compared with 2 d required for the plate counts. Under ideal conditions, each bacterial species examined exhibited a characteristic 'signature' on the cytometer, which could be explained by its known properties and morphology.
Improving IC Security Against Trojan Attacks Through Integration of Security Monitors

This paper describes using on-chip monitors to significantly improve the sensitivity of side-channel signal analysis techniques to malicious inclusions in integrated circuits known as hardware Trojans.
Voluntary exercise protects against acute doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in the isolated perfused rat heart.

The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether voluntary exercise training would confer protection against D...
The Law, Immigration and Human Rights: Changing the Australian Immigration Control System:

This paper examines the structure of the present system of immigration control in Australia in the context of its origin evolution and responses to current human rights and anti-discrimination standards. The system has serious shortcomings because it confers broad discredionary powers on immigration officals and provides no comprehensive system of judical review. Since the 1970s the system has been gradually losing its legitimacy and has become a subject of challenges by various groups; its efficiency has been undermined and it breeds social conflict and systematic human rights violations. The 1958 Migration Act contains a level of discretion unknown in other "machinery" legislation conferring a wide range of discretionay power on 1) the minister 2) authorized officers 3) officers and 4) prescribed authorities. The current review system in response to political pressure and in the context of administrative law reforms provides for limited access to judicial review under the Administrative Decisions Act of 1977. The ethnic gains of the 1970s were achieved when Australian society was going through a period of profound liberal changes. The 1980s have brought continuing high unemployment and high inflation rates a large budget deficit and associated restraints in government expenditure as well as a substantial cut in the immigrant intake after the Labor Victory of March 1983. Overall an entirely new immigration control system should be developed that will aim at providing a better balance between stability predictability and fairness of the system on the one hand and the need for government to maintain its ability to adapt its program to fluctuations in economic and social conditions both within and outside Australia on the other hand.
Peripheral Pulmonary Infiltrates in Sarcoidosis

The chest roentgenograms are described in eight patients with sarcoidosis who demonstrated a peripheral distribution of pulmonary infiltrates quite similar in appearance to that classically observed in eosinophilic pneumonia. The presence of mediastinal/hilar lymph node enlargement (eight patients), a nodular component to the infiltrate (four patients), an often asymptomatic presentation (four patients), and absence of blood eosinophilia (eight patients) should suggest the correct diagnosis.
Selectivity in multiple-quantum spectroscopy

In multiple-quantum n.m.r. spectroscopy of N coupled spins one obtains n-quantum Fourier transform spectra, where n = 0, 1, 2,..., N. The spectra of particular interest are often those with high n, which may be analysable for a complex molecule without the need for isotopic spin labelling. For example, the n = N quantum spectrum is independent of dipolar couplings and gives the total chemical shift. For n = N - 1, one obtains a spectrum analogous to those from all possible singly isotopically labelled molecules (e.g. one doublet corresponding to one singly labelled species for n = 5 in orientated benzene) and for n = N - 2 all possible doubly isotopically labelled species (e.g. three triplets corresponding to three doubly labelled species for n = 4 in orientated benzene). For large n the intensity decreases, so an important question is whether selective excitation of n-quantum transitions is possible, namely, can one design pulse sequences such that only a particular n or set of n's is excited? This corresponds to the absorption of only groups of n quanta. It is shown that this can indeed be achieved by employing a combination of time-reversal sequences and phase shifts. The principles of the theory are outlined and examples of experimental results for large n in solids and liquid crystals are presented. The discussion includes spectra, statistical treatment of intensities, degree of selectivity and n-quantum relaxation. Selectivity is also possible in detection and examples of the sensitivity enhancement this provides are shown.
Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy for systems with lifetime and dynamic heterogeneity

Abstract The time dependence of the fluorescence anisotropy expected when a fluorophore exists in distinct environments having different fluorescence decay and motional behavior is illustrated by simulation calculations. A wide range of behavior is observed. The analysis of such decays in terms of the underlying physical parameters is also illustrated and discussed. In particular, the analysis of ‘associated’ heterogeneous behavior using a homogeneous environment model with complex motional behavior is evaluated. It is argued that anisotropy decays that exhibit a high initial anisotropy and that rise at long times must be due to a heterogeneous environment. Anisotropic rotor diffusion cannot give rise to behavior of this type. A similar conclusion is reached for anisotropies that exhibit downward curvature. On the other hand, anisotropy decays that are monotonically decreasing and have a positive second derivative at all times cannot be analyzed in a unique fashion and therefore an ambiguity exists in the interpretation of such data in terms of motional behavior.
Family Process and Child Development in Unlabeled (Normal) Families

Preliminary data are reported from an ongoing project devoted to the study of normal families. The research emphasizes the effects of system-level variables and the micro patterns of conversational interaction on the development of children within the family. Our theoretical model focuses on the individuation process, and the way in which accuracy of interpersonal perception and mutual validation among family members contribute to and are affected by the personal development and functioning of individual family members. The data derive from two-hour interviews with 99 families in their homes, plus psychological, sociometric and achievement data on an adolescent girl in each family. We have found both structural factors and patterns of conversational interaction among parents that distinguish families of the adolescent girls who score high on the individual functioning measures from families of adolescent girls who score low on these same measures.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY: GAUGE FIELD THEORY FORMULATION

The nonrelativistic BCS theory of superconductivity is studied in the framework which allows an application of field-theoretic methods. The gauge technique of relativistic quantum electrodynamics is shown to be a suitable basis which makes it feasible to extend BCS theory beyond the original weak coupling approximation. We derive a relation between the superconducting transition temperature, the Debye temperature, the effective coupling constant and the effective electron mass. In addition to the BCS type solution, we establish an interesting new solution which corresponds to a high transition temperature.
Microcantilever Array Pressure Measurement System for Biomedical Instrumentation

An analog signal processing integrated circuit for microcantilever array has been designed for pressure measurement in biomedical applications. The chip consists of analog multiplexer, instrumentation amplifier, sample-and-hold circuit, on-chip voltage and current references, successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital control unit. Root sum square (RSS) error from the overall pressure measurement system including microcantilever array and the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is only ±1.79 KPa within the measurement range of 0-300 KPa. The 8-bit ADC attains 45.4 dB signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) and 56.4 dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), while operating at 772 KHz. The integrated circuit has been fabricated using 0.35-?m 2-poly 4-metal CMOS process technology. The chip occupies an area of 1.54 mm2 and consumes 17.8 mW of power with a single 3.3 V supply.
A Coding System for Describing Conversational Breakdowns in Preschool Children

Analysis of children’s breakdowns offers a rich data source, potentially revealing patterns of weakness in children’s communication ability. The purpose of the present study was to present a fine-g...
Effects of calcium on the intensity-response curve of toad rods.

THERE is evidence that Ca2+ is stored in the saccules in the outer segments of vertebrate rods, and released by light (for review, see ref. 1). Thus, light apparently increases [Ca2+]i, the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. It now seems unlikely that this increase of [Ca2+]i serves as an internal transmitter in generating the light response2–4. However, there is compelling evidence in the ventral photoreceptors of Limulus5,6 that it reduces photoreceptor sensitivity during light adaptation. In vertebrate rods an alteration of [Ca2+]o, the external Ca2+ concentration, alters [Ca2+]i, and the primary effects of changing [Ca2+]o seem to be exerted inside the cell1,7,8. Increased [Ca2+]o mimics certain aspects of light adaptation, including hyperpolarisation of the resting membrane potential and reduction of light responses9–11. Light adaptation also shifts the entire intensity–response function (the V-log I curve) towards higher intensities on the intensity axis, thus reducing the sensitivity of toad rods11. We report here that increased [Ca2+]o can mimic this important aspect of light adaptation, whereas lowered [Ca2+]o mimics dark adaptation. Control experiments indicate why altered [Ca2+]o did not shift the V-log I curve in the recent work of Lipton, Ostroy and Dowling11, who thus concluded that Ca2+ does not control this major aspect of photoreceptor sensitivity.
Fractional Flow Reserve: A Practical Update

This article serves as a practical update on the performance and clinical application of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the evaluation of intermediate coronary stenoses. We review several methods for the induction of hyperemia, viability after myocardial infarction, the impact of diabetes, and the use of FFR in myocardial bridging. New data on the correlation of FFR with noninvasive imaging in multivessel disease are presented. Additionally, we touch on the growing body of FFR-guided revascularization trials.
Sarcoidosis: The Significance of an Acinar Pattern on Chest Roentgenogram

A young black woman presented with dyspnea on exertion and a productive cough The chest roentgenogram showed predominance of an acinar rosette pattern without hilar adenopathy. Lung biopsy showed multiple noncaseating granulomata in the interstitium, compatible with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, with alveoli filled with mononuclear cells The term alveolar sarcoidosis is a radiologic diagnosis based on certain proposed criteria for acinar filling. Supported by pathologic correlation, it appears that the acinar radiographic pattern may represent a secondary nonspecific response of the lung to the primary interstitial injury.
Corrosion and corrosivity monitoring system

Honeywell International has developed and flight-tested a Corrosion and Corrosivity Monitoring System (C2MS). The C2MS detects galvanic corrosion in the main gearbox feet fasteners of helicopters. In addition, it monitors the environmental conditions inside the main floorboard compartment to determine the need for structural maintenance. The C2MS sensor on a main gearbox feet fastener sends a small electrical signal through the fastener and housing to measure the conductivity of the assembly. The measured conductivity value is used to determine if galvanic corrosion is present in the fastener assembly. The floorboard compartment sensors use a surrogate metal coupon to measure the corrosivity of the environment. The information from this sensor is used to recommend an extension to the calendar-based maintenance schedule. Fleet-wide information can be gathered by the system. The C2MS uses two Data Collection Units (DCUs) to store the corrosion data: one for the main gearbox feet fasteners and one for the main floorboard compartment. The DCU design addresses the issues of long battery life for the C2MS (greater than 2 years) and compactness. The data from the DCUs is collected by a personal digital assistant and downloaded to a personal computer where the corrosion algorithms reside. The personal computer display provides the location(s) of galvanic corrosion in the main gearbox feet fasteners as well as the recommended date for floorboard compartment maintenance. This paper discusses the methodology used to develop the C2MS software and hardware, presents the principles of the galvanic corrosion detection algorithm, and gives the laboratory and flight test results that document system performance in detecting galvanic corrosion (detection and false alarm rate). The paper also discusses the benefits of environmental sensors for providing a maintenance scheduling date.
Teaching a Child with Multiple Disabilities to Use a Tactile Augmentative Communication Device

A single case ABA design was used to determine the preferences for tactile surfaces of a child with multiple disabilities including deaf-blindness. Within each session the child tended to depress a switch covered with a velveteen surface more frequently than switches covered with other textured surfaces. In a second phase of the study (BC design) the child's preferred surface was paired with a contingent response of social interaction from her caregiver. The child appeared to become more selective in her activation of the switch with her preferred surface, but did not increase her overall level of activation. Finally, it was found that the child switched to a high proportion of usage of a different surface when it, rather than the velveteen, was paired with the contingent social response.
HYPERSENSITIVITY TO PENICILLENIC ACID DERIVATIVES IN HUMAN BEINGS WITH PENICILLIN ALLERGY

Multifunctional derivatives of penicillenic acid are effective elicitors of wheal-and-erythema skin responses in humans allergic to penicillin. Of the effective derivatives, penicilloyl-polylysines are particularly attractive as skin test reagents because they appear to be incapable of inducing antibody formation. The skin responses are specifically inhibitable in most instances by homologous unifunctional haptens. The penicillenic acid derivatives which appear to be determinants of human allergic reactions to penicillin are: penicilloyl, penicillenate, and groups of the penamaldate-penilloaldehyde type. Of these, the most significant appears to be the penicilloyl-lysyl determinant.
Age, Sex, and Social Factors in Fear of Crime

Abstract The joint or combined effects of age level, sex differences, and social factors in fear of crime are systematically investigated using elaboration analysis with 1976 NORC data. Findings reveal that while the elderly are somewhat more likely to report fear of crime when compared with young and middle-aged groups, many more women express apprehension than men at each age level. Fear of being victimized is especially prevalent among those segments of the population that are the most isolated and vulnerable, notably elderly and middle-aged black women, unmarried older women living alone, elderly women in poor health, and women of all ages who had been burglarized.
Response dynamics of stochastic integrate-and-fire neurons.

The leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) is the simplest neuron model that captures the essential properties of neuronal signaling while seemingly remaining simple enough to analyze. Yet, a comprehensive description of LIF response to time-varying stochastic input is lacking. As a first step, we survey the linear component of LIF responses over a wide range of baseline input parameters. Using a diffusion approximation, we calculate the relative gain as a function of frequency for three types of sinusoidal input modulations: modulations of the mean input current, modulations of the variance of the input current, and co-modulation of the mean and variance to simulate rate modulation of a Poisson input spike train. The output parameter is the time-dependent probability of producing a spike, i.e. the ensemble firing rate. In accord with common intuitions, we find that the stochastic LIF model displays low pass behavior for modulations of the mean, with the gain going to zero at high frequency. For baseline levels of mean current that are supra-threshold, the gain is enhanced by resonances at modulation frequencies near the baseline firing rate [1]. A quantitative analysis of the low-pass corner frequency shows that when operating at low rates the model responds at higher frequencies than the passive membrane filtering would suggest. Furthermore, at higher baseline frequencies f, cutoff frequencies are in the range of 4f, much greater than the f/2 cutoff expected from Nyquist arguments. For modulations in the input variance, we also find peaks in the gain function but these peaks persist into the regime of fluctuation-driven firing and the peak of these resonances does not correspond to the baseline firing rate. In accord with previous studies [2], gain values approach one at high frequencies across parameters. However, the low frequency gain is highly regime-dependent, with the low frequency gain much greater than one in the fluctuation-driven regime. The low-frequency gain is also highly regime-dependent in response to modulations in Poisson input rate. However, for frequencies greater than the inverse of the membrane time constant, the gain curves, for all baseline parameters, coalesce into a common trajectory toward a gain of one. Several of these response properties can be understood by noting that the ensemble firing rate depends on a multiplicative interaction between separate underlying factors, one of which is proportional to the present value of the input variance and the other which depends on the dynamics of integration and reset. However, further work will be needed to understand the response at frequencies significantly greater than expected from simple membrane filtering or firing rate sampling, and to understand the nature of the firing rate resonances in response to modulations of input variance.
The violent character of sexual‐eroticism in cross‐cultural comparison

Details a cross‐cultural study to expose the extent to which public concern regulates sexual‐eroticism and withdraws it from public attention; identifies a propensity towards the ideal of sexual constraint within US society, reflected by a high degree of regulation and criminalization of sexuality ‐ ranging from strict policies on sexual‐harassment to the restriction of explicit images, even for sex education purposes. Compares with the more liberal attitudes exhibited in Germany. Develops an empirical model to establish cultural differences in attitudes to sexual issues; confirms that Germans are less likely to stigmatize sexual eroticism than their American contemporaries. Concludes that Germans exhibit emotions that typify sexual emancipation, compared with the sexually constrained emotions of Americans; suggests a link between the repression of sexual emotions and violence in society.
Reset sequences for monotonic automata

Natarajan reduced the problem of designing a certain type of mechanical parts orienter to that of finding reset sequences for monotonic deterministic finite automata. He gave algorithms that in polynomial time either find such sequences or prove that no such sequence exists. In this paper a new algorithm based on breadth-first search is presented that runs in faster asymptotic time than Natarajan’s algorithms, and in addition finds the shortest possible reset sequence if such a sequence exists. Tight bounds on the length of the minimum reset sequence are given. The time and space bounds of another algorithm given by Natarajan are further improved.That algorithm finds reset sequences for arbitrary deterministicfinite automata when all states are initially possible.
Throat Culture Is Necessary After Negative Rapid Antigen Detection Tests

This study was conducted to determine if culture confirmation is needed for a negative rapid antigen detection test. Data on 18 509 tests done in patients younger than 18 years old were reviewed. Of the 14 167 (76.5%) that were negative, 968 (6.8%) were associated with positive cultures. No significant seasonal variation was noted. Significant differences were found between hospital and pediatric practices in the percentage of patients with a negative rapid antigen detection test who actually had group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (3.5% to 9.8%). This study supports the recommendation of culture confirmation of a negative rapid antigen detection test and validation of results within an individual practice if confirmatory cultures are not being performed. This study showed a high false-negative rate of the negative rapid antigen detection test and variation among hospital and pediatric practices for rates of positive culture after a negative rapid antigen detection test.
Iatrogenic injuries of the common femoral artery (CFA) and external iliac artery (EIA) during endograft placement: An underdiagnosed entity

Objective Early limb occlusions following endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysmal disease is not uncommon (4%-13%). To assess whether the femoral artery entry site could potentially cause this complication, we prospectively evaluated the ipsilateral common femoral artery (CFA) and distal external iliac artery (EIA) with intraoperative duplex scans (IDS). Methods There were 134 patients with infrarenal nonruptured abdominal aorto-iliac aneurysms treated with endografts since 2002 at our institution. Age ranged from 65 to 89 years (mean: 77 ± 7 years). Aneuryx (n = 41), Zenith (n = 50), and Excluder (n = 43) endografts were used for repair. All procedures were performed via open exposure of the CFA. Introducer diameter varied from 12 mm to 22 mm. All patients underwent IDS of the CFA and distal EIA after repair of the arteriotomies. Results In 34 patients (25%), we documented intimal dissections causing severe (>70%) stenoses. Of the 271 arteries that were examined, 38 (14%) had abnormal findings that demanded intervention. These were repaired with flap excision, tacking sutures revision, or patch angioplasty (n = 36). Repeat IDS confirmed the adequacy of the repair. No statistical difference was noted if the site of larger introducer sheath and the incidence of flap formation. In addition, 10 small flaps or plaques were visualized but did not create significant stenosis. No differences were noted in the incidence of positive duplex exams between each type graft ( P = .4). No early or late iliac limb occlusions were noted. Follow-up of 94% was obtained. Conclusions Completion arterial duplex scans are helpful in detecting a substantial number of clinically unsuspected technical defects caused by introducer sheaths. Timely diagnosis and repair of these defects may decrease the incidence of early limb occlusion following endograft placement.
Controlled placement of spherical nanoparticles into array for biosensing

Spherical nanoparticles are formed and aligned in a periodic array by placing them onto nanohole array. These structures have been shown theoretically to have very narrow linewidth and improved sensitivity for biosensing applications.
A topology-aware collision resolution algorithm

A new collision resolution algorithm called the space division multiple access protocol (SDMA) is presented. SDMA gains a performance advantage over similar protocols by using information about the positions of stations on the network. The protocol can operate asynchronously on a broadcast bus, allowing variable sized packet traffic. Through simulation the protocol is demonstrated to have better performance than Ethernet and the Capetanakis Tree protocol, a similar collision resolution protocol, under some traffic conditions. In particular, under heavy loads, SDMA displays better average throughput and lower variance of delay than Ethernet. The protocol demonstrates a performance bias based on the location of stations, but in most cases this bias is less severe than that experienced by Ethernet. >
Robust isolable models for failure diagnosis

The paper presents a design procedure to generate parity equation models for analytical failure detection and isolation. The models are in “statistically-isolable” structure that prevents incorrect isolation decisions under marginal failure size if the residuals are tested in parallel. Of the combinatorial multitude of structurally-suitable models, a choice is made on the basis of sensitivities with respect to different failures and robustness relative to uncertainties in selected parameters of an underlying model. A complete set of parity equations fitting the isolable structure is first generated from a state-space model. The equations unsuitable for sensitivity are eliminated, and a suboptimally-robust diagnostic model is obtained in a constrained discrete search over the remaining set.
Prevalence, Distribution, and Surgical Relevance of Abnormal Pedicles in Spines with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis vs. No Deformity: A CT-Based Study.

Background:A thorough understanding of pedicle morphology is necessary for pedicle screw placement. Previous studies classifying pedicle morphology, to our knowledge, have neither discussed the range of abnormal morphology nor correlated patient or curve characteristics with abnormal morphology to i
Synergistic Derepression of Gibberellin Signaling by Removing RGA and GAI Function in Arabidopsis thaliana

RGA and GAI are negative regulators of the gibberellin (GA) signal transduction pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. These genes may have partially redundant functions because they are highly homologous, and plants containing single null mutations at these loci are phenotypically similar to wild type. Previously, rga loss-of-function mutations were shown to partially suppress defects of the GA-deficient ga1-3 mutant. Phenotypes rescued include abaxial trichome initiation, rosette radius, flowering time, stem elongation, and apical dominance. Here we present work showing that the rga-24 and gai-t6 null mutations have a synergistic effect on plant growth. Although gai-t6 alone has little effect, when combined with rga-24, they completely rescued the above defects of ga1-3 to wild-type or GA-overdose phenotype. However, seed germination and flower development defects were not restored. Additionally, rga-24 and rga-24/gai-t6 but not gai-t6 alone caused increased feedback inhibition of expression of a GA biosynthetic gene in both the ga1-3 and wild-type backgrounds. These results demonstrate that RGA and GAI have partially redundant functions in maintaining the repressive state of the GA-signaling pathway, but RGA plays a more dominant role than GAI. Removing both RGA and GAI function allows for complete derepression of many aspects of GA signaling.
Current sensing for built-in testing of CMOS circuits

Built-in current (BIC) testing involves the monitoring of power bus currents in a VLSI circuit, as a means of detecting processing defects in the circuit. The design and performance of a prototype BIC sensor for static CMOS are discussed. It has been demonstrated that a fully-operational BIC sensor can be designed using a standard CMOS process. The presented design met all basic requirements: it was small, it caused only a small degradation of the performance of the monitored module, and it provided sufficient current resolution. The main disadvantage of the described design, however, was a substrate current caused by the structure of the bipolar transistor. >
Gut-derived norepinephrine plays an important role in up-regulating IL-1β and IL-10

Previous studies have shown that the gut is a major source of norepinephrine (NE) released in early sepsis and that gut-derived NE plays an important role in up-regulating TNF-alpha expression in Kupffer cells (KC) via an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2)-AR) pathway. However, it remains unknown whether NE affects the release of other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and IL-10 and, if so, whether alpha(2)-AR is also involved in such a process. To study this, a branch of the portal vein in normal adult male rats was cannulated under anesthesia. NE (20 muM in ascorbate saline), NE plus yohimbine (YHB, a specific alpha(2)-AR antagonist, 1 mM) or vehicle (0.1% ascorbate saline) was infused at a rate of 13 mul/min for 2 h. The above rate of NE infusion was used to increase the portal level of NE to approximately 20 nM, similar to that observed in sepsis. Blood samples were then collected and serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-10 were measured. In addition, the KC was isolated from normal rats and stimulated with either NE (20 nM) or NE plus YHB (1 muM). The gene expression of IL-1beta and IL-10 in KC and their supernatant levels were assessed. The results indicate that serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-10 increased significantly after the intraportal infusion of NE. Co-administration of NE and YHB, however, significantly attenuated IL-1beta and IL-10 production. Similarly, IL-1beta and IL-10 gene expression and release from KC were up-regulated by NE stimulation, whereas YHB attenuated both cytokines. Thus, gut-derived NE up-regulates IL-1beta and IL-10 expression and release in the liver through an alpha(2)-AR pathway. Since adenylate cyclase activator forskolin prevents the increase in NE-induced IL-1beta and IL-10, the up-regulatory effect of NE on those cytokines appears to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of adenylate cyclase and reduction in intracellular cyclic AMP levels.
Symbiotic value of an embodied agent in language learning

Our perception and understanding are influenced by a speaker's face and accompanying gestures, as well as the actual sound of the speech. Given the value of face-to-face interaction, our persistent goal has been to develop, evaluate, and use animated agents to teach speech and language. Baldi/spl reg/ is an accurate three-dimensional agent appropriately aligned with either synthesized or natural speech. We describe our language-training program, which utilizes Baldi as a tutor, who guides students through a variety of exercises designed to teach vocabulary and grammar, to improve speech articulation, and to develop linguistic and phonological awareness.