cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Control of Immunoglobulin Synthesis

The structural features of immunoglobulins are described. This family of related proteins shows a common structural design: two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains are present in each molecule. Amino acid sequence studies have shown that light chains have one of two types of sequences in the C terminal half, whereas they differ one from the other in the N terminal half. The two halves of the sequence have been designated accordingly variable and common half. Similarly, the heavy chains have a common sequence in the C terminal three-quarters of the sequence and a variable one in the N terminal quarter. Genetic studies on the inheritance of immunoglobulin alleles have been carried out in some mammalian species. The genetic control of immunoglobulin synthesis is reviewed in man, mouse and rabbit. These studies have shown that each allele controls the inheritance of a specific common region, with the exception of one genetic system which seems to control the synthesis of the variable region of rabbit heavy chains. Immunoglobulin chains are clearly synthesized under the control of two distinct genetic elements, one of which specifies the variable region and the other the common region. The possible significance of this type of genetic control of immunoglobulin structure is discussed. It has not yet been established whether each variant of the variable region is coded for by an individual structural gene present in the genome of each individual or whether few genes for variable regions exist, which in the course of the differentiation of lymphoid cells are subject to somatic mutation processes, which generate variability. These two possibilities are discussed and elements in favour of one or the other theory are presented.
Experiencing success: Some strategies for planning the program

Developing experiential education programs can be both rewarding and daunting. This chapter offers possible strategies for designing and implementing such programs.
Formation of photochemical π-cation radicals. I: μ-oxo-iron (III) tetraphenylporphyrin

We have monitored the spectra and kinetics of μ-oxo iron (III) tetraphenyl porphyrin. The spectral changes between 460 nm and 770 nm were observed after excitation with 25 ps fwhm, 355 nm pulse. Kinetic studies from — 100 ps to 4 ns suggest that after the immediate formation of the excited states a transient species is formed which we assign to the π-caion radical-ferrous porphyrin pair. This pair decays with a time constant of 600 ps ± 100 ps leaving a small amount of disproportionation reaction photoproducts. The spectra and kinetics of the transients, were not altered by concentration (0.15 OD – 1.0 OD at 571 nm), solvent or addition of oxygen.
Feature Selection with a Linear Dependence Measure

Features which are linearly dependent on other features do not contribute toward pattern classification by linear techniques. In order to detect the linearly dependent features, a measure of linear dependence is proposed. This measure is used as an aid in feature selection. Speaker verification experiments demonstrate the usefulness of employing such a measure in practice.
Preliminary Field-Testing of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders ("PDQ") A 5-Minute Procedure for Testing Children Six Months to Six Years

This report describes the development of The Physician's Developmental Quick Screen for Speech Disorders (the PDQ), a screening test designed for use by nonspeech pathologists with children aged six months to six years. Disorders of language, articulation, voice, rhythm of speech, and the speaking mechanism are considered by the PDQ. Validation studies resulted in 90 per cent agreement (p less than .001) between nonspeech pathologists utilizing the PDQ and speech pathologists employing a battery of more established tests.
Synthesis and microstructural characterization of NiAlAl2O3 functionally gradient composites

Reactive Hot Compaction of Ni and Al powders in which one or both of the powders were preoxidized was carried out to fabricate functionally gradient composite (FGC) of NiAl with in-situ Al2O3 reinforcement. The FGC consisted of five layers with a variation of alumina content from less than 4% on one side to about 52% on the other. The gradient in the composition was obtained by stacking different powder mixtures of desired compositions. Individual composites corresponding to the different layers were also synthesized to study the evolution of microstructure during compaction. The alumina was observed to form a continuous network around the NiAl during the synthesis. The effects of powder oxidation and of the heating rate on the process and microstructure have been discussed on the basis of the DTA studies. The results indicate that during the synthesis of NiAl, Al3Ni is the phase that forms first, followed by Al3Ni2 and NiAl.
Universality and the power spectrum at the onset of chaos

Two one-dimensional maps are iterated to evaluate the average height $\ensuremath{\varphi}(k)$ of the peaks in the power spectrum corresponding to frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{k,l}=\frac{(2l\ensuremath{-}1)\ensuremath{\pi}}{{2}^{k}}$, where $l=1,2,\dots{},{2}^{k\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $k=1,2,\dots{}$ at the onset of chaos. It is shown that the ratio $\frac{\ensuremath{\varphi}(k)}{\ensuremath{\varphi}(k+1)}$ is nearly constant and for large $k$ approaches a universal limit $2{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{(2)}=20.963\dots{}$.
STUDIES ON THE RIBONUCLEIC ACID POLYMERASE IN RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE.

Abstract Enzyme preparations catalyzing the incorporation of all four ribonucleotide monophosphates into the interior of RNA were obtained from the rat ventral prostate gland. Various properties of the systems including the effects of salts and proteolytic enzymes are described. Sonic oscillations were shown to liberate “masked” activity which catalyzed the addition of AMP and CMP to the end of soluble RNA. Actinomycin D and DNase inhibition were demonstrated. Despite repeated efforts the preparations could not be shown to be dependent upon added DNA.
Drug discovery in academia

Drug discovery and development is generally done in the commercial rather than the academic realm. Drug discovery involves target discovery and validation, lead identification by high-throughput sc...
North by Northwestern: initial experience with PACS at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

This paper describes the initial phases and configuration of the Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) deployed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The primary goals of the project were to improve service to patients, improve service to referring physicians, and improve the process of radiology. Secondary goals were to enhance the academic mission, and modernize institutional information systems. The system consists of a large number of heterogeneous imaging modalities sending imaging studies via DICOM to a GE medical Systems PathSpeed PACS. The radiology department workflow is briefly described. The system is currently storing approximately 140,000 studies and over 5 million images, growing by approximately 600 studies and 25,000 images per day. Data reflecting use of the short term and long term storage is provided.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Behavioral differences between preterm and full-term newborns as measured with the APIB system scores: I

Abstract This study investigates the association between gestational age at birth and behavioral functioning 2 weeks after due date. Ninety-eight healthy newborns were stratified into three gestational age groups—early-born preterms (PPT), 27 to 32 weeks; middle-group preterms (PT), 33 to 37 weeks; and full-terms (FT), 38 to 41 weeks—and their behavior was examined using the system scores of the Assessment of Preterm Infants' Behavior (APIB). All infants were free of medical complications. The PPTs ( n = 33) and the PTs ( n = 31) showed significantly more autonomic, motoric, state, attentional, and self-regulatory disorganization and reactivity, and required substantially more examiner facilitation than the FTs ( n = 34). The differences between PPTs and PTs were less pronounced and did not reach significance. Prospective classification of a second sample of 20 full-terms and 20 preterms under 34 weeks gestation using discrimination rules based upon the first sample had an overall success of 92.5%. This study suggests that healthy preterm infants show significantly more disorganized behavior than healthy fullterms at 2 weeks alter due date. The APIB appears to be a robust measure of such preterm-full-term differences.
The thermodynamics of Fe-Pt-N austenites

A gas-solid equilibration technique has been used to determine the partial thermodynamic functions of nitrogen dissolved in fcc Fe-Pt solid solutions. The data span the temperature range 1370–1526 K and the composition range 0–6 at.%Pt. The N-contents never exceeded 5 × 10−5 at.%. The data were analyzed in terms of the cell model for ternary solid solutions. Adherence to the model was good and revealed that Pt atoms produce shallow trapping sites for N in the fcc lattice. Their depth, relative to the potential minima in the Fe-N system is ∼ 7 kJmol.
New cases of inter-community infanticide by male chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda.

Infanticide by males has been recorded in four chimpanzee populations, including that in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Some infanticidal attacks occur during inter-community aggression. The sexual selection hypothesis does not easily explain these attacks because they may not directly increase male mating opportunities. However, females in the attackers’ community may benefit by expanding their foraging ranges and thereby improving their reproductive success; thus infanticide may increase male reproductive success indirectly. We report two new cases of infanticide by male chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park. Like two previous cases, these occurred during a boundary patrol and were almost certainly between-community infanticides. The patrolling males attacked despite the proximity of males from the victims’ presumed community. This probably explains why, unlike the earlier cases, they did not completely cannibalize their victims. Such attacks seem to be relatively common at Ngogo and infanticide may be an important source of infant mortality in neighboring communities. Our observations cannot resolve questions about the sexual selection hypothesis. However, they are consistent with the range expansion hypothesis: the infanticides occurred during a period of frequent encounters between communities associated with a mast fruiting event, and Ngogo community members greatly increased their use of areas near the attack site during another mast fruiting event one year later. Our observations contribute to growing evidence that lethal intergroup aggression is a common characteristic of wild chimpanzee populations.
Establishment of Human Papillomavirus Infection Requires Cell Cycle Progression

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are DNA viruses associated with major human cancers. As such there is a strong interest in developing new means, such as vaccines and microbicides, to prevent HPV infections. Developing the latter requires a better understanding of the infectious life cycle of HPVs. The HPV infectious life cycle is closely linked to the differentiation state of the stratified epithelium it infects, with progeny virus only made in the terminally differentiating suprabasal compartment. It has long been recognized that HPV must first establish its infection within the basal layer of stratified epithelium, but why this is the case has not been understood. In part this restriction might reflect specificity of expression of entry receptors. However, this hypothesis could not fully explain the differentiation restriction of HPV infection, since many cell types can be infected with HPVs in monolayer cell culture. Here, we used chemical biology approaches to reveal that cell cycle progression through mitosis is critical for HPV infection. Using infectious HPV16 particles containing the intact viral genome, G1-synchronized human keratinocytes as hosts, and early viral gene expression as a readout for infection, we learned that the recipient cell must enter M phase (mitosis) for HPV infection to take place. Late M phase inhibitors had no effect on infection, whereas G1, S, G2, and early M phase cell cycle inhibitors efficiently prevented infection. We conclude that host cells need to pass through early prophase for successful onset of transcription of the HPV encapsidated genes. These findings provide one reason why HPVs initially establish infections in the basal compartment of stratified epithelia. Only this compartment of the epithelium contains cells progressing through the cell cycle, and therefore it is only in these cells that HPVs can establish their infection. By defining a major condition for cell susceptibility to HPV infection, these results also have potentially important implications for HPV control.
Racial differences in tumor stage and survival for colorectal cancer in an insured population.

BACKGROUND. Despite declining death rates from colorectal cancer (CRC), racial disparities have continued to increase. In this study, the authors examined disparities in a racially diverse group of insured patients. METHODS. This study was conducted among patients who were diagnosed with CRC from 1993 to 1998, when they were enrolled in integrated healthcare systems. Patients were identified from tumor registries and were linked to information in administrative databases. The sample was restricted to non-Hispanic whites (n = 10,585), non-Hispanic blacks (n = 1479), Hispanics (n = 985), and Asians/Pacific Islanders (n = 909). Differences in tumor stage and survival were analyzed by using polytomous and Cox regression models, respectively. RESULTS. In multivariable regression analyses, blacks were more likely than whites to have distant or unstaged tumors. In Cox models that were adjusted for nonmutable factors, blacks had a higher risk of death from CRC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06–1.30). Hispanics had a risk of death similar to whites (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92–1.18), whereas Asians/Pacific Islanders had a lower risk of death from CRC (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78–1.02). Adjustment for tumor stage decreased the HR to 1.11 for blacks, and the addition of receipt of surgical therapy to the model decreased the HR further to 1.06. The HR among Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders was stable to adjustment for tumor stage and surgical therapy. CONCLUSIONS. The relation between race and survival from CRC was complex and appeared to be related to differences in tumor stage and therapy received, even in insured populations. Targeted interventions to improve the use of effective screening and treatment among vulnerable populations may be needed to eliminate disparities in CRC. Cancer 2007;109:612–620. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Cover Picture: Hydrogen Migration Over Organic Tapes: [1,5] Sigmatropic Shiftamers (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2/2004)

The cover picture shows several polycyclic organic tapes over which hydrogen atoms might migrate. While hydrogen migration over metal surfaces is commonplace, the facility of analogous processes in most fully organic systems is not known. Using quantum chemical calculations, D. J. Tantillo and R. Hoffmann estimate the energetic barriers associated with hydrogen migration in these and other systems. For more details, see the article on p. 273 ff.
Sample preparation for and nitrogen isotope analysis by the NOI-4 emission spectroscope

Abstract A sample preparation unit was developed for use in emission spectrometric analysis of 15N, and the unit and the NOI-4 spectroscope were evaluated. The sample preparation unit was designed to permit use of reusable discharge tubes, monitoring of pressure in the tube, and flushing with and addition of an inert gas to the tube. It utilizes the hypobromite oxidation approach for production of nitrogen gas. Instrument problems and sources of error included nonlinear gain settings, baseline determination, overlapping bandheads and nonlinearity of the standard curve. Problems in the sample preparation method adopted were limited to memory in the discharge tube ; this was reduced by prolonged baking of the tubes at 700°. Minimum sample size is about 10 μg N. In the normal to 5 atom% 15N range, the overall method (sample preparation and analysis) gave 0.01 confidence intervals of ±0.03 atom% 15N.
Universal features of the free-energy functional at the freezing transition for repulsive potentials

The free-energy difference between coexisting solid and liquid phases is studied in the context of classical density functional theory (DFT). A bridge function is used to represent the higher-order (n>2) terms in the perturbative expansion of the excess Helmholtz free energy, and the values of this bridge function within the solid lattice are determined by inversion using literature Monte Carlo simulation results. Four potential models, specifically hard-sphere and inverse twelfth-, sixth-, and fourth-power repulsive, are studied. The face-centered cubic (fcc) solid is considered for the hard-sphere and inverse twelfth- and sixth-power potentials, while the body-centered cubic (bcc) solid is considered for the inverse sixth- and fourth-power potentials. For a given solid structure there is a remarkable similarity among the bridge functions for different potentials that is analogous to the universality in the sum of elementary diagrams, or bridge functions, of liquid-state theory as originally observed by Rosenfeld and Ashcroft [Phys. Rev. A 20, 1208 (1979)]. In further analogy with liquid-state theory, the bridge functions in the present problem are plotted as functionals of the second-order convolution term in the perturbative expansion. In each case, the plot indicates a unique functionality in the dense regions of the solid near the lattice sites but a scattered and nonunique behavior in the void regions. Interestingly, knowledge of the functional relationship in the unique region near the lattice sites seems to be sufficient to quantitatively model the solid-fluid phase transition. These qualitative observations are true for both fcc and bcc solid phases, although there are some quantitative differences between them. The findings suggest that pursuit of a closure-based DFT of solid-fluid transitions may be profitable.
Thromboxane A2 is the major arachidonic acid metabolite of human cortical hydronephrotic tissue.

Abstract Human cortical hydronephrotic microsomes converted [14C] arachidonic acid to [14C] thromboxane B2 as the major metabolic product. Using [14C] PGH2 as substrate, similar enzymatic conversions were noted with HHT>TXB26KPGF1αPGE2PGF2α as the major products. Inhibition of thromboxane synthetase with imidazole 5 mM reduced thromboxane B2 production by 60% and the major product then was 6 keto PGF1α. After addition of imidazole, the metabolic profile showed 6KPGF1αPGE2HHT>PGF2α. Control experiments were carried out using normal cortical tissue obtained from kidneys removed surgically for carcinoma of kidney and rejected for transplantation secondary to fracture as a consequence of blunt trauma. These control kidneys, while they demonstrated an ability to generate thromboxane B2 in vitro , had much less activity than hydronephrotic kidneys and with PGH2 as substrate PGE2TxB2. In addition, inhibition with imidazole produced mainly PGE2. Thus, like the rabbit and rat, there is enhanced thromboxane and prostacyclin synthesis in human ureteral obstruction and are, therefore, potential vasoactive compounds which may in part be responsible for the hemodynamic alterations occurring in human obstructive uropathy.
Validation of instantaneous pressure gradients measured by continuous-wave Doppler in experimentally induced aortic stenosis

The relation between catheter-measured and Doppler-derived aortic pressure gradients was examined in 8 open-chest dogs. A snare was placed around the proximal ascending aorta and adjusted to provide a wide range of gradient to left ventricular (LV) outflow. A continuous-wave Doppler transducer was placed above the level of the obstruction and angled to optimize the audio and spectral signals. Pressure tip transducer catheters recorded LV and ascending aortic pressures simultaneously with the Doppler signal. In 120 randomly selected sinus beats, Doppler-derived maximal gradient correlated well with maximal instantaneous catheter gradient from 4 to 179 mm Hg (r = 0.99). Mean gradients also were closely related (r = 0.98). For gradients above 100 mm Hg, the correlation remained good (r = 0.98), but for gradients below 50 mm Hg, the correlation was not as precise (r = 0.81). All 120 cycles were digitized at 10-ms intervals to examine the correspondence between the Doppler and catheter data throughout systole. For the 2,742 pairs of points so obtained, the correlation was excellent (r = 0.95). The close relation between Doppler-derived pressure gradient and that measured simultaneously by catheterization provides further validation of the use of continuous-wave Doppler in the assessment of aortic stenosis, not only at maximal gradient, but throughout the period of LV ejection.
Temperature-Driven Segmentation for Autonomous Anti-Tank Weapons

In this paper we discuss a simple temperature-driven segmentation technique that can be used for autonomous terminal guidance of anti-tank munitions. A ratio between two images from different IR bands is taken to form an emissivity independent image that is a function of temperature only. Size and temperature discrimination can then be used to find hot spots of interest. Candidate targets are segmented from the image about the points of interest using an.algorithm that finds all regions in multi-region objects and does not require a priori intensity information. Size and gross shape features are used to determine if the segmented objects are to be classified as targets. The key to this approach is the initial hot spot extraction. The temperature dependent ratio image allows quick and confident screening of the entire field of view, so that only the regions of interest require further processing. The described techniques effectively found tanks in the presence of common battlefield clutter when used with synthetic IR imagery provided by Georgia Tech Research Institute. The simplicity, effectiveness and potential speed of this technique make it ideal for autonomous guidance of expendable anti-tank weapons, especially where only low resolution IR imagery is available.
A Comparative Molecular Dynamics Study of the Effect of Alpha-Tocopherol and Cholesterol on Phospholipid Bilayers having Different Levels of Acyl Chain Unsaturation

Cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) are important constituents of cell membranes having similar molecular shapes and sizes. These two molecules, however, exhibit very different properties in membranes and are thought to play different roles in the biology of the cell. Cholesterol is found in high concentrations in membranes, especially those composed of saturated phospholipids such as 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), while recent experiments suggest that alpha-tocopherol, which is typically found in much smaller concentrations, preferentially accumulates in membranes containing highly polyunsaturated lipids such as 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (SDPC). Here we examine the structural and dynamic properties of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol and their effects on phospholipid bilayers using molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulation methods. Six long simulations (hundreds of nanosecond each) have been carried out, one for each neat lipid (DPPC and SDPC), and one for each solute in each lipid. The dramatically different effect on membrane properties that is observed in the simulation is explained in terms of unique solute-lipid interactions arising from polyunsaturation of the lipid acyl chains.
Smart Truss for Education

This work discusses a laboratory resource and associated lecture material that are implemented in an interdisciplinary course ‘Smart Structures and Sensors.’ Instruction in structural behavior, sensor systems, and experimental systems issues is supported. The Smart Truss Bridge is a reconfigurable aluminum truss structure that is instrumented with strain sensors. It is designed to be representative of a full-scale steel bridge such that person loads produce reasonable strain levels. This multiple-bay truss can be configured with and without redundant members. Strain instrumentation with extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometric fiber optic sensors demonstrates the performance and use of sensor systems. Theoretical analysis and experimental measurement may be correlated for different load placements. Observations include elastic strain behavior as well as practical experimental issues such as noise and non-ideal connections. A smart structures case study shows the use of artificial neural networks in a monitor...
Paradoxical effects of trichostatin A: inhibition of NF-Y-associated histone acetyltransferase activity, phosphorylation of hGCN5 and downregulation of cyclin A and B1 mRNA

Trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC), is widely used to study the role of histone acetylation in gene expression, since genes that use histone acetylation as a means of regulating expression may be up regulated when TSA is added. In this study, however, we show that TSA has an unexpected paradoxical effect leading to inhibition of NF-Y-associated histone acetyl transferase (HAT) activity and phosphorylation of the HAT, hGCN5. TSA treatment of cells resulted in diminished levels of NF-Y-associated HAT activity without changes in NF-Y(A) amount. hGCN5 is one of the HATs known to associate with NF-Y. The association of hGCN5 with NF-Y was not altered by TSA treatment. The enzymatic activity of hGCN5 is known to be inhibited by phosphorylation. TSA treatment of Hela cells resulted in phosphorylation of hGCN5. Exposure of the NF-Y immunoprecipitates from TSA-treated cells to a phosphatase resulted in enhanced HAT activity. We have also shown that the mRNA levels of several genes, cyclin B1 and cyclin A, are downregulated by TSA; these effects do not require protein synthesis and the downregulation of cyclin B1 by TSA occurs through transcription. These results suggest that TSA can have contradictory effects, on one hand stimulating HAT activity in general by inhibition of HDACs, but also resulting in inhibition of NF-Y-associated HAT activity and phosphorylation of hGCN5.
Problems and challenges of industrial process control: a commercial polymerization reactor case study

As a result of a universal drive for more consistent attainment of high product quality, more efficient use of energy, and tighter safety and environmental regulations, industrial processes have evolved over the past few decades into very complex and highly integrated systems. Such stringent demands naturally create more difficult and challenging control problems for today's industrial process control engineer/spl minus/problems requiring more sophisticated solutions than can be provided by traditional techniques alone. This paper provides an overview of some of the important contemporary challenges of industrial process control, noting the fortunate circumstance of the emergence of powerful digital computer technology just in time to facilitate the analysis, design and implementation of the sophisticated control techniques required to take on these challenging problems. A specific case study involving the control of a commercial polymerization reactor is used to illustrate concretely the scope of the problems and challenges, and the role of the digital computer in how such problems are being handled. >
An efficient switching strategy for flexible workstations

A study of production line systems with two flexible workstations and an intermediate buffer storage is presented. Each station can perform two different operations. The setup time, defined as the time that a station takes to switch from one operation to another, is positive. The authors present a procedure to determine the buffer levels at which the stations must change operations so that the production rate is maximized. It is shown that the conjugate gradient technique solves large-scale problems of the type considered very accurately and efficiently, and requires small computer storage. >
What Erdelyi has repressed

Erdelyi's “unified theory of repression” attempts to rehabilitate psychoanalytic doctrine by exaggerating its compatibility with the findings of cognitive science. In addition, Erdelyi treats Freud's writings as holy writ, any portion of which can be quoted to prove a point. He also relies on a long-discredited account of Freud's “seduction theory” and ignores important links between Freudian assumptions and our recent recovered memory movement.
The structure of temperamental fear and pleasure in infants: a psychometric perspective.

Despite the prominence of temperament constructs in the study of infant development, little evidence exists about the internal structure of temperament. We assessed temperament both via questionnaire and in repeated laboratory visits for 168 9-month-old twins and singletons. Mothers' and fathers' agreement on temperament questionnaire scales was low, except for scales tapping negative emotionality and activity level. The factor structure of mothers' and fathers' questionnaire scales also differed, with fathers tending to associate higher motoric activity with hedonically positive behaviors. We measured fearfulness during 2 visual cliff episodes and a stranger approach, and we measured joy/pleasure during a series of 4 games. For both fearfulness and pleasure we found moderate crosssituation generality, short-term stability, and convergence with specific temperament questionnaire scales. Parameters of response, such as latency, duration, and intensity, intercorrelated within—but not across—response types. Fearful distress and avoidance proved to be uncorrelated. The results suggest that the component behaviors of infant fearfulness and pleasure are structured in a fashion consistent with a temperamental interpretation.
1991–1992 GPS measurements across the Nepal Himalaya

In March 1991 35 control points were measured in the collision zone between the Indian and Asian plates using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Twenty-eight points are located in the Nepal Himalaya, and 7 in S. and E. Tibet. In October 1992, 6 of the Nepal points were remeasured together with 3 bedrock points in Bihar State, India, 5 points in E. Tibet, and one in Urumchi. The average WRMS GPS position repeatability between 1991 and 1992 improved from 8 mm to 5 mm in the north, 16 mm to 7 mm in the east, and 32 mm to 25 mm in the vertical components. Himalayan convergence rates of 20 mm/yr may be resolved to 10% accuracy within 5 years with these uncertainties. Unless improved vertical measurement techniques are introduced many decades must elapse before regional secular vertical motions may be resolved. The 1991.3–1992.8 measurements are consistent with geologically determined Himalayan convergence rates of less than 20 mm/year.
DBXplorer: a system for keyword-based search over relational databases

Internet search engines have popularized the keyword-based search paradigm. While traditional database management systems offer powerful query languages, they do not allow keyword-based search. In this paper, we discuss DBXplorer, a system that enables keyword-based searches in relational databases. DBXplorer has been implemented using a commercial relational database and Web server and allows users to interact via a browser front-end. We outline the challenges and discuss the implementation of our system, including results of extensive experimental evaluation.
Visual Masking by Low-Frequency Sinusoidally Modulated Light

Threshold energy of foveal, 2-msec white test flashes was plotted as a function of their timing with respect to sinusoidal fluctuations of nearly achromatic background light. With frequencies of 3.1–10 Hz, modulation near 100%, and peak retinal illuminance of 1280 td, the resulting masking curves are non-sinusoidal. Threshold maxima precede background maxima, whereas threshold minima coincide with background minima. The phase lead of the threshold maxima increases with frequency, but tends to stabilize at about 90° above 5 Hz. Maximal and minimal threshold energies also increase with frequency, but their ratio is nearly constant between 3.1 and 8 Hz. Steady light added to the 1280-td fluctuation elevates threshold minima, but often lowers maxima, and introduces secondary maxima that accompany decrements of background luminance. Generally, thresholds are higher with fluctuating backgrounds than with peak-equivalent steady backgrounds. The data for 1280-td and 128-td fluctuations confirm that masking is a nonlinear function of modulated background luminance, and suggest the presence of unidirectional rate sensitivity. Of several possible physiological correlates discussed, ganglion-cell discharge patterns are most nearly compatible with the masking curves.
A Spatial Median Filter for noise removal in digital images

In this paper, six different image filtering algorithms are compared based on their ability to reconstruct noise-affected images. The purpose of these algorithms is to remove noise from a signal that might occur through the transmission of an image. A new algorithm, the spatial median filter, is introduced and compared with current image smoothing techniques. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is comparable to these techniques. A modification to this algorithm is introduced to achieve more accurate reconstructions over other popular techniques.
Effects of Chlorination on Silver Coated Ceramic Pot Filters (CPFs)

It has been suggested that the absence of residual protection against recontamination is a potential weakness of the ceramic pot filters (CPFs). As a result, and against CPF manufacturers’ recommendations, users may routinely apply bleach into CPFs as a way to prevent recontamination. Concerns regarding the potential repercussions on the CPFs ability to disinfect water and/or their lifespan due to an interaction between chlorine and silver, as well as the health risks associated with chlorine poisoning and chlorination disinfection by-products (DBPs) exist. This preliminary study evaluated the effects of chlorination on silver coated CPFs, manufactured and used in Guatemala, in terms of disinfection effectiveness and performance. Three scenarios which included no chlorine dosing and high and low frequency chlorine dosing were used during the laboratory and field experimentation phases. Additionally, an assessment of CPF users’ application of bleach was performed by interviewing rural families in Guatemala. The limited laboratory and field experimentation showed that the disinfection effectiveness of silver coated CPFs will not be affected by bleach application to the untreated water. CPFs used during both phases of this study remained effective in removing bacteria at logarithmic reduction values (LRVs) ranging from 0.3 to 2.6 for E. coli and 0.7 to 3.0 for total coliforms. However, the lifespan of the CPFs might be negatively impacted by this practice as there appears to be a relationship between bleach application, silver concentration, and flow rate performance. Additionally, high residual chlorine concentrations in the filtered water could potentially have adverse health effects on CPFs users.
Association-based image retrieval

With advances in the computer technology and the World Wide Web there has been an explosion in the amount and complexity of multimedia data that are generated, stored, transmitted, analyzed, and accessed. In order to extract useful information from this huge amount of data, many content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems have been developed in the last decade. A typical CBIR system captures image features that represent image properties such as color, texture, or shape of objects in the query image and try to retrieve images from the database with similar features. Recent advances in CBIR systems include relevance feedback based interactive systems. The main advantage of CBIR systems with relevance feedback is that these systems take into account the gap between the high-level concepts and low-level features and subjectivity of human perception of visual content. In this paper, we propose a new approach for image storage and retrieval called association-based image retrieval (ABIR). We try to mimic human memory. The human brain stores and retrieves images by association. We use a generalized bi-directional associative memory (GBAM) to store associations between feature vectors.
Synchronization risk and delayed arbitrage

We argue that arbitrage is limited if rational traders face uncertainty about when their peers will exploit a common arbitrage opportunity. This synchronization risk—which is distinct from noise trader risk and fundamental risk—arises in our model because arbitrageurs become sequentially aware of mispricing and they incur holding costs. We show that rational arbitrageurs ‘‘time the market’’ rather than correct mispricing right away. This leads to delayed arbitrage. The analysis suggests that behavioral influences on prices are resistant to arbitrage in the short and intermediate run. r 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Loss of excitation protection for modern synchronous generators

This paper presents the results of a study into the application and performance of the offset mho distance relay for the loss of excitation protection of synchronous generators. Included is information on the loss of excitation characteristics of modern generators, on relay performance during transient swings and low frequency disturbances and on generator protection.
An Empirical Analysis of CEO Risk Aversion and the Propensity to Smooth Earnings Volatility

Volatility of firm performance is one measure of firm-specific risk that is priced in the marketplace. Because CEOs are typically undiversified investors in their companies' stocks, the negative valuation effects of this risk is asserted to provide them the incentive to reduce earnings volatility. Furthermore, such an incentive is expected to increase in risk aversion. Two alternative measures of risk aversion are generated: one derives from wealth and the other derives from CEOs' choice of compensation structure as to the risky and safe components. The results consistently show a negative relationship between risk aversion and the volatility of each performance measure: earnings and operating cash flows. The results survived several tests of robustness. However, industry analysis shows that these results do not hold for certain industries such as public utilities.
4,4'-Methylenebis (2-chloroaniline): an unregulated carcinogen.

4,4′-Methylenebis (2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) is a confirmed animal carcinogen. It is used commercially as a curing agent for polymers containing isocyanate. There are no adequate studies documenting a carcinogenic risk for MBOCA in humans; however, studies in rats and dogs have shown that MBOCA is a carcinogen. Also, MBOCA is structurally similar to aromatic amines, which cause bladder cancer in workers with occupational exposure. Manufacture of MBOCA in the United States ceased in 1979. However, estimates of the number of workers potentially exposed range from 1,400 to 33,000 in the manufacture of MBOCA-cured products. Presently, there are no federal regulations limiting occupational exposure to MBOCA. An occupational standard for MBOCA proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was remanded by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on procedural grounds in 1974. NIOSH recommended in 1978 that MBOCA be treated as a potential human carcinogen and that worker exposure be controlled so that it does not exceed 3 μg/m3 of air determined as a time-weighted average concentration for up to a 10-hour workshift (the lowest level that can be reliably measured). In this paper, we will review the literature in regard to MBOCA's carcinogenicity, describe industrial use and extent of worker exposure, and review MBOCA's status in relation to occupational regulations in the United States and abroad.
InGaAs Quantum Well Grown on High-Index Surfaces for Superluminescent Diode Applications

The morphological and optical properties of In0.2Ga0.8As/GaAs quantum wells grown on various substrates are investigated for possible application to superluminescent diodes. The In0.2Ga0.8As/GaAs quantum wells are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (100), (210), (311), and (731) substrates. A broad photoluminescence emission peak (~950 nm) with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 48 nm is obtained from the sample grown on (210) substrate at room temperature, which is over four times wider than the quantum well simultaneously grown on (100) substrate. On the other hand, a very narrow photoluminescence spectrum is observed from the sample grown on (311) with FWHM = 7.8 nm. The results presented in this article demonstrate the potential of high-index GaAs substrates for superluminescent diode applications.
Quantitative analysis of the murine lipid droplet-associated proteome during diet-induced hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), which are composed of a neutral lipid core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer embedded with many proteins. Although the LD-associated proteome has been investigated in multiple tissues and organisms, the dynamic changes in the murine LD-associated proteome in response to obesity and hepatic steatosis have not been studied. We characterized the hepatic LD-associated proteome of C57BL/6J male mouse livers following high-fat feeding using isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantification. Of the 1,520 proteins identified with a 5% local false discovery rate, we report a total of 48 proteins that were increased and 52 proteins that were decreased on LDs in response to high-fat feeding. Most notably, ribosomal and endoplasmic reticulum proteins were increased and extracellular and cytosolic proteins were decreased in response to high-fat feeding. Additionally, many proteins involved in fatty acid catabolism or xenobiotic metabolism were enriched in the LD fraction following high-fat feeding. In contrast, proteins involved in glucose metabolism and liver X receptor or retinoid X receptor activation were decreased on LDs of high-fat-fed mice. This study provides insights into unique biological functions of hepatic LDs under normal and steatotic conditions.
Abstract NS15: A Better Understanding of Readmission After Stroke by Including Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Perspectives

Background: At least 30% of stroke survivors (SSs) are readmitted in the first year after stroke. By identifying factors that lead to readmission, we can develop meaningful quality indicators for post-stroke care that target ways to improve health and support the SSs ability to manage at home. Objectives were to: i) estimate readmission rate in a cohort of older SSs at 1 and 6 months after stroke, ii) identify reasons for readmission, and iii) describe the experience of readmission from the perspective of the SS and family caregiver (CG). Methods: This mixed-methods study was undertaken utilizing electronic medical records to track readmissions and qualitative interviews were conducted with SSs and CGs. Older adults (≥ 60 years) with stroke admitted to two hospital systems were enrolled in the cohort and followed for 6 months to capture readmissions. A sample of SSs and CGs were interviewed following readmission to gain their perspective related to discharge after stroke and subsequent readmission. Results: Of the 310 included in the cohort (mean age 76 years, SD 9.8), 10% died prior to discharge. Within one month 10% were readmitted and 25% within 6 months. The main reasons for readmission were recurrent stroke/TIA (19%), pneumonia and urinary tract infection (19%), swallowing problems and dehydration (9%), and cardiac causes (7%). Discharge to a skilled nursing facility (p=.007) and higher Rankin score on discharge (p=.002) were associated with readmission. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 SSs and CGs revealed the following themes related to discharge and readmission: discharge preparation that includes their social and cultural context; need for anticipatory guidance on what to expect when home; support for self-management in the community; knowing when to request help; follow-up in the community that could lead to early identification of problems; complexity of medication management; and importance of social support. Conclusions: The perspective of the SS and CG is critical in identifying potential avenues for intervention, aimed at reducing preventable readmissions. Interventions aimed at the transition between hospital and skilled nursing facilities may reduce readmissions.
Higher Education and MOOCs in India and the Global South

Demographic surges and economic growth have created an exploding demand for higher education in the Global South—a demand that low- and middle-income countries cannot realistically meet with tradit...
Business Failures in Construction

The tremendous potential of the construction industry is outlined against a rising trend of failures. These failures are analyzed by type of contractor, the amount of liabilities, and by geographic regions. The underlying cause of more than 85% of the construction failures in recent years is traced to poor management practices. To help reverse the present failure trend in the construction industry, contractors are encouraged to evaluate the use of technical and on the job training courses, to develop and use key index ratios, and to keep close tab on the bidding and cost control procedures.
Seeing the Impossible

I defend the view that it is not impossible to see the impossible. I provide two examples in which one sees the impossible and defend these examples from potential objections. Theories of depiction should make room for impossible depictions.
Early Development of Infants Exposed to Drugs Prenatally

This article includes a summary and critique of methodological limitations of the peer-reviewed studies of developmental outcome during the first 2 years in children prenatally exposed to the most commonly used drugs of abuse: tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, heroin/methadone, and cocaine. Reported effects vary by specific drug or drug combinations and amount and timing of exposure; however, few thresholds have been established. Drug effects also appear to be exacerbated in children with multiple risks, including poverty, and nonoptimal caregiving environments. Although prenatal exposure to any one drug cannot reliably predict the outcome of an individual child, it may be a marker for an array of variables that can impact development. Appropriate intervention strategies require future research that determines which factors place exposed children at risk and which are protective for optimal development.
A two-axis water-immersible MEMS scanning mirror for scanning optical and acoustic microscopy

Fast scanning is highly desired for both ultrasound and photoacoustic microscopic imaging. Limited by water environment required for acoustic propagation, traditional mircoelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirrors could not be widely used. In this paper, a new water-immersible scanning mirror microsystem has been designed, fabricated and tested. Polymer hinges were employed to achieve reliable under water performance. Two pairs of high strength neodymium magnet disc and three compact RF choke inductor were used to actuate mirror module. Experimental results show that the fast axis can reach a mechanical scanning angle of ±15° at the resonance frequency of 350 Hz in air, and ±12.5° at the resonance frequency of 240 Hz in water, respectively. The slow axis can reach a mechanical scanning angle of ±15° at the resonance frequency of 20 Hz in air, and ±12.5° at the resonance frequency of 13 Hz in water, respectively. The two scanning axes have very different resonance frequencies, which are suitable for raster scanning.