cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function changes which accompany athletic conditioning programs.

Abstract Pulmonary function measurements were made on swimmers and wrestlers undergoing four months of typical athletic conditioning programs and on a control group involved in no conditioning program. Significant changes were found only in the swimmers where functional residual capacity, residual volume, the ratio of residual volume/ total lung capacity, and respiratory rate decreased with training. However, vital capacity increased significantly due to a large increase in the inspiratory capacity. Total lung capacity and expiratory reserve volume remained constant. No significant alterations occurred in the pulmonary functions measured in the other two groups of subjects.
Wide Band-Gap Photovoltaics

Wide bandgap materials will have many applications as coatings and as electronic devices. This paper describes an electronic application for wide bandgap materials in energy production. A specific portable power technology which converts the energy emitted from nuclear reactions to electrical energy using wide bandgap photovoltaic cells without intermediate thermalization is described in this paper. The potential efficiency for the photovoltaic process is 35%, nuclear energy to electrical energy. And, if combined with high-temperature thermionic conversion the nuclear to electrical energy conversion efficiency is 41% while the overall size of the system remains small. The key to the process is to first convert the high-grade ion energy to photon energy, which can then be directly converted to electrical energy. This process is also usable as an advanced topping cycle for large scale energy production in conjunction with fusion power, as well as fission power. In addition to improved efficiency, the process also promises advantages in smaller volumes, smaller mass, and lower cost of the energy conversion hardware.
A New Long-Necked Turtle, Laganemys tenerensis (Pleurodira: Araripemydidae), from the Elrhaz Formation (Aptian–Albian) of Niger

An articulated skull and postcranial skeleton of a pelomedusoid turtle, Laganemys tenerensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) Elrhaz Formation in Niger. Laganemys has a proportionately long skull, which increases in depth anteriorly, from the occiput to the snout. The thin flat carapace and plastron are covered with fine sulcus-and-ridge texture. The carapace has a deep nuchal embayment anteriorly, a small mesoplastron laterally, and three median fenestrae. The cervical series is nearly as long as the carapace with specialized joints to enhance lateral flexion between cervicals 2 and 3 and cervicals 6 and 7. The relatively long tail is composed of at least 26 vertebrae. Forelimbs and hind limbs have long and relatively straight unguals. Discovered in a fluvial setting, Laganemys would have been an adept long-necked aquatic predator in still waters. A suite of derived features unites Laganemys tenerensis with Araripemys barretoi, a pelomedusoid from northeastern Brazil of similar form, habits and geologic age. These genera provide additional evidence of faunal exchange between South America and Africa in the mid Cretaceous (ca. 110 Mya) prior to the advent of deep waters in the central Atlantic Ocean.
Abortion and Infant Homicide

Recent research indicates that the United States Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade was a major contributing factor to the significant drop in crime during the 1990s. This paper extends that research by examining the contemporaneous relationship between abortion and infant homicide. We test the hypothesis that abortion removes out of the population those infants most at risk of infant homicide. Within this context, the impact of Medicaid funding for abortions on infant homicides is analyzed. Using cross-sectional time-series data for U.S. states between 1978 and 2000, we find a strong negative relationship between infant homicide and the abortion rate: a one standard deviation increase in the abortion rate reduces the expected number of infant homicides by approximately 40 percent. Medicaid funding of abortion reduces the number of infant homicides; the data suggest that infant homicides are between 13 and 20 percent lower in states that fund abortion.
Natural Frequencies of Coils and Windings Determined by Equivalent Circuit [includes discussion]

Knowledge of the natural frequencies of air-core and iron-core coils and of transformer and generator windings is of essential theoretical and practical importance. In this paper an equivalent circuit method is derived for the computation of all the natural frequencies of interest of both air-core and iron-core coils. This method takes into account all mutual inductance linkages, which usually have been neglected in the literature. Neglect of mutual inductance linkages leads to computed frequencies which do not agree with the measured frequencies. It is therefore necessary to consider the mutual inductance linkages in the computation of the natural frequencies of coils and windings. The equivalent circuit with all mutual inductance linkages may be solved by punch-card equipment, or by setting up an appropriate circuit on the a-c network analyzer. Both methods of solution are accurate; either one may be preferable in practice, depending upon the circumstances. The natural frequencies of a coil with air and iron core and different capacitive parameters, computed in this manner, are compared with the measured frequencies. Agreement between computed and measured values is excellent for the first seven harmonics of the air-core coil, and for the first three harmonics of the iron-core coil.
Development of Nanoparticle Probes for In Vivo Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Atherosclerosis, the formation of fatty plaques in the arterial lumen, is mediated by inflammatory macrophage infiltration in the lesion and ingestion of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), forming foam cells. Its progression will likely form a large necrotic core and fibrotic cap surface defects. The resulting intraplaque hemorrhage causes red blood cell infiltration and hemoglobin abundance, which oxidizes LDL to form cholesterol crystal aggregates (1). Hemorrhagic plaques could rupture and form artery-blocking emboli. Thus, it is critical to develop a tool to detect and locate unstable hemorrhagic plaques in live specimens.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Knowbot Programming: system support for mobile agents

Knowbot Programs are mobile agents intended for use in widely distributed systems like the Internet. We describe our experiences implementing security, process migration, and inter-process communication in a prototype system implemented using the object-oriented programming language Python. This infrastructure supports applications that are composed of multiple, autonomous agents that can migrate to use network resources more efficiently.
Violence Risk Assessment for Mental Health Professionals

The standard of care does not require mental health clinicians to predict their patients' violence. However, there is a general expectation by the courts that clinicians will use “reasonable professional judgment” based on a thorough consideration of the clinical data and circumstances. A clinical violence risk assessment quantifies the level of risk at a particular time using known risk factors, important clinical nuances, and professional judgment. Because violence risk is dynamic and influenced by many variables, periodic assessments over time are often necessary. The clinician must understand how to target modifiable risk factors by crafting a reasonable risk management plan. Finally, documentation of risk assessments should include decisions and reasons for choosing or not choosing a particular intervention. Keywords: clinical violence risk assessment; risk factors; documentation; risk management plan
Choosing a Tax Rate Structure in the Face of Disagreement

In this Article Professor Kornhauser proposes an Integrity Principle that Congress should use when legislating in the face of inevitable disagreement and conflict among principles. This Principle, loosely based on Ronald Dworkin's principle of integrity, requires Congress to promote coherence from both a practical and theoretical perspective. The practical aspect insists that Congress enact laws that best comport with reality; the theoretical aspect demands that Congress first interpret conflicting principles in a manner that best reconciles them and then enact laws that maximize this harmonization. Professor Kornhauser then applies the Integrity Principle to the question of a tax rate structure, a situation in which fundamental American principles of equality and liberty collide. The practical prong of the Integrity Principle undercuts the assumption that a progressive rate structure is redistributive. This is a crucial assumption because the strongest objections to progressivity are based not on economics but on claims of justice. Thus, to the extent that progressivity is not redistributive, conflicts between equality and liberty disappear. The theoretical prong of the Integrity Principle demonstrates that even if a progressive tax rate were redistributive, progressivity best reconciles two fundamental, but often conflicting, sets of principles: fairness and justice, and equality and liberty. The Integrity Principle, and its concomitant choice of progressivity, will increase the agreement between state action and individual belief and thereby enhance the legitimacy of the state. Since progressivity is a 'better fit' with American principles, it boosts legal, moral, and popular support of the state; helps restrain concentrations of wealth and power-an historic threat to the legitimacy in America, and encourages national (or even international) unity.
A multiphase microscopic diffusion model for stratum corneum permeability. II. estimation of physicochemical parameters, and application to a large permeability database

The full parameterization for the stratum corneum biphasic microtransport model presented previously in this Journal [95:620-648 (2006)] is developed through a combination of fundamental transport theory and calibration with existing data. Of the five microscopic transport properties, four (D(cor), K(cor/w), D(lip), K(lip/w)) are developed from sources independent of the existing steady-state permeability database. The fifth parameter, k(trans) (the mass transfer coefficient for transbilayer hopping), is derived from a fit of the model to the permeability data according to a modified free surface area function of the form log(10) k(trans) = A-B x (MW)(1/3). Examination of the experimental data in terms of the two dimensionless groups, R and sigma, arising from the analysis leads to the conclusion that SC permeation for most compounds is dominated by the transcellular pathway regardless of their lipophilicity, a striking departure from recent skin permeability models. Overall fit of the developed model(s) to the permeability data is somewhat better than for the Potts-Guy equation and variants thereof; however, marked improvement is seen in the estimation of lag times and the related potential for predicting skin hydration effects and transient skin permeation profiles. Simple approximations to the full numerical solution are presented that allow the developed model(s) to be implemented on a spreadsheet.
A constructive method for direct analysis of transient stability

The authors present a constructive method for the direct analysis of power system transient stability. The method contains two procedures. The first procedure is to find the controlling unstable equilibrium point for a given fault-on trajectory. The second procedure is concerned with the modification of energy functions for the postfault system. The method is distinguished by reliability and an ability to reduce the conservativeness in the direct analysis of transient stability. This method has been tested on a 118-bus system with promising results. >
A time-sensitive object model for real-time systems

Process-oriented models for real-time systems focus on the timing constraints of processes, a focus that can adversely affect resulting designs. Data dependencies between processes create scheduling interactions that limit the times at which processes may execute. Processes are then designed to fit available windows in the overall system schedule. “Fitting in” frequently involves fragmenting processes to fit scheduling windows and/or designing program and data structures for speed rather than for program comprehension. The result is often a system with very sensitive timing that is hard to understand and maintain. As an alternative to process-oriented design, we present time-sensitive objects: a data-oriented model for real-time systems. The time-sensitive object (TSO) model structures systems as time-constrained data, rather than time constrained processing. Object values are extended to object histories in which a sequence of time constrained values describe the evolution of the object over time. Systems comprise a set of objects and their dependencies. The TSO model describes the effects of object operations and the propagation of change among related objects. Periodic objects, a class of objects within the TSO model, are described in detail in this article and compared with traditional periodic processes. Advantages of time-sensitive objects are identified, including greater scheduling independence when processes have data dependencies, more opportunity for concurrency, and greater inherent capability for detection of and tolerance to timing errors.
Dissociation of force decline from calcium decline by preload in isolated rabbit myocardium.

It is well known that the rate of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) decline is an important factor governing relaxation in unloaded myocardium. However, it remains unclear to what extent, under near physiological conditions, the intracellular calcium transient amplitude and kinetics contribute to the length-dependent increase in force and increase in duration of relaxation. We hypothesize that myofilament properties rather than calcium transient decline primarily determines the duration of relaxation in adult mammalian myocardium. To test this hypothesis, we simultaneously measured force of contraction and calibrated [Ca2+]i transients in isolated, thin rabbit trabeculae at various lengths at 37°C. Time from peak tension to 50% relaxation (RT50(tension)) increases significantly with length (from 49.8 ± 3.4 to 83.8 ± 7.4 ms at an [Ca2+]o of 2.5 mM), whereas time from peak calcium to 50% decline (RT50(calcium)) was not prolonged (from 124.8 ± 5.3 to 107.7 ± 11.4 ms at an [Ca2+]o of 2.5 mM). Analysis of variance revealed that RT50(tension) is significantly correlated with length (P < 0.0001). At optimal length, varying the extracellular calcium concentration increased both developed force and calcium transient amplitude, but RT50(tension) remained unchanged (P = 0.90), whereas intracellular calcium decline actually accelerated (P < 0.05). Thus, an increase in muscle length will result in an increase in both force and duration of relaxation, whereas the latter is not primarily governed by the rate of [Ca2+]i decline.
Ontogenetic changes in the rates of protein synthesis and leucine oxidation during fetal life.

ABSTRACT. Studies of fetal leucine metabolism and protein synthetic rate, using L-(1-14)leucine as tracer, were carried out in 12 pregnant ewes at midgestation and compared with similar studies in late gestation. The disposal rate of fetal plasma leucine ranged between 3.07 and 9.06 μmol/min and was correlated (r = 0.89) to fetal dry weight. The fluxes to CO2 excretion and to protein synthesis were 18.6 ± 2.6 and 37.2 ± 2.6% of disposal rate, respectively. The flux of leucine molecules into the placenta was relatively large and correlated to the placental/fetal dry weight ratio (r = 0.84). The mean fractional protein synthetic rate was 0.216 ± 0.01 day-1. Comparison with late gestation data showed that fractional protein synthetic rate is inversely correlated (r = 0.87) to gestational age and that fetal protein synthetic rate (PRs, g/day) is related to fetal dry weight (DW, g) by the allometric equation: log PRs = -0.503 + 0.754 log DW The 0.754 exponent is similar to the exponent relating fetal oxygen consumption to dry weight (0.729). This indicates that protein synthesis and energy metabolism per g dry weight decrease during fetal growth at approximately the same rate so that the protein synthesis/oxygen consumption ratio tends to remain constant.
Microfluidic Chip for Peptide Analysis with an Integrated HPLC Column, Sample Enrichment Column, and Nanoelectrospray Tip

Current nano-LC/MS systems require the use of an enrichment column, a separation column, a nanospray tip, and the fittings needed to connect these parts together. In this paper, we present a microfabricated approach to nano-LC, which integrates these components on a single LC chip, eliminating the need for conventional LC connections. The chip was fabricated by laminating polyimide films with laser-ablated channels, ports, and frit structures. The enrichment and separation columns were packed using conventional reversed-phase chromatography particles. A face-seal rotary valve provided a means for switching between sample loading and separation configurations with minimum dead and delay volumes while allowing high-pressure operation. The LC chip and valve assembly were mounted within a custom electrospray source on an ion-trap mass spectrometer. The overall system performance was demonstrated through reversed-phase gradient separations of tryptic protein digests at flow rates between 100 and 400 nL/min. Microfluidic integration of the nano-LC components enabled separations with subfemtomole detection sensitivity, minimal carryover, and robust and stable electrospray throughout the LC solvent gradient.
A Role for Drosophila ATX2 in Activation of PER Translation and Circadian Behavior

A negative transcriptional feedback loop generates circadian rhythms in Drosophila. PERIOD (PER) is a critical state-variable in this mechanism, and its abundance is tightly regulated. We found that the Drosophila homolog of ATAXIN-2 (ATX2)--an RNA-binding protein implicated in human neurodegenerative diseases--was required for circadian locomotor behavior. ATX2 was necessary for PER accumulation in circadian pacemaker neurons and thus determined period length of circadian behavior. ATX2 was required for the function of TWENTY-FOUR (TYF), a crucial activator of PER translation. ATX2 formed a complex with TYF and promoted its interaction with polyadenylate-binding protein (PABP). Our work uncovers a role for ATX2 in circadian timing and reveals that this protein functions as an activator of PER translation in circadian neurons.
A PEST-like Sequence in the N-Terminal Cytoplasmic Domain of Saccharomyces Maltose Permease Is Required for Glucose-Induced Proteolysis and Rapid Inactivation of Transport Activity†

Maltose permease is required for maltose transport into Saccharomyces cells. Glucose addition to maltose-fermenting cells causes selective delivery of this integral plasma membrane protein to the yeast vacuole via endocytosis for degradation by resident proteases. This glucose-induced degradation is independent of the proteasome but requires ubiquitin and certain ubiquitin conjugating enzymes. We used mutation analysis to identify target sequences in Mal61/HA maltose permease involved in its selective glucose-induced degradation. A nonsense mutation was introduced at codon 581, creating a truncated functional maltose permease. Additional missense mutations were introduced into the mal61/HA-581NS allele, altering potential phosphorylation and ubiquitination sites. No significant effect was seen on the rate of glucose-induced degradation of these mutant proteins. Deletion mutations were constructed, removing residues 2−30, 31−60, 61−90, and 49−78 of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, as well as a missense m...
Affect in computer-mediated and face-to-face work groups: the construction and testing of a general model

The present study examines the role of affect, or emotion, in the performance of computer-mediated and face-to-face work groups. Past research has focussed on the role of affect in either individual information processing or behavior in settings requiring interpersonal interaction. Little research has examined the role of affect in groups, especially those in a work group setting. Even less is known about the role that the communication medium plays in the expression or impact of group members' affect. To integrate these domains, a general model of affect in work group settings is proposed. Predictions are derived from the relevant affect, group interaction, and group performance literatures. In addition, predictions about the moderating role of the communication system are discussed. Results from a path analysis suggest that affect has a substantial impact intragroup on processes as well as on work group performance. In face-to-face groups, the affect experienced by group members had an impact on the group's cohesiveness, the amount members participated in the task, and the degree to which members processed information relevant to the task. These factors, in turn, had implications for the group's performance. In computer-mediated groups, affect had an effect on the group's cohesiveness and the amount of information processing, though these were unrelated to any performance measures for these groups. Similarities and differences between communication media are discussed in terms of their importance for extending our understanding about the role of affect in a group performance context.
Synthesis and Content of Polyamines in Bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei

SYNOPSIS. The sensitive dansyl procedure was used to detect putrescine and spermidine, but not spermine and cadaverine, in pleomorphic Trypanosoma brucei. The polyamines were synthesized in vitro from [3H]ornithine, [14C]arginine and [14C]methionine. Proline, agmatine, and citrulline, but not glutamine, glutamic or pyroglutamic acids, stimulated spermidine formation from [14C]methionine. Putrescine and spermidine synthesis occurred rapidly from ornithine: putrescine synthesis peaked in 0.5 h, spermidine in 1 h. Trypanosoma brucei assimilated exogenous 14C-labeled putrescine, spermidine, and spermine; spermidine and spermine were taken up 5 times as rapidly as putrescine. Polyamine syntheses may therefore be a practical target for novel trypanocies.
Finding the Next Computational Model: Experience with the UCSC Kestrel

Architects and industry have been searching for the next durable computational model, the next step beyond the standard CPU. Graphics co-processors, though ubiquitous and powerful, can only be effectively used on a limited range of stream-based applications. The UCSC Kestrel parallel processor is part of a continuum of parallel processing architectures, stretching from the application-specific through the application-specialized to the application-unspecific. Kestrel combines an ALU, multiplier, and local memory, with Systolic Shared Registers for seamless merging of communication and computation, and an innovative condition stack for rapid conditionals. The result has been a readily programmable and efficient co-processor for a wide range of applications, including biological sequence analysis, image processing, and irregular problems. Experience with Kestrel indicates that programmable systolic processing, and its natural combination with the Single Instruction-Multiple Data (SIMD) parallel architecture, is the most powerful, flexible, and power-efficient computational model available for a large group of applications. Unlike other approaches that try to displace or replace the standard serial processor, our model recognizes that the expansion in the application landscape and performance requirements simply imply that the most efficient solution is the combination of more than one type of processor. We propose a model in which the CPU and the GPU are complemented by "the third big chip," a massively-parallel SIMD processor.
The effect of anesthetic patient education on preoperative patient anxiety.

Background and Objectives. Preoperative time spent with patients has been abbreviated with the advent of same-day admission requirements and outpatient surgery. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects that materials mailed to the home relating to anesthetic-focused patient education may have on preoperative patient anxiety. Methods. Patients scheduled for a total hip arthroplasty or for a total knee arthroplasty were screened via telephone for inclusion in a prospective, randomized study. Patients were asked about their access to a video cassette recorder/player (VCR) and their limitations regarding hearing or vision. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention group and received two pamphlets and a video describing general and regional anesthesia or to the usual care group. All subjects were mailed a preoperative demographic questionnaire and a State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), as developed by CD Spielberger (1). Questionnaires were completed at least 96 hours prior to admission and again preoperative on the day of surgery. Results. Of 236 patients screened, 26 had no access to a VCR, 6 were hearing or visually impaired, and 4 declined participation. Of 200 subjects randomized, 134 completed both sets of questionnaires and thus form the basis of this report. A statistically significant difference between the subjects who received the video and pamphlets and the usual care subjects was detected with respect to change in STAI-assessed anxiety from baseline to immediately prior to surgery (P = .035). The intervention subjects experienced a smaller mean increase in anxiety. Forty-nine percent of the usual care subjects expressed interest in having additional information. Conclusions. Increase in preoperative anxiety is diminished when additional anesthesia information in printed and video format is made available. Useful information can be provided to patients to view or read prior to surgery.
A displacement measurement technique using millimeter-wave interferometry

A displacement measurement sensor, capable of sub-millimeter resolution, using millimeter-wave interferometry has been developed. The sensor operates at 37.6 GHz and is realized using both microwave integrated circuits and monolithic microwave integrated circuits. It has been used to accurately measure the displacement of metal plate location and water level. A resolution of only 0.05 mm is achieved. A maximum error of 0.3 mm is also attained without correction for the nonlinearity of the phase-detection processor and agrees well with the theoretical calculation.
An in vitro preparation for the recording of spinal sympathetic reflexes

Abstract A preparation is described which provides a method for recording spinal sympathetic reflexes in vitro. With the preparation, the hemisected frog spinal cord, afferents from spinal roots and from the sympathetic chain can be selectively stimulated and a purely efferent sympathetic neuron discharge can be recorded. The method is advantageous because known concentrations of drugs can be easily applied and removed. In addition drug effects can be analyzed on a whole population of cells.
A learning-based codebook design for vector quantization using evolution strategies

ABSTRACT This paper presents a learning based codebook design algorithm for vector quantization of digital images using evolution strategies (ES). This technique embeds evolution strategies into the standard competitive learning vector quantization algorithm (CLVQ) and efficiently overcomes its problems of under-utilization of neurons and initial codebook dependency. The embedding of ES greatly increases the algo rithms capability of avoiding the local minimums, leading to global optimization. Experimental results demonstrate that it can obtain significant improvement over CLVQ and other comparable algorithms in image compression applications. In comparison with the FSLVQ and KSOM algorithms, this new technique is computationally more efficient and requires less training time . Keywords: Vector quantization, neural networks, competitive learning, evolution strategies, codebook generation 1. INTRODUCTION Vector quantization (VQ) which is the exte nsion of scalar quantization to vectors can be considered as an approximation of a set of n-dimensional vectors onto a finite set of representative vectors called a codebook.
What would Osler do? Learning from "difficult" patients.

Dr. Michael Kahn started giving lessons to third-year medical students on working with “difficult” patients. Kahn writes that the exercises can demonstrate the immediate payoff of knowing even a little bit about a patient's life.
Meta-Analysis of PECS with Individuals with ASD: Investigation of Targeted versus Non-Targeted Outcomes, Participant Characteristics, and Implementation Phase.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely used picture/icon aided augmentative communication system designed for learners with autism and other developmental disorders. This meta-analysis analyzes the extant empirical literature for PECS relative to targeted (functional communication) and non-targeted concomitant outcomes (behavior, social skills, and speech) for learners with autism, learners with autism and intellectual disabilities and those with autism and multiple disabilities. Effect size analyses were done using the Improvement Rate Difference method, an advanced metric. Effect sizes were independently analyzed for targeted and non-targeted outcomes, student age, learner disability, and number of phases in the PECS protocol acquired by learners. Results supported the judgment that PECS is a promising intervention method. Analysis also revealed that functional communication outcomes associated with the PECS protocol were most impacted, that preschool children and those with autism generally showed the strongest training effects, and that in general students who advanced through the most PECS protocol phases had the best outcomes.
The in vitro hydrolysis and esterification of vitamin A.

Abstract 1. 1. It has been demonstrated that liver homogenates and their nuclei, mitochondria, and fraction “X” are unable to hydrolyze the natural and palmitate esters of vitamin A. 2. 2. On wet weight basis, nuclei, mitochondria, and fraction “X” are approximately equal in their ability to hydrolyze vitamin A acetate; on a milligram of nitrogen basis, mitochondria and nuclei are most active. 3. 3. Homogenates of intestine and kidney are able to esterify vitamin A. Liver homogenates and their cellular components are unable to carry out this reaction.
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment of Class II Malocclusions is Slightly More Successful with Headgear/Biteplane than with Bionator Treatment

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Effectiveness of early treatment of Class II malocclusion. Wheeler TT, McGorray SP, Dolce C, Taylor MG, King GJ. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2002;121:9-17. Reviewer Anne-Marie Bollen, DDS, MS, PhD Purpose/Question To investigate the success of early treatment with a headgear/biteplate or a bionator in patients with Class II malocclusion and compare this to changes over a similar time period in untreated observation subjects. Source of Funding Government: National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research Grant No. DE08715 Type of Study/Design Randomized controlled trial Level of Evidence Level 1: Good-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Stratospheric energetics and mass transport

Two approaches are used to describe and distinguish between those regions of the atmosphere which most closely resemble heat engines and those which operate like refrigerators. Estimates of the conversion from eddy potential energy to mean zonal potential energy are presented as a function of height, latitude and season; the region of forced motion (or refrigerator) in the lower stratosphere appears to be closely related to the maximum westerly winds of the upper troposphere. A preliminary attempt is made to relate some values of mass transport derived from the observations of trace substances to the energy conversions.
Detecting human faces in color images

Abstract A method for detecting human faces in color images is described that first separates skin regions from nonskin regions and then locates faces within skin regions. A chroma chart is prepared via a training process that contains the likelihoods of different colors representing the skin. Using the chroma chart, a color image is transformed into a gray scale image in such a way that the gray value at a pixel shows the likelihood of the pixel representing the skin. An obtained gray scale image is then segmented to skin and nonskin regions, and model faces representing front- and side-view faces are used in a template-matching process to detect faces within skin regions. The false-positive and false-negative errors of the proposed face-detection method on color images of size 300×220 and containing four or fewer faces are 0.04 or less.
Enhanced sensitivity to neoplastic transformation by 137Cs gamma-rays of cells in the G2-/M-phase age interval.

C3H mouse 10T1/2 cells, exposed to low doses of fission-spectrum neutrons, have an enhanced frequency of neoplastic transformation if protracted exposures are used (Hill et al. 1982, 1984a, 1985). To explain this anomaly, a biophysical model was proposed (Elkind 1991a,b) having the following essential features: (1) a narrow age interval exists in the growth cycle of 10T1/2 cells in which cells have high sensitivities to transformation; (2) in the latter age interval, cells are also sensitive to killing; (3) with increasing dose, cells at ages earlier in the growth cycle are progressively delayed from entering the sensitive age window; and (4) with increasing dose, the transformation sensitivity of cells in the sensitive window is not expressed due to increased killing. Protracted low doses result in elevated frequencies because of less killing, and reductions in delays in cell progression. Therefore, transformation-sensitive cells can progress into the sensitive interval to replace those that have progres...
Knowledge acquisition from an incomplete domain theory: an application on the stock market

This paper describes an application of a machine learning technique, the Induction Over Unexplained (IOU) approach, which combines Explanation Based Learning (EBL) and Similarity Based Learning (SBL) methods to acquire concept descriptions from a set of training examples. IOU is designed for efficient learning with incomplete domain theory and partially explainable features of training examples. In this paper, the IOU approach is used to generate rules that can later on predict the future performance of stocks. There are many factors that can affect the price of stocks. Some of them have a direct relationship with the change of a company's stock price, and can be easily explained and modelled using the EBL method, while others may have only an indirect relationship for which the SBL method is preferable. In other words, a good rule which can accurately predict the future performance of stocks should include both explainable and unexplainable features. Finally, the performance of the learning results of the IOU approach was compared with that of a similarity based learning system and two other statistical methods. The results showed that the IOU method outperforms all the other approaches especially when the number of training examples is small.
Structure of the Carboxyl-Terminal Dimerization Domain of the HIV-1 Capsid Protein

The carboxyl-terminal domain, residues 146 to 231, of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) capsid protein [CA(146-231)] is required for capsid dimerization and viral assembly. This domain contains a stretch of 20 residues, called the major homology region (MHR), which is conserved across retroviruses and is essential for viral assembly, maturation, and infectivity. The crystal structures of CA(146-231) and CA(151-231) reveal that the globular domain is composed of four helices and an extended amino-terminal strand. CA(146-231) dimerizes through parallel packing of helix 2 across a dyad. The MHR is distinct from the dimer interface and instead forms an intricate hydrogen-bonding network that interconnects strand 1 and helices 1 and 2. Alignment of the CA(146-231) dimer with the crystal structure of the capsid amino-terminal domain provides a model for the intact protein and extends models for assembly of the central conical core of HIV-1.
Applications of Shear Wave Velocity In Static Problems

There are many applications where shear wave velocities can be used in static geotechnical engineering problems. Moduli obtained by elastic wave propagation techniques are valuable in many design applications including two which are described involving wind induced, building rocking and bridge abutment settlement. Other applications involve the use of elastic wave velocities to evaluate the extent and degree of change produced by ground improvement techniques. One example is described in which chemically grouted soil was used in place of underpinning in coarse, saturated soil. In another example compaction grouting in talus deposits was checked with crosshole tests. New crosshole equipment which can be used in boreholes or grout holes as small as 12 inch diameter is described. Laboratory tests performed to confirm assumptions pertaining to the relationship between shear wave velocity and unconfined compression tests are also presented. Two of the applications described are associated with completion of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon of the Colorado River.
An MCDM model for media selection in the dual consumer/industrial market

Abstract An optimal advertising media selection is a strategic factor for the operations of both traditional and e-business environments. This paper presents a case study that considers two options: industrial and consumer products. In order to resolve the strategic decision-making about dual market high technology products, a mixed integer goal programming model is developed to facilitate the advertising media selection process. Preemptive priority ordering is established by the analytic hierarchy process. The problem is solved lexicographically using a software package, based on the data obtained from the e-business industry in Korea. The satisfying solution is identified and analyzed, and sensitivity analyses are performed for model flexibility.
High affinity dopamine D2 receptor radioligands. 3. [123I] and [125I]epidepride: In vivo studies in rhesus monkey brain and comparison with in vitro pharmacokinetics in rat brain

Abstract Studies of [ 123 I]epidepride uptake in rhesus monkey brain were performed using single photon tomography. Striatal uptake peaked at 0.85% of administered dose/g at 107 min post-injection, then declined slowly to 0.70% of administered dose/g at 6 h. Striatal: posterior brain ratios rose from 2 at 25 min to 6.8 at 105 min, to 15 at 4 h and to 58 at 6.4 h. [ 123 I]Epidepride was displaced by haloperidol (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) with a half-life of washout of 55 min. Little displacement of [ 123 I]epidepride was observed following administration of 1 or 2 mg/kg d-amphetamine, respectively, indicating [ 123 I]epidepride is not easily displaced by endogenous dopamine. In vitro equilibrium binding studies using rat striatum revealed a K D of 46 pM and B max of 33 pmol/g tissue at 37°C, while at 25°C the K D was 25 pM and the B max 32 pmol/g tissue. In vitro kinetic analysis of association and dissociation curves revealed a half-life for receptor dissociation at 37°C of 15 min and 79–90 min at 25°C. Allowing for the temperature difference, there is good correspondence between in vivo and in vitro dissociation kinetics at 25°C. Increasing in vitro incubation temperature from 25 to 37°C caused a 6-fold increase in the dissociation rate, suggesting that there is a change in binding kinetics at the dopamine D2 receptor at 37°C compared to in vivo binding. The results of this study indicate that [ 123 I]epidepride is an excellent radioligand for SPECT studies of the dopamine D2 receptor in man.
Measurement of blood loss at childbirth and postpartum.

Abstract Objective To accurately measure blood loss during childbirth in a developing country. Method The alkaline hematin technique was used to quantify blood lost during delivery and 24 h postpartum in 158 women in Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Result Women were found to lose less blood during childbirth and 24 h postpartum than previously reported. Compared with laboratory values, nurse–midwives approximated blood loss accurately (mean difference, i.e., mean underestimation by nurse–midwives, 4.90 mL); however, their imprecision was greater for higher laboratory values. Conclusion This study may prompt further investigation, as no comparable data exist for developing countries where maternal mortality is high and severe anemia prevalent.
Deterioration of the nitrogen BET surface area of dried cement paste with storage time

Abstract Gas sorption surface area measurements have been important for developing microstructural models for the structure of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), the major hydration product of portland cement. However, surface area measurements using the nitrogen BET method have historically had high variability and have not always been reproducible. In this study, the variability of the nitrogen BET surface area of hardened cement paste (HCP) was investigated by varying the D-drying time and by storing the dried cement for various times before the BET measurement. The surface area of the samples was found to decrease with increasing storage time, and the surface area values became independent of the initial D-drying time after about 2 weeks. The storage time accounted for most of the observed variation in the data.
Three-body potential modeling of undoped and Er3+-doped lead silicate glass

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations (MD) using a three-body potential model was used to simulate the structure of undoped and Er 3+ -doped lead silicate glass (PbO · SiO 2 ). The structures of the doped and undoped glasses were analyzed and the results were compared to those found experimentally using X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and EXAFS. The simulations showed the presence of two networks, one in which silicate tetrahedra are present and the other in which lead-oxygen polyhedra form a continuous secondary network. Simulations of the Er 3+ -doped lead silicate glass showed that the Er 3+ ions are found in the lead network. Erbium-erbium clustering was observed at concentrations ≥ 2.0% Er 3+ .
Monitoring Environmental Boundaries With a Robotic Sensor Network

In this brief, we propose and analyze an algorithm to monitor an environmental boundary with mobile agents. The objective is to optimally approximate the boundary with a polygon. The mobile sensors rely only on sensed local information to position some interpolation points and define an approximating polygon. We design an algorithm that distributes the vertices of the approximating polygon uniformly along the boundary. The notion of uniform placement relies on a metric inspired by approximation theory for convex bodies. The algorithm is provably convergent for static boundaries and efficient for slowly-moving boundaries because of certain input-to-state stability properties.
Alcohol abuse and performance appraisal ratings.

Summary.-274 adult volunteers completed a questionnaire concerning how different behavion and emotions, which may be attributed to alcohol abuse, would affect their performance appraisal ratings of an individual who exhibited those behavion or emotions. The appearance of behaviors and emotions that might signify alcohol abuse resulted in lower ratings. There was no difference between supervising and nonsupervising raters or between male and female raters. Problems in permitting the symptoms to affect performance ratings are discussed. Alcohol abuse by workers can affect their job-related performance by increasing absenteeism, tardiness, early dismissal requests, sick leave used, accidenr rates, fatalities, workers' compensation claims, theft, product quality problems, and insurance premiums (Cowan, 1987; Rosen, 1987). In 1983 alcohol was involved in 10 million on-the-job injuries; two million of which disabled and 18,000 resulted in fatalities (Rosen, 1987; Quale, 1983). In 1980 alcohol problems in the USA resulted in a 50.6 billion dollar loss of productivity (Abramowitz & Hamilton, 1986; Rosen, 1987). In 1986, the US Chamber of Commerce indicated that substance abuse, whch included alcohol, was responsible for a 60 to 100 billion dollar loss in productivity (Levin-Epstein & Sala, 1986; Seessel, 1987). Although workers' performance can be adversely affected by alcohol abuse, no studies were located that addressed how a supervisor or peer might rate an employee exhibiting behaviors indcative of alcohol abuse. Frequently, ratings of an employee's performance are conducted through performance appraisals which are commonly used to help make decisions regarding compensation, promotion, demotion, layoff, and training and development (Beer, 1981; Colby & Wallace, 1974). While a worker who shows poor work quality might be recornrnended to an Employee Assistance Program or counseled after performance appraisals, supervisors have often been adverse to giving low ratings to subordinates (Benedict & Levine, 1988; Blumberg, 1972; Thornton, 1968). Some supervisors might also be expected to distort performance ratings by judging poorly performing employees less negatively than the workers actually performed (Fisher, 1979). Evidence that supervisors and coworkers might cover up a worker's alcohol problems at work has been shown earlier (Brock, 1987); whether performance appraisal ratings would be distorted to
High-resolution continuous-wave coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy in a supersonic jet.

High-resolution CW coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra of the nu1 Q branch of methane in an underexpanded supersonic jet were obtained at temperatures as low as 31.5 K and pressures as low as 2 torr. The experimental spectra were well fitted by the calculated theoretical spectra, including transit-time broadening. A temperature of 31.5 K produced the best fit to the data, and the transit-time broadening was comparable to the residual Doppler broadening of about 100 MHz. The supersonic jet provides a convenient method of obtaining molecular cooling at relatively high density, and the ease of construction and the wide range of temperatures and densities available make it a useful tool for high resolution molecular spectroscopy.
The effects of temporal waveform upon apparent contrast.

Temporal contrast enhancement (TCE) refers to the finding that the apparent contrast of flashed low-spatial-frequency gratings is higher for flashes of intermediate duration [i.e., 50120 msec) than for flashes of longer duration. The present experiment investigated the effect of temporal waveform upon TCE. We measured the apparent contrast of a .6-cycles/deg sinusoidal grating that varied in duration. Four temporal waveforms were used: abrupt onset/ abrupt offset, abrupt onset/gradual offset, gradual onset/abrupt offset, and gradual onset/ gradual offset. TCE was found only for targets with abrupt onsets, regardless of offset waveform. These results have implications about the role of onset transients in the coding of brightness.