cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subsurface damage detection and structural health monitoring using digital image correlation and topology optimization

Abstract Detecting subsurface defects in structural members is a challenging yet important part of condition assessment of structures. Existing methods in this regard are either based on nondestructive evaluation and testing (NDE/T), or structural health monitoring (SHM) concepts. NDE/T methods require expensive equipment usually based on wave propagation or radiation imaging. Damage detection based on SHM usually relies on global vibration response which has proven successful in informing the existence and sometimes coarse-grained location information about damage, but is fairly limited in reconstructing the 3D shape of internal damage. This paper proposes to leverage full-field response data obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) in a topology optimization framework to reconstruct the internal damage in members. In other words, this paper shows how perturbations in observable full-field surface measurements can be used as a proxy to detect unobservable internal abnormalities. An initial finite element model of the structure is first created to discretize the member into elements whose constitutive properties are treated as unknowns in the optimization problem. The goal of the optimization is to minimize the discrepancies between the observed full-field response measured experimentally using DIC, and that computed numerically using the model. To that end, an objective function is first computed as the sum of residuals by mapping both responses onto a common grid, which is then pushed to a minimum via the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) as the optimization algorithm. The framework was evaluated on a series of simulated and real-world experiments using steel coupon specimens with artificially manufactured defects. Results show that the proposed method is capable of detecting and reconstructing the location, extent, and shape of the damage with average F1-scores of 82.8% and 69.6% on simulated and real experiments, respectively. Furthermore, a detailed sensitivity analysis demonstrated the effect of various factors on the performance of the proposed approach, including different optimization starting points, defect severity, sensing density, and discretization density. Results from this study have demonstrated that the proposed method is able to successfully extract detailed internal damage information that is otherwise expensive and difficult to achieve with state-of-the-art methods and can therefore be used as a promising subsurface damage detection method.
Psychological Well-Being and Family Functioning in Middle Childhood: The Unique Role of Sibling Relational Dynamics:

Despite being the longest relationships across the lifespan, the sibling dyad is the most under-studied relationship in the family system. Researchers have documented the harmful and beneficial eff...
Probabilistic pharmacokinetic modeling of airborne lead corresponding to toxicologically relevant blood lead levels in workers.

Abstract The Department of Defense (DOD) commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the potential health effects associated with exposure of DOD personnel to lead (Pb) at firing ranges. In that report, NRC concluded that the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit and the blood lead levels (BLLs) on which it was based were not sufficiently protective of worker populations covered under the general industry standard. In support of future selection of an occupational exposure limit, the relationship of airborne Pb levels to BLLs is of interest to the DOD. A subset of the BLLs identified as relevant to the management of health risks of exposed workers was selected as targets for extrapolation to equivalent airborne Pb values. The existing O'Flaherty physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for Pb in humans was modified to facilitate probabilistic predictions of DOD worker population BLLs, including 95th percentile values, based on current worker characteristics. Workplace airborne Pb 8-h time-weighted average concentrations of 1.1, 4.0, 6.8, or 9.8 μg/m3 are anticipated to maintain BLLs below 5, 10, 15, or 20 μg/dl, respectively, in the vast majority of DOD workers exposed to Pb under full-time working lifetime occupational exposure.
Relational discussions in theoretically diverse models of psychotherapy supervision: How common are they?

To investigate how expert supervisors focus on various aspects of relationships and how commonly the relational discussions occur in theoretically diverse approaches to supervision, we operationali...
Extending the Barcap Back to 1900: Introducing a New Total Bond Index

The Lehman / Barclay’s / Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index dates to the 1970s. Historical back tests of investment strategies and outcomes that extend past 1973 have had to use either long bonds or short Treasuries. In terms of capturing returns over a complete market cycle, both long and short bonds are problematic relative to a total bond index, which obtains its yield from across the entire maturity range while maintaining an intermediate duration. This paper assembles eight bond series to simulate returns on a total bond index from 1900 to 1973. The individual series are for government bonds and corporate bonds, and for long, longer intermediate, shorter intermediate, and short maturities. Both the individual series and an equal-weighted composite are presented in down-loadable form. Some of the series have been previously compiled from observed prices while others were compiled specifically for this project using multiple sources. A brief interpretation of the behavior of the total bond index relative to its components is offered.
Comparison of Two Serologically Distinct Ribonucleic Acid Bacteriophages I. Properties of the Viral Particles

Abstract Overby, L. R. (University of Illinois, Urbana), G. H. Barlow, R. H. Doi, Monique Jacob, and S. Spiegelman. Comparison of two serologically distinct ribonucleic acid bacteriophages. I. Properties of the viral particle. J. Bacteriol. 91:442–448. 1966.—Two ribonucleic acid (RNA) coliphages, MS-2 and Qβ, have been characterized physically and serologically. MS-2 has an S20, w value of 79, a molecular weight of 3.6 × 106, a density of 1.422, and pH 3.9 as its isoelectric point. Qβ has an S20, w of 84, a molecular weight of 4.2 × 106, a density of 1.439, and an isoelectric point at pH 5.3. One host (Escherichia coli A-19) permits a distinction between the two on the basis of a marked difference in plaque size. They are distinct immunochemically, no serological cross-reaction being detectable.
Stimulated photon echo study of Na(32S12)-CO velocity-changing collisions

Abstract Using the recently developed single-state stimulated photon echo technique, we have studied the velocity changes experienced by ground-state Na atoms in collisions with carbon monoxide molecules. We find that the ground-state Na atoms have a total cross section of ≈420 A 2 for velocity-changing collisions with CO, and that they experience an average velocity change of ≈600 cm/s. A scattering kernel of exponential form is shown to be consistent with our results. We discuss the essential features of the estimated photon echo technique.
Suppression of Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Associated Delayed Neuronal Death by Adenoviral Expression of GABACReceptors

The excessive neuronal excitation underlying several clinically important diseases is often treated with GABA allosteric modulators in an attempt to enhance inhibition. An alternative strategy would be to enhance directly the sensitivity of postsynaptic neurons to GABA. The GABA(C) receptor, normally found only in the retina, is more sensitive to GABA and demonstrates little desensitization compared with the GABA(A) receptor. We constructed an adenovirus vector that expressed cDNA for both the GABA(C) receptor rho(1) subunit and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter and used it to transduce cultured hippocampal neurons. Transduced neurons were identified by fluorescence, double immunocytochemistry proved colocalization of the rho(1) protein and the reporter, Western blot verified the expected molecular masses, and electrophysiological and pharmacological properties confirmed the presence of functional GABA(C) receptors. rho(1)-GFP transduction resulted in an increased density of GABA(A) receptors as well as expression of novel GABA(C) receptors. This effect was not reproduced by addition of TTX or Mg(2+) to the culture medium to reduce action potentials or synaptic activity. In a model of neuronal hyperexcitability induced by chronic blockade of glutamate receptors, expression of GABA(C) receptors abolished the hyperactivity and the consequent delayed neuronal death. Adenovirus-mediated neuronal GABA(C) receptor engineering, via its dual mechanism of inhibition, may offer a way of inhibiting only those hyperexcitable neurons responsible for clinical problems, avoiding the generalized nervous system depression associated with pharmacological therapy.
Increasing Building Energy Efficiency with Wireless Monitoring and Control

ABSTRACT This article describes the results of a study that was conducted to establish a plan for maximizing the energy efficiency of a child care center located in Hammond, Indiana, and thereby increase the green attributes of its design, including passive solar. Technology is described that can provide options for enhancing energy efficiency strategic planning efforts. The design of the building considered in this effort includes several large window areas that serve multiple purposes. The building was initially constructed with several passive features, but over time, operating practices greatly reduced their effectiveness. Rather than gaining the benefit of the available solar radiation, the building operation often increased energy losses in the winter and increased cooling load in the summer. A building energy survey was conducted and recommendations were made to improve the energy efficiency of the facility, including the use of wireless control and monitoring equipment in a design that eliminates ...
Inactivation of Tetrameric Rabbit Muscle Pyruvate Kinase by Specific Binding of 2 to 4 Moles of Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate

Abstract Rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase is 90% inactivated by binding 2 to 4 moles of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate per mole of tetrameric enzyme. Incubation with pyridoxal-5'-P in 0.2 m imidazole (pH 7.5) results in a time-dependent loss of enzymatic activity which reaches a final value in 10 to 20 min at 25°. Half-maximal loss of activity occurs with 0.04 mm pyridoxal-5'-P. The inactivation is not accompanied by a gross conformational change. The inactivation is first order with respect to pyridoxal-5'-P concentration and enzyme concentration; the second order rate constant is 37 m-1 sec-1. Generally, increasing the ionic strength decreases the rate of inactivation by pyridoxal-5'-P, but low concentrations (1 to 10 mm) of divalent cations increase it above the level with no salt. The phosphate-containing metabolites, ADP, ATP, phosphoenolpyruvate, and fructose diphosphate, also decrease the rate; the effect is more pronounced in the presence of low concentrations (0.1 mm) of divalent cations. The inactivation is relatively specific for pyridoxal-5'-P, since various analogues including pyridoxamine, pyridoxamine 5-phosphate, and pyridoxal cause little or no inactivation. Reduction with NaBH4 at various concentrations of pyridoxal-5'-P shows that there are two types of binding: (a) a specific, inactivating binding, involving 2 to 4 moles of pyridoxal-5'-P bound per mole of enzyme, and (b) a nonspecific, noninactivating binding which can involve 20 or more additional moles of pyridoxal-5'-P bound per mole of enzyme. Both types involve Schiff base formation with e-NH2 groups of lysine. Reversal of the inactivation is accomplished, only with unreduced enzyme, by dilution, by dialysis, or by addition of Tris.
Comparative Aspects of Olfactory Cortex

Three different types of cerebral cortex have traditionally been distinguished on the basis of structural, phylogenetic, and ontogenetic considerations (Ariens Kappers et al., 1936): neocortex, hippocampal archicortex, and olfactory paleocortex. An often-stated speculation with little experimental or theoretical support is that the neocortex evolved through “elaboration” of the olfactory cortex and/or hippocampal cortex. Errors by early anatomists concerning the spatial extent of olfactory projections in sharks and amphibians also 1ed to the now questionable view that the cerebral cortex and other telencephalic structures were largely an outgrowth of the olfactory system (see Northcutt, 1981). However, in spite of the apparently less than pivotai role of the olfactory sense in evolution of the telencephalon beyond jawless fishes (Northcutt and Puzdrowski, 1988), recent studies have revealed close parallels in the morphology, physiology, and pharmacology of the neuronal circuitry in mammalian olfactory cortex with that in both neocortex and hippocampal cortex. This chapter was undertaken to explore the nature, roots, and implications of these parallels by comparative analysis of the olfactory cortex in sharks, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Dynamics and Shape Control of Adaptive Structures

"Adaptive" or "smart" " structures" are new generation of structures in which the principles of control engineering are used to make a structure to adapt to a set of required geometric or dynamic constraints. One of the objectives in shape adaptation of flexible structures, is active damping. In which desirable control forces are applied to make a desired shape in structures. Principally, this task is achieved through the application of modal forces which are opposing to unstable or undesirable motion of the structure. In this paper active damping of a beam as an example of flexible structures is studied. The purpose is to stabilize significant modes of motion with piezoelectric actuator-sensor such that the beam converges to its equilibrium state. Using a one dimensional partial differential equation model, a variational method is used to find a dissipative energy function. A criteria for the design of the shape of the piezoelectric material or electrode, which can accomplish damping of significant modes, is derived. Unlike previous efforts, which could find electrode shape for dissipativity of one mode, it is proved that the suggested shape guarantees the dissipativity of energy function for all modes of the system.
Fostering Third-Grade Students’ Use of Scientific Models with the Water Cycle: Elementary teachers’ conceptions and practices

Elementary teachers play a crucial role in supporting and scaffolding students’ model-based reasoning about natural phenomena, particularly complex systems such as the water cycle. However, little research exists to inform efforts in supporting elementary teachers’ learning to foster model-centered, science learning environments. To address this need, we conducted an exploratory multiple-case study using qualitative research methods to investigate six 3rd-grade teachers’ pedagogical reasoning and classroom instruction around modeling practices (construct, use, evaluate, and revise) and epistemic considerations of scientific modeling (generality/abstraction, evidence, mechanism, and audience). Study findings show that all teachers emphasized a subset of modeling practices—construction and use—and the epistemic consideration of generality/abstraction. There was observable consistency between teachers’ articulated conceptions of scientific modeling and their classroom practices. Results also show a subset of...
Statics and Kinematics with Applications to Robotics

From the Publisher: Robotic manipulators are becoming increasingly important in research and industry, and an understanding of statics and kinematics is essential to solving problems of robotics. This book provides a thorough introduction to statics and first order instantaneous kinematics with applications to robotics. The emphasis is on serial and parallel planar manipulators and mechanisms. The text is based upon the concepts of classical geometry. Students and practicing engineers will find this book easy to use, with abundant illustrations, exercises, and real-world projects to work on.
Novel UHPC-CFRP Waffle Deck Panel System for Accelerated Bridge Construction

AbstractA novel deck system is developed as an ultralightweight low profile waffle slab of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars. The proposed system lends itself to accelerated bridge construction, and has great potential for deck replacement in bridges with load restrictions, and as well for bridge widening. A total of seven specimens at two different overall depths, with single or multiple ribs and in simple or two-span configuration, were tested in two consecutive phases in this study. The results were compared to similar deck panels with high-strength steel (HSS) reinforcement from previous studies. The study confirmed that the proposed deck panel with only 102 mm overall depth and a self-weight of 0.9 kN/m2 meets the demand for a 1,219-mm stringer spacing. The flexural behavior and failure modes of the deck are in general similar to the UHPC-HSS deck. The deck is not susceptible to punching shear of its thin slab and fails in a ductile man...
Maximizing the penetration of plug-in electric vehicles in distribution network

The increasing number of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will post new challenges to the existing power grid, as they as a whole will become a substantially large load to the power grid when they are being charged. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed to maximize the injection of PEVs in distribution networks (DNs) without violating power limitations and causing voltage problems. This method is able to optimally calculate the maximum allowed numbers of PEVs in DNs based on the system parameters and load conditions. Voltage stability index, power supply limits, thermal line limits, and power balance equations are taken into account as the constraints of the optimization algorithm. This method is able to provide a clear reference to distribution network operators (DNO) to manage the charging of the PEVs in DNs.
New Phenolics from the Flowers of Punica granatum and Their In Vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

Two new phenolics, a 3-substituted coumarin, 7,8-dihydroxy-3-carboxymethylcoumarin-5-carboxylic acid (1), and a hydrolyzable tannin, namely punicatannin C (2), together with 10 known phenolics, were isolated from the flowers of pomegranate (Punica granatum). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR data. All the isolates were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
On Derating Soft Error Probability Based on Strength Filtering

Soft errors caused by ionizing radiation have emerged as a major concern for current generation of CMOS technologies and the trend is expected to get worse. A significant fraction of soft errors in semiconductor has been reported to never lead to a system failure. System level soft-error rate (SER) analysis shows that soft-error in internal circuit nodes frequently fail to propagate to an observable point due to Boolean filtering and latching window filtering. A previous study shows that when soft-error is viewed as an analog signal distortion rather than a digital error, it often disappears during signal propagation due to error signal attenuation. This has been termed as electrical filtering. Electrical filtering in system level soft-error rate analysis is expensive because it involves circuit level simulation. In this paper, we present an electrical filtering technique that treats soft-errors as digital errors, but uses analog strengths to decide whether such errors can propagate. We call this technique strength filtering. Strength filtering does not involve SPICE simulation, hence it is computationally efficient. Used as a pre-processing step, strength filtering improves the efficiency of system level soft-error rate analysis. Experimental results on ISCAS-85 benchmark circuits show that an average of ~38% of the soft errors have no potential impact on the system level behavior and therefore, can be filtered out to improve both accuracy and efficiency of soft rate estimation process.
Possible role of zonula occludens of the myelin sheath in demyelinating conditions

AUTOIMMUNE mechanisms may play a major role in several human demyelinating diseases1. Myelin contains components, principally a basic class of protein, which, when injected systemically with an adjuvant, elicit in the experimental animal a demyelinating encephalomyelitis or neuritis with perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and inflammatory cells1,2. A satisfactory hypothesis is that the potential self-antigens are secluded from the immune systems in the normal living animal3. Evidence for such a specific compartmentation of myelin components, however, has been lacking up to now. This has led several authors to suggest alternative explanations1,4,5. Here we demonstrate the structural basis for a seclusion mechanism within both peripheral and central myelin sheaths in different animal species.
Lipid peroxidation—DNA damage by malondialdehyde

Abstract Malondialdehyde is a naturally occurring product of lipid peroxidation and prostaglandin biosynthesis that is mutagenic and carcinogenic. It reacts with DNA to form adducts to deoxyguanosine and deoxyadenosine. The major adduct to DNA is a pyrimidopurinone called M1G. Site-specific mutagenesis experiments indicate that M1G is mutagenic in bacteria and is repaired by the nucleotide excision repair pathway. M1G has been detected in liver, white blood cells, pancreas, and breast from healthy human beings at levels ranging from 1–120 per 108 nucleotides. Several different assays for M1G have been described that are based on mass spectrometry, 32 P -postlabeling, or immunochemical techniques. Each technique offers advantages and disadvantages based on a combination of sensitivity and specificity. Application of each of these techniques to the analysis of M1G is reviewed and future needs for improvements are identified. M1G appears to be a major endogenous DNA adduct in human beings that may contribute significantly to cancer linked to lifestyle and dietary factors. High throughput methods for its detection and quantitation will be extremely useful for screening large populations.
Communication protocols in FRIEND: A cyber-physical system for traffic Flow Related Information Aggregation and Dissemination

In this paper, we explain in depth the communication protocols between different components of FRIEND: a cyber-physical system for traffic Flow-Related Information aggrEgatioN and Dissemination. Recall that FRIEND (which has been introduced in pervious work, by integrating resources and capabilities at the nexus between the cyber and physical worlds, FRIEND will contribute to aggregating traffic flow data collected by the huge fleet of vehicles on our roads into a comprehensive, near real-time synopsis of traffic flow conditions). The main goal of this paper is to discuss the communication protocols employed by various entities in FRIEND. We discuss one of the most fundamental issues in computer networking, which is how two entities can reliably communicate. We start by introducing notation and by establishing terminology that will be used. Then, we discuss how the Road Side Units (RSUs) communicate with different other entities in FRIEND. Also, how data exchange occurs between RSUs and other entities. Then, we explain the communication between Smart Cat's Eyes (SCEs) and other FRIEND entities.
A Secondary, Nonaqueous Solvent Battery

The feasibility of a room‐temperature, nonaqueous organic solvent, electrochemical cell that can deliver 10 mA/cm2 at 4V has been demonstrated. The cell consists of a lithium negative, a graphite compound positive electrode, and a lithium perchlorate‐dimethyl sulfite electrolyte solution. The cell develops an open‐circuit potential of approximately 4.5V. Apparently the lithium perchlorate‐dimethyl sulfite electrolyte undergoes no or least slow oxidation or reduction within a 4.5V range.To date, the maximum charge storage has been 90 coulombs/g of graphite. Cycles of 1 hr charge and 1 hr discharge at about 3 mA/cm2 have been repeated up to 33 times. Failure was apparently due to overcharging and graphite disintegration. On wet stand, from 25 to 50% of the cell capacity is lost over one day.
Lasers around the world

Ultrasound is being used in directing therapy in all branches of surgery. We report on our experience using the combo laser and rectal ultrasound probe for inoperable cancer of the sigmoid colon.
Fracture of hot-pressed alumina and SiC-whisker-reinforced alumina composite

The flexural strength of hot-pressed alumina and SiC-whisker-reinforced alumina composite were evaluated as a function of temperature (20 to 1400° C in air environment), applied stress and time. Two mechanistic regimes were manifest in the temperature dependence of the fracture stress. A temperature-independent region of fast fracture (catastrophic crack extension) existed up to 800° C, in which the failure mode was a mixture of transgranular and intergranular crack propagation. In this region, the alumina composite showed significantly higher fracture strength and toughness compared to polycrystalline alumina. Above 800° C, both materials (alumina and alumina composite) displayed a decreasing fracture strength due to the presence of subcritical or slow crack growth which occurred intergranularly. Flexural stress rupture evaluation in the temperature range 600 to 1200° C has identified the stress levels for time-dependent and time-independent failures.
Variationally consistent approximation scheme for charge transfer

The author has developed a technique for testing various charge-transfer approximation schemes for consistency with the requirements of the Kohn variational principle for the amplitude to guarantee that the amplitude is correct to second order in the scattering wave functions. Applied to Born-type approximations for charge transfer it allows the selection of particular groups of first-, second-, and higher-Born-type terms that obey the consistency requirement, and hence yield more reliable approximation to the amplitude.
Inhibition of respiratory activity of Shigella sonnei by ultraviolet irradiation.

Summary1. The respiratory activity of Shigella sonnet was inhibited by UV irradiation. 2. A direct relationship existed between UV dosage and extent of inhibition. 3. The inhibition of respiratory activity varied considerably with different substrates. 4. Irradiated cells which were disrupted by mechanical shaking with glass beads lost practically all respiratory activity.
Genomic organization of the retinoic acid receptor gamma gene

The retinoic acid receptors (RAR) belong to the large family of ligand responsive gene regulatory proteins that includes receptors for steroid and thyroid hormones. These proteins contain two highly conserved domains, involved in determining their DNA and ligand binding activities. Three distinct RARs have been identified (RAR alpha, beta, and gamma) which are encoded by genes on separate chromosomes. Additional isoforms of the three receptors have been described that all differ in the N-terminal regions. To gain insight into the genomic organization and mechanisms of RAR isoform generation, we have analyzed the genomic structure of the RAR gamma gene. The major portion of the RAR gamma protein, including DNA and ligand binding domains, is encoded by seven exons that are identical for all RARg isoforms and are represented by a relatively small portion of the RAR gamma gene. The major portion of this gene encodes separate N-terminal exons for gamma 1 and gamma 2 isoforms and several exons for gamma 1 untranslated regions. We show that RAR gamma 2 transcription is regulated by its own promoter. In comparison with the steroid receptor subfamily, various splice sites of RAR gamma occur at altered positions, suggesting that the RAR subfamily has diverged early during evolution.
Temperature Sounding Experiments for the Jovian Planets

Abstract The possibilities for vertical temperature sounding experiments by medium-resolution measurements of outgoing radiance are examined for non-scattering models of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. It is shown that for Jupiter the widest vertical coverage of the atmosphere results from five or six channels placed in the ν4 band of methane at 7.5 μ, but energy constraints render this experiment marginal at Saturn and useless at Uranus and Neptune. For the outermost planets, the best experiment is three or four channels located in the long-wavelength half of the pressure-induced S(O) line of hydrogen, in the range 25–40 μ with which a limited vertical range of about two scale heights can be covered. Some results of inversion of synthetic data are presented in each case, and the likely effect of clouds on the measurements is discussed.
The effects of two confinement systems on the performance of nursing sows and their litters

Abstract Sows confined in conventional farrowing crates ( N =59) were compared with those in experimental pens ( N =59) sized at 1.83 m×1.83 m ( N =29) and 1.83 m×2.13 m ( N =30). The floors in the farrowing crates had 101.6 cm of solid wood planking across the center, and 3.8-cm-wide steel slats (0.95-cm slots) running perpendicular to the sow at the front (30.5 cm) and rear (76.2 cm) of the crate. All experimental pens had floors sloped at 17% ( N =29) for the first 5 trials. The last 5 trials included a combination of pen slopes of 17 ( N =15) and 10 ( N =15) %. All experimental pens had plastic-coated (5-gauge, 0.95 cm×5.1 cm openings) welded wire floors arranged with the length of the slot perpendicular to direction of floor slope. Experimental pens also had a heated creep at the lower side of the pen to attract piglets. The combination of sloped floor and heated creep is claimed to encourage piglets to stay out of the sow resting area, resulting in freedom for the sow to move about without danger of piglet injury. Ten trials ( N =118) were conducted to evaluate the two systems. Based on piglet survivability and sow performance, both experimental pens and slopes were as satisfactory as conventional farrowing crates, while allowing sows greater freedom of movement. There were no differences in sow or piglet performance between the two levels of pen size in the sloped-floor pens. Number of liveborn and stillborn piglets, piglet survivability, sow weight loss, sow soundness and weaning-to-estrus interval were similar between the two systems. Urination and defecation in feeders and waterers, and adjustment of the lower creep bar were major problems encountered with experimental pens, but could be overcome with design refinements.
The effect of sodium on "paranoiac"- a membrane mutant of Paramecium.

Abstract o 1. A behaviorally “paranoiac” strain of Paramecium is studied electrophysiologically and biochemically. When bathed in Na + solutions, the mutant shows prolonged excitation up to 60 sec. 2. The duration and plateau level of the prolonged depolarization are proportional to the [Na + ] out . 3. Test show that the membrane is highly conductive during the depolarization. 4. Flame photometry shows up to 70% loss of internal K + . This loss, not observed in wild type, is proportional to [Na + ] out . 5. 22 Na analyses show a large gain of Na + by the mutant proportional to [Na + ] out . 6. We conclude that the mutation-prolonged depolarization represents an otherwise normal excited state where conductances of K + and Na + are high.
Irritable bowel syndrome patients show altered sensitivity to exogenous opioids.

Alterations in activation of pain modulation systems may play a role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, little is known about the effects of exogenous opioids on the perceptual and autonomic responses to aversive visceral stimulation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the mu opioid-preferring analgesic fentanyl (FEN), given intravenously, on perceptual and autonomic responses to rectal distension. Ten IBS patients and ten normal subjects received, on separate days, either high dose (HD) fentanyl (112 μg bolus followed by 0.04 μg/kg per min infusion), low dose (LD) fentanyl (56 μg bolus followed by 0.02 μg/kg per min) or normal saline (SAL) (50 cc bolus followed by 45 cc/h infusion). Perception thresholds for discomfort and pain during rectal distension were assessed using a tracking paradigm. Intensity and unpleasantness ratings of the distensions, and cardiac autonomic parameters were assessed during randomly delivered rectal stimuli. Effects of FEN on rectal compliance and tone as well as mental status were also assessed. IBS patients had lower perceptual thresholds for discomfort and pain under control conditions. FEN dose-dependently increased the perception thresholds in both healthy control subjects and in IBS patients with a greater relative efficacy in IBS patients than in normal subjects. IBS patients used significantly higher unpleasantness ratings of rectal stimuli compared to healthy controls, but showed no difference in the sensory intensity rating of the stimulus. FEN decreased both intensity and unpleasantness ratings for IBS and normals. FEN lowered cardiosympathetic tone in normal subjects but had no effect on IBS patients. FEN had no effect on rectal tone or compliance. FEN dose-dependently attenuates the perception of phasic rectal distension and affects unpleasantness ratings during random fixed rectal distension, with a greater relative efficacy for this antinociceptive effect in IBS patients. These findings support the hypothesis that IBS patients may have an altered central release of endogenous opioids in response to visceral stimulation.
Effect of Pre‐Processing Storage Conditions on the Composition, Microstructure, and Acceptance of Sweet Potato Patties

‘Jewel’ and ‘Centennial’ sweet potatoes were processed into frozen patties at harvest, after curing I wk, and after curing and storing up to 26 wk. Sugar, starch, and pectin contents were determined on raw roots, cooked slices, and finished patties. The starch content after cooking was correlated with consumer acceptance and is the most important factor in the preparation of a patty of consistent quality from both fresh and stored roots. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in the cooked, pureed sweet potatoes most of the cells had been ruptured and that the patty was held together by an amorphous matrix consisting of added ingredients and spilled cellular contents.
New class of materials for optical isolators

Experimental measurements are presented to demonstrate the isolator capabilities of a new class of magnetooptic materials called dilute magnetic semiconductors. The specific sample used is Cd0.55Mn0.45Te, and it is shown to exhibit significantly better performance than other magnetooptic materials available for use at wavelengths shorter than 1.0 μm.
Influence of Exogenous Progesterone and the Uterus on Ovarian Activity in Sheep1

Progesterone (25 mg/day) shortened (p<.05) the estrous cycle length of sheep when given on days 0–3 (9.4 days), 1–4 (13.5 days), 2–5 (14.2 days) and 3–6 (15.6 days) compared to that of nontreated sheep (17.1 days). Bilaterally ovulating sheep were unilaterally hysterectomized on day 1 of an estrous cycle and of the sheep were given progesterone on days 1–4. On day 14 the average corpus luteum weight for the progesterone treated ewes was 283 mg onthe side of the retained horn and 648 mg on the side of the removed horn. For the ewes that did not receive progesterone average corpus luteum weight was 609 mg on the side of the retained horn and 723 mg on the side of the removed horn. These results demonstrate that a unilateral mechanism involving a uterine horn and its adjacent ovary plays a role in the inhibitory effect of exogenous progesterone on the corpus luteum in sheep. (Endocrinology 83: 613, 1968)
Sodium‐dependent membrane current induced by carbachol in single guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes.

1. In the presence of either barium (0.2 mM) or caesium (20 mM), carbachol (3-300 microM) depolarized isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Carbachol induced an inward current under voltage clamp at a holding potential equal to the resting potential (-75 mV). 2. Acetylcholine and oxotremorine also evoked an inward current but were less effective than carbachol. Atropine (0.3 microM) prevented the depolarization and inward current induced by carbachol and acetylcholine but not by oxotremorine. Moreover, oxotremorine, but not carbachol, induced an inward current in the absence of extracellular sodium. 3. Carbachol increased membrane chord conductance when it induced an inward current. These effects were recorded under experimental conditions that suppressed the voltage- and time-dependent sodium current (tetrodotoxin) and calcium current (cadmium), the inwardly rectifying potassium current, iK1 (caesium, barium and tetraethylammonium) and the current generated by the sodium-potassium pump (zero external potassium). 4. Under these same experimental conditions, the steady-state I-V relationship in the presence of carbachol was subtracted from that in its absence. The apparent reversal potential (Erev) was 25 mV with extracellular Na+ ([ Na+]o) at 143 mM and intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) at 11 mM. Replacement of [Na+]o by N-methyl-D-glucamine was associated with a shift of the apparent Erev to more negative voltages by approximately 61 mV per tenfold change of [Na+]o. 5. Isoprenaline induced an inward current in ventricular myocytes that depended upon sodium entry, required the accumulation of cyclic AMP and which was partially suppressed by acetylcholine (Egan, Noble, Noble, Powell, Twist & Yamaoka, 1988). In contrast to the current evoked by beta-adrenoceptor agonist, the current induced by muscarinic agonist was smaller and sustained. Moreover, the carbachol-induced current was not suppressed by prior addition of isoprenaline. 6. The findings are consistent with the mechanism that carbachol activates a plasma membrane ion channel that admits sodium and thereby increases intracellular sodium activity. The estimated increase of intracellular sodium activity from electrophysiological data agrees quantitatively with that obtained from measurements with sodium-sensitive microelectrodes (Korth & Kuhlkamp, 1985). 7. The ability of carbachol to increase sodium influx may be the first step in a series of reactions that eventually alters sodium-calcium exchange and could account for catecholamine-independent stimulation of developed force in mammalian ventricle.
Hypercortisolism as a potential concern for submariners

Cortisol is a stress-response hormone that is important for survivability in fight or flight situations. Hypercortisolism is a state of chronically elevated cortisol levels due to a failure to return to, or maintain baseline levels. It is a condition that is often undiagnosed and can aid in the development of many physiological and psychological health problems. Some of the health ailments associated with hypercortisolism include metabolic syndrome, decreases in bone mineral density, and depression. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation are two common causes of hypercortisolism, both areas of concern within the submarine community. This review discusses the etiology of hypercortisolism and the likelihood of submariner vulnerability to the condition along with health problems associated with it. Lastly, strategies to prevent chronic elevation of cortisol and mitigate the potential health risks associated with the condition are covered.
Structure and behavior of diffusion flames in a pressure gradient

The structure of a diffusion flame embedded in a flow field parallel to the flame is studied under conditions where this external flow imposes an adverse pressure gradient. It is convenient to think of the physical problem as a flame lying along the flow direction of a divergent channel. The mathematical problem is reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations by (i) employing the Howarth transformation to eliminate the variable density and (ii) introducing a similarity solution somewhat in the manner of the Falkner-Skan treatment of boundary layer flows. Because the low-density gas near the flame responds more readily to the pressure gradient than does the higher density gas, a reverse flow develops in the low density region which severely affects both the structure of the flame and the fuel consumption rate. For a flame with unit stoichiometry, the reverse flow eventually leads to extinction of the flame by separating the two shear layers that bound the fuel and oxidizer streams. For stoichiometry corresponding to methane-air, the flame situates itself near the oxidizer side of the reverse flow and has no tendency toward extinguishment.
Erratum to arterial spin labeling (ASL) fMRI: advantages, theoretical constrains and experimental challenges in neurosciences

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a well-established correlate of brain function and therefore an essential parameter for studying the brain at both normal and diseased states. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a noninvasive fMRI technique that uses arterial water as an endogenous tracer to measure CBF. ASL provides reliable absolute quantification of CBF with higher spatial and temporal resolution than other techniques. And yet, the routine application of ASL has been somewhat limited. In this review, we start by highlighting theoretical complexities and technical challenges of ASL fMRI for basic and clinical research. While underscoring the main advantages of ASL versus other techniques such as BOLD, we also expound on inherent challenges and confounds in ASL perfusion imaging. In closing, we expound on several exciting developments in the field that we believe will make ASL reach its full potential in neuroscience research.
Methamphetamine Alters the Normal Progression by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest in Astrocytes

Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent psychostimulant with a high addictive capacity, which induces many deleterious effects on the brain. Chronic MA abuse leads to cognitive dysfunction and motor impairment. MA affects many cells in the brain, but the effects on astrocytes of repeated MA exposure is not well understood. In this report, we used Gene chip array to analyze the changes in the gene expression profile of primary human astrocytes treated with MA for 3 days. Range of genes were found to be differentially regulated, with a large number of genes significantly downregulated, including NEK2, TTK, TOP2A, and CCNE2. Gene ontology and pathway analysis showed a highly significant clustering of genes involved in cell cycle progression and DNA replication. Further pathway analysis showed that the genes downregulated by multiple MA treatment were critical for G2/M phase progression and G1/S transition. Cell cycle analysis of SVG astrocytes showed a significant reduction in the percentage of cell in the G2/M phase with a concomitant increase in G1 percentage. This was consistent with the gene array and validation data, which showed that repeated MA treatment downregulated the genes associated with cell cycle regulation. This is a novel finding, which explains the effect of MA treatment on astrocytes and has clear implication in neuroinflammation among the drug abusers.
Histochemical and ultrastructural studies on the metacercarial cyst of Echinostoma revolutum (Trematoda).

Abstract Histochemical and ultrastructural studies were made on the metacercarial cyst of Echinostoma revolutum obtained from the kidney of experimentally infected Physa and Lymnaea snails. Ultrastructural studies revealed three cyst walls, an outer, middle and inner. The outer wall was more electron-dense than the middle, and contained coarser granules than those found in the middle layer. The inner wall was lamellated and contained membranous whorls. Collagenous fibers presumably of host origin surrounded the outer cyst wall. The outer and middle cyst walls stained identically with all histochemical procedures used. These walls contained acid mucopolysaccharides and glycoprotein, whereas the inner cyst wall contained glycoprotein. All cyst walls stained positively with a variety of protein stains.
Theoretical study of electromagnetic eigenmodes of VCSELs

The empty-cavity electromagnetic eigenmodes of vertical- cavity surface-emitting lasers, including light-vector polarization properties, are calculated from Maxwell equations in cylindrical symmetry. The electromagnetic field in each layer is expanded into local modes of the corresponding cylindrical waveguide and the vectorial transform matrix method is used to calculate the light propagation through the structure. A simplified approach for the case of uncoupled modes is also formulated. For the cavity geometry under consideration the resonant frequencies of eigenmodes predicted within the CMA agree very well with results of exact calculations. The presented method for the empty-cavity eigenmode determination may be useful for future calculations of a steady-state laser models with semiconductor material gain parameters and carriers and temperature diffusion processes taken into account.
Spatio-temporal Spread of Events in Social Networks: A Gas Shortage Case Study

The use of social media to report and track events of significance is being widely adopted by individuals. These social media reports are tagged with metadata that are rich sources of information. In this paper, we are interested in the space-time metadata and use these to model the spread of events in space and time. In particular, we illustrate the spread of one particular event-gas shortage in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We show that classical overload failure models (used in modeling cascading failures in smart power grids) and epidemiological models (used in modeling the spread of infectious diseases) are inaccurate in modeling such an event and develop new models to accurately capture the spread of this event. We evaluate the accuracy of our model using over 2 million tweets collected over a period of 22 days and show that we perform significantly better than standard epidemiological models.
Electronic absorption spectra and thermal stability of cis-trans isomers of diphenylbutadiene cation radicals

Abstract The cation radicals of the three cis-trans isomers of 1,4-diphenylbutadiene have been generated by γ-irradiation in a matrix at 77 K and in acetonitrile solution at room temperature by secondary electron transfer. The cation radicals exhibit two strong absorption bands, the more intense between 530 and 560 nm and another between 800 and 850 nm. The absorption bands of the cis,trans and the cis,cis isomers are red-shifted and have reduced oscillator strengths relative to those of the trans,trans isomer. In acetonitrile, cations with distinct absorption spectra were formed that do not thermally interconvert on a nanosecond time scale. Slow isomerization at room temperature does occur with an estimated lifetime of ≈ 25 μs.
Laboratory experimentation at the center for computer-based behavior studies

The Center for Computer-Based Behavioral Studies (CCBS) is designed around a time-shared computer system to make its informational and technological resources available to behavioral scientists and policy analysts at remote locations (through the ARPA Network and through dial-in phone lines) as well as in our own laboratory. The principal goal of CCBS is to broaden and expand the capabilities and horizons of behavioral research for studying problems of real-world complexity and theoretical relevance. The principal focus is on strengthening laboratory and associated research methodologies through computer-administered multiperson experiments and gaming simulations.