cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of vitrified-warmed day-4 embryos after day-3 cleavage-stage biopsy.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the post-warming survival rates of biopsied and non-biopsied day-3 embryos vitrified on day 4 and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of following transfers. This study included 18 preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) patients and 18 non-PGD patients treated between January 2005 and January 2009 who had not achieved live births during their fresh embryo-transfer cycles and whose surplus embryos were cryopreserved on day 4. The embryo survival rate after warming in the PGD and non-PGD groups was similar (53/59, 89.8% versus 55/64, 85.9%, respectively; difference of 3.9% 95% CI −7.3 to 13.4). Vitrified embryo-transfer cycles yielded no significant differences between PGD and non-PGD groups in implantation rates (12/46, 26.1% versus 9/47, 19.1%, respectively; difference of 6.9%, 95% CI −9.7 to 22.2), clinical pregnancy rates (11/18, 61.1% versus 9/18, 50%, respectively; difference of 11.1%, 95% CI −20.6 to 40.6) and live birth rates (9/18, 50% versus 6/18, 33.3%, respectively; difference of 16.7%, 95% CI −15.1 to 44.8). These results showed that, in PGD cycles, embryos can be vitrified effectively on day 4 after biopsy on day 3. The objective of this study was to compare the post-warming survival rates of biopsied and non-biopsied day-3 embryos that vitrified on day 4 and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of following transfers. This retrospective study included 18 preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and 18 non-PGD patients treated between January 2005 and January 2009 who had not achieved live births during their fresh embryo transfer cycles and whose surplus were frozen on day 4. After warming in frozen embryo-transfer cycles, embryo survival with respect to embryo grades, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were compared. The embryo survival rate after warming in the PGD group was similar to the survival rate in the non-PGD group (53/59, 89.8% versus 55/64, 85.9%, respectively; difference of 3.9%, 95% CI −7.3 to 13.4, P =0.701). Frozen embryo transfer yielded no significant differences between PGD and non-PGD groups in implantation rates (12/46, 26.1% versus 9/47, 19.1%, respectively; difference of 6.9%, 95% CI −9.7 to 22.2, P =0.581), clinical pregnancy rates (11/18, 61.1% versus 9/18, 50%, respectively; difference of 11.1%, 95% CI −20.6 to 40.6, P =0.737) or live birth rates (9/18, 50% versus 6/18, 33.3%, respectively; difference of 16.7%, 95% CI −15.1 to 44.8, P =0.499). These results showed that, in PGD cycles, embryos can be vitrified effectively on day 4 after biopsy on day 3.
A prelanding assessment of the ice table depth and ground ice characteristics in Martian permafrost at the Phoenix landing site

[1] We review multiple estimates of the ice table depth at potential Phoenix landing sites and consider the possible state and distribution of subsurface ice. A two-layer model of ice-rich material overlain by ice-free material is consistent with both the observational and theoretical lines of evidence. Results indicate ground ice to be shallow and ubiquitous, 2–6 cm below the surface. Undulations in the ice table depth are expected because of the thermodynamic effects of rocks, slopes, and soil variations on the scale of the Phoenix Lander and within the digging area, which can be advantageous for analysis of both dry surficial soils and buried ice-rich materials. The ground ice at the ice table to be sampled by the Phoenix Lander is expected to be geologically young because of recent climate oscillations. However, estimates of the ratio of soil to ice in the ice-rich subsurface layer suggest that that the ice content exceeds the available pore space, which is difficult to reconcile with existing ground ice stability and dynamics models. These high concentrations of ice may be the result of either the burial of surface snow during times of higher obliquity, initially high-porosity soils, or the migration of water along thin films. Measurement of the D/H ratio within the ice at the ice table and of the soil-to-ice ratio, as well as imaging ice-soil textures, will help determine if the ice is indeed young and if the models of the effects of climate change on the ground ice are reasonable.
Cytokines and systemic sclerosis

T he defining pathologic features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) include excessive extracellular matrix deposition and a mononuclear perivascular infiltrate, usually involving both the skin and internal organs and capable of microvascular obliteration. Studies of the pathogenesis of SSc have implicated a role for monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, the endothelium, and fibroblasts communicating via a complex autocrine and paracrine network of cytokines. The etiology of SSc is unknown. Most hypotheses for SSc have included (1) activation of the immune system leading to fewer CD8 cytolytic and more helper-inducer CD4 T-lymphocytes; (2) endothelial injury/activation leading to edema, vasomotor instability, increased permeability, and distinctive microvascular lesions; and (3) vascular intimal and parenchymal interstitial fibrosis. There is peril in attempting to focus the panoply of information regarding cytokines meaningfully in the direction of any one of the rheumatic or diffuse connective tissue diseases. There are many cytokines, each is expressed in precurser form requiring activation, cytokinebinding proteins are being defined in profusion with ever-increasing impact on the presumed biological role of the cytokine under discussion, and, perhaps most important, cells respond differently to cytokine A when they have previously been exposed to cytokine B. This imprinting of prior cytokine effects can persist for days and through several population doublings, at least in vitro. These are but a few of the pitfalls that threaten any attempt to draw meaningful conclusions from the cytokine cascade in 1994. To make this task more manageable, the
A theoretical study of light emission from nanoscale silicon

The electronic properties of silicon nanostructures are calculated using a timedependent algorithm within the tight-binding approximation. The algorithm includes the electron-hole Coulomb interaction directly without resort to perturbative correction, allowing accurate calculation of excited state properties. The densities of states, fundamental band gaps, photoluminescence energies, and band edge eigenfunctions andk-distributions are calculated for nanostructures up to 100A in diameter. The effects of size, geometry, surface termination, and surface reconstruction on the electronic properties are investigated. We show that a model in which the primary photoluminescence peak is due to exciton recombination across the fundamental gap, while the secondary infra-red peak is due to recombination of a conduction band electron with a hole in a deep surface trap is consistent with recent observations for both silicon nanocrystals and porous silicon. We infer the geometry of the luminescent region in porous silicon by comparing our calculated results with experimental data on porous silicon samples.
Efficient Error Calculation for Multiresolution Texture-based Volume Visualization

Multiresolution texture-based volume visualization is an excellent technique to enable interactive rendering of massive data sets. Interactive manipulation of a transfer function is necessary for proper exploration of a data set. However, multiresolution techniques require assessing the accuracy of the resulting images, and re-computing the error after each change in a transfer function is very expensive. We extend our existing multiresolution volume visualization method by introducing a method for accelerating error calculations for multiresolution volume approximations. Computing the error for an approximation requires adding individual error terms. One error value must be computed once for each original voxel and its corresponding approximating voxel. For byte data, i.e., data sets where integer function values between 0 and 255 are given, we observe that the set of “error pairs” can be quite large, yet the set of unique error pairs is small. Instead of evaluating the error function for each original voxel, we construct a table of the unique combinations and the number of their occurrences. To evaluate the error, we add the products of the error function for each unique error pair and the frequency of each error pair. This approach dramatically reduces the amount of computation time involved and allows us to re-compute the error associated with a new transfer function quickly.
Analysis of Weld Formation in Multilayer Ultrasonic Metal Welding Using High-Speed Images

One of the major challenges in manufacturing automotive lithium-ion batteries and battery packs is to achieve consistent weld quality in joining multiple layers of dissimilar materials. While most fusion welding processes face difficulties in such joining, ultrasonic welding stands out as the ideal method. However, inconsistency of weld quality still exists because of limited knowledge on the weld formation through the multiple interfaces. This study aims to establish real-time phenomenological observation on the multilayer ultrasonic welding process by analyzing the vibration behavior of metal layers. Such behavior is characterized by a direct measurement of the lateral displacement of each metal layer using high-speed images. Two different weld tools are used in order to investigate the effect of tool geometry on the weld formation mechanism and the overall joint quality. A series of microscopies and bond density measurements is carried out to validate the observations and hypotheses of those phenomena in multilayer ultrasonic welding. The results of this study enhance the understanding of the ultrasonic welding process of multiple metal sheets and provide insights for optimum tool design to improve the quality of multilayer joints.Copyright © 2015 by ASME and General Motors
Hardening of MgO single crystals by electron and neutron irradiation

Abstract Abstract Measurements of the flow stress and optical coloration have been made at room temperature on a number of MgO single crystals as a function of neutron and electron irradiation. The flow stress increase due to electron irradiation is found to be proportional to the square root of the concentration of negative-ion vacancies produced by the irradiation. In the case of neutron irradiation the incremental increase in flow stress is proportional to the square root of the neutron dose. A comparison of these data with hardening due to impurity-vacancy pairs in Fe and Cr-doped MgO indicates that the radiation hardening is due to interstitial type defects.
Stujdies of the Scintillation Respnse of CsI(Tl)

This paper reports a series of experiments on the pulse-height response of CsI(Tl) crystals to monoenergetic gammas, protons, and alphas, in an effort to examine some predictions of a previously proposed model of the scintillation process. Analysis of the data to date indicates the following: The pulse height per unit energy for gammas is an energy-dependent function which reaches a maximum near 20 keyr, and the shape of this function is sensibly independent of Ti concentration. The pulse height per unit energy for protons and alphas is found to be energy dependent throughout the energy range studied. For alphas this function passes through a distinct minimum near 1 Mev. Effects dependent on pulse clipping time are discussed.
Solving Coplanar Power-Limited Orbit Transfer Problem by Primer Vector Approximation Method

The coplanar orbit transfer problem has been an important topic in astrodynamics since the beginning of the space era. Though many approximate solutions for power-limited orbit transfer problem have been developed, most of them rely on simplifications of the dynamics of the problem. This paper proposes a new approximation method called primer vector approximation method to solve the classic power-limited orbit transfer problem. This method makes no simplification on the dynamics, but instead approximates the optimal primer-vector function. With this method, this paper derives two approximate solutions for the power-limited orbit transfer problem. Numerical tests show the robustness and accuracy of the approximations.
Time-dependent three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasonography and x-ray angiography provide two complimentary techniques for imaging the moving coronary arteries. We present a technique that combines the strengths of both, by recovering the moving threedimensional arterial tree from a stereo pair of angiograms through the use of compound-energy “snakes”, placing the intravascular ultrasound slices at their proper positions in time and space, and dynamically displaying the combined data. Past techniques have assumed that the ultrasound slices are parallel and that the vessel being imaged is straight. For the first time, by applying simple but effective techniques from computer graphics, the moving geometry of the artery from the angiogram and the time-dependent images of the interior of the vessel wall from the intravascular ultrasound can be viewed simultaneously, showing the proper geometric and temporal relations of the slice data and the angiogram projections. By using texture-mapped rectangles the combined ultrasound slice/angiogram display technique is well suited to run in real time on current graphics workstations. CR
Algorithms for distributed data processing

Abstract This paper analyzes a problem that occurs in distributed database systems. The problem is how to minimize the communication cost incurred by inter-site data transfers that are associated with on-line retrieval requests. A mathematical model of the problem is developed and results in an NP-Complete integer linear program. A lower bounding procedure, based on a Lagrangean relaxation and sub-gradient optimization, is devised and heuristic procedures are proposed. The results of computational experiments reveal good performance of the heuristic procedures.
A new Agave from Oaxaca, Mexico

Planta acaulis monocarpica; foliis 25-30 rosulatis ovato-lanceolatis carnosocoriaceis persistenter glaucis, crassis 35-50 cm longis, 15-25 em latis, spina terminali aculeato-pungenti 1-3 cm lonlga; spinis nmarginalibus inaequalibus, 1-2-euspidatis, obtusis, brunneis, 1-4 mm longis, 2-9 mm latis; scapo infloreseentia inclusa 2-4 m alto, gracili; bracteolis seariosis, subulato-lanceolatis, 1-2 em longis; pedunculis 1-2-fureatis, 8-25 mm longis; ovario cylindrico viridi, 15 mm longo apice constrieto; tubo nullo; segmentis aequalibus, 17-18 mm longis exterioribus 5 mm latis, interioribus 4 mm latis, pallidi-luteis, adscendentibus; filamentis 30-35 mm longis ad basin segmentorum insertis; antheris luteis 13 mm longis. Acauleseent, mostly single, few-leaved, light gray or white-glaucous; open rosettes with ca. 30 leaves at maturity; leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, shortacuminate, openly ascending, nearly plane above but briefly and narrowly channeled apically, the margins variously serrate with flattened, blunt, 1to 2cuspidate, dark brown, fine or coarse teeth; epidermis finely and densely papillate; spine acicular, dark brown, rounded above and below, not decurrent or decurrent for about its own length in a corneous margin; infloreseence spicate, the stalk flowering from near the base, erect; upper bracts and bracteoles similar, 1-2 cm long, 3 mm wide at the deltoid base, searious, recurved, long attenuate, with a dark midvein; flowers inconspicuous, 33-35 mm long (from base of ovary to apex of tepals) at anthesis; tepals pale yellow or yellowish white, elliptic, openly ascending, straight; anthers yellow, excentrically attached, versatile; capsules (immature) 22-24 mm long, oblong, thin-walled.-Type, in U.S. National Herbarium (US), Gentry 16436, 25-27Tkm NW of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico, 22 Mar 1957, on Guiengola limestone at 125 m altitude. From the same locality, Gentry 12241, 30 Sep 1952, leaves and young plants only. Agave guiengola is a strikingly ornamental species, distinct because of its broad, thick, white glaucous leaves serrated by numerous broad, low, blunt, darkcolored teeth. The light shade in which some individuals grow suggests that it will tolerate some shade without the etiolation that deforms other Agave leaves in similar situations. The virtually tubeless flower with its consequently distinct tepals, and the insertion of the filaments at the base of the tepals, show a close relation to Agave bracteosa, S. Wats. and A. ellemeetitna, Jacobi in the section Anoplagave Berger (subgenus Littaea) (Berger, Alwin. Die Agaven. pp. 121-127. Jena, 1915). Its broad, white, ovate leaves with their conspicuous coarse teeth, and its monocarpic rather than polyearpic habit, set off Agave gutiengola distinctly from either of the species mentioned. The population observed at the type locality showed individuals varying in the form and size of both leaves and teeth. On one variant the lower two-thirds of the leaf margins were withouLt teeth. Altogether, however, the plants appeared to constitute a well integrated species, indicating normal sexual reproduction via seed dissemi-
Kinetic Analysis of NodST Sulfotransferase Using an Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Assay

A novel and efficient enzyme kinetics assay using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed and applied to the bacterial carbohydrate sulfotransferase (NodST). NodST catalyzes the sulfuryl group transfer from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to chitobiose, generating 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate (PAP) and chitobiose-6-OSO(3)(-) as products. Traditional spectrophotometric assays are not applicable to the NodST system since no shift in absorption accompanies sulfuryl group transfer. Alternative assays have employed thin-layer chromatography, but this procedure is time-consuming and requires radioactive materials. The ESI-MS assay presented herein requires no chromophoric substrate or product, and the analysis time is very short. The ESI-MS assay is used to determine NodST kinetic parameters, including K(M), V(max), and K(i) (for PAP). In addition, the mode of inhibition for PAP was rapidly determined. The results were in excellent agreement with those obtained from previous assays, verifying the accuracy and reliability of the ESI-MS assay. This unique technique is currently being used to investigate the enzymatic mechanism of NodST and to identify sulfotransferase inhibitors.
The end of ideology, the end of Utopia, and the end of history—On the occasion of the end of the U.S.S.R.

(1994). The end of ideology, the end of Utopia, and the end of history—On the occasion of the end of the U.S.S.R. History of European Ideas: Vol. 19, No. 4-6, pp. 699-708.
A New Empirical Test for the Quality of Random Integer Generators

In a number of applications, it is necessary to generate stimnuli: to generate random patterns when random testing of logic faults is employed, and to generate the random occurrence of events when simulation is used, to mention two. In this paper, we show a quick empirical test, which is based on a data compression method, to analyze the pseudorandom integers generated by certain types of random integer generators and to determine whether the approximation to a true random process is good.
Structural uncertainty of proteins in solution by NMR. A re-evaluation of the structure of theLac repressor headpiece

A number of recent studies have shown that the determination of protein structure in solution by NMR data is subject to bias introduced by the method of data analysis. Specifically, it has been shown that certain commonly used algorithms for the interpretation of distance data may not fully explore the space of conformational possibilities (Levy R.M., Bassalino D.A., Kitchen D.B., Pardi A.: Biochemistry28, 9361–9372 (1989); Metzler W.J., Hare D.R., Pardi A.: Biochemistry28, 7045–7052 (1989); Pachter R., Altman R.B., Jardetzky O.: J. Magn. Res.89, 578–584 (1990); Pachter R., Altman R.B., Czaplicki J., Jardetzky O.: J. Magn. Res.92, 468–479 (1991); Jardetzky O. in: Computational Aspects of the Study of Biological Macromolecules by NMR Spectroscopy (Hoch J.C., Poulsen F.M., Redfield C., eds.). NY: Plenum 1991; Liu Y, Altman R., Jardetzky O.: (1992), manuscript in preparation.) We report here a new analysis of previously existing data on thelac repressor headpiece protein and a comparison of structures obtained by different methods. Our own method of analysis (Altman R.B., Jardetzky O.: Methods in Enzymology177, 218–246 (1989) and references therein) has been specifically designed to calculate not only a structure, but also an explicit estimate of the uncertainty in that structure. It uses a sequence of steps, each of which attempts to maintain a conservative upper bound on the uncertainty of each atomic position; a sampled system calculates the position of the backbone atoms, then a parametric representation refines these positions. These refined backbone positions, with their associated uncertainly, are then used as a starting point for a full atomic refinement. We show that previous structures have captured the essential topology of thelac repressor headpiece molecule accurately. However, there are important differences in the relative certainty of atomic positions within the molecule which imply numerous possible variations in the detailed structure. We show that our representation is a reasonable way to summarize these uncertainties for purposes of cautious interpretation of the data.
Low-velocity zone atop the 410-km seismic discontinuity in the northwestern United States

The seismic discontinuity at 410 km depth in the Earth's mantle is generally attributed to the phase transition of (Mg,Fe)_2SiO_4 from the olivine to wadsleyite structure. Variation in the depth of this discontinuity is often taken as a proxy for mantle temperature owing to its response to thermal perturbations. For example, a cold anomaly would elevate the 410-km discontinuity, because of its positive Clapeyron slope, whereas a warm anomaly would depress the discontinuity. But trade-offs between seismic wave-speed heterogeneity and discontinuity topography often inhibit detailed analysis of these discontinuities, and structure often appears very complicated. Here we simultaneously model seismic refracted waves and scattered waves from the 410-km discontinuity in the western United States to constrain structure in the region. We find a low-velocity zone, with a shear-wave velocity drop of 5%, on top of the 410-km discontinuity beneath the northwestern United States, extending from southwestern Oregon to the northern Basin and Range province. This low-velocity zone has a thickness that varies from 20 to 90 km with rapid lateral variations. Its spatial extent coincides with both an anomalous composition of overlying volcanism and seismic 'receiver-function' observations observed above the region. We interpret the low-velocity zone as a compositional anomaly, possibly due to a dense partial-melt layer, which may be linked to prior subduction of the Farallon plate and back-arc extension. The existence of such a layer could be indicative of high water content in the Earth's transition zone.
Iterative Restoration Algorithms For Nonlinear Constraint Computing

We sometimes wish to undo what has been done to optical data using repeatedly identical nonlinear optical processors, such as non-linear imaging devices, matrix-vector multipliers with threshold logic, etc. This undoing is mathematically, equivalent to finding the inverse operator D-1, if the direct operator D represents the nonlinear optical processor in repeated usage.
Protein composition of Trypanosoma brucei mitochondrial membranes

Mitochondria consist of four compartments, outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane and matrix; each harboring specific functions and structures. In this study, we used mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to characterize the protein composition of Trypanosoma brucei mitochondrial membranes, which were enriched by different biochemical fractionation techniques. The analyses identified 202 proteins that contain one or more transmembrane domain(s) and/or positive GRAVY scores. Of these, various criteria were used to assign 72 proteins to mitochondrial membranes with high confidence, and 106 with moderate to low confidence. The sub-cellular localization of a selected subset of 13 membrane assigned proteins was confirmed by tagging and immunofluorescence analysis. While most proteins assigned to mitochondrial membrane have putative roles in metabolic, energy generating, and transport processes, ~50% have no known function. These studies result in a comprehensive profile of the composition and sub-organellar location of proteins in the T. brucei mitochondrion thus, providing useful information on mitochondrial functions.
Particle trajectories in quadrupole fringe fields

Abstract The differential equations for particle motion in a linear fringe field are written in a form directly solved by the Airy functions A and B. Matrix transformations are presented.
Isolation and Characterization of a Carotenoid-Associated Thylakoid Protein from the Cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans R2.

Cyanobacteria have three distinct membrane systems; the outer and inner (cytoplasmic) membranes comprise the cell envelopes, as in other gram-negative bacteria, whereas the internal thylakoid membrane system contains the components responsible for an oxygen-evolving electron transfer system unique among prokaryote (1). Using improved isolation techniques, envelope (outer and cytoplasmic) membranes have been separated from thylakoids in both A. nidulans (2, 3) and Synechosistis PCC6714 (4, 5) and have been shown to contain carotenoids but little or no chlorophyll. The major carotenoids of the isolated outer and cytoplasmic membranes were xanthophylls, whereas the major thylakoid-associated carotenoid was β-carotene (2–4). During nitrate-starvation in A. nidulans, the xanthophyll content of cells increases, whereas both β-carotene and thylakoid membrane content decreases (6).
Fryxellia, a new genus of North American Malvaceae

A monotypic genus,Fryxellia Bates (Malvaceae: Malveae), is described; the description of the type species,Fryxellia pygmaea (Correll) Bates from northern Mexico (Coahuila) and Texas, is amplified. Consideration is given to the relationship ofFryxellia to other genera, especiallyAnoda Cav.,Horsfordia A. Gray, andGaya H.B.K., the latter with particular reference toG. violacea Rose.
Salts of Hydrates of Imiquimod, an Immune Response Modifier

Imiquimod free base 1, an immune response modifier, its hydrochloride salt 2, hydrochloride salt monohydrate 3, salts with maleic acid 4, fumaric acid 5, succinic acid 6, adipic acid 7, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 8 have been prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The carboxylic acid salts 4−8 were obtained by solution crystallization experiments of imiquimod hydrochloride with carboxylic acid group containing molecules. Imiquimod contains a 2-aminopyridine moiety which is known to form salts when crystallized with acidic carboxylic acid moiety containing molecules. During the crystallization, hydrochloride was liberated from the imiquimod and the basic pyridine moiety was protonated by the carboxylic acids. Dicarboxylic acid salts 5−7 crystallized in 2:1 stoichiometry; however, 2, 4, and 8 crystallized in a 1:1 ratio. Imiquimod maleate salt 4 crystallized as sesquihydrate, whereas imiquimod fumarate (5) crystallized as hexahydrate. Two aliphatic-α,ω-dicarboxylic acid salts of imiqu...
REGULATING RISK: OVERSIGHT OF MICROBIAL PRODUCTS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY UNDER THE U.S. TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is the legislation used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate releases of genetically engineered microorganisms. The rule defining the scope of the notification requirements for releases of microbial products of biotechnology was published in April 1997. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had some latitude regarding the extent to which various categories of microorganisms would be regulated, but the agency was constrained by requirements of TSCA and an interagency agreement about how to regulate products of biotechnology. This paper investigates the extent to which the scope of oversight is based on risk. A risk-based rule is defined as one where the reporting requirements are based on potential for exposure or expected adverse effects. The evolution of the rule is described, and risk-based components are discussed. In conclusion, the scope of oversight of microbial releases is determined to be based on risk to the extent that legislation and institutional constraints permit.
Optical performance measurements of large IR focal plane arrays for GOES

Remote sensing of the atmosphere and the surface of the earth is performed by the Imager and Sounder instruments onboard the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) Satellites. By employing large PV Hg1CdTe focal plane array (FPA) detectors, instruments like the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and Advanced Baseline Sounder (ABS) will provide improved update times, resolution, and sensitivity. However, uniformity in the pixel geometry across the array must first be demonstrated in order to maintain the accuracy of weather products at each spot on the ground. This uniformity is particularly important in weather products involving radiance subtractions and ratios from multiple spectral bands employing different detectors. Measurement ofthe spatial response associated with a pixel is important in determining both ground resolution and the effect ofradiance from outside the pixel field-of-view. Therefore, a high precision test set-up has been developed at Lincoln Laboratory to measure both the modulation transfer function (MTF) associated with each pixel in the array and the cross-talk from pixel to pixel. Details of the test set up and initial results of the testing will be discussed.
Interactive Interpretation Of Digital Imagery

The Digital Image Analysis Laboratory (DIAL) at USAETL is a large scale interactive digital image processing system designed for research in photo- and radar-interpretation, feature extraction, mapmaking, and other remote sensing activities. General techniques such as search, change detection, dynamic range adjustments, geometric corrections, and mensuration have been implemented and applied to digital imagery for evaluation. In particular, the DIAL system was used for a series of four experiments designed to evaluate the utility of soft copy (CRT) exploitation of digital imagery for tactical field army applications. The results of those four experiments were conducive to continued development of the soft copy capability. At USAETL that continued development has taken the form of a van-mounted system, now being implemented, consisting of a control minicomputer, high density tapes, and an advanced digital image display system. The advanced display system provides rapid search, magnification, dynamic range, and filtering capabilities as well as many other now-standard image processing functions. It is expected that the van-mounted system will provide at least a partial solution to the very basic problems encountered in the manipulation and display of very large digital images.
Lumbar puncture in children with periorbital and orbital cellulitis

Objective : To measure the frequency with which lumbar puncture (LP) was performed in children with perlorbital and orbital cellulitis in the years 1979 through 1991, and to examine its value as a diagnostic test in these patients. Design : Retrospective review of both computerized discharge diagnoses and medical records. Setting : Tertiary care hospital. Patients : Two hundred fourteen children younger than 18 years of age discharged between Jan. 1, 1979, and Dec. 31, 1991, with a final diagnosis of periorbital or orbital cellulitis. Main outcome measures : Rates of LP and of bacterial meningitis. Results : Of the 214 patients, 96 (45%) had LPs. Two children (1%) had meningitis; in both, the diagnosis was strongly suspected before the LP was performed. No other subject had a discharge diagnosis of meningitis. During the 13 years of study, the proportion of patients in whom LP was performed increased from 14% in the first 6 years (1979 through 1984) to 62% from 1985 through 1991 ( P P =0.005). Conclusions : The increase in the number of LPs performed from 1985 through 1991 in children with periorbital or orbital cellulitis was not accompanied by an increase in the diagnosis of early or unsuspected meningitis. These data suggest the need for more judicious use of LP in children with periorbital swelling.
Parent outcome expectancies for purchasing fruit and vegetables: a validation.

Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street,Room 2038, Houston, TX 77030-2600, USASubmitted 20 January 2006: Accepted 5 July 2006AbstractObjective: Tovalidatefourscales – outcomeexpectanciesforpurchasingfruitandforpurchasing vegetables, and comparative outcome expectancies for purchasing freshfruit and for purchasing fresh vegetables versus other forms of fruit and vegetables(FV interviews conductedby telephone.Subjects: One hundred and sixty-one food shoppers with children (18 years oryounger).Results: Single dimension scales were speciﬁed for fruit and for vegetable purchasingoutcome expectancies, and for comparative (fresh vs. other) fruit and vegetablepurchasing outcome expectancies. Item Response Theory parameter estimatesrevealedeasilyinterpretedpatternsinthesequenceofitemsbydifﬁcultyofresponse.Fruit and vegetable purchasing and fresh fruit comparative purchasing outcomeexpectancy scales were signiﬁcantly correlated with home F&V availability, aftercontrolling for social desirability of response. Comparative fresh vegetable outcomeexpectancy scale was signiﬁcantly bivariately correlated with home vegetableavailability, but not after controlling for social desirability.Conclusion: These scales are available to help better understand family F&Vpurchasing decisions.KeywordsOutcome expectancyFruitVegetablesPurchaseValidationReliabilityEatingfruitandvegetables(F&V)hasmanypositivehealthoutcomes
Development of regional parameter estimation equations for a macroscale hydrologic model

Abstract A methodology for developing regional parameter estimation equations, designed for application to continental scale river basins, is described. The approach, which is applied to the two-layer Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC-2L) land surface hydrologic model, uses a set of 34 unregulated calibration or “training” catchments (drainage areas 10 2 –10 4 km 2 ) distributed throughout the Arkansas–Red River basin of the south central U.S. For each of these catchments, parameters were determined by: a) prior estimation of two of the model parameters (saturated hydraulic conductivity and pore size distribution index) from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service State Soil Geographic Data Base (STATSGO) data base; and b) estimation of the remaining seven parameters via a search procedure that minimizes the sum of squares of differences between predicted and observed streamflow. The catchment parameters were then related to 11 ancillary distributed land surface characteristics extracted from STATSGO, and 17 variables derived from station meteorological data. The seven regression equations explained from 54 to 76% of the variance of the parameters. The most frequently occurring ancillary variables were the average permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and SCS hydrologic Group B (typically soils with moderately high infiltration rates) fraction derived from STATSGO, and the average temperature and standard deviation of fall precipitation. The method was tested by comparing simulations using the regional (regression equation) parameters for six unregulated catchments not in the parameter estimation set. The model performance using the regional parameters was quite good for most of the calibration and validation catchments, which were humid and semi-humid. The model did not perform as well for the smaller number of arid to semi-arid catchments.
Structural Evolution of Silsesquioxane-based Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposite Networks

The basic tetrahedra of silica are readily assembled into eight cornered cages known as cubic silsesquioxanes ([RSiO 1.5 ] 8 ). Silsesquioxane cubes represent one of the smallest possible units of ceramic silica. The corners of these nanometer-sized ceramic cubes are readily functionalized with reactive groups and incorporated into organic polymers. In this work, we characterize the structures that result from varying the length of the flexible organic segments used to connect the cubes in a series of hybrid network materials. For very short organic segments, steric hindrances inhibit high degrees of network conversion and the resulting network is very inhomogeneous. As the length of the flexible organic segment increases, the added degrees of freedom allow a more ‘ordered’ glassy material to evolve. If the length of the organic segment becomes very long in comparison to the size of the cube, a disordered polymer-like network is obtained.
Computational modeling of residual stress formation during the electron beam melting process for Inconel 718

Abstract A computational modeling approach to simulate residual stress formation during the electron beam melting (EBM) process within the additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for Inconel 718 is presented in this paper. The EBM process has demonstrated a high potential to fabricate components with complex geometries, but the resulting components are influenced by the thermal cycles observed during the manufacturing process. When processing nickel based superalloys, very high temperatures (approx. 1000 °C) are observed in the powder bed, base plate, and build. These high temperatures, when combined with substrate adherence, can result in warping of the base plate and affect the final component by causing defects. It is important to have an understanding of the thermo-mechanical response of the entire system, that is, its mechanical behavior towards thermal loading occurring during the EBM process prior to manufacturing a component. Therefore, computational models to predict the response of the system during the EBM process will aid in eliminating the undesired process conditions, a priori, in order to fabricate the optimum component. Such a comprehensive computational modeling approach is demonstrated to analyze warping of the base plate, stress and plastic strain accumulation within the material, and thermal cycles in the system during different stages of the EBM process.
Hypoxia-Induced Oxygen Tolerance: Maintenance of Endothelial Metabolic Function

Hypoxia (10%-12% O2) preadaptation for 4-7 days effectively protects rats from oxygen toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that the lung's microvascular endothelium shares in development of oxygen tolerance and therefore that endothelial metabolic function would be protected from oxygen toxicity by prior adaptation to hypoxia. Since pulmonary oxygen toxicity decreases lung capillary angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, we assayed converting enzyme active sites in an isolated perfused rat lung preparation as a marker for the development of oxygen toxicity and tolerance. Rats were exposed to air, hypoxia (10% O2 for 4 days), hyperoxia (greater than 95% O2 for 2 days) alone, or hypoxia followed immediately by hyperoxia. Lung vascular ACE content was quantitated by measuring the single pass binding of an iodinated-converting enzyme inhibitor, 125I-MK351A, a derivative of lisinopril. Hypoxia adaptation per se had no effect on ACE content reflected in normal 125I-MK351A binding, whereas hyperoxia exposure caused a significant decrease in lung vascular ACE. Hyperoxia-induced decreases in ACE content were prevented partially by hypoxia adaptation, indicating that ACE content on luminal endothelial surfaces was protected from oxygen toxicity. In isolated perfused lungs 125I-MK351A binding reflects development of oxygen tolerance after hypoxia preadaptation and suggests that lung endothelial metabolic function is protected from oxygen toxicity.
Parole, snitch, or die: California’s supermax prisons and prisoners, 1997–2007:

Supermaximum security prisons (‘supermaxes’) across the United States detain thousands in long-term solitary confinement, under conditions of extreme sensory deprivation. In 1988 and 1989, California opened two of the first and largest of the modern supermaxes: Corcoran and Pelican Bay State Prisons. Today, California houses more than 3300 prisoners in supermaxes. Each month, between 50 and 100 people are released directly from these supermaxes onto parole. Using statistics obtained from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, this article explores who these prisoners and parolees are: what race are these prisoners, how long did they spend in solitary confinement, and how frequently are they released? Relative to non-supermax prisoners and parolees in California, supermax prisoners and parolees are disproportionately Latinos, who have served long prison sentences, under severe conditions. Analysis of interviews with correctional department administrators about the original goals and p...
Modeling extended lactations of Holsteins.

Abstract Modeling extended lactations for the US Holsteins is useful because a majority (>55%) of the cows in the present population produce lactations longer than 305 d. In this study, 9 empirical and mechanistic models were compared for their suitability for modeling 305-d and 999-d lactations of US Holsteins. A pooled data set of 4,266,597 test-day yields from 427,657 (305-d complete) lactation records from the AIPL-USDA database was used for model fitting. The empirical models included Wood (WD), Wilmink (WIL), Rook (RK), monophasic (MONO), diphasic (DIPH), and lactation persistency (LPM) functions; Dijkstra (DJ), Pollott (POL), and new-multiphasic (MULT) models comprised the mechanistic counterparts. Each model was separately tested on 305-d (>280 days in milk) and 999-d (>800 days in milk) lactations for cows in first parity and those in third and greater parities. All models were found to produce a significant fit for all 4 scenarios (2 parity groups and 2 lactation lengths). However, the resulting parameter estimates for the 4 scenarios were different. All models except MONO, DIPH, and LPM yielded residuals with absolute values smaller than 2kg for the entire period of the 305-d lactations. For the extended lactations, the prediction errors were larger. However, the RK, DJ, POL, and MULT models were able to predict daily yield within a±3kg range for the entire 999-d period. The POL and MULT models (having 6 and 12 parameters, respectively) produced the lowest mean square error and Bayesian information criteria values, although the differences from the other models were small. Conversely, POL and MULT were often associated with poor convergence and highly correlated, unreliable, or biologically atypical parameter estimates. Considering the computational problems of large mechanistic models and the relative predictive ability of the other models, smaller models such as RK, DJ, and WD were recommended as sufficient for modeling extended lactations unless mechanistic details on the extended curves are needed. The recommended models were also satisfactory in describing fat and protein yields of 305-d and 999-d lactations of all parities.
Cardiopulmonary Transition in the High Altitude Infant

The perinatal cardiopulmonary transition at high altitude differs from that at sea level because oxygen plays a fundamental role in the developmental changes from fetus to newborn infant. Under conditions of high altitude hypoxia, arterial oxygen saturations are lower, breathing patterns and maturation of respiratory control reflexes differ, and regression of fetal characteristics of the pulmonary vasculature proceeds more slowly. Several aspects of transition vary not only with postnatal age and altitude, but also with population group, suggesting an effect of genetic adaptation on perinatal physiology. Exposure to chronic high altitude hypoxia during the perinatal transition also results in apparent lifelong alterations in respiratory reflex responses and pulmonary vasoreactivity. Disruption of the normal process of cardiopulmonary transition can result in symptomatic high altitude pulmonary hypertension. The exaggerated hypoxemia associated with acute respiratory infections in young infants still undergoing transition contributes to infant mortality at high altitude.
Poly‐α,β,β‐trifluorostyrene

An improved preparation and handling procedure for the monomer is described. The polymer was prepared best by emulsion polymerization, although anionic polymerization was also found to be operable. A number of properties of the polymer are described, including solubility, the infrared absorption spectrum, x-ray diffusion (amorphous scattering), dielectric constant (2.56 ± 0.05), and dielectric loss tangent (0.0006 to 0.0035 over the range 102 to 1011 c.p.s.). Copolymerization with trifluorochloroethylene gave a copolymer containing 0.096 mole fraction of trifluorochloroethylene, and with styrene a copolymer containing 0.397 mole fraction. The copolymerization curve and constants for copolymerization with styrene are presented and discussed.
Allometric scaling of the maximum metabolic rate of mammals: oxygen transport from the lungs to the heart is a limiting step

Background The maximum metabolic rate (MMR) of mammals is approximately proportional to M0.9, where M is the mammal's body weight. Therefore, MMR increases with body weight faster than does the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is approximately proportional to M0.7. MMR is strongly associated with the capacity of the cardiovascular system to deliver blood to capillaries in the systemic circulation, but properties of this vascular system have not produced an explanation for the scaling of MMR.
Storage of household firearms: an examination of the attitudes and beliefs of married women with children

Although safe firearm storage is a promising injury prevention strategy, many parents do not keep their firearms unloaded and locked up. Using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding conceptual framework, this study examines factors associated with safe storage among married women with children and who have firearms in their homes. Data come from a national telephone survey (n = 185). We examined beliefs about defensive firearm use, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and firearm storage practices. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was conducted to assess associations between psychosocial factors and firearm storage practices. Women were highly motivated to keep firearms stored safely. Those reporting safe storage practices had more favorable attitudes, more supportive subjective norms and higher perceptions of behavioral control than those without safe storage. One-fourth believed a firearm would prevent a family member from being hurt in case of a break-in, 58% believed a firearm could scare off a burglar. Some 63% said they leave decisions about firearm storage to their husbands. Women were highly motivated to store firearms safely as evidenced by favorable attitudes, supportive subjective norms and high perceptions of behavioral control. This was especially true for those reporting safer storage practices. Language: en