cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associated Legendre polynomials, ordinary and modified spherical harmonics

Abstract Title of program : LEGENDRE Catalogue : ABME Program obtainable from : CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland (see application form in this issue). Computer : CDC 6600; Installation : University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA Operating system : CDC Scope Programming language used : FORTRAN IV High speed storage required : 4928 words. No. of bits in a word : 60 Is the program overlaid? No No. of magnetic tapes required : None What other peripherals are used? Card reader, line printer No. of cards in combined program and test deck : 160 Card punching code : CDC
Tectonics: Unexpected Andean earthquakes

Great earthquakes along the western, subduction zone boundary of the Andes Mountains in South America are expected. Measurements of surface motion along the eastern boundary highlight the potential for equally large earthquakes in the east.
(NH4)3CrO8: A new S = 1/2 system exhibiting no magnetic transition down to 0.3 K

Abstract Recent studies related to quantum computation suggest a need for developing a well-characterized low-spin, e.g., S = 1/2, metal complex with limited or no significant hyperfine interactions. To this end, we here report the synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic and thermodynamic characterization of ammonium peroxychromate, (NH4)3CrO8, a new compound of Cr(5+), with a 3 d x 2 - y 2 , S = 1/2 ground state, with about 92% molecules devoid of any metal hyperfine interaction. It is the first Cr(5+) compound exhibiting a structural phase transition (at 137.5 K) tentatively assigned to the order–disorder motion of the NH 4 + ions, but it remains paramagnetic down to 0.3 K. The compound is stable for years if stored in a refrigerator, but it could explode if crushed or subjected to high pressure, or heated to well above room temperature.
Predicting compression set in elastomeric materials

Abstract The aerospace community has come to understand the importance of the characterization of O-ring seals and the materials from which they come. One specific problem of considerable significance encountered in such characterization is the inability to predict compression set in these materials. This paper presents a means of predicting compression set at times which are small compared to storage time, based on their stress relaxation moduli. Experimental stress relaxation modulus data were converted to creep compliance data via a numerical integration of the linear viscoelastic convolution integral. Compression set was then predicted by using the relaxation modulus and creep compliance together in a second numerical procedure. The routines developed were verified using a three-parameter solid. The compression set for V747-75 fluorocarbon was computed and compared to existing test data. These results compared favorably at or near the glass transition temperature of the material for the quality of data available, but deviated conservatively at higher temperatures. The procedure for predicting compression set at comparatively small times after load removal is presented as a simple tool for use in design development, and is based on several simplifying assumptions. These assumptions should be taken as limitations for the applicability of the procedure.
Implementation of a polygonal algorithm for surface-surface intersections

Abstract This paper discussed the problem of finding intersections between surfaces. Surfaces are divided into planar sub-patches, typically triangles. Triangles of one surface are tested for intersection with triangles of the second surface, one by one. The triangles are first projected on a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. The well-known cutting plane method of descriptive geometry is modified and applied to evaluate the line-segment of intersection between two planar triangles. The set of line-segments thus obtained approximate the curve of intersection between the two surfaces.
The use of multiwavelength kinetic analysis approach to identify and characterize intermediate complexes in the reductive amination reaction catalyzed by bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase

A multiwavelength transient-state kinetic study of the glutamate dehydrogenase catalyzed reaction has proven that an alpha-iminoglutarate complex is an observable intermediate in the reverse direction. It also shows the existence of two enzyme-NADPH-ketoglutarate complexes, only one of which reacts with ammonia rapidly.
Design Economics of Surface Mount PCBs

This paper presents an experience in designing a printed circuit board prototype as part of a general surface mount investigation for commercial electronics application. The point of view is that of a low volume assembler of relatively large, complex PC boards which use standard components. Three prototype versions were designed using different criteria. FR‐4 substrate was used for all of the designs. A comparison of the three designs with the through‐hole version indicates that the economic success of surface mounted printed circuit assemblies is heavily dependent on the physical design of the printed circuit board. Some of the aspects of a surface mounted circuit assembly that are discussed include design philosophy and tools, printed circuit board fabrication and bare board test. Design practices that would ideally utilise the small size of surface mount components are contrasted with those practices necessary to provide low cost and manufacturability of the printed circuit board.
Simulations of Stellar Radial Velocity and Spectral Line Bisector Variations: I. Nonradial Pulsations

The radial velocity and spectral variations are calculated for low-amplitude nonradial pulsations in slowly rotating stars (v sin i = 3 km s-1). Sectoral modes (l = -m) in the range l = 1-8 are considered. An empirical equation relating the pulsational amplitude to the "observed" stellar radial velocity amplitude is derived and this indicates that precise radial velocity techniques should be able to detect low-amplitude ( 100,000) and high signal-to-noise ratios (S/N > 500).
Investigation into three-dimensional laser processing of tribological coatings

Abstract Tribological coating design has evolved from single layer/single phase to multilayer and composite architectures. The early single-layer coatings were not efficient for arresting cracks, distributing loads, relaxing stress, and preventing adhesive failures. Second-generation coatings with multilayer, gradient, and composite architectures added another dimension to the coating design and allowed much better accommodation of stresses and crack arresting. This paper considers the further evolution of coating design to three dimensions, where the lateral property variation was added to the cross-thickness property variation. The three-dimensional design considerably improved the tribological characteristics of hard coatings, by permitting solid lubricant replenishment inside the friction contacts. A functionally gradient Ti–TiC–TiC/diamond-like carbon coating with an upper layer of a tough nanocrystalline/amorphous composite was used for load support, crack prevention, and stress equalization. This coating was processed with laser irradiation to form grooved tracks along wear paths, which were then filled with MoS2. This provided a solid lubricant reservoir in the lateral dimension of the coating. The three-dimensional coating was tested in long-duration sliding tests at fixed and cycling humidity. The coating exhibited environmental adaptation with friction coefficients of 0.15 in humid air and 0.02 in dry nitrogen. The wear life was increased by at least one order of magnitude in comparison to that for a hard gradient coating with a top layer of MoS2 without any three-dimensional laser processing. Discussions of three-dimensional coating tribological properties, friction and wear mechanisms are provided. The environmental adaptation achieved with three-dimensional coating processing can be beneficial for aerospace applications.
Ligands in PSI structures

Approximately 65% of PSI structures report some type of ligand(s) that is bound in the crystal structure. Here, a description is given of how such ligands are handled and analyzed at the JCSG and a survey of the types, variety and frequency of ligands that are observed in the PSI structures is also compiled and analyzed, including illustrations of how these bound ligands have provided functional clues for annotation of proteins with little or no previous experimental characterization. Furthermore, a web server was developed as a tool to mine and analyze the PSI structures for bound ligands and other identifying features.
Spontaneous regression of orbital Langerhans cell granulomatosis in a three-year-old girl

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of spontaneous regression of orbital Langerhans cell granulomatosis. METHOD: Case report. A 3-year-old girl was initially examined with a 5-week history of slowly progressive blepharoptosis and periorbital swelling of the left eye. RESULTS: Computed tomographic scan showed a mass in the left orbit eroding into the left frontal bone; fine-needle aspiration confirmed diagnosis of Langerhans cell granulomatosis. After initial biopsy, the patient was treated by close observation alone. Six months after initial examination, the monostotic lesion had completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: In some cases of monostotic Langerhans cell granulomatosis, initial biopsy followed by observation alone may allow for the spontaneous regression of the lesion. This conservative approach to treatment is an important therapeutic option that may spare the patient the adverse effects of surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Dynamics of Nonlinear Cross-Equatorial Flow. Part I: Potential Vorticity Transformation

Abstract The transformation of potential vorticity within nonlinear deep western boundary currents in an idealized tropical ocean is studied using a shallow-water model. In a rectangular domain forced by a localized, Northern Hemisphere mass source and a distributed sink that require a net, cross-equatorial mass flux, a series of numerical experiments investigate how potential vorticity changes sign as fluid crosses the equator. Dissipation is included as momentum diffusion, and the Reynolds number, defined as the ratio of the mass source per unit depth to the viscosity, determines the nature of the flow. For Re less than a critical value (approximately 30) the flow is laminar and well described by linear theory. For Reynolds numbers just above this value, the system becomes time-dependent with eddies of one sign developing adjacent to the boundary and propagating steadily across the equator. For very large Re, an extensive and complicated network of both positive and negative anomalies emerges. Analysis ...
Gram-Negative Meningitis Associated with Transsphenoidal Surgery: Case Reports and Review

We present a systematic review of meningitis associated with transsphenoidal surgery. Patients present within the first 4 days after surgery with symptoms of headache, fever, and confusion. Overt cerebrospinal rhinorrhea or nuchal rigidity at the time of presentation is an infrequent finding. Although postoperative aseptic meningitis may be difficult to distinguish from early bacterial meningitis, the findings of hypoglycorrhachia, pleocytosis, and hyperproteinemia in the setting of fever and neurological deficit strongly suggest bacterial infection. The preponderance of cases of gram-negative meningitis observed in this series and in previous reports related to posttraumatic CSF leaks indicates that empirical regimens should include agents suitable for treating infections caused by nosocomial pathogens. In general, patients with uncomplicated meningitis in this setting can be expected to recover and do well. Questions remain as to the role of prophylactic antibiotics in the development of gram-negative meningitis in the setting of transsphenoidal surgery. A multicenter trial might be better able to define this role.
Packed column supercritical fluid chromatography of isomeric polypeptide pairs.

The characterization and determination of peptides is of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry as is the ability to rapidly perform targeted determinations of bioactive peptides in complex matrices. The purpose of the presented work is to assess the feasibility of packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for the separation of two-pairs of water soluble peptides of identical mass, composition and charge that differ only in amino acid sequence. Upon evaluating a variety of conditions, trifluoroacetic acid (HTFA) in conjunction with methanol as the modifier proved to be, in general, the most successful mobile phase additive for elution of the two isomeric peptide pairs from all nitrogenous stationary phases. In contrast, water and ammonium acetate gave distorted peak shapes and therefore proved to be less satisfactory as neutral additives. The basic additive, iso-propylamine (IPAm), coupled with HA-Pyridine yielded the highest resolution factor for the complete study. Aminopropyl and HA-Pyridine columns with 5 μm particle size and 60 A pore size were found to be best for resolution of each peptide pair. Bare silica and phenyl-hexyl stationary phases did not afford any separation. The primary roles of the carbon dioxide and methanol modifier are believed to provide (a) stationary phase solvation and (b) peptide solubility and transport; while, HTFA is postulated to fully protonate each peptide and form ion pairs between its conjugate base and cationic peptide analyte. The separation process, therefore, is best viewed as ion pair supercritical fluid chromatography (IP-SFC). For the case where IPAm gave good resolution on the HA-Pyridine column, the peptides are probably in the neutral state.
The Accuracy of Sea Ice Drafts Measured from U.S. Navy Submarines

Abstract Navy submarines in the Arctic Ocean routinely obtain observations from an upward-looking sonar of the draft of the sea ice cover overhead. Draft data are now publicly available from some 40 cruises from 1975 to 2000 covering over 120 000 km of track in roughly the central half of the Arctic Ocean. To apply these observations to geophysics, error estimates are needed. This paper assesses how well the correction of the data during normal processing accounts for the major sources of error in the draft data from U.S. Navy submarines and what errors remain in the data. The error treated is the error for the average draft over tens of kilometers. The following sources of error are considered: measurement precision error; errors in identifying open water (as ice of zero draft); sound speed error; errors caused by variable sonar footprint size, by uncontrolled gain and thresholds, and by ship’s trim; and differences between data from analog charts and digitally recorded data. The bias with respect to the...
Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in children 3 to 36 months of age at a tertiary care pediatric center 2 years after licensure of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

A dramatic decline in the incidence of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae among healthy infants is anticipated to result from universal immunization with the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). To assess change in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease among young children between the fiscal years of 1997 and 2002 at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, a retrospective review of medical records was performed. Information regarding demographics, receipt of pneumococcal vaccine, medical history, and events of the acute illness were reviewed among patients 3 to 36 months of age with a positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Penicillin susceptibility data were obtained and capsular serotyping was performed on available isolates. The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease decreased significantly in the 2001 and 2002 fiscal years compared with previous years. This occurred predominantly in children 3 to 24 months of age. Boys were overrepresented among cases of invasive disease. The incidence of invasive disease among children of African American descent was significantly greater than expected based on local demographics. The dramatic decline in invasive pneumococcal disease in the context of increasing emergency department visits and a stable pattern of clinical practice almost certainly reflects the impact of the initial use of the PCV7. The availability and continued use of PCV7 should lead to even more impressive changes in the epidemiology of pneumococcal infection. Invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants and children result in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, a large scale, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), Prevnar (Wyeth-Lederle, St Davids, PA), was well-tolerated, immunogenic, and highly effective (97.4%) in preventing invasive disease in healthy children.1 This and other studies led to the licensure of the vaccine and subsequent recommendation by the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy … Address correspondence to Philana L. Lin, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Ave, Desoto 4B, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
New York fights syphilis

Mayor LaGuardia and his medical aids attack the social disease problem in country's largest city with characteristic directness and vigor.
Can fMRI replace the Wada test in predicting postsurgical deterioration of verbal memory

The future of the Wada test as a predictor of verbal memory function following epilepsy surgery has been debated for some time. Memory mapping based on functional MRI is emerging as a potential alternative. Here, Andres Kanner examines where functional MRI currently stands in this setting.
Adaptation shapes spike train correlations: theory and application to tinnitus

weakened adaptation reported in neurons from animals with behavioral evidence of tinnitus both increases firing rate and spike train correlations. Our work shows that the biophysical correlates of tinnitus are consistent with the spike train correlates of tinnitus, and that this link is not obvious from past theories linking firing rates and spike train correlations because of the presence of SFA. These results reveal that the biophysical mechanisms giving rise to hyperactivity in tinnitus and other neural pathologies have specific implications for the pairwise statistics and population coding of the affected neurons.
A Numerical Study of Tunnel Fires

Abstract Abstract—A numerical study of accidental highway tunnel fires is made using a two-dimensional numerical model. The role of ventilation systems on the early phase of the fire is investigated. The effects of the wind-induced flow through the tunnel, the burning rate, and the rate of fuel addition are also studied. The results, although preliminary, show the coupling between combustion and fluid mechanics, and indicate that the flow induced by combustion plays a dominant role in the problem.
The All-Electric Aircraft: A Systems View and Proposed NASA Research Programs

The previous papers have offered the distant vision of an all-electric aircraft?one which fully exploits the intrinsic features of electric power and electronic controls. This paper examines the path to that vision and the barriers along the way?some of which appear relatively easy to overcome while others are more formidable. It is interesting to conjecture what an all-electric aircraft will look like. The all-electric technologies may offer many design options and this paper suggests some tantalizing possibilities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has sponsored or conducted a number of activities to foster the development of an all-electric airplane. The results of these activities are presented. Finally, in a look to the future, two NASA new initiatives are briefly discussed.
Interactions of a sulfonated ionomer with surfactant in nonaqueous media

The viscometric behavior of dilute solutions of the sodium salt of sulfonated polystyrene (0–6 mol % sulfonation level), with and without surfactant, is investigated to determine the extent of interaction as the structure of the solvent surfactant, and polymer concentration is varied. Reduced viscosity measurements confirm that formation of a polymer–surfactant complex in a relatively polar solvent is controlled to a large extent by charge–charge and hydrophobic forces. The magnitude of these specific interactions is dependent upon the relative polarity of the solvent medium. In a polar solvent, such as dimethylsulfoxide, the hydrophobic forces are strong enough to prevent expansion of the polymer chain at all surfactant concentrations studied. However, in a less polar medium (as in dimethylformamide) the hydrophobic forces are weaker and cannot prevent some chain expansion. It is interesting to note that in this solvent the polystyrene–cationic surfactant complex exhibits a polyelectrolyte effect. Finally, in a lower-polarity medium (cyclohexanone) where the hydrophobic forces are weak, solution behavior is dominated by the interaction of the surfactant with the intramolecular sulfonate ion-pair aggregates.
Acute Changes in Lung Histopathology and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Parameters in Mice Exposed to the Choking Agent Gas Phosgene

Phosgene (CG) is a highly irritant gas widely used industrially as a chemical intermediate for the production of dyes, pesticides, and plastics, and can cause life-threatening pulmonary edema within 24 hours of exposure. This study was designed to investigate acute changes in lung tissue histopathology and selected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) factors over time to determine early diagnostic indicators of exposure. Three groups of 40 male mice each were exposed to 32 mg/m3 (8 ppm) CG for 20 minutes, and 3 groups of 40 control male mice were exposed to filtered room air for 20 minutes, both exposures were followed by room air washout for 5 minutes. At 1, 4.8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure each group of mice was euthanized and processed for histopathology, bronchoalveolar lavage or gravimetric measurements, respectively. Over time, the histopathological lesions were characterized by acute changes consisting of alveolar and interstitial edema, fibrin and hemorrhage, followed by significant alveolar and interstitial flooding with inflammatory cell infiltrates and scattered bronchiolar and terminal airway epithelial degeneration and necrosis. From 48 to 72 hours, there was partial resolution of the edema and degenerative changes, followed by epithelial and fibroblastic regeneration centered on the terminal bronchiolar areas. Bronchoalveolar lavage was processed for cell differential counts, LDH, and protein determination. Comparative analysis revealed significant increases in both postexposure lung wet/dry weight ratios, and early elevations of BALF LDH and protein, and later elevations in leukocytes. This article describes the use of histopathology to chronicle the temporal pulmonary changes subsequent to whole body exposure to phosgene, and correlate these changes with BALF ingredients and postexposure lung wet weights in an effort to characterize toxic gas-induced acute lung injury and identify early markers of phosgene exposure.
Origin and conservation genetics of the threatened Ute ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes diluvialis (Orchidaceae).

The Ute ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes diluvialis, is listed as a threatened orchid in west-central United States by the Federal government. Information on its origin and patterns of genetic variation is needed to develop effective conservation strategies for this species. DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to evaluate genetic variation and structure of 23 populations of S. diluvialis. In addition, four congeneric species were analyzed to determine possible origins of the putative allotetraploid S. diluvialis. DNA sequencing and PCR-RFLP analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA noncoding regions revealed no genetic variation within or among populations of S. diluvialis. DNA sequencing revealed that S. diluvialis has rDNA of both S. magnicamporum and S. romanzoffiana,supporting the proposed origin of the allotetraploid. Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of cpDNA and mtDNA sequences revealed that these S. diluvialis organellar sequences were most closely related to those of S. romanzoffiana,providing evidence that the latter species is the maternal parent of S. diluvialis. The lack of genetic diversity is significant for the development of a long-term conservation strategy for S. diluvialis.
Response of the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi, to alfalfa volatiles.

An olfactometer was designed that permitted alfalfa seed chalcids [Bruchophagus roddi (Gussakovsky) Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae] to respond to volatiles in alfalfa, first by flight toward the source and then, after landing on the target, by close-range orientation. Females flew to targets with extracts of fresh alfalfa seed pods of flowers but not to extracts of leaves. At close range, ♀♀ oriented to extracts of seed pods or leaves but not to extracts of flowers. Among the volatiles that emanate from alfalfa, ♀♀ flew to octan-3-1 (E)-β-farnesene, 1-octen-3-ol, α-copaene, γ-muurolene, and (E)-2-hexenal at concentrations of 0.01% or less. These compounds probably play a role in selection of hosts and oviposition sites. At close range, ♀♀ walked to and some remained in the area treated with any of the forementioned compounds or caryophyllene, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, or farnesol. These latter compounds probably act only as short-range cues in selection of hosts and oviposition sites. RESUME Reponses de Bruchophagus roddi a des substances volatiles de la luzerne Un olfactometre a ete concu pour permettre a Bruchophagus roddi Guss. (Hymen. Eurytomidae) de repondre aux odeurs de la luzerne, d'abord en volant vers la source et ensuite, apres atterrissage sur la cible, en s'orientant a faible distance. Les femelles volaient vers la source avec des extraits de gousses fraiches ou de fleurs, mais non avec des extraits de feuilles. A faible distance, les femelles marchaient vers les extraits de gousses ou de feuilles, mais non de fleurs. Parmi les substances volatiles emises par la luzerne, les femelles volaient vers l'octane-3-1, le (E)-β-farnesene, le 1-octen-3-ol, l'α-copaene, le γ-muurolene et (E)-2-hexenal, a des concentrations inferieures ou egales a 0,01%. Ces composes jouent probablement un role dans la selection des hotes et le choix des lieux de ponte. A faible distance, les femelles marchaient vers l'aire traitee avec les composes deja indiques ou avec le caryophyllene, le (Z)-3-hexenyl-acetate et le farnesol; certaines restaient dans la zone traitee. Ces derniers composes agissent probablement uniquement a faible distance comme elements de selection de l'hote et de choix du lieu de ponte. Les composes qui n'ont provoque aucune reponse positive aux concentrations de 1; 0,1 et 0.01% sont le 2-and-3-methylbutanol, le benzyl alcohol, le (E)-β-ocimene, le salicylate de methyle, le linalool, l'hexanal, l'alcool caryophyllene et le neryl-2-methylbutyrate. Ainsi ces composes n'interviennent probablement pas dans la selection des plantes hotes et des lieux de ponte.
5-Aminolevulinic Acid: Acne Vulgaris

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a widely used, although off-label, treatment for moderate to severe acne in the USA. Still in its infancy, this treatment has confounded our better wisdom for best practices as studies have been limited and largely carried out in small, investigator-initiated clinical trials. Still, some consensus does emerge on the best light sources, incubation times, expected outcomes and long-term course. The most common light sources for this treatment are intense pulsed light (IPL), pulsed dye laser (PDL), blue light, and red light. Most studies in the USA, although not controlled, randomized or blinded, indicate that IPL and PDL are more effective than blue light for acne, whereas red light with ALA has been little evaluated. This makes sense as the sebaceous gland (SG) is approximately 1 mm below the surface of the skin and the majority of blue light does not penetrate to that depth. Studies have supported that very short ALA incubation periods ranging from 15 to 30 min are effective for the treatment of acne. The author postulates that there is a follicular penetration that precedes transepidermal transit that accounts for the efficacy of short contact PDT. PDT for acne with 5-ALA for the treatment of moderate to severe acne is a very efficacious and safe procedure that is significantly underutilized in the USA due to lack of FDA approval and insurance reimbursement as well as some convenience factors.
Network abstractions for context-aware mobile computing

Context-aware computing is characterized by the ability of a software system to continuously adapt its behavior to a changing environment over which it has little or no control. Previous work along these lines presumed a rather narrow definition of context, one that was centered on resources immediately available to the component in question, e.g., communication bandwidth, physical location, etc. This paper explores context-aware computing in the setting of ad hoc networks consisting of numerous mobile hosts that interact with each other opportunistically via transient wireless interconnections. We extend the context to encompass awareness of an entire neighborhood within the ad hoc network. A formal abstract characterization of this new perspective is proposed. The result is a specification method and associated context maintenance protocol. The former enables an application to define an individualized context, one that extends across multiple mobile hosts in the ad hoc network. The latter makes it possible to delegate the continuous reevaluation of the context and the performance of operations on it to some middleware operating below the application level. This relieves application development of the obligation of explicitly managing mobility and its implications on the component's behavior.
Risk assessment and early outcome following the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Background: This study was undertaken to identify risk factors for early mortality following the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and develop a predictive risk model to monitor clinical performance. Methods and Results: Between December 1992 and June 2004, 333 patients with HLHS underwent a Norwood procedure at a single institution. The early mortality was 29% (n = 95). Estimated early mortalityimprovedprogressivelyandwas10%attheendoftheseries.Multivariableanalysisidentifiedthatbodysurfaceareaatoperation,sizeof the ascending aorta, preoperative right ventricular function and source of pulmonary blood flow established at operation were risk factors for early mortality (P < 0.05). These variables were included in a preoperative risk model. The duration of cardiopulmonary support was an independent risk factor, which was included in a separate operative risk model. The performance of the risk models was evaluated by goodnessof-fit analyses, using the Hosmer—Lemeshow test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Both models were well calibrated across all deciles (P = 0.64, P = 0.77) and discriminated moderately well. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 for Model 1 and 0.75 for Model 2. Risk adjustment broadly accounted for the variation in early mortality observed during this series. Conclusions: Patient-related and predetermined operative variables have a major influence on the early outcome following the Norwood procedure for HLHS. The identification of these risk factors allows the risk of early mortality to be calculated. This information could be applied as part of a risk-adjusted performance-monitoring system to enable early identification of meaningful changes in practice.
Decision surface modeling of textile spinning operations using neural network technology

The authors study the spinning operations in textile manufacturing. An attempt to "metamodel" the relation between key inputs and performance measures using neural network technology is reported. Two different neural network models, namely a backpropagation neural network and a fuzzy control neural network, were investigated. According to their experience, both models are capable of providing high quality predictions. In addition, results obtained using a fuzzy controller for the learning rate suggest a significant potential for speeding up the training process. >
Radiation Toxicity in Patients With Scleroderma, Discoid, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective 26-Year Single-Institutional Study

Purpose/Objective(s): Radiation therapy (RT) for prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) around the joints has been used for decades. While there is ample evidence to support its use at the hip, data on non-hip joints such as the elbow are scant, with recent studies raising concern over toxicities. We conducted an IRB-approved single-institution retrospective review of our experience delivering radiation to the elbow to evaluate outcomes and complications related to RT. Materials/Methods: From 2003 to 2012, 31 patients received perioperative RT for HO prophylaxis at the elbow. Patients with postoperative films (n Z 20) were included in our study. Data on patient characteristics, treatment details, and clinical status at each encounter were reviewed. Radiological studies were reviewed using 5 classification schemes. Patients were contacted for interview on current status using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: Median patient age was 42.5 years, median body mass index (BMI) was 29, and 85% were male. Mean follow-up was 9.2 months. All patients received a single fraction of 600-700 cGy, preoperatively within 24 hours (n Z 8), postoperatively within 24 hours (n Z 11), or postoperatively in 3 days (n Z 1). Five patients underwent primary prophylaxis while 15 patients received RT for secondary prophylaxis. Two patients developed new HO and 1 patient had progression of disease at the time of follow-up, but all 3 reported a fair MEPS and denied severe functional limitations. Three patients required surgical re-excision of HO. Conclusions: NSAID treatment, whether newly prescribed or prior use, variations in field size, differences in technique, whether open-field AP/PA or 3D conformal with multi-leaf collimation, did not appear to make a difference in risk of recurrence, mal-union, non-union, or functional outcome. Furthermore, all of the subjects available for phone interview, including those with evidence of severe HO, reported fair or better functionality. Timing of RT seems optimal within 24 hours preoperatively or postoperatively. Patients with high-risk indications should undergo primary prophylaxis against HO. Author Disclosure: S.K. Yoo: None. C. Miyamoto: None.
Radicals and reservoirs in the GMI chemistry and transport model: Comparison to measurements

The most important use of atmospheric chemistry and transport models is to predict the future composition of the atmosphere. The amounts of gases like chlorofluorcarbons, methyl bromide, nitrous oxide and methane are changing and the stratospheric ozone layer will change because these gases are changing. Methyl bromide, nitrous oxide and methane all have natural sources, and also change because of human activity. Chlorofluorcarbons are man-made gases; these are known to decrease stratospheric ozone and future production is banned. They are long-lived gases, and many decades will pass before they are insignificant in the atmosphere. The models are used to predict changes in ozone and other gases; this is a straightforward application. The models must be also tested using observations for the present day atmosphere. This is a challenging task, because the model contains more than 50 species and more than 150 chemical reactions. Data from satellites, ground stations, aircraft and balloons are used to evaluate the model. Different models that are used in international assessments produce different results; in the most recent assessment some predict that ozone will return to 1980 levels by 2025 and others predict that this will not happen until 2050. Since all the parts of the models are conceptually the same, there must be differences in implementation that produce these differences, This work takes a single model, two different sets of winds and temperatures, and repeats the same prediction for the future. Here we compare the results for these two simulations with many observations. The purpose is to identify differences in the model results for the present atmosphere that will lead to different predictions. This sort of controlled comparison will reduce uncertainty in the predictions for stratospheric ozone.
A lateral position sensing system for automated vehicle following

This paper investigates the use of photoresistive light sensor arrays as a possible lateral position sensing system for a vehicle, or several vehicles, following a lead vehicle under separate control. A brief motivation for the use of such a sensing array is followed by a derivation of an appropriate sensor layout. It is shown that the sensing array has several benefits, including cost, simplicity, redundancy, and near linearity. Experimental results are given for a scaled vehicle following manoeuvre using a simple lateral control strategy. The results show that the sensor array may be attractive for lateral alignment in vehicle-following manoeuvres.
Persistent infrared spectral hole burning of the fundamental stretching mode of SH - in alkali halides

Persistent IR spectral holes have been burned for the first time to our knowledge in the fundamental stretching mode (near 3.9 μm) of the SH− molecule, matrix isolated in alkali halides, by double-doping the host with a small amount (2 mol. %) of a second alkali halide. A model is proposed for the hole-burning mechanism, involving 180° reorientations of the SH− molecules between configurations rendered inequivalent by strain field gradients arising from the double-doping. The holes are found to decay within tens to hundreds of seconds at 1.5 K, implying that the barriers to the head-to-tail flips must be quite small.
Alfvén wave refraction by interplanetary inhomogeneities

Pioneer 6 magnetic data reveal that the propagation direction of Alfven waves in the interplanetary medium is strongly oriented along the ambient field. Magnetic fluctuations of frequencies up to 1/30 sec in the spacecraft frame are shown to satisfy a necessary condition for Alfven waves, and a variance matrix analysis is used to determine the Alfven wave normal. It appears from this analysis that geometrical hydromagnetics may satisfactorily describe deviation of the wave normal from the background field. The rotational discontinuity is likely also to propagate along the field lines.
Nano-structured ternary niobium titanium nitrides as durable non-carbon supports for oxygen reduction reaction

A novel, highly stable, non-carbon support system for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been discovered in the form of nano-structured (NbxTi1−x)Ns (x = 0.25 and 0.5). Template-free, solid–solid separation synthetic approaches have been used for preparing these materials. The (NbxTi1−x)N materials have high specific surface area and better electronic conductivity than carbon-based supports.
Dually Optimal Neuronal Layers: Lobe Component Analysis

Development imposes great challenges. Internal ldquocorticalrdquorepresentations must be autonomously generated from interactive experiences. The eventual quality of these developed representations is of course important. Additionally, learning must be as fast as possible-to quickly derive better representation from limited experiences. Those who achieve both of these will have competitive advantages. We present a cortex-inspired theory called lobe component analysis (LCA) guided by the aforementioned dual criteria. A lobe component represents a high concentration of probability density of the neuronal input space. We explain how lobe components can achieve a dual-spatiotemporal (ldquobestrdquo and ldquofastestrdquo)-optimality, through mathematical analysis, in which we describe how lobe components plasticity can be temporally scheduled to take into account the history of observations in the best possible way. This contrasts with using only the last observation in gradient-based adaptive learning algorithms. Since they are based on two cell-centered mechanisms-Hebbian learning and lateral inhibition-lobe components develop in-place, meaning every networked neuron is individually responsible for the learning of its signal-processing characteristics within its connected network environment. There is no need for a separate learning network. We argue that in-place learning algorithms will be crucial for real-world large-size developmental applications due to their simplicity, low computational complexity, and generality. Our experimental results show that the learning speed of the LCA algorithm is drastically faster than other Hebbian-based updating methods and independent component analysis algorithms, thanks to its dual optimality, and it does not need to use any second- or higher order statistics. We also introduce the new principle of fast learning from stable representation.
Wnt signalling suppresses voltage-dependent Na+ channel expression in postnatal rat cardiomyocytes

Wnt signalling plays crucial roles in heart development, but is normally suppressed postnatally. In arrhythmogenic conditions, such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, Wnt signalling is reactivated. To explore the potential role of Wnt signalling in arrhythmogenic electrical remodelling, we examined voltage-dependent ion channels in cardiomyocytes. Treatment of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with either recombinant Wnt3a protein or CHIR-99021 (CHIR, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor) caused a dose-dependent increase in Wnt target gene expression (Axin2 and Lef1), indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cardiac Na(+) current (INa) density was reduced by Wnt3a (-20 ± 4 vs. control -59 ± 7 pA pF(-1) , at -30 mV) or CHIR (-22 ± 5 pA pF(-1) ), without changes in steady-state activation, inactivation or repriming kinetics. Wnt3a and CHIR also produced dose-dependent reductions in the mRNA level of Scn5a (the cardiac Na(+) channel α subunit gene), as well as a 56% reduction (by Wnt3a) in the Nav 1.5 protein level. Consistent with INa reduction, action potentials in Wnt3a-treated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes had a lower upstroke amplitude (91 ± 3 vs. control 137 ± 2 mV) and decreased maximum upstroke velocity (70 ± 10 vs. control 163 ± 15 V s(-1)). In contrast, inward rectifier K(+) current and L-type Ca(2+) channels were not affected by Wnt3a treatment. Taken together, our data indicate that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway suppresses INa in postnatal cardiomyocytes and may contribute to ion channel remodelling in heart disease.
Autoinducer 2-like activity in poultry-associated enteric bacteria in response to subtherapeutic antibiotic exposure.

Abstract The autoinducer-2 molecule, AI-2, is considered to be a universal signal for regulating a wide variety of physiological processes in bacteria by modulating gene expression. Studies were conducted to observe how Escherichia coli cells would respond to subtherapeutic tetracycline concentrations under continuous culture (chemostat) conditions, to observe AI-2 activity within the probiotic chicken microbial consortium (Preempt® CF3; MS Bioscience, Dundee, IL) under in vitro conditions simulating a chicken cecum, and to observe the AI-2 activity in vivo within a chicken cecum as a function of exposure to subtherapeutic levels of chlortetracycline, tylosin, and vancomycin. The AI-2 activity in the E. coli continuous culture showed a 20-fold increase over baseline conditions for up to 24 hours. When the E. coli culture was subsequently exposed to pulses of chlortetracycline additions at subtherapeutic concentrations (2 μg/ml), AI-2 activity increased with increasing levels of tetracycline additions. The...
Finding top-k shortest path distance changes in an evolutionary network

Networks can be represented as evolutionary graphs in a variety of spatio-temporal applications. Changes in the nodes and edges over time may also result in corresponding changes in structural garph properties such as shortest path distances. In this paper, we study the problem of detecting the top-k most significant shortest-path distance changes between two snapshots of an evolving graph. While the problem is solvable with two applications of the all-pairs shortest path algorithm, such a solution would be extremely slow and impractical for very large graphs. This is because when a graph may contain millions of nodes, even the storage of distances between all node pairs can become inefficient in practice. Therefore, it is desirable to design algorithms which can directly determine the significant changes in shortest path distances, without materializing the distances in individual snapshots. We present algorithms that are up to two orders of magnitude faster than such a solution, while retaining comparable accuracy.
Abstract P045: High Methionine, Low Folate and Vitamin B6/B12 Containing Diet Leads to Cognitive Functions Impairment by Epigenetic Silencing of Netrin Gene

Hypermethylation of the genes silence the transcriptions of functional genes associated to cognitive functions. Loss of memory due to epigenetic modifications, called memory-epigenetics was studied. Netrin is a glycoprotein involved in neurogenesis, axonal guidance and maintenance of synaptic plasticity. We hypothesized that high methionine-low vitamins containing diet leads to memory impairment by increasing global DNA methylation and therefore, silencing the netrin gene. Wild type (C57BL/6J) mice were fed diet containing excess met (1.2%), low-folate (0.08 mg/kg), vitamin B6 (0.01 mg/kg), and B12 (10.4 μg/kg) for 6 weeks. Mice were weekly examined for cognitive functions. Our results using a passive avoidance test confirmed a loss in fear motivated long-term memory starting from 4th week that continued up to 6th week of diet (F=37.14, p<0.001). The loss of memory was negatively associated with an increase in global DNA methylation in mice brains fed with diet (R2=-0.99, p<0.001). We found a time-dependent decrease in netrin protein expression (F=27.63, p<0.001) and an increase in methylation of netrin gene promoter, defined by restriction digestion-PCR analysis, in mice fed with diet. The increase in methylation of netrin gene promoter was further validated by high resolution melting and sequencing analysis. In addition, the association of netrin with memory impairment was confirmed by delivering netrin protein to diet-fed mice brains through intracerebral route. The data suggest that netrin introduction helped in considerable memory regain (~50%) in mice on diet. Taken together, these results suggest that high met, low folate and vitamin B6/B12 containing diet can induce defects in learning and memory. Furthermore, the data indicates that decrease in netrin level due to hypermethylation of its gene promoter can be associated with memory loss.