cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cystic Fibrosis Post-Discharge Telehealth for Pulmonary Exacerbations

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease resulting in significant respiratory morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary exacerbations are detrimental to this populations’ lung function and quality of life. The rate of readmissions with respiratory therapist (RT) intervention via telehealth following hospitalization for pulmonary exacerbation is unknown. Telehealth can be a valuable tool to coordinate early intervention and education when needed. This study investigated the impact of telehealth intervention with CF specific education provided by the RT pulmonary navigator. Methods: Patients admitted for CF pulmonary exacerbations were voluntarily enrolled in our UBreathe Readmissions program. Prior to discharge, patients received a specific CF action plan to assess symptom severity daily and an educational session of airway clearance therapy (ACT) focused on autogenic drainage and huff coughing. Participants were asked 16 questions from the respiratory section of the CF RISE questionnaire to assess baseline understanding of their disease. During post-discharge telehealth visits, RTs reviewed topics from the questionnaire and ACT training including intensive autogenic drainage and huff coughing. Patients completed surveys 30 d after discharge assessing symptoms and repeat CF RISE questions. Results: Six subjects (3 females, 3 males) admitted for pulmonary exacerbations were enrolled in the study. There were no readmissions for pulmonary exacerbation at 30 d for this cohort. Of the 6 participants, 3 responded at 30-d follow-up indicating no interval illness requiring urgent care or emergency department visits. Three participants did not respond to follow-up surveys but were seen in routine clinic follow-up at various times. Mean baseline score on CF RISE questionnaire from all participants was 80%. Re-assessment using CF RISE at 30 d yielded a mean score of 95.8% of respondents. Conclusions: In this QI study cohort, findings suggest use of telehealth follow-up led to improvement in patient education relating to CF physiology and treatment while enhancing their performance using AD and huff coughing as part of their airway clearance routine. Further study utilizing short term telehealth visits following discharge assessing technique deficits while also providing education to prevent readmissions for CF pulmonary exacerbations is recommended and appears feasible from our initial study.
Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that incorporate deoxythymidine 5'-monophosphate into DNA in vivo.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that incorporate deoxythymidine 5'-monophosphate (dTMP) into DNA in vivo . The DNA of Escherichia coli is conveniently labeled in vivo with thymine or thymidine and that of animal cells with thymidine. S. cerevisiae apparently lacks thymidine kinase and, therefore, does not utilize either thymine or thymidine as a precursor for DNA synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that certain strains of S. cerevisiae incorporate small amounts of dTMP specifically into DNA. However, only a few percent of the thymine residues of the cellular DNA of this strain are derived from exogeneous dTMP. The chapter describes methods for isolating strains of S. cerevisiae that incorporate exogenous dTMP into DNA (called “tup for dTMP uptake”), methods for labeling DNA with dTMP or deoxybromouridine 5'-monophosphate (dBrUMP) using these strains, and the results of genetic analysis of these strains. Isolation of mutants incorporating dTMP into DNA in vivo and incorporation of nucleotides by tup mutants are described in the chapter.
Renal Masses: Imaging Evaluation

This article illustrates the imaging characteristics of cystic and solid renal masses, along with a summary of identified imaging criteria that may be of use to differentiate masses that are more likely to be benign from those that are more likely to be malignant. In addition, important features of known or suspected renal cancers that should be identified before treatment are summarized, including staging of renal cancer and RENAL nephrometry. Finally, the imaging appearance of patients following treatment of renal cancer, including after partial or total nephrectomy, thermal ablation, or chemotherapy for metastatic disease, is reviewed.
Urinary D-glucaric acid

Abstract The administration of phenobarbital, a known hepatic microsomal enzyme induction agent, to human females causes a significant increase in urinary D-glucaric acid. Similar increases occur following administration of progesterone. These observations indicate that urinary glucaric acid reflects hepatic metabolic function and can be used as an index of microsomal enzyme activity in the human female.
Factorization of Correspondence and Camera Error for Unconstrained Dense Correspondence Applications

A correspondence and camera error analysis for dense correspondence applications such as structure from motion is introduced. This provides error introspection, opening up the possibility of adaptively and progressively applying more expensive correspondence and camera parameter estimation methods to reduce these errors. The presented algorithm evaluates the given correspondences and camera parameters based on an error generated through simple triangulation. This triangulation is based on the given dense, non-epipolar constraint, correspondences and estimated camera parameters. This provides an error map without requiring any information about the perfect solution or making assumptions about the scene. The resulting error is a combination of correspondence and camera parameter errors. An simple, fast low/high pass filter error factorization is introduced, allowing for the separation of correspondence error and camera error. Further analysis of the resulting error maps is applied to allow efficient iterative improvement of correspondences and cameras.
Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium usually occurs as a solitary lesion, although the lesions can occur in groups. They are black or gray-brown and in young patients are easily identified because of a depigmented “halo” that surrounds the lesion. The lesion is usually round, although it can be oval, and for the most part is flat. As the individual ages, the pigmentation atrophies; usually the black pigment loses its color, leaving a lesion that ultimately becomes round and centrally depigmented. There is often a “halo” of depigmentation around the lesion.
The effect of stator winding configuration on the performance of brushless doubly-fed machines in adjustable speed drives

Recent developments in power electronic converters have renewed interest in the doubly fed connection of the self-cascaded or concatenated induction machine. These brushless doubly fed machines (BDFMs) utilize die-cast cage rotors and have the potential to provide economical alternatives to regular induction machines in the areas of variable-speed generation, pumped storage, and adjustable-speed drives. Working laboratory prototypes have been constructed to provide both a proof-of-concept and a baseline for design development. Improvements in machine design, based on alternatives for the stator winding, are discussed. Working within the framework set by stator geometry and the cage-rotor design of the proof-of-concept machine, the authors investigate the effects of various design strategies, such as varying the coil span, unconventional winding distribution, providing alternative connections, of incorporating two electrically isolated stator windings. The results derived from a detailed design model are presented. >
Pericardial effusion masquerading as an aortic dissection.

A 24-year-old woman with a history of recurrent syncope underwent an echocardiogram that was suspicious for an ascending aortic dissection. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed which showed no evidence of aortic dissection. However, it did demonstrate a pericardial effusion that extended to the aortic arch. This case shows how pericardial effusions can simulate the appearance of an aortic dissection because of its extension to the aortic arch. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E16-E18)
Acetylcholine as a Possible Neurotransmitter in Penile Erection

We investigated the erectile response to intracavernous injection of increasing doses of acetylcholine (0.5 to 500 micrograms.) in 10 monkeys. To differentiate between nicotinic (ganglionic) and muscarinic (parasympathetic postganglionic) effects, acetylcholine was likewise administered after 1.6 mg. trimethaphan camsylate and 0.1 mg. atropine, alone or sequentially. Erections were induced by cavernous nerve stimulation before and after atropine. Acetylcholine induced a dose-dependent, triphasic erectile response: a first tumescence phase followed by contraction and a subsequent second phase of tumescence. Atropine reduced but did not abolish the erectile response to acetylcholine: attainment of maximal intracavernous pressure after neurostimulation was both delayed and reduced (mean 25 cm. H2O). Only after combined nicotinic and muscarinic blockade was the erectile response to acetylcholine completely abolished. Histologic staining for acetylcholinesterase in five additional monkeys that had not received acetylcholine showed dense staining within the cavernous erectile tissue and around the cavernous arteries. Our data suggest that acetylcholine is a possible neurotransmitter for penile erection in monkeys.
Curative chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: the development of high-dose ara-C from the laboratory to bedside

In the bench to bedside development of drugs to treat patients with cancer, the common guide to dose and schedule selection is toxicity to normal organs patterned after the preclinical profile of the drug. An understanding of the cellular pharmacology of the drug and specifically the cellular targets linked to the drug's effect is of substantial value in assisting the clinical investigator in selecting the proper dose and schedule of drug administration. The clinical development of ara-C for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) provides a useful paradigm for the study of this process. An understanding of the cellular pharmacology, cytokinetics and pharmacokinetics of ara-C in leukemic mice showed substantial schedule-dependency. Exposure to high doses for a short duration (C x t) resulted in a palliative therapeutic outcome. In marked contrast, exposure to lower doses for a protracted period (c x T) was curative. Clinical use of ara-C in patients with AML patterned after the murine experience, c x T approach, has been of limited benefit in terms of long-term disease-free survival. Studies with human leukemia blasts from patients have shown that for the majority of patients, the initial rate-limiting step is membrane transport, the characteristics of which are substantially affected by extracellular drug concentration (dose). This pharmacologic impediment is eliminated with the blood levels attained during the infusion of gram doses (1-3 gm/m2) of the drug (high-dose ara-C, HiDaC) for shorter periods of time, a C x t approach. Clinical confirmation of these pharmacologic observations is evident in the therapeutic efficacy of HiDaC in patients with relapsed or SDaC-refractory acute leukemia. This is further emphasized by the significantly improved leukemia-free survival of patients with AML treated with HiDaC intensification during remission compared to those patients treated with milligram doses typical of SDaC protocols. Thus, the identification and monitoring of important parameters of drug action in tumors during the course of a clinical trial can be of substantial assistance in optimizing drug dose and schedule so as to attain the best therapeutic index.
When is the critical moment to provide smoking education at schools

When is the critical moment to provide smoking education for public school students? This study is designed to address this problem. Five hundred and twelve students, sixth, ninth, and twelfth grad...
An ultrastructural examination of early ventral root formation in amphibia

The morphology of early interactions between neural tube and myotome in the amphibian embryo and tail regenerate was examined using the electron microscope. Two types of contacts were observed. At the most primitive level where the myotome was yet unsegmented, multiple adhesive-type contacts linked neural tube and myotome. In newly segmented areas early ventral roots were recognizable as small bundles of one to five axons extending the short distance to the myotome. There was only one bundle per segment and in addition to axons, each bundle always contained one or more primitive glial cell processes which accompanied axons as they left the cord. At points of root exit primitive glial processes appeared to funnel axons into the root. The cytoarchitecture of the cord and the new roots suggested that the primitive glia may play a role in pathfinding for motor axons as they leave the cord and extend toward their targets.
Intralesionally implanted cisplatin cures primary brain tumor in rats.

Background and Objectives: Chemotherapy has added little to the overall survival of the patients with primary malignant brain tumors, primarily due to its difficulty penetrating the blood-brain barrier. Use of polymers, releasing high doses of chemotherapy locally over time, is a promising new treatment strategy. Three experiments were conducted to test the effect of cisplatin, released from biodegradable polymer, on rats with 1 week established brain tumor. Method 9L gliosarcoma cells and drug-free or cisplatin-loaded polymer were administered through a right frontal lobe cannula in male Fischer 344 rats. Tumor cells were infused on day 0 and polymer on day 7. Animals were monitored for 60 days. Results In experiment one, 0.5 mg/m2 of cisplatin loaded in polymer resulted in a mean survival time (MST) of 51 ± 14 days with 63% (10/16) rats surviving to day 60. MST for the control group was 24 ± 4 days (p = 2.5 × 10−9). Evidence of clinical or histologic brain toxicity was minimal. In a second experiment, using drug-free polymer (n = 7), MST was 24 ± 3 days. This was compared against an MST of 24 ± 4 days in the tumor control group (n = 7) and 49 ± 7 days in a cisplatin-polymer treated group (n = 6). In a third experiment, two doses of drug-free polymer and three doses of cisplatin-loaded polymer were tested in normal nontumor-bearing rats and found to be well tolerated. Conclusions Intralesional sustained release of cisplatin from biodegradable polymer is safe and effective for the treatment of brain 9L gliosarcoma in rats. J. Surg. Oncol. 64:268–273, 1997 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biological Roles of Interferon Tau (IFNT) and Type I IFN Receptors in Elongation of the Ovine Conceptus

Interferon tau (IFNT) is produced by the elongating conceptus in ruminants and is the maternal recognition of the pregnancy signal. Available evidence supports the idea that IFNT acts in a paracrine and autocrine manner to modulate expression of genes in the endometrium and trophectoderm, respectively, which promote conceptus elongation. The actions of IFNT are mediated by the interferon (alpha and beta) receptor (IFNAR), which consists of two subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. To test the hypothesis that IFNT and its receptor have biological roles in conceptus elongation, an in vivo loss-of-function study was conducted by inhibiting IFNT or IFNAR1/2 mRNA translation in the trophectoderm of the ovine conceptus using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MAO) delivered via osmotic pumps from Days 8 to 14 postmating. Elongating, filamentous type conceptuses were recovered from Day 14 ewes receiving a control morpholino or IFNAR MAOs. In contrast, severely growth-retarded and malformed conceptuses were recovered from IFNT MAO-infused ewes. Those conceptuses contained abnormal trophectoderm cells that were apoptotic based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling analyses. IFNT concentrations were reduced in the uterine lumen of IFNT MAO-infused ewes as was the expression of classical Type I IFN-stimulated genes in the endometrium. IFNT concentrations were also lower in the uterine lumen of IFNAR1/2 MAO-infused ewes. These studies provide in vivo evidence that IFNT is a critical regulator of conceptus elongation and that its embryotrophic actions are primarily mediated by paracrine effects on the endometrium.
An Engineered Aryl Azide Ligase for Site‐Specific Mapping of Protein–Protein Interactions through Photo‐Cross‐Linking

We re-engineered the small-molecule binding site of E. coli lipoic acid ligase (LplA) to accept a fluorinated aryl azide probe in place of lipoic acid. The mutated ligase can covalently attach the aryl azide to recombinant proteins fused to a 17-amino acid recognition sequence for LplA (called "LAP"). Labeling is highly specific, modifying LAP fusion proteins to the exclusion of all endogenous mammalian proteins. In cell lysate, we labeled FKBP with aryl azide and demonstrated rapamycin-dependent photocrosslinking to FRB.
Two Functionally Distinct Networks of Gap Junction-Coupled Inhibitory Neurons in the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus

Gap junctions (GJs) electrically couple GABAergic neurons of the forebrain. The spatial organization of neuron clusters coupled by GJs is an important determinant of network function, yet it is poorly described for nearly all mammalian brain regions. Here we used a novel dye-coupling technique to show that GABAergic neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) of mice and rats form two types of GJ-coupled clusters with distinctive patterns and axonal projections. Most clusters are elongated narrowly along functional modules within the plane of the TRN, with axons that selectively inhibit local groups of relay neurons. However, some coupled clusters have neurons arrayed across the thickness of the TRN and target their axons to both first- and higher-order relay nuclei. Dye coupling was reduced, but not abolished, among cells of connexin36 knock-out mice. Our results suggest that GJs form two distinct types of inhibitory networks that correlate activity either within or across functional modules of the thalamus.
Particle physics with cosmic accelerators

We discuss the atmospheric showers initiated by 1--${10}^{4}$-TeV photons emitted by cosmic accelerators such as Cygnus X-3. The direction and characteristic time structure of the radiation from such sources can be used to tag a beam of known composition (\ensuremath{\gamma} rays) with well-understood interactions (QED) with the target atmosphere. An experiment using a cosmic beam, therefore, overcomes the classic hurdles in interpreting cosmic-ray data. Tagged photon experiments covering a ${(10}^{2}$--${10}^{3}$-m${)}^{2}$ area can conceivably achieve the statistics and signal-to-noise ratio to probe the anticipated new structure in particle physics at a scale of (\ensuremath{\surd}2 ${G}_{F}$${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/2}$\ensuremath{\simeq}0.25 TeV. They would at the same time constitute a new generation of telescopes at the highest energies of the emission spectrum. We also extend our discussion of muons to underground experiments in the corresponding energy region.
Antireflection coatings for submillimeter silicon lenses

Low-loss lenses are required for submillimeter astronomical applications, such as instrumentation for CCAT, a 25 m diameter telescope to be built at an elevation of 18,400 ft in Chile. Silicon is a leading candidate for dielectric lenses due to its low transmission loss and high index of refraction; however, the latter can lead to large reflection losses. Additionally, large diameter lenses (up to 40 cm), with substantial curvature present a challenge for fabrication of antireflection coatings. Three anti-reflection coatings are considered: a deposited dielectric coating of Parylene C, fine mesh structures cut with a dicing saw, and thin etched silicon layers (fabricated with deep reactive ion etching) for bonding to lenses. Modeling, laboratory measurements, and practicalities of fabrication for the three coatings are presented and compared. Measurements of the Parylene C anti-reflection coating were found to be consistent with previous studies and can be expected to result in a 6% transmission loss for each interface from 0.787 to 0.908 THz. The thin etched silicon layers and fine mesh structure anti-reflection coatings were designed and fabricated on test silicon wafers and found to have reflection losses less than 1% at each interface from 0.787 to 0.908 THz. The thin etched silicon layers are our preferred method because of high transmission efficiency while having an intrinsically faster fabrication time than fine structures cut with dicing saws, though much work remains to adapt the etched approach to curved surfaces and optics < 4" in diameter unlike the diced coatings.
Life Care at Golden Acres

Excerpt It seemed the right decision for Jim and me. We were most concerned about maintaining our independence as long as possible, but we needed to know that someone would be there when we could n...
Damage control strategies in the management of acute injury

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death worldwide. The rapid evaluation and correction of injuries in these patients is paramount to preventing uncontrolled decompensation and death. Damage control strategies are a compendium of techniques refined over decades of surgical care that focus on the rapid correction of deranged physiology, control of contamination and blood loss, and resuscitation of critical patients. Damage control resuscitation (DCR) focuses on the replacement of lost blood volume in a manner mimicking whole blood, control of crystalloid administration, and permissive hypotension. Damage control laparotomy controls gastrointestinal contamination and bleeding in the operative suite, allowing rapid egress to the intensive care unit for ongoing resuscitation. Pelvic packing, an adjunct to DCR, provides a means to control hemorrhage from severe pelvic fractures. Temporary vascular shunts restore perfusion, while resuscitation and reconstruction are ongoing. Taken together, these strategies provide the trauma surgeon with a powerful arsenal to preserve life in the transition from injury to the shock trauma room to the intensive care unit.
Can negative molecular ions be detected in dense interstellar clouds

The recent laboratory measurement1–3of rapid radiative electron attachment processes A+e→A−hv where A is a molecular species has renewed speculation on whether negative molecular ions can be synthesized efficiently in dense interstellar clouds. We argue here that for certain interstellar species A, the abundance ratio [A−]/[A] may be as high as 0.01–0.1 in commonly assumed physical conditions. If this abundance ratio were correct, negative molecular ionsmight be detectable in dense interstellar clouds if their microwave spectral frequencies had been determined in the laboratory. It will be shown, however,that this is currently an unlikely prospect.
Glued Langmuir-Blodgett bilayers having unusually high He/CO2 permeation selectivities.

Single Langmuir−Blodgett bilayers derived from 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexakis[(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)-N-methyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexakis-n-hexamedecyloxy-calix[6]arene hexachloride (1), which have been...
Dynamic response time prediction for computer networks

If the ultimate aim of a computing network is resource sharing, then the human component as well as the technical component of networking must be fully investigated to achieve this goal. This research is a first step toward assisting the user in participating in the vast store of resources available on a network. Analytical, simulation, and statistical performance evaluation tools are employed to investigate the feasibility of a dynamic response time monitor that is capable of providing comparative response time information for users wishing to process various computing applications at some network computing node. The research clearly reveals that sufficient system data are currently obtainable, at least for the five diverse ARPA network systems studied in detail, to describe and predict the response time for network time-sharing systems as it depends on some measure of system activity or load level.
AMS and AGU Join Forces in Summer Policy Colloquium

[1] Interested in developing your leadership skills? Serious about putting your science to work for societal benefit? Willing to be as disciplined in your approach to these challenges as you are in your research? The Summer Policy Colloquium may be what you're looking for. This year's program will be held 5–14 June 2011 in Washington, D. C. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has run this unique, highly successful program for a decade. AGU is cosponsoring it for the first time this year.
Multiple regression models of δ13C and δ15N for fish populations in the eastern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Multiple regression models were created to explain spatial and temporal variation in the δ13C and δ15N values of fish populations on the West Florida Shelf (eastern Gulf of Mexico, USA). Extensive trawl surveys from three time periods were used to acquire muscle samples from seven groundfish species. Isotopic variation (δ13Cvar and δ15Nvar) was calculated as the deviation from the isotopic mean of each fish species. Static spatial data and dynamic water quality parameters were used to create models predicting δ13Cvar and δ15Nvar in three fish species that were caught in the summers of 2009 and 2010. Additional data sets were then used to determine the accuracy of the models for predicting isotopic variation (1) in a different time period (fall 2010) and (2) among four entirely different fish species that were collected during summer 2009. The δ15Nvar model was relatively stable and could be applied to different time periods and species with similar accuracy (mean absolute errors 0.31–0.33‰). The δ13Cvar model had a lower predictive capability and mean absolute errors ranged from 0.42 to 0.48‰. δ15N trends are likely linked to gradients in nitrogen fixation and Mississippi River influence on the West Florida Shelf, while δ13C trends may be linked to changes in algal species, photosynthetic fractionation, and abundance of benthic vs. planktonic basal resources. These models of isotopic variability may be useful for future stable isotope investigations of trophic level, basal resource use, and animal migration on the West Florida Shelf.
Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy and depression

Many patients with epilepsy suffer from persistent seizures despite maximal antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. Chronic, intermittent vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has proven to be a safe, effective option for patients suffering from refractory seizures who are not candidates for surgical resection. Although only a small minority of patients will be entirely seizure-free, VNS as an adjunct to medical therapy does appear to provide a significant amount of improvement in quality of life. Reports of antidepressant effects independent of seizure control, along with the use of multiple AEDs in the treatment of depression, has led to the investigation of VNS as a potential adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder. Both the number of severely depressed patients refractory to available pharmacologic options and the need for repeated treatments and significant side effects associated with electroconvulsive therapy have heightened the interest in VNS for this patient population. Pilot studies of VNS for depression have shown impressive response rates; however, the effect appears to be gradual in onset, as demonstrated by the lack of a favorable response in a short-term, randomized controlled study. Investigation is thus needed to establish the potential role of VNS as an adjunctive treatment for severe depression.
A Comparison of Techniques for Estimating Block Motion in Image Sequence Coding

Block motion estimation for motion compensation is a key component of a wide variety of video coding schemes. Applications range from real-time low bit rate teleconferencing codecs to moderate bit rate methods currently being proposed for the coding of video on CD-ROM's. The criteria used for evaluating the performance of block motion estimation algorithms vary significantly with the application. While low computational complexity is critical for real-time codec applications, it is only a secondary consideration for video coding on CD-ROM's where the encoding is performed off-line. Similarly, while consistency of motion estimates is not an important performance criteria in some applications, it is important in applications using motion interpolation to reduce the temporal frame rate. This paper compares five motion estimation algorithms in terms of three performance criteria: energy of the displaced frame difference (DFD), computational complexity, and entropy of the motion field. The energy of the DFD is a measure of the bit rate needed to reconstruct the current frame after motion compensation. The entropy of the motion field is a measure of the bit rate needed to send motion vectors. In addition, it is usually reasonable to assume that most moving objects in an image produce smooth variations in the motion field across the pixels representing those objects. Since smoothly varying motion fields have low entropy, this assumption leads to an interpretation of the entropy of the motion field as a measure of the consistency of the motion estimate. This interpretation is supported by simulation results.
Fatigue Strength Reduction Factors for Welded Joints: Another View

The paper distinguishes between FSRFs that are used for two different purposes. One is to serve as a guideline for an initial estimate of the fatigue strength of a welded joint. That is the purpose of the FSRFs that are given in the ASME B&PV Code and various accompanying documents. If that estimate renders the fatigue strength inadequate, an FSRF can be sought that is limited to the joint under consideration. The paper shows how such FSRFs can be determined from fatigue test data. In order to make it possible to read the allowable cycles from the same design fatigue curve as that used for the FSRFs of the guidelines, a Langer curve [defined by equation (2) in the paper] is used to curve fit the data. The appropriate FSRF is obtained by minimizing the standard deviation between this curve and the data. The procedure is illustrated for girth butt-welded pipes. The illustration shows that for the data used in the analysis, a constant FSRF is applicable to less than one million cycles but not to the high-cycle regime.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
An equilibrium model for diffusion-limited solid-state polycondensation

A model for unsteady-state solid-state polycondensation (SSP) is developed and is applied to the polymerization of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The model assumes that diffusion of the reaction condensate in the solid polymer is the rate-limiting step in the overall polymerization kinetics. Therefore, the reversible polycondensation reaction is at local equilibrium throughout the polymer particle at all times. The model is applicable to the three general types of step-growth polymerization: AB, A2, and A2 + B2 polycondensation. Through comparison with the predictions of a full kinetic model for polycarbonate synthesis, it is demonstrated that the equilibrium model provides an upper bound on molecular weight and its rate of increase. Model predictions are also compared to experimental data for PET SSP. These comparisons show that the equilibrium model provides a useful tool for understanding the effects of temperature and particle size as well as for establishing a lo...
Planning and control of an internal point of a deformable object

Manipulative operation of a target point inside a deformable object by a robotic system is necessary in many medical and industrial applications. However, this is a challenging problem because of the difficulty of imposing the motion of the target point by a finite number actuation points located at the boundary of the deformable object. In this paper, an approach towards positioning operation of an internal target point of a deformable object to the desired location by a system of three actuators is presented. First, we design an optimization technique that minimizes the total force applied to the object to determine the location of actuation points to effect the desired motion. Then a position-based PI controller is developed to control the motion of the actuators. A passivity observer and a passivity controller are developed to guarantee the stability of the whole system. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Higher-Order Experimental Haptic Force Models of Mechanical Devices Using Moving Ridge Regression

Accurate modeling of physical devices is one of the keys to improving the realism of haptic simulations. This paper presents general, locally linear haptic force models to describe the feel of complex mechanical systems that exhibit nonlinear static and dynamic behavior. The parameters of these models are estimated from experimental data using moving ridge regression. Nonlinear variations of the locally linear model are presented and analyzed, and the goodness-of-fit of these models is compared. Initial results suggest that higher-order terms do little to improve the quality of this class of haptic models, and that reduced-order models should be further investigated.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Mini-Review: Effects of Ethanol on GABAA Receptor-Mediated Neurotransmission in the Cerebellar Cortex—Recent Advances

Studies from several laboratories have shown that ethanol impairs cerebellar function, in part, by altering GABAergic transmission. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the acute effects of ethanol on GABAA receptor-mediated neurotransmission at cerebellar cortical circuits, mainly focusing on electrophysiological studies with slices from laboratory animals. These studies have shown that acute ethanol exposure increases GABA release at molecular layer interneuron-to-Purkinje cell synapses and also at reciprocal synapses between molecular layer interneurons. In granule cells, studies with rat cerebellar slices have consistently shown that acute ethanol exposure both potentiates tonic currents mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and also increases the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents mediated by synaptic GABAA receptors. These effects have been also documented in some granule cells from mice and nonhuman primates. Currently, there are two distinct models on how ethanol produces these effects. In one model, ethanol primarily acts by directly potentiating extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, including a population that excites granule cell axons and stimulates glutamate release onto Golgi cells. In the other model, ethanol acts indirectly by increasing spontaneous Golgi cell firing via inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase, a quinidine-sensitive K+ channel, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. It was also demonstrated that a direct inhibitory effect of ethanol on tonic currents can be unmasked under conditions of low protein kinase C activity. In the last section, we briefly discuss studies on the chronic effect of ethanol on cerebellar GABAA receptor-mediated transmission and highlight potential areas where future research is needed.
Northern ancestry for the Goochland terrane as a displaced fragment of Laurentia: Comment and Reply COMMENT

The recent article by [Bartholomew and Tollo (2004)][1] concludes that the enigmatic Goochland terrane is a displaced Laurentian fragment. In their model, the Goochland terrane originated in the New York promontory, rifted away from Laurentia during the formation of Iapetus, and was subsequently
Strong-motion accelerograms available on CD-ROM

Digitized strong-motion accelerograms of North American earthquakes through 1986 are now available on CD-ROM optical disk (USGS Digital Data Series DDS-7). The collection includes all available ground-level uncorrected digital strong-motion records from North America written prior to the end of 1986. The CD-ROM includes retrieval software that will run on an IBM-compatible PC. To order the catalog, send a check or money order for $32.00 to Map Sales, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225; tel. 303-236-7477.
Money Earlier or Later? Simple Heuristics Explain Intertemporal Choices Better Than Delay Discounting Does

Heuristic models have been proposed for many domains involving choice. We conducted an out-of-sample, cross-validated comparison of heuristic models of intertemporal choice (which can account for many of the known intertemporal choice anomalies) and discounting models. Heuristic models outperformed traditional utility-discounting models, including models of exponential and hyperbolic discounting. The best-performing models predicted choices by using a weighted average of absolute differences and relative percentage differences of the attributes of the goods in a choice set. We concluded that heuristic models explain time-money trade-off choices in experiments better than do utility-discounting models.
Pore size distribution, grain growth, and the sintering stress

The effects of a pore size distribution and of the pore separation on the sintering stress is examined using a simple model. The sintering stress is found to be proportional to the mean of the pore sizes weighted according to the Voronoi cell pertaining to each pore, rather than to the simple pore size average. Large heteropores are shown to have little effect on the mean effective sintering stress. Decreases in pore coordination number of such pores, resulting from grain growth can significantly increase the stress intensification factor. The near-constancy of the sintering stress, observed experimentally for many powders over a wide range of sintered densities, does not directly follow from the simple model. It is argued that this constancy results from pore shrinkage, due to densification, which is compensated by pore growth due to coarsening.
Relative phase of oscillations of cerebral oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations during sleep

We present a near-infrared spectroscopy study of the instantaneous phase difference between spontaneous oscillations of cerebral deoxy-hemoglobin and oxy-hemoglobin concentrations ([Hb] and [HbO], respectively) in the low-frequency range, namely 0.04-0.12 Hz. We report phase measurements during the transitions between different sleep stages in a whole-night study of a human subject. We have found that the phase difference between [Hb] and [HbO] low-frequency oscillations tends to be greater in deep sleep (by ~96° on average) and REM sleep (by ~77° on average) compared to the awake state. In particular, we have observed progressive phase increases as the subject transitions from awake conditions into non-REM sleep stages N1, N2, and N3. Corresponding phase decreases were recorded in the reversed transitions from sleep stages N3 to N2, and N2 to awake. These results illustrate the physiological information content of phase measurements of [Hb] and [HbO] oscillations that reflect the different cerebral hemodynamic conditions of the different sleep stages, and that can find broader applicability in a wide range of near-infrared spectroscopy brain studies.
Relation of endogenous parathyroid secretion to 3H-cytidine incorporation into bone cells.

This study was concerned with the effect of endogenous parathyroid hormone on incorporation of tritiated cytidine and thymidine into RNA and DNA extracted from bone. Hormone secretion was stimulated by the technique of peritoneal lavage in rats. Following lavage, metaphysial and diaphysial sections of the femur were incubated separately in serum containing the 2 tagged precursors. The specific activities of RNA and DNA extracted from these bone chips were compared for control and parathyroidec-tomized rats, both lavaged and nonlavaged. The effect of the hormone was studied both as related t o the time of response and to the type of bone affected. The specific activity of the RNA extracted from the metaphysis of the parathyroid-intact rat increased after 20 min of lavage, reaching a maximum increase of 50% by the 8th hr. The increase in the specific activity of the DNA fraction was delayed until the 4th hr, but doubled by the 8th hr. Parathyroidectomy alone produced a small increase in the specific activit...
Effect of Administered Testosterone Propionate on Cocks Functionally Castrated by Hypothalamic Lesions

White Leghorn males were functionally castrated by lesions in the ventral hypothalamus slightly dorsal to the stalk. These chickens ate normally. When the lesions extended into the ventromedial area of the hypothalamus, the chickens were also hyperphagic. The cocks had atrophied combs and testes and did not respond to abdominal massage with libido or seminal fluid. All the chickens, normophagic or hyperphagic, accumulated excessive amounts of body fat, while normal males eating normally accumulated little body fat. With one exception, the livers were hypertrophied. The liver, blood plasma and bones had abnormally large amounts of fat. The hematocrits were abnormally low. Leg and breast muscles contained larger amounts of fat than did those of normal chickens. Plasma calcium levels of the lesioned chickens were normal. Injection of testosterone propionate seemingly had little effect upon food intake and the amount of body fat. Testosterone propionate administration increased the nitrogen content, glycerol ...
Differential regulation of COL2A1 expression in developing and mature chondrocytes.

Abstract To investigate the regulation of type II collagen gene expression in cells undergoing chondrogenic differentiation, we have employed a 5-kbp genomic fragment of the human type II collagen gene which contains 1.8 kbp of upstream sequences, the transcription start site, the first exon and 3 kbp of intronic sequences, fused to either lac Z or chloramphenicol acetyl transferase-reporter gene. Transient expression studies revealed a parallel increase in transgene activity and endogenous type II collagen mRNA levels during the onset of the cartilage differentiation of limb mesenchymal cells in high-density micromass cultures. At later periods in culture, however, the transgene activity declines, although steady-state levels of type II collagen mRNA are reported to continue to increase (Kosher et al.: J. Cell. Biol. 102: 1151–1156, 1986; Kravis and Upholt. Dev. Biol. 108: 164–172, 1985). In addition, the activity of the transgene is seven-fold higher at the onset of chondrogenic differentiation in micromass cultures than in well differentiated sternal chondrocytes, although similar levels of type II collagen transcripts are found in these cells. Furthermore, deletions of intronic segments resulted in greater drop in activity of the constructs in differentiating chondrocytes in micromass cultures than in mature sternal chondrocytes. The expression of the construct in transgenic mice is higher at the onset of chondrogenic differentiation and in newly differentiated chondrocytes than in more mature differentiated chondrocytes. Based on these observations, it appears that the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the type II collagen gene at the onset of chondrocyte differentiation are different from those resulting in the maintainance of its expression in fully differentiated chondrocytes.
Gender-dependent effect of l-name on polycystic kidney disease in Han:SPRD rats

Abstract To determine whether the renal nitric oxide (NO) system has a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in Han:Sprague-Dawley (SPRD) rats, the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N G -nitro-l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME), 70 mg/L, or l -arginine, 0.5 g/L, was administered to heterozygous diseased (cy/+) and homozygous normal animals. Urine nitrate and nitrite excretion was reduced by l -NAME treatment and, in the male cy/+ rats, increased by l -arginine administration. The administration of l -NAME significantly increased blood pressure in all groups, whereas l -arginine had no effect. l -NAME and l -arginine had a modest but significant overall effect on the severity of cystic disease in male rats, reflected by relative kidney weights and cyst volume densities. This effect was gender dependent because it was not observed in female animals. The administration of l -NAME resulted in a significant increase in plasma creatinine concentration of the cy/+ rats, which was more marked in male than female animals. These observations support the recently reported gender differences in the renal NO system and a small role for NO synthesis that can be inhibited by l -NAME in the pathogenesis of PKD in Han:SPRD rats. These observations do not exclude a more important role for the endogenous renal NO production in the pathogenesis of PKD in view of a recent report of a major NOS resistant to conventional inhibitors in the rat kidney.
Bayesian game-theoretic modeling of transmit power determination in a self-organizing CDMA wireless network

A static Bayesian game-theoretic model is applied to the problem of transmit power determination in the uplink of a self-organizing CDMA wireless network. Nodes are assumed to be uniformly distributed and to have knowledge of the common a priori path loss distribution, which is derived using standard assumptions. Using a classical existence result, the resulting Bayesian game is shown to have a pure strategy /spl epsiv/-Bayesian Nash equilibrium. Simulation studies identify pure strategy Bayesian Nash equilibria for a discretized version of the game, and comparisons to centralized and single-agent optimization approaches are made. Results for a representative case reveal a 16-27% expected throughput improvement for the game-theoretic approach over a distributed single-agent optimization and yet only a 9-15% reduction in expected throughput from the optimal centralized transmit power allocation. The approach presented may help to extend the applicability of game-theoretic analyses for emerging, self-organizing wireless networks by properly accounting for network uncertainties.
A study of supercapacitor charge redistribution for applications in environmentally powered wireless sensor nodes

Abstract As an important energy storage device for wireless sensor nodes with energy harvesting capabilities, the characteristics of supercapacitors need to be taken into account in developing power management solutions. While supercapacitor self-discharge is usually considered because it causes voltage decay and energy loss, supercapacitor charge redistribution has not been well examined although this process may result in a greater voltage change than self-discharge. This paper studies the supercapacitor voltage change during charge redistribution. The supercapacitor voltage may increase, decrease, or remain almost constant during charge redistribution depending on the initial state. Three approaches are employed to investigate the supercapacitor voltage change during charge redistribution: analytical estimations, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements. Both the supercapacitor voltage change after a charge process and that after a discharge process are examined. Various parameters of the charge or discharge process such as charge current and discharge time that affect the initial state of supercapacitor charge redistribution are swept. The results obtained using different approaches are consistent. These results can be utilized by wireless sensor network application designers to estimate the supercapacitor voltage change during charge redistribution.