cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sub auditory speech recognition based on EMG signals

Sub acoustic electromyogram (EMG) signal classification is demonstrated as a method for silent speech recognition. Recorded electrode signals from the larynx and sublingual areas below the jaw are noise filtered and transformed into features using complex dual quad tree wavelet transforms. Feature sets for six sub acoustically pronounced words are trained using a trust region scaled conjugate gradient neural network. Real time signals for previously unseen patterns are classified into categories suitable for primitive control of graphic objects. Feature construction, recognition accuracy and an approach for extension of the technique to a variety of real world application areas are presented.
QUANTIZATION AND METASTABILITY OF SUPERCURRENTS.

The idea that the metastability of currents in ringshaped superconductors may have the same origin as the phenomenon of magnetic flux quantization was examined, with emphasis on the effects of thermal excitation. A relation with Bardeen's two-fluid model was considered. Model caicuiations are presented. (C.H.)
F.D.A. requirements for food additives in the U.S.A.

The methods required to demonstrate that a particular food additive is safe for human consumption depend on the compound involved and on the specific use of the material. In other words, each additive presents a specific and a different problem. Therefore, the toxicological investigation required may range anywhere from a few simple tests to a most comprehensive and time consuming investigation. A most important factor in each of these studies is the investigator himself. There is no simple formula, and certainly no substitute for the mature and considered judgement of the man who by experience and training is qualified to interpret the experimental data.
Immigration legislation and the flow of specialized human capital from South America to the United States.

Most of the major immigrant receiving countries of the world possess policies at least implicitly propitious to the highly skilled. Such policies are no doubt strongly influenced by the trend towards the greater global integration of the skilled labor market (Weiermair 1970). Immigration policy together with a host of push and pull factors has raised the proportionate share of the specialized human capital component in recent international migration. What are record flows of high talent manpower have become an increasing source of controversy. Much of this controversy derives from the character of the origin and the destination. For commonly it is the developing nations which are beset by a large net outflow and developed nations most notably the United States which emerge as the principal recipients (See for example Beijer 1967; Thomas 1867). As part of the pursuit of further knowledge concerning the movement of specialized human capital between developed and developing nations this paper focuses on South America as the origin and the United States as the destination. Specifically the objective is to explore whether or not legislative changes effected through the Immigration Act of 1965 may have induced an expansion in the absolute and relative number of highly skilled South Americans emigrating to the United States. Is this Act as it applies to South America generating or exacerbating what "nationalists" would label "brain drain?" (excerpt)
The Case Control or Retrospective Study In Retrospect

The epidemiologic case control design is described background information on its resurgence in popularity despite historical criticisms by its detractors. Weaknesses charged to the design by Feinstein and others such as its potential for recall bias in the use of retrospective data. Neyman's case selection bias, and the diagnostic suspicion bias are analyzed and shown to affect both the cohort incidence design and the clinical trial design as well as the case control.
Energetic particle stabilization of ballooning modes in tokamaks

Introduction of an anisotropic, highly energetic trapped-particle species into a tokamak may allow direct stable access to the high-beta regime of second stability. Under certain conditions, the mode at marginal stability acquires a real frequency close to the precessional drift frequency of the energetic particles, perhaps correlating with recent ''fishbone'' observations on PDX.
ELASTIC ELECTRON-DEUTERON SCATTERING AND POSSIBLE MESON-EXCHANGE EFFECTS

Abstract : Data on elastic electron-deuteron scattering is obtained using a two-spectrometer coincidence-detection technique. Preliminary analysis of the data has been compared with an impulse approximation theory and has enabled the investigation of possible meson-exchange and/or relativistic effects. The measurements were made using a 1.2 cm thick liquid deuterium target and two 180 degree N=1/2, double-focusing magnetic spectrometers. Deuterons were deflected by a 72-inch, 100 MeV/c spectrometer and detected by a six-channel ladder of plastic scintillators. Electrons were deflected by a 36-inch, 550 MeV/c spectrometer and detected by a similar five-channel ladder with a liquid Cerenkov backing counter. The solid angle was defined by the 36-inch spectrometer. By demanding a coincidence between counts from each spectrometer, background events from competing inelastic processes were eliminated. De3ayed accidental coincidence rates were monitored. (Author)
Effect of pelletizing on the feeding value of rice straw in steam-flaked corn growing-finishing diets for feedlot cattle

Abstract Trial 1 . Three cannulated crossbred steers were used to compare the effects of ground versus pelletized rice straw on characteristics of digestion. Treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing 120 g/kg sudangrass (SG, positive control), ground rice straw (GRS) or pelletized rice straw (PRS). Ruminal digestion of organic matter was similar across treatments ( P P >0.10) by forage source. Ruminal starch digestion was lower (5%; P P P P P P P P P P Trial 2 . Ninety crossbred yearling steers were used in a 112 day finishing trial to evaluate the influence of pelletizing on the feeding value of rice straw. Treatments were the same as Trial 1. Substituting ground rice straw for sudangrass had no detrimental effects ( P >0.10) on energy intake or average daily gain (ADG). However, DMI and ADG were greater (11%, P P P >0.10) on dressing percentage, which had a carcass to live weight ratio averaging 0.642. Steers fed the sudangrass diet had a lower yield grade (16%; P P P P P m and NE g were greater (5%; P P =0.56) the dietary net energy (NE) value of the rice straw supplemented diets. Thus, the difference in ADG due to feeding ground versus pelletized rice straw is attributable solely to treatment effects on DMI. We conclude that at lower levels of rice straw inclusion (
Does cultural difference affect customer's response in a crowded restaurant environment? A comparison of American versus Chinese customers.

This study focused on demonstrating cultural differences between American and Chinese people in terms of a customer’s perception of congestion and attribution in a crowded restaurant environment se...
p204 Protein Overcomes the Inhibition of the Differentiation of P19 Murine Embryonal Carcinoma Cells to Beating Cardiac Myocytes by Id Proteins

We reported in the accompanying article (Ding, B., Liu, C., Huang, Y., Hickey, R. P., Yu, J., Kong, W., and Lengyel, P. (2006) J. Biol. Chem. 281, 14882-14892) that (i) the p204 protein is required for the differentiation of murine P19 embryonal carcinoma stem cells to beating cardiac myocytes, and (ii) the expression of p204 in the differentiating P19 cells is synergistically transactivated by the cardiac transcription factors Gata4, Nkx2.5, and Tbx5. Here we report that endogenous or ectopic inhibitor of differentiation (Id) proteins inhibited the differentiation of P19 cells to myocytes. This was in consequence of the binding of Id1, Id2, or Id3 protein to the Gata4 and Nkx2.5 proteins and the resulting inhibitions (i) of the binding of these transcription factors to each other and to DNA and (ii) of their synergistic transactivation of the expression of various genes, including atrial natriuretic factor and Ifi204 (encoding p204). p204 overcame this inhibition by Id proteins in consequence of (i) binding and sequestering Id proteins, (ii) accelerating their ubiquitination and degradation by proteasomes, and (iii) decreasing the level of Id proteins in the nucleus by increasing their translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Points (ii) and (iii) depended on the presence of the nuclear export signal in p204. In the course of the differentiation, Gata4, Nkx2.5, and p204 were components of a positive feedback loop. This loop arose in consequence of it that p204 overcame the inhibition of the synergistic activity of Gata4 and Nkx2.5 by the Id proteins.
Radiographic verification of implant abutment seating.

Abstract Statement of problem. It is possible to incorrectly seat an abutment on an external hex implant. Purpose. This study investigated the theoretical and practical limits of radiographic verification of the complete seating of implant abutments on external hex implants. Material and methods. A positioning device that could accurately place the film and/or tube head in any vertical relation desired relative to the implant and abutment was fabricated. For all records, a standard abutment was secured to the implant in both a fully seated position (closed) and with the abutment turned approximately 30 degrees and seated atop the implant external hex (open). Digital radiographs were made with the tube head fixed perpendicular to the implant and the film angled at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 degrees. The film was then positioned parallel to the implant and the tube head was angled at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 degrees. An image of each position was shown to 36 dentists and they were asked if the image was diagnostic for determining the status of the implant/abutment interface. Results. The data were analyzed with a computer statistics program. The group with the tube head changed was analyzed with the Cochran's Q test and revealed a statistically significant ( p p = 0.394) for the diagnostic value of any of the film angles. Conclusion. Maintaining the tube head to less than 20 degrees from perpendicular to the long axis of the implant resulted in a diagnostic radiograph, regardless of the angle of the film. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:298-303.)
Detection of Putative Loci Affecting Milk, Health, and Type Traits in a US Holstein Population Using 70 Microsatellite Markers in a Genome Scan

Quantitative trait loci affecting milk yield, health, and type traits were studied for seven large U.S. Holstein grandsire families using the granddaughter design. Seventy microsatellite markers located throughout the genome were selected for the quantitative trait loci scan. Effects of marker alleles were analyzed for 30 traits (21 type traits, 5 milk traits, 2 calving ease traits, and somatic cell score and productive life) and 16 canonical traits derived from type and production traits. Previously we reported results from 36 of these markers but have re-evaluated those results using a more robust analysis method. We report results from all 70 markers using permutation tests to calculate experiment-wise significance values, replacing the less stringent comparison-wise values previously reported. With this new methodology we detected 9 putative quantitative trait loci within specific families. Four markers were associated with effects on type traits on chromosomes 4, 5, 14, and 23. Two markers were associated with effects on protein percentage on chromosomes 6 and 14, and 3 markers were associated with effects on productive life on chromosomes 2, 21, and 23. Although these initial 70 microsatellite markers have been completed in the 7 Holstein families, additional markers will need to be added to allow interval analysis of areas where putative QTL have been identified and to increase marker density where needed.
On measuring phonetic precursor robustness: a response to Moreton*

Much debate in recent years has focused on the relative contribution of analytic and channel biases in shaping the typology of sound. Moreton (2008) argues forcefully for the strength of analytic bias, such as Universal Grammar and other non-modality-specific cognitive biases that facilitate the learning of some phonological patterns and inhibit that of others, in creating typological asymmetries on its own, unassisted by the robustness of phonetic precursors. This article focuses on the assessment of phonetic precursor robustness. The main goal of this article is two-fold: (i) to establish the inadequacy of Moreton's method of evaluating relative phonetic precursor robustness and to offer an alternative to his approach; (ii) to report the results of a cross-linguistic study comparing the nature of vowel-to-vowel coarticulation and the interaction between obstruent voicing and vowel height with the same languages – no previous studies have directly compared these two phonetic precursors.
Thalamic metabolic rate predicts EEG alpha power in healthy control subjects but not in depressed patients.

Abstract Background: EEG alpha power has been demonstrated to be inversely related to mental activity and has subsequently been used as an indirect measure of brain activation. The hypothesis that the thalamus serves as a neuronal oscillator of alpha rhythms has been supported by studies in animals, but only minimally by studies in humans. Methods: In the current study, PET-derived measures of regional glucose metabolism, EEG, and structural MRI were obtained from each participant to assess the relation between thalamic metabolic activity and alpha power in depressed patients and healthy controls. The thalamus was identified and drawn on each subject’s MRI. The MRI was then co-registered to the corresponding PET scan and metabolic activity from the thalamus extracted. Thalamic activity was then correlated with a 30-min aggregated average of alpha EEG power. Results: Robust inverse correlations were observed in the control data, indicating that greater thalamic metabolism is correlated with decreased alpha power. No relation was found in the depressed patient data. Conclusions: The results are discussed in the context of a possible abnormality in thalamocortical circuitry associated with depression.
A discipline of software architecture

Neither software engineering nor software design qualifies as a discipline, but software architecture might. Action-centered design is proposed as the means to build software architecture by joining the two.
Determination of nonlinear energy toughness values for cyclic loading applications

For several years the nonlinear energy method proposed by Liebowitz and Eftis has been examined as a failure criterion for static testing of center-cracked and compact tension specimens. Since the method appears to be valid under conditions of crack-tip plasticity, subcritical crack growth and load relaxation, tests have been conducted to ascertain the merit of this method as a failure criterion under cyclic loading conditions. The nonlinear energy toughness for cyclic loading is obtained from an envelope of the cyclic load-displacement record, which naturally imposes some restrictions on the loading program. The cyclic toughness parameter has been evaluated for thin center-cracked sheets of 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys. Both alloys exhibited a significant reduction of the cyclic toughness parameter with increasing cyclic life in a manner similar to the classical S-N diagram. It is suggested that this method may serve the design process by allowing the establishment of a fracture toughness parameter capable of including the effects of the entire loading history of a structure into the fracture toughness requirements.
High precision femtosecond laser micromachining for rapid manufacture of MEMS devices

Laser assisted machining in the MEMS context is gaining recognition due to its versatility in application and its cost effectiveness compared to processes such as LIGA, chemical vapor deposition, electrical discharge machining etc. High thermal conductivity causes instant heat transfer to the surroundings leading to significant heat affected zones. Damage to the surroundings is further aggravated by high ablation thresholds for metals when excimer lasers are used. Ultrashort pulse lasers have been found to minimize thermal damage to the surroundings more than any other known laser. Peak power densities cause direct evaporation and plasma formation of the material. High-pressure shock waves at the machined surface transfer the particles away from the spot preventing material redeposition around the feature. In this paper, we explore the use of femtosecond lasers for rapid manufacturing of MEMS devices through laser micromachining of master molds that can be used in replication processes such as hot embossing and injection molding. The effect of various factors that affect the size and quality of the machined feature such as beam quality, length of beam path, beam waist, polarization, energy per pulse and focal length of the lens used is investigated. The effect of various materials along with the use of vacuum and inert gases on the quality of the cut is also This work aims at laying the foundation for the development of a comprehensive database on the effect of various factors that need to be considered in the design of a laser micromachining system for rapid manufacture of MEMS devices.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Improving Nuclear Cardiology Practice

In the past few years there have been a number of procedural and technical advances in the field of Nuclear Cardiology which have helped modernize the field. Competing diagnostic modalities, concerns over medical radiation exposure, and rising health care expenditure have all played a role in fostering these new innovations. This article attempts to concisely review easily implemented improvements in stress protocols, upgrades in imaging hardware and software, and suggestions for the rational utilization of available resources which if implemented, can greatly improve nuclear cardiology practice.
Applicability of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics to 5.6-mil Boron/6061 Aluminum

A coordinated experimental and analytical program was directed toward assessing the applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics to 5.6-mil boron/6061 aluminum subjected to Mode I loading. Fifty-nine standard ASTM three-point bend and center-notched specimens were tested. The effects of laminate orientation, specimen thickness, crack length, specimen configuration, and heat treat condition on laminate fracture toughness are reported. A technique of predicting the fracture toughness of an arbitrary (0/±a/90) laminate from critical strain energy release rate data for 0-, =fc«-, and 90° specimens was evaluated for (0/±45) boron/aluminum.
Relative Dissolution Rates of Several Hydrated Limes

The relative dissolution rates of several commercial hydrated limes were evaluated. Significant differences in dissolution rates were observed ranging from a time of <10 s for 90% dissolution to 1 min for a 5% slurry. A 2% slurry dissolved faster than a 5% slurry. The speed of lime dissolution may be important for some treatment processes.
Synaptic Noise and Physiological Coupling Generate High-Frequency Oscillations in a Hippocampal Computational Model

There is great interest in the role of coherent oscillations in the brain. In some cases, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) are integral to normal brain function, whereas at other times they are i...
Scheduling tree-structured tasks with restricted execution times

Abstract In this article we show that scheduling a tree-structured task system with two execution times in order to minimize the schedule length is strongly NP-hard for an arbitrary number of processors. If the execution times are powers of some integer r >1, then the problem is NP-hard even for two processors.
Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Oxidation of Trichloroethylene and Toluene Mixtures in Air: Kinetic Promotion and Inhibition, Time-Dependent Catalyst Activity

Abstract Photocatalyzed degradation of trace level trichloroethylene (TCE) and toluene in air were carried out over near-UV-illuminated titanium dioxide (anatase) powder in a flow reactor using a residence time of about 5–6 ms. Concentration ranges for TCE and toluene were 0–800 mg/m3. TCE photooxidation was very rapid under our experimental conditions, and ∼100% conversion was achieved for TCE concentration examined up to 753 mg/m3as a single air contaminant. Initial photodegradation rates for toluene in humidified air were fitted by a Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate form. Toluene photooxidation sole contaminant rates were of the same order of magnitude as reported previously form-xylene and acetone. No significant intermediates were detected by GC/FID during TCE or toluene photooxidation reactions. Humidification had significant influence: Toluene photooxidation rate increases with the water concentration up to about 1650 mg/m320% relative humidity) and decreases thereafter. The presence of sufficient TCE (225–753 mg/m3) promoted the toluene photooxidation reaction rate to achieve 90–100% toluene conversion in 5.6 ms. When feed toluene levels measured below ∼90 mg/m3. Higher toluene feed levels “quenched” this TCE promotion effect and also depressed TCE conversion very strongly, but the toluene conversion fell just to the toluene-only levels observed in single contaminant experiments. Photooxidation kinetics of TCE and toluene mixtures in air are thus shown to exhibit strong promotion and inhibition behavior vs that expected from the single-species kinetic degradation data. A previously suggested chlorine radical oxidation of TCE is modified to rationalize the TCE enhancement of the toluene photooxidation rate and the corresponding toluene “quench” of TCE destruction. Time-dependent catalyst activation (by TCE) and deactivation (by toluene or toluene oxidation products and, eventually, even by TCE products) were observed. Carboxylate formation and carboxylic acid accumulation postulated by previous investigators could be a major cause of such catalyst deactivation.
Information content and the contractual nature of hedging derivative incomes

Abstract In a sample of 87 banks representing 631 bank-years for the period 1996–2003, we examine whether information content of hedging derivative incomes is predicated on the contractual nature of the derivative. Of particular interest are the different abnormal trading volume reactions to incomes arising from executory contracts (i.e., cash flow and net investment hedges) and incomes arising from nonexecutory contracts (i.e., fair value hedges). We find a positive and significant relationship between two alternative measures of abnormal trading volume and incomes arising from cash flow and net investment hedges. The results are robust in an equity valuation framework. Our findings suggest that derivative incomes are informative, notably those incomes that are related to executory contracts. An implication for standard setters is that the complex rules for disaggregating incomes on hedging derivatives provide valuable information to the market.
Challenging research on human subjects: justice and uncompensated harms

Ethical challenges to certain aspects of research on human subjects are not uncommon; examples include challenges to first-in-human trials (Chapman in J Clin Res Bioethics 2(4):1–8, 2011), certain placebo controlled trials (Anderson in J Med Philos 31:65–81, 2006; Anderson and Kimmelman in Kennedy Inst Ethics J 20(1):75–98, 2010) and “sham” surgery (Macklin in N Engl J Med 341:992–996, 1999). To date, however, there are few challenges to research when the subjects are competent and the research is more than minimal risk with no promise of direct benefit. The principal reason given for allowing research that is more than minimal risk without benefit is that we should respect the autonomy of competent subjects. I argue that though the moral intuitions informing respect for autonomy are sound, there is another set of intuitions regarding what we take to be just treatment of another when one agent knowingly causes or allows suffering on another agent. I argue that concerns generated by commutative justice serve as limitations on permissible research. I highlight our intuitions informing this notion of justice by appealing to work done on theodicy; what counts as a morally sufficient reason for God to allow suffering in humans is applicable also to the researcher-subject relationship. I conclude that all human subjects who are exposed to more than minimal risk research should enjoy the same actual protections (e.g., subpart D) as those given subjects who cannot consent.
Interpretation and prediction of triple-layer model capacitances and the structure of the oxide-electrolyte-water interface

Abstract The interpretation of mineral-water interactions in processes such as surface-charge development, adsorption of aqueous ions onto surfaces, and the kinetics of dissolution at the scale of the oxide-electrolyte-water interface has been greatly facilitated by models of the electric double layer. In models that explicitly account for adsorption of the electrolyte ions, a critical parameter is the integral electric capacitance that expresses the charge at the surface relative to the drop in electric potential at some distance away from the surface where the electrolyte ions adsorb. Despite the widespread application of such surface complexation models, much uncertainty surrounds the choice of values of the integral capacitance because it appears to depend on the specific oxide and type of electrolyte, yet it cannot be directly measured. In the present study, it is shown that triple-layer model capacitances (C1), obtained in a consistent manner from regression of surface-charge data referring to a wide range of ionic strengths, electrolyte types, and mineral surfaces, fall into two groups: on rutile, anatase, and magnetite, values of C1 increase with decreasing crystallographic radius of the electrolyte cation from Cs+ to Li+; on quartz, amorphous silica, goethite, hematite, and alumina, values of C1 increase with decreasing hydrated electrolyte cation radius from Li+ to Cs+. The triple-layer model capacitances on both groups of solids can be described by a model of the mineral-water interface with physically reasonable parameters consistent with X-ray standing-wave studies of the rutile-water interface (Fenter et al., 2000) . The model specifies a layer of chemisorbed water molecules at the surface and a layer of adsorbed electrolyte cations. On rutile, anatase, and magnetite, the layer of chemisorbed water molecules is interpenetrated by the layer of electrolyte cations that adsorb close to the surface as dehydrated, inner-sphere complexes. On quartz, amorphous silica, goethite, hematite, and alumina, the layer of chemisorbed water molecules varies from 0.0 to as much as 6.0 A and the electrolyte cations form hydrated, outer-sphere complexes. The model capacitances are consistent with interfacial dielectric constants ranging from 20 to 62. Triple-layer model capacitances can now be predicted for oxides in either alkali or alkaline earth electrolyte solutions that have not been studied experimentally. In addition, predictions can be made of the structure of the oxide-electrolyte-water interface for many oxides and electrolytes.
Test of a phenomenological model of odd-odd deformed nuclei: An ARC study of 176Lu

Abstract An average resonance capture (ARC) study leading to a complete set of J π = 2 − –5 − levels in the odd-odd nucleus 176 Lu is reported. A phenomenological model for odd-odd nuclei, which is based on the empirical structure of the neighboring odd-mass nuclei and incorporates the effects of certain neutron-proton interactions, is utilized to interpret the data. Cumulative level-number histograms, obtained from this model, are in generally good agreement with the empirical results up to 1100keV of excitation. The comparison involves a total of 40 predicted rotational bands. Some specific discrepancies arise for 3 − ,4 − states in a model energy interval near E x = 700 keV, because of an anomalously-large predicted Gallagher-Moskowski splitting for the 1/2 + [411] p −7/2 − [514] n two-quasiparticle configuration and because of low predicted energies for states involving the 7/2 + [404] proton orbit.
Detection of primary and secondary amines in energy-related materials using an element-selective glow-discharge detector

Abstract Mutagenic primary polycyclic aromatic amines present in shale oil and synthetic crudes may be readily detected by a simple derivatization and Chromatographic procedure. Nitrogenous bases and amines are extracted from the sample with dilute mineral acid and derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride. The derivatized amines are separated by gas chromatography and specifically detected using a glow-discharge detector tuned to an emission wavelength of fluorine. Under these conditions, the aromatic nitrogenous bases, such as acridine, are not detected even though they are present in the sample. As little as 14 ng of fluorine, arising from the derivative of 33 ng of 2,4,6-trimethylaniline, can be detected. The selectivity of the glow-discharge detector for derivatized amines vs. nonderivatized aromatic nitrogenous bases was estimated to be a minimum of 200:1.
Distance of upper pole calyx to spine and lower pole calyx to ureter as indicators of parenchymal loss in children.

The authors analyzed the excretory urograms of 177 female children whose ages ranged from infancy to eleven years. The purpose of the study was to discover whether the upper pole calyx moves closer to the spine and the lower pole calyx moves closer to the ureter in the presence of calyceal clubbing and parenchymal scarring. This study confirms these observations but shows that considerable overlap occurs between normals and abnormals. This overlap is greatest in the younger age group and in the lower pole calyx to ureter measurements.
Tits recognize the potential dangers of predators and harmless birds in feeder experiments

Accurate recognition of a predator is the necessary precondition for adequate antipredatory behaviour. We used feeder experiments to examine whether birds adopt the appropriate antipredatory response according to the level of threat posed by predators. The results support the idea that the tits made a decision on the threat level. The tits distinguished among equally sized obligatory predators (sparrowhawk, kestrel), an occasional predator (jay) and a harmless bird of similar size (pigeon) and a smaller harmless bird (thrush). The presence of both birds of prey was associated with a considerable reduction in the number of feeder visits when compared with the harmless birds. The number of visits to the feeder that had a dummy jay positioned on it did not significantly differ for harmless birds or for predators. Different sizes of harmless birds did not influence the tits’ behaviour. The increasing risk lowered not only the number of visits to the feeder but also the success of the visit, pecking rate, and the direction of arrival to the feeder. Generally, birds assessed the risk during food searching, evaluated the situation, and adapted their behaviour accordingly.
Pulse height-energy relationship of a liquid scintillator for electrons of energy less than 100 keV

Abstract The pulse height-energy relationship of a liquid scintillator for electrons with excitation energies less than 81 keV was observed to deviate from the linear relationship for higher energy electrons. A smooth, almost linear curve was obtained with a small (approximately two keV) positive energy intercept. It was shown that the 6.5 keV Mn K edge radiations and the 13.4 keV Rb K X-rays can be counted in a liquid scintillator system.
Alignment dependence in the breakup of the H2 molecule by an xuv laser pulse

We present theoretical predictions for the angular distribution of the ejected electrons in two-photon double-ionization of H2 by an xuv laser pulse. The results were obtained by solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation in prolate spheroidal coordinates. We find a strong dependence of the emission pattern on the relative orientation of the laser polarization vector and the molecular axis.
A reliable, noninvasive technique for spindle imaging and enucleation of mammalian oocytes.

Factors affecting the efficiency of animal cloning remain to be elucidated1,2. Enucleation of recipient oocytes is a critical step in cloning procedures and typically is performed by aspirating a portion of the cytoplasm underlying the first polar body. Enucleation is evaluated using epifluorescence after Hoechst staining for DNA3,4,5,6, which may disrupt functions of the cytoplast, especially mitochondria7. Mitochondrial DNA in Dolly and other cloned sheep has been shown to derive exclusively from recipient oocytes8. Not only might evaluation of the aspirated karyoplast portion5 inadequately reflect the state of the cytoplast, it is also time consuming. Here we report a reliable, noninvasive technique for spindle imaging and enucleation of oocytes using a new microscope, the Pol-Scope9. The efficiency of enucleation was 100%, and only 5.5% of the oocytes' mitochondria entered the karyoplast upon Pol-Scope-directed removal of the spindle. Moreover, Pol-Scope imaging of spindles and micromanipulation did not compromise the developmental competence of reconstituted oocytes and cytoplasts.
Soil Profile Arsenic Concentration Distributions in Missouri Soils Having Cambic and Argillic Soil Horizons

Understanding of the pedogenic pathways associated with arsenic (As) transformations in soil is important to understanding arsenic soil chemistry and discriminating between natural background and anthropogenic arsenic (As). Twenty-one soil series, some with multiple pedons, were assessed to determine if the As distributions in soil profiles exhibit discrete maxima that correspond to the presence of agrillic horizons. The majority of pedons exhibiting argillic horizon expression show a Fe-oxyhydroxide and As maxima corresponding precisely with the argillic horizon. Pearson correlation coefficients verify the close correspondence of Fe and As. Soil profiles having cambic horizons, and lacking argillic horizons, may also show As and Fe accumulations at soil depths. Some coarse-textured, well-drained to moderately well-drained Entisols and Inceptisols have Fe-oxyhydroxide accumulation in their cambic horizons, promoting As accumulation. Conversely, silty-textured and poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained ...
The effect of the fast-ion profile on Alfvén eigenmode stability

Different combinations of on-axis and off-axis neutral beams are injected into DIII-D plasmas that are unstable to reversed shear Alfv?n eigenmodes (RSAE) and toroidal Alfv?n eigenmodes (TAE). The variations alter the classically expected fast-ion gradient ??f in the plasma interior. Off-axis injection reduces the amplitude of RSAE activity an order of magnitude. Core TAEs are also strongly stabilized. In contrast, at larger minor radius, the fast-ion gradient is similar for on- and off-axis injection and switching the angle of injection has a weaker effect on the stability of TAEs. The average mode amplitude correlates strongly with the classically expected profile but the measured profile relaxes to similar values independent of the fraction of off-axis beams. The observations agree qualitatively with a ?critical-gradient? model of fast-ion transport.
Model selection through robustness and fidelity criteria: Modeling the dynamics of the CX-100 wind turbine blade

Several plausible modeling strategies are available to develop numerical models for simulating the dynamics of wind turbine blades. While the modeling strategy is typically selected according to expert judgment, the “best” modeling approach is unknown to the model developer. Thus, comparing plausible modeling strategies through a systematic and rigorous approach becomes necessary. This manuscript departs from the conventional approach that selects the model with the highest fidelity-to-data; and instead explores the trade-off between fidelity of model predictions to experiments and robustness of model predictions to model imprecision and inexactness. Exploring robustness in addition to fidelity lends credibility to the model, ensuring model predictions can be trusted even when lack-of-knowledge in the modeling assumptions and/or input parameters result in unforeseen errors and uncertainties. This concept is demonstrated on the CX-100 wind turbine blade in an experimental configuration with large masses added to load the blade in bending during vibration testing. The finite element model of the blade is built with shell elements and validated against experimental evidence, while the large masses are modeled according to two different, but plausible strategies using (i) a combination of point-mass and spring elements, and (ii) solid elements. These two modeling strategies are evaluated considering both the fidelity of the natural frequency predictions against experiments, and the robustness of the predicted natural frequencies to uncertainties in the input parameters. By considering robustness during model selection, the authors determine the extent to which prediction accuracy deteriorates as the lack-of-knowledge increases. The findings suggest the model with solid elements offers a higher degree of fidelity-to-data and robustness to uncertainties, thus providing a superior modeling strategy than the model with point masses and stiffening springs.
The equivalence principle and Kaluza-Klein monopoles

Abstract It is reported that there is a unique static and spherically symmetric classical solution to the five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theory which carries magnetic charge as well as electric charge, and satisfies the equivalence principle.
DNA repair and radiation sensitivity in human (xeroderma pigmentosum) cells.

SummaryHuman skin fibroblasts from neurological and other forms of the disease xeroderma pigmentosum perform repair replication after ultra-violet irradiation at 0 to 25 per cent of normal levels. The reduced repair is correlated with reduced survival in terms of colony formation; normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts have exponential survival curves with a D0 of 29 ergs/mm2 and 9 ergs/mm2 respectively. These results demonstrate the importance of repair replication in the survival of irradiated mammalian cells and in the aetiology of xeroderma pigmentosum. Transformation by SV 40 virus does not appear to alter the level of repair replication in xeroderma pigmentosum.
Health Information Exchange in Memphis: Impact on the Physician‐Patient Relationship

Health information exchanges represent one way of making medical information available to practitioners across institutional boundaries. One health information exchange in Memphis Tennessee has been operational since May of 2006 and provides information supporting care for over 1.2 million individuals. Creating such an exchange challenged traditional institutional boundaries, roles, and perceptions. Approaching these challenges required leadership, trust, sound policy, new forms of dialogue, and an incremental approach to technology. Early evidence suggests a positive impact on patient care and a change in the way providers interact with their patients and on another. Personal health records, consolidated EHR systems, and other alternative models promise to have similar impacts on the way in which providers and patients interact with one another.
Imperfect information, specificity of schooling and rate of return-migration

Abstract International migration is a dynamic process. Having moved into a country of destination, a migrant may, after a while, decide to return to his country of origin. The aggregate rate of return-migration among a group of migrants is studied. Imperfect imformation leading to unrealized expectation of the migrants and changes in rates of return to schooling across countries over time are modelled as factors contributing towards return-migration. Schooling is decomposed into schooling acquired before migration and after migration to take account of its specificity to the country in which it is acquired.
An Efficient Approach to Analysis of Generalized Systems

In this paper, a new mathematical representation for generalized systems is first presented. Some of the important properties associated with this representation are then developed. These properties are incorporated into the existing analyses methods to reduce their affiliated computational costs and errors. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the application of the proposed method.
Limit dilution analysis of mast cell precursor frequency in the gut epithelium of normal and Trichinella spiralis infected mice.

Summary Previous studies have established that the gut nematode Trichinella spiralis induces a dramatic thymus dependent intestinal mastocytosis which peaks within 6 to 12 days after primary oral infection. It is not known, however, if the increase in gut mast cells results from the influx of mast cells or their precursors, or from the expansion and differentiation of mast cell precursors (MCP) that are normally present in the small intestinal epithelium. In the present study, the number of mucosal MCP in the intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) population and in bone marrow (BM) cells from normal and 4 day T. spiralis infected mice was compared by culturing the cells at limiting dilutions in medium containing interleukin-3 (IL-3). While the MCP frequency in IEL from infected mice was found to be significantly increased in comparison with that found in normal mice, the numbers of MCP in BM from the two groups were equivalent. Resident intraepithelial mucosal MCP therefore undergo a local expansion before the occurrence of an overt T dependent intestinal mastocytosis. This finding lends support to the view that local mucosal T cells are involved in regulating mast cell numbers in response to intestinal helminth infection.
Bioenergetics and diving activity of internesting leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, Costa Rica.

Physiology, environment and life history demands interact to influence marine turtle bioenergetics and activity. However, metabolism and diving behavior of free-swimming marine turtles have not been measured simultaneously. Using doubly labeled water, we obtained the first field metabolic rates (FMRs; 0.20-0.74 W kg(-1)) and water fluxes (16-30% TBW day(-1), where TBW=total body water) for free-ranging marine turtles and combined these data with dive information from electronic archival tags to investigate the bioenergetics and diving activity of reproductive adult female leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Mean dive durations (7.8+/-2.4 min (+/-1 s.d.), bottom times (2.7+/-0.8 min), and percentage of time spent in water temperatures (Tw) or =0.99). This suggests that low FMRs and activity levels, combined with shuttling between different water temperatures, could allow leatherbacks to avoid overheating while in warm tropical waters. Additionally, internesting leatherback dive durations were consistently shorter than aerobic dive limits calculated from our FMRs (11.7-44.3 min). Our results indicate that internesting female leatherbacks maintained low FMRs and activity levels, thereby spending relatively little energy while active at sea. Future studies should incorporate data on metabolic rate, dive patterns, water temperatures, and body temperatures to develop further the relationship between physiological and life history demands and marine turtle bioenergetics and activity.
A 9.1-T Iron-Free Nb-Ti Dipole Magnet with Pancake Windings

An eight-pancake Nb-Ti dipole magnet, with bent up ends, called D-108B has been built and tested. This magnet is a Nb-Ti version of a Nb/sub 3/Sn magnet designed to produce a 10-tesla dipole field in a 40 mm diameter aperture. The pancack design is used for the heavy 12,000 ampere Nb/sub 3/Sn cable because of the mechanical difficulty in winding such a heavy cable into the conventional nested cylindrical shell configuration with a 2'' inner winding diameter. The Nb-Ti version operates at 1.8K, in He II, has superconducting cable half as thick as the Nb/sub 3/Sn cable, and operates at half the operating current: 6000 A rather than 12,000 A at 10 tesla. Both magnets are approximately one meter long. D-10B was tested from January 26 to February 2, 1983 and reached short-sample performance in both He I and He II after moderate training. The central field at 4.3K is 7.0 (+- 0.1) tesla, and at 1.8K is 9.1 (+- 0.2) tesla. Ramp rate sensitivity and cyclic heating data were also measured.
A systems model for Low Vision rehabilitation. II. Measurement of Vision disabilities

ABSTRACT:Background.This study presents and tests a method of measuring vision disabilities. Based on the model presented in the first paper of this series, cognitive and motor activities (“tasks”) are organized in a hierarchy that identifies the tasks' behavioral goals (purposes) and the social obj
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMING

Abstract Energy conservation in swimming is formulated in terms of four functions of the swim speed v: the consumed power K, the mechanical power P used for horizontal propulsion, the remaining expended mechanical power N, and the thermal power loss H. K is well-known (from VO2) and P = FDv, where the drag force FD is not known with certainty but represents a small effect. Estimates of the nonpropulsive components of a swimmer's body motions reveal that N is small, less than 3 watts per kg of body mass. H is estimated by using the theory of convective heat transfer to express the heat loss in terms of the difference between the swimmer's skin temperature and the water temperature. This temperature difference was measured for the NYU men's swim team and found to be 0.033 K per kg of body mass, giving H ≈ 34 W kg−1. The results are seen to be in good agreement with the asymptotic (large swim time tf) form of energy conservation. The further requirement that energy conservation is valid to order 1 t f , and use of the 1993 world record race times, is shown to imply that the initial energy available in a swimmer's body is 963 ± 231 joules per kg of body mass.
A sandwich ELISA for the detection of fish and fish products

Fish is classified as one of the major allergenic foods. However, a reliable assay for detecting the presence of fish protein is not available. In this study, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) was developed using polyclonal antibodies raised against a 36 kDa thermal-stable fish muscle protein. The sELISA was able to detect both raw and cooked (100 °C, 8 min) fish samples of all 63 common species tested without any cross-reaction with non-fish samples. The assay can also detect fish products with different processing (salting, smoking and canning). The detection limit of the assay was 0.1 ppm for both raw and cooked fish (whiting, pollock and basa) in crab meat. The assay exhibited low intra- (CV ≤ 8.9%) and inter-assay variability (CV ≤ 9.3%). The rates of false-positive and false-negative were 0%. This fish-specific sELISA is, therefore, an effective assay for the detection of fish muscle protein in food for the protection of fish-allergic individuals.