cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-speed, bi-directional dual-core fiber transmission system for high-density, short-reach optical interconnects

A complete single mode dual-core fiber system for short-reach optical interconnects is fabricated and tested for high-speed data transmission. It includes dual-core fibers capable of bi-directional data transmission, dual-core simplex LC connectors, and fan-outs. The transmission system offers simplified bi-directional traffic engineering with integrated bidirectional transceivers and compact system design, utilizing simplex dual-core LC connectors that use half the space while increasing the bandwidth density by a factor of two. The fiber has two cores that are compatible with single mode fiber and conforms to the industry standard outer diameter of 125 μm. This reduces operational complexity by reducing the size and number of fibers, cables and connectors. Measured OTDR loss for both cores was 0.34 dB/km at 1310 nm and 0.19 dB/km at 1550 nm. Crosstalk for a piece of 5.8 km long dual-core fiber was measured to be below -75 dB at 1310 nm, and below -40 dB at 1550 nm. Both free-space optics fan-outs and tapered-fiber-coupler based MCF fan-outs were evaluated for the transmission system. Error-free and penalty-free 25 Gb/s bi-directional transmission performance was demonstrated for three different fiber lengths, 200 m, 2 km and 10 km, using the complete all-fiber-based system including connectors and fan-outs. This single mode, dual-core fiber transmission system adds complementary value to systems where additional increases in bandwidth density can come from wavelength division multiplexing and multiple bits per symbol.
Solid-state NMR investigation of paramagnetic nylon-6 clay nanocomposites. 1. Crystallinity, morphology, and the direct influence of Fe3+ on nuclear spins

Several exfoliated nylon-6/clay nanocomposites (NnC's) were investigated and compared with pure nylon-6 using solid-state NMR, both proton and 13C. NnC's had nominally 5 mass % clay and were generated both by blending and by in situ polymerization (IsP). Most of the studied NnC's contained layered, naturally occurring montmorillonite clays having nonstoichiometric amounts of nonexchangeable Mg2+ and Fe3+ ions that substitute into octahedral Al3+ sites along the midplane of the 1-nm-thick clay layers. The Fe3+ ions impart a useful paramagnetism to the clay. Each Mg2+ ion leaves an embedded negative charge that must be neutralized with some cation at the surface of the clay. All clays were initially treated with a cationic so-called organic modifier (OM), often a substituted ammonium ion, which increases the clay layer spacing, attaching ionically to the surface of the clay layers. Clay is found to promote growth of the γ-crystalline phase of nylon-6 for both blended and IsP NnC's; α-crystallites are charac...
Time-resolved studies of NO2 photoinitiated unimolecular decomposition: step-like variation of κuni(E)☆

Abstract Time-resolved, subpicosecond-resolution measurements of NO 2 photoinitiated unimolecular decay rates are reported for jet-cooled samples in the vicinity of the dissociation threshold. The molecules are excited by 385–400 nm tunable subpicosecond pulses to the 2 B 2 electronic state which is very strongly mixed with the 2 A 1 ground electronic state. Subsequent decomposition is probed by a 226 nm subpicosecond pulse which excites LIF in the NO product. When changing the amount of energy in excess of the dissociation threshold, a step-like increase of the reaction rate versus energy is observed.
Recalling in a state of natural or experimental depression

In three experiments we attempted to extend the cognitive-effort account of depressive deficits in memory to naturally depressed college students. This account maintains that depression reduces attentional resources, thereby impairing performance on demanding tasks, and has received support through experimental inductions of depressed moods. Nondepressed, naturally depressed, and (in Experiment 2) experimentally depressed college students performed unannounced tests of free recall following learning tasks with two levels of difficulty and (in Experiment 2) two degrees of structure. In Experiments 1 and 2 we measured cognitive effort on those tasks via latencies on a secondary task. Latencies and subsequent recall increased with the structure and difficulty of the learning task for nondepressed and naturally depressed subjects, but these effects were reduced or absent for experimentally depressed subjects. When the secondary task was omitted (Experiment 3), naturally depressed students still recalled without a deficit. We discuss possible differences associated with the two types of depression and implications for the cognitive-effort account.
Anorectal disease in neutropenic leukemic patients. Operative vs. nonoperative management.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the spectrum, clinical presentation, management, and outcome of anorectal disease in neutropenic leukemic patients and to compare operative and nonoperative management in neutropenic leukemic patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital records was performed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one of 2,618 (5.8 percent) patients hospitalized with leukemia had concomitant symptomatic anorectal disease. Data from 81 patients were available for analysis. Fifty-two (64 percent) were treated nonoperatively and 29 (36 percent) underwent operative treatment. Fifty-seven (70.4 percent) had absolute neutrophil counts 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic anorectal disease afflicted 5.8 percent of hospitalized leukemic patients. In these patients, anorectal sepsis was a major source of mortality. Our data suggest that anorectal abscesses in neutropenic leukemic patients may be safely drained. Because we did not observe excessive morbidity or mortality (20 percentvs.18 percent) in the operated neutropenic leukemics as compared with the nonoperated patients, selected neutropenic leukemic patients should not be denied anorectal surgery when otherwise indicated.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription‐3, Inflammation, and Cancer

Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) is one of six members of a family of transcription factors. It was discovered almost 15 years ago as an acute-phase response factor. This factor has now been associated with inflammation, cellular transformation, survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer. Various types of carcinogens, radiation, viruses, growth factors, oncogenes, and inflammatory cytokines have been found to activate STAT-3. STAT-3 is constitutively active in most tumor cells but not in normal cells. Phosphorylation of STAT-3 at tyrosine 705 leads to its dimerization, nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and gene transcription. The phosphorylation of STAT-3 at serine 727 may regulate its activity negatively or positively. STAT-3 regulates the expression of genes that mediate survival (survivin, bcl-xl, mcl-1, cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein), proliferation (c-fos, c-myc, cyclin D1), invasion (matrix metalloproteinase-2), and angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor). STAT-3 activation has also been associated with both chemoresistance and radioresistance. STAT-3 mediates these effects through its collaboration with various other transcription factors, including nuclear factor-κB, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ. Because of its critical role in tumorigenesis, inhibitors of this factor’s activation are being sought for both prevention and therapy of cancer. This has led to identification of small peptides, oligonucleotides, and small molecules as potential STAT-3 inhibitors. Several of these small molecules are chemo-preventive agents derived from plants. This review discusses the intimate relationship between STAT-3, inflammation, and cancer in more detail.
Study of supported platinum catalysts by anomalous scattering

Abstract Platinum metal catalysts supported on silica gel and alumina have been examined by wide-angle anomalous X-ray scattering at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. Complete removal of the support background features is achieved by this method, eliminating errors due to inaccurate background estimation. Platinum diffraction patterns from very high percentage metal exposed catalysts have been obtained for the first time, as well as from platinum supported on alumina. This technique is suitable for examining catalysts under working conditions and is superior to EXAFS for determinations of particle morphology and size distribution.
Brief report: an autistic spectrum subtype revealed through familial psychopathology coupled with cognition in ASD.

This study identified a possible autistic spectrum subtype expressed through family psychopathology coupled with autistic probands’ cognitive functioning (i.e., an endophenotypic profile). Participants included 24 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 49 children with Learning Disorder (LD). There were significantly higher rates of Mood and Anxiety Disorder in first degree maternal relatives and of LD and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in first degree paternal relatives of ASD probands. Significantly higher visuospatial functioning was noted in all ASD probands for which there were higher rates of Mood Disorder on the maternal side suggesting a possible marker for an ASD subtype and indicating that maternal psychopathology may have a neuroprotective effect on visuospatial functioning.
Gender-specific reference M-mode values in adults: Population-derived values with consideration of the impact of height

Objectives. The purpose of this investigation was to derive population-based reference values for M-mode echocardiographic dimensions that can be applied in epidemiologic studies, clinical trials and clinical practice and to determine optimal methods for adjusting these dimensions for body size. Background. M-mode echocardiography remains an important modality for studying cardiovascular disease; this is especially true with regard to detecting target organ damage in systemic hypertension. Most previously published reference values were derived from hospital-based series or relatively small samples and were not gender specific. Methods. Using a sample of 288 men and 524 women who were between 20 and 45 years of age and who were free of cardiovascular disease, reference values were derived for end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular internal dimensions, left ventricular wall thickness and left atrial dimension. The relations between these dimensions and height, a measure of body size relatively independent of obesity, were investigated using various regression models. Results. Nomograms for mean and 95th percentile values in men and women were constructed on the basis of linear regression models relating echocardiographic dimensions to height. Adjustment for body surface area greatly attenuated associations between obesity and cardiac dimensions in a separate healthy but less restricted sample of 411 men and 503 women. Conclusions. Gender-specific M-mode reference values and nomograms, with mean and 95th percentile values for echocardiographic dimensions as a function of height, are reported. The use of body surface area as means of body size adjustment is called into question.
Faculty and first‐generation college students: Bridging the classroom gap together

Drawing on her thirteen years of experience as director of Indiana University-Bloomington's Groups Program, which serves first-generation and low-income students, the author details the challenges facing first-generation college students (FGS). She argues for the need for sourcebooks such as this one to educate higher-education personnel about the academic, cultural, and social experiences of FGS. Educating college and university personnel is the first step toward improving FGS' college success, retention, and graduation rates.
Community response to transgenic plant release: using mathematical theory to predict effects of transgenic plants

Predicting the potential effects of introductions of plants on the structure of plant communities has been elusive. I suggest that mathematical models of resource competition might be useful for identifying categories of plants that either are unlikely to alter community structure or that have the potential for altering community structure. Assuming that the transgenic plant will escape and establish viable populations in nontarget habitats, this theory suggests that species that have a high minimum resource requirement are unlikely to alter community structure. The theory is elaborated to evaluate the potential effects on community structure of transgenic plants with resistance to primary consumers. Results indicate that the greatest reduction in the minimum resource requirement caused by resistance will occur when consumers are consuming enough plant biomass that the plant can no longer grow. If resistance to such a consumer were incorporated into a plant, it could lower the minimum resource requirement sufficiently that a transgenic plant would be able to alter community structure substantially. Examples of introductions of exotic plants, plant pathogens, and insect herbivores are given to support the conceptual basis of the theory. Not all transgenic plants with resistance, however, have the potential to alter community structure. Resistance to primary consumers that strongly reduce the biomass producing ability of a plant will probably be able to alter community structure, whereas resistance that reduces most other types of yield loss is less likely to alter community structure. The theory should be elaborated to incorporate more-realistic assumptions, such as those regarding reproduction, dormancy, and dispersal of the transgenic plants, and provide more detailed characterization of the potential hazard of transgenic plants to plant communities.
Heterogeneous CMOS/memristor hardware neural networks for real-time target classification

The advent of nanoscale metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structures with memristive properties has given birth to a new generation of hardware neural networks based on CMOS/memristor integration (CMHNNs). The advantage of the CMHNN paradigm compared to a pure CMOS approach lies in the multi-faceted functionality of memristive devices: They can efficiently store neural network configurations (weights and activation function parameters) via non-volatile, quasi-analog resistance states. They also provide high-density interconnects between neurons when integrated into 2-D and 3-D crossbar architectures. In this work, we explore the combination of CMHNN classifiers with manifold learning to reduce the dimensionality of CMHNN inputs. This allows the size of the CMHNN to be reduced significantly (by ≈ 97%). We tested the proposed system using the Caltech101 database and were able to achieve classification accuracies within ≈ 1:5% of those produced by a traditional support vector machine.
Cochlear implantation in children with congenital inner ear malformations.

Objective/Hypothesis: To assess the audiologic and surgical outcomes for pediatric cochlear implant patients with inner ear malformations. Study Design: Retrospective review of 315 pediatric cochlear implant cases from 1994 to 2002. Methods: Twenty-eight pediatric cochlear implant patients with known inner ear malformations determined on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone were the subjects of review. Results ofHRCTfindings, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and objective measures of both closed- and open-set testing of speech perception were analyzed. Results: Patients with the constellation of an incompletely partitioned (IP) cochlea, enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), and a dilated vestibule (i.e., Mondini's malformation) as well as those with an isolated EVA or partial semicircular canal aplasia have relatively good levels of speech perception. Patients with total semicircular canal aplasia, isolated IP, cochlear hypoplasia, or common cavity demonstrated lower levels of performance. Poor performance may be related to associated developmental delays rather than labyrinthine anatomy alone. Complications of surgery were relatively limited. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation can be successfully performed in children with inner ear malformations. These children and their parents can expect significant auditory benefits from this intervention. The various types of inner ear malformations may have quite different prognoses for good auditory performance.
Sequence and Genomic Organization of Norwalk Virus

Abstract A library of overlapping cDNAs obtained from Norwalk virus purified from stools of human volunteers (Jiang et al., 1990, Science 250, 1580-1583) was used to obtain the nucleotide sequence of the viral genome. The sequence has a total of 7642 nucleotides, excluding the 3′ poly(A) tail, and has a base composition of 48% G + C. Three open reading frames (ORF) are predicted in the sequence. The longest ORF (ORF1, nucleotides (nt) 146 to 5359) is predicted to encode a polyprotein precursor to nonstructural proteins based on identification of sequences similar to the picornavirus 2C protein, 3C protease, and 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. ORF2 (nt 5346 to 6935) is predicted to encode a polypeptide with a predicted molecular weight of 56,571 (56.6K, close to the expected size of the viral capsid protein), and it contains a short region of sequence similarity to the picornavirus structural protein VP3. A third potential ORF (nt 6938 to 7573) could encode a small polypeptide of 22.5K. The genomic organization found in Norwalk virus shares striking similarities with the genome of two caliciviruses, the feline calicivirus and the rabbit hemorrhagio disease virus. The morphology, size, polarity, and genomic organization of the Norwalk virus indicate it is a member of the Caliciviridae family.
Region-based video coder using edge flow segmentation and hierarchical affine region matching

The essential motivations, towards an object-based approach to video coding, include possible object-based coding scheme. In this work we present an region-based video coder which uses a segmentation map obtained from the previous reconstructed frame, thereby eliminating the need to transmit expensive shape information to the decoder. While the inspiration for this work is derived from previous work by Yokoyama et al, there are major differences between our work and the earlier effort, in the segmentation scheme employed, the motion model, and the handling of overlapped and uncovered regions. We use an edge flow based segmentation scheme, which appears to produce consistent segmentation results over a variety of natural images. Since it combines luminance, chrominance and texture information for image segmentation, it is well suited to segment real world images For motion compensation, we choose an affine model, and use hierarchical region-matching for accurate affine parameter estimation. Heuristic techniques are used to eliminate overlapped and uncovered regions after motion compensation. Extensive coding results of our implementation are presented.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Photo-definable microchannels made with spin-on polymers and short sacrificial etch times

Hollow tubular microfluidic channels were fabricated from two spin-on, photodefinable polymers.
Sensitivity Improvement In Low-Profile Distributed Detector Systems For Tracking Sources In Transit

The RadTrac real-time detection and tracking software runs on a laptop computer networked to gamma-radiation detectors. A probabilistic estimate for source position is generated by combining measured count rate data with a first-principles stochastic model for the space and time dependence of count rates and knowledge of detector intrinsic efficiency. Recent development work has focused on improving RadTrac sensitivity in low-count rate situations. A method has been developed for processing count rates by energy according to that part of the energy spectrum with the greatest signal-to-noise ratio. In addition a method has been developed that places constraints on the solution that are physically appropriate when count rates approach background. In both instances experiments with a weak source confirmed the uncertainty in estimated position is reduced.
A reinvestigation of the decay of 149Gd

Abstract The decay of 149 Gd(9.5 d) to levels in 149 Eu has been studied with a GeLi detector and a NaI detector in prompt and delayed coincidence. The source was produced by the 147 Sm (μ, 2n) 149 Gd reaction and chemically separated from the target material. Previously reported transitions of 150, 273, 299, 347, 461, 497, 517, 534, 646, 660 (a more accurate determination yields 667 keV), 750, 790, 933 and 940 keV were confirmed. Additional gamma rays of energies 216, 262, 480, 813, 865, 878, 949, 993, 1013 and 1082 keV have been observed and assigned to the decay. Internal conversion coefficients were determined by normalizing the gamma-ray intensities as determined from the GeLi singles spectra to the elctron intensities reported by Prask et al . A revised decay scheme is proposed with levels at 150, 497, 534, 667, 750, 796, 934, 939, 958, 963 and 1099 keV.
Design of Grand Tour missions

Grand Tour mission design, discussing navigation, trajectory parameters, launch vehicles and satellite flybys
Mental health diagnoses in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a case/control study

Purpose: We compared the rate of mental health disorders in male and female patients with pelvic pain and control subjects.Materials and Methods: Male patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (174) and female patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (111) were identified from a urology tertiary care clinic population. A control group consisting of 72 men and 175 women was also recruited. Subjects completed self-administered questionnaires that included items about demographics, medical history, medication use and urological symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to identify depression and panic disorder. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios for the presence of a mental health diagnosis.Results: Mental health disorders were identified in 13% of the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome cases and 4% of male controls (OR 2.0, p = 0.04), as well as in 23% of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome cases and 3% o...
Transgenic reporter mouse for bioluminescence imaging of herpes simplex virus 1 infection in living mice

Bioluminescence imaging allows spatial and temporal progression of viral infection to be detected and quantified in living mice, thereby providing a new approach for studies of viral-host pathogenesis. It has been necessary to construct and validate recombinant reporter viruses that express firefly luciferase to investigate viral replication and spread with this imaging technology. This strategy greatly limits the ability to analyze multiple strains of virus and/or existing viral mutants, and reporter viruses also may be attenuated relative to the respective parental viruses. To facilitate bioluminescence imaging of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), we developed a transgenic reporter mouse that uses the promoter from HSV-1 thymidine kinase to control expression of firefly luciferase. Infection with HSV-1 activated expression of firefly luciferase in corneal and flank models of infection, and amounts of bioluminescence increased in proportion to increasing input titers of virus. Imaging could detect infection with three different strains of HSV-1 with the following relative rank order of bioluminescence produced at the site of infection: McKrae > 17 > KOS. Corneal infection with as few as 1 x 10(3) pfu strain McKrae was detectable above background levels. By comparison, infection with vaccinia virus did not affect bioluminescence in the reporter mouse. Collectively, these data establish a new transgenic reporter mouse for infection with HSV-1, thereby enabling in vivo bioluminescence imaging studies of HSV-1 pathogenesis without constructing new reporter viruses.
Impact of processed cellulose fibers on portland cement concrete properties

Processed cellulose fibers provide a desirable balance between mechanical, physical, and durability characteristics when placed in a cement matrix. The effect of processed cellulose fibers (natural) on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability properties of portland cement concrete and its subsequent use in the paving industry are studied. The mechanical and durability properties of three concrete mixtures [the standard Department of Transportation (DOT) mixtures for pavement construction and full-depth patch repair] with and without processed cellulose fibers were studied. The test results are very promising. There is a 10 percent improvement in compressive strength and a 40 percent improvement in impact strength of cellulose fiber concrete when compared with plain cement concrete mixtures. The average cellulose fiber concrete's flexural strength after 24 hours was 3 MPa and the average 28-day flexural strength was 5 MPa. The inclusion of fibers shows a marginal improvement in fracture toughnes...
Recovery of an unknown function in hyperbolic problems with standard and non-standard boundary data

Abstract This paper examines a class of inverse hyperbolic regular and moving boundary problems in which an unknown function is to be determined from overposed boundary data measured over an extended time interval along a portion of the boundary surface of the physical model. The overposed data range over standard and non-standard types, such as the integral and convolution boundary conditions. Under suitable assumptions on the given data, results pertinent to existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solutions of the considered problems on their given data and coefficients are established in the classical sense.
Naturalistic Study of Communication: Its Function and Form.

Communication includes purposeful and meaningful actions, and an adequate study of it must incorporate both an account of actors’ meanings (naturalistic inquiry) and a description of their behaviors (objectivistic inquiry). This conceptualization assigns naturalistic inquiry a unique function based on a definition of its subject‐matter, rather than identifying it with particular (exploratory, field) types of research methods. The form of naturalistic inquiry is determined by its subject‐matter: it must include actors’ meanings and telic as well as causal explanation, and any research method consistent with the subject‐matter is appropriately “naturalistic.” Objective and naturalistic procedures are complementary both in science and in communication processes.
An essential role for the transcription factor HEB in thymocyte survival, Tcra rearrangement and the development of natural killer T cells

E proteins are basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that regulate many key aspects of lymphocyte development. Thymocytes express multiple E proteins that are thought to provide cooperative and compensatory functions crucial for T cell differentiation. Contrary to that, we report here that the E protein HEB was uniquely required at the CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) stage of T cell development. Thymocytes lacking HEB showed impaired survival, failed to make rearrangements of variable-alpha (V(alpha)) segments to distal joining-alpha (J(alpha)) segments in the gene encoding the T cell antigen receptor alpha-chain (Tcra) and had a profound, intrinsic block in the development of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) at their earliest progenitor stage. Thus, our results show that HEB is a specific and essential factor in T cell development and in the generation of the iNKT cell lineage, defining a unique role for HEB in the regulation of lymphocyte maturation.
Quantitative Amplification of Cy5 SERS in ‘Warm Spots’ Created by Plasmonic Coupling in Nanoparticle Assemblies of Controlled Structure†

Metal nanoparticle assemblies of well-defined structure are investigated as substrates for quantitative surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The ∼100 nm structures are composed of oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles of two sizes; a large particle serves as a template for assembly of multiple small particles. Satellite structure formation is driven by hybridization of linker oligonucleotides to thiolated single-stranded DNA bound to the particle surfaces and is verified by transmission electron microscopy and Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy. Raman scattering spectra are collected from dispersed particles and core−satellite assemblies (CSA) formed with core particles that incorporate Cy5 in the core particle surface strands. Quenching of Cy5 fluorescence allows Raman spectra to be clearly detected both from dispersed and assembled core−satellite structures. Raman scattering from Cy5 in the coupled assemblies is amplified by a factor of 8, relative to the Raman scattering collected from d...
Fetal Exposures to Sound and Vibroacoustic Stimulation

Sounds in the environment of a pregnant woman penetrate the tissues and fluids surrounding the fetal head and stimulate the inner ear through a bone conduction route. The sounds available to the fetus are dominated by low-frequency energy, whereas energy above 0.5 kHz is attenuated by 40 to 50 dB. The fetus easily detects vowels, whereas consonants, which are higher in frequency and less intense than vowels, are largely unavailable. Rhythmic patterns of music are probably detected, but overtones are missing. A newborn human shows preference for his/her mother's voice and to musical pieces to which he/she was previously exposed, indicating a capacity to learn while in utero. Intense, sustained noises or impulses produce changes in the hearing of the fetus and damage inner and outer hair cells within the cochlea. The damage occurs in the region of the inner ear that is stimulated by low-frequency sound energy.
Heat-moisture treatment under mildly acidic conditions alters potato starch physicochemical properties and digestibility.

Abstract Potato starch was subjected to heat–moisture treatment (HMT; 120 °C, 3 h) under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5, 6, or 6.5 [control]) at moisture levels of 15, 20 or 25%. HMT starches exhibited significantly delayed pasting times and reduced overall paste viscosities, amylose leaching, and granular swelling characteristics relative to native starch, as well as enhanced levels of thermo-stable resistant starch (≈24%). HMT appeared to alter/enhance short-range chain associations (FT-IR) within amorphous and/or crystalline regions of starch granules. However, the extent of physicochemical change and RS enhancement during HMT was most facilitated by a mildly acidic condition (pH 6) at higher treatment moisture levels (20 or 25%). These conditions promoted limited hydrolysis of amylopectin molecules, primarily at α-(1 → 6) branch points, likely enhancing mobility and interaction of starch chains during HMT. Thus, a slightly acidic pH might reduce conditions and/or timeframe needed to impart physicochemical changes and reduced digestibility to potato starch.
Volunteering With Refugees: Neoliberalism, Hegemony, and (Senior) Citizenship

Refugee resettlement in the United States relies on volunteers to aid in the resettlement process. Drawing upon research in Fargo, North Dakota during 2007-2008, this paper addresses the ways in which volunteers embraced and contested hegemonic forms of "worthy" citizenship. More specifically, I compare and contrast volunteer efforts of senior citizens who worked with refugees. Both refugees and senior citizens are marginalized in the neoliberal discourse of "worthy" citizenship that stresses economic self-sufficiency. Organizations that pair these groups can go a long way to challenge mainstream understandings of race, class, gender, culture, and age. However, I examine the unquestioned, even celebrated, power that volunteers have in refugee resettlement. While some senior citizens contest social inequalities, others serve as foot soldiers for hegemonic forms of citizenship that privilege Whiteness, Christianity, a Protestant work ethic, and gendered practices of care. I show how everyday interactions be...
Zero-latency tracking of predictable targets by time-delay systems†

When a ball rolls in front of a car there is a 200 ms time delay before the driver's foot starts to move from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. This 200 ms reaction time is typical of all human movements. However, we have found that humans can track predictable targets with zero-latency. In an effort to explain this anomaly, we have developed a control technique that has general applicability. Our scheme allows a time-delay system to track targets with zero-latency whenever the target movement is continuous, smooth, and predictable. In this paper, we explain our control scheme, present our model for the human eye movement system, and suggest other possible applications, For this control scheme the target-selective adaptive controller constructs an adaptive signal that depends on the frequency, amplitude and waveform of the target movement, as well as on the time delay and dynamics of the plant. When this adaptive signal is applied to the time-delay system it allows zerolatency tracking and improved dynamic performance. Figure 1 shows this scheme applied to a general state-variable feedback control system with a time delay in the forward path. The system input r^t), is composed of two parts : the reference source, rs(t) and the adaptive signal, ra(£). When r3(t) is not a known target waveform, ra(£) is turned off ; r^t) then equals rs(t) and the closed-loop transfer function becomes 7(8) _ hT(sI - A^bJSC exp ( - ST) ( ' exp ( - sr) The exp ( — sr) term in the numerator is a pure time delay that remains in spite of the feedback. The similar term in the denominator produces the phase lag that reduces the allowable gain. Of the other symbols, Y(s) represents
Polarisation holding in coiled high-birefringence fibres

The polarisation holding ability of high birefringence fibres wound into small coils is investigated. For coil diameters below 3 cm?4 cm, the polarisation holding degrades very quickly with decreasing diameter. The crosscoupling is thought to be due to microbending effects.
LEUKEMIC PULMONARY INFILTRATES AS A CAUSE OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS IN CHILDREN

The clinical and pathological findings in 284 children with acute leukemia who had autopsies over a 22-year period were examined to determine the incidence of pulmonary leukemic infiltrates at the time of death. Six children (2.1%) had acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL), 33 (11.6%) had acute myelogenous or acute monomyelogenous leukemia (AMML) and 245 (86.3%) had acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Forty-one of 284 children (14.4%) were found to have 3 distinctive patterns of pulmonary infiltrate. Eleven children (6 ALL, 4 AMML, 1 AMoL) had interstitial infiltrates with or without pleural infiltrates. Seven children (4 ALL, 3 AMML) had parenchymal nodules. Twenty-three children (20 ALL, 2 AMoL, 1 AMML) had perivascular infiltrates with or without peribronchial infiltrates. The presence or absence of infiltrates could not be correlated with leukemic cell type, immunologic phenotype, sex, or white blood cell count at the time of death. Ten of 41 children had respiratory distress (RD) prior to death; however, only 2 of 41 (4.9%) or 2 of 284 (0.7%) had RD which was not explained by active pulmonary infection. We conclude that despite reports of leukemic infiltrates presenting as interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary leukemic infiltrates are a rare cause of RD in the terminally ill child with leukemia.
Individual Personality Factors That Affect Normative Beliefs About the Rightness of Corporate Social Responsibility

What types of persons are likely to believe in a narrow view of corporate social responsibility—that is, that managers should seek only to maximize profits in the interests of shareholders? Prior r...
Assessment of health risk from exposure to contaminated soil

The risk to human health posed by contaminated soil in a residential area depends on the potential extent of exposure to soil and on the toxic properties of the contaminants. A detailed soil exposure analysis is presented for young children, older children, and adults living in a house surrounded by contaminated soil. From this analysis, a lifetime exposure model is derived and used to assess chronic health risks.
The effect of alcohol on driving skills and reaction times

Abstract Twelve subjects (20–37 years old) were tested in the laboratory and eleven out of these were also tested in a car in the field, first under a no alcohol condition and then under an alcohol condition (approximately 0.10% BAC). In the laboratory the subjects' simple and choice reaction times for two uncertainty modes were measured and their information processing rates (3 bits uncertainty) were determined. In the field the subjects' driving skill for driving through a gap (soft obstacles, 20 inches clearance) at 20 miles hour , their static visual gap (car and post) judgment capabilities and their gap risk acceptance decisions for a 46 feet viewing distance (using psychophysical experimental methods) were measured. Based upon the driving skill measure (standard deviation of centerline deviations in the gap), the mean of the psychometric visual gap perception function and the mean of the psychometric gap risk acceptance function, the “Safety Distance” and the “Driver Safety Index” (DSI), developed by Zwahlen (1973), were obtained. Based upon a statistical analysis of the laboratory and field data we may conclude: (1) that in all experiments the effect of alcohol varies widely from one subject to another; (2) only a few increases in the group averages of the reaction time means (1–5%) and the standard deviations (20–42%) due to alcohol are significant at α = 0.05, and (3) none of the changes in the group averages of the means and standard deviations of the driving skill measures due to alcohol are significant at α = 0.05 (although most changes are in the expected direction when considering the adverse effect of alcohol). A conceptual model illustrating a hypothetical localized system failure, developed by Blumenthal (1968), has been modified in such a way that the system demands on the driver-vehicle system are represented in terms of choice reaction times, while the driver performance at any point in time is represented by two choice reaction time probability distributions, one representing the sober condition, the other representing the alcohol condition. This modified system model is used to demonstrate that the combined time increases in mean performance and performance variability under the influence of alcohol provide a much better explanation for the higher accident involvement than the historically most frequently used rather small decrements in mean performance.
Forward–backward multiplicity correlations at STAR

Abstract Forward–backward multiplicity correlations measured at STAR are discussed. A strong long-range correlation for inclusive charged hadrons was measured as a function of pseudorapidity separation (Δ η ) in Au+Au collisions at s NN = 200 GeV , and were shown to decrease with decreasing centrality. STAR preliminary results show the correlation strength for pions, kaons, (anti)protons as a function of rapidity separation (Δ y ) in 0–10% and 10–20% Au+Au collisions at s NN = 200 GeV . The Color Glass Condensate picture, which describes particle sources as longitudinal flux tubes, predicts that the correlation will grow with centrality. Fluctuations in the number of gluons at early times will produce a long-range correlation strength larger for pions than for baryons. A strong, long-range correlation is measured for pions in central collisions, which decreases for 10–20% collisions.
Holmium:YAG laser ablation of human intervertebral disc: Preliminary evaluation

Percutaneous discetomy has become a viable alternative in the treatment of herniated intervertebral disc. This study determined the effectiveness of holmium:YAG laser for ablation of human disc tissue. Human cadaveric intervertebral disc was harvested and stored in cold saline-soaked gauze for evaluation within 24 hr of removal. Using a specially designed apparatus, a 600 μm diameter fiber was advanced perpendicular through the annulus fibrosis at a controlled force of 0.098 Newtons (10 g). Samples were lased in air (n = 17) and in room temperature saline (n = 32). The laser energy was delivered at 5 Hz, 250 μsec pulsewidth, and from 50 mJ/mm2 to 1,100 mJ/mm2 fluence. Three to six holes were lased using identical parameters in each tissue specimen and were evaluated histologically and by morphometric analysis. The maximum zone of thermal necrosis and thermal denaturation occurred at 700–1,100 mJ/mm2; 140 μm and 590μm in air and 80 μm and 730μm in saline, respectively. At fluences between 200 and 700 mJ/mm2, the thermal necrosis ranged from 20 to 60 μm in air and from 10 to 50μm in saline, the zone of denaturation also being less. The holes created with the 600μm fiber were circular in shape, with a mean diameter of 500 μm (n = 3). The etch rates (penetration/pulse) appeared to increase with increasing fluences. In saline, the etch rate ranged from 7 to 53 μm/pulse (r = 0.57, P ≤ 0.10), and, in air, the values ranged from 7 to 65 μm/pulse (r = 0.79, P ≤ 0.03). No tissue ablation occurred at 50 mJ/mm2, suggesting that the ablation threshold lies between 50 and 200 mJ/mm2. This study demonstrates that controlled ablation of human disc tissue can be accomplished with the hol-mium:YAG laser, the degree of thermal injury being related to the amount of energy delivered.
Inversion of the strain-life and strain-stress relationships for use in metal fatigue analysis

The paper presents closed-form solutions (collocation method and spline-function method) for the constants of the cyclic fatigue life equation so that they can be easily incorporated into cumulative damage analysis. The collocation method involves conformity with the experimental curve at specific life values. The spline-function method is such that the basic life relation is expressed as a two-part function, one applicable at strains above the transition strain (strain at intersection of elastic and plastic lines), the other below. An illustrative example is treated by both methods. It is shown that while the collocation representation has the advantage of simplicity of form, the spline-function representation can be made more accurate over a wider life range, and is simpler to use.
Registration of Arblick and Ecoturf rhizoma peanut germplasms for ornamental or forage use.

ABSTRACTArblick (Reg. No. GP-128; PI 658528) and Ecoturf (Reg. No. GP-129; PI 658529) are rhizoma peanut (RP) ( Arachis glabrata Benth.) germplasms released by the Univ. of Florida in 2008. These plant introductions were identiﬁ ed as lower growing “ground cover” type plants. These lines are being released as germplasm to document the dual purpose ornamental and forage characteristics of the lines. Arblick was collected near the town of Bela Vista, Brazil, located on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. It has green group leaves (RHS 137B), with an orange group standard petal (RHS 24A and a yellow orange group wing petal (RHS 14B). Arblick generally is somewhat slower to establish than other forage type cultivars, has limited forage potential, and has not been widely planted. Ecoturf was collected along the Brazil–Paraguay border on the same collection expedition as Arblick, not far from where Arblick was collected. Flower color of Ecoturf is similar to Arblick, but it has yellow green group leaves (RHS 144A). Arblick and Ecoturf are lower growing types that ﬂ ower profusely during the growing season. Ecoturf has gained acceptance by the commercial landscape industry for use as an ornamental ground cover. These germplasms will beneﬁ t specialty users of “ornamental” types of RP but also because of their dual-use potential will diversify the RP plantings to avoid the near monoculture of ‘Florigraze’
The testosterone patch for women.

Editor's Note: Has the FDA discriminated against female sexual dysfunction by not endorsing Procter & Gamble's (P&G) Intrinsa? Has the pendulum swung so far to the right that drugs for sexual medicine receive undue scrutiny? Why is testosterone replacement therapy available for men, but not for women? How should the pharmaceutical industry proceed with future studies? How should clinicians guide their patients? In this third and final perspective regarding Intrinsa, Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, an expert on female sexual dysfunction and one of the lead investigators of the Intrinsa clinical trials, addresses these questions. This is a highly charged issue that appears to be on the agenda for the foreseeable future.
Rapid screening test for protein and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid

Summary Based on the experience presented, the urine dipstick offers a rough but clinically useful and rapid screening method for the qualitative determination of cerebrospinal fluid protein and glucose. Protein values above 40 mg. per cent and glucose values below 50 mg. per cent were readily detected. In cerebrospinal fluid specimens determined to have dipstick readings of negative and trace for protein, the quantitative values of these specimens were below 40 mg. per cent. In cerebrospinal fluid spciments determined to have dispstick readings of 1+ for protein, the quantitative values of these specimens were above 30 mg. per cent and 9 of 14 specimens were above 40 mg. per cent. In cerebrospinal fluid specimens determined to have dipstick readings of 2+ or greater for protein, the quantitative values of these specimens were above 60 mg. per cent. In cerebrospinal fluid specimens determined to have dipstick readings of medium and dark for glucose at 30 seconds, the quantitative values of 31 of 34 specimens were above 50 mg. per cent. In cerebrospinal fluid specimens determined to have dipstick readings of light for glucose at 30 seconds, the quantitative values of half of the specimens were above 50 mg. per cent.
Framing a Deterritorialized, Hybrid Alternative to Nationalist Essentialism in the Postcolonial Era: Tjalie Robinson and the Diasporic Eurasian “Indo” Community

In her study of Transnational South Asians (2008), Susan Koshy highlights the systematic neglect by scholars of the perspectives and activities of such seemingly peripheral actors as diasporic subjects in the macro-narratives of nationalism and globalization. Such neglect was even more pronounced in the case of the “repatriates” from European colonies in Asia and Africa. The epistemological implications of the dislocated, de-territorialized discourse produced by repatriates from former European colonies remain largely overlooked. One of those groups that seem to have slipped between the pages of history is the diasporic Eurasian “Indo” community that has its roots in the former Dutch East Indies. In this article, I focus on Tjalie Robinson, the intellectual leader of this community from the 1950s to the mid-1970s. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in what Homi Bhabha, in The Location of Culture (1994, 38), called “the conceptualization of an international culture, based not on the exoticism of multiculturalism or the diversity of cultures, but on the inscription and articulation of culture’s hybridity.” Long before Bhabha, Robinson had already published substantially on hybrid, transnational identity. As the son of a Dutch father and a British-Javanese mother, Robinson had made a name in Indonesia with his writings. He left Indonesia in 1954, and soon became the leading voice of the diasporic Indo community in the Netherlands and, later, also in the United States. His engagement resulted in the founding of the Indo magazine Tong Tong and the annual Pasar Malam, the world’s biggest Eurasian festival. With his writings, Robinson played an essential role in the cultural awareness and self-pride of the Indo community through the acceptance of their essentially hybrid and transnational identity.