cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vocal recognition in free-ranging vervet monkeys

Abstract Screams of free-ranging juvenile vervet monkeys were played to a group containing their mothers and two ‘control’ females who also had offspring in the group. Mothers and controls were separated from their offspring at the time. Mothers' responses showed significantly shorter latency and longer duration than controls'; mothers were also significantly more likely to approach the speaker. Playbacks significantly increased the probability that controls would look at the mother; a majority of controls did so without any apparent cue from the mother. Results demonstrate that adult female vervets can distinguish their offsprings' screams from those of other immatures, and they suggest that vervets are able to associate specific screams with specific individuals and these individuals with their mothers.
Determination of Airborne Triethylenediamine and 2, 2'-Oxybis (N, N-Dimethyl)Ethylamine in the Workplace

Abstract Comprehensive industrial hygiene evaluations were performed in three flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing facilities. General area air samples were collected for determining aliphatic amines where these substances were used as catalysts in the foam. Because it was unclear which sampling medium was most appropriate to use when collecting these amines, several media were tried. In one comparison of performance, sample pairs consisting of a Thermosorb[rgrave]/A tube and an acid-filled impinger were used to collect an aliphatic amine ether (2, 2'-oxybis[N, N-dimethyl]ethylamine or bis[2-dimethylaminoethyl]ether) and an alicyclic amine (1, 4-diazabicyclo[2, 2, 2]octane or triethylenediamine). Both samples in each pair were collected under identical conditions of sampling duration, flowrate, and environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity. Analysis of the Thermosorb/A tubes was performed with a gas chromatograph and a thermal energy analyzer (GC/TEA) with mass spectrometric confirmati...
On the Stereochemistry of Diaryl-Substituted Cyclohexanones Formed by Michael Reactions. Trans to Cis Isomerization of Their Ketals under Basic Conditions

The stereochemistry of C-1-substituted 2,6-diphenylcyclohexan-4-ones 1−3 prepared by Michael reactions has been investigated. While preparations of these compounds have been reported over the past ...
Correlated solute diffusion

Abstract Correlated diffusion of a substitutional solute in a lattice is considered for the entire path of the vacancy starting at a source. The normal correlation factor is extended to give the complete form for the diffusion coefficieut. The method is presented in a matrix form similar with Howard's1 calculation; the additional terms yield the matrix approach for the calculation of the average frequency.
Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Design Research: Introduction to the Special Issue

Single-case design (SCD) research focuses on finding powerful effects, but the influence of this methodology on the evidence-based practice (EBP) movement is questionable. Meta-analytic procedures may help facilitate the role of SCD research in the EBP movement, but meta-analyses of SCDs are controversial. The current article provides an introduction to the special issue on meta-analyses of SCD research by discussing concerns regarding the internal and external validity of these designs. Specific considerations for increasing the validity of SCD meta-analyses are provided, as are brief overviews of the articles included in the special issue.
Evaluating antimicrobials and implant materials for infection prevention around transcutaneous osseointegrated implants in a rabbit model.

Transcutaneous osseointegrated implants can improve function for select amputee patients, but infection serves as a significant limitation of implantable transcutaneous devices. This study examined the efficacy of an antimicrobial, pexiganan acetate (SUPONEX™), and a porous tantalum implant material (Trabecular Metal™) in preventing pin tract infection of osseointegrated implants in a rabbit model. Thirty-seven rabbits were randomized to three groups: Ti-control group (n = 11) with titanium alloy implant and no antimicrobial, Ti-Pexiganan group (n = 8) with titanium alloy implant and topical pexiganan acetate 1% applied daily at the skin/implant interface, and Ta-control group (n = 18) with porous tantalum implant and no antimicrobial. All implants were placed transcutaneously through skin, muscle, and bone. Rabbits were monitored for infection for 24 weeks. We observed a 75% reduction in rates of pin tract infection in the Ti-Pexiganan group compared to that observed in the Ti-control group (p = 0.019). No difference in rates of infection was observed between the Ta-control group and the Ti-control group (p = 0.230). In conclusion, pexiganan acetate may be an important antimicrobial for transcutaneous osseointegrated implants. Porous tantalum will not likely prevent pin tract infection without additional methods of soft tissue immobilization around the implant site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
On the distribution of debt and taxes

Abstract This paper studies public-debt runs under alternative assumptions on the distribution of taxes among tax bases, the distribution of debt among classes of taxpayers, and the distributive preferences of the govenment. Asymmetries in the distribution of taxes— arising, for example, from income-tax evasion by some categories of taxpayers—increase the likelihood of a confidence crisis on the public debt. On the other hand, perhaps surprisingly, the probability of a run followed by default is decreasing in the degree of identification of the government with a specific constituency, whereas it is a maximum when the policymaker is a coalition where all social groups are represented equally. Empirical evidence from a sample of high-debt OECD countries is found to be broadly consistent with the theoretical results: regression results indicate that ‘coalition premia’ and ‘tax-imbalance premia’ appear to contribute to the interest cost of the public debt.
Contemporary Concepts in the Diagnosis of Oral Cancer and Precancer

Abstract This article addresses several issues in the approach to diagnosis of oral cancer. The term oral cancer is clarified. Key aspects of the biologic basis of development of oral cancer and the known risk factors associated with the disease are summarized. The clinical presentation of oral cancers and precancerous lesions and their histopathologic correlates is discussed. The importance of conventional tissue biopsy as the prevailing gold standard for diagnosis is emphasized. Other current technologies available for detecting and diagnosing oral cancer and premalignant lesions are acknowledged, and their respective strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
Interaction and coalescence of multiple simultaneous and non-simultaneous blast waves

Interaction of multiple blast waves can be used to direct energy toward a target while simultaneously reducing collateral damage away from the target area. In this paper, simulations of multiple point source explosives were performed and the resulting shock interaction and coalescence behavior were explored. Three to ten munitions were placed concentrically around the target, and conditions at the target area were monitored and compared to those obtained using a single munition. For each simulation, the energy summed over all munitions was kept constant, while the radial distances between target and munitions and the munition initiation times were varied. Each munition was modeled as a point source explosion. The resulting blast wave propagation and shock front coalescence were solved using the inviscid Euler equations of gas dynamics on overlapping grids employing a finite difference scheme. Results show that multiple munitions can be beneficial for creating extreme conditions at the intended target area; over 20 times higher peak pressure is obtained for ten simultaneous munitions compared to a single munition. Moreover, peak pressure at a point away from the target area is reduced by more than a factor of three.
The Fair Wage-Effort Hypothesis and Unemployment

This paper introduces the fair wage-effort hypothesis and explores its implications. This hypothesis is motivated by equity theory in social psychology and social exchange theory in sociology. According to the fair wage-effort hypothesis, workers proportionately withdraw effort as their actual wage falls short of their fair wage. Such behavior causes unemployment and is also consistent with observed cross-section wage differentials and unemployment patterns.
A Euschoengastia species (Acari: Trombiculidae) of possible medical and veterinary importance in Oregon.

Interest in a possible pest chigger of man was aroused in the fall of 1958 when a mite was removed from a welt on the arm of a woman living near MacDonald Forest (11 km N Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon). The mite previously identified as a member of the E. radfordi complex has recently been designated as Euschoengastia n. sp. nr. radfordi (#8 of Wrenn & Loomis, ms in prep.). The woman reported being bitten a number of times and had several chigger bites on her arms at the time the mite was recovered. Several additional reports of apparent chigger attack in MacDonald Forest were received by Forest Service personnel during the fall of 1963 and 1964.
Phylogenetic relationships of Yunnanobryon (Musci: Regmatodontaceae)

Abstract Yunnanobryon rhyacophilum is a rheophytic moss recently described from China. To determine its phylogenetic position among the currently recognized Hypnalean mosses, mitochondrial (nad5) and chloroplast (rps4) nucleic acid sequences of 237 taxa were investigated. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of DNA sequence data suggest that Yunnanobryon is a monophyletic sister group to the genus Regmatodon (Regmatodontaceae). The findings of this study support the establishment of the new genus Yunnanobryon, the retention of Regmatodon at the genus level, and the treatment of these two genera as the family Regmatodontaceae.
The exact solution for free vibration of uniform beams carrying multiple two-degree-of-freedom spring–mass systems

Abstract The literature regarding the “exact” solutions of natural frequencies and mode shapes of a uniform beam carrying multiple two-degree-of-freedom (2-dof) spring–mass systems is rare, thus, this paper aims at studying this problem using the numerical assembly method (NAM). First of all, the equivalent springs for replacing the effect of a 2-dof spring–mass system are determined. Next, the coefficient matrix for a 2-dof spring–mass system attached to the uniform beam is derived based on the compatibility of deformations and equilibrium of forces (including moments). The coefficient matrices for the left end and right end of the beam are also derived based on the various boundary conditions of the beam. Combining the coefficient matrices for all the 2-dof spring–mass systems attached to the beam and the coefficient matrices for the boundary conditions of the beam, one obtains the overall coefficient matrix of the constrained beam (i.e., the beam carrying any number of 2-dof spring–mass systems). The product of the overall coefficient matrix and the vector for all the integration constants yields a set of simultaneous equations. Let the coefficient determinant of the last simultaneous equations equal to zero, one obtains the frequency equation. The roots of the last frequency equation denote the natural frequencies of the constrained beam. Substituting the roots of the frequency equation into the set of simultaneous equations one may determine the associated mode shapes of the constrained beam. In this paper, the “exact” solution refers to the one obtained from the “continuous” model instead of the “discrete” mode, besides, the accuracy of the analytical-and-numerical combined method (ANCM) given by the existing literature is dependent on the total number of vibration modes considered, but this is not true for the accuracy of the NAM adopted here. To confirm the reliability of the presented theory, all the numerical results obtained from NAM are compared with the corresponding ones obtained from the conventional finite element method (FEM) and good agreement is achieved.
Calcium Channel Blockers for Anxiety Disorders

The role of calcium in the etiology of anxiety has been proposed for several decades. Calcium channel blockers profoundly influence calcium metabolism and the transport of calcium. Even though the evidence for the role of calcium remains weak, drugs affecting calcium might be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. One of these compounds, verapamil, has been used to treat mood disorders. Calcium channel blockers have also been tried in other indications such as premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and Tourette's syndrome. However, the number of articles on the use of calcium channel blockers in the treatment of anxiety disorders is low. Three reports (two open, one double-blind) described some success in the treatment of panic disorder with verapamil, diltiazem, or nimodipine and one open-label study described unsuccessful treatment of anxiety and phobia with nifedipine in patients with various anxiety disorders. Further double-blind placebo-controlled studies of calcium channel blockers in the treatment of anxiety disorders are warranted to determine a possible role of these compounds in the armamentarium of antianxiety drugs.
Assessing the value of information in a fuzzy cognitive map

In this paper, a technique will be presented for establishing the value of acquiring data on attributes unavailable at the time an initial inference is made from a fuzzy cognitive map. The technique involves three steps. In the first, an assessment is made of the reachability of unavailable attributes to the final outcomes. This involves determining whether a chain of causality from the attribute of interest to the outcome is present. If not, the attribute of concern can not affect the outcome and can be eliminated from further consideration. For those nodes that can affect the outcome dominance in the chains of causality are determined within the map. This is the second step in the process. If other paths dominate the chain of interest such that the attribute can not affect the outcome regardless of its value, then it can also be eliminated from further consideration. In the final step, assuming that the cost of acquiring the required information has been incorporated into the map, a determination is made of the value of having the additional data.
Vitellogenin as a biomarker for xenobiotic estrogens in an amphibian model system

A number of chemicals released into the environment have the potential to interfere with physiological and developmental processes by disrupting endocrine pathways. Among the best known of these endocrine disruptors are compounds that mimic the action of the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol. These xenobiotic estrogens are believed to pose health risks to both humans and wildlife. Our laboratories are designing in vivo bioassays for xenobiotic estrogens based on induction of the egg-yolk precursor protein vitellogenin. Vitellogenin is normally produced by the liver of adult female nonmammalian vertebrates under estrogen stimulation. In immature or male animals, which have low levels of endogenous estrogens, vitellogenin can serve as a reliable biomarker for exposure to xenobiotic estrogens. Our model system used the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, an ideal species for laboratory screening of endocrine disruptors. Xenopus laevis vitellogenin was purified by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) chromatography and used to generate polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The resulting antiserum was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measurement of serum vitellogenin. Frogs were exposed to compounds by immersion in order to mimic environmental exposure to aquatic contaminants. Initially, frogs were immersed in the potent estrogenic agent diethyl-stilbestrol (DES) at a concentration of 1 ppm for 11 d to test the efficacy of the immersion protocol. Diethylstilbestrol exposed animals showed substantial induction of serum vitellogenin, indicating that the frogs are capable of responding to estrogenic agents present in their aquatic environment. Vitellogenin induction was then investigated for chlordane, dieldrin, endosulfan, and toxaphene, compounds that have been shown through in vitro assays to be weakly estrogenic when administered individually but more strongly estrogenic in combination. Adult male frogs were immersed in water containing the compounds (1 ppm, 11 d), both singly and in paired combinations. Endosulfan proved toxic at this concentration. Toxaphene- and dieldrin-treated frogs showed significant levels of vitellogenin induction, while chlordane-treated animals did not differ from controls. There was no evidence of a synergistic response between any of the combinations. This research demonstrates the utility of vitellogenin as a biomarker for exposure to estrogenic agents. The assays developed could be used to screen chemicals for estrogenic properties, to test waters for the presence of estrogenic agents, or to assess wildlife exposure to environmental estrogens.
Testing with puromycin for amino acyl trnas that limit the rate of peptide chain extension

With puromycin one can recognize when the synthesis of a given protein is dependent on amino acyl tRNA that is present in rate limiting amount. We demonstrate this use of puromycin by its interaction with another inhibitor, L-o-methylthreonine. L-o-methylthreonine lowers the Ile-tRNA concentration in the cell, thereby inhibiting synthesis of proteins containing isoleucine. In certain rabbits, the a hemoglobin chain has three isoleucyl residues and the β chain none. L-o-methylthreonine thus inhibits α globin synthesis in intact reticulocytes from these rabbits. When puromycin and L-o-methylthreonine are used together, the two inhibitors synergize in inhibiting a globin synthesis. Hence, puromycin is a more effective inhibitor when the Ile-tRNA concentration is lowered. Cycloheximide and sodium fluoride have different modes of action from puromycin. Neither synergizes with L-o-methylthreonine; instead, the interaction is less than additive. We have found that β chain synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes is more sensitive than α to inhibition by puromycin. This difference could reflect either differences in amino acid sequence or tRNA dependent limitations of β chain elongation. The switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin in humans does not involve changes in limiting amino acyl tRNA because, for cord blood from infants of different developmental ages, the puromycin sensitivity of incorporation into γ and β chains remains constant.
Plio‐Quaternary sediment budget between thrust belt erosion and foreland deposition in the central Andes, southern Bolivia

Estimates of the physical boundary conditions on sediment source and sink regions and the £ux between them provide insights into the evolution of topography and associated sedimentary basins. We present a regional- scale, Plio -Quaternary to recent sediment budget analysis of the Grande, Parapeti and Pilcomayo drainages of the central Andean fold-thrust belt and related deposits in the Chaco foreland of southern Bolivia (18^231S).We constrain source- sink dimensions, £uxes and their errors with topographic maps, satellite imagery, a hydrologically conditioned digital elevation model, reconstructions of the San Juan del Oro (SJDO) erosion surface, foreland sediment isopachs and estimated denudation rates. Modern drainages range from 7453 to 86798 km 2 for a total source area of 153 632 km 2 . Palaeo -drainage areas range from 9336 to 52 620 km 2 and total 100 706 km 2 , suggesting basin source area growth of 50% since 10 Ma. About 2.4^3.1 10 4 km 3 were excavated from below the SJDO surface since 3 Ma.The modern foredeep is132 080 km 2 with £uvial megafan areas and volumes ranging from 6142 to 22 511km 2 and from 1511 to 3332 km 3 , respectively. Since Emborozu¤ Formation deposition beginning 2.1 0.2 Ma, the foreland has a ¢ll of 6.4 10 4 km 3 .The volume and rate of deposition require that at least 40^60% of additional sediment be supplied beyond that incised from below the SJDO.The data also place a lower limit of 0.2 mm year 1 (perhaps 0.4 mm year 1 ) on the time- and space-averaged source area denudation rate since 2^3 Ma. These rates are within the median range measured for the Neogene, but are up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than some observations, as well as analytic solutions for basin topography and stratigraphy using a two -dimensional mathematical model of foreland basin evolution. Sourceto - sink sediment budget analyses and associated interpretations must explicitly and quantitatively reconcile all available area, volume and rate observations because of their inherent imprecision and the potential for magni¢cation when they are convolved.
Anodic Disintegration of Metals Undergoing Electrolysis in Aqueous Salt Solutions

Abstract Mechanisms of the anodic dissolution of metals in aqueous salt solutions are reviewed and discussed. The review places particular emphasis on metals which have been studied in the author’s...
Developments of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology at NRC's Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation

National Research Council (NRC) as the premier research and development organization within the government of Canada has the mandate of providing vital scientific and technological services to research and industrial communities. The NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (IFCI) is leading NRC’s National Fuel Cell Program and is working closely with academic, government, and industrial organizations to support fuel cell cluster in Vancouver and across Canada and to fulfill the innovation needs of Canadian fuel cell companies. The key programs at IFCI include: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), Hydrogen generation and infrastructure, and technology demonstration. NRC-IFCI’s impact on the fuel cell industry can be seen through the development and transfer of targeted and collaborative research projects addressing strategic and current technical gaps and providing infrastructure for research, development and demonstration. IFCI has been a catalyst in the coordination of industry’s responses to current commercialization barriers. This paper presents the latest research and development activities as well as demonstrations at NRC-IFCI.
How fresh do you want your search results

Researchers have recognized the importance of utilizing temporal features for improving the performance of information retrieval systems. Specifically, the timeliness of a web document can be a significant factor for determining whether it is relevant for a search query. Previous works have proposed time-aware retrieval models with particular focus on news queries, where recent web documents related with a real-world event are generally preferable. These queries typically exhibit bursts in the volume of published documents or submitted queries. However, no work has studied the role of time in queries such as "credit card overdraft fees" that have no major spikes in either document or query volumes over time, yet they still favor more recently published documents. In this work, we focus on this class of queries that we refer to as "timely queries". We show that the change in the terms distribution of results of timely queries over time is strongly correlated with the users' perception of time sensitivity. Based on this observation, we propose a method to estimate the query timeliness requirements and we propose principled ways to incorporate document freshness into the ranking model. Our study shows that our method yields a more accurate estimation of timeliness compared to volume-based approaches. We experimentally compare our ranking strategy with other time-sensitive and non time-sensitive ranking algorithms and we show that it improves the results' retrieval quality for timely queries.
Pentacene Disproportionation during Sublimation for Field-Effect Transistors

At moderate temperatures in flowing gas, pentacene undergoes a disproportionation reaction to produce 6,13-dihydropentacene (DHP) and a series of polycondensed aromatic hydrocarbons, including the previously unknown peripentacene (PP). The process requires activation by heating to 320 degrees C and is possibly catalyzed by impurities such as DHP, 6,13-pentacenequinone (PQ), Al, or Fe found in the starting materials. These impurities also result in a decrease in the intrinsic field-effect mobility (FEM) of pentacene crystals. Subsequent purifications remove such impurities, thus inhibiting the formation of the disproportionation products and increasing the FEM of pentacene (2.2 cm(2)/Vs). These results clarify the importance of purification of semiconductive materials for measurements of intrinsic mobility and optimal device performance.
Smoking and weight loss attempts in overweight and normal-weight adolescents

AIM: To explore the relationship between smoking and dieting in a cross-sectional nationally representative sample of young adolescents. METHODS: Smoking was assessed by serum cotinine concentrations in 1132 adolescents aged 12–18 y enrolled in the NHANES III study. Information on adolescents' weight loss attempts were obtained by questionnaire. Normal weight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) less than the 85th percentile for age and gender. Overweight was defined as a BMI equal to or greater than the 85th percentile for age and gender. Nutritional intake was assessed with a 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a two-fold increase in smoking among normal-weight adolescent girls who reported trying to lose weight (23.7% vs 12.6%, P<0.01). In contrast, prevalence of smoking was similar among overweight adolescent girls who tried to lose weight compared to those who did not (15.8% vs 14.1%, P=0.76). Similar trends were observed in boys. However, overweight boys who were trying to lose weight were less likely to smoke than overweight boys who were not trying to lose weight (9.8% vs 24.5%, P<0.05). There were no differences in body weight, BMI, caloric intake or fat intake among smokers and non-smokers. However, smokers reported eating less fruit and vegetables compared to non-smokers, and were over five times more likely to drink alcohol compared to non-smokers (odds ratio: ≥1×/month, 5.28 (3.82–7.28), ≥4×/month, 5.29 (3.58–7.82). CONCLUSION: Tobacco use is common among normal weight adolescents trying to lose weight. Tobacco use is also associated with a cluster of other unhealthy dietary practices in adolescents.
Active Rigidity Smart Joint for a Bat-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

In order to maximize lift for use in turning and landing maneuvers, bats make use of continuous camber change along their fifth metacarpal more effectively than all modern-day aircraft flaps. This biological shape change produces lower drag than modern aircraft, allowing for greater flight efficiency and lower noise signatures. A mechanism to replicate this demands a seamless actuator to avoid gaps and discontinuities, and requires the use of morphing structures. However, a recurring problem in morphing aircraft design is inefficiency of both space and power consumption. Problems often stem from the replacement of rigid structural elements with actuator elements that must be powered in order to carry static loads. To resolve this issue, a ‘smart joint’ concept is proposed which allows rigidity in its passive state, and becomes compliant while serving as an actuator by way of a composite of smart materials. Using a network of shape memory alloy and shape memory polymer, the joint is capable of rotations on the order of 5 percent camber over an arbitrary length when placed along a skeletal element of a bat-like wing structure. An analytical model is used to predict the behavior of the joint as a function of resistive heating and external loading, and is used to examine the layer thicknesses and locations (i.e. bimorph vs. unimorph) and placement of rigid elastic members in order to maximize deflection under a given load. Validation of the joint using is conducted via finite element modeling, and expected airfoil data for a generic shape maneuver to be accomplished by this joint is shown.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Legal control of drunken driving: A time series study of California data

Abstract This study uses a Box—Jenkins type of interrupted time series to evaluate the effectiveness of the new drunken driving laws introduced in California in January 1982 in the light of evidence from relevant data for the first four years following its enactment. Monthly data covering the period January 1978—December 1985 are used to estimate univariate and transfer function models of the time series of numbers of persons killed in auto accidents — alcohol-related as well as all accidents. Apart from a dummy variable to indicate the legislative change, other inputs included in the transfer functions are vehicle miles driven per month and number of Saturdays in each month. The fitted models show a significant decline in the death rates from auto accidents following the enactment of the new laws. Moreover, control effects appear to be persistent rather than transitory.
Cyclosporin a Therapy in the Treatment of Intraocular Inflammatory Disease Resistant to Systemic Corticosteroids and Cytotoxic Agents

Sixteen patients (ten women and six men, ranging in age from 20 to 67 years) with active bilateral posterior uveitis of noninfectious origin were treated with cyclosporin A, a specific anti-T-cell medication. All had previously received systemic corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents or both and had responded poorly or had intolerable side effects. Fifteen of 16 patients had positive responses to oral cyclosporin A therapy (initially 10 mg/kg of body weight/day), measured by a decrease in inflammatory activity, with a concomitant improvement in visual acuity in most patients. Fluorescein angiographic findings varied considerably with some patients showing an improvement with continued cystoid macular edema. Renal toxicity occurred in five patients, but renal function reverted toward normal with a decrease in cyclosporin A dosage.
COMPACT IMAGING SYSTEM WITH RANGING AND VELOCIMETRY

COMPACT IMAGING SYSTEM WITH RANGING AND VELOCIMETRYPeter J. de Groot, Gregg M. Gallatin, Mark F. CullenThe Perkin-Elmer CorporationApplied Science and Technology SectorDanbury, CT 06810ABSTRACTWe have constructed a radar imaging system for simultaneous ranging and velocimetry of multiple points in the field of view. Signals are generated in an array of laser diodes in a compact, self- aligning, backscatter-modulation geometry. We present a theoretical model for signal generation in backscatter-modulated laser diodes, and describe a laboratory implementation used for finding the ori­ entation and rotation speed of a object. The imaging radar could be used to enhance a variety of robot vision technologies, including object recognition with movement discrimination.1. INTRODUCTIONThere has been considerable interest in the development of 3-D imaging systems for robotics, indus­ trial inspection and aerospace applications [1], Here we present results from a simple 3-D imaging radar which uses laser diodes in a backscatter-modulation geometry to obtain range and velocity data. The system is optically and mechanically very simple. It consists of an array of laser diodes and a single lens as shown in Figure 1.In section 2 the theory of backscatter-modulation is presented. In section 3 preliminary results for ranging and velocimetry using a single laser diode are presented. Section 4 describes how a three- element array was used to obtain the rotation speed and angle of orientation of a spinning disk. A com­ panion paper [2] by Cullen, de Groot and Gallatin discusses the ultimate potential of the array concept for high speed data acquisition and object recognition.2. THEORY OF BACKSCATTER-MODULATIONIn this section we present a brief discussion of the theory of backscatter-modulation of laser diodes. For more complete discussions see Ref. [3].We model the laser diode as a one dimensional Fabry-Perot cavity with gain. The one dimensional model is sufficient to describe the physics of backscatter-modulation without the complications of a full three- dimensional treatment.
Evaluation of the importance of rebinding to receptors in slowing the approach to equilibrium of high-affinity PET and SPECT radiotracers.

The importance of rebinding to receptors in influencing the kinetics of in vivo binding of PET and SPECT radiotracers was evaluated by examining the binding of a high-affinity D1 receptor radiotracer, [3H]SCH 23390, in tissue homogenates, living brain slices, and in vivo. In rat striatal homogenates, [3H]SCH 23390 binding reached equilibrium with a half-time of 6 min. By contrast, in striatal brain slices incubated in [3H]SCH 23390, the radioactivity levels in the slice increased in a linear fashion over the 4-h incubation, with no indication of an approach to equilibrium at the termination of the experiment. In in vivo experiments, [3H]SCH 23390 was given as a slow intravenous infusion to mice, using a paradigm that kept the plasma concentration at a constant level. Under these conditions, striatal [3H]SCH 23390 levels increased in a linear fashion over the 4-h infusion period, similar to what was observed in the brain slices, and as in the slices there was no indication of approach to a steady state. However, when given instead as a single-bolus intravenous dose, the striatal [3H]SCH 23390 levels reached a peak only 15 min after injection. Calculations based on the slice experiments, in which the blood-brain barrier is absent, suggested that the rate-limiting step accounting for the failure of [3H]SCH 23390 levels to reach equilibium was its hindered diffusion as a result of repeated rebinding to receptors. This phenomenon may also be important in vivo and should be considered as a factor in determining the time-course of binding of radiotracers in PET and SPECT experiments where either the receptor density or radiotracer affinity is high. Synapse 28:167–175, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Corn smut as a food source - perspectives on biology, composition, and nutrition.

This paper reviews the current status of corn smut as a food source in some areas of Latin America and examines its potential acceptance in other parts of the world. The biological aspects involved in the development of smut on corn are discussed and the success of presently available control measures are reviewed. The evolution of corn smut as a human food is traced from the time of the Aztecs to the present and the toxicological evidence is summarized. The composition of the fresh and processed galls is presented. Research needs and areas of future research on corn smut as a food for humans are suggested.
Nonpolar m-Plane Blue-Light-Emitting Diode Lamps with Output Power of 23.5 mW under Pulsed Operation

We report on the DC and pulsed performance of nonpolar m-plane InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. LED structures were grown on free-standing m-plane GaN substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. LEDs with an area of 300×300 µm2 were packaged into conventional epoxy-encapsulated lamps. The emission wavelength of the LEDs was 452 nm. A CW output power as high as 0.6 mW was achieved at a drive current of 20 mA, corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 1.09%. Pulsed power measurement on the lamps yielded an output power of 23.5 mW at a drive current of 1 A for a duty cycle of 0.25%.
The day hospital: structures and functions.

This paper discusses the types of function a day hospital may serve and the choice between generalization and specialization in the creation of day-hospital structures. We suggest that a day hospital may serve as (1) an alternative to hospitalization or to shorten hospital stays; (2) as a long-term resocialization experience; and (3) as an intense brief therapy environment. The patient selection, goals, location, and staffing patterns most appropriate to each of these functions are discussed.
Lattice dynamics of alkali metal intercalated tin compounds from temperature dependent Mössbauer studies

Abstract Temperature dependent 119 Sn Mossbauer Effect experiments have been carried out on SnS 2 , SnS and a number of alkali-metal intercalated stannic sulfide absorbers over the temperature range 78 ≤ T ≤ 320°K. The intercalation of SnS 2 with Na and K in liquid ammonia at 295±5°K does not lead to a single intercalation phase, but rather to a complex system including SnS 2 (M) and reduced tin, primarily in the form of SnS. Approximate effective lattice temperatures for the three different tin sites in the complex solid have been estimated from the temperature dependence of the area under the resonance curve, making the free-atom mass assumption. Washing and annealing experiments on the alkali metal containing samples are also discussed.
Rationale, principles, and educational approaches of organizational transormation

Weaving through the drama we call managed care are three distinct plots that are playing out against a backdrop of escalating health care costs, uneven access to care, and a delivery system that frequently aggravates its users. The first plot concerns money and ownership: What will be the respective roles of the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in providing the capital needed to rebuild the health care system? Who will own the system? What form of ownership leads to the best system performance? The second plot concerns the control of medical management: Will it be payers or providers who make the ultimate decisions about what care is given, how, and by whom? Although these two plots are of great importance, and certainly receive most of the public's attention, they cannot be adequately addressed without a thorough understanding of the third plot: the reorganization of health care delivery into integrated systems. It is this third plot that is the most revolutionary and the most fundamental; it is also the most obscure. Many, perhaps even most implementations of managed care fail to attend adequately to the restructuring of health care delivery. Rather, they superimpose new financial arrangements and external control mechanisms on the traditional, nonintegrated structures of fee-for-service medicine. In short, they manage costs, not care. Not only are such internally inconsistent efforts doomed to fail, but the stress and frustration they create for both patients and clinicians poison the waters for more sincere, creditable implementations. For precisely this reason, it is vital that we understand the organizational transformation that is at the heart of managed care, that we know how to distinguish the real thing from inadequate or even disingenuous implementations, that we not lose the baby with the bath water. Equipped with such understanding, we can help steer the changes in health care in a favorable direction, toward the emergence of new and more capable approaches to health care delivery that make it easier for clinicians to provide higher-quality, more efficient care. In this article, we describe the rationale and mechanisms for the creation of integrated health care systems. We also present ideas for educators about how to prepare future physicians for their roles in integrated systems. Finally, we reconsider the themes of money and control, and find that they are but subplots of the theme of reorganization. New forms of financial and medical management will be judged by their contribution to the performance of integrated systems and, ultimately, to improvements in the health of the community.
Efficiency Sensitivity of Two-Stage Planetary Gear Transmission System Based on Graph Theory

This paper first establishes the graphic model and basic circuit equation of dual planetary gear transmission system based on modified complex joint picture representation method and basic circuit method. And then according to this model analyses the rotating relation and torque relation of dual planetary gear transmission system deduces the calculation formula of transmission rate efficiency. The sensitivity of each gear ratio to transmission efficiency is defined with the method of sensitivity analysis. By calculation and analysis, the influence degree of each gear ratio on transmission efficiency is obtained. The result can provide a basis for the design and optimization of dual planetary gear transmission system.
Impairment of endothelial-dependent pulmonary vasorelaxation after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion.

Background. A major hemodynamic feature of acute lung injury is pulmonary hypertension caused by pulmonary vasoconstriction. Impairment of the mechanisms of pulmonary vasorelaxation may contribute to this pulmonary vasoconstriction. This study examined the effect of mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) on lung neutrophil accumulation and endothelial-dependent and-independent cyclic 3′–5′ guanosine monophosphate-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation in rats. Methods. Rats were studied after 1 hour of superior mesenteric artery occlusion and 2 hours of reperfusion. Lung neutrophil accumulation was determined by myeloperoxidase assay (MPO). The following mechanisms of pulmonary vasorelaxation were studied in isolated pulmonary artery rings by generating dose response curves (10−9 to 10−6mol/L): (1) receptor-dependent, endothelial-dependent relaxation (response to acetylcholine), (2) receptor-independent, endothelial-dependent relaxation (response to the calcium ionophore, A23187), and (3) endothelial-independent relaxation (response to sodium nitroprusside [SNP]). Results. Lung MPO activity was significantly increased from 2.4±0.2 units/gm lung weight in controls to 10.3±0.4 after mesenteric I/R (p Conclusions. Endothelial-dependent pulmonary vasorelaxation is significantly impaired after mesenteric I/R. Such impairment of pulmonary vasorelaxation may help tip the net balance of pulmonary vasomotor tone toward vasoconstriction and contribute to the pulmonary hypertension seen in acute lung injury.
Scientific Abilities and Their Assessment.

The paper introduces a set of formative assessment tasks and rubrics that were developed for use in an introductory physics instruction to help students acquire and self-assess various scientific process abilities. We will describe the rubrics, tasks, and the student outcomes in courses where the tasks and rubrics were used.
ESTIMATING THE ORGANIC CARBON CONTENT OF PHYTOPLANKTON FROM CELL VOLUME OR PLASMA VOLUME1

Equations for estimating the organic carbon in phytoplankton from cell volume or plasma volume are derived from original data on five species of diatoms and from data in the literature. Differences among species are important sources of error in such estimates. Plasma volume provides a more precise estimate of cell carbon in diatoms than does cell volume. Diatoms, because of their lower carbon per cell volume, should probably be treated separately from other phytoplankton in such computations.
Influence of Support Hydroxides on the Catalytic Activity of Oxidized Gold Clusters

Gold oxide nanoparticles were prepared on the native surface and a hydroxylated surface of a nonporous TiO{sub 2} support (Degussa P25). Scanning transmission electron microscopy shows the formation of similarly sized clusters on both support materials (1.86 and 1.61 nm clusters on the native oxide and the hydroxylated oxide respectively). X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy clearly indicate the formation of Au{sup 3+}-rich oxide nanoparticles. Despite the similar cluster sizes and oxidation states, the gold oxide clusters grown on the hydroxylated surface were at least 180 times more catalytically active for the oxidation of carbon monoxide than those grown on the native oxide surface. Thus hydroxides, which are incidentally introduced during the solution-phase synthesis of gold catalysts, appear to play a dominant, but previously largely unrecognized, role in the catalytic properties of both oxidized and metallic gold particles.
Fast variance predictions for 3D cone-beam CT with quadratic regularization

Fast and accurate variance/covariance predictions are useful for analyzing the statistical characteristics of the reconstructed images and may aid regularization parameters selection. The existing methods, the matrix-based method and its DFT approximations, are impractical for realistic data size in X-ray CT. We have previously addressed this problem in 2D fan-beam CT by proposing “analytical” approaches, the simplest of which requires computation equivalent to one backprojection and some summations. This paper extends these approaches to 3D step-and-shoot “cylindrical” cone-beam CT.
Behavior of solutions leaving the neighborhood of a saddle point for a nonlinear evolution equation

Abstract We consider a nonlinear evolution equation on a Banach space X for which the origin is an equilibrium point having a saddle point structure. We give a condition guaranteeing that, for a certain neighborhood B0 of the origin and for any initial point belonging to B0 but not to the stable manifold, the corresponding solution not only leaves B0 but, after a certain time t∗ , never returns.
Experimental evidence for spin-split bands in a one-dimensional chain structure.

Gold atom chains on vicinal Si(111) surfaces exhibit an unusual doublet of half-filled bands, whose origin has remained uncertain. The splitting is identified by angle-resolved photoemission as a spin splitting induced by the spin-orbit interaction (Rashba effect), in agreement with a theoretical prediction by Sanchez-Portal, Riikonen, and Martin. This interaction leads to a characteristic pattern of avoided band crossings at a superlattice zone boundary. Two out of four crossings are avoided, with a minigap E_{G}=85 meV and a k offset of 0.05 A;{-1}.
Suppression of dense Kondo state in CeB6 under pressure

To investigate whether the dense Kondo compound CeB6 might evolve into a topological insulator under sufficient pressure, four-point electrical resistivity measurements have been carried out over the temperature range 1.3 K–295 K in a diamond anvil cell to 122 GPa. The temperature Tmax of the resistivity maximum initially increases slowly with pressure but disappears between 12 and 20 GPa. The marked changes observed under pressure suggest that a valence and/or structural transition may have occurred. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements, however, fail to detect any change in crystal structure to 85 GPa. Although a transition into an insulating phase is not observed, this dense Kondo system is completely suppressed at 43 GPa, leaving behind what appears to be a conventional Fermi liquid metal.