cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering function of vitreous silica

The scattering function S(Q, E) of vitreous silica a-SiO 2 was measured with inelastic neutron scattering over a wide range of variables (1 Q −1 , 15 E 170 meV), using a chopper spectrometer at a pulsed source. The data are analyzed in terms of the Q dependence of S(Q, E) at different energies, and in terms of the E dependence of the effective one-phonon density of states G(E) . Implications for the structure and dynamics of a-SiO 2 are discussed.
Protocols of Children's Language.

The vast amount of research in child language acquisition based on a new theoretical framework provides important implications for teaching. Problems arise in teacher education to disseminate this information in a meaningful yet efficient way. A research and development group at The Ohio State University decided to meet this need through developing protocols of child language in specific situations. Credit for stimulating interest in developing protocol materials nationally is largely due B. Othanel Smith, who explored its possibilities in Teachers for the Real World. Educators soon found willing support from the U.S. Office of Education, and by 1970, eleven projects were commissioned to develop protocol materials. (For information on available films and tapes from all the protocol projects, write to NRDC, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620.) Although originally envisioned as slices of reality, protocol materials needed some instructional shaping, for each recorded behavior was to reveal an underlying concept. Mastery of this concept would presumably enable the preservice or inservice teacher to interpret other, similar behavior within a relevant framework. Developers could scarcely justify recording an aimless fifteen-minute class discussion with expensive motion picture film. We immediately set about this regimen to enhance the prospects for successfully illustrating appropriate concepts in language acquisition:
SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR SCREENING ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF BIFIDOBACTERIUM SPECIES OF HUMAN ISOLATES

The objective of this research was to develop a rapid procedure for the screening antimicrobial activities of Bifidobacterium species of human isolates. A bifidobacteria selective medium BIM-25 agar was modified by adding of 0.5 g/L cysteine-hydrochloride, 1.5 g/L lithium chloride, 1.0 g/L beef extract, and 5 mL/L Tween 20. This medium was inoculated (45C) with diluted fecal material from 5 subjects and overlaid into 0.1% Tween 20 BHI agar plates. Plates were incubated in anaerobic chamber at 37C for 48 h. Plates were then inverted to allow the two layers of agar to fall into the petri lid. BHI soft agar (0.45%) containing Micrococcus luteus (as indicator) was overlaid onto the other layers in the petri dish. Plates were incubated at 37C overnight and zone of growth inhibition was observed. This method is simple and rapid whereas the original method for screening of antimicrobial activities of bifidobacteria is a more time consuming and cumbersome procedure.
A Model to Study the Transport Function of the Intestinal Viscera During Peritoneal Dialysis

A preparation was developed to selectively study the transport properties of the intestinal viscera. A rat was positioned prone on a 100-mL beaker (reservoir) and the viscera were completely immersed and suspended without tension in dialysate solution maintained at 37 degrees C. A volume of 11.6 +/- 0.9 mL was ultrafiltered over a period of 180 minutes with a 5.6% glucose dialysate solution (n = 5) versus 0.5 +/- 0.5 mL for a 1.5% hydrous glucose dialysate solution (n = 4). The suspended viscera were able to absorb glucose from the beaker. The viscera absorbed more glucose when they were suspended in a higher glucose concentration: 922 +/- 46 mg for the 5.6% solution (54% of the initial glucose present) and 151 +/- 13 mg for the 1.5% solution (39% of the initial glucose present). Protein was found to leak from the viscera, and the amount found in dialysate was not related to the concentration of glucose used as dialysate (75 +/- 25 mg for the 5.6% solution and 41 +/- 3 mg for the 1.5% solution; P = NS). Studies also demonstrated transport from blood into the dialysate and that transport into dialysate could be altered by altering visceral blood supply (intravenous infusion of antidiuretic hormone, 800 micrograms/hr). Urea and glucose clearances were greater in the absence of antidiuretic hormone, whereas creatinine and inulin clearances were not different in both groups. This model offers the potential to selectively study the responses of the visceral peritoneum.
Classification of response patterns of spike discharges for units in the cochlear nucleus: tone-burst stimulation.

Response patterns to tone-burst stimulation of cochlear nucleus and dependency on stimulus parameters
On the inference of strategies

Abstract We investigate the use of automata theory to model strategies for nonzero-sum two-person games such as the Prisoner's Dilemma. We are particularly interested in infinite tournaments of such games. In the case of finite-state strategies (such as the well-known strategies ALL D or TIT FOR TAT) we use graph traversal techniques to show the existence of a (nonterminating) procedure for detecting our opponent's strategy and developing an “optimal” defense. We also investigate counter machine and Turing machine strategies. We show that the optimal defense to a counter machine strategy need not be finite-state, thus disproving a previous conjecture. We show that determining an optimal defense to an arbitrary Turing machine strategy is undecidable.
Enrollments in accounting programs: Trends and forecasts

Abstract Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) were used to forecast trends in accounting enrollment to 1989. Overall undergraduate and graduate enrollments are expected to decline from historical highs reached in the early 1980s. Accounting enrollments should peak during this time period. Relative to programs in business and management, accounting has increased in size, particularly at the master's level. The expected decline in overall enrollments may lead to a strengthening of accounting and business programs at the expense of other academic areas. The methodological strengths and weaknesses of AICPA and NCES enrollment forecasting models are analyzed in an appendix.
Review of Obesity Among Poor Americans: Is Public Assistance the Problem?

Max J. Skidmore reviews Obesity Among Poor Americans: Is Public Assistance the Problem? by Patricia K. Smith, who analyzes studies on the subject and refutes allegations by critics.
The Strategy of Functional Age Research

The metatheoretical ideas underlying the Normative Aging Study research on “Functional Age” are discussed. These ideas have been useful in generating research. It is assumed that each person has a given life-span. This span can be measured either from the date of his birth or, alternatively, from the date of his death. Nearness to death implies older functional age. Different people may make different rates of progress toward their death, tracing out a “life-trajectory.” People may have functional ages and life trajectories which differ from one subsystem to another. In the Normative Aging project at present functional ages have been defined for the domains of Blood Chemistry, Anthropology, Personality, Human Abilities, Sociology, and Hearing. Once defined and determined, these functional ages can be related to each other and searches for leading and lagging functional ages can be made.
A New Approach to Mechanics of Materials: An Introductory Course With Integration of Theory, Analysis, Verification and Design

This paper presents a description of a first undergraduate course in mechanics of materials. Although many of the features of this course have been used by other faculty and presented formally in textbooks, the authors believe they have united them in a way that produces a course that is unique and innovative. The paper is titled “A New Approach to Mechanics of Materials: an Introductory Course with Integration of Theory, Analysis, Verification and Design”. The subtitle has been included to emphasize the unification of four strategic elements: Theory, Analysis, Verification and Design. The course leads the student through a traditional exposure to theory, but a non-traditional progressive approach to analysis that uses a modern engineering tool. Introduction of verification develops the student’s discipline to question and test ‘answers’. If a problem solution can be formulated in general symbolic format, and if specific solutions can then be obtained and carefully verified, the extension from analysis for one set of variables to the design for different sets of specifications can be done quickly and easily with confidence. Three examples are included to demonstrate the approach and one example considers design.© 2005 ASME
Evaluation of a Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Curriculum for Adolescents

This study examined the effectiveness of a tobacco and alcohol prevention program that was delivered to sixth and seventh grade students by minimally trained classroom teachers. The program focused on (a) teaching students to identify and resist peer in fluences, (b) information about short- and long-term consequences of tobacco and alcohol use, (c) the correction of normative expectations, and (d) the establishment of conservative intentions regarding tobacco and alcohol use. Two cohorts of students were pretested, and subsequent to delivery of the program, they were tracked longi tudinally. The first cohort was followed for four years, the second was followed for three years. Results indicate that the program reduced the onset and prevalence of tobacco use but not alcohol use. The effects for tobacco were differentially related to the school district in which the program was delivered, the sex of student, and eth nicity, suggesting that prevention program content is only one variable that may affect the...
Development progress of optics for extreme ultraviolet lithography at Nikon

The full-field extreme ultraviolet (EUV) exposure tool named EUV1 is integrated and exposure experiments are started with a numerical aperture of the projection optics of 0.25, and conventional partial coherent illumination with a coherence factor of 0.8. 32-nm elbow patterns are resolved in a full arc field in static exposure. In a central area, 25-nm line-and-space patterns are resolved. In scanning exposure, 32-nm line-and-space patterns are successfully exposed on a full wafer. Wavefront error of the projection optics is improved to 0.4-nm rms. Flare impact on imaging is clarified, dependent on flare evaluation using the Kirk test. Resolution enhancement technology (RET) fly-eye mirrors and reflection-type spectral purity filters (SPFs) are investigated to increase throughput. High-NA projection optics design is also reviewed.
Dietary risk factors for rheumatic diseases.

Purpose of reviewRecent scientific data illuminate the dietary link to rheumatic disorders. This review summarizes recently published articles on the dietary link to rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis.Recent findingsA prospective study suggests that higher intakes of meat and total prote
Behavioral effects of apomorphine isomers in the rat: selective locomotor-inhibitory effects of S(+)N-n-propylnorapomorphine.

The optical isomers of apomorphine (APO) and N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) were evaluated behaviorally in the rat. Both R(-) isomers induced motor-excitatory effects and strong stereotyped sniffing, licking, and gnawing, as has been reported previously. The S(+) isomers selectively inhibited locomotor activity and did not induce stereotypy or catalepsy. These actions of the S(+) aporphines were selective against locomotor activity stimulated by low doses of R(-) isomers. (+)NPA (ID50=0.2 mg/kg) was 20 times more potent than (+)APO (ID50=4 mg/kg) in antagonizing the locomotor arousal-inducing effects of (-)APO (at ED50=0.3 mg/kg). (+)NPA also inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity much more potently (ID50=3.0 mg/kg) than did (+)APO (ID50>50 mg/kg). Neither S(+) aporphine had a significant effect against stereotypy induced by the R(-) isomers, even at high doses (up to 30 mg/kg). Inhibition of the effects of (-)APO by (+)NPA appeared not to be due to altered uptake of (-)APO into brain. These results suggest that S(+)NPA or its congeners and analogs may have selective antidopaminergic actions in limbic rather than striatal areas of mammalian brain.
Matrix mineralogy of the Orgueil CI carbonaceous chondrite

This paper presents the results of petrographic, SEM, and TEM studies of the matrix minerals in Orgueil. It was found that the matrix consists mainly of Fe-bearing Mg-rich serpentine and saponite, and a poorly crystallized Fe-rich ferrihydrite containing small and varying amounts of S and Ni. The serpentine and saponite, which occur in roughly equal molar proportions, are coherently intergrown and occur mainly in fine phyllosilicates in intimate association with the ferrihydrite. Coarse phylosilicates occur in clusters relatively free of ferrihydrite. The matrix mineralogy of the Orgueil chondrite suggests that Orgueil experienced considerably different alteration conditions than did the CM chondrites.
Exposure with response prevention and serotonergic antidepressants in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder: A review and implications for inter disciplinary treatment

A comprehensive review of controlled investigations examining the effectiveness of exposure with response prevention (ERP) and clomipramine (CMI), as well as other serotonergic anti-depressants, in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was conducted. Overall, findings suggested that ERP is more effective than CMI, particularly in alleviating rituals, but CMI may be more effective in reducing obsessive compulsive behavior among individuals with concomitant severe depression, obsessions only, and overvalued ideation. In addition, the literature favors ERP in terms of side-effects and risks, dropout, and maintenance, while one advantage of drug therapy is that less time and effort are required by the therapist and patient. Directions for interdisciplinary treatment are discussed.
NMR Force Microscopy of Ammonium Sulfate with 12 μm Resolution

Position-dependent force-detected NMR measurements on a 25×15×7 μm3 single crystal of ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 were performed at room temperature in a sample-on-oscillator configuration. Force signals were detected with 12 μm resolution in a one-dimensional scan. Measurements of NMR relaxation times T2* = 1.5 ± 0.3 μs, T2 = 44 ± 2 μs, and T1 = 5.6 ± 0.7 s were obtained in an 8-T magnetic field, revealing an unexpected frequency-dependent fluctuation spectrum at room temperature.
Preferences by Mongolian Gerbils for Solutions of NaCL, d-Glucose and Sucrose in Two-Bottle Drinking Tests

Summary Eighteen adult female gerbils were given two-bottle, 24-hr. preference tests of various concentrations of NaCl and water, d-glucose and water, and sucrose and water. Unlike the rat, the gerbils showed no preference for saline at any concentration (.01 to 9.0%). Peak preference was 10% for sucrose and 20% for d-glucose. These results, too, are different from rat data obtained under similar experimental situations. The results were discussed in terms of the potential oral and postingestional factors affecting the ingestion of fluids.
Sexuality in the puerperium: a review

Pregnancy and the puerperium herald dramatic and complex physiological, psychological, interpersonal, and sexual changes in a woman and in the marital process. Pregnancy tends to have an increasingly negative effect on sexual desire, expression, and satisfaction as term approaches. Clinical variables discussed include anatomic and physiological changes, puerperal sexual response patterns, marital adjustment, body image, dyspareunia related to episiotomy, lactation, and traditional taboos and cautions regarding coitus for the new mother. Most research respondents reported gradual return to prepregnancy levels of sexual desire, enjoyment, and coital frequency, with a minority in most cited studies indicating sexual interest and coitus levels below prepregnancy levels up to 1 year after delivery. The most frequently listed reasons for poor postpartum sexual adjustment include episiotomy discomfort, fatigue, vaginal bleeding or discharge, dyspareunia, insufficient lubrication, fears of awakening the infant or not hearing him/her, fear of injury, and decreased sense of attractiveness. Postpartum counseling should be offered prior to hospital discharge.
Integrated-circuit discriminator with 10-nsec pulse pair resolution☆

Abstract A high-speed direct-coupled discriminator utilizing emitter-coupled integrated circuits is described. The threshold is continuously adjustable between −150 mV and −1.15 V, the pulse pair resolution is 10 nsec, and the maximum continuous repetition rate is 92 MHz. Two modes of operation, clipped and dc, are provided; output widths in the clipped mode are 5 nsec, 10 nsec, or 15 nsec. The use of integrated circuits results in a complete absence of trimming adjustments. Provision is made for remote control of the threshold, mode, and width.
Noninvasive reflection mode photoacoustic imaging through infant skull toward imaging of neonatal brains

Abstract The feasibility of functional imaging of neonatal brains was studied in a noninvasive transcranial manner by using reflection mode photoacoustic technique for the first time. Experiments were conducted to examine the quality of photoacoustic signals and consequent images across a newborn infant skull. With the designed system, photoacoustic imaging of blood vessels through the infant skull has been achieved with an axial resolution up to 50 μm and a lateral resolution up to 420 μm. Experimental results also indicate that photoacoustic imaging of neonatal brain with a depth of 21 mm or more beneath the skull is feasible when working with near-infrared light. Moreover, the performance of this technique for measuring and monitoring the changes in blood oxygenation level through the newborn infant skull has also been explored. This study suggests that reflection mode photoacoustic imaging holds promise to become a novel and powerful tool for noninvasive diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of disorders in neonatal brains.
Negotiating about shared knowledge in a cooperative learning environment

A goal of cooperative learning is the construction of shared knowledge. Shared knowledge represents the common understanding of a group of individuals with respect to the content domain; the active construction of shared knowledge enhances acquisition and retention. Two requirements have to be met during the construction process: First, shared knowledge should be represented explicitely; second, the participants' multiple perspectives need to be integrated. We focus on the second aspect, called knowledge negotiation, by which the learners' common understanding is construed. However, common understanding comes in degrees. We provide a theoretical perspective for the negotiation process and propose a quantification of shared knowledge, called the degree of agreement (degreement). Finally, we discuss how a learning environment for distributed learners can support the process of cooperative knowledge construction.
Causal pathways and causal processes: Studying the evolutionary prehistory of human diversity in language, customs, and biology

Abstract An issue of continuing interest to Pacific archaeologists—the “question of Polynesian origins”—is examined (1) to illustrate a set of basic concepts (pattern, pathway, and process) helpful when talking about the origins, maintenance, and stability of similarities and differences among human populations, and (2) to document, by case example, how one particular temporal pathway of development leading to one historically specific pattern of human variability may tell us something in general, as well as something in particular, about the evolutionary processes leading to human diversity in language, customs, and biology. Contrary to the conventional assumption that the first Polynesians migrated from a homeland located somewhere in Southeast Asia, a simple biological model based on perhaps no more than three types or kinds of event sequences—i.e., causal processes—suggests how modern Polynesian speakers may be derived from an ancestral population(s) once resident in the region of the Pacific we now speak of as Melanesia.
Characterization of mesothelioma and tissues present in contrast‐enhanced thoracic CT scans

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the Hounsfield unit (HU) distributions of mesothelioma and other tissues present in contrast-enhanced thoracic CT scans, to compare the HU distributions of mesothelioma, muscle, and liver by scanner and reconstruction filter/kernel combination, and to assess interpatient HU distribution variability. Methods: The database consisted of 28 contrast-enhanced thoracic CT scans from different patients. For each scan, regions of interest were manually outlined within each of 13 tissues, including mesothelioma. For each tissue, the empirical percentiles in HU values were calculated along with the interpatient variability. The HU distributions of select tissues were compared across three different scanner and reconstruction filter/kernel combinations. Results: The HU distributions of blood-containing tissues demonstrated substantial overlap, as did the HU distributions of pleural effusion, mesothelioma, muscle, and liver. The HU distribution of fat had the least overlap with the other tissues. Fat and muscle had the lowest interpatient HU variability and the narrowest HU distributions, while blood-containing tissues had the highest interpatient HU variability. A soft-tissue reconstruction filter/kernel yielded the narrowest HU distribution, and fat with artifact had the widest HU distribution. Conclusions: Characterization of tissues in CT scans enhances the understanding of those tissues’ HU distributions. Due to their overlapping HU distributions and close spatial proximity to one another, separating pleural effusion, mesothelioma, muscle, and liver from one another is a difficult task based on HU value thresholding alone. The results illustrate the wide distributions and large variability that exist for tissues present in clinical thoracic CT scans.
Mesoscopic fluctuations of adiabatic charge pumping in quantum dots

We consider the adiabatic charge transport through zero-dimensional mesoscopic sample (quantum dot) caused by two periodically changing external perturbations. Both the magnitude and the sign of the transmitted charge are extremely sensitive to the configuration of the dot and to the magnetic field. We find the correlation function characterizing the random value of this pumped charge for arbitrary strength of the perturbation. In contrast to previous theoretical and experimental claims, the charge is found not to have any symmetry with respect to the inversion of magnetic field. At strong pumping perturbation, the variance of the charge $〈{Q}^{2}〉$ is found to be proportional to the length of the contour in parametric space.
Independence and graph homomorphisms

A graph with n vertices that contains no triangle and no 5-cycle and minimum degree exceeding n/4 contains an independent set with at least (3n)/7 vertices. This is best possible. The proof proceeds by producing a homomorphism to the 7-cycle and invoking the No Homomorphism Lemma. For k ≥ 4, a graph with n vertices, odd girth 2k+1, and minimum degree exceeding n/(k+1) contains an independent set with at least kn/(2k+1) vertices; however, we suspect this is not best possible. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On gelation continuous flow polycondensation reactors

Abstract The feasibility of continuous flow reactors for network-forming polymers is questionable due to the possibility of gelation. A simplified model of a binary condensation is used to model gelation within stagnant pores and on the smooth wall of a tubular reactor. A simple criterion is derived for gelation in pores which can also be applied in a conservative sense to flow situations. More exact conditions for gelation in flow geometries are obtained from numerical calculations. Gelation is predicted at smooth reactor walls under quite mild polymerization conditions. When applied to the acid-catalyzed condensation of phenol with formaldehyde, the model predicts gelation for tube diameters larger than about 1/4 in. This confirms the industrial observation that bench-scale reactors function, but that pilot-scale reactors fail. A successful reactor design should allow for periodic removal of gel, either mechanically or chemically.
Landing Surface Color Preferences of Spathius agrili (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Parasitoid of Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

The color preferences for landing surfaces were examined for Spathius agrili (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitic wasp introduced for biocontrol of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Lures with the 3-component pheromone blend of male S. agrili were used to activate upwind flight by virgin female S. agrili in a laminar flow wind tunnel. Paper discs with halves of two different colors (combination pairs of black, white, red, yellow, green, or purple), with the pheromone lure in the center, were tested to quantify preferences for landing on one color over another. Females landed preferentially on green, yellow, and white surfaces, and landed the least frequently on red, black, and purple surfaces. Changes in color preferences due to adjacent colors were observed and discussed.
A Modification of Simon's Optimal Design for Phase II Trials When the Criterion Is Median Sample Size

Abstract We present a modification to Simon's optimal design for phase II trials in which the objective is to minimize the median sample size rather than the expected sample size when the true response rate is poor p = p 0 . We argue that the modified design may be preferred in smaller institutions when the focus is on a single or small number of phase II trials rather than a large program of phase II trials. Control Clin Trials 1999;20:555–566
Corporate derivative use and the composition of CEO compensation

Abstract This paper analyzes whether the composition of a CEO's compensation package and SFAS 133, a regulation designed to increase transparency of derivative reporting, affect a firm's use of interest rate and currency derivatives to hedge risk. Using a panel of S&P500 firms during 1994–2000, we demonstrate the importance of properly aligning CEO incentives with derivative use. Results demonstrate that hedging is positively related to long-term CEO compensation, and negatively related to short-term CEO compensation as well as exercisable options compensation. We also show that changes in derivative reporting influence the relationship between CEO compensation and derivative use. Our paper thus highlight that CEO incentives and derivative reporting transparency are a significant factor in determining a firm's hedging use.
Angular distribution of electrons following two-photon ionization of the Ar atom and two-photon detachment of the F- ion.

Angular-distribution asymmetry parameters for photoelectrons produced by two-photon ionization of the Ar atom and two-photon detachment of the ${\mathrm{F}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ion are calculated for photon energies below the thresholds for single-photon ionization and single-photon detachment, respectively. Effects of electron correlations are included by perturbative methods. Good agreement is obtained between our results and those of a recent experimental angular-distribution measurement of two-photon detachment of the ${\mathrm{F}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ion at \ensuremath{\lambda}=532 nm [C. Blondel, M. Crance, C. Delsart, and A. Giraud (unpublished)].
A case of congenital myofibroma of the orbit presenting at birth.

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this report is to highlight a rare cause of congenital proptosis.Methods: This is a case report.Results: We present a case of a baby girl born with a large myofibroma in the right retrobulbar space. This case is unusual because it presented from birth and was in a critical location. A prenatal ultrasound performed two days prior to birth did not reveal this mass to the technician or obstetrician. At birth, the tumor induced severe proptosis, with the eyelids unable to close around the globe. Deterioration of the ocular surface secondary to exposure was evident immediately after birth. One week after birth, the mass was excised by the Oculoplastics service in conjunction with a Neurosurgical team using a transcranial approach. The tumor was diagnosed by histopathology and immunologic staining as a myofibroma, a rare condition.Conclusions: Orbital myofibroma is a rare cause of congenital proptosis presenting at birth.
Spatial working memory score of humans in a large radial maze, similar to published score of rats, implies capacity close to the magical number 7 ± 2

To compare the working memory (WM) capacity of humans to rats, we tested humans with a 17-arm radial maze and, in a follow up experiment, with a 13-arm radial maze. Both mazes were 15.2 meters in diameter, painted on a grassy field. In one version of the 13-arm experiment, we required a concurrent nonsense vocalization to impede subjects' use of language to remember locations. Subjects were instructed to choose arms of the radial maze unsystematically--as rats generally appear to do--and to visit the end of each arm only once. In additional procedures, we tested working memory capacity in a verbal task that is more analogous to the radial maze than is the typical ordered recall test. Subjects were asked to try to recite a sequence of 17 numbers (i.e., 18 through 34) or letters (A through Q) in unsystematic order, with no repeats. In another experiment subjects recited 13 numbers (14-26) or letters (A-M). In all tests, subjects were allowed only as many responses as there were distinct items (17 or 13, respectively). Average correct-response (nonrepeat) scores were 14.4 for the 17-arm maze and 14.1 for both of the verbal 17-item tests; these scores are close to the reported score for rats in a 17-arm radial maze. Average scores were between 10.8 and 11.4 in all of the 13-item maze and recitation tasks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Failure detection for over-discharged Li-ion batteries

Over-discharge is one of the most common electrical abuses a Li-ion battery suffers. This paper presents preliminary results for the failure signatures of over-discharged Li-ion batteries, and proposes a rule-based method and a probabilistic method for failure detection. The two methods are verified using experimental results for a Li-ion battery. The proposed methods were successfully implemented in a real-time system for failure detection and early warning.
On Optimal Quadratic Regulation for Discrete-Time Switched Linear Systems

This paper studies the discrete-time linear quadratic regulation problem for switched linear systems (DLQRS) based on dynamic programming approach. The unique contribution of this paper is the analytical characterizations of both the value function and the optimal control strategies for the DLQRS problem. Based on the particular structures of these analytical expressions, an efficient algorithm suitable for solving an arbitrary DLQRS problem is proposed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can solve randomly generated DLQRS problems with very low computational complexity. The theoretical analysis in this paper can significantly simplify the computation of the optimal strategy, making an NP hard problem numerically tractable.
Platelet-activating factor modulates pulmonary vasomotor tone in the perinatal lamb

Eight near-term fetal lambs were studied acutely in utero to determine role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the regulation of vasomotor tone in systemic and pulmonary circulations in the immediate perinatal period. Four fetal lambs were studied predelivery and 2 h postdelivery to determine circulating PAF levels. Aortic and pulmonary arterial pressures and cardiac output were measured continuously, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances were calculated. Left pulmonary arterial blood flow was also measured in four fetal lambs. After delivery and oxygenation, circulating PAF levels fell significantly. When WEB-2170, a specific PAF-receptor antagonist, was infused to block effect of endogenous PAF in the eight near-term fetal lambs, systemic vascular resistance fell 30% but pulmonary vascular resistance fell dramatically by 68%. Specificity of WEB-2170 was tested in juvenile lambs and was found to be very specific in lowering vasomotor tone only when tone was elevated by action of PAF. Our data show that endogenous PAF levels in the fetus contribute to maintain a high basal systemic and pulmonary vasomotor tone and that a normal fall in circulating PAF levels after birth and oxygenation may facilitate fall in pulmonary vascular resistance at birth.
Polynomial time algorithms to approximate permanents and mixed discriminants within a simply exponential factor

We present real, complex, and quaternionic versions of a simple randomized polynomial time algorithm to approximate the permanent of a nonnegative matrix and, more generally, the mixed discriminant of positive semidefinite matrices. The algorithm provides an unbiased estimator, which, with high probability, approximates the true value within a factor of O(cn), where n is the size of the matrix (matrices) and where c ≈ 0.28 for the real version, c ≈ 0.56 for the complex version, and c ≈ 0.76 for the quaternionic version. We discuss possible extensions of our method as well as applications of mixed discriminants to problems of combinatorial counting. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 14, 29–61, 1999
An Allocation Problem with Applications to Operations Research and Statistics

A considerable number of problems in operations research and statistics have the following form maximize ∫ f[x, yx] dx subject to ∫ g[x, yx] dx = constant with respect to bounded yx. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a maximizing function under fairly weak restrictions and prove its existence. The solution is applied to a general version of B. O. Koopman's search problem, and to the Neyman, Pearson lemma of statistics. We also show that in the discrete version of this problem, where x is replaced by an index and sums replace integrals, our condition is sufficient but not necessary and give, as illustration of the sufficiency, a solution to an assignment problem.
Control of DNA Replication by the Nucleus/Cytoplasm Ratio in Xenopus

The nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio controls S phase dynamics in many biological systems, most notably the abrupt remodeling of the cell cycle that occurs at the midblastula transition in early Xenopus laevis embryos. After an initial series of rapid cleavage cycles consisting only of S and M phases, a critical N/C ratio is reached, which causes a sharp increase in the length of S phase as the cell cycle is reconfigured to resemble somatic cell cycles. How the N/C ratio determines the length of S phase has been a longstanding problem in developmental biology. Using Xenopus egg extracts, we show that DNA replication at high N/C ratio is restricted by one or more limiting substances. We report here that the protein phosphatase PP2A, in conjunction with its B55α regulatory subunit, becomes limiting for replication origin firing at high N/C ratio, and this in turn leads to reduced origin activation and an increase in the time required to complete S phase. Increasing the levels of PP2A catalytic subunit or B55α experimentally restores rapid DNA synthesis at high N/C ratio. Inversely, reduction of PP2A or B55α levels sharply extends S phase even in low N/C extracts. These results identify PP2A-B55α as a link between DNA replication and N/C ratio in egg extracts and suggest a mechanism that may influence the onset of the midblastula transition in vivo. Background: The duration of S phase in Xenopus is controlled by the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio through unknown mechanisms. Results: Modulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) levels controls origin firing at high nucleus/cytoplasm. Conclusion: Depletion of PP2A and its B55α subunit at high nucleus/cytoplasm causes an extension of S phase. Significance: This mechanism may influence cell cycle remodeling that occurs in early embryogenesis.
Developmental Regulation of MicroRNA Expression in Schwann Cells

Schwann cell differentiation and subsequent myelination of the peripheral nervous system require the action of several transcription factors, including Sox10, which is vital at multiple stages of development. The transition from immature to myelinating Schwann cell is also regulated posttranscriptionally and depends upon Dicer-mediated processing of microRNAs (miRNAs). Although specific miRNA targets have begun to be identified, the mechanisms establishing the dynamic regulation of miRNA expression have not been elucidated. We performed expression profiling studies and identified 225 miRNAs differentially expressed during peripheral myelination. A subset of 9 miRNAs is positively regulated by Sox10, including miR-338 which has been implicated in oligodendrocyte maturation. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of sciatic nerve cells revealed a Sox10 binding site upstream of an alternate promoter within the Aatk gene, which hosts miR-338. Sox10 occupied this site in spinal cord ChIP experiments, suggesting a similar regulatory mechanism in oligodendrocytes. Cancer profiling studies have identified clusters of miRNAs that regulate proliferation, termed "oncomirs." In Schwann cells, the expression of many of these proproliferative miRNAs was reduced in the absence of Sox10. Finally, Schwann cells with reduced Sox10 and oncomir expression have an increase in the CDK inhibitor p21 and a concomitant reduction in cell proliferation.
Sequence-specific binding and cleavage of duplex DNA by a radioiodinated, intercalator-linked, triplex-forming oligonucleotide☆

Applications of oligodeoxynucleotides to modulate gene expression have been the subject of much recent research. We have sought to develop a method to permanently inactivate a gene, or potentially kill cells containing abnormal genes. In this report, we show that a DNA intercalator conjugated to a triplex-forming oligonucleotide can be labeled with an Auger electron emitting radioisotope, can cleave its duplex DNA target, and can specifically bind the target sequence contained in a total of 10 kilobases of irrelevant DNA.
Multiple alignment-free sequence comparison

Motivation: Recently, a range of new statistics have become available for the alignment-free comparison of two sequences based on k-tuple word content. Here, we extend these statistics to the simultaneous comparison of more than two sequences. Our suite of statistics con- tains, first, Cand C S , extensions of statistics for pairwise comparison of the joint k-tuple content of all the sequences, and second, C � , C S and C geo , averages of sums of pairwise comparison statistics. The two tasks we consider are, first, to identify sequences that are similar to a set of target sequences, and, second, to measure the similarity within a set of sequences. Results: Our investigation uses both simulated data as well as cis- regulatory module data where the task is to identify cis-regulatory modules with similar transcription factor binding sites. We find that although for real data, all of our statistics show a similar performance, on simulated data the Shepp-type statistics are in some instances outperformed by star-type statistics. The multiple alignment-free stat- istics are more sensitive to contamination in the data than the pairwise average statistics. Availability: Our implementation of the five statistics is available as R package named 'multiAlignFree' at be http://www-rcf.usc.edu/ � fsun/Programs/multiAlignFree/multiAlignFreemain.html. Contact: reinert@stats.ox.ac.uk Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structural Characterization of the N Terminus of IpaC from Shigella flexneri

The primary effector for Shigella invasion of epithelial cells is IpaC, which is secreted via a type III secretion system. We recently reported that the IpaC N terminus is required for type III secretion and possibly other functions. In this study, mutagenesis was used to identify an N-terminal secretion signal and to determine the functional importance of the rest of the IpaC N terminus. The 15 N-terminal amino acids target IpaC for secretion by Shigella flexneri, and placing additional amino acids at the N terminus does not interfere with IpaC secretion. Furthermore, amino acid sequences with no relationship to the native IpaC secretion signal can also direct its secretion. Deletions introduced beyond amino acid 20 have no effect on secretion and do not adversely affect IpaC function in vivo until they extend beyond residue 50, at which point invasion function is completely eliminated. Deletions introduced at amino acid 100 and extending toward the N terminus reduce IpaC's invasion function but do not eliminate it until they extend to the N-terminal side of residue 80, indicating that a region from amino acid 50 to 80 is critical for IpaC invasion function. To explore this further, the ability of an IpaC N-terminal peptide to associate in vitro with its translocon partner IpaB and its chaperone IpgC was studied. The N-terminal peptide binds tightly to IpaB, but the IpaC central hydrophobic region also appears to participate in this binding. The N-terminal peptide also associates with the chaperone IpgC and IpaB is competitive for this interaction. Based on additional biophysical data, we propose that a region between amino acids 50 and 80 is required for chaperone binding, and that the IpaB binding domain is located downstream from, and possibly overlapping, this region. From these data, we propose that the secretion signal, chaperone binding region, and IpaB binding domain are located at the IpaC N terminus and are essential for presentation of IpaC to host cells during bacterial entry; however, IpaC effector activity may be located elsewhere.
Multirate adaptive notch filter with an adaptive bandwidth controller for disk drives

This paper presents the simulation results performed of a multirate adaptive notch filter with adaptive bandwidth controller for disk drives. The resonant modes of a disk drive may be uncertain and vary between units, and can also lie near or beyond the nyquist frequency. Suppressing these modes can be difficult. However, with an adaptive notch filter that is able to accurately track the resonant frequencies, the effects of such modes can be suppressed. By adding a multirate scheme to the adaptive notch filter, it can suppress modes at higher frequencies. As the multirate adaptive notch filter tracks the plant mode frequencies, the adaptive bandwidth controller ensures that stability and performance requirements are satisfied. The simulation results that are included show the benefit of the adaptive control scheme.
Large Deformation Geometric Nonlinear Beam Element Based on U.L. Format

Based on the geometric deformation of the Euler-Bernoulli beam element, the geometric nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam element based on U.L. formulation is derived. The element’s transverse first-order displacement field is constructed using the cubic Hermite interpolation polynomial, and the first-order Lagrange interpolation polynomial is used for the axial displacement field. Then the additional displacements induced from the rotation of the elemental are included into the transverse and longitudinal displacement fields, so those displacement fields are expressed as the quadratic function of nodal displacement. Afterwards the nonlinear finite element formulas of Euler-Bernoulli beam element under the form of U.L. formulation are derived using Cauchy strain tensor and the principle of virtual displacements. The total equilibrium equation and tangent stiffness for large displacement geometric nonlinear analysis of frame are obtained in the total coordinate system. The correctness of this element is proved by typical example.
Observations of wave orbital scale ripples and a nonequilibrium time‐dependent model

[1] Measurements of seafloor ripples under wave-dominated conditions from the LEO15 site and the Martha’s Vineyard coastal observatory were used to develop a time-dependent model for ripple geometry. The measurements consisted of backscatter imagery from rotary side-scan sonars, centimeter resolution bathymetric maps from a two-axis rotary pencil-beam sonar, and forcing hydrodynamics. During moderate energy conditions the ripple wavelength typically scaled with wave orbital diameter. In more energetic conditions the ripples reached a maximum wavelength of 0.8 to 1.2 m and did not continue to increase in wavelength or decrease in height. The observations showed that the relict ripples left after storms typically had wavelengths close to the maximum wavelength. The time-dependent model is based on an equilibrium model that allows the ripples to maintain wavelength proportional to wave orbital diameter until a suspension threshold determined by wave velocity and grain size is reached. The time-dependent model allows the ripple spectra to follow the equilibrium solution with a temporal delay that is based on the ratio of the ripple cross-sectional area to the sediment transport rate. The data was compared to the equilibrium model, a simplified version of the time-dependent model (where the ripples were assumed to follow the equilibrium model only when the bed stress was sufficient to move sediment), and the complete time-dependent model. It was found that only the complete time-dependent model was able to correctly predict the long wavelength relict ripples and that the other approaches underpredicted relict ripple wavelengths.
Impaired innate immune alveolar macrophage response and the predilection for COPD exacerbations

Background Alveolar macrophages (AM) in COPD have fundamentally impaired responsiveness to Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 ligands of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI). However, the contribution of innate immune dysfunction to exacerbations of COPD is unexplored. We hypothesised that impaired innate AM responses in COPD extend beyond NTHI to other pathogens and are linked with COPD exacerbations and severity. Methods AMs, obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from 88 volunteers with stable-to-moderate COPD, were incubated with respiratory pathogens (NTHI, Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) and TLR ligands lipopolysaccharide, Pam 3 Cys) and elicited IL-8 and TNF-α were measured by microsphere flow cytometry. NF-κB nuclear translocation was measured by colorimetric assay. AM TLR2 and TLR4 expression was determined by immunolabeling and quantitation of mean fluorescent indices. Participants were monitored prospectively for occurrence of COPD exacerbations for 1 year following bronchoscopy. Non--parametric analyses were used to compare exacerbation-prone and non-exacerbation-prone individuals. Results 29 subjects had at least one exacerbation in the follow-up period (exacerbation-prone) and 59 remained exacerbation-free (non-exacerbation-prone). AMs of exacerbation-prone COPD donors were more refractory to cytokine induction by NTHI (p=0.02), MC (p=0.045) and SP (p=0.046), and to TLR2 (p=0.07) and TLR4 (p=0.028) ligands, and had diminished NF-κB nuclear activation, compared with non-exacerbation-prone counterparts. AMs of exacerbation-prone subjects were more refractory to TLR2 upregulation by MC and SP (p=0.04 each). Conclusions Our results support a paradigm of impaired innate responses of COPD AMs to respiratory pathogens, mediated by impaired TLR responses, underlying a propensity for exacerbations in COPD.