cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical 4D signal detection in turbid water by multi-dimensional integral imaging using spatially distributed and temporally encoded multiple light sources

We propose an underwater optical signal detection system based on multi-dimensional integral imaging with spatially distributed multiple light sources and four-dimensional (4D) spatial-temporal correlation. We demonstrate our system for the detection of optical signals in turbid water. A 4D optical signal is generated from a three-dimensional (3D) spatial distribution of underwater light sources, which are temporally encoded using spread spectrum techniques. The optical signals are captured by an array of cameras, and 3D integral imaging reconstruction is performed, followed by multi-dimensional correlation to detect the optical signal. Inclusion of multiple light sources located at different depths allows for successful signal detection at turbidity levels not feasible using only a single light source. We consider the proposed system under varied turbidity levels using both Pseudorandom and Gold Codes for temporal signal coding. We also compare the effectiveness of the proposed underwater optical signal detection system to a similar system using only a single light source and compare between conventional and integral imaging-based signal detection. The underwater signal detection capabilities are measured through performance-based metrics such as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), and the number of detection errors. Furthermore, statistical analysis, including Kullback-Leibler divergence and Bhattacharya distance, shows improved performance of the proposed multi-source integral imaging underwater system. The proposed integral-imaging based approach is shown to significantly outperform conventional imaging-based methods.
Outcome comparison of thoracic endovascular aortic repair performed outside versus inside proximal landing zone length recommendation.

Abstract Objective Success of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) relies heavily on the proximal landing zone (PLZ) sealing. Most instructions for use of thoracic endografts recommend a PLZ length of at least 2 cm. Because of the complex aortic anatomic features, TEVAR landing in zone 1 to zone 3 may not meet this requirement. The aim of this study was to examine whether 2-cm PLZ nonadherence was related to adverse outcomes after TEVAR. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3 landing TEVAR at a single institution between November 2013 and October 2018. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography images were analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction. The patients were categorized into two groups: PLZ ≥2 cm (adherence group) and PLZ Results The cohort comprised 63 patients (18 in the adherence group and 45 in the nonadherence group) with a mean age of 53.3 ± 20.6 years. Indications for TEVAR were blunt thoracic aortic injury (65.1%), thoracic aneurysm (23.8%), penetrating ulcer (9.5%), and type B dissection (1.6%). Mean PLZ length was significantly shorter for the nonadherence group (8 ± 7 mm for the nonadherence group vs 34 ± 15 mm for the adherence group; P Conclusions Achieving recommended sealing zone of 2-cm centerline length is paramount to avoid device-related adverse outcomes. We recommend careful surveillance in patients undergoing urgent TEVAR with
Obstetrical care is associated with child's dietary diversity in Indonesia: analysis from Demographic and Health Survey 2017.

Objective: To explore the influence of obstetrical care factors on dietary diversity and individual food group consumption in Indonesia. Design: Cross-sectional study to assess the association between pregnancy care factors and dietary diversity score, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and consumption of seven food groups. Setting: Data from the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey 2017. Participants: A total of 5113 children aged 6–23 months. Results: Dietary diversity score was significantly higher for children whose mothers received four or more prenatal care visits, were delivered at a health facility, had a professionally trained delivery assistant and were delivered by C-section. Children born at a health facility and delivered by a health professional had higher odds of meeting MDD (adjusted OR (AOR) 1·45, 95 % CI 1·18, 1·79 and OR 2·10, 95 % CI 1·54, 2·87, respectively). Four or more antenatal visits, delivering at a health facility and having a professional delivery attendant were associated with higher odds of consumption of lentils (AOR 1·66, 95 % CI 1·23, 2·25, AOR 1·30, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·65 and AOR 1·79, 95 % CI 1·19, 2·69). Four or more antenatal visits, delivering at a health facility and having a professional delivery attendant had higher odds of consumption of other fruits and vegetables (AOR 1·70, 95 % CI 1·23, 2·35, OR 1·23, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·61 and OR 1·90, 95 % CI 1·29, 2·79). Conclusions: Efforts focusing on providing nutritional education during antenatal care and delivery should be encouraged, especially for mothers seeking care outside of a health facility.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Among 3 Generations of Latinx Youth.

Introduction The U.S. immigrant paradox shows worsening health across generations, with U.S.-born Latinx having poorer health outcomes than immigrants. Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased health risk over the life course, warranting further investigation. This study examines adverse childhood experience distribution across generations in a community sample of first-, second-, and +third-generation Latinx youth. Methods Survey data were collected at 7 timepoints from 2005 to 2016; 1,303 participants completed follow-ups, including adverse childhood experiences, at Timepoint 5 (mean age=21.6 years). These analyses were performed in 2019. Adverse childhood experiences measured psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, and parental domestic violence, divorce, alcohol/drug use, mental illness, and incarceration. Adverse childhood experiences were operationalized as a continuous variable (number) and by 2 groups: household dysfunction and maltreatment. Associations between immigrant generation and adverse childhood experiences were analyzed in adjusted logistic and multiple regression models. Results Compared with +third-generation youth, first- (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.27, 0.89) and second- (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.26, 0.72) generation youth had lower odds of reporting household dysfunction. For first-generation youth, this was specific to living with an alcohol/drug user (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.29, 0.81). In contrast to other adverse childhood experiences, first-generation youth had twice the odds of reporting sexual abuse (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.04, 3.88) compared with +third-generation youth. Conclusions Preventing health disparities among immigrant-origin youth requires understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on Latinx youth across generations. Results highlight associations among a Latinx youth community sample, suggesting variations in experiences across generations. Household factors in childhood may be key targets for interventions aimed at improving the outcomes observed in later generations for Latinx families.
Network Effects in Public Blockchain Ecosystems: A Layer-Subsystem Perspective

Existing research on platform-enabled ecosystems has placed a great deal of emphasis on platforms with centralized forms of authority while paying less attention to ones with highly decentralized f...
Fault Injection of TMR Open Source RISC-V Processors using Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration on SRAM-based FPGAs

SRAM-based FPGAs are frequently used for critical functions in space applications. Soft processors implemented within these FPGAs are often needed to satisfy the mission requirements. The open ISA, RISC-V, has allowed for the development of a wide range of open source processors. Like all SRAM-based FPGA digital designs, these soft processors are susceptible to SEUs. This paper presents an investigation of the performances and relative SEU sensitivity of a selection of newly available open source RISC-V processors. Utilizing dynamic partial reconfiguration, this novel automatic test equipment rapidly deployed different implementations and evaluated SEU sensitivity through fault injection. Using BYU’s new SpyDrNet tools, fine-grain TMR was also applied to each processor with results ranging from a 20× to 500× reduction in sensitivity.
Sequential Online Course Redesign: When 'It Just Takes Time' Works No Longer

Despite the increase in formats of online education, evidence suggests that the academic achievement gap could widen without iterative adaptation. This comparative case study analyzes the implementation of an online undergraduate course delivered consecutively in hybrid and fully online formats. Student feedback and instructor reflection address adaptive processes for online learning and adjustments to enhance the second course following a sequential redesign. Results include students’ challenges with technology and workload, benefits of cross-course collaboration, instructor efforts to mediate challenges without sacrificing rigor, and advice for educational developers as they support online teaching through rapid adaptation by design.
A Coded Light Approach for Depth Map Acquisition

The Coded Light Approach is a technique to measure surface depth values in 3D coordinate space with modest device and computational cost. The burdensome correspondence analysis encountered in stereo vision or structured light techniques is avoided by projecting Gray code patterns sequentially onto the surfaces to be measured, and capturing the corresponding deformed code patterns with a camera. The captured code patterns are stored sequentially into subsequent bit planes of an image memory. After illumination and capture, each cell in image memory marks uniquely the corresponding illumination point in the projector image plane, and thus triangulation or depth calculation can be performed immediately by simple table look-up operations.
Understanding Ethnic Chinese Travelers on North American Cruise Tours: Motivations, Perceptions, and Satisfaction of Cruisers

Cruise travel has become more popular than ever, and the numbers of cruise vacations are growing worldwide at a high rate. The cruise industry is the fastest growing category within the leisure market. International travel within, into, and out of Asia and the Pacific has experienced strong growth. Asia is a large market and a potential growth area for the cruise industry. Increasing numbers of Asians are availing themselves of cruise vacations in Asia. This generates awareness and interest in cruise travel, providing opportunities to promote cruises in Europe, Australia, or North America to Asians. There are large communities of ethnic Chinese all over Asia, including Taiwan. Taiwanese travelers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their traveling standards and they seek to enrich their experiences by taking trips abroad. Cruise trips have become a favorite of the Taiwanese. The Taiwanese cruise market has grown substantially in the past decade. There are only a few research studies on travelers' m...
Markov games as a framework for multi-agent reinforcement learning

In the Markov decision process (MDP) formalization of reinforcement learning, a single adaptive agent interacts with an environment defined by a probabilistic transition function. In this solipsis-tic view, secondary agents can only be part of the environment and are therefore fixed in their behavior. The framework of Markov games allows us to widen this view to include multiple adaptive agents with interacting or competing goals. This paper considers a step in this direction in which exactly two agents with diametrically opposed goals share an environment. It describes a Q-learning-like algorithm for finding optimal policies and demonstrates its application to a simple two-player game in which the optimal policy is probabilistic.
The risk of assaultive behavior in suicidal patients.

This study assessed the occurrence of assaultive behavior in a group of suicidal patients who were in psychiatric hospitals, many for long periods of time. Of the 94 suicidal patients, 42 (45%) patients physically assaulted other persons at least once in the 3 months preceding the survey. Although many patients manifested active psychotic psychopathology at the time of the survey, there were no significant differences between assaultive and non-assaultive suicidal patients in terms of the presence of psychosis. The sex, race, primary psychiatric diagnosis, and length of stay of patients also were not related to the occurrence of assaultive behavior in suicidal patients. Only youth and the presence of seizure disorders were related to increased risk of assaultive behavior in hospitalized suicidal patients. The author compares the findings of this study to his previous study of concurrent assault and suicide just before or at the time of admission to psychiatric hospitals. Language: en
Quasi-cholinergic action of acetylating agents.

THE process by which acetylcholine causes muscle to contract presumably includes an action of acetylcholine on a definite site. The exact nature of this site, whether it is a small molecule, or a protein or enzyme, or a membrane, is still unknown. Although it is still inexactly defined, this substance or structure has acquired the presumably synonymous names ‘cholinergic receptor’ and ‘acetylcholine receptor’1,2. This communication offers evidence that the receptor structure of smooth muscle includes a chemical grouping capable of being acetylated, and that this acetylation process is a part of the chain of events that leads to contraction.
Cross-Modal Generalization Effects of Training Noncanonical Sentence Comprehension and Production in Agrammatic Aphasia

The cross-modal generalization effects of training complex sentence comprehension and complex sentence production were examined in 4 individuals with agrammatic Broca's aphasia who showed difficulty comprehending and producing complex, noncanonical sentences. Object-cleft and passive sentences were selected for treatment because the two are linguistically distinct, relying on wh-and NP movement, respectively (Chomsky, 1986). Two participants received comprehension training, and 2 received production training using linguistic specific treatment (LST). LST takes participants through a series of steps that emphasize the verb and verb argument structure, as well as the linguistic movement required to derive target sentences. A single-subject multiple-baseline design across behaviors was used to measure acquisition and generalization within and across sentence types, as well as cross-modal generalization (i.e., from comprehension to production and vice versa) and generalization to discourse. Results indicated that both treatment methods were effective for training comprehension and production of target sentences and that comprehension treatment resulted in generalization to spoken and written sentence production. Sentence production treatment generalized to written sentence production only; generalization to comprehension did not occur. Across sentence types generalization also did not occur, as predicted, and the effects of treatment on discourse were inconsistent across participants. These data are discussed with regard to models of normal sentence comprehension and production.
Equivalent perceptual asymmetries for free viewing of positive and negative emotional expressions in chimeric faces

Research employing chimeric stimuli (in which smiling and neutral half-faces are paired) has demonstrated greater influence of the left half-face in determining perceived intensity of expression. To date, no studies have examined how emotional expressions other than happiness are perceived in this format. Right-handed subjects viewed chimeric faces depicting both positive (happiness, pleasant surprise) and negative (sadness, anger) emotions in a free vision task. Results indicated a left half-face bias for all four emotions, supporting the hypothesis of a greater right hemisphere role in emotional perception. The lack of differences in strength of left half-face bias as a function of the specific emotion depicted suggests that results obtained with typical chimeric half-face paradigms can be generalized to emotions other than happiness.
Subauroral electric fields and magnetospheric convection during the April, 2002 geomagnetic storms

[1] We analyze the ionospheric electric fields during the geomagnetic storms of April, 2002 using data from the DMSP satellites. The subauroral potential drop (ΦSA) in the evening sector exceeded 60 kV at times and was often a substantial fraction of total cross-polar-cap potential drop (ΦPC). At storm commencement, the subauroral electric field penetration moved rapidly equatorward reaching the lowest magnetic latitude well before the end of the storms' main phases. ΦPC and ΦSA were correlated well with AE with no time delay. However, the correlations of ΦPC and ΦSA with Dst occurred with significant time delays, about an hour for ΦPC and longer for ΦSA. The largest values of ΦPC were seen near the end of the storm main phases while the largest values of ΦSA were seen well into the recovery phases. The results of this study have important implications on models attempting to describe the dynamics of the plasmasphere, the inner magnetosphere and the ring current.
Treatment decisions in the mentally impaired.

In working with mentally impaired patients of any age, we frequently encounter the problem of what treatment is and is not justified. Often physicians may think that although all-out measures to pr...
Preliminary Interpretation of Near-Field Effects on Measurement Accuracy in Shielded Enclosures

It has been well documented that measurements made in shielded enclosures can differ significantly from corresponding measurements made in the open-field. At frequencies above one or two hundred MHz these differences can be attributed to the existence of standing waves in shielded enclosures caused by multipath reflections from enclosure walls, ceilings and floors. However, large differences in corresponding open-field and shielded enclosure measurements also have been observed at frequencies well below 100 MHz, where the dimensions of most conventional enclosures are small enough compared to wavelength to preclude any significant conventional multipath interference effects. This paper discusses the results of an investigation into the causes and effects of these observed measurement inaccuracies in shielded enclosures at frequencies below 100 MHz. A preliminary theory is postulated which accounts for the observed inaccuracies in terms of a near-field measurement effect which is present in a shielded enclosure environment and absent in the corresponding open-field environment. All shielded enclosure and open-field measurement data collected to date has been found to be consistent with the postulated theory. A shielded enclosure measurement technique which is based on minimizing this near-field enclosure effect is discussed. Shielded enclosure measurement results obtained using this technique have been found to differ only slightly from corresponding open-field results.
The Surprising Logic of Transparency

The spread of information across borders is now possible on an unprecedented scale. Thanks to satellites, the Internet, and 24-hour news coverage, we have more up-to-the-minute news about other states’ internal politics than ever before. This surfeit of information is increased by institutional transparency, defined as mechanisms that facilitate the release of information about policies, capabilities, and preferences to outside parties.
The metabolism and disposition of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (Fyrol FR-2) in the rat.

Fyrol FR-2, a flame retardant, was readily absorbed from the skin and gastrointestinal tract and rapidly distributed throughout the body, with the highest concentration being observed in kidney, liver, and lung. The route of administration had little effect on Fyrol FR-2 distribution. Its absorption and distribution from the gastrointestinal tract was unaffected over a dose range of two orders of magnitude. Fyrol FR-2 was subject to rapid and extensive metabolic degradation. Within the first 24 hr, greater than 80% of the radio-activity was excreted in urine, feces, or expired as CO2. The major metabolite eliminated in the urine was bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate. Fyrol FR-2 was rapidly metabolized in vitro by a NADPH-dependent microsomal mixed-function oxidase system as well as a glutathione dependent transferase system present in the soluble fraction. The microsomal enzymes metabolized Fyrol Fr-2 to 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol, 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate as well as at least one unidentified metabolite. The soluble fraction metabolized Fyrol FR-2 to one metabolite which is probably a glutathione conjugate formed with the intact Fyrol FR-2 molecule.
Videotape safaris: Entering the field with a camera

In this paper, I examine how video methods are used to record what people do as a basis for generating ideas, constructing data, testing hypotheses, and developing grounded theory. Fieldwork with a camera captures emergent social structure and processes that arise from human interaction. While the discovery of serendipitous findings through video methods provokes new theoretical questions, this intrusion into the lives of others also raises ethical and legal issues for the researcher. I conclude that video methods constructively reorient the investigator to the behavior being studied.
A Volume Averaged Approach to the Numerical Modeling of Phase-Transition Intercalation Electrodes Presented for LixC6

An approach for the volume averaged numerical modeling of phase-transition intercalation electrodes is presented for lithiated graphite, LixC6, in lithium-ion batteries. The proposed method directly treats phase formation and growth through a modified form of the Avrami equation enabling the physics-based mathematical model to capture the additional time constant observed in the two phase regions of lithiated graphite as well as a portion of the hysteresis commonly observed between charge and discharge voltage. The graphite phase diagram was taken to be composed of three stages, or phases, each with a Nernstian or ideal solution based equilibrium potential function. The behavior of the potential rise from a current pulse in the two-phase region is matched well with this methodology resulting in higher valued diffusion coefficients than found when only a single-phase approach is used. Simulated results for mesocarbon microbeads show the co-existence of all three phases within the electrode during higher rate discharges. Concentration dependent diffusion coefficients are found to be necessary to match experimental results at rates significantly higher than 1C. The model is shown to be capable of exhibiting core-shell behavior when fitted phase-transformation rate constants are sufficiently high in value, although not observed for MCMB.
Sinkholes in Italy: first results on the inventory and analysis

The Italian Geological Survey (APAT) carried out field surveys and analysis of collapse phenomena (sinkholes) in Italy. The main goal of the project is to collect geological, geomorphological, geochemical and hydrogeological data about the sinkhole-prone areas in Italy in order to develop a spatial database of the characteristics of each phenomenon. The preliminary results of this study provide information on the distribution, geological setting, and monitoring and remediation actions associated with these natural collapses in Italy. Many Italian regions are affected by these natural disasters. Some of them are caused by karst collapses or anthropic activity. However, some occur in areas characterized by buried carbonate bedrock (up to 190 m), as well as by peculiar geological–structural and geochemical scenarios. In these areas it is not reasonable to ascribe the formation mechanism to karst activity. Instead, these types of cavities quickly develop in terrains with a variable granulometry, often in connection with upwelling fluids. In this work some natural specific cases have been studied in order to define the relationships between the geology (regional tectonic elements, mineral spring waters and strong gas vents) and the genesis of the sinkholes. A first attempt of sinkhole classification is also presented.
Central nervous system tuberculosis related to pregnancy

Abstract The probable activation of tuberculosis by pregnancy is illustrated by a patient with a 10-year history of tuberculous cervical adenopoathy. CT brain scans demonstrated three tuberculomas in the immediate postpartum period.
Pencil code: block code for a text world

Pencil Code is a block-based coding tool that helps beginners work with text-based web programming languages. It has been used to allow help first-time programmers of all ages create programs in JavaScript and CoffeeScript.Pencil Code allows students to toggle between text code and blocks freely. This approach allows students to transition smoothly from blocks to text as they become familiar with syntax. It also allows educators to create block vocabularies for specific lessons without working with an entirely new programming language.
Lipoprotein lipase in rats sensitized to endotoxin by surgical trauma.

Abstract Rats are sensitized to the lethal effects of endotoxin 24 hr after the implantation of intravascular catheters. In view of this observation, selected metabolic and hemodynamic changes were compared in conscious rats subjected to endotoxic shock with and without prior surgical cannulation of a carotid artery and external jugular vein (NS = nonsurgical; S = surgical). Emphasis was placed upon alterations in heart and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity due to surgical trauma and endotoxic shock. Only one-tenth the endotoxin dose required to cause death in 50–70% of 24 hr fasted NS rats (2.0 mg/100 g) was necessary to produce a similar effect in S rats 24 hr post-surgery (0.2 mg/100 g). Mean arterial blood pressure decreased from 128 ± 5.3 to 76 ± 8.2 mm Hg by 1 hr postendotoxin in the S group. Blood glucose levels were increased 95 and 57% within the first 2 hr after endotoxin in NS and S rats, respectively. Plasma free fatty acid (FFA) content was reduced 1.5 hr postendotoxin and returned to control levels by 4 hr in S rats. NS rat plasma FFA content remained reduced through the fourth hour. S rats responded to endotoxin with an increased plasma triglyceride concentration at 4 hr while no significant change was evident in NS rats. Heart LPL activity was significantly increased in S rats compared to NS rats while endotoxin administration reduced myocardial LPL activities in both groups. Neither surgical trauma nor endotoxic shock affected adipose tissue LPL activity. The decrease in myocardial LPL activity in endotoxic shock may represent a specific effect of endotoxemia on this tissue's capability to clear triglycerides.
Micro-autoradiographic assessment of cell types contributing to 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose uptake during ventilator-induced and endotoxemic lung injury.

Purpose The aim of the study was to use micro-autoradiography to investigate the lung cell types responsible for 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in murine models of acute lung injury (ALI).
Beyond trauma-focused psychiatric epidemiology: bridging research and practice with war-affected populations.

This article examines the centrality of trauma-focused psychiatric epidemiology (TFPE) in research with war-affected populations. The authors question the utility of the dominant focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and other disorders of Western psychiatry, and they identify a set of critical research foci related to mental health work with communities affected by political violence. Core assumptions of TFPE and its roots in logical positivism and the biomedical model of contemporary psychiatry are explored. The authors suggest that an alternative framework—social constructivism— can serve as a bridge between researchers and practitioners by helping to refocus research efforts in ways that are conceptually and methodologically more attuned to the needs of war-affected communities and those working to address their mental health needs.
Public attitudes toward genetic testing.

This article, which reports the results of a telephone survey of a national sample of the adult US population, was designed as a first measure of attitudes in an area likely to undergo significant change over the next few years. Among the major findings: (1) First, attitudes toward prenatal testing are overwhelmingly favorable at this time, with about two thirds of the respondents saying they would want to undergo such tests themselves (or would want their partner to do so) and believing that the tests will do more good than harm. (2) Second, information about the new technology is not yet widely dispersed in society, and knowledge is unrelated to attitudes in any of the areas we measured. (3) Third, attitudes toward testing for genetic defects and attitudes toward abortion if tests are positive appear to be quite distinct so far. (4) Fourth, the particular conception of genetic defects held by the respondent influences preferences for abortion but not preferences for testing. (5) Fifth, testing for fetal sex clearly falls outside the pale of acceptable behavior at this time, but not if the couple already has three offspring of the same sex.
Sealed-cavity resonant microbeam pressure sensor

A quasi-digital pressure sensor based on polysilicon resonant microbeams has been demonstrated. Pressure sensitivities of nearly 4000 counts per second per psi have been attained on a 10 psi device with a base frequency of 233 000 Hz. Short-term stability as low as 0.01 ppm of the base frequency is typical. The microbeams are fabricated with their own integral vacuum cavities, allowing high-Q operation in the differential pressure mode or in contact with liquids such as silicone oil. Design considerations include the effects of internal strain and lead to a push-pull layout configuration independent of microbeam strain or diaphragm thickness. Fabrication technology incorporates fine-grained polysilicon, surface micromachining, bulk micromachining, and reactive sealing. Packaging into precision avionics headers is being used for preliminary testing. Testing results indicate suitability for precision avionics, industrial, and commercial applications. Optical methods have been used to test resonant microbeam pressure sensors and verify the push-pull design methodology. Testing methods developed under this effort include electrostatic drive/piezoresistive sensing, optical drive/optical sensing, substrate piezoelectric drive/optical sensing, and electrostatic drive/laser vibrometer sensing. Wafer-level testing of 200 μm×46 μm×1.9 μm microbeams shows an average fundamental frequency of 553 150 and first overtone of 1 332 550 Hz. The standard deviations across the wafer are 0.15 and 0.10%, respectively. The internal strain and effective thickness can be determined with high resolution. Laser vibrometer measurements through the microbeam shell verify the fundamental frequency and reveal at least ten overtones up to 25 MHz.
Mathematics teaching cases as a catalyst for informed strategic inquiry

This article is grounded in the work of the Mathematics Case Methods Project that began as a pilot study in 1987. The professional development process designed by this project uses teacher-authored cases (narratives about actual classroom experiences) as a stimulus for discussing mathematical, pedagogical and philosophical concepts and issues. The purpose of this article is to illustrate how specific aspects of the cases and case discussion process contribute to a climate that is conducive for motivating increasingly informed and strategic inquiry. The discussion focuses on four pivotal areas: (1) development of one’s own understanding of mathematics; (2) use of the student perspective as a source of feedback; (3) a recast of the familiar as strange and the simple as complex; and (4) critical examination of alternative views and ideas.
Integer Programming for Optimal Phosphate-Mining Strategies

This paper describes an intelligent decision-support system to help determine optimal mining strategies for W. R. Grace Company, one of the nation's largest suppliers of phosphate-based chemical products. Based on a 0-1 integer programming model which incorporates the knowledge of mining experts, the system helps management assess the mining potential of phosphate rock reserves. The system has been used in making investment decisions valued at over $40 million.
The effect of hypophysectomy in the weanling rat on size of the submandibular gland and on salivary proteins

Abstract Hypophysectomy in the weanling rat resulted in major reductions in the rate of growth, in food consumption and in both the absolute and relative weights of endocrine target organs in comparison with intact rats fed a semi-purified diet ad libitum . The ratios of the weight of the submandibular gland complex to body weight in male and female rats were similar for hypophysectomized and normal rats, which suggests that the gross size of the submandibular gland was not uniquely dependent on the secretion of pituitary hormones. Pilocarpine-stimulated salivary secretion and the total amount of salivary protein secreted were closely related to body weight and to submandibular gland weight in normal and hypophysectomized rats; salivary protein concentration tended to be elevated in the hypophysectomized rats. During paper electrophoresis, altered distributions of the protein components of saliva were observed in the experimental animals with notable increases in the anodal migrators. These changes in saliva were comparable to previously described alterations in hypothyroid rats.
Imaging of Small Defects in Nonmagnetic Tubing Using a SQUID Magnetometer

Using a recently developed superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer system which offers higher resolution and greater sensitivity than previous designs, we have created high-resolution spatial maps of the magnetic anomalies created by small defects in thin-walled, nonmagnetic tubes. Images obtained using three different sensing methods (injected current, induced current, and ferromagnetic decoration) are presented, and compared in terms of sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). All three methods possess the sensitivity to detect holes on a tube's outer diameter as small as 0.37 mm diameter×0.54 mm deep, with varying SNR, as well as holes on the tube's inner diameter as small as 1.0 mm diameter×0.3 mm deep. The ferromagnetic decoration method produces the strongest signals and excellent SNRs. Using this approach, we have detected inner- and outer-diameter slots with dimensions 0.76×0.15×0.08 mm3. In addition, we examine results of numerical inversion calculations applied to the experimental images. With inversion techniques it is possible to determine the original current density distribution given the measured magnetic field, hence revealing the approximate shape and location of defects.
Light Modulation of Electronic Transitions in Semiconducting Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes

UV illumination of semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) results in a substantial increase of the intensity of the first interband transition (S11) followed by dark or IR light induced restoration of the initial intensity. The intensity of the S11 transition could also be modulated by light-induced reversible conversion of spiropyran molecules attached to SWNTs from the spiro conformation to its merocyanine form. Both surface-located monomeric and end-located aggregated merocyanines were found in UV illuminated spiropyran-SWNT supramolecular conjugates.
Equilibrium ice sheet scaling in climate modeling

A set of simple scaling formulas related to ice sheet evolution is derived from the dynamic and thermodynamic equations for ice and is used to consider two common situations: (a) when we wish to estimate potential ice sheet characteristics given the prescribed net snow accumulation over an area; and (b) when we wish to reconstruct net snow accumulation and vertical temperature difference within the ice sheet given empirical data only concerning ice sheet area and volume. The scaling formulas are applied to the present day Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, as well as to some ancient ice sheets, and are used to estimate the potential global sea level change due to greenhouse warming.
Muscarinic type 2 receptors in the lateral dorsal tegmental area modulate cocaine and food seeking behavior in rats.

Abstract The cholinergic input from the lateral dorsal tegmental area (LDTg) modulates the dopamine cells of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and plays an important role in cocaine taking. Specific pharmacological agents that block or stimulate muscarinic receptors in the LDTg change acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the VTA. Furthermore, manipulations of cholinergic input in the VTA can change cocaine taking. In the current study, the ACh output from the LDTg was attenuated by treatment with the selective muscarinic type 2 (M2) autoreceptor agonist oxotremorine · sesquifumarate (OxoSQ). We hypothesized that OxoSQ would reduce the motivation of rats to self-administer both natural and drug rewards. Animals were tested on progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement for food pellets and cocaine. On test days, animals on food and on cocaine schedules were bilaterally microinjected prior to the test. Rats received either LDTg OxoSQ infusions or LDTg artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) infusions in a within-subjects design. In addition, infusions were delivered into a dorsal brain area above the LDTg as an anatomical control region. OxoSQ microinjection in the LDTg, compared to aCSF, significantly reduced both the number of self-administered pellets and cocaine infusions during the initial half of the session; this reduction was dose-dependent. OxoSQ microinjections into the area just dorsal to the LDTg had no significant effect on self-administration of food pellets or cocaine. Animals were also tested in locomotor activity chambers for motor effects following the above microinjections. Locomotor activity was mildly increased by OxoSQ microinjection into the LDTg during the initial half of the session. Overall, these data suggest that LDTg cholinergic neurons play an important role in modifying the reinforcing value of natural and drug rewards. These effects cannot be attributed to significant alterations of locomotor behavior and are likely accomplished through LDTg muscarinic autoreceptors.
Mercury and selenium in fish from the Savannah river: species, trophic level, and locational differences.

Levels of contaminants in fish are of considerable interest because of potential effects on the fish themselves, as well as on other organisms that consume them. In this article we compare the mercury levels in muscle tissue of 11 fish species from the Savannah River, as well as selenium levels because of its known protective effect against mercury toxicity. We sampled fish from three stretches of the river: upstream, along, and downstream the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, a former nuclear material production facility. We test the null hypothesis that there were no differences in mercury and selenium levels in fish tissue as a function of species, trophic level, and location along the river. There were significant interspecific differences in mercury levels, with bowfin (Amia calva) having the highest levels, followed by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and pickerel (Esox niger). Sunfish (Lepomis spp.) had the lowest levels of mercury. As expected, these differences generally reflected trophic levels. There were few significant locational differences in mercury levels, and existing differences were not great, presumably reflecting local movements of fish between the sites examined. Selenium and mercury concentrations were positively correlated only for bass, perch (Perca flavescens), and red-breasted sunfish (Lepomis auritus). Mercury levels were positively correlated with body mass of the fish for all species except American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus). The mercury and selenium levels in fish tissue from the Savannah River are similar to or lower than those reported in many other studies, and in most cases pose little risk to the fish themselves or to other aquatic consumers, although levels in bowfin and bass are sufficiently high to pose a potential threat to high-level consumers.
Finite element analyses of thin film active grazing incidence x-ray optics

The Chandra X-ray Observatory , with its sub-arc second resolution, has revolutionized X-ray astronomy by revealing an extremely complex X-ray sky and demonstrating the power of the X-ray window in exploring fundamental astrophysical problems. Larger area telescopes of still higher angular resolution promise further advances. We are engaged in the development of a mission concept, Generation-X, a 0.1 arc second resolution x-ray telescope with tens of square meters of collecting area, 500 times that of Chandra . To achieve these two requirements of imaging and area, we are developing a grazing incidence telescope comprised of many mirror segments. Each segment is an adjustable mirror that is a section of a paraboloid or hyperboloid, aligned and figure corrected in situ on-orbit. To that end, finite element analyses of thin glass mirrors are performed to determine influence functions for each actuator on the mirrors, in order to develop algorithms for correction of mirror deformations. The effects of several mirror mounting schemes are also studied. The finite element analysis results, combined with measurements made on prototype mirrors, will be used to further refine the correction algorithms.
Deformation mechanisms of electrostrictive graft elastomer

The electrostrictive graft elastomer is a new type of electroactive polymer. Recently developed by NASA, it consists of flexible backbone chains, each with side chains, called grafts. Neighboring backbone grafts physically cross-link and form crystal units. The flexible backbone chain and the crystal graft unit consist of polarized monomers, which contain atoms with electric partial charges, generating dipole moments. When the elastomer is placed into an electric field, external rotating moments are applied to the dipole moment. This stimulates electrostrictive strain in the graft elastomer. In this paper, the deformation of the elastomer under the action of an electric field is explained by means of two dominant mechanisms: crystal graft unit rotation and backbone chain reorientation. A two-dimensional computational model is established to analyze the deformation.
Reply to Antidepressants in Bipolar Disorder: Caveats in Interpreting and Applying the Findings of Altshuler et al

To the Editor: We thank Roger Sparhawk, MD, for his letter and concern regarding the use of antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder. He is specifically concerned that the findings from our study may be uncritically misapplied by physicians in the community, leading to widespread antidepressant prescribing. We want to underscore that our findings do not address whether antidepressants, in conjunction with a mood stabilizer, should be a first-line standard treatment for patients with bipolar disorder. Rather, our study addresses whether an antidepressant should be continued in patients who do not optimally respond to them in the acute treatment phase. In specific response to Dr Sparhawk’s comments: 1. A prior retrospective study of ours did, in fact, show that only 15% of bipolar patients treated with antidepressants could tolerate a 6-week antidepressant trial, had a positive response, and did not switch into mania. The patients in our current study involved patients who were first in a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and had either a partial or a positive antidepressant response in that acute treatment trial. In that study, the positive or partial response rate was less than 50% but greater than the 15% in our prior retrospective study. In both studies, however, it is clear that for many patients with bipolar disorder, antidepressants may not be well tolerated or helpful at treating their depression. 2. We agree that it is important to note that our acute partial responders were less likely to further achieve a full positive antidepressant response with continued coadministration of antidepressants than those who had initially achieved a full positive response. In fact, the conclusion of our study is that patients who do not respond fully acutely may not benefit further from continued antidepressant treatment. 3. All of the patients in our study were, in fact, first treated and did not respond to adequate doses or levels of lithium, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, or an antipsychotic agent prior to the addition of an antidepressant. We regret that the author believes that this standard is not consistently carried out in clinical practice in his geographic area. Further, while atypical antipsychotics certainly have a place in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, our study does not address whether an antipsychotic versus a more “classic” mood stabilizer may be differentially beneficial for patients with bipolar depression.
Electrostatic charging phenomenon in gas–liquid–solid flow systems

Abstract During the operation of multiphase systems such as fluidized beds, electrostatic charges are generated when the materials involved are dielectric in nature. The accumulation of electrostatic charges within the system can be operationally hazardous. Work on understanding and, hence, preventing the electrostatic charging phenomena has mostly focused on gas–solid media. Relatively little study has been performed on particulates and multiphase systems with non-conductive liquids as the medium. In this study, electrostatic charging in gas–liquid–solid fluidized beds with liquid as the continuum phase under different operating conditions was explored. Two different charge-reducing methods were also evaluated. Based on experimental studies, it was found that the superficial gas and liquid velocities have a significant effect on the rate of charge generation and transfer in a three-phase fluidized bed because of variation in the frequency and the intensity of the particle collisions. The local number density of the particles also affected the distribution of the electrostatic signal obtained. Two methods of reducing electrostatic charge accumulation were also investigated: adding fine powder and adding an anti-static agent such as Larostat 264A. When 15 wt% of fine glass powder was added to an air-Norpar15-HDPE (high density polyethylene) fluidized bed, the charge inside the fluidized bed was reduced by 72%. When, on the other hand, as little as 0.5 wt% of the anti-static agent, Larostat 264A in a liquid form, was added to the air-Norpar15-HDPE, the electrostatic level was quickly reduced by 83% and within 1 h the electrostatic charge was completely eliminated from the system.
Application of projection pursuit learning to boundary detection and deblurring in images

Abstract Projection pursuit learning networks (PPLNs) have been used in many fields of research but have not been widely used in image processing. In this paper we demonstrate how this highly promising technique may be used to connect edges and produce continuous boundaries. We also propose the application of PPLN to deblurring a degraded image when little or no a priori information about the blur is available. The PPLN was successful at developing an inverse blur filter to enhance blurry images. Theory and background information on projection pursuit regression (PPR) and PPLN are also presented.