cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical and Graphical Solutions to the Forward Position Problem of Two Robots Manipulating a Spatial Linkage Payload

This paper presents a solution to the forward position problem of two PUMA-type robots manipulating a spatial four-bar linkage payload. To simplify the kinematic analysis, the Bennett linkage, which is a special geometry spatial four-bar, will be regarded as the payload. The orientation of a specified payload link is described by a sixth-order polynomial and a specified joint displacement in the wrist subassembly of one of the robots is described by a second-order polynomial. A solution technique, based on orthogonal transformation matrices with dual number elements, is used to obtain closed-form solutions for the remaining unknown joint displacements in the wrist subassembly of each robot. An important result is that, for a given set of robot input angles, twenty-four assembly configurations of the robot-payload system are possible. Repeated roots of the polynomials are shown to correspond to the stationary configurations of the system. The paper emphasizes that an understanding of the kinematic geometry of the system is essential to verify the number of possible solutions to the forward position problem. Graphical methods are also presented to provide insight into the assembly and stationary configurations. A numerical example of the two robots manipulating the Bennett linkage is included to demonstrate the importance of the polynomial and closed-form solutions.
Religiousness, Spirituality, and Social Support: How Are They Related to Underage Drinking among College Students?.

ABSTRACT The U.S. Surgeon General has declared underage drinking among college students a major health issue for the nation, making it imperative that researchers delineate factors which predict and protect against it. Research suggests religiousness and spirituality might be protective factors, but methodological limitations make it difficult to know for sure or under what conditions. This study examined (1) multiple facets of religiousness and spirituality, (2) their associations with alcohol use, and (3) whether these facets interact with social support in predicting use. Findings indicate that religiousness and spirituality are differentially associated with alcohol use, and that only certain aspects of religiousness (intrinsic but not extrinsic) are related to lower levels of alcohol use. Moreover, social support interacts with only certain aspects of religiousness (extrinsic) and spirituality (universality) in predicting alcohol use and problems. The importance of distinguishing religiousness from s...
Constituent object parsing for information retrieval and similar text processing problems

The architecture and functioning of the Constituent Object Parser are described. This system has been developed specifically for text processing applications such as information retrieval, which can benefit from structural comparisons between elements of text such as a query and a potentially relevant abstract. The general way in which the system performs these matches, and the ways in which this objective influenced the design of the system are described. The parsing architecture incorporates several interesting features including: (1) an unusual combination of declarative and procedural representation techniques, (2) a monotonic discipline which permits useful heuristic approaches to difficult linguistic problems such as ellipsis, conjunction, ambiguity, and ill‐formed and incomplete input, and (3) an attempt to minimize the level of syntactic detail required in both the grammar and the lexicon. © 1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Should a criminal receive a heart transplant? Medical justice vs. societal justice

Should the nation provide expensive care and scarce organs to convicted felons? We distinguish between two fields of justice: Medical Justice and Societal Justice. Although there is general acceptance within the medical profession that physicians may distribute limited treatments based solely on potential medical benefits without regard to nonmedical factors, that does not mean that society cannot impose limits based on societal factors. If a society considers the convicted felon to be a full member, then that person would be entitled to at least a "decent minimum" level of care--which might include access to scarce life-saving organs. However, if criminals forfeit their entitlement to the same level of medical care afforded to all members of society, they still would be entitled to a kind of "rudimentary decent minimum" granted to all persons on simple humanitarian grounds. Almost certainly this entitlement would not include access to organ transplants.
Effects of oxypolygelatin and dextran 70 on hemostatic variables in dogs

Abstract Objective To evaluate and compare coagulation variables following the administration of oxypolygelatin and dextran 70 to clinically healthy dogs. Study design Randomized cross–over experimental study. Animals A total of eight healthy adult female Beagles aged 2–4 years old and weighing 11.8 ± 2.7 kg. Methods The dogs received a 15–minute intravenous (IV) infusion of 5 mL kg −1 oxypolygelatin or 10 mL kg −1 6% dextran 70. Before (PRE) and at 2, 5, and 24 hours after administration, packed cell volume (PCV), total solids concentration (TS), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen concentration (FIB), platelet numbers (Plat), factor VIII coagulant activity (VIII:C), von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWf:Ag) and platelet function and buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) were measured. Platelet function was assessed using aggregation and by measuring ATP release from aggregating platelets over 6 minutes, with 20, 10, and 5 μ m ADP and 5 and 10 μg of collagen mL −1 as platelet activation agonists. Results All baseline values were within our normal ranges, except for one dog that had low vWf:Ag PRE values prior to both dextran and oxypolygelatin administration. Following dextran and oxypolygelatin administration, the PCV and TP were significantly ( p Conclusion At the doses administered, both dextran and oxypolygelatin can interfere with hemostatic variables in healthy dogs, but dextran's effect is more profound and prolonged when compared to oxypolygelatin. Clinical relevance Oxypolygelatin causes fewer hemostatic abnormalities when compared to dextran, making it a superior colloid for administration at the doses tested.
An Anionic N-Donor Ligand Promotes Manganese-Catalyzed Water Oxidation

Four manganese complexes of pentadentate ligands have been studied for their ability to act as oxygen evolution catalysts in the presence of Oxone or hydrogen peroxide. The complexes [Mn(PaPy3)(NO3)](ClO4) (1) (PaPy3H = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamide) and [Mn(PaPy3)(μ-O)(PaPy3)Mn](ClO4)2 (2) feature an anionic carboxamido ligand trans to the labile sixth coordination site, while [Mn(N4Py)OTf](OTf) (3) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) and [Mn(PY5)(OH2)](ClO4)2 (4) (PY5 = 2,6-bis(bis(2-pyridyl)methoxymethane)-pyridine) have neutral ligands of varying flexibility. 1 and 2 are shown to evolve oxygen in the presence of either Oxone or hydrogen peroxide, but 3 evolves oxygen only in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. 4 is inactive. The activity of 1 and 2 with Oxone suggests that the presence of an anionic N-donor ligand plays a role in stabilizing putative high-valent intermediates. Anionic N-donor ligands may be viewed as alternatives to μ-oxo liga...
Generalized Isobar Model, and the Pionic Form Factor of the Nucleon

It is pointed out that in a simple model in which the isobar is excited by a virtual pion, the deviations can be understood in a simple way in terms of the decreasing probability of isobar excitation for increasing fourmomenta transfer between colliding nucleons. This model predicts moderately well-defined peaks in the inelastic spectrum, corresponding to the various nucleon isobars. These isobars are in turn considered to correspond to the peaks in the pi -N cross section; the first three correspond to isobar masses M/sub 1/' = 1.23 Bev, M/sub 2/' = 1.52 Bev, and M/sub 3/' = 1.67 Bev. The predominant features of the experimental results are outlined. (B.O.G.)
Hybridization and enzymatic extension of au nanoparticle-bound oligonucleotides.

We have investigated the impact of steric effects on the hybridization and enzymatic extension of oligonucleotides bound to 12-nm colloidal Au particles. In these experiments, a nanoparticle-bound 12-mer sequence is hybridized either to its solution phase 12-mer complement or to an 88-mer template sequence. The particle-bound oligonucleotide serves as a primer for enzymatic extension reactions, in which covalent incorporation of nucleotides to form the complement of the template is achieved by the action of DNA polymerase. Primers were attached via-C6H12SH, -C12H24SH, and -TTACAATC6H12SH linkers attached at the 5‘ end. Primer coverage on the nanoparticles was varied by dilution with 5‘HSC6H12AAA AAA3‘. Hybridization efficiencies were determined as a function of linker length, primer coverage, complement length (12-mer vs 88-mer), and primer:complement concentration ratio. In all cases, hybridization for the 88-mer was less efficient than for the 12-mer. Low primer surface coverages, greater particle−prime...
Congenital pancreatic hypoplasia: A syndrome of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency

We describe two brothers with small size at birth, early-onset insulin-dependent diabetes, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. In contrast to the findings in pancreatic aplasia, their serum C-peptide and glucagon levels were measurable. These findings, in concert with their clinical courses, are consistent with the diagnosis of congenital pancreatic hypoplasia.
Using Language Modeling to Select Useful Annotation Data

An annotation project typically has an abundant supply of unlabeled data that can be drawn from some corpus, but because the labeling process is expensive, it is helpful to pre-screen the pool of the candidate instances based on some criterion of future usefulness. In many cases, that criterion is to improve the presence of the rare classes in the data to be annotated. We propose a novel method for solving this problem and show that it compares favorably to a random sampling baseline and a clustering algorithm.
Valedictory—why pediatric otorhinolaryngology is important

Abstract The importance of the care given by the pediatric otolaryngologist to the individual child encompasses the traditional purposes of medicine. This field has its special focus on interventions that preserve, restore, and/or otherwise improve hearing, speech, voice, gustation, olfaction, deglutition, respiration, appearances, etc. The value-added dimension of pediatric otolaryngology is of essential importance because it enhances communication language—through the vehicles of hearing, voice, and speech. This critical role is manifest in two ways. The first relates to the economic bases of society. Comparison of the consequences of communication disorders in three different countries ranging, currently, from one very highly dependent upon communication skills (the Netherlands), to one highly dependent upon communication skills (the United States), to a developing nation less dependent upon communication skills, (the Philippines) is presented. All three nations are adversely affected economically and socially by communication disorders. It is estimated that the United States loses between 2.5% and 3% of its gross domestic product from the economic sequelae of communication disorders. It appears also that communication disorders contribute to crime, since the prevalence of communication disorders is many times greater in populations of juvenile delinquents than in the general population. Communication disorders may act synergistically with diminished economic and social resources and other factors in the causes of violent behavior and crime.
Changing aldicarb residue levels in soil and groundwater, eastern Long Island, New York

Abstract A study that involved repeated groundwater and soil-core sampling in four representative potato-growing areas of Long Island, New York was carried out between 1980 and 1984 to investigate the impact of the pesticide aldicarb on groundwater quality. Aldicarb residue concentrations in both the saturated and unsaturated zones were analyzed together with hydrologic data from the study sites. Results showed that the timing of initial residue delivery to groundwater was dependent on water-table depth. After arrival at the saturated zone, the rate of residue advance within the aquifer depended on the rate of groundwater movement, which is strongly associated in this area with location relative to regional groundwater divides. Residue concentrations in groundwater peaked earliest and highest in areas closest to the aldicarb application sites and later and lower in areas farther downgradient. Based on the observed patterns of residue distribution, the impact of the pesticide on the aquifer as a whole will be shorter in duration than some previous estimates. The continuing processes of groundwater flow, residue degradation, and dispersion will drop aldicarb residue concentrations in groundwater to below the New York State drinking-water guideline of 7 μg/L long before the associated groundwater leaves the aquifer through natural discharge.
Totally minimally invasive robot-assisted unstented pyeloplasty using the Zeus Microwrist Surgical System: an animal study

Abstract Background Minimally invasive pyeloplasty is a difficult procedure even for an expert laparoscopic surgeon. The major difficulty is associated with the limitations of intracorporeal suturing and knot tying. Surgical robots, which hold minimally invasive surgical instruments, have wrists and provide tremor filtration and motion scaling that might be expected to facilitate complex procedures in newborns. Methods Seven survival piglets (4.0-7.5 kg) underwent a totally minimally invasive robot-assisted unstented pyeloplasty employing the Zeus Robotic Microwrist System. The ureter was transected at the level of the ureteropelvic junction and 8 mm was resected. The unstented anastomosis was fashioned with running suture and intracorporeal knot tying. The animals were recovered and intravenous urography was performed at 1 month. After sacrifice, the anastomosis and the kidney were evaluated grossly and histologically for leak, caliber, and healing. Results All animals survived the procedure without postoperative complications. The mean robotic setup time was 19 minutes (range, 10-30 min), mean anastomosis time 51 minutes (range, 39-63 min), and mean total operation time 76 minutes (range, 57-87 min). The urography showed hydronephrosis in the first animal. The other 6 animals had no abnormalities. Histopathology demonstrated severe hydronephrosis in the first pig and moderate hydronephrosis in the sixth and seventh. All other animals had no sign of hydronephrosis. All anastomoses were well healed and intact. Conclusions Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a technically feasible procedure with acceptable morbidity in an animal model. The robotic technology enhances surgical dexterity and precision. Robotic assistance can increase the applicability of minimally invasive surgery to complex procedures in children.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Breathing Not Properly: The Merger of 2 BNPs

Featured Article: Maisel A, Krishnaswamy P, Nowak RM, McCord J, Hollander JE, Duc P, et al. Rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure. N Engl J Med 2002;347:161–7.2 The idea for the Breathing Not Properly Study came from a preliminary study that we performed in our emergency department. I begged for devices to measure brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) from Biosite, an up-and-coming point-of-care company located in San Diego. The company's BNP marketing director, Scott Mader, made sure I had enough kits for our preliminary study (1). Our results showed 90% diagnostic accuracy! We found that many patients who were being followed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease actually had heart failure (an echocardiogram doesn't always pick it up). Because this observation could be a game changer, we needed to convince Biosite to fund a multicenter trial, which had never before been done at a “diagnostic lab” company. If …
Moral Reasoning and Student Perceptions of the Middle East: Observations on Student Learning from an Internet Dialog.

ABSTRACT This article explores the relationship between the religious based moral reasoning of Judaism and Islam and college student subjects' attitudes toward political entities involved in Middle East conflict, Israel and Arab states. Subjects learn about the moral positions by observing parts of an interactive, Internet dialog among Christian, Jewish, and Muslim scholars who discuss issues of terrorism, resistance, the United States's role in the Middle East, and the prospects for peace. After surveying an extensive literature on student attitude change, the author presents the study's methodology as well its quantitative and qualitative findings. These suggest that students' views of political entities are influenced by faith based moral reasoning in explanation of political actions. One group of subjects reported changed attitudes and more favorable viewpoints toward Israel after observing Jewish moral reasoning; and another group made similar positive attitude change toward Arab countries when prese...
Defending Brands: Effects of Alignment of Spokescharacter Personality Traits and Corporate Transgressions on Brand Trust and Attitudes

Two repeated-measure experiments examine the role of spokescharacters in defending consumer perceptions of brand attitude, brand trust, and the willingness to pay a price premium (WPPP) for the brand. Based on the theory of anthropomorphization, the first experiment assesses the moderating role of the alignment between the spokescharacter personality and negative information. Results show that nonaligned negative information and personality traits offer a stronger defense for the brand. The second experiment extends the first by comparing the role of spokescharacters relative to another visual promotion tool, brand logos. Results show that when personality and negative information are not aligned, there are no significant (unfavorable) effects on brand attitude and trust when either spokescharacters or logos are used, but the brands are susceptible to unfavorable effects when the negative information is aligned. In addition, the spokescharacter offers somewhat greater protection for the brand than does th...
Efficient synthesis of 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-amino-3'-thiouridine.

Metal ion rescue experiments provide a powerful approach to establish the presence and role of divalent metal ions in the biological function of RNA. The utility of this approach depends on the ava...
Gynaecological manifestations of childhood sexual abuse

Abstract Child sexual abuse presents in a variety of ways and many victims are never identified. The diagnosis is dependent upon the willingness of the professional or the carer to consider the possibility that abuse may have occurred. The form that abuse takes is often influenced by the age of the child and both influence the physical findings. There is considerable overlap in findings between an abused and a non-abused population. Variation in the normal is discussed in detail. Only a few signs are with certainty diagnostic of abuse. Significant physical findings are frequently absent. The lack of medical signs neither confirms nor refutes the diagnosis, which requires a full multi-disciplinary assessment.
The science of commonplace things

The old fable, “Acres of Diamonds,” teaches that one should not go abroad seeking diamonds, until one has carefully examined one's own backyard. In research, too, the moral applies. Under the scrutiny of modern science, everday phenomena have been made to yield, not only actual man-made diamonds, but “gems” of knowledge of even greater value.
Comments regarding 'Surgical treatment of patients with congenital vascular malformation-associated aneurysms'.

Through the last two decades, there has been a significant progress on the understanding of the nature of various congenital vascular malformations (CVMs), and the confusion based on old name-based eponyms and classification is now sufficiently cleared. Further, contemporary concept on the CVMs and its management by a multidisciplinary approach are now fully established. However, current knowledge is not sufficient enough to correct many unfair prejudices with a proper answer, and questions such as the aneurysm of congenital origin as the result of a birth defect remain to be answered. Among the arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), aneurysm formation along the feeding artery and/or draining veins is not rare at all; it is a ‘well anticipated’ haemodynamic reaction/consequence to such ‘high flow’ lesions. Together with a tortuosity, saccular or fusiform dilatation of the vessels is a common complication along the natural course of the progress of such lesion, when left alone. Therefore, all the extratruncular AVM lesions should be considered as candidates for aggressive control ‘before’ they progress to cause such potentially limb-threatening condition (e.g., aneurysmal rupture).
On the utility of tokamaks for energy

At the 14th IAEA Conference on Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, Wurzburg, Germany, several senior experts on magnetic fusion development shared with me their view that finally, the world fusion effort has accumulated enough understanding of the requirements and conditions for ignited long-pulse burn, that a tokamak experiment to achieve that objective could be built and expected to work with high confidence. Although this is not yet a unanimous view of all the IAEA participants, I do agree with this majority view. As a reflection of this growing confidence, the governments of the United States, the European Community, Russia and Japan have recently commissioned the Engineering Design Activity (EDA) phase of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The technical vision of ITER presented at that conference by the new ITER director, Paul-Henri Rebut, was widely accepted as a most practical and workable approach to achieving the above objective, assuming a successful demonstration of the proposed gas-target divertor during the EDA R&D phase. Having pioneered an early version of the gas-target divertor [l], I also agree with this assessment of the technical viability of Rebut’s proposed design. At the end of his ITER presentation, however, Rebut touched on an issue of much lower confidence among the fusion community, namely, that ITER would demonstrate “a reasonable cost per unit of fusion power”. Estimating myself that the magnet set (TF + PF) of his proposed design would store about 80 GJ, would have a cold mass exceeding 13000 tons, including magnet support structure, and would alone cost more than 5 B $ at 4OO$/kg (for 13 T max, Nb,Sn), I take a charitable interpretation of Rebut’s remark to mean that ITER demonstrate a reasonable unit cost, not by itself alone, but viewed as a significant step toward a practical power reactor. This then shifts the confidence issue on economics to a judgment on how much improvement in unit cost can be reasonable expected in tokamak reactors beyond ITER. Improvement beyond ITER was an important motivation behind the recent recommendation by the US Secretary’s Energy Advisory Board (SEAB) to proceed with the tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. This prompts the question as to how much improvement in unit cost would be needed from the present embodiment of ITER to an economically-competitive power reactor, assuming a 1 GW, power reactor would be at least no larger in size or mass than ITER. I would estimate the present expectation of ITER’s unit cost, based on a “median” performance with operation at prudent margins below accepted limits, to be = 10 B $/l GW,,, or, equivalently, 25$/W,, as if hot blankets and a 40% efficient conversion system were included. For a “competitive” commercial power reactor, I would take 2.5$/W, (based on total capital as in the ITER number). Thus, by this figuring, I estimate than an improvement factor of about 10 is needed (I wouldn’t quibble between 7 and 14).
Susceptibility and biomarker knowledge for improvement of environmental health

Abstract At the international level, environmental health problems are usually most serious in countries that have the least resources to deal with the problems. Therefore, international efforts have been initiated to achieve equitable environmental health globally. One approach is to conduct international collaborative studies. This approach has been successful in the building of scientific infrastructure in these countries so that they can address their own environmental health concerns and to sustain the environmental health programs. Using liver and oral cancers as models for discussion, examples of success in the identification of etiology and the mechanisms for the diseases are provided. For example, biomarkers are used to provide early warning signals for the disease. In addition, the application of the collected information for developing disease prevention and intervention programs is presented. Expertise in genetic susceptibility is used to provide a more precise understanding of the cancer process. With the precise knowledge, the information can potentially be used to screen for high-risk individuals and to develop ”designer” intervention procedures against specific biochemical defects. Success in disease prevention is dependent upon multidisciplinary collaborations at the local and international levels.
Phosphate sorption curves as a soil testing technique: A simplified approach

Abstract Single point phosphate sorption curves effectively estimated phosphate fertilizer requirements while requiring less work than multiple point curves. Correlation coefficients of 0.961 and 0.981 were obtained when phosphate rates, estimated using single point curves, were compared with those from multiple point curves. Reducing the ionic strength of the supporting electrolyte solution by using 0.001 M CaCl2 or water rather than 0.01 M CaCl2 during equilibration increased dissolved inorganic phosphate 73% and 141% on the average thus improving analytical precision. The relative effects of salt concentration were sufficiently independent of pH and phosphorus concentration to suggest that a simple conversion factor can be used to convert external P requirements from one set of equilibrium conditions (salt concentration) to another.
Hardiness: An Operationalization of Existential Courage

Existential psychologists emphasize the ongoing search for meaning in life that involves us in the ubiquitous decision-making process. Regardless of content, each decision involves choosing a futur...
A comparison of HIV health services utilization measures in a marginalized population: self-report versus medical records.

Background: In studies examining the use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) health services, researchers often use subjects' self-reported measures. Agreement between a subject's self-reports and medical records in marginalized populations is uncertain, yet important to understand, as this population is disproportionately affected by HIV. Methods: We sought to examine agreement between self-report and medical record health care utilization measures. Using a cross-sectional study, we studied 428 unstably housed HIV-infected adults in New York City. Self-reported data were collected from Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviews, and medical record data from health care providers' and facilities' ambulatory medical records. Agreement for a 6-month period was compared for ambulatory visits (0, 1, ≥2), HIV medications (antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infection prophylaxis), whether CD4 counts and viral loads were performed and their values (CD4: 500 cells/ mm 3 ; Viral load: undetectable, detected). Results: Agreement between self-report and medical records was 55.2% (kappa = 0.12) for visits, and 68.2-79.1% (kappa = 0.27-0.48) for medications. Agreement on whether laboratory tests were performed was 62.3-65.7% (kappa = 0.11-0.14), whereas agreement on laboratory values was 77.6-79.3% (kappa = 0.52-0.70). Most disagreement resulted in greater number of self-reported visits, use of medications, and laboratory tests compared with medical record data. Conclusions: Among HIV-infected marginalized individuals, agreement between self-report and medical records was poor for ambulatory visits, poor to fair for medication use, and poor for laboratory tests performed. However, agreement for CD4 count value was substantially better. These findings have implications on health services research in marginalized populations that relies only on self-report or medical record data. This study underscores the importance of understanding how self-reported and medical record data are correlated in marginalized populations.
Australasia as seen by an engineer

South Pacific continent and its neighbor island present many features of interest; glimpses of a few are given here.
Parametric generation of tunable infrared radiation for remote sensing applications

We are developing a high energy, narrow linewidth, and tunable mid-IR laser source that can be used to measure the green house gases and toxic gases with sufficient sensitivity and accuracy. This system consists of three major components; a high energy seeded 2.05-micron pump laser, a parametric oscillator and amplifier tunable between 3 to 9 microns and a continuous wave Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) seed source for parametric oscillator. A high-energy 2.05-micron pump laser with 600-mJ output has been demonstrated. This laser is comprised of one oscillator and two amplifiers. It is operated in a double pulse format to increase the system efficiency. The high beam quality combined with the narrow linewidth feature makes it a superior pump source for the parametric oscillator and amplifier. A seed source for the parametric oscillator can be implemented by using a PPLN continuous wave Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO). The efficiency of this PPLN OPO can be greatly increased because of the huge nonlinearly associated with the d33 element of the nonlinear tensor of this material and the non-critical phase matching. Recent significant material growth improvement of ZnGeP2 makes it possible to produce the crystal with sufficient low absorption at the 2.05 pump wavelength (<0.1cm-1). This crystal also has the characteristics of wide transparency range and large second-order nonlinearities. Such a crystal is one of the most promising nonlinear optical materials for efficient frequency conversion into the mid-IR spectral region. In this paper, the design and preliminary results of this laser system will be presented.
Evidence that the ras oncogene-encoded p21 protein induces oocyte maturation via activation of protein kinase C.

Abstract The ras oncogene-encoded p21 protein is known to induce cell maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes and malignant transformation of NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. The pathways involved in oocytes and NIH 3T3 cells appear to be similar to one another. For example, in both cases, the ras p21-induced cellular events involve increased intracellular levels of the second messengers diacylglycerol and inositol phosphates, the former of which activates protein kinase C (PKC). To investigate the pathway of ras-induced oocyte maturation, we have explored the relationship between p21 protein and PKC. We show that the maturation signal from oncogenic p21 microinjected into Xenopus oocytes is completely blocked by the relatively specific PKC inhibitor CGP 41251, a staurosporine analogue that selectively inhibits PKC, but not by an inactive analogue of staurosporine, CGP 42700. Microinjection of purified PKC or of phorbol ester induces maturation of oocytes. PKC-induced maturation is inhibited by CGP 41251 but not by CGP 42700. Maturation induced by microinjected PKC is also not inhibited by two specific anti-p21 agents, the inactivating anti-p21 monoclonal antibody Y13-259 and the amino acid derivative azatyrosine. Both of these agents block p21-induced cell maturation. These results suggest that ras effects depend upon the action of PKC, whose activation is an event that occurs downstream of p21 in the maturation signal pathway.
Some open issues associated with the new type of component: digital-to-frequency converter [Open Column]

This paper presents seven unsolved mathematical problems which all relate to a new type of electronic component: digital-to-frequency converter. These problems are parts of the theoretical foundation of this new component. Even though theoretical in nature, these problems will have profound impact on future real electronic system design. These problems present themselves as an excellent example of demonstrating the significance of mathematical analysis in circuit design applications. They show the importance of fundamental research on directing the real world work.
Ongoing local transmission of dengue in Japan, August to September 2014.

WPSAR Vol 5, No 4, 2014 | doi: 10.5365/wpsar.2014.5.3.007 www.wpro.who.int/wpsar 1 a Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan. b Department of Virology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan. c Department of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan. Submitted: 26 September 2014; Published: 28 October 2014 doi: 10.5365/wpsar.2014.5.3.007 In late August 2014, three autochthonous dengue cases were reported in Japan. Since then, as of 17 September 2014, a total of 131 autochthonous cases have been confirmed. While cases were reported from throughout Japan, the majority were linked to visiting a large park or its vicinity in Tokyo, and the serotype detected has been serotype 1. We report preliminary findings, along with the public health response activities, of the first documented autochthonous dengue outbreak in Japan in nearly 70 years.
On the efficiency of vector computers with private cache memories

Abstract The high efficiency levels of vector processors are closely tied with the memory interference problem they face. The problem becomes more acute because of the large main memories in vector computers of today. The speed of such memories is rather slow when compared with the fast cpu . One of the possible solutions is the use of private cache associated with each cpu . We assume multiple buses and an interleaved main memory. The paper presents and analyzes a simple Markov chain model for Vector Computers using private cache memories. The private caches are block interleaved. It has been observed that the number of independent memory blocks necessary to preserve a constant level of memory efficiency is approximately proportional to the number of cpu's time the square of the cache memory block reservation time.
Elastin defects in the lungs of avian and murine models of homocysteinemia.

Homocysteinemia in animals is associated with disruption of the elastic fiber component of the extracellular matrix, resulting in vascular complications. The authors have utilized both avian and murine models to investigate the effects of homocysteinemia on lung development and repair following injury. Days old chicks were fed a diet containing 2% methionine for 3 weeks. Pregnant mice were given 2% methionine in the diet and feeding continued for up to 6 weeks after birth. The lungs were removed and examined for defects in elastin fiber formation. Methionine levels were elevated 20-fold in the serum from chicks receiving the methionine and 10-fold in pregnant mice. The elastic fibers in the parabronchi and air capillaries of chicks receiving methionine were thin and clearly disrupted. In the 2% methionine neonatal pups, normal lung development was prevented and the alveoli were significantly enlarged. However, after the pups reached 10 days of age the 2% methionine lungs did not differ histologically from...
Filter-related, thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava treated with a Gianturco stent

The authors report a case of complete thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC), which occurred 4 weeks after placement of an IVC filter (TrapEase; Cordis, Miami FL). Initial treatment with suction thrombectomy and thrombolysis was ineffective. Percutaneous removal of the filter was unsuccessful because of the long period of implantation. TrapEase filters (Cordis) are easily collapsible because of their symmetric design and composition (nitinol). An expandable metallic Gianturco Z stent (Cook, Bloomington, IN) was used to exclude the filter from the vessel lumen. In cases of persistent filter-related, thrombotic occlusion of the IVC, in which initial treatment has failed, the use of a Gianturco stent (Cook) to exclude the filter from the vessel lumen is a viable treatment option if the filter has a collapsible design.
Citrus Red Mite Populations in Relation to Virus Disease and Predaceous Mites in Southern California

A 4-yr study on Valencia oranges near Fillmore, Ventura Co., California, indicated that a noninclusion virus disease was an important mortality factor in the suppression of populations of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), at both high (16 mites/leaf) and relatively low (2–3/leaf) densities. The phytoseiid mite, Ambyseius hibisci (Chant), apparently played a complimentary but secondary role in suppressing mite populations in this study.
Count rate and dynamic range of an X-ray imaging system with MCP detector

Abstract X-ray imaging system with edge-on MCP detector has recently been evaluated for potential application in medical imaging. Although this system has been able to provide good quality images, its clinical implementation is limited by its low count rate. The system count rate was limited by a delay line position encoding electronics, which processes the events serially. The count rate of the MCP was also limited because of high gain required for delay line electronics. In this work, the count rate and dynamic range of the system was evaluated. The count rate limitation due to readout electronics and MCP was measured separately. Pulse counting and charge integrating modes of the MCP detector was used. Photon beams for these measurements were generated using an X-ray tube at 50 and 90 kVp peak potentials with 41 and 75 keV average photon energies, respectively. The electronics dead time was measured to be 20% at 200 kHz total system count rate. In addition, 15–30% of the photon signals were not detected by delay line electronics due to exponential pulse height distribution of the MCP signals. The exponential pulse height distribution of the MCP was due to the edge on illumination mode of the MCP and the high energy X-ray photon beam. Image artifacts due to dead time and signal loss were evaluated. Multichannel ASIC readout electronics was considered as a potential solution to the count rate and dynamic range problem. It was shown that the edge-on MCP detector can operate in pulse counting mode at low gains of 104–105 e/photon required for ASIC electronics. It was also shown that at this low gain, the MCP count rate can be increased up to 1.33×106 count/s/pixel, for 100 μm detector pixels, which is appropriate for clinical X-ray imaging.
The magnesium activation of pyrophosphatase.

Abstract The activity of rat brain pyrophosphatase at various concentrations of added Mg++ and inorganic pyrophosphate has been measured. In confirmation and extension of previous results the data show a pronounced inhibition of the enzyme action by pyrophosphate and a weaker inhibition by excess magnesium pyrophosphate. Concentrations of free and combined Mg++ and pyrophosphate in the assay conditions were calculated by use of an apparent dissociation constant for magnesium pyrophosphate as determined by spectrophotometric measurements of the competition of pyrophosphate and ethylenediamine tetraacetate for Mg++. Evidence is presented that the activation of rat brain pyrophosphatase by Mg++ can be ascribed to a requirement of the enzyme for magnesium pyrophosphate for a substrate. The requirement for a much higher Mg++ and pyrophosphate concentration for maximum activity under some conditions can logically result from the removal of the potent inhibition by free pyrophosphate and lack of inhibition by free Mg++.
The compositional classification of chondrites: II The enstatite chondrite groups

We present new data from a neutron activation analysis of four enstatite chondrites including the taxonomically important St. Sauveur, and discuss the classification of enstatite chondrites. The enstatite chondrites can be divided into two compositionally distinct sets; in one set abundances of nonrefractory siderophiles and moderately volatile chalcophiles and alkalis are 1.5–2.0× higher than in the other. A well-resolved compositional hiatus separates these two sets. The differences in composition are as great as those between the groups of ordinary chondrites, and therefore it appears best to treat these sets as separate groups. By analogy with the symbols used for ordinary chondrites we propose to designate the high-Fe, high siderophile group EH and the low-Fe, low-siderophile group EL. Known members of the EH group belong to petrologic types 4 and 5, whereas all EL members are petrologic type 6. Within the EH group no correlation is observed between petrologic type and abundance of nonrefractory siderophiles or moderately volatiles or alkalis. Two physical properties show only modest overlap between the EH and EL groups. Cosmic-ray ages for EH chondrites are 0.5–7 Ma, while those for EL chondrites are 4–18 Ma. Relative to Bjurbole, I-Xe formation intervals are −1.3 ± 0.6 Ma for EH chondrites and 2.9 ± 0.5 Ma for EL chondrites. The weight of the chemical and physical evidence indicates that the EH and EL groups formed separate bodies at similar distances from the Sun. The available evidence for Shallowater and Happy Canyon, two strongly recrystallized silicate-rich meteorites containing > 40 mg/g Fe-Ni, indicates that the former is an enstatite-clan chondrite altered by loss of sulfide- and plagioclase-rich melts, whereas the latter is intermediate in composition between EL chondrites and the chondritic silicates in the Pine River IAB-anomalous meteorite.
A Heuristic Algorithm for Assigning Crews Among Bases in an Airlift Operation

In this paper, the optimum assignment of crews among the bases in an airlift operation is considered. An airlift operation consists of transporting large quantities of equipment and personnel among various bases. The crews operating the aircraft rest for a constant period of time after arriving at the bases, before flying again. In order to minimize the waiting times of the aircraft at the bases for want of rested crews, the available crews are distributed initially among the bases. Using earlier results of the mean waiting time of an aircraft at a single base and the probability distribution of the inter-departure times of the aircraft from the base, the problem of optimum allocation of crews is formulated as a non-linear integer programming problem. A heuristic algorithm is developed using the Lagrange multiplier. Its solution is compared with the exact solution for a number of test cases, and the algorithm is found to perform well.
Agricultural Revolution and Elite Reproduction in Qing China: The Transition to Capitalism Debate Revisited

Recent actor-centric theory about the historical rise of capitalism emphasizes the role of the autonomous agrarian elite in fostering a sustained agricultural revolution. This revolution generated ample agrarian surplus, in the form of rural elite s elevated income, to fuel a capitalist-industrial takeoff in late-eighteenth-century England. The nontransition to capitalism in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century China, despite the vast surplus generated in its advanced agrarian sector, shows that high agricultural productivity is a necessary but not sufficient condition for a capitalist takeoff. By comparing Qing China with eighteenth-century England, where capitalist industrialization erupted spontaneously, and nineteenth-century Japan, where capitalist industrialization succeeded under intensive state sponsorship, this article argues that a strong urban entrepreneurial elite, capable of centralizing the agrarian surplus and investing it in productive industrial innovation, were as important as the existence of the surplus itself in fomenting capitalist transition. The reproduction of the elite in eighteenth-century China was constrained, not by the anticommercial "oriental despotic " state as presumed in earlier literature, but by the state s paternalist disposition in managing urban class conflict. Capitalist-industrial development in China was further impeded in the nineteenth century, when a nexus of local predatory-military elite emerged in response to millenarian uprisings and wasted most of the agrarian surplus in their accumulation of means of violence. The negative case of China helps us advance the actor-centric model of capitalist transition by bringing urban entrepreneurs and class politics back in.
Identifying complex features of febrile seizures: Medical record review versus medical record plus interview

Complex febrile seizures are associated with an increased risk of epilepsy; however, the means by which complex features are identified are unclear and frequently not discussed. In this report, a comparison is made between the identification of complex features based on medical record review only versus with additional information from an interview with the witness of the seizures. Three pediatric neurologists each rated the descriptions of 100 febrile seizures for the presence of three "complex" features (focal onset, duration > 10 min, and multiple seizures within an illness episode). Ratings were done, first, on a description based solely on information available in the medical record and, second, on a description that included additional information obtained during an interview with the parent. The proportion of seizures with each complex feature was greater with the addition of the interview information than when the raters had the information from the medical record only. Reasons for the differences between records alone and records with interview include omission of information from the record, clarification of medical record information by the interview, and frank disagreements between the record and interview. For identification of complex features, information is needed both from the medical record and an interview with a witness.
Food deprivation, estrogen levels and self-stimulation in the female rat: individual effects.

Summary.-Food deprivation was found to augment self-stimulation rates in forebrain and hippocampal areas. Estrogen had mixed effects, i.e., both positive and negative, in hypothalamic, as well as forebrain and hippocampal areas. Interacrions between the effects of food deprivation and esuogen were also noted. Two variables, food deprivation and estrogen levels, were manipulated concurrently to study their effects on rare of sclf-stimulation during a daily 20-min. continuous reinforcement period. Table 1 shows how the self-stimulation rate changed with hunger (O-, 24-, and 48-hr. food deprivation) under the two conditions of sex drive (estrus and diestrus). Table 2 presents the results of the analysis of variance (Winer, 1962, pp. 241-244) carried out on the data summarized in Table 1. Table 2 shows that most of the signifi