cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying cochlear implant channels with poor electrode-neuron interface: partial tripolar, single-channel thresholds and psychophysical tuning curves.

Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of a threshold measure, made with a restricted electrode configuration, to identify channels exhibiting relatively poor spatial selectivity. With a restricted electrode configuration, channel-to-channel variability in threshold may reflect variations in the interface between the electrodes and auditory neurons (i.e., nerve survival, electrode placement, tissue impedance). These variations in the electrode-neuron interface should also be reflected in psychophysical tuning curve measurements. Specifically, it is hypothesized that high single-channel thresholds obtained with the spatially focused partial tripolar electrode configuration are predictive of wide or tip-shifted psychophysical tuning curves.
Oblique and biorthogonal multiwavelet bases with fast-filtering algorithms

We construct oblique multi-wavelets bases which encompass the orthogonal multi-wavelets and the biorthogonal uni-wavelets of Cohen, Deaubechies and Feauveau. These oblique multi- wavelets preserve the advantages of orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelets and enhance the flexibility of wavelet theory to accommodate a wider variety of wavelet shapes and properties. Moreover, oblique multi-wavelets can be implemented with fast vector-filter-bank algorithms. We use the theory to derive a new construction of biorthogonal uni-wavelets.
Brief alcohol interventions for adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study reports findings from a meta-analysis summarizing the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions for adolescents (age 11-18) and young adults (age 19-30). We identified 185 eligible study samples using a comprehensive literature search and synthesized findings using random-effects meta-analyses with robust standard errors. Overall, brief alcohol interventions led to significant reductions in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among adolescents (g = 0.27 and g = 0.19) and young adults (g = 0.17 and g = 0.11). These effects persisted for up to 1 year after intervention and did not vary across participant demographics, intervention length, or intervention format. However, certain intervention modalities (e.g., motivational interviewing) and components (e.g., decisional balance, goal-setting exercises) were associated with larger effects. We conclude that brief alcohol interventions yield beneficial effects on alcohol-related outcomes for adolescents and young adults that are modest but potentially worthwhile given their brevity and low cost.
Cognitive task effects on gait stability following concussion

The purpose of this study was to determine how two different types of concurrent tasks affect gait stability in patients with concussion and how balance is maintained. Fourteen individuals suffering from a grade II concussion and 14 matched controls performed a single task of level walking and two types of concurrent tasks during level walking: a discrete reaction time task and a continuous sequential question and answer task. Common gait spatial/temporal measurements, whole-body center of mass motion, and the center of pressure trajectory were recorded. Concussed individuals demonstrated differences in gait while performing single-task level walking and while being challenged with a more difficult secondary task compared to normal controls. Concussed individuals adopted a slower, more conservative gait strategy to maintain stability, but still exhibited signs of instability with center of mass deviations in the coronal plane increasing by 13% during the question and answer dual-task and 26% more than control subjects. Trends of attentional deficits were present with the question and answer task, while the reaction time task seemed to help concussed individuals be more alert to their gait and stability. Recommendations for a sensitive testing protocol of deficits following concussion are explained.
Evolution of concepts in DNA repair

A short personalized history of the development of the field of DNA excision repair is presented, beginning with the early insights of radiation biologists and extending to the present-day convergence of the fields of DNA repair and transcription. It is becoming increasingly clear that excision repair is not merely an extraordinary scheme to help UV-exposed cells survive but rather one that operates upon a wide range of structural defects in DNA, some of which are due to environmental chemicals and others are a consequence of normal metabolic activities. It is an important challenge to researchers and risk assessors to determine the relative contributions to biological endpoints from endogenous events and the intrinsic instability of DNA as compared to exogenous environmental exposures. This should be one of the goals of the Environmental Mutagen Society as it embarks upon its second quarter-century.
Intracellular generated potentials during excitation‐contraction coupling in muscle

The initiation of frog muscle contraction by surface membrane depolarization was investigated by the local passive voltage clamp technique. Contractions are locally confined to the region below the excited surface membrane and ordinarily involve the entire sarcomere diameter in summer fast fibers. In contrast, fibers of winter hibernating frogs show graded contractions with limited inward spread. The depolarization strength-duration relation for contraction initiation appears hyperbolic and has a contraction threshold around –50 mV membrane potential. When rapid local muscle contraction is initiated, an intracellular generated potential (IGP) of several millivolts is observed which starts after surface membrane excitation and initiates before contraction. The time course of the IGP parallels the time course of contraction in summer fast fibers and has three components; a pre-potential, an early and a lite depolarization. These intracellular potential changes are interpreted as resulting from excitation of the transverse tubular structures and the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Environment, Design, and Obesity Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research

This article presents a framework for considering the relevance of the physical environment to obesity. The authors adopt the notion that the “environment” constitutes the space outside the person and therefore broaden the common conceptualization of the “environment” to encompass a full spectrum from small-scale design elements to large-scale community infrastructure. An energy balance approach is also adopted. The energy balance perspective recognizes the equilibrium of food consumption and energy expenditure, rather than focusing solely on one or the other side of the equation. The authors consider how environmental characteristics present either barriers (that hinder), or supports (that promote) healthy habits. Thus, they describe a range of obesity-related environmental themes that provide opportunities for innovative collaborative research between environmental psychologists and colleagues in fields ranging from apparel design to landscape architecture. Last, conceptual and methodological considerat...
Near Hartree-Fock quality GTO basis sets for the first- and third-row atoms

Energy-optimized Gaussian-type-orbital (GTO) basis sets of accuracy approaching that of numerical Hartree-Fock computations are compiled for the elements of the first and third rows of the periodic table. The methods employed in calculating the sets are explained; the applicability of the sets to electronic-structure calculations is discussed; and the results are presented in tables and briefly characterized.
Molecular staging of lung cancer: real-time polymerase chain reaction estimation of lymph node micrometastatic tumor cell burden in stage I non-small cell lung cancer--preliminary results of Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 9761.

Abstract Objective: The 5-year survival for patients with surgically resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer is only 60% to 70%, probably because of undetected systemic occult micrometastases. Detection of occult micrometastases in lymph nodes by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA in non-small cell lung cancer has not been reported. Detection of occult micrometastases by standard reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction provides only yes or no answers about their presence, whereas quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction permits reproducible quantitation of target molecules. This study evaluated the ability of quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to quantitate lymph node occult metastases with carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA as a tumor marker. Methods: Standard reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA were performed on 232 lymph nodes from 53 patients with stage I disease (node negative according to histologic examination). Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction determined carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA quantity by detecting fluorescence increase at a threshold polymerase chain reaction cycle. Threshold polymerase chain reaction cycle values were correlated with standard curves created from serially diluted carcinoembryonic antigen-positive HTB-174 tumor cells to estimate the number of micrometastatic tumor cells in a lymph node. Results: Detection rates of occult metastases were similar for standard reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at 38 of 232 (16.4 %) and 59 of 232 (25.4 %), respectively. Upstaging rates among 53 cases of stage I non-small cell lung cancer were also similar for standard reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at 23 of 53 (43.4 %) and 30 of 53 (56.6%), respectively. Comparison of positive lymph node stations according to quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (threshold polymerase chain reaction cycle 3 to 3.24 × 10 5 cells per lymph node station (median 7190 tumor cells per lymph node station). Conclusions: Standard and quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for carcinoembryonic antigen detected occult metastases in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer at similar rates; both upstaged about 50% of cases. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction allows estimation of the number of metastatic cells per lymph node, however, which potentially allows greater precision in predicting recurrence risk. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:484-91
Characterization of the Theta to Beta Ratio in ADHD Identifying Potential Sources of Heterogeneity

Objective: The goal of this study is to characterize the theta to beta ratio (THBR) obtained from electroencephalogram (EEG) measures, in a large sample of community and clinical participants with regard to (a) ADHD diagnosis and subtypes, (b) common psychiatric comorbidities, and (c) cognitive correlates. Method: The sample includes 871 participants (595 youth and 276 adults) with and without ADHD. All participants underwent extensive assessment, including semistructured diagnostic interviews, cognitive testing, and EEG recording. Results: The THBR did not differ significantly by ADHD status for youth but was significantly lower in adults with ADHD compared with controls. ADHD subtype and psychiatric comorbidities such as disruptive behavior disorders and depression have opposing and significant mediating effects on the THBR. Conclusion: The THBR is affected by several mediating factors associated with ADHD such as ADHD subtype and psychiatric comorbidity. More research is needed to understand the functi...
N(2) fixation by soybean-Bradyrhizobium combinations under acidity, low P and high Al stresses

Five strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (USDA 6, 110, 122, 138, and 143) were screened in cell culture for tolerance to acidity (pH 4.2, 4.4, and 4.6) and Al (0, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mg L−1) under low P conditions. Each strain was later grown in association with seven soybean [Glycine max. (L) Merr.] cultivars which were also screened for tolerance to the same stresses in nutrient culture to determine which soybean-Bradyrhizobium combinations would establish the most effective symbiotic N2 fixing relationships. Results indicated that strains USDA 110 and 6 were more tolerant than USDA 122, 138 and 143 with USDA 110 being the most tolerant. Acidity appeared to be the more severe stress; but even when strains showed tolerance to the stresses, cell numbers were significantly reduced. This suggests that colonization of soils and soybean roots can be adversely affected under similar conditions in the field which may result in reduced nodulation. The strains found to be more tolerant to the stresses were more effective N2 fixers in symbiosis with all soybean cultivars, with USDA 110 being definitely superior. The association between the more tolerant strains and cultivars had the largest nitrogenase activity. Further studies on the inclusion of tolerant Bradyrhizobium strains in inoculum used on tolerant soybean cultivars in the field are warranted.
Data dissemination using gossiping in wireless sensor networks

Disseminating data among sensors is a fundamental operation in energy-constrained wireless sensor networks. We present a gossip-based adaptive protocol for data dissemination to improve energy efficiency of this operation. To overcome the data implosion problems associated with dissemination operation, our protocol uses meta-data to name the data using high-level data descriptors and negotiation to eliminate redundant transmissions of duplicate data in the network. Further, we adapt the gossiping with data aggregation possibilities in sensor networks. We simulated our data dissemination protocol, and compared it to the SPIN protocol. We find that our protocol improves on the energy consumption by about 20% over others, while improving significantly over the data dissemination rate of gossiping.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fundamental theoretical aspects of bacterial chemotaxis

Abstract From the parabolic partial differential equation for the diffusion and chemotactic transport of a spatial distribution of bacteria, there follow associated Fokker-Planck and Langevin equations for the stochastic motion of individual bacteria cells. It is pointed out that the Fokker-Planck equation is applicable on a macroscopic time-scale which makes the mean time for flagella reorientations a small quantity, while the Langevin equation must be used directly for a finer description of the time-development of the density of chemotactic bacteria cells. It is shown that the Langevin equation is appropriate for the low Reynolds number motion of a bacterium if and only if the total flagellar propulsive force takes a specific form. The average of the latter quantity is derived from a potential energy which has the same form as the Gibbs free energy for N molecules of the chemotactic agent in a solution of varying concentration. The conjecture that N molecules of the chemotactic agent are adsorbed at the surface of a bacterium cell membrane, and that changes in the potential energy equal the negative of changes in the Gibbs free energy, produces a formula for the chemotactic flux coefficient which yields a magnitude consonant with experiment for N of the order 10 5 . Finally, it is observed that the Fokker-Planck equation governing bacterial chemotaxis on a macroscopic time-scale can be transformed to an equivalent Schrodinger-Block equation, and thus particular solutions known from quantum statistical mechanics can be evoked to provide immediate solutions to initial-value problems in bacterial chemotaxis, as shown by example.
Partisan theory after fifteen years

Abstract In this essay I selectively review the evolution of the ‘Partisan Theory’ of macroeconomic policies and outcomes over the last fifteen years. Special attention is given to the rejuventation of this class of political-economic models by the research of Henry Chappell and William Keech and, especially, Alberto Alesina and collaborators on what is known as ‘Rational Partisan Theory’. I point out that Rational Partisan Theory has yet to be subjected to adequate empirical tests and I identify obvious ways by which such tests could readily be undertaken. The paper closes by suggesting a couple of additional directions in which Partisan Theory might be advanced further
Assessment of Basic Human Performance Resources Predicts the Performance of Virtual Ureterorenoscopy

ABSTRACTPurpose: Regardless of training, innate ability may influence the acquisition of endoscopic skills. Until recently objective methods to assess innate ability have not been available. We compared objective measures of human basic performance resources (BPRs) using nonlinear causal resource analysis (NCRA) and expert rated endoscopic performance of medical students on a virtual reality (VR) simulator.Materials and Methods: BPRs were measured in 18 medical students (group 1) using 13 validated tests. BPR results were compared to the results of ureteroscopic skills assessment on the VR simulator. An NCRA model was devised to predict performance based on BPRs and the limiting performance resource (LPR). The same BPRs were measured in a second group of 14 medical students (group 2). Using the model created from group 1 performance of VR ureterorenoscopy was predicted based on LPR for each student in group 2. Predicted performance was compared to rated performance.Results: The average difference in score...
Improvement and evaluation of imaging quality of the multicore image fiber

ABSTRACT This paper presents two methods for improving and evaluating the imaging quality of the multi-coreimage fiber. A square shape preform technique is employed to decrease the deformation of elementfiber and a lateral view method is proposed to measure the number, diameter of element fibers andto test the twist of image fiber. The results of experiments showed that these methods are effectiveto fabricated high quality multi-core image fiber. 1. INTRODUCTION Flexible fiberscope using multi-core image fiber has been used in various field, including inspectionin blast furnace and combustion engine, medical endoscope and monitoring nuclear reaction due toits high thermal and nuclear radiation resistibility, flexibility, good transmittance in infrared waveand good imaging characteristics1'2. The quality of image transmitted through this image fiber, suchas, resolution, color-maintaining, brightness, and polarization-hold properties is seriously affectedby deformation of element fibers and twist of the fiber. The resolution of multi-core image fiber alsodepends on the number of element fiber, arrangement method of element fiber and coupling amongelement fibers. This paper presents two methods for improving the imaging quality of the multi-coreimage fiber. First, a square shape preform technique is employed to produce the multi-core imagefiber preform. Then a lateral view method is proposed to measure the number of element fibers. It
CMOS latchup modelling: a new approach

Abstract In this paper, a new lumped element latchup model which includes two extra bipolar transistors is proposed. The divergence between the results of the conventional and the proposed model is explained in terms of the circuit parameters. The output behaviour of CMOS latchup and the output latchup mode are discussed in connection with the proposed model and the predictions of the model are compared to the results of the conventional model using SPICE.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL)

New versions of evapotranspiration (ET) algorithms based on the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) are being published, each containing slightly different equations to calculate the energy balance. It is difficult to determine what impact changing one or more of the equations or coefficients in the series of equations of SEBAL has on the final calculation of ET. The objective of this article is to conduct a sensitivity analysis of ET estimates in SEBAL to identify the most sensitive variables and equations. A remote sensing ET model based on SEBAL was programmed and validated against eddy-covariance data. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for three contrasting land surface conditions: full, half, and sparse canopy cover in pecan orchards. Results were most sensitive to the selection (according to temperature) of the dry (~zero ET) reference pixel and to c (the estimated ratio of soil heat flux to net solar radiation). At all the three degrees of canopy cover, estimated ET changed by 40% to 270% (1 to 2 mm d-1) when either variable changed from its baseline value by ±50% of the permissible range. Estimated ET was also sensitive to the selection of the wet (full ET) reference pixel and to dT (aerodynamic difference of air and land temperatures). Changes in ET estimates were 47% to 72% (1.3 to 3.7 mm d-1) at both the full and half canopy areas under changes from baseline values equal to 50% of the permissible range for either variable. In addition, ET was sensitive to the roughness length in areas of half canopy cover (ET changed by 61% [1.5 mm d-1]) and to the value of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in areas of sparse canopy cover (ET changed by 118% [0.35 mm d-1]). Future research on ET algorithm improvement should focus on the above variables and relative equations. The selection of the wet- and dry-spots should be automated to avoid subjective errors from manual selection.
Neutron depth profiling technique and facilities

Abstract Neutron depth profiling (NDP) is a nondestructive technique for the measurement of isotopic concentrations as a function of depth. Using neutrons to probe the first few micrometers of solid surfaces, NDP has become an important tool in the nondestructive analyses for several technologically important elements. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has operated a dedicated NDP facility (I) since 1982 using thermal neutrons. Recently, a second, more versatile instrument (2) with improved detection limits was installed as part of the Cold Neutron Research Facility (CNRF) at NIST.
Forbidden hyperfine transitions in the electron spin resonance of Mn2+ in CaO and SrO crystals∗

Abstract Forbidden hyperfine transitions with selection rules Δ M = ±1, Δ m = ±1 were observed in the electron spin resonance spectrum of Mn 2+ in CaO and SrO single crystals, following similar work by Rubins and Drumheller in MgO. In CaO, the angular variation I (θ) of the forbidden lines, for H 0 in a plane normal to a cubic axis, follows a (sin 4θ) 2 law. This verifies previous results from analysis of the fine structure, which indicated that the Mn 2+ are in cubic sites. In SrO, the corresponding I (θ) seen in our samples follows roughly though not exactly a (sin 2θ) 2 law. The latter would be expected if a tetragonal crystal field term of [100]-type symmetry were present. The plotted I (θ) contains also a smaller constant part, explainable if random-axial (distortions in random directions) terms are present in the crystal field of some of the Mn 2+ . Since the usual fine structure pentads are unresolved in our samples of Mn 2+ in SrO, the anisotropic forbidden line intensity provides the only key to the point symmetry of the Mn 2+ sites. We interpret the D term as a measure of the random strain fields in our particular samples. Our forbidden line intensity data yields a distributed D splitting of ~20 × 10 −4 cm −1 . This would completely mask the fine structure splitting of ~4 × 10 −4 cm −1 which has been reported by Holroyd and Kolopus for their own SrO crystals.
Light-scattering study of the non-zero wave vector incommensurate soft mode in K2SeO4☆

Abstract Observations are reported of inelastic light scattering from the non-zero wave vector soft phonon that drives the incommensurate structural phase transition in K 2 SeO 4 . They are shown to correlate with neutron scattering measurements of phonon frequency shifts on cooling to the incommensurate transition temperature. The observed light scattering is suggested to arise from intrinsic disorder.
The Impact of Organizational Structure on Internal and External Integration: An Empirical, Cross-Regional Assessment

We examine the effects of organizational structure on cross-functional integration, supplier integration, and customer integration and assess whether such effects vary by geographical region. Specifically, we investigate the impact of centralization, formalization, and complexity on both internal (cross-functional) and external (supplier, customer) integration. Relationships are examined across Western and East Asian environments using data collected from 238 manufacturing plants in eight countries. We find that structural features have differing impacts on cross-functional, supplier, and customer integration, and these effects vary across geographical regions.
Energetics, structure, and electron detachment spectra of calcium and zinc neutral and anion clusters: a density functional theory study.

A hybrid density functional approach with very large basis sets was used for studying Ca2 through Ca19 and Zn3 through Zn11 neutral clusters and their cluster anions. Energetics, structure, and vibrational analysis of all these neutral clusters and cluster anions are reported. The calculated electron affinities are in excellent agreement with experiment displaying a characteristic kink at Ca10 and Zn10. This kink occurs because the 10-atom neutral cluster is very stable whereas the cluster anion is not. Additionally, the electron detachment binding energies (BEs) up to Ca6− and Zn6− were identified by analyzing the ground and excited states of the cluster anions and of their corresponding size neutral clusters. The theoretical BE is in very good agreement with experiment for both calcium and zinc cluster anions. The three main peaks in the spectrum correspond to BEs from the ground state of the cluster anion (doublet) to the ground state of the neutral cluster (singlet) and to the first triplet and quinte...
Effect of Arachidonic Acid on the Basal Release of Prostaglandins E2 and I2 by Rat Arteries During the Development of Hypertension

The ability of aortic strips from 5, 10 and 20 week old spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Wistar (W) rats to release prostaglandin (PG) E2 and I2 was examined both in the presence and absence of arachidonic acid (AA). Strips from SH rats older than 5 weeks generally synthesized more PGE2 than those from age-matched control rats. Strips from age-matched SH and W rats synthesized the same amounts of PGI2 and both released more than those from age-matched WKY rats. Although the actual quantities of PGE2 or PGI2 released varied between strips from W and WKY rats, the PGI2/PGE2 ratio was always the same and doubled with the addition of AA. In contrast, the PGI2/PGE2 ratio for SH rats did not increase with the addition of AA and was only one-half that of W or WKY rats. These data demonstrate that arteries from normotensive rats preferentially synthesize PGI2 whereas those from SH rats metabolize AA to proportionally more PGE2.
Variation in classification of live birth with newborn period death versus fetal death at the local level may impact reported infant mortality rate

Background: To better understand factors that may impact infant mortality rates (IMR), we evaluated the consistency across birth hospitals in the classification of a birth event as either a fetal death or an early neonatal (infant) death using natality data from North Carolina for the years 1995–2000. Methods: A database consisting of fetal deaths and infant deaths occurring within the first 24 hours after birth was constructed. Bivariate, followed by multivariable regression, analyses were used to control for relevant maternal and infant factors. Based upon hospital variances, adjustments were made to evaluate the impact of the classification on statewide infant mortality rate. Results: After controlling for multiple maternal and infant factors, birth hospital remained a factor related to the classification of early neonatal versus fetal death. Reporting of early neonatal deaths versus fetal deaths consistent with the lowest or highest hospital strata would have resulted in an adjusted IMR varying from 7.5 to 10.64 compared with the actual rate of 8.95. Conclusions: Valid comparisons of IMR among geographic regions within and between countries require consistent classification of perinatal deaths. This study demonstrates that local variation in categorization of death events as fetal death versus neonatal death within the first 24 hours after delivery may impact a state-level IMR in a meaningful magnitude. The potential impact of this issue on IMRs should be examined in other state and national populations.
Modification of the Properties of Wool Through Internal Deposition of Polymers

Techniques available for internal deposition of polymers in wool and the properties of the resulting modified wool are reviewed. Internal deposition of polymers inside wool is initiated by several free radical or radical-ion tech niques including high-energy radiation or chemical initiation. Internal deposition of polymers in wool is considered to be a finishing technique for wool, since many changes in the physical and chemical properties of the modified wools have been reported. Deposition of specific polymers in wool are found to alter selected finishing characteristics of wool and the location of polymers within the wool fiber have been characterized in certain cases. Recent findings on the effect of internal polymer on the dyeing properties of wool are reported. Future prospects for internal deposition of polymers in wool, as a method to extend the utility of wool fibers, are explored.
A 12-year-old girl with a bladder mass.

A ly urinalysis also revealed proteinuria and ketonuria. The hemoglobin and hematocrit were 10.6 and 32.9. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were normal.
Imaging with subwavelength resolution by a generalized superlens at infrared wavelengths.

We demonstrate experimentally negative refraction by a photonic crystal prism and imaging of a point source by a photonic crystal slab at 1.5 μm wavelength. The photonic crystal structures were nanofabricated in a InGaAsP/InP heterostructure platform, and optical characterization was performed using a near-field scanning optical microscope. By designing a suitable lens surface termination, an image spot size of 0.12λ2 was achieved, demonstrating superlens imaging with subwavelength resolution well below Abbe's diffraction limit (0.5λ2).
Cheek‐Neck Advancement‐Rotation Flaps following Mohs Excision of Skin Malignancies

Abstract. The cheek-neck advancement-rotation flap has proved extremely useful for delayed reconstruction of the face following the microscopically controlled surgical excision (MCSE) of skin malignancies. We have recently used these flaps successfully to repair combined defects of the cheek and nose in eight patients, isolated cheek defects in six patients, combined defects of the cheek and lips in two patients, and isolated defects of the nose, temple, and an antral cutaneous fistula in each of three patients. Defects as large as 6.0 × 10.0 cm have been closed in one stage with this flap. This flap is extremely hearty and its scars can be well concealed. It is especially valuable in the elderly patient and should always be considered as one of the options for reconstruction of the face following MCSE of skin malignancies.
Empirical merger of geometrical and regge pictures for elastic hadron scattering

From a survey of data on forward elastic scattering we find (i) consistency with shrinkage from a Pomeranchuk trajectory slope αp′ = 12; (ii) evidence for a scaling relation between the t-dependence of the Pomeranchuk residue and its total cross section; (iii) a geometrical interpretation of the non-shrinking part of forward elastic peaks. Predictions are made for hyperon-nucleon scattering based on (ii) and (iii).
Polar transport and accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid during root regeneration by Pinus lambertiana embryos.

The relation of indoleacetic acid (IAA) transport to accumulation of auxin at the base of cuttings and to polar root formation was investigated with small cuttings from germinating embryos of Pinus lambertiana. The transport of endogenous auxin participates in regeneration of roots. This is shown by the facts that (1) more than 40% of the cuttings rooted without addition of exogenous indoleacetic acid; (2) the first regeneration always occurred at the basal tip of a slanting cut; and (3) 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), a specific inhibitor of auxin transport, totally inhibited rooting. Addition of IAA to the medium increased the number of roots formed per rooting hypocotyl. Sections of hypocotyls excised from dormant embryos and tested immediately after 2 h hydration were capable of polar transport of IAA. This polarity increased during the first 3 days of culture because of a marked increase in basipetal transport. Culturing the cuttings in 1 μM IAA for 3–5 days doubled both the basipetal transport of 1-14C-IAA by hypocotyl segments and the accumulation of radioactivity at the base of cuttings. The extent of the accumulation at the base of cuttings was similar at early (2 days, first mitoses) and late stages (5 days, organized meristem) of regeneration and was not affected by removal of the regenerating region immediately prior to uptake and transport of 14C-IAA. The accumulation was inhibited by TIBA. In terms of increase in wet and dry weight and mitotic activity, the cotyledons rather than the regenerating root meristems were the most actively growing region of the cuttings. The upper part of the hypocotyl elongated more than the region of the slanting cut where regeneration was occurring. These results provide no support for the idea that the regenerating root controls the direction of polar transport by acting as a sink. The results are consistent with the view that polar auxin transport delivers auxin to the base of the cutting and raises the local concentration to levels sufficient to promote root formation.
On the structure and composition of Uranus and Neptune

Abstract We present a series of models of Uranus and Neptune in which the relative amounts of (1) rock, (2) ices, and (3) hydrogen and helium are allowed to vary. By fitting the density and the gravitational quadruppole moment, the model composition can be determined. Because of the ambiguity in the rotation periods of these planets, several possible models are presented and discussed.
Apical cells as meristems

Apical cells are universally present in lower plants and their description has been mostly viewed morphologically as single-celled meristems. This study attempts to demonstrate that the roles of apical cells and more generally of meristems collectively are (a) often the proliferative source of all cells in a plant, (b) sometimes a formative centre in histogenesis and organogenesis and (c) always a regulatory site. As a proliferative centre it occurs as a series of apical cells through a mitotic lineage by unequal divisions which includes a rotational pattern to form cells distributed according to the symmetry of its organ. As a formative centre it determines leaf arrangement in mosses and leafy liverworts as well as the root cap and gametophyte cushion in ferns. It appears initially to determine the type of organ and later the organ determines the type of apical cells within. As a regulatory centre it activates distal secondary cells to proliferate as well as inhibiting neighbouring cells from becoming apical cells to preserve the identity of an organ during its development.
Mandibular bone density and fractal dimension in rabbits with induced osteoporosis.

Objective. Our goal in this investigation was to examine the mandibular bone density and radiographic textural changes and the relationship between mandibular and spinal bone mineral density in an osteoporotic rabbit model. Study design. Three adult female New Zealand white rabbits in each of 4 groups received daily injections of cortisone acetate at a dosage of 0.0 (control), 3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The rabbits were then killed, and the mandible and spine of each animal were removed. Digital radiographs (70 kVp, 10 mA, 8 impulses) of the hemimandibles and spines were made. Lateral and anteroposterior bone densities of the lumbar spine (L2) were calculated, and average mandibular interdental bone density, fractal dimension, and gradient values were calculated. Results. Correlation analysis revealed that cumulative steroid dose was strongly related to mandibular bone density (r = –0.80, P <.01), moderately related to mandibular fractal dimension (r = –0.61, P <.05), and moderately related to anteroposterior lumbar spine density (r = –0.64, P <.05). Moderate correlations were found between mandibular interdental bone density and spinal density (r = 0.56, P <.05), but mandibular fractal dimension was not related to spinal density. Conclusions. In osteoporotic female rabbits, mandibular bone mineral density decreases in relation to spinal density and cumulative steroid dose. Mandibular fractal dimension decreases with cumulative steroid dose but is not significantly related to either mandibular density or spinal density. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;89:244-9)
Selective inhibition of f2 RNA translation by sulfhydryl reagents.

Abstract Escherichia coli ribosomes containing bound initiation factors were reacted with N -ethylmaleimide (NEM) under conditions where about 20 NEM molecules bind per ribosome. This treatment results in a large reduction in their ability to translate f2 RNA but not late T4 mRNA or polyuridylate. Iodoacetate produces a similar effect. These results indicate that ribosomal factors responsible for mRNA specificity differ appreciably in their sensitivity to inactivation by alkylation and suggest that translational control, dependent on mRNA selectivity, might operate by modifying the same or similar reactive sites.
A computer architecture for small-batch manufacturing: Industry will profit from a system that defines the functions of its component-manufacturing modules and standardizes their interfaces

Discusses the need for a standard computer architecture for small batch manufacturing systems.
A survey of partial degrees

Partial degrees are equivalence classes of partial natural number functions under some suitable extension of relative recursiveness to partial functions. The usual definitions of relative recursiveness, equivalent in the context of total functions, are distinct when extended to partial functions. The purpose of this paper is to compare the upper semilattice structures of the resulting degrees.Relative partial recursiveness of partial functions was first introduced in Kleene [2] as an extension of the definition by means of systems of equations of relative recursiveness of total functions. Kleene's relative partial recursiveness is equivalent to the relation between the graphs of partial functions induced by Rogers' [10] relation of relative enumerability (called enumeration reducibility) between sets. The resulting degrees are hence called enumeration degrees. In [2] Davis introduces completely computable or compact functionals of partial functions and uses these to define relative partial recursiveness of partial functions. Davis' functionals are equivalent to the recursive operators introduced in Rogers [10] where a theorem of Myhill and Shepherdson is used to show that the resulting reducibility, here called weak Turing reducibility, is stronger than (i.e., implies, but is not implied by) enumeration reducibility. As in Davis [2], relative recursiveness of total functions with range ⊆{0, 1} may be defined by means of Turing machines with oracles or equivalently as the closure of initial functions under composition, primitive re-cursion, and minimalization (i.e., relative μ-recursiveness). Extending either of these definitions yields a relation between partial functions, here called Turing reducibility, which is stronger still.
Characterization of the influence of fabrication methods on microstructure failure

Abstract Single-crystal silicon microstructures, of identical design, exhibit different failure rates (following fabrication or mechanical shock testing) due to various processes. The microstructures fabricated with a boron diffusion and subsequent removal of the boron-diffused layer have a higher survival rate to the fabrication process and to mechanical shock. The survival rate (a survivor has an intact proof mass and beam) through the process is increased by 26.5%. At a 3680 g shock, the boron-diffused devices have a 2.3% lower failure rate but the difference is not statistically significant. These results have been developed with wafer-level shock testing, which permits bulk testing of many samples in a cost-effective manner.
A comparative study of the kinetics of interfacial reaction between eutectic solders and Cu/Ni/Pd metallization

A comparative study of the kinetics of interfacial reaction between the eutectic solders (Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-57Bi, and Sn-38Pb) and electroplated Ni/Pd on Cu substrate (Cu/Ni/NiPd/Ni/Pd) was performed. The interfacial microstructure was characterized by imaging and energy dispersive x-ray analysis in scanning electron microscope (SEM). For a Pd-layer thickness of less than 75 nm, the presence or the absence of Pd-bearing intermetallic was found to be dependent on the reaction temperature. In the case of Sn-3.5Ag solder, we did not observe any Pd-bearing intermetallic after reaction even at 230°C. In the case of Sn-57Bi solder the PdSn4 intermetallic was observed after reaction at 150°C and 180°C, while in the case of Sn-38Pb solder the PdSn4 intermetallic was observed after reaction only at 200°C. The PdSn4 grains were always dispersed in the bulk solder within about 10 µm from the solder/substrate interface. At higher reaction temperatures, there was no Pd-bearing intermetallic due to increased solubility in the liquid solder. The presence or absence of Pd-bearing intermetallic was correlated with the diffusion path in the calculated Pd-Sn-X (X=Ag, Bi, Pb) isothermal sections. In the presence of unconsumed Ni, only Ni3Sn4 intermetallic was observed at the solder-substrate interface by SEM. The presence of Ni3Sn4 intermetallic was consistent with the expected diffusion path based on the calculated Ni-Sn-X (X=Ag, Bi, Pb) isothermal sections. Selective etching of solders revealed that Ni3Sn4 had a faceted scallop morphology. Both the radial growth and the thickening kinetics of Ni3Sn4 intermetallic were studied. In the thickness regime of 0.14 µm to 1.2 µm, the growth kinetics always yielded a time exponent n >3 for liquid-state reaction. The temporal law for coarsening also yielded time exponent m >3. The apparent activation energies for thickening were: 16936J/mol for the Sn-3.5Ag solder, 17804 J/mol for the Sn-57Bi solder, and 25749 J/mol for the Sn-38Pb solder during liquid-state reaction. The corresponding activation energies for coarsening were very similar. However, an apparent activation energy of 37599 J/mol was obtained for the growth of Ni3Sn4 intermetallic layer during solid-state aging of the Sn-57Bi/substrate diffusion couples. The kinetic parameters associated with thickening and radial growth were discussed in terms of current theories.
Highly Porous Polyhedral Silsesquioxane Polymers. Synthesis and Characterization

Polyhedral octahydridosilsesquioxanes, [HSiO1.5]8 (1) and [(HSiMe2O)SiO1.5]8 (3) were hydrosilylatively copolymerized with stoichiometric amounts of the octavinylsilsesquioxanes, [vinylSiO1.5]8 (2) and [(vinylSiMe2O)SiO1.5]8 (4) in toluene using platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, “Pt(dvs)”, as catalyst. The degree of condensation of the resultant four copolymers ranges from 43% to 81% depending on intercube chain lengths, as determined by solid state 13C and 29Si MAS NMR analyses, using cross-polarization (CP) techniques. The presence of residual functional groups was confirmed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Polymer porosities were measured using nitrogen sorption, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) methods. The combination of these three techniques allows a relatively complete description of the pore sizes and pore size distributions in these materials. The pores in the cube interiors are ∼0.3 nm in dia...
A proposal for epitaxial thin film growth in outer space

A new concept for materials processing in space exploits the ultravacuum component of space for thin film epitaxial growth. The unique low earth orbit space environment is expected to yield 10 to the -14th torr or better pressures, semiinfinite pumping speeds, and large ultravacuum volume without walls. These space ultravacuum properties promise major improvement in the quality, unique nature, and the throughput of epitaxially grown materials. Advanced thin film materials to be epitaxially grown in space include semiconductors, magnetic materials, and thin film high temperature superconductors.
Detection and three-dimensional visualization of lesion models using sonoelastography

Sonoelastography is a vibration Doppler technique for imaging the relative elasticity of tissues. Detectability of hard lesions of various sizes has previously been demonstrated in tissue phantoms by our group. Because real tissue differs from phantom material, the injection of formaldehyde in fresh liver tissue is being used as an in-vitro lesion model. Pieces of fresh calf liver were embedded in an agar gel then injected with a bolus of 37% formaldehyde to create a stiff lesion. Two and three-dimensional sonoelastography and b-mode images were acquired. The lesions were visible in each sonoelastography image as a region of reduced vibration. After imaging, lesions were dissected and measured for size and volume. One 0.4 cc bolus injection of formaldehyde created a lesion with a volume of 10.3 cc in the sonoelastography image compared to 9.3 cc using fluid displacement of the dissected lesion. A 0.33 cc injection of formaldehyde lesion created a volume of 5 cc in the sonoelastography image compared to 4.4 cc using fluid displacement. Sonoelastography imaging techniques for imaging hard lesions in phantoms can be successfully extended to imaging formaldehyde induced lesions in real tissue.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.