cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radio frequency continuous-wave and time-domain EPR imaging and Overhauser-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of small animals: instrumental developments and comparison of relative merits for functional imaging

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging in the continuous wave (CW) and time-domain modes, as well as Overhauser-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in vivo is described. The review is based mainly on the CW and time-domain EPR instrumentation at 300 MHz developed in our laboratory, and the relative merits of these methods for functional in vivo imaging of small animals to assess hypoxia and tissue redox status are described. Overhauser imaging of small animals at magnetic fields in the range 10–15 mT that is being carried out in our laboratory for tumor imaging and the evaluation of tumor hypoxia based on quantitative evaluation of Overhauser enhancement is also described. Alternate approaches to spectral–spatial imaging using the transverse decay constants to infer in situ line widths and hence in vivo pO2 using CW and time-domain EPR imaging are also discussed. The nature of the spin probes used, the quality of the images obtained in all the three methods, the achievable resolution, limitations and possible future directions in small animal functional imaging with these modalities are summarized. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).

Purpose Several autogenous bone grafting techniques are available for the restoration of large continuity defects of the mandible. However, these procedures are associated with limitations involving postoperative morbidity, difficulty in ambulation, and pain. The development of a technique of surgical reconstruction not involving autogenous bone would offer new opportunities for facial bone reconstruction, particularly of the mandible. This study was instituted to observe the effect of rhBMP-2 in a collagen carrier without concomitant bone grafting material in the restoration of continuity critical-sized defects of the mandible. Materials and Methods A case review was made of 14 patients who were selected from a larger group having received BMP-2 in different categories of mandibular defects. The rhBMP-2 in all the cases reported here was used alone with the collagen carrier without concomitant bone materials. The cases involved lesions of the body and angle of the mandible in 2 categories: 1 ) defects resulting from neoplastic diseases, and 2 ) defects secondary to osteomyelitis (related to bisphosphonates or irradiation). A total dose of 4 to 8 mg of rhBMP-2 was delivered to the surgical site in concentrations of 1.5 mg per cc (depending on the size of lesion). Cases were followed over a period from 6 to 18 months. Occlusal function was restored with implant-borne or conventional prosthesis. Results All of the cases reported here had successful osseous restoration of the edentulous area followed by prosthetic treatment. Bone formation in the surgical area could be palpated at the end of 3 to 4 months and identified radiographically at the end of 5 to 6 months. The maintenance of a periosteal envelope was effected by the use of a superiorly placed minibar in the upper portion of the defect, or with the use of titanium mesh superiorly. This metallic tenting up to the mucosa is thought to be necessary to maintain the space for osseous regeneration. Conclusion This study indicated that the use of rhBMP-2 without concomitant bone grafting materials in large critical sized mandibular defects produced excellent regeneration of the area establishing the basis for the return of prosthodontic function. This study tends to support the use of cytokines, particularly rhBMP-2, in osseous regeneration or repair of facial bones. The technique describes a new alternative to various types of autogenous bone grafting procedures for the treatment of critical sized bony lesions of the mandible.
Forward - Backward Asymmetry of Hadroproduced Heavy Quarks in {QCD}

Abstract It has been argued that higher order 2→3 O ( α s 3 QCD processes play an important role in the hadroproduction of heavy quarks. We propose forward-backward or charge conjugation asymmetry as a distinctive signature of the higher-order QCS production mechanism. We analyse the physical origin of the asymmetries and show that observed forward-backward asymmetries for the heavy quark or decay lepton are 5% or less for realistic experimental conditions. Observation of asymmetries in excess of our calculated values would signal the production of heavy quarks via unconventional mechanisms.
Do Americans really like children

This keynote address highlights the various forms of inadvertent neglect imposed by this nation on its children and urges Americans to unite in an effort to reclaim our children and, in that way, secure our collective future.
Clinical Stratification of Pediatric Patients with Idiopathic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Objectives To describe the global phenotypes of pediatric patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) who do not have a clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) or related connective tissue disorders. We hypothesized that the presence of noncardiovascular abnormalities correlate with TAA severity and that medical therapy reduces TAA progression. Study design This is a retrospective case series of patients with TAA age ≤21 years evaluated in a cardiovascular genetics clinic. Patients meeting clinical criteria for MFS or related disorders were excluded. Repeated measures analyses of longitudinal echocardiographic measurements of the aorta were used to test associations between TAA severity and noncardiovascular phenotype and to assess the impact of medical therapy. Results Sixty-nine patients with TAA at mean age 12.5 ± 5.3 years were included. Noncardiovascular abnormalities, including skeletal (65%) or craniofacial (54%) findings, were frequently observed. Increased rate of aortic root enlargement was associated with ocular ( P = .002) and cutaneous ( P = .003) abnormalities, and increased rate of ascending aorta enlargement was associated with craniofacial ( P P = .018). Conclusions Children with TAA not satisfying diagnostic criteria for MFS or related disorders frequently have noncardiovascular findings, some of which are associated with TAA progression. Because therapy initiation may reduce risk of progression and long-term complications, comprehensive assessment of noncardiovascular findings may facilitate early risk stratification and improve outcomes.
Valence band and core level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of lead sulfide nanoparticle–polymer composites

Abstract Valence band and core level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to probe lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticle–polymer nanocomposites. Composite materials were prepared by trapping commercially available monodisperse 3 and 10 nm PbS nanoparticles in two polymers, the non-conducting polymer, polystyrene, and the conjugated polymer, poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene (referred to below as MEH-PPV). The nanocomposites prepared from commercial nanoparticles underwent oxidation, mainly to form lead sulfate. However, the narrow size distributions of the commercial nanoparticles allowed observation of distinct changes in the valence band from the 3 to 10 nm nanoparticles. Nanocomposites of 2–5 and 4–7 nm PbS nanoparticles were synthesized by growing the particles in poly(vinyl alcohol) (referred to below as PVA) and MEH-PPV, respectively. These composites both indicated the formation of lead sulfide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the XP spectra for the PVA/PbS composite displayed bonding between the PbS nanoparticles and the polymer while MEH-PPV showed no PbS–polymer bonding. The nanoparticles synthesized in MEH-PPV did not undergo oxidation. The particle size distributions of the synthesized nanoparticles were too broad to display size-dependent changes in the valence band.
Device ecology mapper: a tool for studying users' ecosystems of interactive artifacts

This paper presents a tool for both researchers and designers called the Device Ecology Mapper, which allows users to share devices they own and describe to researchers how they believe these devices are connected. We built this tool from the theoretical perspective of ecology of artifacts in which designed artifacts do not exist independently, but rather in complex ecosystems with other artifacts through physical and perceptual connections. We designed the evaluations of this tool to evaluate the extent to which designers found the tool valuable and users found the tool true to the way they understand their ecology of interactive artifacts-rather than how closely user's perception of their ecology represents how these devices are actually connected. We found evidence for both perspectives from these studies.
TOF-SIMS: a tool for material characterization, process control, and improvement in a wafer fab

A review ofthe applications of Time OfFlight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) to control various processes currenfly used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices with the purpose of their improvement and the consequent enhancement ofthe wafer fab process yield and the IC's performance, is here reported. The fields explored by TOF-SIMS as a surface analysis technique were: diffusion, plasma etch and ash, ion implantation. As concerns diffusion, a work showing the detection of alkaly metals and the consequent, abnormal increase of the silicon oxide growth rate is reported. Another investigation demonstrates the presence of Aluminium contamination and the presence of a uniform, ultra-thin layer of fluorinated polymeric residues left on silicon wafers by a plasma etch process, not detected by the commonly used in-line techniques. In implant, analyses done before and after the ion implantation on the same wafer showed the contamination of Aluminium induced by the implanter itself Another work demonstrates the TOF-SIMS capability to control the implanters performance in separating the different isotopes of the implanted species, in the case ofboron implantation. Finally, in area, the analyses done to control the effectiveness of adhesion promoter for photoresist on Silicon wafer show that poor coverage of the resist adhesion promoter, which can cause the photoresist peeling, can be monitored by characteristic fragments detection by TOF-SIMS. 3 Keywords: TOF-SIMS, diffusion, plasma etch, implant, photo, polymers
Factors Influencing Hepatocyte Trafficking during Allogeneic Hepatocyte Transplantation: Improved Liver Sequestration with Isolated Perfusion

Transplantation of normal or ex vivo modified hepatocytes holds promise in therapy of a variety of diseases. In order to investigate hepatocyte trafficking, and specifically to determine whether the route, method of delivery, or other host factors may affect hepatocyte sequestration in the liver, 51chromium- and 111indium-labeled hepatocytes were transplanted into allogeneic hosts. Systemic injection of hepatocytes into the femoral vein resulted in sequestration mainly in the lungs (30 +/- 4%) whereas sequestration in the liver amounted to only 5 +/- 1%. Portal injection resulted in a dramatic increase in the liver sequestration (52 +/- 4%) and a reduction in the lung (2 +/- 1%, P < 0.05 vs systemic injection). Nevertheless, nearly half of portally injected hepatocytes came to rest in other organ sites. Partial hepatectomy prior to transplantation did not change the total hepatocyte sequestration in the liver or the organ specific activity. A remote site of inflammation, in the form of a turpentine abscess, also did not alter the pattern of hepatocyte trafficking. Isolated perfusion of the liver with labeled hepatocyte, however, significantly increased the sequestration of hepatocytes at this organ (control, 52 +/- 4%; isolated perfusion, 71 +/- 9%; P < 0.05). In the delivery of potentially toxic gene products for therapy, isolated perfusion of the target organ appears to provide the greatest likelihood of restricting expression of potentially toxic gene products to the target organ.
Confronting Snakes in the Burrow: Snake‐Species Discrimination and Antisnake Tactics of Two California Ground Squirrel Populations

The purpose of this study was to investigate phylogenetic and ecological factors that shape encounters between California ground squirrels and snakes in the burrow setting. Ground squirrels were video taped while interacting in a simulated burrow with either a venomous rattlesnake or a lessdangerous gopher snake. Squirrels from a population where snakes are rare treated both snake species with greater caution than did squirrels from a snake-adapted population. High physiological resistance to rattlesnake venom in the snake-adapted population was associated with more intense rattlesnake harassment. Squirrels from both populations treated the rattlesnake as the more important predator, as inferred from higher levels of harassment and escape-motivated behavior while interacting with the rattlesnake. We conclude that the tightly constraining ecology of burrow encounters with intruders supports the expression of competent antipredator behavior in ground squirrels. We view adaptations such as snake-species discrimination as embedded in the ecological relationship between snakes, ground squirrels, and the architecture of the burrow setting.
Surface dynamics during phase transitions of GaAs(100)

Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to capture the initial stage of the transition from $c(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ to $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ reconstruction on a GaAs(100) surface. A model for the transition is proposed in which surface atoms escape from the $c(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ reconstructed area to form $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ reconstructed islands and pits. The proposed explanation is consistent with $c(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4)$ models having species intermixing in the first or second layer.
Simultaneous Simulation of PM Machine Drive Using the Physics-Based Phase Variable Model and the Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Approach

This paper presents an experimental approach for the verification of the physics-based phase variable model of electric machines developed using the parameters obtained from FE solutions. The experimental verification was performed through simultaneous simulation of the PM machine drive using the actual machine - a hardware-in-the-loop real time simulation approach and the physics-based phase variable model of the actual machine, respectively. A 6-pole PM machine was used to present the physics-based phase variable modeling; a 10-pole 42-V PM machine was used to demonstrate the experimental verification.
A resonance Raman study of solvent effects on the excited state potential surface of trans-stilbene

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra and absolute Raman cross sections have been measured for trans-stilbene in cyclohexane and methanol using 282 and 266 nm excitation, and calculations have been performed to model the Raman intensities and absorption spectra. The only out-of-plane vibration observed in either solvent is the hydrogen wag near 960 cm −1 , which has comparable intensity in both solvents. This suggests that the excited state potential surface for out-of-plane motion in the region near the ground state geometry is similar in polar and nonpolar solvents. The resonance Raman spectrum of trans-stilbene vapor is similar to the solution spectra; in particular, the ≈ 199 cm −1 CC-φ in-plane bend and its combination bands, intense in low temperature free-jet spectra, are weak at elevated temperatures in both vapor and solution phases. This is probably due to an increase in the effective homogeneous linewidth with increasing temperature. Two weak bands near 950 cm −1 , not observed in free-jet emission spectra, appear in the high temperature vapor spectrum. These are tentatively attributed to combination bands of the a u hydrogen out-of-plane wag with the lowest frequency a u phenyl torsion.
The evolution of competition in U.S. manufacturing

Although four-digit concentration ratios remained roughly constant in the quarter century between 1958 and 1982, they declined significantly when adjusted for imports. The empirical analysis in this paper shows that changes in both types of four-digit concentration ratios were related to the initial level of industrial concentration, barriers to entry, market growth, and to a set of adjustment variables reflecting an interaction of imports and particular structural aspects of the industry. Speculations about the future of competition in the United States are based on the regression equations explaining changes in concentration.
Suruktakh-Khaya Sanctuary, Yakutia, Revisited: Tentative Results and Prospects

Abstract Since the expeditions led by A.A. Savvin in 1939 and by A.P. Okladnikov in 1941, Suruktakh-Khaya, a key rock art site on the Markha River, Yakutia, was only revisited recently in 2011. The paintings at the site, unlike those at most sites on the Middle Lena, are quite satisfactorily preserved, making it possible to conduct additional studies in August 2011 mostly using digital photography.
Analysis of structure and discriminative power of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale

The study examines the factor structure and provides test of the discriminative properties of the 38-item Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS). The MDRS was designed a priori to measure five broad domains of cognitive abilities: attention, initiation/perseveration, conceptualization, construction, and memory. Complete item level data were collected at the USC Alzheimer Disease Research Center from 19 probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients, 17 cases with dementia of various etiologies (e.g., multiple infarct), and 49 contrast subjects. Factor analyses, with rotation to equamax criterion, were performed on education partialled data. Five and six factor solutions accounted for most of the reliable variance and permitted simple structure theoretical description for separate subscales. These factors, similar to Mattis' design, can be characterized as Memory (Recall)/Verbal Fluency, Construction, Memory (short-term), Initiation/Perseveration, and Simple Commands. Cross-validated discriminant analyses performed on five unit-weighted composite variables derived from factor analysis provided better classification (72% vs 62%) than the 38 Mattis items alone.
The Influence of Textural and Timbral Factors on the Ability of Music Majors to Detect Performance Errors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of textural and timbral factors on graduate and undergraduate music majors' ability to detect performance errors. Specifically, subjects' dis...
Predictors of HIV and syphilis among men who have sex with men in a Chinese metropolitan city: comparison of risks among students and non-students.

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a substantial risk of HIV, given rising HIV prevalence in urban China. Adolescent and adult students often take HIV-related risk as part of sexual exploration. We compared the risks of HIV and syphilis infections and risky sexual behaviors between student and non-student among urban MSM. Methods Respondent driven sampling approach was used to recruit men who were self-identified as MSM in Chongqing Metropolitan City in southwestern China in 2009. Each participant completed a computer-assisted self-interview which collected demographic and behavioral data, and provided blood specimens for HIV and syphilis testing. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified predictors for HIV and syphilis infections while comparing student and non-student MSM. Results Among 503 MSM participants, 36.4% were students, of whom 84.2% were in college. The adjusted prevalence of HIV infection was 5.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1%–10.2%) in students and 20.9% (95% CI: 13.7%–27.5%) in non-students; the adjusted prevalence of syphilis was 4.4% (95% CI: 0.7%–9.0%) in students and 7.9% (95% CI: 3.6%–12.9%) in non-students (P = 0.12). Two groups had similar risky sexual behaviors such as number of sexual partners and exchanging sex for money. Multivariate analysis showed that students had lower HIV prevalence than non-students (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.8) adjusting for age, ethnicity and other variables. Conclusion Student MSM have lower HIV and similar syphilis prevalence compared with non-student MSM. However, due to a shorter duration of sexual experience and high prevalence of at-risk sexual behaviors among student MSM, HIV risk might be quite high in students as in non-students.
Modeling of Particle Wall Interaction and Film Transport Using Eulerian Wall Film Model

The growing awareness of pollutant emissions from gas turbines has made it very important to study fuel atomization system, the spray wall interaction and hydrodynamic of film formed on engine walls. A precise fuel spray spatial distribution and efficient fuel air mixing plays important role in improving combustion performance. Cross-flow injection and film atomization technique has been studied extensively for gas turbine engines to achieve efficient combustion. Air blast atomizer is one of these kind of systems used in gas turbine engines which involves shear driven prefilmer secondary atomization. In addition to gas turbine combustor shear driven liquid wall film can be seen in IC engines, rocket nozzles, heat exchangers and also on steam turbine blades.In our work we have used Eulerian Wall Film (EWF) [1] model to simulate the experiment performed by Arienti et al. [2]. In the Arienti’s experiment liquid jet is injected from a nozzle from the top of the chamber. Droplets shed from the jet surface due to primary and later secondary atomization in the presence of high shearing cross flowing air. Further liquid fuel particles hit the wall to form film, film moves subjected to shear from the gas phase. Liquid film can reatomizes due to subgrid processes like stripping, splashing and film breakup. In current study we have validated Arienti et al. [2] experimental data by modeling complex & coupled physics of spray, film and continuous phase and by accounting complex subgrid processes.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF Yb NUCLEI AT HIGH ANGULAR MOMENTUM

Abstract Methods have been developed to study the continuum γ-ray spectrum following heavy-ion compound-nucleus reactions. In the Yb nuclei studied these spectra were found to depend mainly on the input angular momentum, and not on the target-projectile system. The gross features of the spectra are a high-energy tail of ≈ 4 transitions corresponding to the statistical cascade and a lower-energy bump composed of many unresolved collective E2 transitions. Several methods were devised to obtain moment-of-inertia values from the detailed features of this bump for angular momenta as high as 50 ħ.
Convergence Of Algorithms For Phase Retrieval From Two Intensity Distributions

In a coherent imaging system, the complex amplitude and phase of the images is necessary to perform any linear processing or wavefront reconstruction. Using the image intensities measured in two defocused planes, it is possible to reconstruct the lost phase by iterative techniques. A merit function is defined as the sum over the second image plane of the squared differences between the known modulus in that plane and the modulus calculated by defocusing the image in the first plane with a phase estimate. This merit function is used to evaluate the convergence properties of two types of iterative schemes:the Misell (Gerchberg-Saxton) algorithm, and a gradient searching steepest descent method. The convergence is studied as a function of the amount of defocus between the images, complexity of the image, and noise present in the measured intensities. Variations and improvements of the methods are discussed. For example, for small amounts of defocus, the Misell algorithm has difficulty converging; the application of alternating constraints in Fourier space may help convergence. For the steepest descent and other gradient related methods, convergence of the phase depends on the value of the modulus at that point. Results of computer experiments using simulated images and pupil distributions are shown.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comprehensive monitoring of CO2 sequestration in subalpine forest ecosystems and its relation to global warming

Global warming is an increasing concern worldwide. Assessing the contribution of CO2 to this phenomenon is an important issue. This project's goal is to improve understanding of CO2 and H2O transport in a mountainous terrain that confound current efforts to resolve CO2 budgets at regional and global scales.
Serologic cross-reactions among rabbit secretory IgA molecules: evidence for multiple subclasses of secretory IgA-f molecules.

Serologie cross-reactions among allotypes of rabbit secretory IgA (sIgA) of the f-subclass were examined by quantitative radiobinding assays with various allo-anti-alpha chain reagents. Numerous cross-reactions were observed which demonstrated the complexity of the Cαf allotypes. One of the reagents used in these studies reacted not only with all sIgA molecules of the immunogen Cαf allotype but also with all sIgA molecules of the other Cαf allotypes. Aliquots of the antiserum were each adsorbed with IgA molecules of these Cαf allotypes and then used in radiobinding studies with sIgA-f molecules of the various Cαf allotypes. The adsorbed reagents reacted with some but not all sIgA-f molecules, thus indicating that the Cαf allotypes each comprise more than one serologically distinguishable subset. Results from these radiobinding experiments were used to develop a model in which each of the five IgA-f allotypes comprises at least two serologically distinguishable subsets. Each of these subsets expresses a unique pattern of Cα determinants. These Cα determinants appear to be protein in nature rather than carbohydrate as periodate oxidation of the sIgA-f glycoproteins does not affect the reactions of the molecules with the cross-reactive alloreagents. IgA molecules of the serologically distinguishable subsets presumably differ in amino acid sequence in the constant region and, thus, would be products of distinct Cα genes. Therefore, it is probable that the cross-reactions of these molecules, which were previously thought to comprise a single subclass, sIgA-f, may reflect the presence of more than one subclass of sIgA-f molecules, i.e., a third subclass of rabbit sIgA.
Surface mediated isotope exchange reactions between water and gaseous deuterium

Abstract Maintaining isotopic purity of hydrogen is one of the major tasks in tritium processing systems. The work with multiple isotopes and isotopomers is accompanied by isotope exchanges which is often accelerated by catalysts e.g. surfaces of various materials. In this work, densities of D 2 O, HDO produced via isotope exchange reactions in the mixture of D 2 , H 2 , D 2 O, H 2 O, HD and HDO contained in a stainless steel (type SS304) vessel were measured as a function of time (40–36 000 s) and pressures near 3.5 × 10 2 Pa, using mass spectrometry. The derived rates of change of the isotopomers densities are described accurately by a postulated kinetic model.
Tight Lower Bounds on the Size of Sweeping Automata

A sweeping automaton is a two-way deterministic finite automaton which makes turns only at the endmarkers. We say that a sweeping automaton is degenerate if the automaton has no left-moving transitions. We show that for each positive integer n, there is a nondeterministic finite automaton An over a two-letter alphabet such that An has n states, whereas the smallest equivalent nondegenerate sweeping automaton has 2n states.
Reduced growth of intra- and infra-pyramidal mossy fibers is produced by continuous exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) has been shown to produce cognitive deficits in both humans and laboratory animals. However, no study to date has identified long-term brain changes which could account for these problems. This study employed Timm's silver sulfide staining to visualize the hippocampal mossy fibers in Sprague-Dawley rats continuously exposed to either 125 ppm Aroclor 1254 or untreated control food beginning in utero. Reduced growth of hippocampal intra-and infra-pyramidal (II-P) mossy fibers were found in PCB treated rats compared to controls. Other measured hippocampal subdivisions remained relatively unaffected by PCB treatment, as did cortical thickness. The changes observed in hippocampal morphology in response to PCB exposure are the first to provide a potential explanation for at least part of the long-term PCB-induced cognitive deficits.
Modeling predicts that redd trampling by cattle may contribute to population declines of native trout

Unrestricted livestock grazing can degrade aquatic ecosystems, and its effects on native vertebrate species are generally mediated by changes to physical habitat. Recently, high estimated rates of cattle trampling on artificial redds within federal grazing allotments in southwestern Montana, USA, has raised concern that direct mortality from trampling may contribute to imperilment of native westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ). To explore the implications of cattle trampling, we built two mathematical models. First we used a temperature-driven model of egg-to-fry mortality representative of the developmental stages during which embryos would be vulnerable to trampling. Cattle trampling was an additional source of mortality (beyond natural mortality), and we modeled egg-to-fry mortality across a range of trampling rates (25-125% per month) for scenarios assuming low (0.60), moderate (0.81), and high (0.95) natural mortality. We then used a matrix model to determine how trampling affected population growth (k), assuming initially stable (k ¼ 1.008) or slow-growing populations (k ¼ 1.025 and 1.05). Cattle trampling concentrated over a few days when the embryos were most sensitive caused greater egg-to-fry mortality than when the same amount of trampling occurred over one month. Trampling caused a large increase in egg-to-fry mortality when that natural mortality was low, but the overall population-level effect was far less than might have been anticipated from the rate of trampling itself. Nonetheless, small reductions in population growth rate could be biologically significant for populations with little or no demographic resilience, and trampling rates as low as 25% could lead to negative population growth. The rapid reduction in resilience with increased trampling rates (.50%) means that even growing populations are less likely to recover from periodic fluctuations. The overall risk posed by trampling will depend on whether cutthroat trout populations face concurrent threats that have already reduced their abundance and resilience. Biologists can potentially use the egg-to-fry model and thermograph data to identify dates when limiting cattle presence in or near stream habitats would likely reduce mortality from trampling. Evaluation of grazing policies on federal lands may be needed to ensure that species conservation and land use concerns are equitably balanced.
Demountable TAB: improving manufacturability of TAB

Area array demountable tape automated bonding (DTAB), a novel demountable, high-performance TAB package, is discussed. Special features of this package, its advantages compared to pin grid arrays (PGA), and its performance characteristics are presented. The basic concept for the package is introduced, and the advantages of this package in the manufacturing of printed circuit assemblies are discussed. Also the design of the package from the design for manufacturability point of view is explained. >
Langmuir Circulation: An Agent for Vertical Restratification?

AbstractComparably little is known about the impact of down-front-propagating surface waves on the stability of submesoscale lateral fronts in the ocean surface mixed layer. In this investigation, the stability of lateral fronts in gradient–wind balance to two-dimensional (down-front invariant) disturbances is analyzed using the stratified, rotating Craik–Leibovich (CL) equations. Through the action of the CL vortex force, the surface waves fundamentally alter the superinertial, two-dimensional linear stability of these fronts, with the classical symmetric instability mode being replaced by a hybrid Langmuir circulation/symmetric mode. The hybrid mode is shown to exhibit much larger growth rates than the pure symmetric mode, to exist in a regime in which the vertical Richardson number is greater than 1, and to accomplish significant cross-isopycnal transport. Nonhydrostatic numerical simulations reveal that the nonlinear evolution of this hybrid instability mode can lead to rapid, that is, superinertial, ...
Design and analysis of coordinated access schemes for code-limited optical-CDMA networks

This paper investigates code assignment and transmission scheduling schemes for code-limited optical code division multiple access (O-CDMA) networks, where the number of nodes exceeds the number of codes. We present an architectural design of a coordinated access scheme based on a centralized gated-polling controller, and evaluate its performance in terms of scheduling delays and achievable throughputs. In particular, this paper proposes a list-scheduling algorithm for code assignment and analyzes its near-optimal performance. With theoretic analyses and simulations, we derive the relationships among system capacity, traffic load, and network performance, and establish an analytical framework to address practical issues regarding O-CDMA network planning. Performance results indicate that the code-limited system can achieve high throughputs at the expense of scheduling delays. The capacity requirement of the control channel is also investigated to ensure system stability. These results provide an in-depth insight into network dynamics of code-limited systems and can serve as guidelines for network planning and algorithm design
Carpal tunnel syndrome: staging of median nerve compression by MR imaging.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the potential of MR imaging to depict morphologic alterations of the median nerve correlating with the stage of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Eighteen wrists of normal subjects and 81 wrists of patients with CTS were examined. MR imaging was performed with proton-density- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences. Staging of CTS was done on the basis of clinical and electrophysiological testing, including evaluation of the number of previous steroid infiltrations in conservative treatment. Median nerve flattening, cross-sectional area, and signal intensity were measured from the distal radius to the end of the carpal tunnel. Delineation and structure of the median nerve were recorded qualitatively by two experienced radiologists in consensus. Three major MR imaging criteria of early CTS were (a) isolated prestenotic and intracarpal swelling of the median nerve (P < .01), (b) the absence of significant flattening, and (c) a generalized increase in signal intensity retrograde to the distal radius (P < .01). The nerve showed sharply delineated contours and a homogeneous signal pattern. Advanced CTS was characterized by retrograde swelling of the median nerve to the distal radius (P < .01) and decreased signal intensity (P < .05). Demarcation of the nerve became poorer, and its signal pattern appeared fasciculated. After steroid infiltration, the median nerve was difficult to delineate, showed an inhomogeneous structure, and swelling was less pronounced than without steroid infiltration (P < .05). MR imaging yields typical morphologic findings that correlate with the duration and severity of median nerve compression. Hence, MR imaging allows staging of median nerve compression in CTS and thus may contribute to therapeutic decision-making.
Deaggregation of Nanodiamond Powders Using Salt- and Sugar-Assisted Milling

Diamond particles of 5-10 nm in size can be produced in large quantities by denonating oxygen-lean explosives in a closed chamber. They have numerous useful properties and are used in applications ranging from lubricants to drug delivery. Aggregation of diamond nanoparticles is limiting wider use of this important carbon nanomaterial because most applications require single separated particles. We demonstrate that dry media assisted attrition milling is a simple, inexpensive, and efficient alternative to the current ways of deaggregating of nanodiamond. This technique uses water-soluble nontoxic and noncontaminating crystalline compounds, such as sodium chloride or sucrose. When milling is complete, the media can be easily removed from the product by water rinsing, which provides an advantage when compared to milling with ceramic microbeads. Using the dry media assisted milling with subsequent pH adjustment, it is possible to produce stable aqueous nanodiamond colloidal solutions with particles <10 nm in diameter, which corresponds to 1-2 primary nanodiamond particles. The study of milling kinetics and the characterization of the produced nanodiamond colloids led us to conclude that aggregates of less than 200 nm in diameter, observed at the tail of the pore size distribution of milled nanodiamond, are loosely bonded and rather dynamic in nature. Color change observed in ND colloids upon shifting their pH toward the basic end allowed us to demonstrate that the coloration comes from the light interaction with colloidal particles and not from an increase in nondiamond carbon content.
Initial assessment of the stratospheric and climatic impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption: Prologue

An overview is given of the techniques employed to evaluate the early effects of the volcanic eruption on the stratosphere and climate, and data are given on the initial eruption yield. Global satellite measurements were taken by TOMS, SAGE II, AVHRR, and other devices, and the initial results indicate an eruption yield of 20 megatons of SO2 and 20-30 megatons of H2SO4/H2O aerosol mass. The predicted effects of the eruption - accelerated global ozone depletion and surface cooling - can be compared to meteorological data to test the validity of present climate models based on these data.
Quantum Chance and Nonlocality: Probability and Nonlocality in the Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Preface Acknowledgement Part I. Quantum Chance: 1. Quantum probability and the problem of interpretation 2. Orthodox theories 3. No-collapse theories 4. Modal interpretations 5. The Bohm theory Part II. Quantum Non-locality: 6. Non-locality I: Non-dynamical models of the EPR-Bohm experiment 7. Non-locality II: Dynamical models of the EPR-Bohm experiment 8. Non-locality and special relativity 9. Probability and non-locality Notes References Index.
Effects of a single green flash versus a white flash of light on saccadic oculomotor metrics

White light encompasses all wavelengths of the visible optical spectrum while variations of green light cover only a fraction. Saccades comprise a considerable portion of ocular activity and have been used for research in neurology, cognitive processing, reading, and weaponry design. The goal of this experiment was to study how different energies of light affect the saccadic oculomotor system. This was tested by white and green photic stimulation in eleven and eight subjects respectively as they visually attempted to locate a target. The subject was presented with a target: 15 degrees to either the right or left from the midline with no photic stimulus (control), 15 degrees to the right or left accompanied by a photic stimulus at: midline, 15 degrees to the left, or 15 degrees to the right. Data were collected using the Skalar infrared limbic tracking system and a custom LabVIEW program. Dynamics were quantified with a latency analysis and the time to acquire /spl plusmn/ one degree of the target analysis using MatLAB. Results show that an increase in latency occurs during target location accompanied by a photic stimulus compared to target location accompanied by no photic stimulus, and that green light has a more robust effect on saccadic metrics than white light.
A JNK-Independent Signaling Pathway Regulates TNFα-Stimulated, c-Jun-Driven FRA-1 Protooncogene Transcription in Pulmonary Epithelial Cells

Among the several effectors that mediate TNF-alpha action is AP-1, which consists of transcription factors belonging to the JUN and FOS families. Although the effects of TNF-alpha in immune cells, such as the induction of NF-kappaBeta, are well known, the mechanisms by which it induces transcriptional activation of AP-1 in pulmonary epithelial cells are not well defined. In this study, we report that TNF-alpha stimulates the expression of the FRA-1 protooncogene in human pulmonary epithelial cells using c-Jun, acting via a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate response element located at -318. Although TNF-alpha stimulates phosphorylation of c-Jun, the inhibition of JNK activity had no significant effect on FRA-1 induction. Consistent with this result, ectopic expression of a c-Jun mutant lacking JNK phosphorylation sites had no effect on the TNF-alpha-induced expression of the promoter. In contrast, inhibition of the ERK pathway or ectopic expression of an ERK1 mutant strikingly reduced FRA-1 transcription. ERK inhibition not only blocked phosphorylation of Elk1, CREB, and ATF1, which constitutively bind to the FRA-1 promoter, but also suppressed the recruitment of c-Jun to the promoter. We found that short interfering RNA-mediated silencing of FRA-1 enhances TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 expression, whereas overexpression causes an opposite effect. Our findings collectively indicate that ERK signaling plays key roles in both Elk1, CREB, and ATF-1 activation and the subsequent recruitment of c-Jun to the FRA-1 promoter in response to TNF-alpha in pulmonary epithelial cells.
Identification and characterization of pleural neurons that inhibit tail sensory neurons and motor neurons in Aplysia: correlation with FMRFamide immunoreactivity

Neurons on the rostral edge of the ventral surface of the right pleural ganglion were identified as elements of the circuit mediating the defensive tail withdrawal reflex of Aplysia. These neurons produced IPSPs in tail sensory neurons and were classified into two groups, RPI4 and RPI5, according to their affinity for an antibody directed against FMRFamide. RPI4 was not FMRFamide immunoreactive, and RPI5 was. RPI4 and RPI5 were found to have different electrophysiological profiles. The summated IPSPs in sensory neurons produced by RPI4 developed more rapidly and had a shorter duration than those produced by RPI5. In addition, RPI4 produced IPSPs in the tail motor neurons, whereas RPI5 did not. Both RPI4 and RPI5 received excitatory synaptic inputs from stimulation of the pleural-abdominal connective as well as peripheral nerves P8 and P9, which innervate the tail and posterior part of the animal's body. These inputs were sufficient to elicit spikes. In RPI4, the excitatory synaptic inputs were followed by short and transient hyperpolarization, whereas in RPI5, the excitatory synaptic inputs were followed by slow and long-lasting hyperpolarization. Excitatory inputs elicited in RPI4 by stimulation of peripheral nerves appeared to be mediated, at least in part, by activation of tail sensory neurons. Intracellular stimulation of sensory neurons produced EPSPs in RPI4 that appeared to be monosynaptic. These results suggest that inhibitory interneurons underlying the circuit of the tail withdrawal reflex may play roles in mediating or modulating neuronal responses to tail stimulation. By inhibiting tail sensory and motor neurons, these interneurons may reduce the effectiveness of an animal's response to stimulation of the tail.
Ascorbate Deficiency Impairs the Muscarinic-Cholinergic and β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Systems in the Guinea Pig Submandibular Salivary Gland

Ascorbic acid is preferentially concentrated in the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. Its level in the acini of salivary glands is relatively high. We therefore hypothesized that ascorbate may have a role in salivary gland function. Ascorbate-deficient guinea pigs had lower stimulated whole salivary flow rates than well-fed, age-matched controls (P: < 0.005). Total salivary protein concentration was also markedly (P: < 0.005) reduced in the deficient guinea pigs. SDS-PAGE and densitometric quantification of protein bands confirmed significant reduction in specific salivary proteins (e.g., amylase, proline-rich proteins) in the saliva samples of malnourished guinea pigs. Some protein bands not seen in control saliva were detected in the saliva of malnourished guinea pigs. Ascorbate deficiency also produced a significant (P: < 0.005) reduction in the ss-adrenergic receptor density (subtype 1; 95 +/- 19 fmol/mg protein compared with 179 +/- 27 fmol/mg protein for the controls). No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to the ss-adrenergic receptor subtype 2. Additionally, ascorbate-deficient guinea pigs had significantly lower muscarinic-cholinergic receptor densities (50 +/- 5 vs. 74 +/- 8 fmol/mg protein for controls). Our data support the conclusion that diminished membrane receptors might impair the capacity of the transmembrane signaling system, resulting in salivary gland hypofunction in ascorbate-deficient guinea pigs. Without implying extrapolation of our findings in experimental animals to humans, it is perhaps relevant that many conditions often associated with salivary gland hypofunction in humans (e.g., smoking or drug ingestion) deplete cellular ascorbate.
Product Portfolio Analysis and Market Share Objectives: An Exposition of Certain Underlying Relationships:

Market share plays a central role in a number of portfolio planning models. This article presents an exposition of the underlying relationship between market share, market size, market growth rate, product sales volume and product sales growth rate. Three constructs—the market share multiplier, the physical volume multiplier, and the dollar volume multiplier—which aid in the strategic analysis of the product portfolio are proposed. The linkages between inter-related growth constructs such as the volumetric and dollar sales growth rate, and the nominal and real dollar sales growth rate are discussed. Certain generalizations regarding market share and its sensitivity to various environmental conditions are highlighted.
Biomechanical loading on the upper extremity increases from single key tapping to directional tapping

Musculoskeletal disorders associated with computer use span the joints of the upper extremity. Computing typically involves tapping in multiple directions. Thus, we sought to describe the loading on the finger, wrist, elbow and shoulder joints in terms of kinematic and kinetic difference across single key switch tapping to directional tapping on multiple keys. An experiment with repeated measures design was conducted. Six subjects tapped with their right index finger on a stand-alone number keypad placed horizontally in three conditions: (1) on single key switch (the number key 5); (2) left and right on number key 4 and 6; (3) top and bottom on number key 8 and 2. A force–torque transducer underneath the keypad measured the fingertip force. An active-marker infrared motion analysis system measured the kinematics of the fingertip, hand, forearm, upper arm and torso. Joint moments for the metacarpophalangeal, wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints were estimated using inverse dynamics. Tapping in the top–bottom orientation introduced the largest biomechanical loading on the upper extremity especially for the proximal joint, followed by tapping in the left–right orientation, and the lowest loading was observed during single key switch tapping. Directional tapping on average increased the fingertip force, joint excursion, and peak-to-peak joint torque by 45%, 190% and 55%, respectively. Identifying the biomechanical loading patterns associated with these fundamental movements of keying improves the understanding of the risks of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders for computer keyboard users.