cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal design strategies for electrostatic energy storage in quantum multiwell heterostructures

We study physical principles of optimal design of a nanoscale multiwell heterostructure functioning as an electrostatic energy storage device. We performed numerical optimization of the multiwell trapping potential for electrons in the nanostructure with the goal to obtain the maximum possible static polarizability of the system. The response of the heterostructure is modeled microscopically using nonlocal linear response theory within the random phase approximation. Three main design strategies are identified which lead to the maximization of the stored energy. We found that the efficiency of each strategy crucially depends on the temperature and the broadening of electron levels. The stored energy for optimized heterostructures can exceed the nonoptimized ones by a factor of 450. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of new nanoscale capacitors with high energy density storage capabilities.
Assessment of Augmented Reality Technology’s Impact on Speed of Learning and Task Performance in Aeronautical Engineering Technology Education

Objective: This study compared learning and skill transfer among university aviation students using interactive Augmented Reality (AR) technology versus traditional paper-based instruction. While s...
Scaling up Frequency-Comb-Based Optical Time Transfer to Long Terrestrial Distances

Frequency-comb-based optical two-way time and frequency transfer (O-TWTFT) can support future ultra-precise clock networks over free-space links. However, demonstrations have thus far only operated at one corner of a complex parameter space, which balances received optical power, timing performance, and update rate. Here, we analyze the performance of O-TWTFT across this parameter space, with a specific focus on extending the link distance at constant launch power and telescope aperture. We perform experiments across a three-node network spanning 28 km of turbulent air, and successfully demonstrate a more than 2000\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} reduction in the required received optical power corresponding to a potential 45\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} increase in distance. This distance increase does come with an associated reduction in timing precision, with the uncertainty increasing from 60 as to 20 fs at 10 s averaging times. However, this level of precision is still more than adequate for most applications. In addition, it comes with a reduction in sampling rate, which potentially limits this approach to static links. Interestingly, because this system optimization does not require any hardware modifications, O-TWTFT links could be dynamically tuned to support future long-distance optical clock networks over a range of conditions and applications.
An Uncomfortable Truth: Arkansas’s Approach to Warrantless Vehicle Searches is Unconstitutional

For over seven decades, the United States Supreme Court has limited the scope of the Fourth Amendment’s automobile exception to permit only warrantless searches of vehicles and their containers. Against that precedent, the American Law Institute adopted Section 260.3 of the Model Code of Pre-Arraignment Procedure in 1975. Section 260.3 permitted police officers to not only conduct warrantless searches of vehicles, but also vehicle occupants when the search of the vehicle failed to turn up evidence of a crime. As of 2019, only one state in the country maintains Section 260.3 as a rule or statute of criminal procedure. That state is Arkansas. Arkansas adopted Arkansas Rule of Criminal Procedure 14.1, governing warrantless vehicle searches, in 1976. Like Section 260.3, Rule 14.1 permits the warrantless search of a vehicle occupant—in addition to the vehicle itself. This Article argues that Rule 14.1 is unconstitutional for two independent reasons. First, Rule 14.1 deviates from clear Supreme Court precedent by broadly expanding the scope of the automobile exception to include the warrantless search of a vehicle occupant. Second, it permits the warrantless search of an individual’s person without a firm constitutional basis. Considering the Supreme Court precedent underlying the automobile exception alongside Rule 14.1’s remarkable history, this Article concludes that Rule 14.1—Arkansas’s expansive approach to warrantless vehicle searches—is unconstitutional and must be significantly amended.
Beyond the AMPA receptor: Diverse roles of SynDIG/PRRT brain-specific transmembrane proteins at excitatory synapses.

α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are responsible for fast excitatory transmission in the brain. Deficits in synaptic transmission underlie a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, drugs that target AMPARs are challenging to develop, given the central role played in neurotransmission. Targeting AMPAR auxiliary factors offers an innovative approach for achieving specificity without altering baseline synaptic transmission. This review focuses on the SynDIG/proline-rich transmembrane protein (PRRT) family of AMPAR-associated transmembrane proteins. Although these factors are related based on sequence similarity, the proteins have evolved diverse actions at excitatory synapses that are not limited to the traditional role ascribed to an AMPAR auxiliary factor. SynDIG4/PRRT1 acts as a typical AMPAR auxiliary protein, while PRRT2 functions at presynaptic sites to regulate synaptic vesicle dynamics and is the causative gene for neurological paroxysmal disorders in humans. SynDIG/PRRT proteins are members of a larger superfamily that also include antiviral proteins known to restrict fusion between host and viral membranes and share some interesting characteristics.
Three-dimensional heat transfer analysis of flat-plate oscillating heat pipes

Abstract This paper presents a three-dimensional heat transfer analysis of a flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (OHP). To enhance implementation of OHPs in various applications, it is important to understand the comprehensive phenomena that include thermal diffusion in the whole structure and thermal hydraulics in the channel. We developed an OHP model that includes the effect of thermal diffusion and thermo-fluid behavior. The model was validated with experimental results of a flat-plate aluminum OHP which has a size of 200 mm × 90 mm × 3.8 mm, a channel diameter of 1.0 mm, and a turn number of 42. The effect of surface roughness in the channel and liquid film thickness on operating temperature is investigated. The relation between thermo-fluid behavior in the channel and temperature distribution of the OHP is analyzed. For aluminum OHP, the temperature difference across the thickness direction is 0.1 °C which is relatively small, whereas, the moving hot spot: local high-temperature region, is found in the planer surface. The maximum hot spot superheat temperature reached 5.4 °C for 200 W. The novelties of this paper are to develop the three-dimensional comprehensive OHP model and to reveal the combined effect of thermo-hydraulic phenomena and thermal diffusion in OHP structure.
Soil microbial influences on “One Health”

Abstract The concept of “One Health” links environmental health to human health through interactions with soil, plants, and animals. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the soil microbiome in these complex interactions and how soil microbes can impact all aspects of our everyday lives, including: what infects us; what heals us; what we eat, drink, and breathe; and even the composition of our gut microbiome. Given the quantity and speed of new technological advances, it remains to be seen the extent to which we can manipulate soil microbial communities to improve environmental and human health. Possibilities include: genetic manipulation of plant chromosomes; “designer” rhizospheres with specific root border cells; and engineered microbial inoculants with desirable traits for rhizobial and mycorrhizal root/microbial interactions. Finally, note that development of new soil-based probiotics could improve human health by directly introducing soil microorganisms into the gut.
Late-Onset Austrian Syndrome in a Patient with Bacterial Meningitis Late-Onset Austrian Syndrome in a Patient with Bacterial Meningitis (P5.9-006)

Objective: We report a unique case of Austrian Syndrome, with late onset pneumonia and endocarditis during the third week of antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis. Background: The triad of meningitis, pneumonia, and endocarditis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. Pneumoniae) is known as Austrian Syndrome (AS) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Design/Methods: NA Results: A 76-year-old woman with a history of chronic cervical and lumbar degenerative disease was admitted with a 3-day history of headache, altered mental status and fever of 103.2F. Vaccination records included Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV 23) administered four years earlier. Kernig and Brudzinski signs were unreliable due to chronic neck and back pain. CT head showed no acute changes. Fluoroscopy guided lumbar puncture was unsuccessful. IV Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin, Ampicillin, Acyclovir and steroids were started for high suspicion of bacterial meningitis. Urine antigen and blood cultures showed S. Pneumoniae. On day 4, antibiotics were narrowed to Ceftriaxone, after results of sensitivity testing were received. On day 17, MRI Brain showed multiple sub-centimeter foci of restricted diffusion in the frontal and parietal lobes, consistent with septic emboli. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a new mobile mass on the ventricular surface of the aortic valve consistent with infectious endocarditis. Transesophageal echocardiogram could not be performed due to C1–C2 subluxation. On day 19, a new consolidation was visualized at the right lung base, consistent with pneumonia, confirming the diagnosis of AS. Ceftriaxone therapy was continued, and the patient’s mental status improved. She was discharged to rehabilitation on day 31 for continuation of antibiotics for a total of six weeks. Conclusions: AS is a rare manifestation of S. Pneumoniae infection. We describe a patient with late onset AS. Vigilant follow up of patients with S. Pneumoniae meningitis is warranted, irrespective of duration of antibiotic therapy or history of pneumococcal vaccination. Disclosure: Dr. Shapouran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Racocevic has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pergament has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hillen has received research support from Roche/Genentech.
COVID-19 May Affect Male Fertility but is Not Sexually Transmitted: A Systematic Review.

Objective To determine if SARS-CoV-2, which has led to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 global pandemic, is sexually transmitted. Since the putative receptor for the virus is identified in reproductive organs, it is also important to examine if COVID-19 may affect human fertility. Evidence Review A systematic review of English publications was conducted up to December 11, 2020 in PubMed, NIH iCite COVID-19 portfolio, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, searching for SARS-CoV-2 in the testes; seminal, prostatic, and vaginal fluids; and cervical smears. A total of 1,997 records were identified, duplicates were removed, and 1,490 records were reviewed for eligibility by examining titles and abstracts. Subsequently, 202 full-text relevant articles were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Forty-seven studies (literature reviews, editorials, and guidelines) were assessed qualitatively, and 23 studies that tested the male and female reproductive tracts of patients with COVID-19 for SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively analyzed. Results No epidemiological investigations to date have described evidence suggesting that COVID-19 is an STD. While angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is found in the reproductive organs, the lack of co-expression of the TMPRSS2 modulatory protein, required for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, in testicular cells, sperm, or oocytes, argues against the hypothesis that gametes transmit SARS-CoV-2. Molecular detection studies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the male and female reproductive tracts were summarized: 98.0% (293/299) of the seminal fluids, 16/17 testicular biopsies, all 89 prostatic fluids, 98.3% (57/58) of the vaginal fluids, all 35 cervical smears, and all 16 oocyte samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. None of the studies confirmed sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, COVID-19 may have detrimental effects on male reproduction by inducing orchitis and/or decreasing testosterone levels, sperm counts, and motility. Conclusion On the basis of the current worldwide published information, COVID-19 is not an STD. This information is important for clinicians, proposed guidelines for public health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for gamete and tissue donor eligibility, and fertility treatments. Universal precautions, currently practiced worldwide, are adequate and sufficient at this time to prevent the transmission of known or unknown viral infections. We suggest that recovered patients of COVID-19, especially those with infertility, should be evaluated for their ovarian and testicular function.
No robust coexistence in a canonical model of plant-soil feedbacks

Plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) are thought to represent a crucial mechanism generating frequency-dependent dynamics in plant communities. Negative feedbacks, in particular, are routinely invoked to explain coexistence and the maintenance of diversity in species-rich communities. However, the primary modeling framework used to study PSFs considers only two plant species, and we lack clear theoretical expectations for how these complex interactions play out in communities with natural levels of diversity. Here, we demonstrate that this canonical model for PSFs is equivalent to a well-studied model from evolutionary game theory, and we use this equivalence to characterize the dynamics with an arbitrary number of plant species. Surprisingly, we find that coexistence of more than two species is virtually impossible in this model, suggesting that alternative theoretical frameworks are needed to describe feedbacks observed in diverse natural communities.
Flexible Sunlight—The History and Progress of Hybrid Solar Lighting

Over the past 150 years lighting has evolved significantly, enabling great spatial, temporal, and intellectual extension of the human domain. With the ability to safely generate light on demand, complex living and working spaces have evolved. The length of a useful day is no longer limited to sunlit hours. Intellectual pursuits continue around the clock, allowing the productivity that was once associated with “burning the midnight oil” to occur in well-lighted homes, businesses, and universities. With this progress has come an enormous energy burden. Lighting now accounts for one-third of the non-residential electricity usage and is the largest single use of electricity in non-residential buildings. The majority of the activity in non-residential buildings still occurs during hours when the sun is shining, making it possible to offset at least part of the electrical lighting load through daylighting. Introducing daylighting into existing buildings requires cultural and technical development. As a culture we must comprehend the value of daylighting, in terms of societal and environmental benefits. However, to introduce daylighting into existing buildings, the technology must be available in a form that is compatible with existing infrastructure. The technology must also be presented in a way that enables it to be embraced by the architects and lighting designers that will be responsible for implementing it. Hybrid solar lighting is a daylighting solution that is specifically designed to be flexibly integrated into modern building systems.
The diffusion of foreign divestment from Burma

We examine variation in the rate of divestment by multinational firms from Burma. We argue that in addition to a set of firm-level characteristics known to impact divestment decisions, firms are also influenced by characteristics of their home country and the divestment patterns of others. Using data on firms operating in Burma during 1996–2002, we model these multiple influences on firms to divest. Our results show that beyond firm-level concerns, firms divest in response to the political characteristics of their home country, including protest, the level of political freedom, and transparency of institutions. We also find that the centrality of their home country in the network of intergovernmental organizations impacts divestment patterns in interesting ways. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of heat generation from cement hydration on mass concrete placement

Construction of a concrete dam requires large volume of concrete. Due to the small surface area-to-volume ratio, concrete dams are often subjected to high potential of thermal cracking, caused by the heat generation from cement hydration. To reduce the thermal cracking and ensure dam structure safety, a concrete dam is often constructed with low heatgenerating cement and separated blocks having relative thin lift thickness. In Korea, low heat Type IV has been mainly used to reduce the temperature rise. Although benefits of using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete have been recognized, the practice of SCMs in dam concrete is not very common due to a concern for safety. On the other hand, increasing lift thickness of concrete blocks to accelerate dam construction has always been a demand. The purpose of this research is to explore the potential use of fly ash as Type IV cement replacement in Korea concrete dams and to determine the proper lift thickness of concrete blocks in dam construction. In the present study, the chemical compositions and fineness of cement and fly ash are characterized. The heat hydration of fly ash replacement for Type I cement and Type IV cement are studied and compared. The temperature distributions and thermal cracks of a concrete block having four different lift thicknesses (1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m) are analyzed using FEM commercial software ANSYS. The results indicate that 40% fly ash replacement for Type I cement shows a similar heat generation and compressive strength at 28 days with that of Type IV cement and also has cost savings of 25%. A lift thickness equal or less than 1.5m showed little potential for
Anthropology of Religion

Anthropology of Religion:. Handbook. Stephen D. Glazier. ed. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing,1997. 552pp. $99.50.
Combining images across multiple subjects: A study of direct cortical electrical interference

This article introduces a Bayesian hierarchical model for combining information across multiple images. Our work was motivated by an invasive functional brain mapping technique called direct cortical electrical interference that gives a sparse set of binary observations of an underlying “true” region at multiple sites on the brain surface. To model region shapes that may vary widely across individuals, we use mixtures of simple templates, for example, circles. These subject-specific templates are treated as random effects, governed by a set of population templates that make up a population region. The numbers of subject-specific and population templates are treated as unknown variables to be estimated from the data. Conditional on the subject-specific regions, the observed data are modeled using logistic regression. To estimate the variability among images across patients, we develop a measure based on Baddeley's error measure for binary images. Because the dimension of the parameter space changes as the ...
Privacy-Preserving Communication Algorithms and Network Protocols

Communication anonymity is becoming an increasingly important or even indispensable security requirement for critical information infrastructure protection and mission critical communications. Existing research in anonymous communications can largely be divided into two categories: mix-based systems and secure multiparty computation-based systems, originating from mixnet and DC-net respectively. However, all mix-based solutions require a trusted third party and cannot provide provable anonymity. While the secure multiparty computation-based approach suffers from transmission collusion problem that no practical solution exists to solve this problem. In this paper, we first propose a novel unconditionally secure source anonymous message (SAM) scheme that can be applied to any messages without relying on any trusted third parties. While ensuring message sender anonymity, the proposal scheme can also provide message content authenticity. We also propose a novel communication protocol that can hide both the senders and the recipients from each other and the network addresses of their end-to-end source and destination. The proposed protocols can be applied to both overlay networks as well as mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). It can also be used for critical infrastructure protection and secure file sharing. The security analysis demonstrates that the proposed protocol is secure against various attacks. Our analysis also shows it is efficient and practical.
Progressive alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism during short-term fasting in young adult men

Stable isotope tracers and indirect calorimetry were used to evaluate the progressive alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism after 12, 18, 24, 30, 42, 54, and 72 h of fasting in six healthy male volunteers. The rates of appearance (Ra) of glycerol and palmitic acid in plasma doubled from 2.08 +/- 0.22 and 1.63 +/- 0.20 mumol.kg-1 x min-1, respectively, after 12 h to 4.36 +/- 0.36 and 3.26 +/- 0.40 mumol.kg-1 x min-1, respectively, after 72 h of fasting (P < 0.01). Of the total increase in lipid kinetics, 60% occurred between 12 and 24 h of fasting; the greatest interval change occurred between 18 and 24 h of fasting. Glucose Ra and plasma concentration decreased by approximately 25% between 12 h (11.0 +/- 0.4 mumol.kg-1 x min-1 and 5.58 +/- 0.08 mmol/l, respectively) and 72 h (8.3 +/- 0.3 mumol.kg-1 x min-1 and 4.14 +/- 0.10 mmol/l, respectively) of fasting (P < 0.01), but no statistically significant changes occurred between 18 and 24 h of fasting. Plasma insulin decreased by approximately 50% between 12 h (64.6 +/- 12.9 pmol/l) and 72 h (30.1 +/- 7.9 pmol/l) of fasting (P < 0.001). Of the total decline in plasma insulin, 70% occurred within the first 24 h of fasting. These results demonstrate that the mobilization of adipose tissue triglycerides increases markedly between 18 and 24 h of fasting in young adult men. The early alterations in lipid metabolism are associated with a decline in circulating insulin but do not seem to be regulated by changes in glucose kinetics or plasma glucose concentrations.
Patient Factors Contributing to Variation in Same-Hospital Readmission Rate

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Readmission Reduction Program and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovations Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative hold hospitals accountable for readmissions that occur at other hospitals. A few studies have described the extent to which hospital readmissions occur at the original place of treatment (i.e., same-hospital readmissions). This study uses data from 16 states to describe variation in same-hospital readmissions by patient characteristics across multiple conditions. We found that the majority of 30-day readmissions occur at the same hospital, although rates varied considerably by condition. A significant number of hospitals had very low rates of same-hospital readmissions, meaning that the majority of their readmissions went to other hospitals. Future research should examine why some hospitals are able to retain patients for a same-hospital readmission and others are not.
A Structural Driven Kinetic Cycle for KcsA Gating

In an attempt to understand at the atomic level the structure-function correlations that define a working K+ channel, it would be ideal to provide structural snapshots of a given channel as it transitions along its kinetic cycle. Here, we present a full atomic description for the kinetic cycle of KcsA, the archetypal pore domain of a K+ channel. The simplest kinetic cycle that defines the function of KcsA involves its transition through at least 4 distinct kinetic states: closed-conductive (C/O) → open-conductive (O/O) → open-C-type inactivated (O/I) → closed-C-type inactivated (O/I). We incorporated in a 4-state kinetic cycle (a) the high- and low-K+ concentration structures of KcsA, believed to represent structural snapshots for KcsA's C/O and C/I states, respectively1; and (b) two new and unpublished structures of KcsA with the activation gate locked-open, while bearing a point mutation that either obliterates (E71A) or accelerates (Y82A) C-type inactivation. This allowed us to complete the simplest structure-driven kinetic cycle for KcsA. The high-resolution structures of KcsA's O/O and O/I states provide unparalleled structural information that lends a novel molecular explanation for C-type inactivation gating. A comprehensive functional and structural analysis will be presented.Funding: L.G.C. NIH 1RO1GMo97159-01A1 and Welch Foundation BI-17571 Zhou, M., Morais-Cabral, J. H., Mann, S. & MacKinnon, R. Potassium channel receptor site for the inactivation gate and quaternary amine inhibitors. Nature 411, 657-661, doi:10.1038/3507950035079500 [pii] (2001).
Adiabatic compression and expansion of polystyrene

Equations relating temperature and pressure for adiabatic compression and expansion of polystyrene are derived from Spencer & Gilmore's equation of state for equilibrium conditions. The temperature changes determined experimentally are larger than expected and the results are correlated if a constant in the equation of state is altered. Compressions and expansions are found to be essentially reversible and adiabatic for the time scale of the experiments and for the time scale occurring in injection moulding.
Molecular cloning and characterization of bovine prostacyclin synthase.

Abstract The cDNA encoding prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) was isolated from a bovine arota cDNA library. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1500 nucleotides encoding a polypeptide of 500 amino acids with a Mr of 56,675. The predicted amino acid sequence contains four polypeptide sequences determined from purified bovine PGIS. Comparison of the PGIS sequence with other protein sequences in protein data banks indicates that PGIS has considerable sequence similarity with cytochrome P450s; the closest related sequence is that of human cholesterol 7-α-monooxygenase (CYP 7). The PGIS sequence is consistent with several structural elements found in other P450s, including a putative membrane anchoring segement, a helix I which forms an α-helix backbone through the center of the enzyme and a heme-binding pocket. Overall, the PGIS has ≤ 31 % identity to other P450s, suggesting that PGIS represents a previously undefined family of cytochrome P450. PGIS shares only 26 % sequence identity with human thromboxane synthase and has a different hydropathy pattern near the amino terminus, suggesting a different membrane anchoring topology. Availability of PGIS cDNA will allow us to elucidate the different catalytic mechanisms between these two enzymes.
Job Change: A Practitioner's View.

In conclusion, the job change framework outlined by Loughead and Black (1990) helps practitioners focus on numerous issues associated with offering comprehensive career services for employed adults. Future applications of this framework might explore the role of interests and skills as they affect an adult's decision to change jobs. Job dissatisfaction may result from an inability to implement one's interests in one's work or to use skills that one finds satisfying. As Holland (1985) has noted, interests are a central aspect of one's personality as reflected through choice of a work environment. In exploring an adult's dissatisfaction with their present job, it would seem helpful to also focus on what the person likes or dislikes about their work, or whether they wish to continue to use a particular set of skills versus using or developing new skills. From a practitioner's point of view, the framework might be further expanded through a more detailed examination of the broad range of factors that contribute to job satisfaction.
Knowledge based decision support for PCB assembly using SMT

Abstract Knowledge based Decision Support Systems (DSSs) in manufacturing help enhance productivity and quality. The need for DSS use in the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) domain is discussed. Process and manufacturing systems related DSSs for the PCB assembly domain are delineated, and specific systems are described.
Effects of age, sex, and prior body weight on the development of dietary obesity in adult rats

Abstract Adult male and female rats were fed either lab chow (Groups 2 and 3) or lab chow and an assortment of palatable supermarket foods (Group 1) during Days 1–60 of the experiment. All rats were maintained on only lab chow during Days 61–90. Group 1 and 3 rats were then given the supermarket diet during Days 91–150, while Group 2 rats continued on lab chow only. The rats fed the supermarket diet significantly more body weight than did the lab chow fed rats, and this dietary obesity was greater in the older rats (i.e., during the Days 91–150 of the experiment) than in the younger rats (Days 1–60). Male rats gained as much or more weight on the supermarket diet as did the females, but compared to the same-sexed chow fed rats females displayed greater weight gains than did males. Finally, during Days 91–150 Group 1 and 3 rats gained similar amounts of weight on the supermarket diet despite the fact that the Group 1 rats had previous experience with the diet and had been overweight as a result. The findings demonstrate that age and sex, but not prior experience with palatable foods and overweight, are important factors in the development of dietary obesity in adult rats. The similarity between dietary obesity and hypothalamic obesity with respect to these three factors is discussed.
A Rule-Based System For The Recognition Of Line Drawings Of Objects

A model-constraint rule-based pattern matching system is considered in this paper. The emphasis is on view angle independent object recognition. Line drawings of objects are used as the input to the system. The system also handles incomplete and ambiguous line drawings, and assigns a certainty indicator for each object recognized. A two-stage approach is adopted where the first stage involves feature extraction and the second one deals with pattern
THE TURNOVER RATE OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN THE PLASMA OF THE DOG AS MEASURED WITH RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHORUS.

1. A method for the determination of turnover time and turnover rate of plasma phospholipid is presented. 2. During the postabsorptive state 5.2 to 8.0 mg. of phospholipid phosphorus are turned over per hour in the plasma of dogs weighing 6–9 kilos. 3. The amount of phospholipid in an organ that is supplied by plasma phospholipid per hour is calculated.
ErbB3 is Upregulated by Fasting and Diabetes in Rat Liver • 405

Our previous studies showed that physiologic concentrations of insulin suppress the expression of the EGFr-like tyrosine kinase receptor, ErbB3, in cultured rat hepatocytes. The ligands for this receptor are known to have proliferative and differentating effects in other tissues. To test the hypothesis that insulin is a physiologic regulator of ErbB3 in vivo, we studied the hepatic expression of ErbB3 in two models of insulin deficiency: streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes and fasting. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, and analyzed by paired t-test: * P<.05 vs age matched controls; ** P <.05 vs diabetics. Male S-D rats(100-150gm) were treated with a single ip injection of STZ, 65 mg/kg, and fed a normal diet ad libitum. Blood glucose was monitored daily(86± 9.6 vs 369± 13 mg/dl*, control vs diabetics, d 8). 3 diabetic animals received 3-15 units of human Ultralente insulin sc daily until the glucose was £ 200 mg/dl (90±88 mg/dl**). In a second study, 8 rats were fasted for 48 hr; 4 of the animals were refed for 48 hr (weights: 197 ± 12 vs 145 ±7*vs 181 ± 8 gm; control vs fasted vs refed). Livers were harvested and ErbB3 was immunoprecipitated from liver lysates, resolved on 6% polyacrylamide gels, transfered to nitrocellulose membranes, and detected using HRP-coupled anti-ErbB3 antibodies. Densitometric analysis (arbitrary units) of the 185 kDa ErbB3 band was carried out in a digital scanner. Results: Control (n=4) 2826 ± 691; Untreated Diabetics(n=2) 4895 ± 890*; Treated Diabetics (n=3) 1362 ± 1155**; Fasted(n=4) 4157 ± 836*; Fasted/Refed (n=4) 3908 ± 557. These data demonstrate that insulin deficiency induced by fasting or STZ diabetes upregulates the expression of the hepatic growth factor receptor ErbB3in vivo, and that insulin replacement represses this expression in diabetic rats. 48hr of refeeding is insufficient to reverse the effects of fasting. We speculate that the expression, and thus the signalling, of ErbB3 can be regulated by changes in hepatic insulin levels, and, indirectly, by metabolic status. Further studies may elucidate the interactions between insulin action, nutritional status and proliferative or differentiating signals in liver. They may have particular relevance to the diabetic state. Support: DK44557 (WER)
Natural variation in the expression of cytochrome P-450 and dimethylnitrosamine demethylase in Drosophila

Summary Electrophoresis of Drosophila microsomes resolves two major hemecontaining protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 59,290 (band a) and 55,750 (band b). The hemoproteins in these two bands can account for most of the cytochrome P-450 in the organism. Band a is present in all strains examined: band b is not. Dimethylnitrosamine demethylase, a P-450 enzyme, is a component of band b.
The anisotropy of aluminum and aluminum alloys

The anisotropy of textured aluminum is approximated by a yield criterion with an exponent of eight. The use of this criterion in metal-forming analyses has improved the understanding of the formability of aluminum and other metals. The effect of anisotropy on the limiting drawing ratio in cupping is less than that expected from the quadratic Hill yield criterion and the effect of texture on forming limit diagrams is negligible. A method of predicting the effect of strain-path changes on forming limit curves of aluminum alloy sheets has proven to agree with experiments.
ICG-loaded microbubbles for multimodal billiary imaging in cholecystectomy

A dual-mode imaging technique has been developed for intraoperative imaging of bile ducts and real-time identification of iatrogenic injuries in cholecystectomy. The technique is based on ultrasound (US) and fluorescence (FL) imaging of a dual-mode microbubble (MB) agent comprising a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell and a core of Indocyanine Green. During cholecystectomy, a clinical US probe is used to localize the bile duct structure after bolus injection of dual-mode MBs. As the surrounding adipose tissue is removed and the Calot’s triangle is exposed, FL imaging is used to identify the MB distribution and to determine the potential bile duct injury. The contrast-enhanced bile duct imaging technique has been demonstrated in both a surgical simulation model and an ex vivo porcine tissue model under two surgical scenarios. The first scenario simulates the correct procedure where the cystic duct is clipped. The second scenario simulates the incorrect procedure where the common bile duct is clipped, leading to consequent bile duct injury. Benchtop experiments in both the phantom and the ex vivo models show that the dual-mode imaging technique is able to identify the potential bile duct injury during cholecystectomy. A phantom system has also been established for future device calibration and surgical training in image-guided cholecystectomy. Further in vivo animal validation tests are necessary before the technique can be implemented in a clinical setting.
Achieving augmented limits of detection for peptides with hydrophobic alkyl tags.

The wide range of protein concentrations found in biological matrixes presents a formidable analytical challenge in proteomics experiments. It is predicted that low-abundance proteins are the likely clinically relevant targets in disease-based proteomics analyses. To effectively analyze low-abundance proteins by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, limits of detection must be improved upon. Previous studies have demonstrated hydrophobicity is a main determinant of the electrospray ionization response. One would expect to improve the electrospray ionization response of a hydrophilic peptide by making it more hydrophobic, thus increasing the molecule's affinity for the surface of the electrospray droplet, thereby allowing the molecule to more effectively compete for charge. In this report, we demonstrate a strategy to increase the electrospray ionization response of cysteine-containing peptides with the addition of an octylcarboxyamidomethyl modification via alkylation chemistry, which we name the ALi...
Computational Efficiency of Frequency- and Time-Domain Calculations of Extreme Mass-Ratio Binaries: Equatorial Orbits

Gravitational waveforms and fluxes from extreme mass-ratio inspirals can be computed using time-domain methods with accuracy that is fast approaching that of frequency-domain methods. We study in detail the computational efficiency of these methods for equatorial orbits of fast spinning Kerr black holes, and find the number of modes needed in either method--as functions of the orbital parameters--in order to achieve a desired accuracy level. We then estimate the total computation time and argue that for high-eccentricity orbits the time-domain approach may be more efficient computationally. We suggest that in practice low-m modes are computed using the frequency-domain approach, and high-m modes are computed using the time-domain approach, where m is the azimuthal mode number.
Thoracoscopic Drainage as Primary Management of Delayed Presentation of Blunt Esophageal Rupture

Blunt trauma resulting in intrathoracic esophageal injury is rare. Here we present a case of delayed diagnosis of blunt esophageal injury managed by thorascopic drainage. Diligent observation to cl...
Simultaneous measurement of arterial input function and tumor pharmacokinetics in mice by dynamic contrast enhanced imaging: effects of transcytolemmal water exchange.

A noninvasive technique for simultaneous measurement of the arterial input function (AIF) for gadodiamide (Omniscan) and its uptake in tumor was demonstrated in mice. Implantation of a tumor at a suitable location enabled its visualization in a cardiac short axis image. Sets of gated, low-resolution saturation recovery images were acquired from each of five tumor-bearing mice following intravenous administration of a bolus of contrast agent (CA). The AIF was extracted from the signal intensity changes in left ventricular blood using literature values of the CA relaxivity and a precontrast T1 map. The time-dependent 1H2O relaxation rate constant (R1 = 1/T1) in the tumor was modeled using the BOLus Enhanced Relaxation Overview (BOLERO) method in two modes regarding the equilibrium transcytolemmal water exchange system: 1) constraining it exclusively to the fast exchange limit (FXL) (the conventional assumption), and 2) allowing its transient departure from FXL and access to the fast exchange regime (FXR), thus designated FXL/FXR. The FXL/FXR analysis yielded better fittings than the FXL-constrained analysis for data from the tumor rims, whereas the results based on the two modes were indistinguishable for data from the tumor cores. For the tumor rims, the values of Ktrans (the rate constant for CA transfer from the vasculature to the interstitium) and ve (volume fraction of the tissue extracellular and extravascular space) returned from FXL/FXR analysis are consistently greater than those from the FXL-constrained analysis by a factor of 1.5 or more corresponding to a CA dose of 0.05 mmole/kg. Magn Reson Med 52:248–257, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PADF RF Localization Criteria for Multi-Model Scattering Environments

This paper provides a summary of recent results on a novel multi-platform RF emitter localization technique denoted as Position-Adaptive RF Direction Finding (PADF). This basic PADF formulation is based on the investigation of iterative path-loss based (i.e. path loss exponent) metrics estimates that are measured across multiple platforms in order to robotically/intelligently adapt (i.e. self-adjust) the location of each distributed/cooperative platform. Recent results at the AFRL indicate that this position-adaptive approach shows potential for accurate emitter localization in challenging embedded multipath environments (i.e., urban environments). As part of a general introductory discussion on PADF techniques, this paper provides a summary of our recent results on PADF and includes a discussion on the underlying and enabling concepts that provide potential enhancements in RF localization accuracy in challenging environments. Also, an outline of recent results that incorporate sample approaches to real-time multi-platform data pruning is included as part of a discussion on potential approaches to refining a basic PADF technique in order to integrate and perform distributed self-sensitivity and self-consistency analysis as part of a PADF technique with distributed robotic/intelligent features. The focus of this paper is on the experimental performance analysis of hardware-simulated PADF environments that generate multiple simultaneous mode-adaptive scattering trends. We cite approaches to addressing PADF localization performance challenges in these multi-modal complex laboratory simulated environments via providing analysis of our multimodal experiment design together with analysis of the resulting hardware-simulated PADF data.
Wavelength-tunable focal length of a nanopatterned metallic planar lens with strong focusing capability

Numerical results for the spatial distributions of the light transmitted through metallic planar lenses composed of symmetric nanogroove arrays on the surfaces of a gold film deposited on a dielectric substrate are presented and explained. Both the near and far-field distributions of the intensity of light transmitted through such films, which are modeled by two aligned and reversed one-dimensional surface profile functions, are calculated by the use of a Green's function formalism. The focusing action obtained for different groove-width variations is investigated thoroughly. Results for an optimal transverse focus based on a quadratic variation of groove width across the array are also obtained, in addition to the effect of groove shape on the sharpness of planar lens focusing. Meanwhile, a significant dependence of the focal length on the wavelength of light incident from the air side through the gold film into a dielectric substrate is found for this detector configuration.
An event classifier using EEG signals: An artificial neural network approach

An event classifier has been developed to analyze the collected EEG signals and distinguish between different events. The classifier introduced in this study was based on an artificial neural network model. The training process of the neural network required large amount of sample data and target results. A trained artificial neural network can then predict the outcome of an event based on the information of the corresponding EEG signal. The architecture of the artificial neural network involved hidden layers in addition to the input and output layers, which satisfied the non-linearity of the problem that the classifier was designed to solve. Experiments were conducted to validate this approach by using the classifier to distinguish whether subjects placed their fingers into hot or cold water. Validation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the classifier and its potential application in other fields.
Significance of nickel and copper content to radiation sensitivity and postirradiation heat treatment recovery of reactor vessel steels

This paper describes an experimental test in confirmation of a suspected interaction between nickel alloying and copper impurities in steel radiation sensitivity development. The study was prompted by differences observed in radiation embrittlement trends for high nickel, high copper content versus low nickel, high copper content welds and for A533-B (0.4 to 0.7 percent Ni) versus A302-B (<<0.4 percent Ni) steel plates. The study also explored the influence of nickel content on notch ductility recovery attainable by a low temperature heat treatment after irradiation. Eight steel plates with variations in nickel content from 0.002 to 0.69 percent and with variations in copper content from 0.005 to 0.28 percent were used for the investigation. The plates were produced from two (4-way split) laboratory melts. Plate radiation embrittlement sensitivities were determined from Charpy-V notch ductility changes by 288/sup 0/C irradiation to approx. 2.5 x 10/sup 19/ n/cm/sup 2/. Experimental observations show that a 0.7 percent but not a 0.3 percent nickel content can be detrimental to the radiation resistance of steel; the effect, however, is clearly dependent on steel copper content. Nickel content was also found to influence the amount of transition temperature recovery produced by a postirradiation 399/sup 0/C-168 hour heatmore » treatment.« less
Union merger incentives and pecuniary externalities

The collective bargaining process is influenced by the market structure that exists on both sides of the bargaining table. That structure, in turn, is affected by the merger activity of both firms and unions. Until recently, however, union merger incentives have remained unexplored. This paper surveys the principal theories that explain these incentives and develops a new theory of union mergers based on pecuniary externalities between unions.
Effects of Pandora Moth Outbreaks on Ponderosa Pine Wood Volume

Coloradia pandora (Blake) is a phytophagous insect that defoliates Pinus ponderosa (Dougl. ex Laws.) in south-central Oregon. Little is known about the extent of damage this insect inflicts upon its host trees during an outbreak. In this paper, we present stem analyses on four dominant Pinus ponderosa trees that enable us to determine the amount of volume lost during each Coloradia pandora outbreak on this site for the past 450 years. We found that on average an outbreak inhibits radial growth so that an individual tree produces 0.057 m3 less wood volume than the potential growth for the duration of an individual outbreak. A total of 0.549 m3 of growth per tree was inhibited by 10 outbreaks during the lifetime of the trees, which, in this stand, equates to 9.912 m3/ha (1,700 board feet/acre) of wood suppressed over the last 450 years throughout the stand. Our results do not support previous findings of a lag in suppression onset between the canopy of the tree versus the base. Crossdating of stem analysis ...
The use of glycol methacrylate embedding for studies of chromatin distribution and fine structure in salmon spermatid nuclei.

Glycol methacrylate has been used as an embedding medium for studies of spermiogenesis in the salmon. DNA and basic proteins are shown to stain with the same specificity in thick (0.5–1.0 μ) sections of GMA-embedded salmon testes as in sections of comparably fixed, paraffin-embedded testes. Stain can be localized far more precisely in GMA sections than in paraffin sections due to the thinness of the sections and to the excellent structural preservation of nuclei. In addition, ultra-thin sections of GMA-embedded salmon testes can be observed with the electron microscope, and this permits exact correlation between nuclear fine structure and chemical composition in consecutive sections of the same nuclei.