cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic Handling Mechanisms For An Optical Disc Mass Memory System

Automatic handling mechanisms for an optical disc mass memory systemG.J. Ammon and B.W. SiryjRCA Advanced Technology LaboratoriesCamden, New Jersey 08102AbstractAn optical disc mass memory system is being developed which will provide automatic accessto any data in a store of 1013 bits within five seconds. This system contains a library of128 optical discs with mechanisms for retrieving any disc, loading it onto a turntable, andrecording or playing digital data at a rate of 50 Mb /s. The optical discs are housed inprotective cartridges to facilitate handling by the operating personnel and automatic dischandling mechanisms. Cartridges are moved from the store to a load station by a belt- drivenX -Y transport mechanism. The load station then mounts the discs onto a precision turntable,and they are spun up to speed while housed within their protective cartridges. A window inthe cartridge wall provides access for the record and play laser beams to operate on thedisc media.The disc handling mechanisms were designed to minimize mechanical shock and vibrationwhile providing a rapid, smooth operation. A special centering hub design, for the turntableminimizes disc eccentricities during multiple load /unload cycles and allows easy inter-changeability among machines.This paper will describe the cartridge, turntable, and disc handling mechanisms designs.Test results from an engineering model implementing these designs will also be presented.IntroductionOptical disc data recording technology has advanced to where laboratory models withcapacities of 1010 to 1011 bits are being evaluated by several manufacturers. Many applica-tions, however, exist for much larger on -line storage capacities. These applicationsdraw upon central mass memory systems which must be automatically accessible to largenumbers of users. Typical system requirements are for on -line capacities of 1014 bits,access times of five seconds, data rates of 50 Mb /s, bit error rates of 1 in 109, andstorage lifetimes of 10 years or more.RCA has been addressing these applications with the development of a multiple opticaldisc "jukebox" unit that serves as a basic 1013 bit building block for these very largeon -line data bases. Under a contract with the Air Force (RADC), we have recently developed anengineering model of one of these Disc Drive units. The purpose of this paper is to reportthe disc handling mechanism designs that were used in the implementation of this unit.Disc drive unit conceptFigure 1 shows a conceptual drawing for the engineering model Disc Drive unit.
Status of nutrition education in elementary schools: 1981 vs. 1975

Abstract To determine the status of nutrition education in New York State and northern New Jersey elementary schools and to compare the status of nutrition education in those schools in 1975 and 1981, we mailed a questionnaire to a 2% sample (1,804) of full-time, public school K-6 teachers in New York State and northern New Jersey. Of the 1,217 (67.5%) teachers who returned the questionnaire, 68% reported teaching foods and nutrition during the 1980–81 school year. The teachers in the 1981 sample taught foods and nutrition an average of 11.1 hours compared to 9.7 hours for the 1975 sample. Between 1975 and 1981, the proportion of teachers teaching foods and nutrition did not change but the percentage of teachers reporting participation in an in-service workshop increased dramatically, from 3.3% in 1974–75 to 23% in 1980–81. Results of this study suggest reasons why there have not been dramatic increases in the amount of foods and nutrition education in elementary schools.
Temperature dependent interaction and thermodynamic properties in superconductors

Abstract The temperature dependence of the interaction in superconductors is used to calculate the relation between Δ(0) kT c and ( dh dt ) t=1 as well the specific heat jump at Tc.
Plug and seal: prevention of hypoxic cardiocyte death by sealing membrane lesions with antimyosin-liposomes.

Plug and seal: Prevention of hypoxic cardiocyte death by sealing membrane lesions with antimyosin-liposomes
Interactions between Handler Well-Being and Canine Health and Behavior in Search and Rescue Teams

ABSTRACTThis study reports on three years of prospective, longitudinal data on the psychological well-being of the human handlers and the health and behavior of the search and rescue dogs deployed in New York City and Washington, DC in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Eighty-five human handlers (63 deployed and 22 controls) and ninetyfour dogs (66 deployed, 28 controls) were assessed at multiple time points including 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after the 9/11 attacks. Humans were assessed for psychological health by structured clinical interview and self-report. Dogs were assessed for physical health and behavior by veterinary records and handler report. For humans, deployment after 9/11 did indeed represent a relatively short-term risk factor for developing symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By and large, however, the sample showed remarkable resilience as a whole, and overall rates of DSM-IV diagnoses were quite low. By year 3, 9/11 d...
Positional errors introduced by transient perturbations applied to a multi-joint limb

We explored a recently discovered phenomenon that smooth transient perturbations applied to the hand can lead to violations of equifinality. Healthy subjects occupied an initial hand position against a bias force and tried not to interfere with hand displacements produced by changes in the force. The force changes were smooth and transient (ending up with the same bias force value), with or without a time interval (dwell time) between the force change application and removal. They could lead to an increase or a decrease in the bias force. The subjects performed the task with eyes open and closed. After the force change was over, the hand stopped consistently short of the initial position only when the initial force change increased the bias force. No consistent positional errors were seen for the opposite force change direction. These results were consistent across trials with and without dwell time performed with and without vision. We conclude that the positional errors were not due to muscle properties but reflected a drift in the hand referent coordinate within the central nervous system triggered by the perturbation and driven by the difference between the actual and referent hand coordinates during the dwell time.
Fast algorithms for video target detection and tracking

This paper addresses two problems commonly associated with video target tracking system. First, video target detection and tracking usually require extensive searching in a large space to find the best matches for preregistered templates. Existing fast search methods cannot guarantee a global optimal match, which results in substandard performance. To obtain a true global match, a full search at the pixel or sub-pixel level is required. Obviously, this introduces significant computational overhead, which limits the implementation of these algorithms in real-time applications. In this paper, we propose a fast method to compute two-dimensional normalized cross-correlations to efficiently find the global optimal match result from a large image area. Comparisons and complexity analysis are provided to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Second, another challenge commonly faced by detection and tracking systems is the accurate detection of target orientation in a twodimensional image. This problem is motivated by applications where the walk-in and walk-out people need to be detected and a fast image registration method is needed to compensate the change in rotation, translation and size, which is natural since the target's distance from the camera is changing dramatically. To address this issue, we propose a novel and efficient eigenvector-based method to detect target orientation and apply it into automatic human recognition system. Experimental and real-world test results verify that the proposed fast algorithm achieves similar accuracy as the recursive registration method which is computationally expensive.
Flow and Heat Transfer Due to a Buoyant Ceiling Jet Turning Downward at a Corner

An experimental investigation has been carried out on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a horizontal buoyant ceiling jet that turns downward at a corner to yield a vertical negatively buoyant wall flow. Such flow situations are frequently encountered in thermal energy storage, in electronic systems, and in room fires. However, not much work has been done to understand the basic mechanisms governing such flows, particularly the flow near the corner. In this study, a two-dimensional jet of heated air is discharged adjacent to the lower surface of an isothermal horizontal plate. An isothermal vertical plate is attached at the other end of the horizontal surface, making a right angle corner. The vertical penetration distance of the resulting downward flow is measured and is related to the inflow conditions, particularly to the temperature and velocity at the jet discharge. This penetration distance is found to increase as the distance between the discharge location and the corner is reduced and also as the relative buoyancy level in the inlet flow is decreased. Velocity and temperature measurements are also carried out over the flow region. These indicate that the ceiling flow separates from the horizontal surface just before reaching the corner and then reattaches itself to the vertical wall at a finite distance vertically below the corner. The local surface heat flux measurements show a minimum in the heat transfer rate before the turn, along with a recovery in the heat transfer rate after the turn and the existence of a small recirculation zone near the corner. The net entrainment into the flow and heat transfer rate to the solid boundaries are also measured and correlated with the jet discharge conditions.
The acquisition of new technology and its impact on a firm's competitive position

The strategic decision concerning the optimal and dynamic acquisition of new technology is examined. The model focuses on a profit maximizing firm that optimally derives its price, level of output, and its level and composition of productive capacity over time. The acquisition of new technology and reduction of existing capacity may occur simultaneously, so that the composition of the firm's productive resources may be upgraded over time. It is assumed that the acquisition of new technology causes a reduction in production costs and a direct increase in the firm's demand. The demand experienced by the firm may be directly increased as a result of acquiring new technology due to benefits such as expanded product-mix or volume capabilities, improved quality of output, or improved customer service (shorter production lead time). In addition, it is shown that demand is indirectly increased due to the reduced production costs that enable the firm to charge a lower price. Therefore, the strategic impact of acquiring new technology is captured, since its effect on future demand and the firm's ability to meet the demand are considered. The importance of capturing the increased demand potential offered by the new technology is demonstrated through the analysis of numerical examples. In addition, the effect on the optimal solution caused by a variety of environmental conditions is examined. For example, the impact of technological innovation is observed by defining (i) the cost of acquiring technology as a decreasing function of time, and (ii) the effectiveness of new technology on reducing operating costs as an increasing function of time.
A neural network and multiple regression method for the characterization of the depth of weld penetration in laser welding based on acoustic signatures

The need for the control of the depth of weld penetration has been and remains of a long term interest in the automated welding process. In this study, the relationship between the depth of weld penetration and the acoustic signal acquired during the laser welding process of high strength steels is investigated. The acoustic signals are first preprocessed by the spectral subtraction noise reduction method and analyzed both in the time domain and frequency domain. Based on this analysis, two algorithms are developed to acquire the acoustic signatures. The acquired acoustic signatures are then used to characterize the depth of weld penetration by using a neural network and a multiple regression analysis. The results show that the acoustic signatures can characterize and predict the depth of weld penetration well under different laser welding parameters.
Fission-track dating of volcanically derived sedimentary rocks

Depositional ages of sedimentary rocks can be determined using fission-track single grain ages on zircons from layers of volcanic ash or bentonite, even when the layers have been contaminated by older grains. This is done by compiling an age probability distribution or age spectrum for a sample from individual grain ages. An age spectrum is a simple and unambiguous way of testing for contamination and extracting useful age information. The youngest peak in the age spectrum approximates the time of deposition. In most contaminated samples, 30 or more grains should be counted to produce a reliable spectrum. However, useful, reproducible ages can be obtained by counting less than 10 grains in samples where most of the older, contaminating grains can be removed. The few older grains that remain after removing the obviously abraded ones may then be eliminated by examining the age spectrum. Although ages determined in this way are probably not precise enough for use in defining stratigraphic boundaries, they still provide a means of obtaining an isotopic age in sediments that cannot be dated by other radiometric methods. 18 references, 3 figures, 3 tables.
Adjuvants and Antibody Production: Dispelling the Myths Associated with Freund's Complete and Other Adjuvants

Adjuvants have been used for more than 70 yr to enhance the immune response of the host animal to an antigen. Among the mechanisms that adjuvants use to enhance the immune response are the "depot" effect, antigen presentation, antigen targeting, immune activation/modulation, and cytotoxic lymphocyte induction. The immunostimulatory properties of adjuvants result in inflammation, tissue destruction, and the potential for resulting pain and distress in the host animal. The inflammatory lesions produced by adjuvants such as Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) have led some to conclude that pain and distress are present, even in cases where the scientific evidence fails to support this conclusion. Recommendations and regulations in the literature, based on available scientific evidence, provide guidance on total adjuvant volumes, volumes per site, routes of injection, booster injections, and adjuvants used for antibody production. Among the numerous adjuvants that are used for experimental antibody production reviewed in this article, many claim to be less inflammatory, tissue destructive, and painful than FCA while producing equal or superior antibody responses. Although no adjuvant surpasses FCA for experimental antibody production against a wide range of antigenic molecules, many produce excellent antibody responses with less inflammation and tissue destruction. Balancing the requisite degree of immuno-stimulation and the extent of inflammation, necrosis, and potential pain and distress requires consideration of the nature of the antigen, the host immune responsiveness, the adjuvant's mechanisms of action, and the desired end-product. In cases where the antigen is a weak immunogen or has a very limited availability, the type and role of adjuvant becomes a critical component in producing an acceptable immune response and humoral antibody response.
A fault-tolerant environment for large-scale query processing

As datasets are increasing in size, the data management and processing needs are being met with added parallelism, i.e, by involving more nodes and/or cores in the system. This, in turn, is increasing the chances of failures during processing. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a fault-tolerant environment for processing queries on large scientific dataset. Our systems meet the following three requirements that we consider essential for any such environment: 1) high efficiency of execution of a particular data analysis task or query, when there are no failures, 2) ability to handle failure of up to a certain number of nodes, and 3) only a modest slowdown in processing times of data analysis task or a query when there are failures. We address these challenges by developing a new data replication scheme, which we refer to as subchunk or subpartition replication. Our system currently supports two types of queries: range queries on spatial data and aggregation queries on point datasets, but the underlying ideas can be extended to other query types as well. Our extensive evaluation shows that we can handle single and rack failures with only modest slowdowns, and particularly, clearly outperform the traditional (chunk or partition replication) schemes.
Static and dynamical properties of doped Hubbard clusters.

We study the {ital t}-{ital J} and the Hubbard models at zero temperature using exact-diagonalization techniques on {radical}10 {times} {radical}10 and 4{times}4 sites clusters. Quantum Monte Carlo simulation results on larger lattices are also presented. All electronic fillings have been analyzed for the three models. We have measured equal-time correlation functions corresponding to various types of order (ranging from standard'' staggered spin order to more exotic'' possibilities like chiral order), as well as various dynamical properties of these models. Upper bounds for the {ital critical} {ital hole} {ital doping} ({ital x}{sub {ital c}}), where long-range antiferromagnetic order disappears, are presented. It was found that {ital x}{sub {ital c}} is very small in agreement with experiments for the high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} superconductors. For example, in the {ital t}-{ital J} model, {ital x}{sub {ital c}}{lt}0.08 at {ital J}/{ital t}=0.4. However, short-distance spin correlations are important up to much higher dopings producing a sharp well-defined spin-wave-like peak in {ital S}({bold q}=({pi},{pi}),{omega}). Regarding the possibility of {ital phase} {ital separation} in the Hubbard model, we have studied the behavior of the density of particles, {l angle}{ital n}{r angle}, as a function of the chemical potential, using the Lanczos method on a 4{times}4 Hubbardmore » cluster, finding no indications of phase separation for any value of {ital U}/{ital t}. Then, we conclude that the {ital t}-{ital J} model at small {ital J}/{ital t} should {ital not} phase separate.« less
Parametric study of statistical bias in laser Doppler velocimetry

Analytical studies have often assumed that LDV velocity bias depends on turbulence intensity in conjunction with one or more characteristic time scales, such as the time between validated signals, the time between data samples, and the integral turbulence time-scale. These parameters are presently varied independently, in an effort to quantify the biasing effect. Neither of the post facto correction methods employed is entirely accurate. The mean velocity bias error is found to be nearly independent of data validation rate.
Elucidation of anaplerotic pathways in Corynebacterium glutamicum via 13C-NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS

We have obtained direct evidence indicating the presence of pyruvate-carboxylating activity in Corynebacterium glutamicum, a lysine-overproducing bacterium. This evidence was obtained through the use of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of secreted metabolites in a lysine fermentation. The distribution of 13C label after multiple turns in the tricarboxylic acid cycle was accounted for properly to obtain predictions for [13C] metabolite enrichments that were employed in the interpretation of 13C-NMR and GC-MS data. Of critical importance in arriving at the conclusions was the use of C. glutamicum mutants with deletions of the pyruvate kinase and/or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase enzymes. Our results demonstrate the presence of pyruvate-carboxylating pathway(s) in C.␣glutamicum operating simultaneously with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, with the latter enzyme contributing approximately 10 % of the total oxaloacetate synthesis during the lysine-production phase with pyruvate and gluconate as carbon sources. These findings are important for developing strategies to increase the total carbon flux for synthesis of amino acids of the aspartate family through metabolic engineering.
Optimal System Design for an Implantable CW Doppler Ultrasonic Flowmeter

A totally implantable telemetry system utilizing custom micropower monolithic integrated circuits has been developed to measure instantaneous pulsatile blood flow in the major arteries of animals. The device utilizes the Doppler effect at ultrasonic frequencies to achieve a flowmeter possessing small size and weight, low power consumption, inherent accuracy, and long-term stability. The integrated circuit electronics package occupies a volume of 3.8 cc and requires a power consumption of 10 mW from a single 135 volt mercury cell. The volume of the entire implantable flowmeter package is less than 36 cc. As a micro-miniature radio-telemetry system, the flow-meter can be totally implanted within the body, thereby eliminating the need for wires penetrating the skin, a serious problem with "back-pack" flowmeters due to danger of infection. The implantable flow-meter system provides a new and necessary tool for accurate quantitative measurements in the study of cardiovascular disease. It has been used in the study of transplanted heart rejection to monitor blood velocity in the major arteries of doB
Effects of kappa receptor agonists on D1 and D2 dopamine agonist and antagonist-induced behaviors

Striatal dynorphin-containing neurons receive dopaminergic inputs from the substantia nigra pars compacta and project primarily to the substantia nigra pars reticulata and entoped uncular nucleus. These neurons mainly express dopamine (DA) D1 receptors and thus dynorphin system stimulation might be expected largely to influence D1 receptor agonist or antagonist effects on motor function. It is well known the interaction existing between DA D1 and D2 drugs in the induction of behavioral effects. However, the effects of dynorphin on selective D1 and D2 DA agonist and antagonist-induced behaviors have not yet been investigated. Administration of the kappa agonists spiradoline (0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg) or U50,488H (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg) decreased non-stereotyped grooming induced by the selective D1 agonist SKF38393. This effect was inhibited by the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (20 mg/kg) and by the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 20 mg/kg). Stereotypies induced by the selective D2 agonist quinpirole were decreased by spiradoline (1 and 5 mg/kg) and by U50,488H (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg), while jerking movements of a type associated with increased D2 receptor and decreased D1 receptor stimulation emerged. Kappa agonist effects were inhibited by the prior administration of SKF38393 (10 mg/kg); these inhibitory effects were blocked by prior administration of the D1 antagonist SCH23390 (5 mg/kg). Naloxone reversed the effects of both kappa agonists on quinpirole-induced stereotypies. Kappa agonists increased D1 antagonist-induced catalepsy, but had no effect on D2 antagonist-induced catalepsy. Naloxone and nor-BNI inhibited this effect. These results suggest that the motoric effects of D1 receptor antagonists in part reflect stimulation of striatal dynorphin containing efferents.
An evaluation of the electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) technique

Abstract The EFM technique has been used to calculate anodic and cathodic Tafel slopes as well as corrosion current densities for the systems Cu/NaCl, Al 5083/NaCl, stainless steel/NaCl and mild steel in H2SO4 and NaCl. These values have been compared with those obtained from the analysis of polarization curves determined in the vicinity of the corrosion potential. In addition, polarization resistance values calculated based on the analysis of EFM data have been compared with values obtained from analysis of impedance data collected for the same systems. In most cases the corrosion rates determined with the EFM technique were much higher than the values determined with the other two techniques. This result is mainly due to the fact that for systems with low corrosion rates the modulation frequencies that are used in the EFM technique are in the capacitive region of the impedance spectra. Good agreement of corrosion rates obtained with the EFM and the polarization techniques was only observed for the mild steel/H2SO4 system that has very high corrosion rates. Analysis of EFM data assuming charge transfer or diffusion control produced different Tafel slopes and corrosion rates, but the same polarization resistance (Rp) values. When the EFM technique was applied to a resistor, the calculated Rp value equaled the value of the resistance which is further proof that the EFM technique measures the impedance of a corroding system in a narrow frequency band. The difference to the traditional EIS technique is that the amplitude of the ac signal can be different at different frequencies.
Genotype Influences In Vivo Dopamine Transporter Availability in Human Striatum

In vivo availability of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) protein has been reported to be reduced among alcoholics, and allelic variation of the DAT gene (SLC6A3) has been associated with severity of alcohol withdrawal. We examined the VNTR polymorphism of the 3′ untranslated region of SLC6A3 and DAT protein availability in 14 abstinent alcoholics and 11 control subjects. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and plasma levels of the radioligand [I-123]β-CIT were used to quantify DAT protein availability. Individuals with the 9-repeat/10-repeat genotype had a mean 22% reduction of DAT protein availability in putamen compared with 10-repeat homozygous individuals (t = 2.14, df = 23, p < .05). Consistent with earlier studies, alcoholism, per se, was not significantly associated with either DAT availability or DAT genotype. These findings suggest that the VNTR polymorphism of the DAT gene effects translation of the DAT protein. This effect may explain a variety of clinical associations that have been reported with this polymorphism.
Change in Surgical Management as a Consequence of Real-Time 3D TEE: Assessment of Left Ventricular Function

Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D TEE) is a novel imaging technology that is becoming more frequently encountered in the operating room environment. The authors present a case in which the availability of 3D TEE altered the surgical management of a patient presenting for mitral valve repair. Additionally, the advantages of 3D, as opposed to 2D assessment of left ventricular function, are discussed.
Simple Respiratory Protection—Evaluation of the Filtration Performance of Cloth Masks and Common Fabric Materials Against 20–1000 nm Size Particles

A shortage of disposable filtering facepiece respirators can be expected during a pandemic respiratory infection such as influenza A. Some individuals may want to use common fabric materials for respiratory protection because of shortage or affordability reasons. To address the filtration performance of common fabric materials against nano-size particles including viruses, five major categories of fabric materials including sweatshirts, T-shirts, towels, scarves, and cloth masks were tested for polydisperse and monodisperse aerosols (20-1000 nm) at two different face velocities (5.5 and 16.5 cm s⁻¹) and compared with the penetration levels for N95 respirator filter media. The results showed that cloth masks and other fabric materials tested in the study had 40-90% instantaneous penetration levels against polydisperse NaCl aerosols employed in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health particulate respirator test protocol at 5.5 cm s⁻¹. Similarly, varying levels of penetrations (9-98%) were obtained for different size monodisperse NaCl aerosol particles in the 20-1000 nm range. The penetration levels of these fabric materials against both polydisperse and monodisperse aerosols were much higher than the penetrations for the control N95 respirator filter media. At 16.5 cm s⁻¹ face velocity, monodisperse aerosol penetrations slightly increased, while polydisperse aerosol penetrations showed no significant effect except one fabric mask with an increase. Results obtained in the study show that common fabric materials may provide marginal protection against nanoparticles including those in the size ranges of virus-containing particles in exhaled breath.
Natural Products as Probes of Cellular Function: Studies of Immunophilins

One of the great mysteries of cell biology remains the mechanism of information transfer, or signaling, through the cytoplasm of the cell. Natural products that inhibit this process offer a unique window into fundamental aspects of cytoplasmic signal transduction, the means by which extracellular molecules influence intracellular events. Thus, natural products chemistry, including organic synthesis, conformational analysis, and methods of structure elucidation, is a powerful tool in the study of cell function. This article traces our understanding of a group of natural products from the finding that they inhibit cytoplasmic signaling to their current recognition as mediators of the interaction between widely distributed protein targets. The emphasis of the discussion is primarily structural. The interactions between the natural-product ligands and their protein receptors are analyzed at a molecular level in order to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of the biological functions of these compounds. In the process we hope to illustrate the power of chemical analysis as applied to biological systems. Through chemistry we can understand the molecular basis of biological phenomena.
Carnitine Palmityltransferase II (CPT2) Deficiency and Migraine Headache: Two Case Reports

Background.—Migraine headache is common and has multiple etiologies. A number of mitochondrial anomalies have been described for migraine, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as one potential pathophysiological mechanism. Carnitine is used by mitochondria for fatty acid transportation; its deficiency, however, has not been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Methods and Results.—Two adolescent girls presented to the Headache Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center with frequent headaches and were diagnosed with migraine by the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. Both girls had a history of recurrent fatigue, muscle cramps, and multiple side effects from their prophylactic treatment. Carnitine levels were measured and found to be low. Carnitine supplementation was initiated. Both patients had a reduction in headache frequency, as well as an improvement in their associated symptoms and other complaints. A skin and muscle biopsy obtained from one patient revealed a partial carnitine palmityltransferase II deficiency in the muscle only. Conclusion.—Carnitine palmityltransferase II deficiency may represent another etiology for migraine headache, and may be useful in further defining the pathophysiology of migraine. When properly recognized, supplementation with carnitine may improve the outcome of the migraine as well as the carnitine-associated symptoms.
Evolution of balanced genetic polymorphism

Extreme genetic polymorphism maintained by balancing selection (so called because many alleles are maintained in a balance by a mechanism of rare allele advantage) is intimately associated with the important task of self/non-self-discrimination. Widely disparate self-recognition systems of plants, animals and fungi share several general features, including the maintenance of large numbers of alleles at relatively even frequency, and persistence of this variation over very long time periods. Because the evolutionary dynamics of balanced polymorphism are very different from those of neutral genetic variation, data on balanced polymorphism have been used as a novel source for inference of the history of populations. This review highlights the unique evolutionary properties of balanced genetic polymorphism, and the use of theoretical understanding in analysis and application of empirical data for inference of population history. However, a second goal of this review is to point out where current theory is incomplete. Recent observations suggest that entirely novel selective forces may act in concert with balancing selection, and these novel forces may be extremely potent in shaping genetic variation at self-recognition loci.
Recreating the writing center: A chance collaboration

Abstract The authors illustrate how a chance three-person collaboration facilitated introduction of computer technology into a writing center. An ongoing and constantly developing understanding between the writing center director, an instructional designer, and the technical coordinator allowed the introduction of computers to be an intentional process. Each brings a unique perspective, and each plays an essential role. They discuss changes in the writing center as a product of their collaboration.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Orthotic Devices to Unload Metatarsal Heads in People With Diabetes and a History of Plantar Ulcers

Background and purpose Total-contact inserts (TCIs) and metatarsal pads (MPs) frequently are prescribed to reduce excessive plantar stresses to help prevent skin breakdown in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral neuropathy. The first purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a TCI and an MP on metatarsal head peak plantar pressures (PPP) and pressure-time integrals (PTI). The second purpose of this study was to determine a possible mechanism of pressure reduction by measuring contact area and loaded soft-tissue thickness (STT) under the metatarsal heads and second metatarsal shaft. Subjects Twenty subjects (12 men and 8 women; age [mean+/-SD]=57+/-9 years) with DM (duration [mean+/-SD]=16+/-11 years), peripheral neuropathy, and a history of plantar ulcers participated. Methods A repeated-measures research design was used, and outcome measures are reported for 3 footwear conditions: shoe, shoe with TCI, and shoe with TCI and MP. In-shoe plantar pressures were collected during walking and during spiral x-ray computed tomography (SXCT). The STT and identification of the pressure sensor and location of the MP in relationship to the metatarsal heads were determined by use of SXCT. Results The PPP and the PTI were 16% to 24% lower at the metatarsal heads in the TCI condition than in the shoe condition. The PPP and the PTI decreased an additional 15% to 28% (for a total reduction of 29% to 47%) with the addition of the MP. The contact area increased 27% with the TCI but not with the MP. The STT did not increase under the metatarsal heads in the TCI condition (compared with the shoe condition) but did increase 8% to 22% at metatarsal heads 2 to 5 with the addition of the MP. The PPP increased substantially (308%) and the STT decreased 14% under the shaft of the second metatarsal with the addition of the MP to the TCI-plus-shoe condition. Discussion and conclusion The TCI and the MP caused substantial and additive reductions of pressures under the metatarsal heads. The TCI reduces excessive pressures at the metatarsal heads by increasing the contact area of weight-bearing forces. Conversely, the MP acts by compressing the soft tissues proximal to the metatarsal heads and relieving compression at the metatarsal heads. These findings can assist in the design of effective orthotic devices to relieve excessive plantar stresses that contribute to skin breakdown and subsequent amputation in people with DM and peripheral neuropathy.
Attitudinal Factors Associated with Individual Faculty Research Productivity in Academic Dentistry

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudinal factors associated with increased research productivity of individual clinical faculty in 66 United States and Canadian schools of dentistry. Thirteen variables, evaluating the subjects' perceptions of their research background, work environment, attitude and outcome effects from publishing, and the use of colleagues in conducting research, were evaluated. The 833 respondents represented a response rate of 64.9% (833/1200) from a 50% stratified random sample of faculty who (1) had full-time appointments and held at least the D.M.D. or D.D.S. degree or the foreign equivalent, (2) taught in a clinical department of the dental school, and (3) were not departmental chairpersons or administrators (assistant dean, associate dean, or dean). Respondents reported a mean of 10.3 yr. (range = 1 to 45, SD = 7.3) in full-time dental education (career age) and a mean of 10.1 career publications (range = 0 to 110, SD = 13.8). Analysis of variance for mean number of career publications, by increasing agreement in response to each attitudinal variable, yielded a significant positive association for each of the 13 attitudinal variables. Implications of the findings were discussed with respect to strategies for improving research productivity of individual faculty.
An early mitosis‐determining event in regenerating rat liver and its possible mediation by prostaglandins or thromboxane

Inhibitors of prostaglandin and thromboxane production such as mefenamic acid, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone prevented a large proportion of the parenchymal cells of rat liver, proliferatively activated by a two-thirds partial hepatectomy, from entering mitosis without preventing them from initiating or completing DNA synthesis. This specific mitosis-inhibiting action was maximum when the drugs were present during the first few hours after partial hepatectomy. In contrast, indomethacin, another inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane production, maximally inhibited both DNA synthetic and mitotic activities when present during the same early period of prereplicative development, which showed that it had an action not shared by the other inhibitors. Arachidonic acid completely reversed the hydrocortisone- or dexamethasone-induced inhibition of mitotic activity, but it did so only when it was injected between 2 and 3 hours after partial hepatectomy and glucocorticoid injection. Arachidonate's reversal of the hydro-cortisone-induced inhibition did not occur in the presence of mefenamic acid. These observations indicate that there is an early, prostaglandin- or thromboxane-mediated, prereplicative process in proliferatively activated hepatocytes which determines their later entry into mitosis and which is separate from the early events leading to DNA synthesis.
Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency: evidence for additional genetic contributions to severity

The fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1) contains a CGG repeat sequence in its 5' untranslated region that can become unstable and expand in length from generation to generation. Alleles with expanded repeats in the range of approximately 55-199, termed premutation alleles, are associated with an increased risk for fragile-X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). However, not all women who carry the premutation develop FXPOI. To determine if additional genes could explain variability in onset and severity, we used a random-effects Cox proportional hazards model to analyze age at menopause on 680 women from 225 families who have a history of fragile X syndrome and 321 women from 219 families from the general population. We tested for the presence of a residual additive genetic effect after adjustment for FMR1 repeat length, race, smoking, body mass index, and method of ascertainment. Results showed significant familial aggregation of age at menopause with an estimated additive genetic variance of 0.55-0.96 depending on the parameterization of FMR1 repeat size and definition of age at menopause (P-values ranging between 0.0002 and 0.0027). This is the first study to analyze familial aggregation of FXPOI. This result is important for proper counseling of women who carry FMR1 premutation alleles and for guidance of future studies to identify additional genes that influence ovarian insufficiency.
Reasons U.S. Women Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives

CONTEXT: Understanding women's reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy regarding abortion and unwanted pregnancy. Demographic changes over the last two decades highlight the need for a reassessment of why women decide to have abortions. METHODS: In 2004, a structured survey was completed by 1,209 abortion patients at 11 large providers, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 women at four sites. Bivariate analyses examined differences in the reasons for abortion across subgroups, and multivariate logistic regression models assessed associations between respondent characteristics and reported reasons. RESULTS: The reasons most frequently cited were that having a child would interfere with a woman's education, work or ability to care for dependents (74%); that she could not afford a baby now (73%); and that she did not want to be a single mother or was having relationship problems (48%). Nearly four in 10 women said they had completed their childbearing, and almost one-third were not ready to have a child. Fewer than 1% said their parents' or partners' desire for them to have an abortion was the most important reason. Younger women often reported that they were unprepared for the transition to motherhood, while older women regularly cited their responsibility to dependents. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to have an abortion is typically motivated by multiple, diverse and interrelated reasons. The themes of responsibility to others and resource limitations, such as financial constraints and lack of partner support, recurred throughout the study.
Generalized coherent state representation of Bose-Einstein condensates

We show that the quantum many-body state of Bose-Einstein condensates consistent with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (TDHFB) equations is a generalized coherent state. At zero temperature, the noncondensate density and the anomalous noncondensate correlation are not independent, allowing us to eliminate one of the three variables in the TDHFB.
On the effects of phase estimation errors on collaborative beamforming in wireless ad hoc networks

The performance of collaborative beamforming is studied using the theory of random arrays within the framework of wireless sensor networks. With the application to ad hoc networks in mind, two scenarios, one denoted closed-loop and the other open-loop, are considered. Associated with these scenarios, the effects of phase jitter and location estimation errors on the average beam pattern are analyzed.
Copper localization, elemental content, and thallus colour in the copper hyperaccumulator lichen Lecanora sierrae from California

An unusual dark blue-green lichen, Lecanora sierrae, was discovered over 30 years ago by Czehura near copper mines in the Lights Creek District, Plumas County, Northern California. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, Czehura found that dark green lichen samples from Warren Canyon contained 4% Cu in ash and suggested that its colour was due to copper accumulation in the cortex. The present study addressed the hypothesis that the green colour in similar material we sampled from Warren Canyon in 2008, is caused by copper localization in the thallus. Optical microscopy and electron microprobe analysis of specimens of L. sierrae confirmed that copper localization took place in the cortex. Elemental analyses of L. sierrae and three other species from the same localities showed high enrichments of copper and selenium, suggesting that copper selenates or selenites might occur in these lichens and be responsible for the unusual colour.
History in the Present Progressive: Sonic Imposture at The Pedicord Apts.

Scholars often think of sound, even recorded sound, as having a special relationship to the real that other historical artifacts do not. But if sound is a material thing, and things can be, from a new materialist perspective, “quasi-agents,” is it possible that sound is an agent that poses or acts? Three “scenes of history” utilizing recorded sound — Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape , archival recordings of FDR, and a sound installation by Edward and Nancy Kienholz — provide diverse contexts through which to investigate the nature of sound’s material agency.
IMPROVING HANDOFFS BETWEEN TRIAGE AND LABOR AND DELIVERY AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: A PILOT STUDY

Background Labor and Delivery (LD) is a high turnover unit with approximately 300 triage admission handoffs monthly. This results in a high potential for errors, inefficiency and decreased staff and patient satisfaction. Objectives Our objective was to improve efficiency, communication and safety through collaboration and standardization of the process for patients being admitted from triage to LD. Methods An interdisciplinary team developed and implemented the standardized process at a University Hospital. The process was developed to communicate critical information prior to transferring a patient from triage to LD utilizing hard stops. Once transferred, a bedside safety huddle with the patient, nurse and provider was implemented to review the care plan utilizing a newly devised safety board. Times from decision to admit to communication of plan (DTC) and plan implementation (DTI) were assessed. Pre (N=104) and post (N=52) surveys assessed staff perception of handoffs. Kruskall-wallis tests were used to compare groups. Results During the initial 4-week implementation, we decreased DTC from 155 to 87 minutes (p=0.18) and DTI from 202 to 154 minutes (p=0.6). The staff perception of incomplete handoffs was decreased by 45%. The perception that incomplete handoffs negatively affect patient care always or often decreased from 10% pre to 0% post. Conclusions Our data demonstrates that our process decreases DTC and DTI while improving the perception of incomplete handoffs. We plan to pursue continued education of the process and an expansion to all admissions to labor and delivery with continued tracking of process compliance and metrics.
Local water source variation and experimental Chicha de Maíz brewing: Implications for interpreting human hydroxyapatite δ18O values in the Andes

Oxygen isotope data (expressed as δ18O values) recovered from human skeletal remains have been the central focus of a number of archeological analyses tracking human migration. However, in the Andes the use of oxygen isotopes to investigate residential mobility is subject to two issues addressed in this study: 1) local variation in water sources and 2) pre-consumption processing of water. To explore these factors we sampled a wide variety of water sources in the Moche watershed of north coastal Peru and experimentally and ethnographically produced chicha de maiz, a traditional brewed beverage. Our data indicate an unexpected spatial pattern in Moche valley water source δ18O values, and identify springs as an important influence on river water. Using chicha de maiz as an example of pre-consumption processing of water, we find that brewed beverages may impact human δ18O values. Together these data indicate that in the Andes the consumption of chicha de maiz has the potential to swamp spatial variation in water source δ18O values. Therefore, we cannot assume that the identification of different δ18O values in the remains of Andean groups necessarily indicates the presence of migrants.