cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a biomimetic non-invasive radial pulse sensor: Design, calibration, and applications

The research work aims at developing a real time non-invasive metabolism and blood circulation surveillance system for monitoring human's health condition by sensing the various bio-signals on human body. Our goal is to use the developed system to study the functions and characters of organs and tissues that highly relate with the metabolism and blood circulation system, also it is expected to help modeling the entire circulation system. At Phase I of the research, in this paper we focus on developing a new low-cost, portable, high accuracy, non-invasive radial pulse sensor. Inspired by touch capability and related biomechanical advantage of human fingertip, the mechanical design of the sensor mimics the physiological structure of human fingertip. The designed biomimetic sensor is well calibrated using a high-accuracy force sensor and the model is accurately identified by the system identification method. The calibrated sensor is then applied to diagnose the arterial stiffness by measuring the augmentation index (AI) which is the important biomarker of vascular aging. Preliminary results demonstrate the sensor performance that it is capable of non-invasively, accurately and reliably measuring radial pulse signals at real time, as well can be used to quantitatively determine the vessel aging.
Effect of introduction mode of hydroxyl functionality on morphology and film properties of cycloaliphatic diepoxide crosslinkable core-shell latex†

Three series of core-shell hydroxyl-functionalized latexes were synthesized and then crosslinked with a cycloaliphatic diepoxide. The same amount of hydroxyl functional monomer was added during the core stage, shell stage, or partitioned equally between the core and the shell. The morphology of the latexes was examined with transmission electron microscopy and contact-angle measurement. The stress-strain behavior, viscoelastic properties, and water adsorption were evaluated for the latex films as a function of hydroxyl location. The location of hydroxyl groups within latex particles appeared to be dependent on the introduction mode of hydroxyl functional monomers. The introduction of hydroxyl groups during the shell polymerization resulted in a higher crosslinking density but a lower Tukon hardness and tensile properties. Not surprisingly, distribution of hydroxyl groups in both core and shell polymerization provided the lowest water adsorption and impact resistance as well as the highest tensile elongation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 4256–4265, 2002
Children's Ethno‐Aesthetic Responses to a Turkish carpet: A Cross‐Cultural Study in Three Cultures

Through exploratory art criticism, children learn to focus their vision, develop new viewpoints, and exchange ideas. I encouraged children in Turkey, Japan, and on the Navajo Reservation in Northeastern Arizona, United States to explore dimensions of my Turkish carpet. I discovered similarities and differences in their ethno-aesthetic responses, a group's beliefs and ideas on art and how and why they respond the way they do. The exercise in art criticism began with description, analysis and interpretation questions that served as a springboard for sharing technical information, symbolism, and cultural stories. The paper ends with generated insights not generalised conclusions about changing ethno-aesthetic meanings and values in traditional cultures.
The MMPI–2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales and Redundancy: Response to Tellegen, Ben-Porath, and Sellbom

In this article, we examine 5 criticisms of Tellegen, Ben-Porath, and Sellbom (2009/this issue) about our study demonstrating the redundant relationships of the Restructured Clinical (RC) scales with extant MMPI–2 scales. We discuss differences in univariate versus multivariate comparisons of the RC scales and our “proxy” scales using their data. We show that (a) both the RC and extant proxy scales identified in our analyses account for most of the variance in the Clinical scales; (b) the proxy scales are redundant with the RC scales; (c) the proxy scales matched the 6 RC scales in accounting for variance in the Clinical scales exactly in three cases, differed by ≤.02 in 2 cases, and reached a maximum of .11 in one case; (d) the item overlap between RC1 and HEA is not at issue but rather their correlation with Scale 1; and (e) the evidence for the construct validity of the RC scales is weak using findings on the incremental validity of RC4 as illustrative.
Reliability issues concerning thin gate SiO2 and SiO2/Si interface for ULSI applications

Abstract As a result of the continuous down scaling of the vertical as well as the horizontal dimensions of the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices and circuits, the integrity and reliability of thin gate insulators have become a major concern for the development of ULSI circuits. In this paper, some of the reliability issues concerning thin gate SiO 2 and SiO 2 /Si interface are reviewed, with particular emphasis on ionizing radiation effects, hot-carrier effects, and dielectric breakdown phenomenon. The degradation of thin gate SiO 2 and its breakdown caused by ion implantation are also discussed in the same context.
FAST ATOM BOMBARDMENT MASS SPECTROMETRY OF PERTECHNETATE

Negative Ion Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry is conducted on potassium pertechnetate evaporated onto a copper probe. The mass spectra of pertechnetate /TcO 4 − / reveal the presence of mononuclear and polynuclear technetium oxo species which form general series TcnO n+1 − ,...TcnOn+4 with n=1 to 5. The polynuclear species are believed to be formed via gas phase reactions.
Factors predictive of having four or more positive axillary lymph nodes in patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes: implications for selection of radiation fields.

Abstract Purpose The optimal design of radiation fields for patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) who do not undergo axillary dissection is unknown. We have previously shown that modified breast tangent fields can include most axillary Level I-II lymph nodes. We have also reported that irradiation of the axillary apex/supraclavicular fossa is indicated for patients with four or more positive axillary lymph nodes. To determine the optimal arrangement for patients with positive SLNs, we studied what factors predicted for having four or more positive lymph nodes. Methods and materials We reviewed the records of 339 consecutive patients with one to three positive SLNs who underwent complete axillary dissection at our institution between 1995 and 2002. We separately analyzed the outcome for those initially treated with surgery ( n = 265) and those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( n = 74). A logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors predictive for four or more positive lymph nodes. Results A total of 28 of 265 patients in the initial surgery group and 20 of 74 patients in the neoadjuvant group had four or more positive lymph nodes. In the initial surgery group, the independent factors associated with four or more positive lymph nodes were no drainage seen on lymphoscintigraphy (rate, 38%, odds ratio [OR] = 5.4, p = 0.03), more than one positive SLN (rate, 24–42%, OR=2.9, p = 0.02), and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI; rate, 25%, OR=4.8, p = 0.01). Of the 106 patients without any of these factors, only 2 had four or more positive lymph nodes. For the patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the independent factors were clinical Stage III (rate, 48%, OR=3.1, p = 0.03), more than one positive SLN (rate, 37–67%, OR=4.8, p = 0.03), and LVSI (rate, 62%, OR=8.1, p = 0.02). Of the 28 patients without any of these factors, only 1 had four or more positive lymph nodes. Conclusion It is reasonable to treat with modified tangents fields that include most axillary Level I-II nodes for patients with one positive SLN who do not undergo axillary dissection if drainage is seen on lymphoscintigraphy and no LVSI is present. This approach is also reasonable for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy who have Stage II disease, no LVSI, and only one positive SLN. The remaining patients have a greater risk of having four or more positive lymph nodes, and, therefore, the high axilla/supraclavicular fossa should also be included in the radiation fields.
Neonatal habituation and dishabituation of head turning to rattle sounds

Habituation and dishabituation of localized head turning to rattle sounds were ex- amined in 28 full-term neonates who were 77.5 hours old, using a counterbalanced between groups design. There were two phases: a Pre-Habituation-Habituation Phase in which localized head turning and habituation were established to criteria, and a Dishabituation Phase in which a changed stimulus was introduced to an experimental group. A control group received the original stimulus through- out. All infants in both groups displayed clear orienting to the sound source fol- lowed by habituation to the repeated rattle sounds. Neonates in the experimental group displayed recovery of localized head turning to the changed rattle sound relative to neonates in the control group. The use of a between groups control, counterbalancing procedures and rattle sounds establish clearly that localized head turning will habituate and dishabituate. This procedure provides a useful method for examining both memory formation and localization of sound in neonates.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 Vpr induces differential regulation of T cell costimulatory molecules: Direct effect of Vpr on T cell activation and immune function

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral proteins disrupt the normal host cellular immune pathways thus exploiting the cellular machinery for replication, survival and to escape host immune attack. Here we evaluated the direct effects of HIV-1 Vpr-mediated immune modulation of infected T cells. Vpr specifically downregulated the expression of CD28 and increased the expression of CTLA-4, whereas no significant difference in the expression of CD25 and HLA-DR was observed. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production in T cells was evaluated as a measure of the downstream effector functions. Results indicate that Vpr significantly inhibited IFN-gamma production and this may, in part, due to Vpr's ability to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, and its transcriptional regulation. Together these results support that HIV-1 Vpr selectively dysregulates the immune functions at multiple levels and exerts its inhibitory effects in the presence of other viral proteins.
The effect of altered sterol composition on cytochrome oxidase and S-adenosylmethionine: Δ 24 sterol methyltransferase enzymes of yeast mitochondria

Abstract Arrhenius kinetics of two mitochondrial enzymes, cytochrome oxidase and S-adenosylmethionine: Δ 24 sterol methyltransferase were analyzed in wild-type and sterol mutant strains of yeast. Temperature effects on the enzymes isolated from the ergosterol producing wild-type and nystatin resistant mutants (major sterol Δ8(9), 22 ergostadiene-3-β-ol) were compared. Transition temperatures were lower in both mutant strains compared to wild-type. Lipid analysis shows a relationship between sterol content and the temperature dependent transition phases.
Inherited non-autosomal effects on body fat in F2 mice derived from an AKR/J x SWR/J cross.

In this study we describe the contribution of matrilineal and patrilineal effects on the adiposity, body weight, and on the weights of individual fat pads in F2 male mice derived from an SWR/J × AKR/J cross. AKR/J mice become obese after 12 weeks on a high-fat diet, whereas SWR/J mice remain relatively lean. Here we report that mice with AKR maternal and AKR paternal grandmothers have significantly larger epidydimal and retroperitoneal fat pads than those with SWR maternal and paternal grandmothers. However, grandparental strain had no effect on the overall adiposity (AI) or the weights of the inguinal, subcutaneous or mesenteric fat pads. The strain of the paternal grandparents had a small but significant effect on body weight. These effects can be attributed to in utero effects, imprinting effects, cytoplasmic and/or Y chromosome transmission of factors controlling body fat. We also describe the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on Chromosome X, close to DXMit174, which is linked to adiposity, body weight, and to the weights of the individual fat depots. However, this QTL is not responsible for the grandparental strain effects described above.
Measurement of radiation-enhanced diffusion of La in single crystal thin film CeO2

Abstract The diffusion of La, a trivalent cation dopant, actinide surrogate, and high-yield fission product, in CeO2, a UO2 nuclear fuel surrogate, during 1.8 MeV Kr+ ion bombardment over a temperature range from 673 K to 1206 K has been measured with secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The diffusivity under these irradiation conditions has been analyzed with a model based on a combination of sink-limited and recombination-limited kinetics. This analysis yielded a cation vacancy migration energy of E m v ∼ 0.4 eV below ∼800 K, were recombination-limited kinetics dominated the behavior. The thermal diffusivity of La in the same system was measured over a range of 873–1073 K and was characterized by an activation enthalpy of E a = E f v + E m v ∼ 1.4 eV . The measurement of both the migration enthalpy and total activation enthalpy separately allows the vacancy formation enthalpy on the cation sublattice to be determined; E f v ∼ 1 eV. The mixing parameter under energetic heavy-ion bombardment at room temperature was measured as well and found to be ∼4 × 10−5 nm5/eV.
Feasibility of using neural networks to estimate minimum tumour temperature and perfusion values

We examine the ability of neural networks to estimate the tissue perfusion values present and the minimum temperature in numerically calculated (Pennes, Bioheat Transfer Equation) steady-state hyperthermia temperature fields based on a limited number of measured temperatures within this field A hierarchical system of neural networks consisting of a first layer of pattern recognizing neural networks and a second layer of hypersurface reconstructing neural networks is shown to be capable of estimating these variables within a selected error tolerance. The results indicate that estimating the minimum tumour temperature directly with the system of neural networks may be more effective than using the indirect method of numerically recreating a temperature field with perfusion estimates and then obtaining the minimum tumour temperature from the estimated temperature field. Additional results indicate that if the locations of the measured temperatures within the temperature field are selected appropriately, the hierarchical system of neural networks can tolerate a moderate level of model mismatch. This model mismatch can come from errors in modelling the tumour boundaries, the sensor locations, or the magnitude of the power deposition. This paper is not intended to assess or demonstrate clinical applicability but to be a first step in investigating the feasibility of neural networks for parameter estimation related to hyperthermia studies.
Action of anticholinergic and related agents on single vestibular neurones

Abstract The effects of several parenterally administered agents were studied on a population of vestibular neurones responding to linear motion. The drugs were (1) atropine and scopol-amine; (2) diphenhydramine; (3) physostigmine and neostigmine; (4) procaine; (5) dihydro-β-erythroidine; (6) atropine methyl nitrate and scopolamine methyl bromide. In addition to studies of their effects on single unit activity, several of these agents were examined on the monoand polysynaptic field potentials evoked by stimulation of the ipsilateral vestibular nerve. Depression of single vestibular neurones was observed following administration of muscarinic but not nicotinic blocking agents. This effect was centrally mediated. Physostigmine produced a marked excitatory response and procaine had no effect. Neither the anticholinergic agents, nor physostigmine caused any change of the monosynaptic evoked potential. However, physostigmine depressed the polysynaptic evoked potential and this was reversed by both atropine and scopolamine. These results indicate that muscarinic blocking agents affect vestibular neurones indirectly, possibly by an action on the reticular formation. This observation may explain the efficacy of drugs having antimuscarinic properties in preventing motion sickness.
International harmonization of banking regulations and cooperation among national regulators: An assessment

As international trade and transactions have increased since World War II, so too, inevitably, has international banking. Indeed, international financial transactions have increased more than proportionately to the substantial increases in international trade. Furthermore, improvements in informational technology and the removal of constraints on capital movements have made it possible for borrowers to obtain funds worldwide, and funds traverse national boundaries rapidly and with few impediments.1 These developments and their likely continuation and growth have raised at least four concerns that indicate the need for the harmonization of banking regulations among countries and for coordination among national bank regulators. One concern is that internationally organized banks will be able to avoid or evade national prudential regulations. The massive failure of the large and widespread Bank of Commerce and Credit International (BCCI) serves as a recent example of this perceived situation. The second concern is that, absent international harmonization of regulations, banks will not be competing on a level playing field. The BIS-sponsored Basle capital standard was adopted by most developed countries, in large measure, for this reason. Similarly, the European Community has adopted regulations in the Second Banking Directive that impose on banks in the member countries essentially uniform requirements. The third concern is for the integrity of the payments system. As expressed by Folkerts-Landau (1990, p. 26), "the ability of private financial institutions to undertake regulatory arbitrage (i.e., relocate activities to a less regulated environment) suggests that cooperation between major central banks will have to be an important element in the management of payments systems risks." Fourth is fear of contagion, that the failure of banks in one country having relationships with banks and clients in other countries would cause bank failures in those other countries, with the potential for a multi-country banking system collapse. This fear was well expressed by the then president of the Federal
Improving Organizational Communication Through Long-Term Intergroup Intervention:

Organizations may be conceptualized as a set of interacting groups, differentiated according to task, hierarchy, and demographic characteristics of the members. The frequency, accuracy, and utility of communication among groups within organizations affect and are affected by their boundary permeability and relationship mutuality. This study reports on the design, formulation, modification, and evaluation of a relatively new type of intergroup intervention-the creation of a "microcosm group" of 12 members from an organization of 250 members. Charged with improving communication among workgroups and hierarchical levels, the group was developed and maintained according to boundary and relationship concepts from open systems theory. It represented a microcosm of the system, which addressed problems raised by both employees and management, assisted in a survey feedback intervention, and survived concerns raised by the union, middle management, and leadership succession at the top of the organization. There is ...
Transport of ions during ion implantation

An efficient scheme for the description of long-mean-free-path particle transport at a kinetic level has been extended to a case where particle distributions are highly anisotropic: implantation of ions into a solid. The method calculates the scattering rate of particles throughout a region and obtains the particle distribution from the scattering rate. The scattering rate is found by using a numerical form of a propagator to solve an integral equation. The propagator is the probability that a particle that scattered in a cell has its next scatter in any other cell of the mesh. The main focus of this work is the way this propagator can be computed efficiently and accurately for an arbitrary angular distribution of scattered particles as compared to other computer models. The method is illustrated in application to implantation of dopants into silicon. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Voltammetric (Micro)Electrodes for the In Situ Study of Fe2+ Oxidation Kinetics in Hot Springs and S2O$\rm{ _3^{2 - } }$ Production at Hydrothermal Vents

We have used solid-state Au/Hg voltammetric electrodes to understand redox and biogeochemical processes in hot spring and deep sea hydrothermal environments. These electrodes are non-specific and have the capability of measuring simultaneously a suite of chemical species including several of the principal redox species involved in early diagenesis (O2, Mn2+, Fe2+, H2S/HS−, and I−) as well as some Fe species (FeS and Fe3+) and sulfur species (Sx2− and S2O. Here we demonstrate how in situ data obtained in complex environments can be used to study specific iron and sulfur reactions and processes at (sub)millimeter to centimeter resolution and over short time scales. Examples include the oxidation of Fe2+ by O2 produced by cyanobacterial mats in Yellowstone National Park hot springs and the formation of S2O in diffuse flow waters from the hydrothermal vents at Lau Basin. In one example, profiles of redox species in cyanobacterial mats from Yellowstone National Park hot springs show that in the light dissolved Fe2+ is completely removed from the source waters as cyanobacterial mats produce O2 and oxidize the Fe2+. Performing kinetic experiments in the dark and light at the depth of maximum O2 production indicates that the decay of Fe2+ follows a zero order rate law consistent with photosynthesis as the source of O2. These dynamic environments show how kinetic data can be obtained in situ and be used to understand the interactions between biology and chemistry. We know of no other analytical technique that can provide this information in both clear and turbid waters on the time scales (seconds) observed.
The Puzzle of Personalist Performance: Iraqi Battlefield Effectiveness in the Iran-Iraq War

Saddam's Iraq has become a cliche in the study of military effectiveness—the quintessentially coup-proofed, personalist dictatorship, unable to generate fighting power commensurate with its resources. But evidence from the later years of the Iran-Iraq War actually suggests that the Iraqi military could be quite effective on the battlefield. What explains this puzzling instance of effectiveness, which existing theories predict should not have occurred? Recently declassified documents and new histories of the war show that the Iraqi improvements stemmed from changes in Saddam's perceptions of the threat environment, which resulted in significant shifts in his policies with respect to promotions, training, command arrangements, and information management in the military. Threat perceptions and related changes in these practices also help explain Iraq's return to ineffectiveness after the war, as evident in 1991 and 2003. These findings, conceived as a theory development exercise, suggest that arguments linki...
Interstitial diffusion of macromolecules in the rat mesentery.

Abstract Apparent diffusion coefficients of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextrans ( M w 3400–41,200) and rat serum albumin (RSA-FITC) were measured in the interstitial space of the rat mesentery. Average ratios of apparent diffusion coefficient to free diffusion coefficient for the dextrans ranged from 0.26 for dextran 3400 to 0.033 for dextran 41,200 and 0.073 for RSA-FITC. These values are lower than those reported for loose connective tissue (umbilical cord) but greater than those from dense connective tissue (cartilage). The apparent diffusion coefficient for RSA-FITC was approximately one-half the apparent diffusion coefficient of FITC-dextran having the same free diffusion coefficient (and thus the same Stokes radius). Mathematical models describing solute diffusion in gels or glycosaminoglycan solutions as a function of solute size did not give a good fit to the data but indicated that the presence of a relatively dense interstitial matrix is required in order to explain the data.
Clement, Hardebeck, and Nimmo Receive 2007 James B. Macelwane Medals

I am pleased and honored to cite Amy Clement for the 2007 James B. Macelwane Medal. Amy's work has introduced new ways of thinking that altered research strategies; that is, she is an intellectual leader. Not everyone agrees with her ideas, but no paleoclimate scientist ignores them. Amy's work has been instrumental in changing the way paleoclimatologists think about the tropics and their influence on global climate. The ocean-atmosphere dynamics concepts that she introduced to paleoclimate are now widely used.
Determination of the Hydration of Methylene Blue Aggregates and Their Dissociation Constants Using Visible Spectroscopy

The visible spectra of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous-methanol solutions were used to determine the extent of hydration of MB aggregates. The investigation was carried out at MB concentrations of 1.000 X 10-4 M and 1.000 X 10-3 M. Abstract factor analysis (AFA) was used to determine the number of chemical species responsible for the spectral data. The species were identified as aqueous MB monomer, dimer, and trimer, and a methanoic MB monomer. The absorptivity spectra of the aqueous MB species obtained from the previous studies were used to extract their concentration profiles in methanol-water mixtures. With the addition of methanol to the aqueous solvent, the concentration of water could be varied from 0% to 100%. This variation was used to determine the extent of hydration and solvation of each of the four MB species, as well as their mutual equilibria. The species were identified as (1) MB+CH3OH, MB monomer monomethanol; (2) MB+H2O, MB monomer monohydrate; (3) (MB)2++6H2O, MB dimer hexahydrate; and (4) (MB)3Cl++(H2O)13, MB trimer monochloro tridecahydrate. The dissociation constants for the hydrated monomer, dimer, and trimer were determined to be 0.48, 1.29 X 103 M5 and 7.2 X 106 M13, respectively.
Ethnic Differences in the Production of Informal Home Health Care

Informal health care providers (usually family members, friends, and other unpaid helpers) determine the quantity and quality of home health services received by the elderly. Yet our knowledge of informal health care production is limited, in sharp contrast to our detailed knowledge of market-produced home health services. This paper assesses family choices in the production of informal home care, with special attention given to the influence of ethnicity on family caregiving style.
Current Trends in Human Factors and Ergonomics Employment

This study summarizes the results of a survey that was geared to assess the current factors that are associated with various careers paths in the field of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE). The study is also aimed to provide useful information to established HFE educators, practitioners and policy makers. To address these goals, an online survey was distributed among the major HFE online listservs in the world. Data from 357 participants, representing 19 countries, was used for the analysis. This report presents categorical information about the distribution of income, work domains, demographic and geographic factors, educational qualifications, work motivation, and benefits of participants involved with HFE related careers. In addition, this study examined the relationship between those factors in order to present an updated image of the professional HFE community.
Biomechanical Perspective on the Origin of Cetacean Flukes

The evolution of aquatic forms from terrestrial ancestors has been a reoccurring event in the history of the vertebrates. As these animals adapted to the aquatic environment, the most derived representatives developed structures and mechanisms for high-performance propulsion in water. These organisms converged on propulsive modes that utilized oscillating hydrofoils for rapid and sustained swimming (Howell, 1930; Webb, 1975; Webb and Buffrenil, 1990; Fish, 1993a).
The adaptive-hash join algorithm for a hypercube multicomputer

The cube adaptive-hash join algorithm, which combines the merits of nested-loop and hybrid-hash, is presented. The performance of these algorithms is compared through analytical cost modeling. The nonuniform data value distribution of the inner relation is shown to have a greater impact than that of the outer relation. The cube adaptive-hash algorithm outperforms the cube hybrid-hash algorithm when bucket overflow occurs. In the worst case, this algorithm converges to the cube nested-loop-hash algorithm. When there is no hash table overflow, the cube adaptive-hash algorithm converges to the cube hybrid-hash algorithm. Since the cube adaptive-hash algorithm adapts itself depending on the characteristics of the relations, it is relatively immune to the data distribution. >
Some Geophysical Applications of Autoregressive Spectral Estimates

This paper discusses the practical application of autoregressive spectral analysis to three different geophysical data sets. In all cases the amount of available data was limited so that autoregressive methods might give more detailed spectra than those obtainable by the classical windowed spectral estimate methods. For each series, the Burg technique, which guarantees positive-definite autocorrelation functions, is used to determine the prediction error coefficients. The degree of spectral instability known to result from the use of Burg's algorithm is not crucial to our results. Algorithms due to Akaike and Parzen are applied to the time series to aid in order-number determination. For the first example, autoregressive spectral analysis of a complex time series is applied to the log spectrum of short-period seismograms. The resultant spectrum, the so-called complex cepstrum, allows one to determine the depth below the earth's surface at which the seismic event originated. The other examples concern the analysis of real time series due to two somewhat unusual data sets. One of these is the analysis of the time rate at which earthquakes occur. The purpose is to determine if periodicities exist that correspond to known astronomical and terrestrial rotational periods. The other is a study of biological and chemical parameters measured in core samples of oceanbottom sediments where displacement down the core is calibrated in geological time. The measurements directly infer the amount of ice on the earth's surface.
Two chorismate mutase genes from the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

SUMMARY Parasitism genes encoding secretory proteins expressed in the oesophageal glands of phytoparasitic nematodes play critical roles in nematode invasion of host plants, establishment of feeding sites and suppression of host defences. Two chorismate mutase (CM) genes potentially having a role in one or more of these processes were identified from a Meloidogyne incognita oesophageal gland-cell subtractive cDNA library. These M. incognita enzymes (designated as MI-CM-1 and MI-CM-2) with amino-terminal signal peptides, were significantly similar to chorismate mutases in M. javanica and bacteria. The complementation of an Escherichia coli CM-deficient mutant by the expression of Mi-cm -1 or Mi-cm -2 confirmed their CM activity. In-situ mRNA hybridization showed that the transcripts of Mi-cm -1 and Mi-cm -2 accumulated specifically in the two subventral oesophageal gland cells of M. incognita . RT-PCR analysis confirmed that their transcript abundances were high in the early parasitic juvenile stages, and low ( Mi-cm -1) or undetectable ( Mi-cm -2) in later parasitic stages of the nematode. Southern blot analysis revealed that these CM genes were members of a small multigene family in Meloidogyne species. The widespread presence of CMs in the specialized sedentary endoparasitic nematode species suggests that this multifunctional enzyme may be a key factor in modulating plant parasitism.
Mechanical regulation of bone homeostasis: effects of cyclic pressure on bone cell function in vitro

The present in vitro study exposed rat osteoblasts and osteoclast-precursors in bone marrow cell populations to controlled regimes of cyclic pressure and examined various cell functions that are pertinent to bone homeostasis. The results provided evidence that osteoblasts are sensitive to the frequency of the applied cyclic pressure stimulus. Specifically, compared to controls (static conditions) and cells exposed to cyclic pressure at 0.25 Hz frequency, osteoblast proliferation was significantly (p < 0.05) lower, but alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression and enzyme activity were enhanced, only when these cells were exposed to cyclic pressure at 1.0 Hz frequency for 1 hour daily for 5 consecutive days. Furthermore, the results of the present study demonstrated that the timing of application of the cyclic pressure was critical for osteoclastic cell formation from precursors in bone marrow. Exposure of bone marrow cells to cyclic pressure immediately upon harvesting led to decreased formation of osteoclastic cells from their precursors; in contrast, the number of osteoclastic cells was not affected when the cyclic pressure was applied after 7 days of culture under static conditions.
Interpretation of Complex Scenes Using Generative Dynamic-Structure Models

We propose a generative modeling framework - namely, Dynamic Tree Structured Belief Networks (DTSBNs) and a novel Structured Variational Approximation (SVA) inference algorithm for DTSBNs - as a viable solution to object recognition in images with partially occluded object appearances. We show that it is possible to assign physical meaning to DTSBN structures, such that root nodes model whole objects, while parent-child connections encode component-subcomponent relationships. Therefore, within the DTSBN framework, the treatment and recognition of object parts requires no additional training, but merely a particular interpretation of the tree/subtree structure. As such, DTSBNs naturally allow for multi-stage object recognition, in which initial recognition of object parts induces recognition of objects as a whole. As our reported experiments show, this explicit, multi-stage treatment of occlusion outperforms more traditional object-recognition approaches, which typically fail to account for occlusion in any principled or unified manner.
Elderly interstate migration: impact on sending and receiving states 1965 to 1970.

This article analyzes the characteristics of individuals age 60 and over who were interstate migrants between 1965 and 1970. It specifically examines the impact of elderly migration on seven major sending and seven major receiving states. When the outmigrant total was compared with the elderly residents left behind in the major origin states, a negative impact was apparent because of the positive selectivity of migrants on age, marital status, and economic independence. Conversely, when the inmigrant total was compared with older in-place residents in destination states, a positive impact was discerned from the addition of younger, married, more economically independent newcomers. The primary exception to these patterns was California, where both elderly inmigrants and outmigrants, as compared with the residentially stable, tended to be more economically dependent. The conclusions suggest that migrant characteristics as well as changing numbers of the elderly should be considered in funding formulas for f...
The challenge of exceptional communication

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to promote good communication practices. Design/methodology/approach – The article defines the elements of the communication process, shows the most likely trouble spots in that process and discusses what good communication practice looks like practically. Findings – The article’s findings are that the key to good communication practices is strong trusting relationships between the communicators. Practical implications – Good communication practices affect productivity and therefore the bottom line. Social implications – Workplace relationships affect the quality of workplace communication and vice versa. Originality/value – The value of the article is a reminder of how to deal effectively with one of the most common workplace challenges.
Epistemology for the Masses: The Origins of “The Scientific Method” in American Schools

In the widely disseminated Harvard report General Education in a Free Society (1945), the authors of the section on science teaching in the schools made passing reference to the portrayal of the scientific method in the existing curriculum. Rather than simply noting its inadequacy in representing the process of scientific research, they could not resist the urge to deliver a more scathing commentary. “Nothing could be more stultifying, and, perhaps more important, nothing is further from the procedure of the scientist,” they insisted, “than a rigorous tabular progression through the supposed ‘steps' of the scientific method, with perhaps the further requirement that the student not only memorize but follow this sequence in his attempt to understand natural phenomena.” This indictment was followed in 1951 by similar comments from Harvard president James B. Conant in his book Science and Common Sense. Conant's criticism of what he called the “alleged scientific method,” seemed to resonate with interested readers of the time. The eminent wartime research director Vannevar Bush, writing in the Saturday Review, praised him for making it “crystal clear that there is no such thing as the scientific method.” “The elegant definition of the scientific method that we have read for years,” he noted approvingly, “comes in for the dissection it has long needed.” Another reviewer hailed Conant's “service to the community [in] briefing the busy citizen on the way in which science really works,” noting also that he had “effectively demolished] conventional twaddle about the scientific method.”
Kinetics of Sicl4 Oxidation

The oxidation rate of SiCl4 was studied at 1100° to 1300°C. The reaction was first order in SiCl4 and zero order in O2 up to a 20-fold excess of O2. At higher O2 concentrations, the reaction becomes first order in oxygen. The activation energy for the reaction was 96 ± 5 kcal/mol which is approximately the CI3SiCI bond energy. The reaction SiCl4→ SiCl3+ Cl is proposed as the rate-determining step.
Emotional imagery: Strategies and correlates

Abstract The purpose of the study was, first, to identify the strategies people use when imagining different emotions, and secondly, to test the hypothesis that persons high in role-playing (acting) ability are better able to become ideationally involved in emotional situations than are persons low in role-playing ability. Seventy-two female subjects, preselected on role-playing ability, were asked to imagine situations of fear, sadness, anger, and joy. Emotional involvement was assessed through self-reports and physiological responses. Situations of sadness were the easiest to imagine, followed by anger, joy, and fear. Although there were some commonalities in the strategies subjects used to become involved, there also were significant differences as a function of the particular emotion imagined. Finally, good role-players showed greater physiological reactivity during emotional imagery than did poor role-players.
This is not a race, this is a farce: Formula One and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway tire crisis

Abstract Formula One is the most technologically advanced and financially lucrative form of motorsport in the world with global audiences in the billions over the course of a season. A highly unusual and potentially deadly set of events took place during the Friday practice for the sixth annual United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Controversy and blame soon followed. Using Benoit's public relations and image restoration strategy framework, this paper examines the different strategies employed during the crisis by the Formula One teams, Michelin, the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile, Formula One Management, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An examination of the crisis situation at the United States Grand Prix allows this study to expand Benoit's initial framework into sport as well as examining the implications for public relations and image repair strategies.
A new method of fault detection and treatment in five phase permanent magnet synchronous machine using field reconstruction method

Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) are extensively used in industrial applications because of their relatively high power density, negligible rotor losses, high efficiency, ease of control, and being almost maintenance free. In this paper a new method of fault detection and treatment for open circuit faults in 5-phase PMSM has been investigated. In the proposed technique the stator electrical faults are detected and then cleared. As the optimum performance is of great importance in industrial applications the excitation of the remaining healthy phases should be modified to attain the maximum output torque per input phase current. The field reconstruction method has been used in conjunction with optimization methods to find the proper excitation.
Reaction of sodium calcium borate glasses to form hydroxyapatite

This study investigated the transformation of two sodium calcium borate glasses to hydroxyapatite (HA). The chemical reaction was between either 1CaO . 2Na(2)O . 6B(2)O(3) or 2CaO . 2Na(2)O . 6B(2)O(3) glass and a 0.25 M phosphate (K(2)HPO(4)) solution at 37, 75 and 200 degrees C. Glass samples in the form of irregular particles (125-180 microm) and microspheres (45-90 and 125-180 microm) were used in order to understand the reaction mechanism. The effect of glass composition (calcium content) on the weight loss rate and reaction temperature on crystal size, crystallinity and grain shape of the reaction products were studied. Carbonated HA was made by dissolving an appropriate amount of carbonate (K(2)CO(3)) in the 0.25 M phosphate solution. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the reaction products. The results show that sodium calcium borate glasses can be transformed to HA by reacting with a phosphate solution. It is essentially a process of dissolution of glass and precipitation of HA. The transformation begins from an amorphous state to calcium-deficient HA without changing the size and shape of the original glass sample. Glass with a lower calcium content (1CaO . 2Na(2)O . 6B(2)O(3)), or reacted at an elevated temperature (75 degrees C), has a higher reaction rate. The HA crystal size increases and grain shape changes from spheroidal to cylindrical as temperature increases from 37 to 200 degrees C. Increase in carbonate concentration can also decrease the crystal size and yield a more needle-like grain shape.
Effects of Food Deprivation on Experimental Emphysema in Obese Rats

Obese male rats, with an average body weight of 530 g (approximately 30 weeks old), received either pancreatic elastase (75 microns/100 g) or saline intratracheally and were divided into fed and starved groups. Starved rats were given one-third of their measured daily food consumption. All groups were studied 4 weeks after the initiation of starvation. In both elastase and saline exposed rats, the saline volume-pressure curves expressed as a percentage of maximal lung volume were similar in fed and starved groups. Mean linear intercept (Lm) and alveolar surface area (Sa) were not different between the control-fed and the control-starved rats. Lm was similar but Sa was significantly smaller in the elastase-starved compared with the elastase-fed groups. It is concluded that, in contrast to the aggravating affects of weight loss on experimental emphysema in adult nonobese rats, food restriction does not affect elastase-induced injury significantly in obese animals.
DEMONEX: The DEdicated MONitor of EXotransits

DEMONEX is a low-cost, 0.5 meter, robotic telescope assembled mostly from commercially available parts dedicated to obtaining precise photometry of bright stars with transiting planets. This photometry will provide a homogeneous data set for all transits visible from its location at Winer Observatory in Sonoita, Arizona. We will also search for additional planets via transit timing variations, measure or place limits on the albedos from secondary eclipses, systematically search known radial velocity planets for those that transit, and follow up promising KELT candidates. Despite its modest size, the signal-to-noise ratio per transit is comparable to that obtained with larger, 1m-class telescopes because of its short readout time and high z-band quantum efficiency. However, its main strength is that it will be used every night for transit follow-up and gather an unprecedented data set on transiting planets. With the 24 known transiting planets and 112 radial velocity planets visible from Winer Observatory, over 90% of all nights have at least one full event to observe.
Evaluation of indoor air quality models with the ranked statistical performance measures using available software

Over the last two decades, rapid advancements have been made in the field of environmental science and engineering that eventually led to the development of new modeling techniques. It is essential that these newly developed modeling techniques be validated before they are incorporated and applied in the real-world. Statistical performance measures play a major role in the model validation by comparing the observations with the modeled predictions. One of the serious limitations in the current literature is that very few studies have used a comprehensive set of the ranked performance measures for validating the newly developed indoor air quality models. This study fills the knowledge gap by demonstrating the use of ranked acceptance criteria for validation of an indoor air quality modeling problem in public transit buses using available software. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Scheduling for minimum dependence in FSMs

We present a scheduling algorithm for controllers which reduces cycle time in datapath-controller systems. The algorithm chooses a schedule to reduce the primary output's dependence on late-arriving inputs - a minimum-dependence structure leads to a shorter system cycle time. Our algorithm accurately predicts from a behavioral description FSM properties which are correlated with fast logic. Experimental results show that the algorithm improves delay in critical outputs and control step-cycle time product.