cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dynamic Monte Carlo model for predicting radiant exposure distribution in dental composites: model development and verifications

Photo-cured dental composites are widely used in dental practices to restore teeth due to the esthetic appearance of the composites and the ability to cure in situ. However, their complex optical characteristics make it difficult to understand the light transport within the composites and to predict the depth of cure. Our previous work showed that the absorption and scattering coefficients of the composite changed after the composite was cured. The static Monte Carlo simulation showed that the penetration of radiant exposures differed significantly for cured and uncured optical properties. This means that a dynamic model is required for accurate prediction of radiant exposure in the composites. The purpose of this study was to develop and verify a dynamic Monte Carlo (DMC) model simulating light propagation in dental composites that have dynamic optical properties while photons are absorbed. The composite was divided into many small cubes, each of which had its own scattering and absorption coefficients. As light passed through the composite, the light was scattered and absorbed. The amount of light absorbed in each cube was calculated using Beer's Law and was used to determine the next optical properties in that cube. Finally, the predicted total reflectance and transmittance as well as the optical property during curing were verified numerically and experimentally. Our results showed that the model predicted values agreed with the theoretical values within 1% difference. The DMC model results are comparable with experimental results within 5% differences.
Extended WS-FIT model to enhance the fault tolerance in the dynamic composite web service

Numerous web services are evolving now. Organizational work flows are simulated by using composite web services. Because of the increasing number of web services, atomic web services that are involved in the composite web service are selected dynamically. Quality of Service (QoS) in web service plays a vital role today. Among all QoS metrics, reliability plays the dominant role. One of the reliability factors is dependability. Dependability is the ability to avoid service failures. In this paper, a extended model of WS-FIT is proposed to increase the dependability in the dynamic composite web service using fault injection technique.
The Influence of Internal Damping on the Rotordynamic Stability of a Flywheel Rotor With Flexible Hub

An investigation about the influence of internal damping on the rotordynamic stability of high-speed flywheel energy storage systems made from carbon fiber epoxy is presented. The research effort consists of simulation studies coupled with experimental testing and evaluation. Damping values obtained from composite beam samples and a composite rotor hub design are shown. The effect of vibration frequency on damping is examined and discussed. These parameters are then used in a series of simulation studies that examine the effects of internal damping on rotordynamic behavior. An experimental model has been developed to verify the conclusions made from the simulations. The experimental testing consisted of creating a prototype rig, characterizing the system parameters, applying these parameters to determine the expected critical speed and experimentally determine the actual critical speed. These results are presented and their implications for flexible hub flywheel designs discussed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Functional anatomic relationship between brain-stem tumors and cranial motor nuclei.

OBJECTIVE : To identify patterns of cranial motor nuclei (CMN) displacement in cases of intramedullary brain stem tumor, using neurophysiological mapping of motor nuclei on the floor of the fourth ventricle. METHODS : Relationships between tumors and CMN were reviewed in 18 patients with brain stem tumors (seven pontine, nine medullary, and two pontomedullary tumors) and 2 with cervicomedullary junction spinal cord tumors. CMN VII, IX/X, and XII were mapped by applying electrical stimuli over the surgically exposed fourth ventricular floor through a handheld probe and recording electrical activity in the appropriate cranial muscles. RESULTS : Tumors distorted the anatomic location of CMN in repetitive patterns according to tumor site. Three patterns were identified as follows : Type 1, CMN located around the tumor on the floor of fourth ventricle ; Type 2, one or more CMN located ventrally to the tumor ; Type 3, CMN in original anatomic position. Six of seven patients with pontine tumors showed the Type 1 pattern. Seven of nine patients with medullary tumors showed Type 2, and the other two showed Type 1. Both patients with pontomedullary tumors showed Type 2. One patient with a cervicomedullary junction spinal cord tumor showed Type 1 and the other Type 3, depending on the tumor extension into the fourth ventricle. CONCLUSION : Pontine tumors push the CMN to around the tumor edge, suggesting that precise localization of CMN before tumor resection is necessary to avoid their damage. Medullary tumors grow more exophytically and compress the CMN ventrally. Understanding patterns of CMN displacement can help surgeons establish the surgical plan, minimize risks, and enable safer surgery of brain stem tumors.
Simulative analysis of ammonia exchange between the atmosphere and plant communities

A soil-plant-atmosphere model was used to evaluate the effects on ammonia (NH3) exchange of changing leaf NH3 compensation concentration, atmospheric NH3 concentration, and soil surface NH3 flux density. An increase in NH3 compensation concentration from 0.5 to 5.0 μg/m3 resulted in a small, constant decrease in the NH3 uptake rates by the crop canopy under all conditions simulated. Ambient concentration and soil flux density proved to be the most critical variables in influencing net vegetative-soil NH3 exchange. Variation in soil flux density determined whether the system evolved or consumed NH3. Consequently, differences between systems in soil flux density may result in NH3 transfer via the atmosphere from agricultural lands to natural lands.
The triological society 2011 presidential address

The Triological Society 2011 Presidential Address was presented at The Triological Society's 2011 Combined Sections Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, Thursday January 27-29, 2011, by Gerald Berke, MD. The address captures the president's inspiration for the annual address as the past, present, and future of otolaryngology. A review of the financing and economics of health care in the United States over time is presented, and the future of health care with reference to otolaryngology is discussed. The address focused on the percentage increase in gross domestic product assigned to medical care in the United States owing to the emergence, adoption, and widespread diffusion of new medical technologies and services. It showed that a significant proportion of the expense goes to hospitals and physician/clinical services. It refuted many of the current criticisms of medical care in the United States, pointing out that neonatal death rates in the United States include all gestational ages, but many countries only use full-term births in their statistics; also, longevity is excellent when deaths due to motor vehicle accidents and homicides are adjusted. Furthermore, survival rates for common malignancies and myocardial infarctions are better in the United States than in many countries. The address related the president's memories of medical care in the United States as an intern and young resident. It went on to discuss the concept of treating diseased organs ex vivo and reimplanting them without systemic side effects within the next 25 years but cautioned that future medical advances may be moderated by a reliance on evidence-based studies before new technologies can be adopted. Finally, it emphasized physician's altruistic motivations for choosing this profession despite future economic realities in coming years.
A new polymorphism in the gene for GAP43.

A new polymorphism has been identified in the 3′-untranslated region of the gene for GAP43. It is present with a frequency of 0.327 in the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humaine (CEPH) parents and is slightly lower in Alzheimer's (0.269) and Parkinson's (0.231) patients.
INTERPRETATIONS OF MESSAGES The Influence of Various Forms of Equivocation, Face Concerns, and Sex Differences

Equivocation, the use of ambiguity or vagueness, is used to protect face when an interlocutor seeks to avoid a hurtful truth or a deception. This study compared the effects of self and other-face, ...
Reliable, bench-top measurements of charge density in the active layers of thin-film composite and nanocomposite membranes using quartz crystal microbalance technology

Abstract A reliable, user-friendly, bench-top method was developed and evaluated for the measurement of negative charge density in the active layers of thin-film composite and thin-film nanocomposite membranes. The method consists of isolating the active layer on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor ( i.e ., AL+sensor sample), exposing the AL+sensor sample to an aqueous cesium solution at any pH of interest, and measuring with a QCM the mass of cesium ion that associates with the negative sites of the active layer. Results showed that QCM measurements of charge density in active layers were: (1) repeatable within 3% for tests performed with the same AL+sensor sample under the same experimental conditions; (2) reproducible within 3.8% for tests performed with the same AL+sensor sample when the ionic strength of cesium solutions was varied by 300%; (3) reproducible within 4% for active layers isolated from nearby locations of the same membrane sheet; and (4) consistent within 2.1% at pH=10.5 with results obtained using the previously reported Rutherford backscattering spectrometry method on non-isolated active layers. The results therefore demonstrate the robustness, repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy of the QCM method. We also demonstrated that the ionization behaviors of the polyamide-based thin-film composite and nanocomposite membranes tested were similar: both membranes had bimodal p K a distributions and negative charge densities of ≈0.5 M at full ionization.
Network rigidity at finite temperature: Relationships between thermodynamic stability, the nonadditivity of entropy, and cooperativity in molecular systems

A statistical mechanical distance constraint model (DCM) is presented that explicitly accounts for network rigidity among constraints present within a system. Constraints are characterized by local microscopic free-energy functions. Topological rearrangements of thermally fluctuating constraints are permitted. The partition function is obtained by combining microscopic free energies of individual constraints using network rigidity as an underlying long-range mechanical interaction, giving a quantitative explanation for the nonadditivity in component entropies exhibited in molecular systems. Two exactly solved two-dimensional toy models representing flexible molecules that can undergo conformational change are presented to elucidate concepts, and to outline a DCM calculation scheme applicable to many types of physical systems. It is proposed that network rigidity plays a central role in balancing the energetic and entropic contributions to the free energy of biopolymers, such as proteins. As a demonstration, the distance constraint model is solved exactly for the \ensuremath{\alpha}-helix to coil transition in homogeneous peptides. Temperature and size independent model parameters are fitted to Monte Carlo simulation data, which includes peptides of length 10 for gas phase, and lengths 10, 15, 20, and 30 in water. The DCM is compared to the Lifson-Roig model. It is found that network rigidity provides a mechanism for cooperativity in molecular structures including their ability to spontaneously self-organize. In particular, the formation of a characteristic topological arrangement of constraints is associated with the most probable microstates changing under different thermodynamic conditions.
Structure and assembly of group I introns

Self-splicing group I introns have served as a model for RNA catalysis and folding for over two decades. New three-dimensional structures now bring the details into view. Revelations include an unanticipated turn in the RNA backbone around the guanosine-binding pocket. Two metal ions in the active site coordinate the substrate and phosphates from all three helical domains.
Rupture of the Aorta: A Diagnostic Triad

Abstract The cases of 7 patients with aortic rupture treated at Grady Memorial Hospital during the last four years and all the reports in the English literature of patients with aortic rupture who were treated surgically within the first three postinjury weeks were reviewed. This combined experience revealed the frequent occurrence of a triad which appears to be of great value in the early diagnosis of rupture of the aorta. This triad consists of (1) increased pulse amplitude and blood pressure in the upper extremities, (2) decreased pulse amplitude and blood pressure of the lower extremities, and (3) roentgenographic evidence of widening of the mediastinum. Aortography is the only confirmatory diagnostic test and should be done as soon as the diagnosis of aortic rupture is suspected. Repair of the ruptured aorta should be performed as soon as possible.
Morphometric analysis of fibre cell growth in the developing chicken lens

The optical characteristics of any lens are determined by its internal composition, size and shape. In the lens of the eye, the macroscopic form of the tissue reflects the arrangement and behaviour of its component cells. In the current study, we quantified changes in the morphology and organization of chicken lens fibre cells during embryonic development. Lens radii, fibre cell length, shape, cross-sectional aspect ratio, cross-sectional area, cross-sectional perimeter, and cell packing organization were measured from confocal and transmission electron micrographs using computer assisted image analysis. Derived values for cell surface area and volume were also calculated. Because of the radial symmetry of the avian lens, we were able to employ a novel coordinate system to track the fate of identified cohorts of cells at successive developmental stages. This allowed kinetic information, such as the rate of increase in length or volume, to be derived. By sampling identified cell populations (i.e. those located at a specific point on the lens radius) at regular intervals it was possible, for the first time, to reconstruct the life history of fibre cells buried within the cellular conglomerate of the lens. The measurements indicated that a surprising degree of structural remodeling occurs during fibre cell elongation and continues after extant cells have been buried by waves of newly differentiated fibres. Even in the anucleated cells of the lens core, the size and surface topology of the cells were altered continually during development. However, some aspects of fibre cell organization were established early in development and did not vary thereafter. For example, the packing arrangement of cells in the adult lens was traced to a cellular template established on the tenth day of embryonic development.
Accelerated Universe and Gravity Modified at Largest Observable Distances

We discuss an idea that the cosmic acceleration of the Universe may be caused by modification of gravity at very large distances, and not by a dark energy source. Such a modification could, in particular, be triggered by extra space dimensions, to which gravity spreads over cosmic distances. This idea is testable by distant supernovae and other cosmological surveys. Also modified gravity predicts testable deviations in planetary motions. For the Moon this effect would show up in anomalous perihelion precessions of its orbit, and can be detected by lunar ranging experiments.
Optically implementable algorithm for convolution/correlation of long data streams

An optically implementable algorithm, which separates a long data stream into several shorter sequences based on the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT), is described in this paper. Using this algorithm, the convolution/correlation of long data streams are performed by small scale vector-matrix multiplications, which can be realized using the state-of-the-art optical algebraic processing technologies. Computer simulation results of this algorithm are presented. A suitable optical processing architecture is also proposed.
Nature of the Scrapie Agent

There is evidence to suggest that the infectious disease scrapie is caused by an agent which does not depend on a nucleic acid for its ability to replicate. In the first of the two following articles it is suggested that scrapie can best be considered to arise from a replicable change in the structural pattern of a commonly occurring unit membrane. In the second article it is suggested that the agent is a protein and three possible mechanisms for its self-replication are proposed.
Lehrer on consciousness

Keith Lehrer distinguishes three kinds of questions about consciousness: scientific questions, metaphysical questions, and epistemological questions. He leaves the scientific questions to the scientists. He articulates and answers the peculiar epistemological questions posed by consciousness. And he boldly contends that no metaphysical questions about consciousness remain, once the epistemological questions have been answered. This is an astonishing claim. What happened to the metaphysical questions? Were they pseudo-questions? Were they epistemological questions masquerading as metaphysical ones? And isn’t it possible that Lehrer’s epistemological account of consciousness raises metaphysical questions of its own? I will argue that Lehrer’s account of consciousness does leave a metaphysical remainder. To deal with this remainder, Lehrer could try to expand his explanatory framework—but this would involve to a substantial revision of his current views. I end with a speculative proposal that might allow Lehrer acknowledge all the points raised in this paper, but without forcing him to revise his account of consciousness in a substantial way.
Serum zinc levels in retinitis pigmentosa

Serum zinc and copper levels were analyzed in 26 retinitis pigmentosa patients and compared with serum zinc levels of a control group. Serum zinc levels were documented to be decreased with a mean concentration of 0.735 ± 0.167 micrograms/ml (p < 0.001). Serum copper levels, on the other hand, were found to be increased in retinitis pigmentosa patients with a mean value of 1.261 ± 0.348 micrograms/ml (p < 0.001).
Breeding studies in potatoes containing high concentrations of anthocyanins

Studies of the breeding behavior of clones containing high levels of anthocyanins were conducted. Red-fleshed clones appeared in proportions suggesting multigenic control of degree of pigmentation. Red-fleshed and pur-ple-fleshed clones were always accompanied by red and purple skin, respectively. Red flesh ranged from partial pigmentation to complete pigmentation represented by pigment present in all tuber tissues. Percentage of com-pletely red-fleshed progeny was 14.5% and 4.1% in red x red crosses vs red × white (or the reciprocal), respectively. Purple-fleshed progeny were obtained from red x white crosses where the white-fleshed parent harbored theP pigment gene in juxtaposition with the nulliplex recessive state of theI gene (i.e.,iiii), which suppressed expression. Total anthocyanin ranged from 6.9 to 35 mg per 100 g fresh weight in the red-fleshed and 5.5 to 17.1 in the purple-fleshed clones. Red-fleshed clones contained predominantly acylated glycosides of pelargonidin while the purple-fleshed clones contained predominantly acylated glycosides of petunidin and peonidin. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity and Ferrous Reducing Ability of Plasma revealed that the antioxidant levels in the red or purple-fleshed potatoes were two to three times higher than white-fleshed potato.
Investment Objectives of Sovereign Wealth Funds - A Shifting Paradigm

While SWF investment objectives to some extent reflect inherent characteristics, notable differences in strategic asset allocation (SAA) exist even amongst SWFs of similar types. Even so, this paper shows that the global crisis may have changed SWF’s asset allocations in ways that may not be ideal or justified in all cases and that a review of investment objectives may be warranted. It also argues for regular macro-risk assessments for the sovereign, the continued importance of SWFs as a stabilizer in international capital markets, as well as the active role they could play in international regulatory reform.
Studies on the interactions of (η5-C5H5)M(CO)2 complexes (M = Co, Rh) with 1,2-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene, and an x-ray crystallographic characterization of one of the products: (η5-C5H5Co)2(C6H4C2C6H4C2C6H5)2

Abstract The reaction of (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Co(CO) 2 (1) and l,2-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene (4) has been shown to produce as major products a dimeric organic compound of composition C 44 H 28 , postulated to be 1,2,4-triphenyl-3-( o -phenylethynylphenyl)biphenylene (7), and bis(η 5 -C 5 H 5 Co) 2 (C 6 H 5 C 2 C 6 H 4 C 2 C 6 H 5 ) 2 (9). Minor organometallic products also obtained include a bis(η 4 -cyclopentadienone)dicobalt complex (12) and several mononuclear complexes resulting from co-condensation of 4 and 7 with 1. A corresponding reaction betwen (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Rh(CO) 2 (2) and 4 has produced several organorhodium complexes in low yield, including a mixed (η 4 -cyclobutadiene)(η 4 -cyclopentadienone)dirhodium derivative (17). Complexes 9, 12 and 17 are derived from the intermolecular condensation of two molecules of 4 with either 1 or 2. An X-ray diffraction investigation of 9 has been undertaken, and unequivocally confirms the unique structural nature of this complex to be that of the b isomer. 9b crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 / n with cell dimensions: α = 10.652(5), b = 23.690(6), c = 17.204(4) A, and β = 90.21(3)°; v = 4341(4) A 3 . The unit cell was found to contain one solvent benzene for each molecule, yielding a calculated density of 1.351(1) g/cm 3 with Z = 4. Intensity data were collected using Mo-K α radiation (λ = 0.71073 A) by the θ2θ scan method with an automated 4-circle diffractometer (Enraf-Nonius CAD-4). In all, 8286 reflections were scanned, of which 5192 were independent wit an intensity greater than 3σ. Refinement by full matrix Least squares led to a final unweighted R of 0.037 (R w = 0.050). The atoms of the (η-C 5 H 5 )Co(C 4 ) moieties are well-behaved crystallographically and have molecular parameters which are within accepted values of recent determinations of other complexes containing that moiety.
The N-terminal half of talin2 is sufficient for mouse development and survival.

Abstract Using a talin2 gene-trapped embryonic stem cell clone, we have developed a talin2 mutant mouse line that expresses the N-terminal half (1–1295) of talin2 fused with β-galactosidase. The homozygous mutant mice appear to be normal and healthy. In the testis, talin2 expresses as a shorter form with a unique 30 residues at N-terminus linking to a common C-terminus from 1122 to 2453 of the long form. The resulting talin2 in the mutant testis only contains 204 residues of the wild-type testis talin2. However, it did not seem to affect the morphology of testis or reproduction of male mice. In fact, male and female mutant mice are fertile. Utilizing the expression of talin2(1–1295)/β-galactosidase fusion protein, we have examined the distribution of talin2 in tissues. In contrast to talin1, talin2 expression is more restricted in tissues and cell types.
A quark model of two-baryon currents

Abstract A phenomenological quark shell model of the short-range two-baryon current, along with conventional one-nucleon and pionic currents, is shown to account for the deuteron magnetic form factor and backward electrodisintegration of the deuteron. The six-quark probability is about 5%.
Relationship of somatotype and body composition to physical performance in 7- to 12-year-old boys.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of somatotype, body composition, and physical performance in 7- through 12-year-old boys. Two objective methods of measuring somatotype, Sheldon's trunk index method and Heath–Carter's anthropometric method, were used. Body composition was estimated as fat and lean body mass from 40K measurement, using a whole-body counter, and from two skinfold thickness measures. Physical performance measures consisted of three tests of running (mile run, 600-yd run and 50-yd dash) and two tests of jumping (standing broad jump and vertical jump). In general, somatotype components had lower correlations with running and jumping variables than did body composition or body size variables such as height, weight, and percent fat. Heath and Carter's third component, derived from the inverse ponderal index, correlated more closely with performance scores than did other components of somatotype. Somatotype components in combination with each other and with body size and...
SU‐FF‐T‐422: Total Marrow Irradiation — Conformality, Concern, and Adaptive Process

Purpose: As a part of a dose escalation total marrow irradiation (TMI) study, we have treated several patients using Tomotherapy. The purpose of this work is to critically review this new methodology in regards to conformality, uncertainty in dosimetric and treatment delivery, multimodality imaging for enhancing conformal avoidance, future adaptive processes, and clinical concerns. Method and Materials: The kVCT, MVCT, PET, and SPECTimages were applied in various stages of planning, treatment delivery, boost treatment delivery, and dose reconstructions, using Tomotherapy. Delivered dose was reconstructed using MVCT and kVCT images and compared with expected dose coverage to augment futures of adaptive process. To test the conformality, bone was contoured in four different regions. Clinical concerns about patient treatment and dosimetric uncertainties were also evaluated. Results: A statistical analysis of reconstructed dose showed that a very small fraction (0.2 %) of thoracic bone volume received 10 % less than the prescribed dose. Reconstructed PTV and lung delivered dose were the same as planned dose. SPECTimaging was able to detect skeletal metastasis in one patient while MR, CT, PET failed to detect all the bone metastases. In conjunction with CTimages,SPECTimage sets were used to explore conformal avoidance of the brain. Treatment procedures for entire bone marrow using Tomotherapy took 80 minutes whereas hemi body marrow irradiation took approximately an hour. Conclusions:Reconstructed dose matched planning dose with reasonable accuracy except in thoracic bone. Application of the appropriate imaging modalities enhances conformality to bone marrow as well as conformal avoidance of critical organs, and also helps in dose escalation. Without the proper margin determined for bone, one may underdose the target, although treatment planning can show good DVH. Current treatment procedures are long and require improvements for patient comfort and for accuracy of the treatment.
Perforator flaps: History, controversies, physiology, anatomy, and use in reconstruction

Perforator flaps have the advantages of reduced donor-site morbidity, versatility to accurately replace the components required at the recipient site, a longer pedicle than is achievable with the parent musculocutaneous flap, and freedom from orientation of the pedicle. Their development has followed our understanding of the blood supply from a source artery to the skin, which has been achieved because of landmark studies by Manchot, Salmon, Milton, Taylor, and others. Many articles now attest to the safety and reliability of perforator flaps. This review aims to outline the history and controversies surrounding perforator flaps and to describe the anatomy of the "workhorse" perforator flaps and their use in microsurgical reconstruction. These flaps include the deep inferior epigastric artery, the anterolateral thigh, the thoracodorsal artery, and the superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps.
A Simple Method to Identify Radiation and Annealing Biases That Lead to Worst-Case CMOS Static Ram Postirradiation Response

We illustrate a simple method to identify bias conditions that lead to worst-case postirradiation speed and timing response for SRAMs. Switching cell states between radiation and anneal should lead to maximum speed and timing degradation for many hardened designs and technologies. The greatest SRAM cell imbalance is also established by these radiation and annealing conditions for the hardened and commercial parts that we have examined. These results should provide insight into the behavior of SRAMs during and after irradiation. The results should also be useful to establishing guidelines for integrated-circuit functionality testing, and SEU and dose-rate upset testing, after total-dose irradiation.
Influence of constituent properties and microstructural parameters on the tensile modulus of a polymer/clay nanocomposite

Abstract A multi-scale model to predict the moduli of polymer–clay nanocomposites (PCNs) is presented. The model uses a locally orthotropic finite element model to develop constitutive equations to describe the stiffness properties of a group of aligned clay flakes with surrounding interphase suspended in a polymer matrix. The model then assembles a number of flake groups with varied orientations to predict the actual moduli seen in PCNs. The model is in good agreement with an experimentally obtained tensile modulus found in the literature. The model was also applied to estimate the relative influence of constituent properties and microstructural parameters on the anisotropic tensile modulus of the PCN.
Preventing skin breakdown: Nursing practices, costs, and outcomes

The aims of this study were to identify patients at risk for skin breakdown, to describe nursing interventions associated with the prevention of skin breakdown, and to analyze the cost of supplies used to prevent skin breakdown. An evaluation of nursing interventions used at three hospitals revealed that nurses used a variety of strategies for preventing skin breakdown. However, greater expenditures on prevention strategies did not improve outcomes and overuse of some items increased the incidence of skin breakdown. Protocol-based preventive nursing interventions are necessary to provide a cost-effective approach to the maintenance of skin integrity.
The development of innervation patterns in the avian cochlea

Abstract The sequence of developmental events leading to the innervation of the cochlea and the differentiation of its receptor cells has been studied in chick embryos with Golgi methods. We describe the morphogenesis of cochlear ganglion cell peripheral processes from their appearance in early embryos to the formation of their mature endings on hair cells in the basilar papilla (organ of Corti) of prehatchling chicks. In the stage of peripheral fiber outgrowth, embryonic days 3–5, the fibers emerge from the ganglion cell bodies and grow, in a uniform fashion, toward the undifferentiated receptor epithelium of the otocyst. In the stage of the invasion of the otocyst by the peripheral fibers, embryonic days 6–7, some fibers enter the epithelium directly after reaching it, others enter after traveling some distance longitudinally beneath its basal lamina. The invading fibers appear to encounter resistance at the basal lamina, but, once within the epithelium, at embryonic days 8–9, they form a surfeit of branches in columnar zones oriented radially toward the surface. In early synaptogenesis (embryonic days 8–9) hair cells first become apparent. They differentiate from primitive epithelial cells. These cells withdraw their basal processes, which appear to accompany the growing fibers into the superficial epithelium. At embryonic days 11–13, the stage of mid-synaptogenesis, the fibers develop large, bulbous, preterminal and terminal swellings, which are located below the bases of the hair cells; the surplus branches atrophy or withdraw. Efferent axons are first seen in the epithelium at this time. In late synaptogenesis (embryonic days 14–17), the preterminal swellings disappear and the endings transform into mature foot-shapes at the bases of the hair cells. These morphological changes during the development of the peripheral endings are comparable to those of cochlear axons in nucleus magnocellularis (cochlear nucleus). During mid-synaptogenesis, when the ganglion cells develop swellings in the periphery, their central axons ramify extensively. Late in synaptogenesis, while the peripheral swellings disappear, there is a corresponding condensation of the central terminals to form the end-bulbs of Held. Thus, specific connections of the cochlear ganglion cells and their target cells in the ear and brain may result from two sequential developmental phases: (1) loosely organized and overabundant initial growth of branches from the fibers entering their target tissue; (2) reorganization of these fibers with the disappearance or resorption of the surplus branches during the transformation of their endings into mature synaptic arrangements. The differentiation of hair cells and their apical withdrawal in synchrony with that of the afferent fibers may reflect nerve-target cell recognition and interactions.
The effects of reticular stimulation on digastric reflex activity during sleep and wakefulness

La stimulation electrique de la formation reticulaire mesencephalique fut appliquee 0–20 msec avant l'induction du reflexe digastrique chez des chats libres. Le reflexe digastrique fut induit par stimulation electrique du nerf dentaire inferieur. La stimulation reticulaire eut pour resultat l'inhibition de ce reflexe pendant la veille, le sommeil tranquille et le sommeil actif.
On the LDPC-coded modulation for ultra-high-speed optical transport in the presence of phase noise

A Monte Carlo integration based method to calculate symbol log-likelihood ratios for soft iterative decoding in the presence of imperfect carrier phase estimation (CPE) is proposed. The proposed method shows good robustness when CPE is imperfect, in particular for optimum modulation schemes.
Localization of an endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase mRNA in rat brain by in situ hybridization

SERCA-2 is an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase present in brain [Gunteski-Hamblin A.-M. et al. (1988) J. biol. Chem. 263, 15032-15040]. We sought to map the distribution of this pump in the rat brain and investigate its relationship to Ca2+ uptake by brain endoplasmic reticulum. Using in situ hybridization and Northern blots with antisense oligonucleotide probes, we found that SERCA-2 is concentrated most densely in the cerebellum, especially in Purkinje cells, and in the hippocampus, with heavy labeling also in cortex, thalamus, pontine nuclei and the mitral cell layer of the olfactory bulb. 45Ca2+ uptake displayed a similar pattern with heaviest accumulation in cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex, thalamus and olfactory bulb. In corpus striatum and substantia nigra, relative 45Ca2+ accumulation was greater than SERCA-2 mRNA. Thus, SERCA-2 appears to be involved in Ca2+ uptake into endoplasmic reticulum in brain for release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and other agents.
ALFVÉN SIMPLE WAVES: EULER POTENTIALS AND MAGNETIC HELICITY

The magnetic helicity characteristics of fully nonlinear, multi-dimensional Alfven simple waves are investigated, by using relative helicity formulae and also by using an approach involving poloidal and toroidal decomposition of the magnetic field and magnetic vector potential. Different methods to calculate the magnetic vector potential are used, including the homotopy and Biot-Savart formulae. Two basic Alfven modes are identified: (1) the plane one-dimensional Alfven simple wave given in standard texts, in which the Alfven wave propagates along the z-axis with wave phase {psi} = k{sub 0}(z - {lambda}t), where k{sub 0} is the wave number and {lambda} is the group velocity of the wave and (2) the generalized Barnes simple Alfven wave in which the wave normal n moves in a circle in the xy-plane perpendicular to the mean field, which is directed along the z-axis. The plane Alfven wave (1) is analogous to the slab Alfven mode and the generalized Barnes solution (2) is analogous to the two-dimensional mode in Alfvenic, incompressible turbulence. The helicity characteristics of these two basic Alfven modes are distinct. The helicity characteristics of more general multi-dimensional simple Alfven waves are also investigated. Applications to nonlinear Alfvenic fluctuations and structures observed in the solar windmore » are discussed.« less
Application of the Sc-theory to structural design

Fracture mechanics is a powerful tool in the hands of a knowledgeable engineer. It offers the designer and structural analyst quantitative guidelines to the design, evaluation and maintenance of high-performance fracture-resistant structures in terms of material selection, safe operating stress levels, and quality assurance standards. However, it must be applied properly and integrated with the other design requirements early in the design phase to reap the desired benefits. In this connection, the strain-energy-density factor theory, or the Sc-theory, is applied in this paper to illustrate the principles of fracture mechanics methodology towards the design of a cylindrical shell structure under complex loading conditions. The versatility of this theory in selecting competing structural materials and in determining safe operating stress levels, allowable loads, factors of safety, damage tolerance and safe crack propagation life are highlighted.
Attendance at Higher-Cost Colleges: Ascribed, Socioeconomic, and Academic Influences on Student Enrollment Patterns.

Abstract Socioeconomic and ascriptive factors clearly influence high school students' academic performance, which in turn influences students' eventual college choices. A critical policy issue involves whether or not socioeconomic and ascriptive factors also have influences on college choices that are independent of their influences on academic performance. The present analysis addresses this issue, focusing upon the costliness of the colleges attended by a recent national sample of high school graduates. The structural equation results suggest that SES and ascriptive factors do have independent effects, but they are relatively minor and more “social” than “economic” in nature.
Neuronal Serotonin Regulates Growth of the Intestinal Mucosa in Mice

Background & aims The enteric abundance of serotonin (5-HT), its ability to promote proliferation of neural precursors, and reports that 5-HT antagonists affect crypt epithelial proliferation led us to investigate whether 5-HT affects growth and maintenance of the intestinal mucosa in mice. Methods cMice that lack the serotonin re-uptake transporter (SERTKO mice) and wild-type mice were given injections of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (gain-of-function models). We also analyzed mice that lack tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1KO mice, which lack mucosal but not neuronal 5-HT) and mice deficient in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2KO mice, which lack neuronal but not mucosal 5-HT) (loss-of-function models). Wild-type and SERTKO mice were given ketanserin (an antagonist of the 5-HT receptor, 5-HT(2A)) or scopolamine (an antagonist of the muscarinic receptor). 5-HT(2A) receptors and choline acetyltransferase were localized by immunocytochemical analysis. Results Growth of the mucosa and proliferation of mucosal cells were significantly greater in SERTKO mice and in mice given selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors than in wild-type mice, but were diminished in TPH2KO (but not in TPH1KO) mice. Ketanserin and scopolamine each prevented the ability of SERT knockout or inhibition to increase mucosal growth and proliferation. Cholinergic submucosal neurons reacted with antibodies against 5-HT(2A). Conclusions 5-HT promotes growth and turnover of the intestinal mucosal epithelium. Surprisingly, these processes appear to be mediated by neuronal, rather than mucosal, 5-HT. The 5-HT(2A) receptor activates cholinergic neurons, which provide a muscarinic innervation to epithelial effectors.
Transformational approach to software design

Abstract Existing software design methods such as structured design and object-oriented design suffer from two major weaknesses. First, they have difficulty creating and exploring alternative designs. In particular, it is almost impossible for software design methods to derive designs that are algorithmically different from an initial design provided by the programmer. Second, these methods use general and intuitive concepts. The paper shows, through the introduction of transformations that map a given design into an alternative design, that design concepts can become more precise and less intuitive. In addition, certain software abstractions, when expressed as transformations, help explore alternative designs and, in particular, are capable of deriving designs that are algorithmically different from an initial design.
Three-dimensional optical tomographic imaging of breast in a human subject

We present for the first time a full three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of absorption images of breast from continuous-wave (cw) measurements performed on a premenopausal woman. Our 3-D optical images clearly reveal a large primary tumor as well as a small secondary tumor in a separate location of the breast. The multiple tumors identified by our 3-D optical imaging have been confirmed by the subsequent biopsy examination of the breast. Quantitative information of the optical images obtained is provided in terms of the location, size, and absorption coefficient of the tumors.
beta-Amyloid Ca(2+)-channel hypothesis for neuronal death in Alzheimer disease.

The Alzheimer's Disease (AD) amyloid protein (AsP[1-40]) forms cation selective channels when incorporated into planar lipid bilayers by fusion with liposomes containing the peptide. Since the peptide has been proposed to occurin vivo in both membrane-bound and soluble forms, we also tested the possibility of direct incorporation of the soluble AsP[1-40] into the membrane. We found the peptide can also form similar channels in acidic phospholipid bilayers formed at the tip of a patch pipet, as well as in the planar lipid bilayer system. As in the case of liposome mediated incorporation, the AsP[1-40]-channel in the solvent-free membrane patch exhibits multiple cation selectivity (Cs+>Li+>Ca2+≥K+) and sensitivity to tromethamine. The fact that equivalentAsP[1-40] amyloid channels can be detected by two different methods thus provides additional validation of our original observation. Further studies with asP-channels incorporated into planar lipid bilayers from the liposome complex have also revealed that the channel activity can express spontaneous transitions to a much higher range of conductances between 400 and 4000 pS. Under these conditions, the amyloid channel continues to be cation selective but loses its tromethamine sensitivity. By contrast, amyloid channels were insensitive to nitrendipine at either conductance range. We calculate that if such channels were expressed in cells, the ensuing ion fluxes down their electrochemical potential gradients would disrupt cellular homeostasis. We therefore interpret these data as providing further support for our s-amyloid Ca2+-channel hypothesis for neuronal death in Alzheimer's Disease.
A new infeasible interior-point algorithm for linear programming

In this paper we present an infeasible path-following interior-point algorithm for solving linear programs using a relaxed notion of the central path, called quasicentral path, as a central region. The algorithm starts from an infeasible point which satisfies that the norm of the dual condition is less than the norm of the primal condition. We use weighted sets as proximity measures of the quasicentral path, and a new merit function for making progress toward this central region. We test the algorithm on a set of NETLIB problems obtaining promising numerical results.
ADAPTIVE PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY CONTROL USING DEVELOPMENT TIME MANIPULATION

A closed-loop adaptive control technique for photolithography is proposed and evaluated. In this strategy, development time is manipulated in order to keep the output critical dimension at a desired value, despite the disruptive effects of unmeasured process disturbances. The adaptive control strategy incorporates a three parameter reduced-order model of the photolithography process, a parameter estimator, and a nonlinear model-inversion controller. Simulation studies show that the adaptive controller is able to reject the detrimental effects of process disturbances and bring the critical dimension back to its desired value. In the simulations, PROLITH was used to represent the real lithography process.
Fatty-acid metabolism in senescing and regreening soybean cotyledons.

Changes in fatty-acid metabolism were studied in soybean (Glycine max Merr.) cotyledons during senescence as well as in cotyledons which had been caused to regreen by removal of the epicotyl from the seedling. The activities of the enzymes acetyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.1) and fatty-acid synthetase in plastids isolated from the cotyledons decreased during senescence but increased in response to regreening. These changes in enzyme activities followed the same pattern as changes in the quantities of chlorophyll and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this tissue. The in-vivo incorporation of [14C]acetate into total fatty acids in the senescing and regreening cotyledons did not vary markedly with age. In addition, the quantity of label in fatty acids did not decrease for as much as 60 h after the removal of the substrate. During this 60-h period however, there was substantial redistribution of the label among the individual fatty acids. While the labelling pattern of the individual fatty acids did not vary significantly with respect to age in the senescing cotyledons, there was a substantial increase in the synthesis of labelled polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regreening tissue. Thus, the incorporation of [14C]acetate into fatty acids did not reflect the changes in the quantities of the individual fatty acids in senescing tissue as well as they did in regreening tissue.
A rule-based weighted rating system forconcrete culverts

Abstract This paper demonstrates the use of a rule-based weighted rating system (RWRS) developed for improving the rating of concrete culverts. RWRS combines the qualitative rating based on a guideline commonly used by the Department of Transportation, the quantitative rating based on a regression model, and the inspector's own judgment on the culvert's rating. Weight on each rating is provided by the supervisor. A case study is presented to demonstrate the use of RWRS.
Solitons created by chirped initial profiles in coherent pulse propagation

If an incident pulse is chirped, the critical parameters for self-induced transparency to occur in coherent pulse propagation can no longer be obtained from the well-known McCall-Hahn area theorem. We have been able to obtain these parameters by solving the Zakharov-Shabat eigenvalue equation for the bound-state eigenvalues. We find that critical (threshold) areas will be increased for a chirped incident pulse in almost all cases, except for a box profile or for a pulse that is approximately box-like in shape. In these latter cases, the chirped critical areas will instead decrease for the second and all higher branches. The first branch’s critical area is always increased due to chirping.