cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-cost system for testing MEMS for research and educational applications

General access to MEMS is hampered by the expense of probe stations. We report on the construction of a lowcost system for operating MEMS devices for research and education. The system includes a driver-board, packaged MEMS chip (48 pin DIP - optical), and LabView VI. Typically, 20-40 separate devices (electrothermal and electrostatic actuators, micromirrors, and micro-positioners) are fabricated within the standard SUMMiT chip footprint (6.3x2.8mm). Educators can use the system to carry out labs for a variety of education levels. Researchers can use the system for prototyping new devices, developing better models for computer simulations, and utilizing devices for new applications.
Determination of |V(ts)| from D ---> K* lepton neutrino and B ---> K+ gamma data via heavy quark symmetry and perturbative QCD

We use heavy quark effective theory (HQET) and perturbative QCD to study the heavy-meson--light-vector-meson transitions involved in D and B decays. HQET is used to relate the measured D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}}$l\ensuremath{\nu} vector and axial-vector form factors at four-momentum transfer ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=0 to the B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\gamma} tensor and axial-tensor form factors at ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=16.5 ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$. Perturbative QCD is then used to find matching conditions for the B-meson form factors at ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=0. A five parameter ``vector-dominance''-type fit of the two HQET form factors, consisting of single pole, double pole, and subtraction terms, is used to match the data at ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=16.5 ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$ to QCD at ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=0. The values at ${\mathit{q}}^{2}$=0 are compared with recent data on the exclusive rate for B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\gamma} decay to extract a value for the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{t}\mathit{s}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=0.026, with 23% experimental uncertainty, and 29% theoretical uncertainty from higher order QCD effects and violations of heavy quark symmetry.
Task-oriented and bottle feeding adversely affect the quality of mother-infant interactions after abnormal newborn screens.

Objective To examine effects of newborn screening and neonatal diagnosis on the quality of mother-infant interactions in the context of feeding. Methods Study compared the quality of mother-infant feeding interactions among 4 groups of infants classified by severity of newborn screening and diagnostic results: cystic fibrosis (CF), congenital hypothyroidism, heterozygote CF carrier, and healthy with normal newborn screening. The Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment and a task-oriented item measured the quality of feeding interactions for 130 dyads, infant ages 3 to 19 weeks (M = 9.19, SD = 3.28). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measured maternal depression and anxiety. Results Composite Indicator Structure Equation Modeling showed that infant diagnostic status and, to a lesser extent, maternal education predicted feeding method. Mothers of infants with CF were most likely to bottle feed, which was associated with more task-oriented maternal behavior than breastfeeding. Mothers with low task-oriented behavior showed more sensitivity and responsiveness to infant cues, as well as less negative affect and behavior in their interactions with their infants than mothers with high task-oriented scores. Mothers of infants with CF were significantly more likely to have clinically significant anxiety and depression than the other groups. However, maternal psychological profile did not predict feeding method or interaction quality. Conclusions Mothers in the CF group were the least likely to breastfeed. Research is needed to explicate long-term effects of feeding methods on quality of mother-child relationship and ways to promote continued breastfeeding after a neonatal CF diagnosis.
Lithium Dimethylcuprate as a Reagent for Selective Deblocking of Allyl Esters

Abstract The recent publication of Corey and Tius1 concerning the specific deblocking of cinnamyl esters by successive methoxy-mercuration and demercuriocarboxylation prompts me to disclose results obtained sometime ago from a study of allyl ester scission.
An Efficient Parallel Algorithm for Vector Quantizer Design

Vector quantization is a technique used extensively and successfully to compress digitized data such as speech and images. The design of a vector quantizer is very computationally intensive. Parallel algorithms based on various architectures have been proposed for related applications in clustering. These algorithms are in general not practical for the vector quantization problem because of the magnitude of the parameters involved. We present a parallel SIMD algorithm which can run efficiently on parallel machines of variable sizes. The speedup and efficiency of the algorithms are high across a wide range of input parameters.
Mechanisms of ammonia and amino acid photoproduction from aquatic humic and colloidal matter.

Abstract Photochemical release of free amino acids was observed from dissolved fulvic acid (Suwannee River) and from colloidal fractions collected from Bayou Trepagnier, LA. Water samples were irradiated with a solar simulator, and free amino acid concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography of the fluorescent derivitized amino acids. Increased concentrations of at least 20 amines were observed upon irradiation of water samples. Among the amino acids identified were alanine, asparagine, citrulline, glutamic acid, histidine, norvaline, and serine. Amino acid concentrations increased in the range of 0.03–9.5 nM h−1. Studies on the mechanism of photochemical release of ammonia from dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) indicated at least two mechanisms. One mechanism proceeds through an hydroxyl radical intermediate. This mechanism continues in the dark after irradiation through decomposition of photochemically produced H2O2 to form hydroxyl radical. Although NOM photosensitized degradation of amino acids produces ammonia, amino acids do not appear to be an important intermediate in the photochemical formation of ammonia from NOM.
A methodology and tools for applying context-specific usability guidelines to interface design

Abstract This paper presents a methodology and an associated technology to create context-specific usability guidelines. The objective is to transform usability guidelines into a proactive resource that software developers can employ early and often in the development process. The methodology ensures conformance with established guidelines, but has the flexibility to use design experiences to adapt the guidelines to meet the emergent and diverse requirements of modern user interface design. Case-based and organizational learning technology is used to support the methodology and provide valuable resources for software developers.
Sarcolemmal reorganization in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Objective: We examined the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle from patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD1A) to learn if, as in other murine and human muscular dystrophies, its organization and relationship to nearby contractile structures are altered. Methods: Unfixed biopsies of control and FSHD deltoid and biceps muscles, snapfrozen at resting length, were cryosectioned, indirectly immunolabeled with fluorescent antibodies to sarcolemmal and myofibrillar markers, and examined with confocal microscopy to localize the immunolabeled proteins. Glutaraldehydefixed samples were stained with heavy metals, embedded, thin-sectioned, and examined with electron microscopy to determine the relationship between the sarcolemma and the underlying myofibrils. Results: Confocal microscopy showed that some of the structures at the sarcolemma in FSHD samples were misaligned with respect to the underlying contractile apparatus. Electron microscopy showed a significant increase in the distance between the sarcolemma and the nearest myofibrils, from less than 100nm in controls to values as high as 550nm in FSHD. Interpretation: Our results show that the pathophysiology of FSHD includes novel changes in the organization of the sarcolemma and its association with nearby contractile structures and suggest that, as in other muscular dystrophies, the integrity of the sarcolemma may be compromised in FSHD. Ann Neurol 2006;59:289 –297 Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) causes progressive weakness of skeletal muscle, preferentially affecting muscles of the face, shoulder, and upper arms. 1 It is also associated with high-frequency hearing loss and retinal vascular abnormalities. 2– 6 The relatively high incidence of 1 in 20,000, 7 which makes FSHD the third most common form of muscular dystrophy, can be attributed to its autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and the high frequency of new mutations, which account for approximately 10% of all new FSHD cases. 8 The FSHD mutation is linked to
Formation and degradation of deamido-TRH (pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline) in rat brain after intraventricular injection of TRH

Summary Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) injected into the lateral ventricle of the rat's brain was rapidly metabolized to deamido-TRH (DA-TRH). Brain levels of TRH decreased with a half-life of 7 min, while the DA-TRH formed from it disappeared with a half-life of 2.5 min. To prevent the post-mortem degradation of DA-TRH it was necessary to sacrifice rats by directing focused microwave irradiation towards the brain. The short half-lives determined for TRH and DA-TRH in vivo were much shorter than those obtained using in vitro techniques. The in vivo formation and accumulation of DA-TRH was inhibited by bacitracin and unaffected by probenicid.
Growth hormone (GH) immunoreactivity in the rodent and primate CNS: distribution, characterization and presence posthypophysectomy.

Abstract Using a specific sensitive radioimmunoassay, the distribution of growth hormone (GH) immunoreactivity in the rodent and primate central nervous system (CNS) was determined. Highest levels of extractable growth hormone-like materials were obtained from the rat amygdaloid nucleus, although other areas including cortex, hippocampus and the thalamus, contained immunoreactive material. Primate hypothalamus showed the highest levels of growth hormone immunoreactivity but it was also detectable in all regions examined. Forty-eight days posthypophysectomy, levels of GH immunoreactivity did not change in most rodent CNS areas studied. Moreover, levels in the amygdaloid nucleus and hypothalamus, although demonstrating an initial fall, actually rose above control levels several weeks following hypophysectomy. Dispersed CNS cells from both intact and hypophysectomized rats continuously release a GH-like material into the growth medium during a 20-day period of tissue culture. This phenomenon was suppressed with the addition of somatostatin to the growth medium. Characterization of this readily extractable GH-like material using column chromatography, parallel displacement curves, and biologic assay in the hypophysectomized rat showed a similarity between the CNS growth hormone-like material and its pituitary counterpart. The blood-brain barrier was found to be most likely intact to circulating pituitary growth hormone lending further support to the CNS origin of this biologically active and immunoreactive GH-like material in the brain.
A Mad(2) modification modulating megakaryopoiesis.

![Figure][1] Insight from Adam Goldfarb Megakaryocytes, the rare platelet-producing cells within the bone marrow, undergo an unusual developmental transition from early mitotic proliferation to endomitosis associated with polyploidization and enlargement. This transition is precisely
Speaking Out in Business Communications

(1981). Speaking Out in Business Communications. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 56, No. 5, pp. 199-201.
Optics and the Atmospheres of the Planets

Our knowledge of the atmospheres of the planets has advanced step by step with the development of optical techniques. The experiments that have been performed may be classified according to the parameters that they use of the light waves emanating from the planet and collected by the telescope. A number of lines of attack appear to be promising for future work.
Parents' vaccination concerns are about more than risk and benefit.

(2011). Parents’ vaccination concerns are about more than risk and benefit. Human Vaccines: Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 597-599.
Energy efficient lossy transmission over sensor networks with feedback

The energy-distortion function (E(D)) for a network is defined as the minimum total energy required to achieve a target distortion D at the receiver without putting any restrictions on the number of channel uses per source sample. E(D) is studied for a sensor network in which multiple sensors transmit their noisy observations of a Gaussian source to the destination over a Gaussian multiple access channel with perfect channel output feedback. While the optimality of separate source and channel coding is proved for the case of a single sensor, this optimality is shown to fail when there are multiple sensors in the network. A network with two sensors is studied in detail. First a lower bound on E(D) is given. Then, two achievability schemes are proposed: a separation based digital scheme and a Schalkwijk-Kailath (SK) type uncoded scheme. The gap between the lower bound and the upper bound based on separation is shown to be a constant even as the total energy requirement goes to infinity in the low distortion regime. On the other hand, as the distortion requirement is relaxed, the SK based scheme is shown to outperform separation in certain cases, proving that the optimality of source-channel separation does not hold in the multi-sensor setting.
Functional visual outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with 20/20 or better preoperative visual acuity.

Purpose To measure the visual outcomes after cataract surgery in patients with 20/20 or better preoperative visual acuity. Setting University-based cataract referral practice. Methods In this retrospective case review, 2 groups of patients with a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/20 or better in both eyes before cataract surgery were identified. Patients in the first group had a cataract in 1 eye and an intraocular lens (IOL) in the other eye. Patients in the second group had cataracts in both eyes. Each patient completed a Visual Function 14 (VF-14) questionnaire before and after cataract surgery. Changes in VF-14 scores were analyzed. Results The VF-14 scores improved significantly after cataract surgery in both groups. Patients with cataract in 1 eye and an IOL in the other eye before surgery (n = 28) had a mean improvement of 12.2 in the VF-14 score ( P = .029). Patients with cataract in both eyes (n = 31) had a mean improvement of 14.5 in the VF-14 score ( P Conclusions The functional vision of patients with 20/20 or better preoperative CDVA improved significantly after cataract surgery. This finding shows that arbitrary CDVA thresholds of worse than 20/20 cannot always be used to determine who will benefit from cataract surgery.
Interior micro-CT with an offset detector

Purpose: The size of field-of-view (FOV) of a microcomputed tomography (CT) system can be increased by offsetting the detector. The increased FOV is beneficial in many applications. All prior investigations, however, have been focused to the case in which the increased FOV after offset-detector acquisition can cover the transaxial extent of an object fully. Here, the authors studied a new problem where the FOV of a micro-CT system, although increased after offset-detector acquisition, still covers an interior region-of-interest (ROI) within the object. Methods: An interior-ROI-oriented micro-CT scan with an offset detector poses a difficult reconstruction problem, which is caused by both detector offset and projection truncation. Using the projection completion techniques, the authors first extended three previous reconstruction methods from offset-detector micro-CT to offset-detector interior micro-CT. The authors then proposed a novel method which combines two of the extended methods using a frequency split technique. The authors tested the four methods with phantom simulations at 9.4%, 18.8%, 28.2%, and 37.6% detector offset. The authors also applied these methods to physical phantom datasets acquired at the same amounts of detector offset from a customized micro-CT system. Results: When the detector offset was small, all reconstruction methods showed good image quality. At large detector offset, the three extended methods gave either visible shading artifacts or high deviation of pixel value, while the authors’ proposed method demonstrated no visible artifacts and minimal deviation of pixel value in both the numerical simulations and physical experiments. Conclusions: For an interior micro-CT with an offset detector, the three extended reconstruction methods can perform well at a small detector offset but show strong artifacts at a large detector offset. When the detector offset is large, the authors’ proposed reconstruction method can outperform the three extended reconstruction methods by suppressing artifacts and maintaining pixel values.
Excimer laser modification of thin AlN films

Abstract The potential of excimer laser micro-processing for surface modification of aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films was studied. Thin films of AlN were deposited by plasma-source molecular beam epitaxy (PSMBE) on silicon and sapphire substrates. These films were then exposed to different fluence levels of KrF ( λ = 248 nm) excimer laser radiation in an ambient air environment, and the changes in the film surface were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and optical spectrophotometry. The results show that there is a narrow range of laser fluences, just above 1.0 J/cm 2 , within which mostly photochemical transformations of the film surface take place. These transformations consist of both oxidation and decomposition to metallic Al of the original film within a very thin sub-surface layer with thickness of several tens of nanometers. No changes were observed at fluences below 1.0 J/cm 2 . Above a fluence of 1.0 J/cm 2 , severe photomechanical damage consisting of film cracking and detachment was found to accompany the photochemical and photothermal changes in the film.
Biochemical validation of smoking status: Pros, cons, and data from four low-intensity intervention trials

Biochemical validation of smoking status has long been considered essential, but recent reports have questioned its utility in certain kinds of field trials. We describe efforts to biochemically validate self-reports of smoking cessation from participants in four large-scale randomized trials in outpatient clinics, hospitals, worksites, and dental clinics. These studies included over 5,000 adults smokers who participated in the population-based low-intensity intervention evaluations. At a 1-year follow-up, 798 subjects reported no tobacco use. We attempted to verify these reports using saliva continine/carbon monoxide validation procedures. Overall, there was a moderately high nonparticipation rate (27%), a low disconfirmation rate (4%), and a high self-reported relapse rate (12%) in the interval between survey and biochemical validation. There were no differences between intervention and control conditions on any of the above variables. Longer durations of self-reported abstinence were strongly related to increased probability of biochemical confirmation. Differences in results across projects were related to how biochemical validation was conducted. These results, as well as statistical power considerations, raise questions about whether biochemical validation procedures are practical, informative, or cost-effective in such population-based, low-intensity intervention research.
Changes in the factor of safety within the superstructure of a dicot tree

The objective of this study was to determine whether the factor of safety for mechanical stability varied among stems differing in size and age within the superstructure of a large dicot tree. Two factors of safety were selected for study: the quotient of the critical buckling height and the actual length of stems, Hcrit/L, and the quotient of the modulus of rupture (the force per unit area required to break a stem) and the working stress (the force per unit area resulting from the biomass measured distal to a stem), M(R)/σ(w). These two dimensionless safety factors were determined for a total of 420 shoot segments comprising much of the aboveground biomass of a Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) tree measuring 18.7 m in height and 1347 kg in mass, and 0.46 m in diameter (40 yr old) at 1.2 m from the ground.An S-shaped trend was observed when each of the two factors of safety was plotted as a function of stem age. Each factor decreased from a local maximum for the most distal (peripheral) stems in the canopy to a local minimum value for stems ∼10 yr old; each factor increased again to another local maximum for stems 11-18 yr old, and then decreased steadily toward the base of the trunk. This trend was the result of the allometric relationships among stem diameter, length, biomass, and material properties (stiffness and strength) with respect to stem age. Although they were disproportionately more slender than their older counterparts, peripheral stems were sufficiently stiff and strong to sustain the stresses resulting from their weight and that of foliage without deflecting under these loads, yet they were sufficiently flexible to easily bend and thereby presumably provide a mechanism to reduce the drag forces acting on the entire tree. In contrast, the internally imposed mechanical forces acting on progressively older stems increased at a greater rate than the observed rate of increase in stem stiffness, strength, or diameter. The probability of mechanical failure, which must be considered from a demographic perspective (i.e., an age-dependent phenomenon), thus increased from older branches to the base of the trunk. Reports of similar allometric trends based on interspecific comparisons among diverse dicot species comply with the allometry observed for the R. pseudoacacia tree and suggest that the S-shaped trend for the factor of safety holds for stems differing in age drawn from individual trees and for the trunks of conspecifics differing in age drawn from a dense population.
Neutrinos from SN 1987A - Implications for cooling of the nascent neutron star and the mass of the electron antineutrino

Data on neutrinos from SN 1987A are compared here with parameterized models of the neutrino emission using a consistent and straightforward statistical methodology. The empirically measured detector background spectra are included in the analysis, and the data are compared with a much wider variety of neutrino emission models than was explored previously. It is shown that the inferred neutrino emission model parameters are strongly correlated. The analysis confirms that simple models of the neutrino cooling of the nascent neutron star formed by the SN adequately explain the data. The inferred radius and binding energy of the neutron star are in excellent agreement with model calculations based on a wide range of equations of state. The results also raise the upper limit of the electron antineutrino rest mass to roughly 25 eV at the 95 percent confidence level, roughly 1.5-5 times higher than found previously.
Intravenous glomus tumor of the forearm

An intravenous glomus tumor occurring in a forearm vein is reported. The patient had a painful subcutaneous mass which was completely excised. This mass was a neoplasm which expanded the lumen of a vein and extended throughout its wall into the surrounding subcutaneous fat. The neoplasm consisted of sheets of rounded cells with a capillary stroma. The neoplastic cells were closely apposed to the capillary vessels and were positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin and muscle specific actin. The cells were negative for desmin, factor VIII-related antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratins, S-100 protein and chromogranin. This is the 2nd reported case of intravenous glomus tumor of the forearm. This unusual presentation may be due to intravascular extension by a cutaneous glomus tumor. The potential for intravascular growth by glomus tumor should be recognized by surgeons, dermatologists and pathologists.
Glutamate and its receptors in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder

Monoaminergic neurotransmitter (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) mechanisms of disease dominated the research landscape in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) for more than 50 years and still dominate available treatment options. However, the sum of all brain neurons that use monoamines as their primary neurotransmitter is <20%. In addition, most patients treated with monoaminergic antidepressants are left with significant residual symptoms and psychosocial disability not to mention side effects, e.g., sexual dysfunction. In the past several decades, there has been greater focus on the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain, glutamate, in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. Although several preclinical and human magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies had already implicated glutamatergic abnormalities in the human brain, it was rocketed by the discovery that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid and potent antidepressant effects in even the most treatment-resistant MDD patients, including those who failed to respond to electroconvulsive therapy and who have active suicidal ideation. In this review, we will first provide a brief introduction to glutamate and its receptors in the mammalian brain. We will then review the clinical evidence for glutamatergic dysfunction in MDD, the discovery and progress-to-date with ketamine as a rapidly acting antidepressant, and other glutamate receptor modulators (including proprietary medications) for treatment-resistant depression. We will finally conclude by offering potential future directions necessary to realize the enormous therapeutic promise of glutamatergic antidepressants.
The Incarnation as a Contingent Reality: A Reply to Dr. Pailin

In 'The incarnation as a continuing reality,'" Dr David A. Pailin claims that the incarnation which Christians confess as normative for their faith reveals to us the necessary, empirically non-falsifiable characteristics of God's 'active actuality'. In contrast we wish to show that it is precisely the contin gent dimensions of divine activity manifest in the incarnation that give it its significance and normativeness. Dr Pailin distinguishes between God's passive actuality, the way in which God experiences the world, and his active actuality, the way in which he responds to each situation as it arises and expresses his potentialities. He believes that the former can be adequately known through metaphysical and historical inquiry, but this 'is not sufficient for the believer who is seeking to base his life on faith in and about God, that is, about the concrete values that direct God's creative activity' (p. 3 IO) which requires an appeal to revelation. In a somewhat similar fashion he distinguishes between 'the metaphysical qualities of God's structure of existence (which words like infinity, eternity, necessity and absoluteness are used to describe)' and 'the personal qualities and values which determine his active actuality . . qualities like love and mercy and respect for others' (p. 318), seeing only the latter as particularly revealed in the incarnation. This distinction between the active and passive aspects of God's actuality corresponds to Whitehead's distinction between God's nature as 'primordial' and as 'consequent', but there is nothing in Whitehead to suggest that God's active response in providing purposes to the created order is less meta physically knowable than his passive experience of the world; on the contrary, God's direct influence upon each creature through the aims derived from his primordial nature is experienced by all, though mostly unconsciously, while our knowledge of God's consequent nature can only be inferred. His argument becomes plausible only if we turn to Hartshorne's proposed revision of Whitehead in terms of the abstract and concrete aspects of God.. Yet this reduction of the primordial nature to that which is abstract in God is only possible if we give up the one function of God which concerns Dr Pailin the most, namely, God's active response to each situation as expressive of his potentiality. Let us stick to Whitehead then in this account, measuring
Ureteroappendiceal fistula in child

Abstract This is a report of a four and a half-year-old child under treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in whom a fistula between the ureter and the appendix spontaneously developed.
Bats and radar

THE WORD “RADAR,” as most engineering students already know, came into the language only a few years ago. During the early days of World War II, it was actually classified a military secret for the good reason that it explained in some detail the operation of this strategically important object-sensing device. The letters stand for “radio direction and ranging” which, of course, is the function of the instrument. In addition, the word is a palindrome which means it is spelled the same way forwards and backwards. In this way, it describes radar's principle of operation: a high-frequency radio wave bounced directionally off a target yields the angle and distance information necessary to locate an object completely in space.
Hydrogenated surface disorder enhances lithium ion battery performance

Abstract TiO2, well known for its photocatalytic properties, has also been studied as a safer anode material for lithium ion batteries compared to graphite. However, improvements are needed to address the limited lithium ion diffusion within the host and the structural distortion during lithium insertion/extraction. Here, we demonstrate that a thin layer of hydrogenated surface disorder on the crystalline TiO2 electrode induces better electrochemical energy storage performance, better charge/discharge rate performance, larger capacity and longer stability. The reasons for these improvements are explored in terms of the facilitation of lithium ion transport within the disordered layer and the alleviation of structural distortion during the lithium insertion/extraction process, and the faster ion exchange rates in the hydrogenated disordered layer.
Differential contribution of nitric oxide to regulation of vascular tone in coronary conductance and resistance arteries: Intravascular ultrasound studies

Abstract We examined the role of nitric oxide in the maintenance of coronary vascular tone in 15 dogs. A 0.014 inch Doppler wire was introduced into the midsegment of the circumflex coronary artery and a 4.3F, 30 MHz two-dimensional ultrasound imaging catheter was introduced over the Doppler wire. Acetylcholine caused a dose-dependent vasodilation in both epicardial and resistance coronary arteries. However, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase caused a dose-dependent vasoconstriction mainly in the epicardial coronary arteries, partially reversed by L-arginine. The vasodilator response to acetylcholine was inhibited by L-NAME only in the epicardial circulation. Thus using combined intracoronary two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound, we have demonstrated both basal and acetylcholine-induced release of nitric oxide in epicardial coronary arteries. The failure of L-NAME to decrease basal and acetylcholine-induced increases in flow velocity suggests that endothelium-dependent relaxation in coronary resistance vessels may not be mediated by nitric oxide alone.
Change in Meniscal Strain with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and After Reconstruction

Meniscal injury has been well documented in association with injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of anterior cruciate ligament transection and reconstruction on meniscal strain. Four differential variable reluctance transducer strain gauges were placed in the medial and lateral menisci of nine cadaveric knees. Each specimen was mounted to a six-degree-of-freedom knee testing device. Testing was conducted with the knee fully extended and at 45° and 90° of flexion, both with and without applied axial load. At each angle of flexion, an anterior and posterior tibial load was applied. Next, the anterior cruciate ligament was transected and the testing sequence was repeated. Finally, the ligament was reconstructed using a central one-third patellar tendon graft and the testing sequence was repeated. The results demonstrated statistically significant increases in meniscal strain in ligament-transected knees compared with intact specimens. A reduction in ...
In Vitro Studies of the Substrates for Energy Production and the Effects of Insulin on Glucose Utilization in the Neural Components of Peripheral Nerve

An "endoneurial" preparation from a rabbit tibial nerve fascicle was used to study the ability of peripheral nerve axons and Schwann cells to derive their composite energy requirements from glucose, D-beta-hydroxybutyrate, or albumin-bound palmitate, and the effects of insulin in vitro on their composite glucose utilization. Samples incubated with 5 mM glucose for 2 h maintained a stable O2 uptake and P-creatine and ATP concentrations, and they exhibited a slight increase in P-creatine/creatine ratio (the electron microscopic appearance of the preparation was previously shown to be unaltered under these conditions). The rate of glucose oxidation required to account for the O2 uptake accounted for 61% of the glucose uptake. In samples incubated without substrate for 2 h, a marked fall in tissue glucose was associated with a 50% decrease in O2 uptake and with decreases in P-creatine, ATP, and in the P-creatine/creating ratio. In medium lacking glucose but containing 5 mM DL-beta-hydroxybutyrate, a stable rate of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate uptake was observed, and acetoacetate production accounted for only a small fraction; significant decreases in O2 uptake or ATP were prevented, and, although P-creatinde and the P-creatine/creatine ratio fell, they remained significantly higher than after incubation without substrate. An efficient blood-nerve barrier to albumin is known to exist. Medium containing albumin-bound palmitate with molar ratios or palmitate/albumin of 1 or 2 (highest FFA concentration, 1.32 meq/L) failed to prevent decreases in P-creatine, ATP, and in the P-creatine/creatine ratio during incubations without glucose; the associated O2 uptakes suggested that the tissue is susceptible to respiratory uncoupling and depression son exposure to albumin-blund palmitate as compared with non-neural tissue. Insulin (100 or 1000 microU/ml) had no detectable effects on glucose utilization in the endoneurial preparation during 2-h incubations with 5 mM glucose or (U-14C) glucose. In contrast, in epineurial tissue from rabbit sciatic nerve, insulin (100 micronU/ml) increased (U-14C) glucose incorporation into CO2 and total lipid. The neural components of peripheral nerve are probably dependent on glucose as their major substrate for energy production and respiration under most physiologic conditions in which elevated plasma ketone body concentrations are absent; their composite glucose utilization is not subject to acute, direct regulation by insulin in concentrations that might reasonably be derived from plasma insulin of pancreatic origin.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and healthy volunteers.

Background This study investigated basal and stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)–axis alterations in dissociative disorders (DDs). Methods Forty-six subjects with DD without lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 35 subjects with PTSD, and 58 healthy comparison (HC) subjects, free of current major depression, were studied as inpatients. After a 24-hour urine collection and hourly blood sampling for ambient cortisol determination, a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test was administered, followed by the Trier Social Stress Test. Results The DD group had significantly elevated urinary cortisol compared with the HC group, which was more pronounced in the absence of lifetime major depression, whereas the PTSD and HC groups did not differ. The DD group demonstrated significantly greater resistance to, and faster escape from, dexamethasone suppression compared with the HC group, whereas the PTSD and HC groups did not differ. The three groups did not differ in cortisol stress reactivity, but both psychiatric groups demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between dissociation severity and cortisol reactivity, after controlling for all other symptomatology. The PTSD subgroup with comorbid DD tended to have blunted stress reactivity compared with the HC group. Conclusions The study demonstrates a distinct pattern of HPA-axis dysregulation in DDs, emphasizing the importance of further study of stress-response systems in dissociative psychopathology.
On-site solid-phase extraction and laboratory analysis of ultra-trace synthetic musks in municipal sewage effluent using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the full-scan mode.

Abstract Fragrance materials such as synthetic musks in aqueous samples, are normally determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode to provide maximum sensitivity after liquid–liquid extraction of 1-l samples. Full-scan mass spectra are required to verify that a target analyte has been found by comparison with the mass spectra of fragrance compounds in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral library. A 1-l sample usually provides insufficient analyte for full scan data acquisition. This paper describes an on-site extraction method developed at the US Environmental Protection Agency (Las Vegas, NV, USA) for synthetic musks from 60 l of wastewater effluent. Such a large sample volume permits high-quality, full-scan mass spectra to be obtained for a wide array of synthetic musks. Quantification of these compounds was achieved from the full-scan data directly, without the need to acquire SIM data. The detection limits obtained with this method are an order of magnitude lower than those obtained from liquid–liquid and other solid-phase extraction methods. This method is highly reproducible, and recoveries ranged from 80 to 97% in spiked sewage treatment plant effluent. The high rate of sorbent-sample mass transfer eliminated the need for a methanolic activation step, which reduced extraction time, labor, and solvent use. More samples could be extracted in the field at lower cost. After sample extraction, the light-mass cartridges are easily transported and stored.
IgG Responses to Protein-Conjugated Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharides in Persons Who Are Genetically Incapable of Responding to Unconjugated Polysaccharides

We have previously shown that the capacity to make IgG to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (PCPs) is inherited as an autosomal, mixed codominant trait. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this genetically determined unresponsiveness could be overcome by injection of protein-conjugated pneumococcal vaccines. Seven healthy adults who had failed to produce IgG to five or more of 10 representative PCPs after receiving pneumococcal vaccine and whose parents, siblings, and/or offspring had a similar lack of responsiveness received a series of protein-conjugated polysaccharide vaccines. Excellent IgG responses to most of the PCPs tested were eventually observed in five of the seven subjects after they received octavalent diphtheria toxoid-conjugated vaccine. Administration of certain protein-conjugated PCPs leads to IgG responses in some persons who lack the capacity to respond to unconjugated PCPs.
Neural speech enhancement using dual extended Kalman filtering

The removal of noise from speech signals has applications ranging from speech enhancement for cellular communications, to front ends for speech recognition systems. Spectral techniques are commonly used in these applications, but frequently result in audible distortion of the signal. A nonlinear time-domain method called dual extended Kalman filtering (DEKF) is presented that demonstrates significant advantages for removing nonstationary and colored noise from speech.
Great Variability in the Infection Rate of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus’ in Field Populations of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Florida

Summary Citrus growers, researchers, and policy makers are commonly interested in knowing the rate of CLas pathogen infection in populations of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Florida and elsewhere. Given that HLB is widespread across Florida, a common presumption is that nearly 100% of D. citri are currently carrying the pathogen. We investigated this presumption and found that instead, in 2014 — nearly a decade after HLB was officially detected in Florida — the rate of CLas infection in populations of D. citri varies widely between commercial citrus growing locations. Across the state, infection rates ranged from 37.5 to 100%, with an average of 68.8% (SD 25.3%). We suggest that there may be yet unknown factors responsible for the lower rates of infection found at certain sites, particularly in South Florida, that may be useful for management of this disease when determined. Our future goal is to identify the potential factors that affect CLas infection rates within field populations ...
“Modern Global Seismology” by Thorne Lay and Terry Wallace

Seismology has made dramatic advances in the past decade. Nonetheless, there has not been a completely new seismological textbook introduced since Aki and Richards' (1980) now classic textbook. Thorne Lay and Terry Wallace have collaborated to change that and introduce this new book that will, without doubt, become the standard seismology textbook for a long time to come. It is an important contribution to the infrastructure of our science for the benefit it will provide in teaching a new generation of seismologists. The content of the book is revolutionary in three ways: 1. All seismology textbooks that presently exist tend to be separable into one of two groups: largely theoretical textbooks, and largely descriptive texts with a strong empirical orientation. In contrast, this book strikes a perfect balance between observational and theoretical topics. This is extremely important for a modern seismology course since the science has evolved in the past...
A comparison between techniques for global surface interpolation in shaped reflector analysis

The usual geometrical-optics-based synthesis of shaped reflector antennas provides numerically defined surfaces which must be interpolated to permit the evaluation of the antenna secondary field to be checked against design specifications. An interpolating function capable of describing the surfaces in a global fashion as smoothly as possible is then desirable, especially when ray-optical methods of analysis are employed. The implementation of two global interpolating functions is explored. One is a polynomial-Fourier series while the other is a quintic pseudo-spline. Two cases are studied: a shaped reflector antenna synthesized for a cosecant squared beam in the vertical plane with an azimuthally uniform radiation, offset-fed by a 90 degrees corrugated horn, for use in a nodal station for point-to-multipoint transmission in metropolitan areas; and an offset dual reflector system for satellite communications, synthesized by 300 points on each surface, with both shapings controlled so as to meet a prescribed sidelobe envelope. >
Restriction of Secretory Granule Motion near the Plasma Membrane of Chromaffin Cells

We used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to study quantitatively the motion and distribution of secretory granules near the plasma membrane (PM) of living bovine chromaffin cells. Within the ∼300-nm region measurably illuminated by the evanescent field resulting from total internal reflection, granules are preferentially concentrated close to the PM. Granule motion normal to the substrate (the z direction) is much slower than would be expected from free Brownian motion, is strongly restricted over tens of nanometer distances, and tends to reverse directions within 0.5 s. The z-direction diffusion coefficients of granules decrease continuously by two orders of magnitude within less than a granule diameter of the PM as granules approach the PM. These analyses suggest that a system of tethers or a heterogeneous matrix severely limits granule motion in the immediate vicinity of the PM. Transient expression of the light chains of tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin A did not disrupt the restricted motion of granules near the PM, indicating that SNARE proteins SNAP-25 and VAMP are not necessary for the decreased mobility. However, the lack of functional SNAREs on the plasma or granule membranes in such cells reduces the time that some granules spend immediately adjacent to the PM.
Floods on Mars released from groundwater by impact

On Earth, large earthquakes commonly cause saturated soils to liquefy and streamflow to increase. We suggest that meteoritic impacts on Mars may have repeatedly caused similar liquefaction to enable violent eruption of groundwater. The amount of erupted water may be comparable to that required to produce catastrophic floods and to form outflow channels.
Simultaneous estimation of the masses of Mars, Phobos, and Deimos using spacecraft distant encounters

The masses of Mars and its satellites, Phobos and Deimos, have been estimated from the Mariner 9 and Viking 1 and 2 Orbiter tracking data. These spacecraft were sensitive to the gravitational force of Mars as well as to its satellites. Although the satellite masses are eight orders of magnitude smaller than Mars, their regular effect on the orbits of the spacecraft is evident in the tracking data and has enabled us to derive their masses simultaneously with that of Mars. Our method for estimating the satellite masses uses the many "distant encounters" of the spacecraft with these small bodies rather than the few "close encounters" used in previous studies. The mass estimate for Phobos leads to a mean density of 1530+100 kg m '3 based on a volume of 5748+190 km 3 (Thomas, 1993), while the mass estimate of Deimos leads to a poorly constrained mean density of 1340+828 kg m -3 based on a volume of 1017+130 km 3 (Thomas, 1993). Our analysis confirms, within the bounds of error, the anomalously low density of Phobos using an independent method and data set. If the result is valid within several times the estimated error (lc0, then factors other than composition, i.e., porosity, a thick regolith and/or a significant interior ice content, are required to explain the observed mass of this body.