cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Perception in Connected Vehicle Traffic under Field-of-View and Participation Variations

Connected vehicles can improve on their perception of their environment beyond their local sensorsâ€™ field-of-view (FoV) by constructing and maintaining state estimates of out of FoV objects from communicated information. This paper outlines a decentralized cooperative perception framework with a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication model that considers intermittent communications as well as with a model that takes into account dynamic changes in an individual vehicleâ€™s sensorsâ€™ FoV in accordance with the prevailing traffic conditions. In this framework, each vehicle asynchronously broadcasts its local perception consisting of estimates of the motion states of self and neighboring vehicles along with the corresponding uncertainty measures of the estimates. Each participating receiver vehicle acts as an independent fusing node where data association and fusion occur. To evaluate the performance of the proposed cooperative perception scheme, we adapt and use the optimal subpattern assignment (OSPA) metric. Ground truth data were obtained from microscopic traffic simulation of multi-lane highway scenarios at different traffic conditions and varying rates of participation of the vehicles in the cooperative perception scheme. The results showed that the proposed cooperative perception scheme achieves the lowest OSPA error at moderate participation rates. In our settings, the minima occur near 30% participation for moderate to high traffic flow settings, and the OSPA error seems insensitive to traffic density near this minimum at all traffic flow settings tested.
Conclusions on measurement uncertainty in microbiology

Since its first issue in 1999, testing laboratories wishing to comply with all the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 have been collecting data for estimating uncertainty of measurement for quantitative determinations. In the microbiological field of testing, some debate has arisen as to whether uncertainty needs to be estimated for each method performed in the laboratory for each type of sample matrix tested. Queries also arise concerning the estimation of uncertainty when plate/membrane filter colony counts are below recommended method counting range limits. A selection of water samples (with low to high contamination) was tested in replicate with the associated uncertainty of measurement being estimated from the analytical results obtained. The analyses performed on the water samples included total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci by membrane filtration, and heterotrophic plate counts by the pour plate technique. For those samples where plate/membrane filter colony counts were > or =20, uncertainty estimates at a 95% confidence level were very similar for the methods, being estimated as 0.13, 0.14, 0.14, and 0.12, respectively. For those samples where plate/membrane filter colony counts were <20, estimated uncertainty values for each sample showed close agreement with published confidence limits established using a Poisson distribution approach.
Latent factor model for asset pricing

Abstract One of the fundamental questions in asset pricing is ‘Why different assets earn different average returns?’ In this paper, we designed an autoencoder based asset pricing model to explain the return difference among the stocks in an index. The trained autoencoder generates a set of latent representations that constitutes a combined -‘communal’- factor to better explains a large portion of the return differences among the stocks in an index. After analyzing all the stocks in S&P-500, Russel-3000, and NASDAQ-100, we found that our proposed latent factor model outperforms many other factor models in predicting the next day’s return. Notably, the experiment results show that on average non-communal stocks earn 0.05% over communal stocks. However, the risk associated with this non-communal stock is also 0.8% higher than communal stocks. The experiments confirm that the superior performance comes from the compensation of high risk associated with these non-communal stocks. Investors will benefit from our latent factor model to identify these communal and non-communal stocks for a high return while diversifying their asset portfolio.
Improvement in trunk kinematics after treadmill-based reactive balance training among older adults is strongly associated with trunk kinematics before training.

Abstract Reactive balance training (RBT) is an emerging fall prevention exercise intervention for older adults. To better understand factors that influence improvements after RBT, the goal of this study was to identify key factors that strongly associate with training-induced improvements in reactive balance. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a prior study. Twenty-eight residents of senior housing facilities participated, including 14 RBT participants and 14 Tai Chi participants (controls). Before and one week after training, participants completed balance and mobility tests and a reactive balance test. Reactive balance was operationalized as the maximum trunk angle in response to standardized trip-like perturbations on a treadmill. Bivariate (Pearson) correlation was used to identify participant characteristics before RBT and measures of performance during RBT that associated with training-induced changes in maximum trunk angle. Maximum trunk angle before reactive balance training exhibited the strongest association with training-induced changes in maximum trunk angle among RBT participants (r2 = 0.84; p
Mach's relativity of rotation in light of contemporary physics

Mach argued for a relational rather than an absolute notion of space, insisting that centrifugal forces inside a rotating object such as a bucket can be reproduced by keeping the bucket fixed and rotating the universe. In response to a paper of ours denying the validity of Mach's views, Bhadra and Das elaborate on Mach's position. We address several of their arguments and show that Mach's relational notion of space is wrong-headed. Special and general relativity distinguish between a bucket (i.e. any system) rotating in a fixed universe and a bucket fixed in a rotating universe and between a non-rotating bucket in a non-rotating universe and a co-rotating bucket in a rotating universe, distinctions that go against Mach's relational theory of space. Even when taken on its own terms, Mach's theory can apply only to single point-like buckets rotating at infinitesimal angular velocities.
Developing a process to manage challenges encountered by experiential education administrators.

Abstract Introduction This study explored preceptor and student related issues reported in pharmacy experiential education settings and solutions that experiential education administrators (EEAs) applied to inform a process to manage these challenges. Methods This mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, five EEAs from three schools of pharmacy collected quantitative and qualitative data over a two-year period on issues reported by students and preceptors and the solutions EEAs employed. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Interviews with six EEAs from four schools were completed in phase two. An additional school was added in phase two. Open coding, pattern coding, and summative analysis were completed on interview data. Results Preceptors and students reported 156 and 65 issues, respectively. The most common issues reported were student reliability/responsibility (22, 14%) and preceptor communication (13, 20%). The most frequently applied solutions were coach preceptor (51, 24%) and meet with student (20, 24%). Interviews revealed more information about the strategies EEAs used. Approaches included reactive responses such as talking to and coaching preceptors or students. Preventative strategies were desired, such as tracking data and training. Conclusions Results informed two approaches that EEAs can employ to resolve student and preceptor issues. In the proactive process, issues are tracked to inform student and preceptor development. The reactive approach involves meeting with the preceptor or student, gathering information from both parties, coaching the preceptor or student, and involving other administrators as needed for serious concerns.
Adolescent parental attachment and intimate relationship in adulthood: An investigation of contextual factors and long-term outcomes of child sexual abuse

Abstract The study aimed to examine how parental attachment at adolescence was related to intimate relational outcomes among female adults, including relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and relationship status. In addition, we investigated the moderation role of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience on the relation between perceived parental attachment (i.e., maternal and paternal) and the relational outcomes, using Wave I and Wave IV from the restricted-use dataset of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; Harris et al., 2009). The sample included 1201 female CSA survivors and 6094 female counterparts without a history of CSA. Using multiple-group Structure Equation Modeling (SEM), we found that CSA was a nonsignificant moderator of the relationship between perceived parental attachment during adolescence and adult intimate relational outcomes. Furthermore, we found that there was a significant difference in reported parental attachment, with those who were not abused reporting a higher level of both maternal and paternal attachment. We also found that maternal and paternal attachment reported in adolescence (assessed in Wave I) were significantly related to adult relational outcomes (measured in Wave IV). Clinical implications for systematic treatment and future research directions are discussed.
Left atrial appendage closure versus oral anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation; a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices are an alternative therapy in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation (OAC). However, there are limited data about the clinical outcomes of LAAC devices compared to medical treatment. Methods A comprehensive research for studies comparing LAAC devices and OAC for patients with NVAF was performed from inception to January 1, 2021. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Five studies were eligible that included a total of 4778 patients with a median-weighted follow-up period was 2.6 years. Compared to OAC, the LAAC device arm was associated with a lower risk of the composite of stroke, systematic embolism, and cardiovascular death (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.51–1.00; p = 0.05). LAAC device arm was also associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR of 0.60, 95% CI 0.46–0.77; p cardiovascular mortality (OR of 0.57, 95% CI 0.46–0.70; p hemorrhagic stroke (OR of 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.50; p = 0.0006), all major bleeding (OR of 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.88; p = 0.007) and non-procedural major bleeding (OR of 0.46, 95% CI 0.32–0.65; p Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed lower all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, major bleeding, non-procedural major bleeding and the composite of stroke, systematic embolism, and cardiovascular death in the LAAC device arm when compared to OAC. However, the risk of all stroke, ischemic stroke, and systematic embolism were similar between the two arms.
Age of Information Minimization for an Energy Harvesting Source With Updating Erasures: Without and With Feedback

Consider an energy harvesting (EH) sensor that continuously monitors a system and sends time-stamped status update to a destination. The sensor harvests energy from nature and uses it to power its updating operations. The destination keeps track of the system status through the successfully received updates. With the recently introduced information freshness metric “Age of Information” (AoI), our objective is to design optimal online status updating policy to minimize the long-term average AoI at the destination, subject to the energy causality constraint at the sensor. Due to the noisy channel between the sensor and the destination, each transmitted update may be erased with a fixed probability, and the AoI at the destination will be reset to zero only when an update is successfully received. We first consider status updating without feedback available to the sensor and show that the Best-effort Uniform updating (BU) policy is optimal in a broadly defined class of online policies. We then investigate status updating with perfect feedback to the sensor and prove similar optimality of the Best-effort Uniform updating with Retransmission (BUR) policy. In order to prove the optimality of the proposed policies, for each case, we first identify a lower bound on the long-term average AoI among a broad class of online policies, and then construct a sequence of virtual policies to approach the lower bound asymptotically. Since those virtual policies are sub-optimal to the original policy, the original policy is thus optimal.
BTK Inhibitors Combined With Chemoimmunotherapy in CLL - The Best of Both Worlds?

Abstract Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) remains a standard-of-care in many regions for first line (1L) therapy of CLL. In fit patients, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) has the advantage of achieving undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) with time-limited treatment and prolonged treatment-free remissions with a plateau on the PFS curve, but have several limitations, most notably the inferior PFS and survival outcomes for patients with unmutated IGHV compared to ibrutinib + rituximab seen in the E1912 study and a risk for long-term toxicities such as therapy-related myeloid neoplasms. Given the nonoverlapping toxicity profile with CIT and its efficacy in patients with high risk genomics, ibrutinib is a potentially useful agent to combine with CIT, with the aim of achieving deep and durable remissions, with time-limited treatment. Three recent phase 2 studies have combined ibrutinib with chemoimmunotherapy, utilizing different approaches in terms of patient selection, sequencing and duration of therapy and choice of monoclonal antibody. These studies all demonstrated favorable toxicity profiles and higher rates of undetectable MRD than with any other previously utilized 1L regimen. This review will focus on this novel treatment approach in CLL.
Dolos-Armored Breakwaters: Special Considerations

Rubble-mound breakwaters are used extensively throughout the world to provide protection from the destructive forces of storm waves for harbor and port facilities. In some locations, a proposed rubble-mound breakwater may be subject to attack by waves of such magnitude that quarrystone of adequate size to provide economic construction of a stable breakwater is not available. Under these circumstances, it is required that the protective cover layer consist of specially shaped concrete armor units. In 1966, Merrifield and Zwamborn (1) introduced a new shape of armor unit, the dolos (Figure 1) which was acclaimed to have much higher stability characteristics than any existing armor unit. Site-specific model tests conducted at the U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) by Davidson (2); Carver (3); Bottin, Chatham, and Carver (4): and Carver and Davidson (5) have shown dolos to exhibit an excellent stability response when exposed to breaking wave conditions. Comprehensive stability tests of dolos also have been conducted at WES by Carver and Davidson (6) for a wide range of nonbreaking wave conditions. These tests used randomly placed dolosse with a first underlayer stone weight of W /5 and a density of units per given area (N/A) equal to 0.83 V~2'3, i!e., n=2, k =0.94, and P=56 percent. It was concluded from this study that the stability response of dolos can be adequately predicted by the Hudson Stability Equation for the range of wave conditions investigated. Their data indicated an average stability coefficient (K) of 33 for dolosse use in a nonbreaking nonovertopping wave environment. Based on the lower limit scatter of their data, a K of 31 was approved for design.
Teaching business ethics through literature

America's economic ideology lacks a vocabulary of ethics. If, as we assume, an economic system requires a moral component for long-term survival, students in business schools must be exposed to a vocabulary of ethics that is consistent with the ideology of capitalism. We present a vocabulary of ethics and describe an approach to teaching business ethics based on business-related classic literature and moral philosophy.
Spatial Extent of Sediment Toxicity in U.S. Estuaries and Marine Bays

Acute, laboratory toxicity tests were performed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on 1543 surficial sediment samples collected during 1991 through 1997 throughout 25 estuaries and marine bays. Selected areas were sampled along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts. The toxicity of each sample was determined with 10-day amphi-pod survival tests performed with solid-phase (bulk) sediments. Collectively, the 1543 samples tested through 1997 represented a total area of approximately 7300 km2. Toxicity was observed with the amphipod survival tests in samples that represented approximately 6% of the combined area. Using similar tests conducted on samples collected in different, but overlapping, study areas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that approximately 7% of the combined estuarine area sampled was toxic. Generally, toxicity was most severe in northeastern and southwestern estuaries and least prevalent in southeastern and northwestern areas. However, considerable portions of the Pacific coast have not been tested with the same methods. In tests of CYP1A enzyme induction (n=464), samples were toxic that represented about 5% of the combined study areas. Toxicity was much more widespread, however, when the results of two sub-lethal tests were analyzed. Significant results occurred in samples that represented approximately 25% and 39% of the study areas in tests of sea urchin fertilization (n=1309) and microbial bioluminescence (n=1215), respectively.
Spreading and Recovery of LNAPLs in Groundwater

One of the major threats to groundwater resources is contamination by immiscible petroleum products during their production, transportation, storage and distribution. For the purpose of this study the term immiscible (non-aqueous phase liquid, NAPL) is used to describe liquids that solubilize in groundwater at very low levels. One of the major source contamination by NAPLs is leakage from underground storage tanks. As of January 1987, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that there were between three and five million underground tanks in the United States used to store liquid petroleum and chemical substances [EPA, 1987]. The EPA estimates that 100,000 to 400,000 of these tanks and their associated piping systems may be leaking.
Cholinesterase inhibition of birds inhabiting wheat fields treated with methyl parathion and toxaphene.

Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and dickcissels (Spiza americana) inhabiting wheat fields treated with 0.67 kg AI/ha methyl parathion and 1.35 kg AI/ha toxaphene showed brain cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition compared with birds inhabiting untreated fields. Maximum inhibition occurred about five days after insecticide application. ChE activities again approached “normal” 10 days after treatment. ChE inhibition for dickcissels and red-winged blackbirds differed significantly (p<0.05); maximum inhibition for the former species was 74%, and for the latter, 40%. These differences could not be explained by the diets of the two species, as they were similar.
Self-pumped Stimulated Backscattering and Six-wave Mixing in Fe:LiNbO 3

Conditions for self-pumped stimulated backscattering in Fe:LiNbO 3 are investigated. The degree of coherence in the stimulated backscattered light is determined through a novel interference experiment. The stimulated backscatter results from six-wave mixing inside the crystal
McCulloch's Neurons Revisited

The 1943 McCulloch and Pitts seminal paper on artificial neurons (ANs) provided the stimulus for early neural network research. However, McCulloch's work in the 50's has been mainly overlooked. The importance of this later work is shown in this paper not only because McCulloch's neuron design was significantly more powerful than either the Perception or the Adeline, but also because of its ability to satisfy the XOR function 12 years before the publication of Minsky and Papert's book, Perceptrons. The similarities between McCulloch's work in the 50's and 60's and more current AN research are also identified here. Some rudimentary experiments with AN design using a delta learning rule are also included. It is hoped that by recasting McCulloch's and the author's early work in terms of current technology, further research will be stimulated in designing efficient artificial neural systems that provide the stability and reliability of biological systems. These were the goals of McCulloch's original work.
Ratcheting labor standards : regulation for continuous improvement in the global workplace

It is a brute fact of contemporary globalization - unmistakable as activists and journalists catalog scandal after scandal - that the very transformations making possible higher quality, cheaper products often lead to unacceptable conditions of work: brutal use of child labor, dangerous environments, punishingly long days, starvation wages, discrimination, suppression of expression and association. In all quarters, the question is not whether to address these conditions, but how.
Effect of high- κ gate dielectrics on charge transport in graphene-based field effect transistors

The effect of various dielectrics on charge mobility in single-layer graphene is investigated. By calculating the remote optical phonon scattering arising from the polar substrates, and combining it with their effect on Coulombic impurity scattering, a comprehensive picture of the effect of dielectrics on charge transport in graphene emerges. It is found that though high-$\ensuremath{\kappa}$ dielectrics can strongly reduce Coulombic scattering by dielectric screening, scattering from surface phonon modes arising from them wash out this advantage. Calculation shows that within the available choice of dielectrics, there is not much room for improving carrier mobility in actual devices at room temperatures.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or Tibial Tuberosity Advancement

Objective— To review the proposed biomechanical basis of the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and recommendations for these techniques. Study Design— Literature review. Methods— Literature search through Ovid Medline Plus, Pub Med, CAB Abstracts, and conference proceedings abstracts (August 1983 to March 2008). Results— TPLO and TTA stabilize the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle joint neutralizing tibiofemoral shear forces by altering the geometry of the proximal aspect of the tibia. Stability is attained by placing the joint in a functionally greater flexion angle so that the patellar tendon angle (PTA) remains ≤90°. Both procedures target slightly differing endpoints, the significance of which is unknown. Many of the biomechanical variables investigated appear to favor the TTA; however, TPLO appears to have more clinical versatility. The clinical ramifications of these differences remain to be determined but the reported results for both procedures are comparable. Only the early results of these techniques have been reported, which is reflected in the relatively high number of complications associated with the early learning curve for both procedures. Conclusions— There are many similarities between TPLO and TTA although it remains to be fully elucidated if either procedure is superior and under what conditions. Clinical Relevance— TPLO and TTA are effective at returning dogs with a CrCL-deficient stifle joint to good limb function. Surgeon discretion and case selection drive selection of TPLO or TTA based mostly on anecdotal evidence and personal experience.
Diabetes, major depression, and functional disability among U.S. adults.

OBJECTIVE —The goal of this study was to determine prevalence and odds of functional disability in individuals with diabetes and comorbid major depression compared with individuals with either diabetes or major depression alone. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Data on 30,022 adults aged ≥18 years from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed. Four disease categories were created: no diabetes and no major depression, major depression alone, diabetes alone, and diabetes and comorbid major depression. Prevalence of functional disability was calculated for each disease category. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the odds and correlates of functional disability by disease category controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, census region, and disability-associated comorbidity. STATA was used for all analyses to account for the complex survey design of NHIS. RESULTS —Prevalence of functional disability by disease category was as follows: no diabetes and no major depression (24.5%); major depression (51.3%); diabetes (58.1%); and diabetes and comorbid major depression (77.8%). With no diabetes and no major depression as reference and after adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of functional disability was 3.00 (95% CI 2.62–3.42) for major depression, 2.42 (2.10–2.79) for diabetes, and 7.15 (4.53–11.28) for diabetes and comorbid major depression. CONCLUSIONS —Individuals with diabetes and comorbid major depression have higher odds of functional disability compared with individuals with either diabetes or major depression alone. Additional studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.
Enabling Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Community Collaboration via Systems Engineering Methodologies

Abstract An Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) system is a collection of devices working together in a circuit to pump and oxygenate a patient's blood. ECMO systems are used for patients whose lungs and/or heart cannot function properly on their own and need time to heal. Even though ECMO therapy has been used for decades it is still extremely dangerous and is therefore only used for patients who have a low probability of survival if not placed on ECMO therapy. One potential reason that the ECMO systems are so dangerous is that there is no standard circuit design. Designs can vary between hospitals and may vary within the hospitals. This paper will explore the systems engineering (SE) work by the Georgia Institute of Technology 2013 Professional Master's in Systems Engineering (PMASE) cohort involving the system design of the ECMO Data Collaboration Tool (EDCT). The EDCT will allow the ECMO community to document their circuits in support of data driven best-of-breed analyses. The eventual web-based application will provide a way for specialists and physicians to gather real-world data for improved decision- making in the context of future ECMO circuit implementations. Key features of the tool include integration with the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry, simple user interface, vetted circuit elements, provisional device capability, integrated circuit error checking, and low/no cost to implement at ECMO centers around the world. This paper focuses on two key aspects of the recent design effort and engineering process: the utility of using an incrementally developed functional prototype to reduce risk and accelerate design evolution and a method of representing ECMO circuit architectures in a database environment.
Photochemical processes in zeolites: new developments

The organized channels and cages of zeolites provide a novel medium for carrying out photochemical reactions. Besides the confinement effect, the role of zeolite framework, extra-framework cations and the unique solvent nature of the zeolite all have profound influence on the photochemistry and photophysics of molecules. In this review, we have highlighted the important developments in the field of zeolite photochemistry over the past two years. Examples of photochemical reactions, photooxygenations and photoelectron transfer are presented. In addition, there has been considerable interest in using zeolite-based photochemistry for environmental remediation. Novel zeolitic materials, including zeolite composites, sensors and multifunctional assemblies that use light to initiate function are also described.
The preparation of 67Cu from 67Zn in a nuclear reactor

Abstract The preparation of 67Cu by the 67Zn(n, p) 67Cu reaction in a nuclear reactor was studied. Millicurie amounts were obtained from isotopically enriched 67Zn targets, and the fission-neutron cross section for the reaction was found to be 0·82 ± 0·04 mb. The 67Cu was separated from zinc and cobalt by a combination of anion exchange and chelate resin techniques.
Finite Element Investigation of the Fracture Potential of Highly Constrained Details in Steel Plate Members

: Highly constrained details have been known to be the cause of brittle fractures in several plate girder bridges around the United States, as well as other types of structures such as ships and more recently buildings. In bridges, the constraint is introduced by attachments welded to the girder web. In ships and buildings, the constraint is introduced by welding intersecting plates together, similar to that observed in plate girders. A detailed finite element model was developed to study the potential for fracture of the detail through linear and nonlinear analyses. The linear analysis demonstrated the effect of having welded attachments on elevating triaxial stresses in the girder's web. The nonlinear analysis was needed to assess the triaxiality demand of the detail and the potential for the development of large brittle cracks in the girder.
Knotting of urethral catheter within bladder: An unusual complication in cystourethrography

Complications in voiding cystourethrography are infrequent and may include infection, catheter-induced trauma, bladder rupture, and allergic reaction to contrast. We report a case in which the catheter formed a knot within the bladder lumen. To our knowledge, this is the first complication of this type to be reported. We believe this particular complication can be avoided by inserting a catheter within the bladder lumen short enough to prevent looping and possible knot formation.
Ligand-independent Activation of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors by Point Mutations in the Extracellular, Transmembrane, and Kinase Domains

The fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are a family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases that have been shown to mediate a variety of cellular processes including angiogenesis, wound healing, tumorigenesis, and embryonic development. Distinct FGFR mutations in individuals with autosomal dominant disorders of bone growth and development provide a unique opportunity to determine the function of FGFRs during embryonic development. To determine the consequences of these mutations on receptor function, we have made mutations in Xenopus FGFR1 (XFGFR1) and FGFR2 (XFGFR2) that correspond to several of the mutations identified in these dysmorphic syndromes. Analysis of mutant receptor proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes indicates that all but one have elevated tyrosine kinase activity relative to their wild-type counterparts. Those mutations that give an unpaired cysteine residue in the extracellular domain result in intermolecular disulfide bond formation and covalent receptor dimerization. Microinjection of Xenopus embryos with RNA encoding mutant receptors with elevated tyrosine kinase activity results in ligand-independent induction of mesoderm in animal pole explants. Wild-type XFGFR1 and XFGFR2 do not induce mesoderm when injected at similar doses. Co-injection of RNA encoding a dominant negative FGF receptor, lacking the tyrosine kinase domain, together with RNA encoding various activated FGFRs inhibits mesoderm induction by a receptor activated by a transmembrane domain mutation or extracellular mutations that introduce an unpaired cysteine residue into the extracellular domain but does not inhibit mesoderm induction by receptors bearing a tyrosine kinase domain mutation. These results indicate that different point mutations may activate FGFRs by distinct mechanisms and that ligand-independent FGFR activation may be a feature in common to many skeletal disorders.
Biochemical and immunological comparison of monkey (Macaca arctoides) and human salivary secretions

Abstract 1. 1. Salivary secretions of the stumptail monkey ( Macaca arctoides ) were compared biochemically and immunologically with human salivas. 2. 2. Similarities in biochemical composition and antigenic profiles as seen by immunoelectrophoresis indicate that monkey salivas can provide an excellent model system to study the role of saliva in the oral ecology of man.
Reassessment of the MR criteria for stability of osteochondritis dissecans in the knee and ankle.

Objective. T2-weighted MR images has been reported to be an accurate method for assessing osteochondritis dissecans. We reviewed our MR experience to confirm the accuracy of the published criteria of instability. We also assessed the value of each of four MR signs of instability. Design. We reviewed the original MR interpretations, arthroscopic reports, and MR examinations of 40 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the talar dome or femoral condyles. Arthroscopy was used as the gold standard for stability. The MR examinations were reviewed retrospectively for a high-signal-intensity line or cystic area beneath the lesion, a high-signal-intensity line through the articular cartilage, or a focal articular defect. Patients. All patients who had undergone MR imaging for osteochondritis dissecans from 1990 to 1993 were reviewed. Forty patients were identified who had arthroscopy after the MR examination. There were 30 male and 10 female patients with an average age of 25.7 years. Thirty-one lesions were in a femoral condyle and nine were in the talar dome. Results and conclusions. The original MR interpretations correctly identified 35 of the 36 unstable lesions and all 4 stable lesions, giving a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 1.0. There was a 98% agreement between the original and retrospective diagnoses. A high-signal-intensity line was seen beneath 72% of the 36 unstable lesions. The other three signs were noted in 22–31% of the unstable lesions. Fifty-six percent of the unstable lesions showed only one sign of instability. MR imaging is a highly sensitive method for detection of unstable osteochondritis dissecans. The presence of any one sign indicates instability, the most frequent sign being an underlying high-signal-intensity line. Because we examined only four stable lesions, our 95% confidence interval of 0.40–1.0 for a specificity of 1.0 gives only a limited estimate of the specificity of MR.
Oil agglomeration as a pretreatment for coal liquefaction

Abstract Laboratory experiments demonstrated that a variety of distillate coal liquefaction recycle oils were satisfactory agents for cleaning Illinois no. 6 bituminous coal by oil agglomeration. Ash rejection up to 41% with 98% organic recovery was attained with conventionally cleaned coal, and ash rejection up to 67% with 90% organic recovery with run-of-mine coal. Agglomerates of > 1 mm average diameter were produced under a variety of conditions. Similar results were obtained in the scaled-up production of 268 kg of agglomerates. Oils with lower hydrogen aromaticities and higher hydrogen contents performed better than more aromatic oils. Fe, Ti and Mg were selectively enriched in the ash of the product coal, while Ca, Si, and Al were selectively rejected. The mineral pyrite was rejected only ≈ 30–40% as extensively as the bulk of the ashforming minerals. The coal cleaned by oil agglomeration performed similarly to the feed coal in batch donor liquefaction tests. In continuous hydroliquefaction tests, run-of-mine coal cleaned by oil agglomeration performed substantially better than coal cleaned to the same ash level by conventional means, because of the selective enrichment of catalytic iron minerals.
Nutrient profiles of green and decomposed riceforages and their utilization by juvenile crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Abstract A series of experiments was conducted to determine the nutrient content of rice during decomposition, the gross trends in biomass of associates microorganisms, and the effects of these components on crayfish weight gain. Rice forage (variety Mars ) underwent aerobic decomposition at 22.5 ± 1.5 °C in pond water with soil for various intervals of time. Nutrient profiles (ash, crude protein, crude lipid, cell-wall content and C:N ratio) of rice and its products of decomposition varied according to plant portion and decomposition time. In general, decomposition decreased crude lipid content and C:N ratio; whereas, ash increased, and cell-wall and protein contents decreased over time after an initial increase. Detrital microbial biomass was highest prior to 7 weeks post-inundation and was limited by phosphorus under the conditions of this study. A series of feeding experiments also was conducted in a flow-through culture system to assess the contribution of single components from fresh and various stages of decomposed rice as well as a prepared feed (Dupont's Crawdeaux ™ ) to weight gain of juvenile crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) housed individually. The ability of juvenile crayfish to use plant components for weight gain was extremely limited compared with their ability to use the prepared feed, and their ability to use detrital rice varied directly with the total biomass of associated microbes.
Finite capacity assembly like queues

In assembly lines, service involves assembling units coming from more than one source. In queue terminology, we may consider this situation as one in which service is rendered only to groups of customers — one from each class. In this paper we give procedures to determine response time characteristics of such a system under Markovian assumptions when a finite capacity restriction is imposed. This restriction is imposed to reflect reality as well as to make analysis tractable. In the course of this study, we also give a recursive technique to determine the distribution of the time taken for a specific number of departures in a Poisson queue from an arbitrary initial state. We demonstrate that this distribution is related to the response time distribution of the assembly-like queue. We believe that this procedure will also be of independent interest.
Stress Response and Avoidance Behavior of Fishes as Influenced by High-Frequency Strobe Lights

Abstract We examined the effects of strobe lights on plasma cortisol concentrations and avoidance behavior across a broad range of fish taxa. Representative fish taxa from five families were evaluated and included: Centrarchidae (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides), Cyprinidae (fathead minnow Pimephales promelas), Ictaluridae (channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus), Percidae (yellow perch Perca flavescens), and Salmonidae (Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Mean (±SE) plasma cortisol concentrations for channel catfish (89 ± 22 ng/mL), yellow perch (81 ± 39 ng/mL), and Chinook salmon (173 ± 27 ng/mL) increased significantly compared with those in control groups (50 ± 11, 3.0 ± 1.9, and 102 ± 35 ng/mL, respectively) after 1 h of exposure to strobe lights. After 7 h of exposure, plasma cortisol levels were similar to those in control groups for all fish taxa. Fathead minnow showed no detectable response to strobe lights at either 1 or 7 h of exposure. Behavior experiments showed that the mean distanc...
An ultrastructural morphometric comparison of the peripheral with the hilar air-blood barrier of dog lung

Excised and isolated perfused lungs are frequently used as models for studies of fluid flow and membrane transport. Regional variations of the air and blood vascular compartments of the lung have been recognized to result from gravitational effects. This ultrastructural morphometric study considered the components of the air-blood barriers of the peripheral and hilar regions of excised dog lungs. The lungs of three mongrel dogs were fixed by endotracheal instillation of glutaraldehyde and immersion in fixative. Stratified random sampling, point counting volumetry, and line intercept counts were used to determine the thicknesses of the air-blood barrier and the epithelial, interstitial, and endothelial compartments. Point counting volumetry also established the volume density of the alveolar spaces. The morphometric values for structures within the periphery were statistically compared to those within the hilar region by Student's t-test. Endotracheal and immersion fixation as used in this study, combined with stratified random sampling, equalized regional differences in the alveolar lumen volume and airblood barrier thickness. With these conditions no significant differences in the volume densities of the epithelial and endothelial cells and the interstitium of the air-blood barrier were identified when those of the hilum were compared to those of the periphery.
The influence of α- and β-Si3N4 seeds on the properties of reaction bonded silicon nitride foams produced via wet processing

Abstract This work presents the influence of α- and β-Si 3 N 4 seeds on the properties of reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) foams fabricated via wet processing of Si–PMMA–Si 3 N 4 suspensions. Characterization of the seeded foams was performed in terms of porosity, density, and mechanical strength. Phase and microstructural analysis were also used to investigate the influence of α- and β-seeding on the α/β phase ratio and microstructure of the RBSN foams. It was observed that both α- and β-seeds can improve the foam strength by 30% and 85%, respectively, due to more uniform nitridation. A foam strength of 2.23 MPa was obtained for RBSN foams seeded with 5 wt% α-Si 3 N 4 with a foam porosity of 72 vol%. Higher contents of α-seeds create a loose structure of the Si 3 N 4 seed particles within the nitrided matrix resulting in a considerable decrease in foam strength. The addition of 10 wt% of β-Si 3 N 4 resulted in the maximum strength of 2.31 MPa at a porosity level of 72 vol%. The addition of β-seeds also resulted in an increase in the vapor phase reactions during nitridation leading to a significant increase in the β-whisker content of the microstructure. It was observed that even 30 wt% of β-seed addition increases the strength of the RBSN foams compared to the unseeded foams.
Real and Misconceived Limitations to Decision Based Design With Utility Analysis

Decision based design shows great promise in improving the design process, but is not a panacea. The design problem of interest here is tradeoffs between conflicting objectives, particularly under uncertainty. The focus is on multiattribute utility theory. This paper describes several real limitations to utility analysis in the context of engineering design, and attempts to clear up several common misconceptions about it. The real limitations are in the initial configuration and analytic design phases, and in overcoming difficulties in group decision making. The major misconceptions relate to independence conditions, the functional form and assessment biases.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, and Cardiovascular Risk

Cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) inhibitors, also known as coxibs, were introduced with the promise that they would provide pain relief similar to that of traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but would be better tolerated with lower risk of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Although coxibs were associated with lower GI risk, experimental and observational data raised the specter of increased cardiovascular risk associated with this class of drugs. This article describes the pharmacologic and biologic basis of cardiovascular risk associated with coxibs, summarizes the evidence for cardiovascular risk associated with cox-2 inhibitors, and weighs the risks and potential benefits of pain management with these agents.
A comparison of instrument performance for six liquid scintillation counters.

Abstract The counting characteristics of six liquid scintillation counters are compared. Each instrument was tested to determine the figure of merit ( E 2 B ), the change in percentage counting efficiency and external standard ratio over sample volumes from 1 to 20 ml, the reproducibility of chemical quench curves over sample volumes from 5 to 20 ml, and the effects of increasing sample activity on the actual and calculated counting efficiency. Tests were performed using both 3H and 14C. The results show that differences in counting efficiency are more important than maximum sensitivity ( E 2 B ). All instruments demonstrated the same response to changes in sample volume. The external standard ratio varied with sample volume in all instruments except one. Quench curves were essentially volume independent, with two exceptions. This study demonstrates that periodic performance tests must be conducted to assure that these instruments are operating in an efficient and reproducible manner.
Electrostatics of nanosystems: Application to microtubules and the ribosome

Evaluation of the electrostatic properties of biomolecules has become a standard practice in molecular biophysics. Foremost among the models used to elucidate the electrostatic potential is the Poisson-Boltzmann equation; however, existing methods for solving this equation have limited the scope of accurate electrostatic calculations to relatively small biomolecular systems. Here we present the application of numerical methods to enable the trivially parallel solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for supramolecular structures that are orders of magnitude larger in size. As a demonstration of this methodology, electrostatic potentials have been calculated for large microtubule and ribosome structures. The results point to the likely role of electrostatics in a variety of activities of these structures.
Two-Phase Flow in Porous Media: Predicting Its Dependence on Capillary Number and Viscosity Ratio

Motivated by the need to determine the dependencies of two-phase flow in a wide range of applications from carbon dioxide sequestration to enhanced oil recovery, we have developed a standard two-dimensional, pore-level model of immiscible drainage, incorporating viscous and capillary effects. This model has been validated through comparison with several experiments. For a range of stable viscosity ratios (M = μinjected,nwf/μdefending, wf ≥ 1), we had increased the capillary number, Nc and studied the way in which the flows deviate from fractal capillary fingering at a characteristic time and become compact for realistic capillary numbers. This crossover has enabled predictions for the dependence of the flow behavior upon capillary number and viscosity ratio. Our results for the crossover agreed with earlier theoretical predictions, including the universality of the leading power-law indicating its independence of details of the porous medium structure. In this article, we have observed a similar crossover from initial fractal viscous fingering (FVF) to compact flow, for large capillary numbers and unstable viscosity ratios M < 1. In this case, we increased the viscosity ratio from infinitesimal values, and studied the way in which the flows deviate from FVF at a characteristic time and become compact for non-zero viscosity ratios. This crossover has been studied using both our pore-level model and micro-fluidic flow-cell experiments. The same characteristic time, τ = 1/M0.7, satisfactorily describes both the pore-level results for a range of large capillary numbers and the micro-fluidic flow cell results. This crossover should lead to predictions similar to those mentioned above.