cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of graphite photoablation: kinetic energy of the precursors to diamond-like carbon

Abstract The mechanisms for growth of diamond-like carbon by pulsed laser deposition have been investigated. Two distinct but related issues have been addressed: (1) the nature and speed of the particles ejected from graphite by pulsed UV laser irradiation and (2) the extent to which the kinetic energy of the ablated particles determines the character of the resultant films. The results indicate that C + 3 and C 0 3 are the predominant ion and neutral particles ejected from graphite by 248 nm laser radiation. These particles are ablated from graphite with mean kinetic energies of 18 and 0.25 eV, respectively. Carbon films were grown in the presence of various collision gases in order to decrease the energy of the ablated particles. Kinetic energy of the particles was found to play a significant role in the generation of diamond-like films.
A Field Method for Quantifying Ammonium Picrate and Picric Acid in Soil

A simple field method for the determination of ammonium picrate and picric acid in soil was devel- oped. Picric acid is a strong acid with a pKa 5 0.80, and is colorless when dissolved in an organic solvent, whereas its anion ( picrate) is bright yellow. Picric acid and picrate ions were extracted from undried soil by shaking with acetone; any picric acid extracted was rapidly converted to picrate in the wet acetone. Picrate was extracted from the acetone soil extracts by passing the solutions through a solid-phase anion exchanger to remove interferences. Acidified acetone was used to convert the picrate to picric acid and elute it from the ion exchanger. The absorbance of the solution at 400 nm was measured; then the picric acid was converted to the colored picrate ion by diluting the eluent with wa- ter. Absorbance at 400 nm was measured again and the concentration of picrate was obtained from the differ- ence in the absorbance measurements, corrected for di- lution. The method detection limit is 1.3 mg g 2 1 of soil. Field-contaminated soils were assayed, and the results compared favorably to those from HPLC analyses in the range of 10 - 4400 mg g 2 1 . The method is simple to use, can be implemented under field conditions, and com- plements on-site methods for TNT, RDX, and 2,4-DNT. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Tech- nol 1: 165 - 170, 1997.
Multi-sensor fusion of electro-optic and infrared signals for high resolution visible images: part I

Electro-Optic (EO) image sensors exhibit the properties of high resolution and low noise level, but they cannot reflect information about the temperature of objects and do not work in dark environments. On the other hand, infrared (IR) image sensors exhibit the properties of low resolution and high noise level, but IR images can reflect information about the temperature of objects all the time. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel framework to enhance the resolution of EO images using the information (e.g., temperature) from IR images, which helps distinguish temperature variation of objects in the daytime via high-resolution EO images. The proposed novel framework involves four main steps: (1) select target objects with temperature variation in original IR images; (2) fuse original RGB color (EO) images and IR images based on image fusion algorithms; (3) blend the fused images of target objects in proportion with original gray-scale EO images; (4) superimpose the target objects’ temperature information, onto original EO images via the modified NTSC color space transformation. Therein, the image fusion step will be conducted by qualitative (frame pipeline) approach. Revealing temperature information in EO images for the first time is the most significant contribution of this paper. Simulation results will show the transformed EO images with the targets’ temperature information.
Spin and space

In this paper we will take a careful look at the well-known fact that a complete 2π rotation in three dimensional space, while leaving vectors, tensors and generally the integral representations of the rotation group unchanged, causes a sign change in the half-integral spinor representations of the rotation group. First, in a brief introduction, we review the origin of the sign change of spinors by a 2π rotation. Next, we analyze Aharonov and Susskind's (hereafter referred to as A. & S.) (1967) original proposal for detecting such a sign change and compare it with a later proposal1 for detecting the sign change using neutron beams that are coherently split and recombined. While the A. & S. experiment is, we think, conceptually more interesting, the neutron beam experiment has actually been carried out. And finally, we discuss the philosophical significance of the rotationally induced spinor sign change.
Conformational coverage by a genetic algorithm: saturation of conformational space.

The molecular modeling is traditionally based on analysis of minimum energy conformers. Such simplifying assumptions could doom to failure the modeling studies given the significant variation of the geometric and electronic characteristics across the multitude of energetically reasonable conformers representing the molecules. Moreover, it has been found that the lowest energy conformers of chemicals are not necessarily the active ones with respect to various endpoints. Hence, the selection of active conformers appears to be as important as the selection of molecular descriptors in the modeling process. In this respect, we have developed effective tools for conformational analysis based on a genetic algorithm (GA), published in J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. (1994, 34, 234; 1999, 39 (6), 997) and J. Chem. Inf. Model. (2005, 45 (2), 283). This paper presents a further improvement of the evolutionary algorithm for conformer generation minimizing the sensitivity of conformer distributions from the effect of smoot...
Distribution of cations in leaves of salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive lines of sunflower under saline conditions

Abstract Two lines of sunflower (Helianthrus annuus L.), a salt‐tolerant Euroflor and a salt‐sensitive SMH‐24, were grown for three weeks in sand culture containing 0 or 150 mol/m3 NaCl in full strength Hoagland nutrient solution. Distribution of cations in the leaves of varying ages was determined. The older leaves of SMH‐24 contained more sodium (Na) in the laminae than the younger leaves at the salt treatment, whereas laminae of leaves of varying ages of Euroflor maintained Na concentration almost uniform. Distribution of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the laminae was strongly age‐dependent in both lines, i.e., the older leaves contained greater concentrations of these cations than did the younger leaves. The lines did not differ in concentrations of the three cations. The older leaves of SMH‐24 had significantly lower K/Na ratios than those of Euroflor, but the lines did not differ in lamina Ca/Na ratios. It is concluded that distribution of K, Ca, and Mg in the leaf laminae is age...
Tectonics of the Mendocino Triple Junction

Interpretation of reflection profiles and of the magnetic anomaly pattern over the Gorda Basin and Escarpment gives broad agreement with the triple junction model of McKenzie and Morgan (1969). However, the basin has undergone internal deformation, a local departure from rigid plate tectonics, and the escarpment has had a component of underthrusting by the Gorda block. Faults in the Gorda Basin which disturb young turbidites parallel the trends of magnetic anomalies, suggesting deformation of the oceanic crust along lines of primary weakness. The northeast trends of the faults give a constraint on first-motion solutions for earthquakes within the basin and suggest left-lateral slip on the faults. Analysis of the geometry and timing of the Gorda Basin deformation based on the magnetic pattern gives an average gross tectonic strain rate of 10 −14 /sec. These observations give a measure of the mechanics of deformation of oceanic lithosphere very close to a spreading rise crest.
Evolutionary learning of policies for MCTS simulations

Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) grows a partial game tree and uses a large number of random simulations to approximate the values of the nodes. It has proven effective in games with such as Go and Hex where the large search space and difficulty of evaluating positions cause difficulties for standard methods. The best MCTS players use carefully hand-crafted rules to bias the random simulations. Obtaining good hand-crafting rules is a very difficult process, as even rules promoting better simulation play can result in a weaker MCTS system [12]. Our Hivemind system uses evolution strategies to automatically learn effective rules for biasing the random simulations. We have built a MCTS player using Hivemind for the game Hex. The Hivemind learned rules result in a 90% win rate against a baseline MCTS system, and significant improvement against the computer Hex world champion, MoHex.
Prenatal Hydronephrosis: Postnatal Evaluation and Management

Congenital hydronephrosis is one of the most common anomalies identified on antenatal ultrasound. The underlying etiology of congenital hydronephrosis is multifold, ranging from transient hydronephrosis in utero to clinically significant congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. While traditional management of hydronephrosis was aimed at relieving symptoms, the advent of routine prenatal ultrasound has led to a shift in the goal of treatment to prevention of renal injury in the asymptomatic patient. However, despite this focus on renal preservation, the diagnostic criteria for identification of children “at risk” for renal damage that can be alleviated by surgical treatment remain a subject of debate. Both antenatal and postnatal imaging studies have been evaluated as indicators for potential reversible renal damage and have been used as potential indicators of the need for surgical intervention. The aim of this review is to discuss the current literature regarding the role of postnatal clinical and radiographic evaluation to identify children who may benefit from early surgical intervention.
Characterization of cytochromes P450 in liver and kidney of rats treated with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate

A polyclonal antibody was made to a liver cytochrome P450 purified from di-(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-treated Sprague-Dawley rats and was used to identify the CYP4A forms in liver and kidney cortex microsomes of control rats and rats treated with this peroxisome proliferator. Three clearly separated major protein bands were recognized on western blots in liver microsomes of control male rats or male rats treated with a single dose of DEHP, which, based on the description of relative mobility, tissue specificity, and sex dependent expression of CYP4A forms (Sundseth and Waxman (1992). J. Biol. Chem., 267, 801-810), correspond to the migration pattern of forms 4A1, 4A2, and 4A3 in clofibrate-treated rats. The administration of DEHP for 2 or 3 days caused a loss of resolution of two of the protein bands. The protein band corresponding to 4A2 was absent in liver or kidney cortex microsomes of DEHP-treated or control female rats and was not always visible in the livers of control male rats. The purified P450DEHP supported the hydroxylation of arachidonic acid at both the 19- and 20-carbon atoms with turnover rates of 1.4 +/- 0.2 and 22.7 +/- 2.5 nmoles per minute per nmol P450, respectively. No measurable amounts of hydroxylated products were obtained when prostaglandin E1, leukotriene B4, or testosterone were used as substrates. Another member of the CYP4 family, 4B1 from rabbit lung microsomes, was also recognized by this antibody on western blot analysis; however, rabbit lung form 4A4 showed only minimal cross-reactivity with this antibody.
ENDOCRINE FACTORS IN UNDERNUTRITION1

IN 1874 SIR WILLIAM GULL (1) described two young women in whom anorexia led to starvation and “depression of all vital functions,“ with bradycardia, amenorrhea, and the appearance of ageing. Recovery occurred when the caloric intake was increased. Since Gull called attention to this syndrome, many other cases of so-called anorexia nervosa have been described. In 1930 Berkman (2) reported 117 cases which had been observed at the Mayo Clinic between 1917 and 1929. In 1936 Ryle (3) reported 51 cases. The syndrome, observed most frequently in young women, is characterised by anorexia, usually associated with psychic disturbances, and followed by marked weight loss, hypotension, bradycardia, subnormal temperature, lowered basal metabolic rate, atrophy of the genitalia, amenorrhea, hypoglycemia, increased glucose tolerance, and occasionally loss of hair and the appearance of senility. During recent years the similarity of this clinical syndrome to that of hypophyseal cachexia (Simmonds-disease) has been the sub...
Conservation and management of the American crocodile

The American crocodile is a rare and endangered species, the range of which has contracted to disjunct locations such as Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, Panama, and southern Florida. In an attempt to determine what factors might be limiting population growth, an extensive collaborative research program was conducted in 1978–82 in southern Florida. Limiting factors explicitly studied included climate, hurricanes, population dispersion, nesting habitat, fertility, predation, nest chamber environment, juvenile survivorship, artificial mortality, disturbance, and environmental contamination. No single natural factor limits the population, although in concert various factors result in low adult recruitment rates. Such natural limitations explain the natural rarity of this tropical species at the temperate limits of its range. Two artificial sources of mortality are death of adults on roads and the flooding of nests by high groundwater tables. These sources of mortality are potentially controllable by the appropriate management agencies. Active management, by such means as protection of individuals, habitat preservation and enhancement, nest site protection, and captive breeding, is also appropriate for assuring the survival of a rare species. The American crocodile has survived in southern Florida in face of extensive human occupancy of parts of its former nesting habitat, demonstrating the resilience of a threatened species. This case history illustrates the efficacy of conducting research aimed at testing specific management hypotheses, the importance of considering biographical constraints limiting population status in peripheral populations, the need for active management of rare species, and the role of multiple reserves in a conservation and management strategy.
Odorant-selective genes and neurons mediate olfaction in C. elegans

Olfaction is a versatile and sensitive mechanism for detecting volatile odorants. We show that the nematode C. elegans detects many volatile chemicals, which can be attractants, repellents, or attractants at low concentrations and repellents at high concentrations. Through laser ablation, we have identified chemosensory neurons that detect volatile odorants. Chemotaxis to volatile odorants requires different sensory neurons from chemotaxis to water-soluble attractants, indicating that C. elegans might have senses that correspond to smell and taste, respectively. Single neurons have complex sensory properties, since six distinguishable volatile odorants are sensed by only two types of sensory neurons. Chemotaxis to subsets of volatile odorants is disrupted by mutations in the odr genes, which might be involved in odorant sensation or signal transduction.
On the length of inputs necessary in order to identify a deterministic linear system

The family of m -input, n -dimensional linear systems can be globally identified with a generic input sequence of length 2mn . This bound is the best possible. A best bound is provided also for a corresponding local identification problem.
A quasicancellation property for the direct product of graphs

We are motivated by the following question concerning the direct product of graphs. If [email protected]?BxC, what can be said about the relationship between A and B? If cancellation fails, what properties must A and B share? We define a structural equivalence relation ~ (called similarity) on graphs, weaker than isomorphism, for which [email protected]?BxC implies A~B. Thus cancellation holds, up to similarity. Moreover, if C is bipartite, then [email protected]?BxC if and only if A~B. We conjecture that the prime factorization of connected bipartite graphs is unique up to similarity of factors, and we offer some results supporting this conjecture.
Enabling scalability, richer experiences and ABET-accreditable learning outcomes in computer science Capstone courses through inversion of control

Capstone courses are expected to prepare students for the “real world” by putting them into a microcosm of the real world. In these courses, students are given a problem of some complexity, and are expected to exercise and develop problem-solving skills as they address the problem. Within our Computer Science and Engineering program we have, over the past eight years, successfully scaled up the Capstone courses. Doing so has required innovative thinking about the roles of the students, faculty, and project sponsors. In this paper, we discuss issues with scaling up the components that have made this program successful. These include housing the courses in an NSF IUCRC that enable the cultivation of highly-committed industry partners, the creation of strong pre-requisite courses, careful development of faculty resources through the selective hiring and mentoring of clinical faculty, a commitment of the faculty to give up close management and control, strong partnerships with other organizations within the university to provide students greater access to resources, an emphasis on cross-team knowledge sharing and learning, and the development of unique assessment and evaluation tools so as to be able to monitor, measure and fairly assess a wide-spectrum of projects.
White Clover Growth and Morphology under Contrasting Cutting Regimes

Climatic conditions contribute to reduced white clover (Trifolium repens L.) productivity and plant survival in the southeastern USA, particularly during the summer. Our objective was to determine the incidence of cutting height and frequency on yield and plant morphological traits associated with survival of white clover under humid-subtropic conditions. Regal (large-leaf), Louisiana S-1 (medium-large-leaf), and Grasslands Huia (medium-small-leaf) white clover were sown on a Catalpa silty clay (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Flavaquentic Hapludoll) and were cut every 7, 28, and 49 d at a 2.5- and 10-cm stubble height from March to November. Forage yield was measured at each harvest. Stolon growth and branching (growing point density; GPD) and post-harvest leaf area index (LAI) were measured in May, August, and November. Dry matter (DM) yield measured by season (spring, summer, and autumn) increased as leaf size increased and cutting height decreased. The effect of cutting height on stolon DM was opposite that of its effect on DM yield. After the spring, stolon DM of all cultivars was reduced by harvesting at 2.5- vs. 10.0-cm stubble, regardless of cutting interval. Within a cutting height, increasing the harvest interval from 7 or 28 to 49 d generally resulted in greater stolon DM accumulation by autumn. During much of the growing season, there was a positive association between stolon CPD and post-harvest LAI. Our results suggest that close defoliation of white clover (2.5-cm stubble) during the summer and autumn is detrimental to plant survival, particularly when combined with a short (7-d) defoliation interval.
Impact of tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall biomechanics on pharyngeal clearance in irradiated postsurgical oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Background Postsurgical oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients may experience pharyngeal clearance problems after completion of postoperative radiotherapy. Methods Swallowing was examined in six patients using videofluoroscopy for up to 1 year after surgery. Biomechanical analysis was used to mark movement of the tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall during swallowing. Results The majority of patients experienced increased problems with pharyngeal clearance at or after their 6 month posthealing evaluation, generally 18 to 22 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Pharyngeal residue was associated with a disruption in either tongue base or posterior pharyngeal wall movement. Conclusions Increased fibrosis of the pharyngeal musculature after completion of radiotherapy may have a negative impact on pharyngeal clearance in addition to any pharyngeal clearance problems resulting from surgical resection. Tongue base to posterior pharyngeal wall contact is essential but not sufficient for effective pharyngeal clearance. Sufficient duration of tongue base to posterior pharyngeal wall contact is also needed to provide adequate pharyngeal bolus driving pressure. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 120–131, 2000.
APPROXIMATIONS FOR COULOMB WAVE FUNCTIONS

Abstract This paper gives a discussion of WKB-type approximations to the solutions of the radial wave equation for a Schrodinger particle in a Coulomb field. Approximations based on Airy integrals, (L + 1 2 )- order Bessel functions, and (2L + 1)-order Bessel functions are considered. The results indicate that important factors in the choice of the basic function for the approximation are the poles in the effective potential.
Perspectives on Supply Network–Enabled Innovations

As organizations become increasingly specialized, their ability to engage the supply network in innovation efforts is becoming critical to their success. In addition, it is imperative for organizations to align internal research and development strategies with knowledge available in the supply network in order to gain superior innovation performance. In this article, we present some perspectives on supply network�enabled innovation and discuss two frameworks that integrate a firm's internal knowledge with that of its supply network to achieve innovation objectives. The inter-related frameworks discussed are anchored in the absorptive capacity and ambidexterity theories. They explicate how firms can effectively align internal innovation activities and knowledge available in the supply network to gain superior innovation outcomes.
Attenuated Poliovirus Vaccines grown in Human Diploid Cell Strains for the Immunization of Infants.

Attenuated polioviruses grown in human diploid cell strains have the same properties as the same virus strains grown in monkey kidney tissue. Such vaccines may be administered immediately after birth without risk of exposure of the newborn infant to virus contaminants arising in simian tissue.
Efficacy of a capsule conjugate vaccine against inhalational anthrax in rabbits and monkeys.

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is recognized as one of the most serious bioterrorism threats. The current human vaccines are based on the protective antigen component of the anthrax toxins. Concern about possible vaccine resistant strains and reliance on a single antigen has prompted the search for additional immunogens. Bacterial capsules, as surface-expressed virulence factors, are well-established components of several licensed vaccines. In a previous study we showed that an anthrax vaccine consisting of the B. anthracis poly-γ-d-glutamic acid capsule covalently conjugated to the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis serotype B protected mice against parenteral B. anthracis challenge. Here we tested this vaccine in rabbits and monkeys against an aerosol spore challenge. The vaccine induced anti-capsule antibody responses in both species, measured by ELISA and a macrophage opsono-adherence assay. While rabbits were not protected against a high aerosol challenge dose, significant protection was observed in monkeys receiving the capsule conjugate vaccine. The results confirm that the capsule is a protective immunogen against anthrax, being the first non-toxin antigen shown to be efficacious in monkeys and suggest that addition of capsule may broaden and enhance the protection afforded by protective antigen-based vaccines.
Localization of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) markers in the turtle's basal optic nucleus

Recent physiological data have demonstrated that retinal slip, the sensory code of global visual pattern motion, results from complex interactions of excitatory and inhibitory visual inputs to neurons in the turtle's accessory optic system (the basal optic nucleus, BON). In the present study, the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), its synthetic enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-67) and its receptor subtypes GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors were localized within the BON. GABA antibodies revealed cell bodies and processes, whereas antibodies against GAD revealed a moderate density of immunoreactive puncta throughout the BON. GAD in situ hybridization labeled BON cell bodies, indicating a possible source of inhibition intrinsic to the nucleus. Ultrastructural analysis revealed terminals positive for GAD that exhibit symmetric synaptic specializations, mainly at neuronal processes having small diameters. Neurons exhibiting immunoreactivity for GABA(A) receptors were diffusely labeled throughout the BON, with neuronal processes exhibiting more labeling than cell bodies. In contrast, GABA(B)-receptor-immunoreactive neurons exhibited strong labeling at the cell body and proximal neuronal processes. Both these receptor subtypes are functional, as evidenced by changes of visual responses of BON neurons during application to the brainstem of selective receptor agonists and antagonists. Therefore, GABA may be synthesized by BON neurons, released by terminals within its neuropil and stimulate both receptor subtypes, supporting its role in mediating visually evoked inhibition contributing to modulation of the retinal slip signals in the turtle accessory optic system.
Management of nephropleural fistula after supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Abstract Objectives Access to complex urinary tract pathology may require supracostal access placing patients at risk for intrathoracic complications. Our objective was to retrospectively review our experience with percutaneous renal surgery with a particular emphasis on identifying the incidence of nephropleural fistula and management of this unusual complication. Methods The records of 375 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous renal surgery between 1993 and 2001 were reviewed. Supracostal access was placed to address the intrarenal pathologic findings most directly in 120 (26.0%) of the 462 tracts, with 87 (18.8%) above the 12th rib, 32 (6.9%) above the 11th rib, and 1 (0.2%) above the 10th rib. Results Of 375 patients, 4 (1%) developed a nephropleural fistula. Of the 87 with supracostal-12th rib access, 2 (2.3%) developed a nephropleural fistula, and 2 (6.3%) of the 32 with supracostal-11th rib access developed the same complication. The overall incidence of nephropleural fistulas in our patient population per access tract placed was 0.87% (4 of 462 percutaneous tracts), which increased to 3.3% (4 of 120) when considering only supracostal access. All patients were treated conservatively, although 1 patient required thoracoscopy with decortication for persistent pleural effusion. No further sequelae developed in any of the other 3 patients, and all fistulas had resolved at 3 months of follow-up. Conclusions As aggressive percutaneous renal surgery with supracostal access to the collecting system becomes more common, the incidence of intrathoracic complications, including nephropleural fistula, may increase. Early recognition and management of a pleural injury is critical to avoid life-threatening situations. Low-morbidity measures are typically successful; however, more aggressive treatment may be required on occasion.
Progress toward the development of a viable BACE-1 inhibitor

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive formation of insoluble amyloid plaque and fibrillary tangles. Plaques are extracellular constructs consisting primarily of Aβ42 derived from the catabolism of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). β-Secretase (BACE-1) is the enzyme responsible for the initiatory cleavage event in APP catabolism. The central role of BACE-1 in the production of Aβ42 has made it an attractive target for drug development. However, the development of BACE-1 inhibitors has been hampered by difficulty in identifying inhibitors with acceptable pharmacokinetic and CNS penetration properties. The maturation of the BACE-1 drug discovery effort from typical peptidomimetic inhibitors to more novel structural classes is reviewed. Drug Dev Res 70, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
System design for a pediatric physical therapy strength testing glove

The goal of this project is to develop a strength testing glove that will improve current methods of muscle strength measurement by enabling physical and occupational therapists to quantitatively assess patient progress. The project was realized through research, human testing, prototype construction, component testing, and analysis of data. This design will provide a cheaper, more flexible, more versatile, and more quantitative method of muscle strength measurement for medical professionals. This design could potentially change the current approach pediatric physical therapists take in testing and tracking patients muscle strength.
How many drug injectors are there in New Haven? Answers from AIDS data

The number of drug injectors in a given community is an important quantity to determine, yet estimating this quantity has proven very difficult. This is not surprising given the nature of drug injecting behavior and its illicit status; direct enumeration of the population of drug injectors is not possible. This paper details an indirect approach grounded in the epidemiology of HIV infection, a disease inextricably linked to drug injecting behavior. The method consists of two parts. First, one determines from AIDS incidence data the aggregate rate of new HIV infections among drug injectors. Second, one determines a per capita HIV incidence measure among drug injectors (either empirically via a cohort study, or analytically via a mathematical model). Division of the first quantity by the second yields an estimate of the number of drug injectors in the community. Natural measures of variablility follow from this approach, enabling the construction of confidence intervals. When applied to New Haven, Connecticut (where the necessary data are available, in part owing to the evaluation of that city's legal needle exchange program), the technique estimates roughly 1,910 to 2,660 drug injectors, or between 1.5% and 2.1% of New Haven's total population.
Dynamic Speed and Sensor Rate Adjustment for Mobile Robotic Systems

Mobile robotic systems must sense constraints imposed by a dynamically changing environment and predictably react to those changes in real-time. Complexity arises in mobile robotic systems because the computing platform travels through the environment with which the system is interacting. These systems have spatio-temporal requirements in the sense that correct behavior is defined in terms of both space and time. The focus of this paper is mobile robotic platforms that must sense their environment and avoid obstacles as they navigate from one point to another. We present a design and analysis methodology for these platforms that integrates spatio-temporal attributes with fixed priority realtime scheduling through the use of zone and processing window abstractions. We propose an algorithm for adjustment of the processing window in order maximize the speed of the robot as it faces obstacles in the environment.
Effects of in vivo CD8(+) T cell depletion on virus replication in rhesus macaques immunized with a live, attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus vaccine.

The role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in controlling replication of live, attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was investigated as part of a vaccine study to examine the correlates of protection in the SIV/rhesus macaque model. Rhesus macaques immunized for >2 yr with nef-deleted SIV (SIVmac239Δnef) and protected from challenge with pathogenic SIVmac251 were treated with anti-CD8 antibody (OKT8F) to deplete CD8+ T cells in vivo. The effects of CD8 depletion on viral load were measured using a novel quantitative assay based on real-time polymerase chain reaction using molecular beacons. This assay allows simultaneous detection of both the vaccine strain and the challenge virus in the same sample, enabling direct quantification of changes in each viral population. Our results show that CD8+ T cells were depleted within 1 h after administration of OKT8F, and were reduced by as much as 99% in the peripheral blood. CD8+ T cell depletion was associated with a 1–2 log increase in SIVmac239Δnef plasma viremia. Control of SIVmac239Δnef replication was temporally associated with the recovery of CD8+ T cells between days 8 and 10. The challenge virus, SIVmac251, was not detectable in either the plasma or lymph nodes after depletion of CD8+ T cells. Overall, our results indicate that CD8+ T cells play an important role in controlling replication of live, attenuated SIV in vivo.
News coverage of alcohol and other drugs in U.S. college newspapers.

This study investigated the substance use-related content of a sample of student-run college newspapers. Two independent coders examined 157 news stories, features, editorials, commentaries, letters, photographs, and cartoons. Items about alcohol appeared in one out of every two issues, while items about other drugs appeared in one out of every five issues. Basic information about alcohol and other drug (AOD) use was reported in about one-fifth of the items, while three-fourths dealt with social, legal, safety, or health problems associated with AOD use, especially alcohol consumption. Just over half referred to some type of control policy, most often an enforcement action. Around one-fourth mentioned educational efforts to promote AOD prevention. Very few dealt with detection, intervention, or treatment. Most college newspapers are missing good opportunities for more extensive coverage of AOD issues that would better inform their readers, especially about factors contributing to campus AOD problems and specific program and policy options.
Debt to the Mother: A Neglected Aspect of the Founding of the Buddhist Nuns’ Order

As the founding story for female monasticism within the Buddhist tradition, the traditional account of how the Buddha first instituted an order of nuns has been subjected to extensive scholarly treatment. Nevertheless, this article argues that previous scholarship has suffered from a significant blind spot, failing to recognize a crucially important element of the story. I refer to this element as the "debt to the mother" theme, or the story's clear implication that the Buddha founded an order of nuns at least in part because it was his mother who asked him to, and despite renouncing all familial ties, he owed an enormous debt to his mother that had to be repaid. I trace the existence of this "debt to the mother" theme in several versions of the story (and other Buddhist texts), and I also attempt to account for its complete elision in the surrounding scholarship.
Least Squares Model Averaging

This paper considers the problem of selection of weights for averaging across least squares estimates obtained from a set of models. Existing model average methods are based on exponential Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) weights. In distinction, this paper proposes selecting the weights by minimizing a Mallows criterion, the latter an estimate of the average squared error from the model average fit. We show that our new Mallows model average (MMA) estimator is asymptotically optimal in the sense of achieving the lowest possible squared error in a class of discrete model average estimators. In a simulation experiment we show that the MMA estimator compares favorably with those based on AIC and BIC weights. The proof of the main result is an application of the work of Li (1987).
(2,7‐Dibromo‐9‐fluorenyl)methyl Chloroformate

[74808-82-5] C15H9Br2ClO2 (MW 416.49) InChI = 1S/C15H9Br2ClO2/c16-8-1-3-10-11-4-2-9(17)6-13(11)14(12(10)5-8)7-20-15(18)19/h1-6,14H,7H2 InChIKey = SJWMNRDTRUNWRB-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used to introduce the 2,7-dibromo-9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate protecting group for amines) Alternate Name: carbonochloridic acid, (2,7-dibromo-9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ester. Physical Data: mp 124–126 °C (white crystals).1 Solubility: soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, ether, and THF. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR, elemental analysis.1 Preparative Methods: the reagent is prepared directly in 37% yield (eq 1) by the reaction, at room temperature, of bromine with (9-fluorenyl)methyl chloroformate in the presence of iron (III) chloride.1 Alternatively, the title reagent may be directly prepared from (2,7-dibromo-9-fluorenyl)methanol by treatment with phosgene.1 The alcohol is obtained by bromination of 9-fluorenylmethanol2 with NBS in acetic acid in the presence of HBr in 50% yield (eq 2).2 (1) (2) Purification: trituration with ligroin (bp 30–60 °C), filtration, and recrystallization from a 2:1 mixture of ligroin (bp 60–70 °C) and ligroin (bp 88–98 °C).1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: very sensitive to hydrolysis. Should be stored in closed vessels under an inert atmosphere in the refrigerator; use of the recrystallized reagent is recommended; should be used in a well-ventilated fumehood.
Optical bandwidth and focusing dynamics effects on an underwater laser acoustic source

Both femtosecond and nanosecond laser pulses can produce nonlinear effects in water, including filamentation and laser-induced breakdown resulting in acoustic generation. We examine the effects of GVD, varying wavelength, bandwidth, energy, and focusing configurations.
A Study of the Electrochemical Properties of a New Graphitic Material: GUITAR

&&Please give academic titles (Prof./Dr.) for each author&& Recent reports have emphasized the need for faster heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) rates of graphene electrodes in sensing and in energy-storage and -conversion applications. 2] An important consideration in this respect is the anisotropic behavior of HET. The basal plane (BP) is inferior to edge planes (EPs) by 1–7 orders of magnitude both on graphene and crystalline graphites (Figure 1). 4] Another consideration is that exposure of the BP to electrolyte solution is the natural configuration for graphene and graphite electrodes. Various methods have been developed to improve HET kinetics and performance at graphene electrodes. These methods include laser-scribing, ion irradiation, heteroatom doping, and various functionalizations. 2,5, 6, 7] Many of these strategies appear to increase the edge exposure and/or the structural disorder within the BP of graphene and graphite electrodes. Increasing disorder increases the density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level of these zero band-gap semiconductors. 4,8, 9, 10] Ideally, any technique aimed at increasing HET kinetics should focus on
Improved Eigenanalysis of Discrete Subpopulations and Admixture Using the Minimum Average Partial Test

Principal components analysis of genetic data has benefited from advances in random matrix theory. The Tracy-Widom distribution has been identified as the limiting distribution of the lead eigenvalue, enabling formal hypothesis testing of population structure. Additionally, a phase change exists between small and large eigenvalues, such that population divergence below a threshold of FST is impossible to detect and above which it is always detectable. I show that the plug-in estimate of the effective number of markers in the EIGEN-SOFT software often exceeds the rank of the sample covariance matrix, leading to a systematic overestimation of the number of significant principal components. I describe an alternative plug-in estimate that eliminates the problem. This improvement is not just an asymptotic result but is directly applicable to finite samples. The minimum average partial test, based on minimizing the average squared partial correlation between individuals, can detect population structure at smaller FST values than the corrected test. The minimum average partial test is applicable to both unadmixed and admixed samples, with arbitrary numbers of discrete subpopulations or parental populations, respectively. Application of the minimum average partial test to the 11 HapMap Phase III samples, comprising 8 unadmixed samples and 3 admixed samples, revealed 13 significant principal components.
Watchdog parity channels for digital filter protection

A novel method is presented for protecting digital filters from both hard and soft errors emanating in their physical realization by using the error-detecting, systematic, real number, convolutional codes. Normal filter operation is augmented by parallel parity channels, and errors in the filter's operation are detected by comparing the parity values with parity samples recalculated from the filters' output. The parity values are calculated in parallel at reduced rate, and no speed degradation is incurred. The rate reduction results because in an (n, k) convolutional code the parity channels operate decimated by a factor of k. It is shown that modifying the parity channels to cancel filter poles leads to a significant reduction in the complexity without sacrificing the detecting power of the convolutional code. Finite-precision arithmetic in the realization introduces noise in error decision variables even in the case of fault-free operation. A statistical analysis is given establishing a bound on the comparators' thresholds above which an error is decided. >
Utility of QT dispersion combined with the signal-averaged electrocardiogram in detecting patients susceptible to ventricular tachyarrhythmia

A simple algorithm that combines QT dispersion with the signal-averaged electrocardiogram QRS duration provides an extremely sensitive method for predicting spontaneous or inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This new algorithm may prove useful in determining which patients are at risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
The nitrogenous constituents of the lipids of several dog tissues

A technique is described for the resolution and quantitative determination of the nitrogenous constituents of dog tissue lipids. Results of representative analyses are presented for seven different tissues. All but a few per cent of the total lipid nitrogen has been specifically accounted for as choline, ethanolamine, serine, other amino acids, ammonia, sphingosine, and hexosamine. Serine-containing lipids comprise a maximum of 2.6% to 7.7% of total lipid nitrogen of the tissues studied. Despite extensive purification of the lipid extracts, other amino acids and peptides are present in quantities comparable to serine. The ammonia content of the lipid hydrolyzates ranges from 4.3% to 5.9% of lipid nitrogen. From 1.0% to 9.4% of lipid nitrogen becomes water soluble after hydrolysis, and is neither choline, ammonia, nor primary amine. This is considered to be substituted amine, although no important fraction of this material has been identified.
An LED-based miniature illumination subsystem for fluorescence sensing of neuron membrane potentials

A miniaturized fluorescence sensing system, incorporating proximal stacking of an LED, excitation filter and cell culturing substrate, is effective in imaging GT1-7 mouse hypothalamic neurons, and probing chemically induced changes in membrane potential.
Fetal gallstones in a contracted gallbladder: potential to simulate hepatic or peritoneal calcification.

When discovered during antenatal sonography, fetal gallstones generally are considered benign and inconsequential.1–7 The identity of the stones usually is readily apparent, because these echogenic foci often are found within a gallbladder recognizable by a characteristic location and configuration. If the gallbladder is contracted, however, the echogenic foci may not be perceived as gallstones and therefore could be misdiagnosed as other, more ominous entities, such as liver or peritoneal calcifications. We describe the sonographic features in two fetuses with gallstones in whom the origin of the stones was not apparent on initial images because the gallbladder was incompletely distended, and we suggest an approach to a correct diagnosis. CASE 1
Aerobic exercise in muscular dystrophy Gain without pain

One of the first questions patients and families ask when diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder is “Will exercise help or hurt?” This query is understandable given the multiple historical examples of exercise overcoming weakness and building strength, dating back to Milo of Croton in the 6th century, who practiced the progressive resistance of lifting his growing bull calf, up through more contemporary media proponents as Charles Atlas, Jane Fonda, and Tony Horton in the ubiquitous P90X infomercials. Until recently, however, definitive answers to this query have been elusive, with little hard data on which to base advice. Traditionally, patients with peripheral nerve and muscle disorders were often advised to reduce their physical activity in order to preserve their limited motor function for activities of daily living. Patients with acute radiculopathies, for example, were often admitted to inpatient services for extended bed rest as standard treatment.
Incomplete testicular feminization syndrome with puberal virilization

REFERENCES l. Ryan, G. T., Ivy, R., and Pearson, J. W. Obstet. Gynecol. 40: 702, 1972. 2. Wang, M. Y., McCutchen, E., and Desforges, J. F. : AM. J. 0BSTET. GYNECOL. 94: 1123, 1967. 3. Berner, H. W., Seisler, E. P., and Barlow, ]. : Obstet. Gynecol. 40: 599, 1972. 4. Goodlin, R. C.: Lancet 2: 604, 1971. 5. Reed, N. W., Teteris, N. J., and Essig, G. F.: Obstet. Gynecol. 36: 462, 1970. 6. Goodlin, R. C., and Schwartz, S.: AM. J.
Narcolepsy: Genetic Predisposition and Pathophysiology

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of narcolepsy has progressed rapidly in the last few years, thanks to studies in canine and rodent models. In international classifications, narcolepsy with and without cataplexy are now two different diagnostic entries. In almost all cases with cataplexy, and some cases without cataplexy, narcolepsy is associated with a deficiency in the hypothalamic neuropeptide system hypocretin (orexin). Hypocretin deficiency can be assessed by the demonstration of very low to undetectable hypocretin-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a test more sensitive than the MSLT, but only recommended in select cases. Most cases with cataplexy and fewer cases without cataplexy also carry the Human Leucocyte Antigen HLA-DQB1*0602, a subtype present in 12–38% of controls. Both genetic and environmental factors are implicated in predisposition to the disease. The HLA association, as well as other recent results from genetic studies, suggests a possible autoimmune basis for the hypocretin cell destruction, at least in cases with cataplexy and hypocretin deficiency, but this hypothesis has not been proved to date. Rare cases of narcolepsy secondary to genetic, tumoral, traumatic or inflammatory disorders, many of which were shown to impact the hypothalamus and/or the hypocretin system, have also been reported. Treatments to date are pharmacologically based and do not directly act on the hypocretin system. Stimulant compounds mostly increase alertness by activating the dopaminergic transmission, while antidepressant therapy reduces cataplexy by increasing the adrenergic transmission. The mode of action of gammahydroxybutyrate (sodium oxybate), a new treatment for cataplexy and disturbed nocturnal sleep is uncertain but may involve GABA-B receptors. New therapies based on hypocretin supplementation may be a logical next step, providing CNS-penetrating agonists.