cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model calculations of the first hyperpolarisability per unit cell of finite and infinite polymethineimine chains

The longitudinal component of the static first hyperpolarizability per unit cell of model finite and infinite polymethineimine chains has been computed at the uncoupled Hartree-Fock level of approximation. Particular attention has been paid to the correspondence between the results associated with the large oligomers and the direct polymeric results. We have investigated as a function of increasingly large chain length the effects of the heteroatomicity and the bond alternation upon the electron density alternation and centro-symmetry which modulate the amplitude of the longitudinal first hyperpolarizability per unit cell.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Calculations of Surface Energy for a Free-Electron Metal

The surface energy of a free-electron metal is calculated using a square-cut barrier placed so that there is no net charge on the surface. The result is nearly independent of barrier height but leads to a value for surface tension less than half that observed for most molten metals. For sodium a self-consistent surface barrier, first developed by Bardeen, is also used in numerical computation of surface energy. The value so obtained is about half that resulting from the use of the square-cut barrier. Previous theoretical treatments of this problem have generally predicted surface energies larger than observed. The opposite result in this case appears to result from the requirement that the surface be maintained electrically neutral.
Yield surfaces in prestrained aluminum and copper

The analysis of strain-hardening materials subjected to multiaxial states of stress requires more detailed experimental information about the effects of previous plastic deformation on the yield surfaces of real materials than is presently available. To provide insight into some of these effects thin walled tubular specimens of 1100-0 aluminum and annealed OFHC copper were subjected to biaxial stresses through the application of simultaneous axial tension and internal pressure, and the effects of the magnitude, direction, and sequence of prestraining operations on subsequent yield surfaces were determined. It was found that the yield surface behavior depends greatly upon the definition of yielding employed. Use of small proof strain definitions resulted in very anisotropic yield surface characteristics which reflected the effect of previous deformation. On the other hand, use of large proof strains resulted in isotropic yield surface characteristics which were devoid of previous deformation influence. The small proof strain yield curves were found, in general, to expand and translate in the direction of prestrain and, for biaxial prestrains, to be distorted in the vicinity of the loading point. Multiple prestrain sequences in normal directions induce a large negative cross effect similar to Bauschinger effect observed under reversed loading. Such anisotropic behavior was found to contradict the two most commonly used continuum mechanics predictions, the isotropic and kinematic hardening rules.
Facilitated vascular anastomosis in coronary bypass surgery

Abstract The goal of truly minimally invasive surgical revascularization with 1-day hospital stays is shared by surgeons, patients, and payors alike. However, accomplishing this will involve doing surgery through more limited-access incisions and working within closed spaces. Suture management in this setting is cumbersome, slow, and unreliable. Facilitated anastomotic techniques and technologies are generally believed to be the vehicle that will ultimately allow us to address this. A considerable amount of time and resources has already been expended by many people and companies in this effort, with early clinical progress now being reported. Much more remains to be done, and other new approaches still need to be investigated. This article provides an overview or snapshot of the work and progress to date with facilitated vascular anastomoses along with some of the challenges that have yet to be solved. The achievement of a predictable, reproducible, and reliable technique to accomplish this will significantly and irrevocably reduce the extent of surgery required to revascularize the heart. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
AN ACTIVATION HYPOTHESIS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR

Summrry.-An experiment was performed to test two hypotheses derived, respectively, from an activation model and Festinger's dissonance model: (a) induced dissonance and consonance will result in comparable amounts of cognitive activity defined in terms of amount of verbalization by Ss and (b) dissonance will result in more cognitive activiry than consonance. Results did not give unequivocal support to either hypothesis. It was argued that the notion of uncertainty from information theory best explains the results and other cognitive data which do not fir into the two models. The implications of the concept of "psychic constancy" and its relation to creativity variables were also discussed. Several consistency constructs have been proposed in social psychology to account for the intensity, direction, and modification of attitudes. Heider's (1958) "balance theory," Newcomb's (1953) "strain-coward-symmetry" hypothesis, Cartwright and Harary's (1956) "structural balance" theory, and Osgood and Tannenbaum's ( 1955 ) "congruity" hypothesis all assume consistency to be a desirable attitudinal state. Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance (1957) is logically in line with the preceding conceptions. Ic postulates that inconsistency between pairs of cognitive elements, i.e., attitudes, beliefs, and opinions, results in dissonance which is psychologically noxious. Hence, there is a drive toward reduction of dissonance. Recent empirical research has provided data inconsistent with certain derivations from Festinger's theory (e.g., Feather, 1962). The present study was undertaken to test the activation hypothesis of . cognitive behavior formulated to provide an explanatory framework for the various cognitive data which CaMOt be unequivocally fitted into Festinger's model. The activation hypothesis is an attempt to apply the concept of optimal level of stimulation to data in the cognitive realm. The fundamental proposition in this formulation is that cognitive activity is seldom in a quiescent state; there is a constant flow of activity in the individual's cognitive system. When the flow of cognitive activity is experienced as either too congruent or too incongruent, the individual will tend to move away from both extreme conditions to an experientially optimal level of sctivity. This study tested a basic derivation from the activation hypothesis: Induced states of cognitive congruence and incongruence will tend to result in comparable
Toxicity of silicon carbide nanowires to sediment‐dwelling invertebrates in water or sediment exposures

Silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNW) are insoluble in water. When released into an aquatic environment, SiCNW would likely accumulate in sediment. The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of SiCNW to four freshwater sediment-dwelling organisms: amphipods (Hyalella azteca), midges (Chironomus dilutus), oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus), and mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea). Amphipods were exposed to either sonicated or nonsonicated SiCNW in water (1.0 g/L) for 48 h. Midges, mussels, and oligochaetes were exposed only to sonicated SiCNW in water for 96 h. In addition, amphipods were exposed to sonicated SiCNW in whole sediment for 10 d (44% SiCNW on dry wt basis). Mean 48-h survival of amphipods exposed to nonsonicated SiCNW in water was not significantly different from the control, whereas mean survival of amphipods exposed to sonicated SiCNW in two 48-h exposures (0 or 15% survival) was significantly different from the control (90 or 98% survival). In contrast, no effect of sonicated SiCNW was observed on survival of midges, mussels, or oligochaetes. Survival of amphipods was not significantly reduced in 10-d exposures to sonicated SiCNW either mixed in the sediment or layered on the sediment surface. However, significant reduction in amphipod biomass was observed with the SiCNW either mixed in sediment or layered on the sediment surface, and the reduction was more pronounced for SiCNW layered on the sediment. These results indicated that, under the experimental conditions, nonsonicated SiCNW in water were not acutely toxic to amphipods, sonicated SiCNW in water were acutely toxic to the amphipods, but not to other organisms tested, and sonicated SiCNW in sediment affected the growth but not the survival of amphipods.
On two species of Macroteleia westwood (Hymenoptera : Proctotrupoidea : Scelionidae) from India

Abstract This paper deals with two new species of Macroteleia Westwood from India, namely, M. Chandelil and M. Dolichopa.
Time and Associative Learning

In a basic associative learning paradigm, learning is said to have occurred when the conditioned stimulus evokes an anticipatory response. This learning is widely believed to depend on the contiguous presentation of conditioned and unconditioned stimulus. However, what it means to be contiguous has not been rigorously defined. Here we examine the empirical bases for these beliefs and suggest an alternative view based on the hypothesis that learning about the temporal relationships between events determines the speed of emergence, vigor and form of conditioned behavior. This temporal learning occurs very rapidly and prior to the appearance of the anticipatory response. The temporal relations are learned even when no anticipatory response is evoked. The speed with which an anticipatory response emerges is proportional to the informativeness of the predictive cue (CS) regarding the rate of occurrence of the predicted event (US). This analysis gives an account of what we mean by "temporal pairing" and is in accord with the data on speed of acquisition and basic findings in the cue competition literature. In this account, learning depends on perceiving and encoding temporal regularities rather than stimulus contiguities.
Comparing distributions and shapes using the kernel distance

Starting with a similarity function between objects, it is possible to define a distance metric (the kernel distance) on pairs of objects, and more generally on probability distributions over them. These distance metrics have a deep basis in functional analysis and geometric measure theory, and have a rich structure that includes an isometric embedding into a Hilbert space. They have recently been applied to numerous problems in machine learning and shape analysis.SIn this paper, we provide the first algorithmic analysis of these distance metrics. Our main contributions are as follows: We present fast approximation algorithms for computing the kernel distance between two point sets P and Q that runs in near-linear time in the size of P ∪ Q (an explicit calculation would take quadratic time). We present polynomial-time algorithms for approximately minimizing the kernel distance under rigid transformation; they run in time O(n + poly(1/e, log n)). We provide several general techniques for reducing complex objects to convenient sparse representations (specifically to point sets or sets of points sets) which approximately preserve the kernel distance. In particular, this allows us to reduce problems of computing the kernel distance between various types of objects such as curves, surfaces, and distributions to computing the kernel distance between point sets.
Coherence and transparency of moving plaids composed of Fourier and non-Fourier gratings.

We examined the perceptual coherence of two-component moving plaids. The gratings that constituted the plaids were either standard Fourier gratings (F), in which luminance was determined by a drifting sinusoid, or non-Fourier gratings (NF), in which the contrast of a random background was modulated by a drifting sinusoid. These NF gratings are examples of stimuli that generate a compelling percept of motion, even though they fail to elicit a motion signal from motion analyzers based on standard cross-correlation (Chubb & Sperling, 1988). Naive observers viewed three types of stimuli consisting of superpositions of these two components: (1) two standard drifting gratings (F/F), (2) two non-Fourier drifting gratings (NF/NF), and (3) one standard and one non-Fourier drifting grating (F/NF). As expected, the F/F stimulus yielded a compelling percept of coherent motion. The dominant percept of all the observers for the NF/NF stimulus was one of coherent motion, provided that both gratings were visible and of approximately equal contrast. None of the observers reported a dominant percept of coherent motion for the F/NF condition, over a wide range of contrasts for the two grating components and across two varieties of NF gratings. In view of the results of Albright (1992) and Albright and Chaudhuri (1989), that show that single cells in macaque V1 and MT respond to both F and NF motion, one cannot interpret our findings as evidence that F and NF motion are processed independently. Alternative, “higher level” interpretations based on the intrinsically ambiguous nature of the stimuli and physical laws governing the appearance of transparent objects are discussed.
Children do not exhibit ambiguity aversion despite intact familiarity bias

The phenomenon of ambiguity aversion, in which risky gambles with known probabilities are preferred over ambiguous gambles with unknown probabilities, has been thoroughly documented in adults but never measured in children. Here, we use two distinct tasks to investigate ambiguity preferences of children (8- to 9-year-olds) and a comparison group of adults (19- to 27-year-olds). Across three separate measures, we found evidence for significant ambiguity aversion in adults but not in children and for greater ambiguity aversion in adults compared to children. As ambiguity aversion in adults has been theorized to result from a preference to bet on the known and avoid the unfamiliar, we separately measured familiarity bias and found that children, like adults, are biased towards the familiar. Our findings indicate that ambiguity aversion emerges across the course of development between childhood and adolescence, while a familiarity bias is already present in childhood.
ONE APPROACH TO DETECTING THE INVARIANCE OF PROFICIENCY STANDARDS OVER TIME

This study explores the use of a mapping technique to test the invariance of proficiency standards over time for state performance tests. First, the state proficiency standards are mapped onto the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scale. Then, rather than looking at whether there is a deviation in proficiency standards directly, the invariance of their NAEP equivalents is tested over time. The basis of the mapping technique is an enhanced method that was originally designed for comparing performance standards for public school students set by different states when the state tests are comparable. This approach can also be used to detect score inflation over time for state tests.
Joint analysis of radio frequency interference from SMOS measurements and from airborne observations

The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission has been providing L-band brightness temperature observations since its launch in November 2009. SMOS observations are being utilized for soil moisture and ocean salinity estimation. However, the mission has been affected by significant levels of radio frequency interference caused by anthropogenic sources of radiation in the 1400–1427 MHz band. SMOS has only one frequency channel and measures brightness temperatures with 1.2 seconds time resolution, therefore the detection and mitigation of RFI is challenging, especially for low-level RFI. One possible approach for RFI detection involves use of the fully polarimetric properties of SMOS measurements. In this paper, an examination of the characteristics of SMOS measurements over the USA is first reported. SMOS measurements from Fall 2010 are then compared with RFI source information obtained from a Fall 2008 airborne campaign called SMAPVEX08 (which supported NASA's Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP)). The SMAPVEX08 “ground truth” information on RFI sources is used to examine possible RFI detection strategies using SMOS polarimetric data. Although the study is limited by possible changes in source properties in the intervening two year period, the results suggest that polarimetry can be used as an indication of some RFI sources, but may not reflect the RFI characteristics of a region in general.
Quantification of carvone, cineole, perillaldehyde, perillyl alcohol and sobrerol by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and rapid isocratic HPLC assay is presented for the analysis and quantification of monoterpenes, i.e., carvone, cineole, perillaldehyde, perillyl alcohol and sobrerol in the diet of laboratory animals. The monoterpenes were extracted from the diet using 90% methanol in water. The analysis for the monoterpenes was performed by HPLC using a Whatman PartiSphere C18 column with UV detection. The mobile phase was isocratic methanol-water (72:28, v/v) for carvone, cineole, perillaldehyde and perillyl alcohol and methanol-water (65:35, v/v) for sobrerol. The method was simple with good repeatability (R.S.D. = 4.2-16.1%), reproducibility (R.S.D. = 3.7-19%), and accuracy (R.S.D. = 5.5-23.3%). The detection limit of the monoterpenes extracted from the diet was 2 micrograms/g for carvone, perillaldehyde and sobrerol, 20 micrograms/g for perillyl alcohol and 100 micrograms/g for cineole. Excellent resolution was achieved between the monoterpenes and the constituents of the diet. The method demonstrated applicability to monitoring the formulation of monoterpenes in the diet of laboratory animals.
Expression and localization of rab escort protein isoforms in parotid acinar cells from rat.

Rab proteins are geranylgeranylated on their carboxyl terminal cysteine motifs by geranylgeranyltransferase II (GGTase). Rab escort protein (REP) is required to present Rab proteins to GGTase. REP may remain bound to newly isoprenylated Rab proteins and present them to their target membrane. Other studies have shown that Rab proteins cycle between the membrane and cytosolic compartments and that cytosolic Rab proteins are complexed with rab-GDI. In the present study, we examined the expression and localization of REP isoforms in parotid acinar cells. Although both REP isoforms, REP-1 and REP-2, were detected in parotid cytosol, REP-2 was the predominant isoform. Subcellular fractionation revealed that approximately 42% of cellular REP-2 is membrane-associated. REP-2 was partially removed from parotid membranes with 1 M NaCl or Na(2)CO(3), indicating that REP-2 is a peripheral membrane protein. Membrane-associated REP-2 did not colocalize with Rab3D on secretory granule membranes. However, density gradient centrifugation revealed that membrane-associated REP-2 and Rab3D colocalize on low- and high-density membrane fractions in parotid acinar cells. Isoproterenol, an agent which induces amylase release from parotid glands, caused a shift in both REP-2 and Rab3D to less dense membrane fractions. When acinar cell cytosol was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography, Rab3D eluted exclusively with REP, not rab-GDI. In contrast, Rab1B and Rab5 eluted with both REP and Rab-GDI. Colocalization of Rab3D and REP-2 on acinar cell membranes suggests that REP-2 plays a role in delivering Rab3D to parotid membranes and may regulate guanine nucleotide binding to membrane-associated Rab3D. In addition, unlike other Rab proteins, cytosolic Rab3D appears to associate exclusively with REP, not rab-GDI in parotid acinar cells.
Externally Dispersed Interferometry for Planetary Studies

We describe a plan to study the radial velocity of low mass stars and brown dwarfs using a combination of interferometry and multichannel dispersive spectroscopy, Externally Dispersed Interferometry (EDI). The EDI technology allows implementation of precision velocimetry and spectroscopy on existing moderate-resolution echelle or linear grating spectrograph over their full and simultaneous bandwidth. We intend to add EDI to the new Cornell TripleSpec infrared simultaneous JHK-band spectrograph at the Palomar Observatory 200'' telescope for a science-demonstration program that will allow a unique Doppler-search for planets orbiting low mass faint M, L and T type stars. The throughput advantage of EDI with a moderate resolution spectrograph is critical to achieving the requisite sensitivity for the low luminosity late L and T dwarfs.
Occlusal splint fabrication

Occlusal splints are useful in the treatment of occlusal and temporomandibular joint problems. Occasionally a patient is in a state of discomfort that requires immediate attention. This technique allows for the rapid and effective fabrication of an occlusal splint in the dental office.
Unresolved problems in the superfluid phases of3He

The early studies of the superfluid phases of3He were marked by often spectacular agreements between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Nevertheless, several experiments have failed to achieve either agreement with the prevailing theory or consistency with each other — and improved experiments do not remove these discrepancies. We will discuss two recent experiments at U.S.C. which indicate that there remain fundamental questions beyond experimental uncertainties. One of these is the stability of superflow in a complex texture in the A-phase. Experimental evidence indicates that superflow may actually be stabilized by the existence of a texture. The other is the long-standing discrepancy between static (SQUID) and dynamic (NMR) measurements of the magnetization discontinuity at the A-B transition. Our recent experiments using a first principles measurement of ΔM support the continued existence of the discrepancy.
The Epidermal Cell which Selectively Adheres to a Collagen Substrate is the Basal Cell

In order to determine whether a specific subpopulation of epidermal cells selectively attaches to collagen substrates in vitro, epidermal cell suspensions, obtained by trypsinization of guinea pig skin, were incubated on type I or type IV collagen-coated glass cover slips. It was noted, morphologically and by electronic volume measurements, that small round cells, as opposed to the larger angulated flat cells, adhered to the collagen substrates. To further characterize the attached cells, the percentage of basal cells was determined in the attached cell population and in the initial epidermal cell suspension. Basal cells were identified by indirect immunofluorescence in 2 ways: (1) by the presence of pemphigoid antigen and (2) by the absence of upper cytoplasmic antigen, which is present in all keratinocytes except the basal cells. Whereas in the initial guinea pig epidermal cell suspensions about 50% of the cells were basal cells using either of these 2 criteria, 86–97% of the cells which adhered to the collagen substrates were basal cells. Human basal cells, as defined by pemphigoid antigen, also selectively adhered to the collagen substrates.
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars XXXII. New Species and a New Combination in Coussarea (Coussareeae) from Western South America

The Neotropical genus Coussarea is species-rich and widely distributed but not well known. Seven new species are described here, documented mainly by recent botanical exploration: C. acrensis is found in western Brazil, C. boliviensis and C. mexiae in the mountains of northwestern Bolivia, and C. camposiana, C. maranonensis, C. pseudopilosula, and C. vasqueziana in Peru. The new combination C. insolita is based on Rudgea insolita from Colombia.
Copper-hydroperoxo-mediated N-debenzylation chemistry mimicking aspects of copper monooxygenases.

A substantial oxidative N-debenzylation reaction along with PhCH═O formation occurs from a hydroperoxo−copper(II) complex that has a dibenzylamino substrate (—N(CH2Ph)2 appended as a substituent on one pyridyl group of its tripodal tetradentate TMPA (also TPA, (2-pyridylmethyl)amine)) ligand framework. During the course of the (LN(CH2Ph)2)CuII(−OOH) reactivity, the formation of a substrate and a −OOH-derived (an oxygen atom) alkoxo CuII(−OR) complex occurs. The observation that the same CuII(−OR) species occurs from CuΙ/PhIO chemistry suggests the possibility that a copper−oxo (cupryl) reactive intermediate forms during the alkoxo species formation; new ESI-MS data provide further support for this high-valent intermediate. A net H atom abstraction chemistry is proposed on the basis of the kinetic isotope effect studies provided here and the previously published study for a closely related CuII(−OOH) species incorporating dimethylamine (—N(CH3)2) as the internal substrate;(27) the CuΙ/PhIO reactivity with ...
Gutter design and selection for roof rainwater catchment systems

Water, while being critical for the survival of all of humanity, is not readily available to everyone. Within much of the developing world, water delivery systems are sub-par, leaving many homes without accessible and sustainable water resources. To address this issue, the use of rainwater harvesting systems is common. However, many extant systems are flawed in design, efficiency or sustainability. This paper investigates the impact of gutter cross-section on the performance and efficiency of rain water harvesting from roof catchments. Multiple gutter systems, with varying cross-sectional profiles, including a novel wrap-gutter design, were built and tested experimentally using a rainwater simulator. Experimental data, together with theoretical analyses, were used to rate gutter performance in terms of water lost though overflow, rate of water drainage, amount of standing water remaining in the gutter, amount of water loss via overshoot and the total amount of rain caught by the gutters. It was found that a wrap design, not normally highlighted in the literature, had the most consistent performance, regardless of rainfall intensity. Analyses regarding context-appropriate designs along with broader economic impacts of RWH systems are discussed.
Invariance theory for nonlocal variational principles—III strong and absolute invariance☆

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained in order that a collection of vector fields generate strong point and coordinate invariance transformations for functionals of functionals. Such vector fields are shown to lead to pointwise laws of balance and to global laws of conservation. Necessary and sufficient conditions are also obtained in order that a functional of functionals be invariant under nonfinite groups of coordinate and point transformations absolute invariance. The nonlocality shows up in that an infinite system of ‘moment equations’ is obtained as necessary conditions. Two types of strong invariance and three kinds of absolute invariance are distinguished in the nonlocal case.
Coulomb-energy anomaly

The droplet model mass equation of Myers and Swiatecki contains isospin-nonconserving contributions. When applied to the displacement energies between isobaric analog states, one obtained a hydrodynamical description of the Auerbach-Kahana-Weneser core polarization effect. The effect is not sufficient to explain the Coulomb-energy anomaly (Nolen-Schiffer anomaly) in light nuclei but is likely to contribute to the observed anomaly in heavy nuclei.
A CALCULATION OF THE MAGNETIC MOMENT OF THE Δ

A fully relativistic, gauge-invariant, and non-perturbative calculation of the Δ++ magnetic moment, μΔ++, is made using equal-time commutation relations (ETCRs) and the dynamical concepts of asymptotic SUF(2) flavor symmetry and asymptotic level realization. Physical masses of the Δ and nucleon are used in this broken symmetry calculation. It is found that μΔ++=2.04μp, where μp is the proton magnetic moment. This result is very similar to that obtained by using SU(6)⊗O(3) symmetry or the static quark model.
Signatures of fissile materials: high-energy γ rays following fission

Abstract The spectral and temporal dependence of β-delayed γ rays in the range E⩾3.0 MeV from thermal–neutron-induced fission are shown to be characteristic signatures of 235 U and 239 Pu . For the interrogation of large sea-going cargo containers filled with hydrogenous materials, β-delayed γ rays can offer an increase in sensitivity for the detection of these and other fissile materials by as much as 103–104 compared to the detection of β-delayed neutrons.
Calcific Constrictive Pericarditis: Is It Still with Us?

In contrast to common belief, pericardial calcification was noted to be a frequent finding in patients with constrictive pericarditis. It is often associated with idiopathic disease and other marke...
Political Consequences of Interest Arbitration Awards

The impact of interest arbitration awards receives attention in a case study of disputes during the 1970s between the state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Community College Faculty Association. Even when arbitration is non-binding on the government, it structures governmental decisions in allocating funds and creates political problems that extend well beyond the arbitrated cases.
How Corporate Communication Influences Strategy Implementation, Reputation and the Corporate Brand: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative field study of five firms from diverse industries on best practices in corporate communication, especially as they concern the links between a company's corporate communication function, on the one hand, and its implementation of strategy, its reputation and its corporate branding, on the other. The overarching question addressed in this study is this: How can the corporate communication function operate successfully at the heart of an organization, that is, where companies are orchestrating buy-in for strategy and building the corporate brand and reputation? Results show the importance of the following elements: alignment between the function and strategy implementation, CEO as best reporting structure, focus on brand and reputation, importance of internal communications, innovative uses of information technology and the function as an art and science.
Cutaneous palisaded allergic granuloma associated with rheumatic disease

A 62-year-old man presented with a 5-year history of symmetric, hard papules on both of his elbows. These lesions were completely asymptomatic, but they were of cosmetic concern to the patient. Summer and trauma reportedly exacerbated the appearance of new papules, which tended to evolve spontaneously, harden, and subsequently ulcerate. The patient's main medical problem was a long-standing history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with low-dose oral prednisone. Physical examination revealed multiple scattered papules bilaterally on the extensor surfaces of the forearms. These were 2-10 mm in size, red to violaceous, and hard. Some of the lesions had ulcerated centers or slight umbilication (Fig. 1A,B). Histologic examination revealed several granulomas in the mid- to deep dermis with central basophilic fibrillar collagen necrosis (Fig. 2A). The necrotic areas were interspersed with bands of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and leukocytoclastic debris. The periphery of these basophilic granulomas was lined by palisading histiocytes (Fig. 2B).
The impact of German electoral systems upon extremist party representation ‐ a comparative analysis

Lisa Harrison argues that the 5% threshold rule in German elections is not the only factor working against the representation of extremist parties.
On some arguable claims in B. Shneiderman's evaluation of natural language interaction with database systems

This work is part of the Knowledge Base Management Systems Project, under contract #N00039-80-G-0132 from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the United States Department of Defense. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the author and should not be interpreted as representative of the official policies of DARPA or the US Government.
Compound behaviors in pheromone robotics

Abstract We are pursuing techniques for coordinating the actions of large numbers of small-scale robots to achieve useful large-scale results in surveillance, reconnaissance, hazard detection, and path finding. Using the biologically inspired notion of “virtual pheromone” messaging, we describe how many coordinated activities can be accomplished without centralized control. By virtue of this simple messaging scheme, a robot swarm can become a distributed computing mesh embedded within the environment, while simultaneously acting as a physical embodiment of the user interface. We further describe a set of logical primitives for controlling the flow of virtual pheromone messages throughout the robot swarm. These enable the design of complex group behaviors mediated by messages exchanged between neighboring robots.
Design of a Wind Shear Detection Radar for Airports

Designing a radar to detect hazardous wind shear is treated in two steps. First, a field experiment was conducted to determine the strength of the return signal, and statistical results from this experiment are given. Second, these results are used in design of a clear-air radar for shear detection. The tradeoff between wavelength, transmitted power, and antenna size is shown. A simple display technique using a plan shear indicator is also described.
Comparison of Role Perceptions of Immigrant Foster Parents of African Descent from English-Speaking Caribbean Countries and African-American Foster Parents

Abstract This article reports the findings of a study that compared the role perceptions of African Caribbean (n= 43) and African American foster parents (n= 91) who belonged to a single foster care agency located in New York City. The Foster Parent Role Perception (FPRP) scale was used to measure perceived responsibility. Findings indicated more similarities than differences between the two groups. For example, there were no significant differences between the two groups as regard to demographic characteristics, role perceptions or order of priority given to foster parent role responsibilities. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.
Comparison of resistance-based and inductance-based self-sensing control for surface permanent magnet machine using high frequency signal injection

This paper presents injection-based self-sensing (position sensorless) control methods for surface permanent magnet (SPM) machines with highly symmetric rotors. Two suitable position-dependent spatial saliency signals are compared. The two signals relate to inductance variation due to stator tooth saturation and resistance variation due to high frequency (HF) eddy current losses. Finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to investigate the properties of two saliency signals in different SPM machines. Implementation methods as well as advantages for closed-loop self-sensing control are discussed. This paper includes experimental comparative evaluation of resistance-based versus inductance-based closed-loop self-sensing control performance in a SPM machine using concentrated windings.
Development and Modification of a Recombinant Cell Bioassay to Directly Detect Halogenated and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Serum

Polycyclic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs/HAHs) are a diverse group of widespread and persistent environmental contaminants that can cause a variety of detrimental effects in vertebrates. As most available methods to detect these contaminants are expensive, labor and time intensive, and require large amounts of tissue for extraction and analysis, several rapid mechanistically based bioassay systems have been developed to detect these chemicals. Here we describe application and optimization of a recently developed recombinant mouse cell bioassay system that responds to both PAHs and HAHs with the rapid induction of firefly luciferase for the detection of these chemicals in whole serum samples. This chemically activated luciferase expression (CALUX) bioassay has been modified to allow rapid (4-h) and direct analysis of small volumes (25-50 microl) of whole serum in a 96-well microtiter plate format without the need for solvent extraction. This bioassay can detect as little as 10 parts per trillion of the most potent HAH, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and is also sensitive to other HAHs and PAHs. The use of simple procedures corrects for interplate and intraplate variability and the Ah receptor dependence of the induction response is accounted for by use of the antagonist 4-amino-3-methoxyflavone.
Involved field radiation therapy after surgical resection of solitary brain metastases—mature results

Background. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) reduces local recurrence in patients after surgical resection of brain metastases without improving overall survival. Involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) has been used at our center to avoid delayed neurotoxicity associated with WBRT in well-selected patients with surgically resected single brain metastases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these patients. Methods. Thirty-three consecutive patients with single brain metastases from a known primary tumor were treated with gross total resection followed by IFRT between 2006 and 2011. The postoperative surgical bed was treated to 40.05 Gy in 15 fractions of 2.67 Gy with conformal radiation therapy. Patients received serial MRIs and neurological exams in follow-up. Surgery, WBRT, or stereotactic radiosurgery was performed as salvage treatment when necessary. Results. The median follow-up was 16 months (range: 2‐65 months). Local control, distant brain recurrencefree survival, and overall survival at 12 and 24 months were 90.3% and 85.8%, 60.7% and 51.4%, and 65.6% and 61.5%, respectively. Overall, 5 (15%) patients developed recurrence at the resection cavity, and 13 (39%) patients experienced recurrence at a new intracranial site. Two patients received WBRT, 8 stereotactic radiosurgery, 2 surgery, and 2 both chemotherapy and IFRT as salvage. Four patients died from CNS disease progression. Conclusion. For patients with newly diagnosed single brain metastases treated with surgical resection, postoperative IFRT to the resection cavity achieves reasonable rates of local control and is an excellent alternative to WBRT.
Organization of the auditory area in the posterior cerebellar vermis of the cat

We mapped the topographic distribution of auditory responses in the posterior cerebellar vermis of the cat under barbiturate anesthesia. Auditory neurons in the granule cell layer of lobules VI and VII appeared to be arranged in columns perpendicular to the surface of the cerebellar cell layers. Mapping the surface of the cerebellum, auditory responses were found as separated patches of the order of a square millimeter. Neurons on these patches responded to auditory stimuli but neurons between patches did not respond to sound. In decerebrated cats, the entire granule cell layer within the cerebellar auditory area responded to acoustic stimulation without a patchy pattern. Responses to tonal stimuli from single neurons in the granule cell layer were studied before and after the induction of barbiturate anesthesia. Some neurons showed no change in their responses to sound before and under barbiturate. But other neurons showed dramatically attenuated responses or essentially stopped responding as a result of barbiturate anesthesia. These results suggest that there may be two types of granule cells distinguishable in their auditory responses and therefore possibly in function.
Subthreshold K− production in high energy heavy ion collisions

Abstract We show that an important contribution to subthreshold K − production in high energy heavy ion collision is the strangeness exchange reactions Y π →KN between the hyperons and pions initially produced in the collision. Estimates are given for the number of K − produced via this mechanism and it accounts for a large fraction of the experimental observation.
Influenza A Pneumonitis in a Patient Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Influenza A results in considerable morbidity, mortality and economic costs. Although immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis are targeted toward high-risk groups, persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have not been widely recognized as being at increased risk of influenza infection. We report a case of influenza A pneumonitis in a patient infected with HIV. The literature on influenza immunization of HIV-infected patients is reviewed and the implications for public health are discussed. Consideration should be given to influenza immunization and chemoprophylaxis in this enlarging population. Further investigation of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of influenza in HIV-infected patients is warranted.
TRUNK REITERATION PROMOTES EPIPHYTES AND WATER STORAGE IN AN OLD-GROWTH REDWOOD FOREST CANOPY

Sequoia sempervirens (redwood) is a long-lived, shade-tolerant tree capable of regeneration without disturbances and thus often present in all sizes within a single forest. In order to evaluate functional linkages among structures, plant distribution, and biodiversity in the canopy, we quantified all vascular plants from ground level to the treetops in an old-growth redwood forest (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, USA). This involved mapping terrestrial and epiphytic trees, shrubs, and ferns as well as climbing 27 trees up to 101 m tall within a 1-ha plot. We monitored canopy microclimates using sensor arrays that collected hourly data for up to 30 months. The plot held 4283 Mg/ha of aboveground dry mass in living plants, 95.4% of which was contributed by redwood. A high degree of structural complexity and individuality was evident in the crowns of the 14 largest trees in the form of reiterated trunks arising from main trunks, other trunks, and limbs. Thirteen species of vascular plants occu...
Workshop Report: The Science of Design

Design can be approached scientifically. However, before a formal science of can be developed, several principles must be established, including the continuous nature of the design verification process.
Modulation of pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors during lactation in the rat.

Lactation is associated with a suppression of pituitary GnRH receptors (GnRH-R), and removal of the suckling stimulus for 24 h causes a 4- to 5-fold increase in GnRH-R. These studies were designed to examine the time course of recovery of GnRH-R after pup removal and to determine the roles that GnRH and PRL may play in modulating GnRH-R during lactation and after pup removal. All studies were performed on day 10 postpartum using ovariectomized rats suckling eight or zero pups. GnRH-R had more than doubled by 8 h after pup removal and had increased 4-5 times 16 h after pup removal to reach levels observed in nonsuckled controls. The increase in GnRH-R after pup removal resulted in a significant increase in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. Maintenance of hyperprolactinemia after pup removal, by injecting ovine PRL, reduced the increase in GnRH-R by about 50%. Simultaneous administration of GnRH with ovine PRL restored GnRH-R to control levels. Administration of a potent antiserum to GnRH at the time of pup...
The sticking of H2(v = 1, J = 1) on Cu(100) measured using laser-induced thermal desorption

The sticking of vibrationally excited H2 on Cu(100) is measured using molecular beam techniques and stimulated Raman scattering for state preparation. Laser Induced Thermal Desorption (LITD) is developed to measure surface hydrogen coverage by calibration with known H-coverages. We find that LITD can be effectively used to measure adsorbed hydrogen concentrations with a sensitivity of better that 1% of a monolayer. Sticking coefficients of H2 are determined from the ratio coverage to exposure. Measurements are made for H2 incident translational energies in the range of 74–189 meV. For the first excited vibrational state, we find and an upper limit of the H2 sticking coefficient to be 0.065 at E i = 74 meV and 0.17 at E i = 189 meV. These limits imply that previous measurements of loss of H2(v = 1) upon scattering from Cu(100) cannot be predominately a result of dissociative adsorption. The results are broadly consistent with results determined from quantum-state resolved measurements for recombinatative d...
Cluster-based congestion control for supporting multiple classes of traffic in sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks, multiple flows from data collecting sensors to an aggregating sink could traverse paths that are largely interference coupled. These interference effects manifest themselves as congestion, and cause high packet loss and arbitrary packet delays. This is particularly problematic in event-based sensor networks where some flows are of greater importance than others and require fidelity in terms of higher packet delivery and timeliness. In this paper we present COMUT (congestion control for multi-class traffic), a distributed cluster-based mechanism for supporting multiple classes of traffic in sensor networks. COMUT is based on the self-organization of the network into clusters each of which autonomously and proactively monitors congestion within its localized scope. The clusters then exchange appropriate information to facilitate system wide rate control. Our simulation results demonstrate that our techniques are highly effective in dealing with multiple, randomly initiated flows.
Köhler, Georges JF

Georges Kohler (1946–1995) was a German immunologist who, with Cesar Milstein, perfected the hybridoma technique of preparing monoclonal antibodies against specific antigen, for which they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1984. Kohler joined Milstein at Cambridge as a postdoctoral fellow. His doctoral dissertation had shown that a thousand different murine immunoglobulins could react with a single epitope. He and Milstein investigated antibody gene mutations. Kohler conceived the idea of producing hybridomas. Their synthesis of monoclonal antibodies was proof for the clonal selection theory which postulated that a single B cell and its progeny could synthesise a single antibody expressed as a cell surface receptor and a secreted product. Monoclonal antibodies have broad applications in both basic research and clinical science. After Cambridge, Kohler became an Investigator at the Basel Institute for Immunology and was subsequently appointed Director of the Max-Planck Institute for Immunology in Freiburg im Breisgau. Keywords: hybridoma technique; monoclonal antibodies; antibody gene mutations; myeloma; clonal selection theory; immunoglobulins
Bared-End Ground for an Insulated Buried Antenna Cable

The impedance, effective length, and current distribution of a grounding electrode are examined numerically. Its length varies frown being electrically short to being larger than a skin depth. The electrode is taken to be the bared extension of an insulated buried antenna. It is shown that there is little to be gained in making the electrode longer than a skin depth, unless the current distribution can be forced to spread out further along the electrode. Whether or not the properties of the grounding electrode will be affected by the impedance per unit length of the conductor is an important consideration. A criterion to help in this regard is developed.