cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary factors in the etiology of melanoma

Abstract Although much attention has been focused on the role of nutritional factors in carcinogenesis, the relationship of diet to malignant melanoma has remained relatively unexplored. This may be so because dietary effects have been demonstrated mainly in epithelial tumor systems. Furthermore, sunlight exposure and constitutional susceptibility appear to play such major roles in the etiology of melanoma that a weak risk factor such as diet may be difficult to detect with current epidemiologic instruments. Evidence has accumulated, primarily from experimental studies, that diet may play a role in the etiology of malignant melanoma. Much experimental work has been conducted on the effects of dietary constituents on ultraviolet (UV) carcinogenesis. Because good animal models involving UV radiation in the production of melanoma have been lacking, most of this work has used the mouse squamous cell carcinoma model. Several studies have also explored the effects of dietary constituents on melanoma cell cultures and on transplantable melanocytic tumors. Some epidemiologic data are also available. These studies are reviewed here by group of dietary constituents.
An Initial Comparison Of Collaborative And Expert-Driven Consultation On Treatment Integrity

Although over 15 years have passed since Witt (1990) noted that no empirical evidence exists to support the contention that a collaborative approach to consultation leads to more positive outcomes than a hierarchical or expert driven approach, this issue generally remains unaddressed (Schulte & Osborne, 2003). While the literature documenting the benefits of consultation has continued to grow, a true head-to-head comparison has not been conducted. The purpose of the present study was to directly address Witt's call by empirically examining the impact of two consultation styles on a critical variable, practitioner treatment integrity. It was hypothesized that the involvement of practitioners in all aspects of intervention design would increase their level of treatment integrity. Two single-subject experiments using multiple baseline across subjects designs were used to examine the difference in level of treatment integrity for an imported, expert-driven intervention and a partnership-designed intervention....
“Martyred Signs”: Titus Andronicus and the Production of Musical Sympathy

Shakespeare's allusions to Ovid in Titus Andronicus repeatedly evoke the possibility of non-verbal communication, often with reference to early modern notions of musical sympathy. However, rather than promoting music as a bridge between inarticulate experience and understanding, Shakespeare's use of Ovidian voicelessness raises serious doubts about music's ability to mean anything at all. By figuring the mutilated Lavinia as a second Philomela (and a second Io, Actaeon, Hecuba), the play imagines a musician who has utterly lost her ability to connect sound to language. The subsequent attempts to interpret Lavinia suggest an analogy to how music is made to signify, in contemporary writing about music and in Shakespeare's own theatre. In this way, Titus Andronicus participates in a larger debate about the relationship between language and music taking place in Renaissance England.
Binding of specific sRNA to template ribosome complex: effect of proteolytic enzymes

When ribosomes were treated with trypsin, very little soluble material was released but the ribosomes lost some of their functions. The production of poly-phenylalanine under the direction of polyuridylic acid, the binding capacity for specific sRNA, the capacity to bind [ 14 C]polyuridylic acid (to form polysomes), are sensitive to the trypsin treatment in that order. Thus, it has been possible to obtain ribosomes which had lost their capacity to form polyphenylalanine but still retained the capacity to bind specific sRNA. Extensive treatment of ribosomes with trypsin resulted in almost complete dissociation of 70 S ribosomes into 50 s and 30 S subunits.
The coulometric determination of the amount of adsorbed hydrogen as a method of measuring the surface area of platinum powders

Abstract A study was made of the use of the coulometrically determined amount of hydrogen that would adsorb on platinum black as a measure of the catalytic activity of the platinum. This study was concerned with the use of the technique to measure the surface area of platinum black powders as catalysts for the oxidation of formaldehyde and the hydrogenation of acetone. The technique was shown to be unsuitable for determining relative catalytic activity of catalysts prepared by different techniques. It was concluded that this failure was caused by the inability to separate the areas of the different catalytic sites on the powders. It was also concluded that the oxidation of formaldehyde occurs on sites associated with the strongly bonded hydrogen while the hydrogenation of acetone occurs primarily on sites associated with the weakly bonded hydrogen.
A Monte Carlo Examination of the Sensitivity of the Differential Functioning of Items and Tests Framework for Tests of Measurement Invariance With Likert Data

This article highlights issues associated with the use of the differential functioning of items and tests (DFIT) methodology for assessing measurement invariance (or differential functioning) with Likert-type data. Monte Carlo analyses indicate relatively low sensitivity of the DFIT methodology for identifying differential item functioning (DIF) under some conditions of differential functioning with previously recommended significance values. The differential test functioning index was extremely insensitive to differential functioning under all study conditions. The authors recommend alternative noncompensatory DIF cutoff values used to evaluate the significance of DIF for different DIF effect sizes. Additionally, contrasts between polytomous and dichotomous data are drawn, and problems with determining measurement invariance at the scale, rather than item, level for Likert scale data are highlighted.
Impaired mitochondrial function and gluconeogenesis in late shock.

This study sought to elucidate mechanisms of hypoglycemia in late hemorrhagic shock by investigating the relationship between shock-induced alterations in hepatic mitochondrial energy-linked functions and mitochondrial ability to synthesize the glucose precursor phosphoenolypyruvate (PEP). Paired, nonfasted, anesthetized guinea pigs were subject to hemorrhagic shock for 180 min. Blood glucose and hepatic glycogen were then determined. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated for both polarographic determination of energy-linked functions and ability to synthesize PEP. Shocked animals with impaired mitochondrial energy-linked functions had a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in ability to synthesize PEP. Shocked animals that maintained mitochondrial energy-linked functions also maintained PEP synthesis similar to that of nonshocked controls. When ADP was substituted for ATP the amounts of PEP synthesized in each group were similar to that observed with ATP. The decreased PEP synthesis in animals with impaired mitochondrial function was again significant (P < 0.001) but the percentage decrease was greater with ADP than ATP. When ATP or ADP was eliminated there was a marked decrease in PEP synthesis in all groups but particularly in shocked animals with impaired mitochondrial function. Animals with impaired mitochondrial function maintained their blood glucose concentration at the expense of depleting their hepatic glycogen reserves. This study supports the hypothesis that decreased gluconeogenesis in late hemorrhagic shock is secondary to defective high-energy phosphate production. Furthermore, ATP appears to improve impaired gluconeogenesis by enhancing the synthesis of PEP. This improvement may account for the reported beneficial effects of ATP administration in shock.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in children and adolescents without structural heart disease

Abstract Since 1990, management options available for children with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) have included radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA). To determine the efficacy and safety of the procedure and to maintain a database for long-term follow-up, the Pediatric Electrophysiology Society began a Pediatric RCA Registry on January 1, 1991, to which 46 centers have submitted data from 4,135 total children and adolescents (patient age 0.1 to 20.9 years) who underwent 4,651 RCAs (through September 15, 1996). Of the 88% with a structurally normal heart, PSVT mechanisms (n = 4,030) included 3,110 accessory pathways and 920 atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) during 3,653 procedures for 3,277 patients. During the 7 years of the Registry, analysis of indications for the procedure has shown a gradual shift. During the first year of the Registry for this PSVT group, “medically refractory tachycardia” was listed as the indication for 44% and “patient choice” was listed as 33%, compared with 29% and 58%, respectively, for the years 1995 to 1996 (p
The role of iron and reactive oxygen species in cell death

The transition metal iron is essential for life, yet potentially toxic iron-catalyzed reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unavoidable in an oxygen-rich environment. Iron and ROS are increasingly recognized as important initiators and mediators of cell death in a variety of organisms and pathological situations. Here, we review recent discoveries regarding the mechanism by which iron and ROS participate in cell death. We describe the different roles of iron in triggering cell death, targets of iron-dependent ROS that mediate cell death and a new form of iron-dependent cell death termed ferroptosis. Recent advances in understanding the role of iron and ROS in cell death offer unexpected surprises and suggest new therapeutic avenues to treat cancer, organ damage and degenerative disease.
Evaluation of a new curved linear array echoendoscopy system for EUS

Abstract Background: EUS-FNA can be used to accurately diagnose and stage GI and pulmonary neoplasms. This study evaluated the performance characteristics of a new compact linear EUS system during EUS-FNA. Methods: A total of 37 patients enrolled in this prospective pilot study underwent clinically indicated EUS-FNA and/or celiac plexus neurolysis with the compact EUS system. Results: The mean time to perform a radial and linear array EUS with FNA and/or celiac plexus neurolysis was 24 minutes shorter with the compact EUS system compared with that for an historical control procedure in which a conventional linear EUS unit was used ( p = 0.0007). The EUS images and visualization of the needle during EUS-FNA were rated good to excellent in greater than 95% of the patients. With respect to ease of esophageal intubation, duodenal intubation, and general maneuverability, the performance of the new linear echoendoscope, compared with a radial scanning videoechoendoscope, was the same or better in, respectively, 85%, 87%, and 100% of procedures. The video image quality of the new linear array echoendoscope was superior to that of the radial scanning videoechoendoscope in all patients. No complications were encountered. Conclusions: EUS-FNA and celiac plexus neurolysis can be performed safely with the new compact EUS system. The efficiency of this procedure is enhanced compared with historical experience with other instruments. Although image quality is sufficient for EUS-FNA and celiac plexus neurolysis, the compact unit cannot be used as a "stand-alone" system for routine diagnostic EUS, and its use must be complemented by standard radial imaging.
Stripes and the t-J Model

We investigate the two-dimensional t-J model at a hole doping of x = 1/8 and J/t = 0.35 with exact diagonalization. The low-energy states are uniform (not striped). We find numerous excited states with charge density wave structures, which may be interpreted as striped phases. Some of these are consistent with neutron scattering data on the cuprates and nickelates.
H/α-CN versus H/β-CN rate ratios in the solvolysis of sulfonate esters in unconstrained systems. Additional evidence for conjugative stabilization of attached carbocations by the cyano moiety

Abstract H/α-CN and H/β-CN rate ratios have been measured for the solvolysis of sulfonate esters of relatively simple, noncyclic aliphatic alcohols. The β-CN function was found to be far more rate retarding than the α-CN function.
Walking abilities of young adults with cerebral palsy: Changes after multilevel surgery and adolescence

Abstract Although there is some evidence to support the efficacy of single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in the short term for improving walking abilities in children with cerebral palsy (CP), long term effects are not known. It is hypothesized: (1) SEMLS improves walking abilities; (2) in young adulthood abilities deteriorate beyond pre-operative status; (3) walking abilities deteriorate from adolescence to young adulthood and are associated with weight status increase. Twenty-three young adults (mean age 25.5 years, range 20–36) with spastic CP Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale Level II ( n = 11) or III ( n = 12) returned for follow up three dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). Gillette Gait Index (GGI) was used as a general indicator of walking abilities. Eleven subjects had 3DGA prior to multilevel orthopedic surgery and 12 subjects had 3DGA after the age of 10 with no interventions in the interim. GGI(s) were graphed over time. Ten of 11 subjects (91%) who had multilevel surgery either improved ( n = 6) or maintained pre-operative walking abilities ( n = 4) based on GGI. Ten of 12 subjects (83%) who had 3DGA after the age of 10 but no interventions in the interim maintained ( n = 8) or improved ( n = 2) walking abilities. No associations were found between declines in walking abilities and increased weight status. After SEMLS, walking abilities in young adulthood were comparable to pre-operative status. A decline in walking abilities was not observed from adolescence to young adulthood.
Exploring the Link Between Pet Abuse and Controlling Behaviors in Violent Relationships

Domestic violence is not as simple as one partner physically harming another. Instead, it consists of a complex range of controlling behaviors including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic maltreatment as well as isolation, male privilege, blaming, intimidation, threats, and minimizing/denying behaviors. In addition to the controlling behaviors reported by women seeking shelter from violent relationships, a growing body of research indicates some individuals who abuse their intimate partner also abuse their pets. This study explores these connections using reports of 1,283 female pet owners seeking refuge from their male batterer in a domestic violence shelter. Findings indicate that batterers who also abuse their pet (a) use more forms of violence and (b) demonstrate greater use of controlling behaviors than batterers who do not abuse their pets. Likewise, positive correlations are found between specific controlling behaviors and cruelty to pets. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Gauge boson mixing in an SU(3) × U(1) theory

Abstract We describe the main features of an SU(3) × U(1) gauge theory in which the charged intermediate bosons mix with each other.
Alfalfa stand length and subsequent crop patterns in the upper midwestern United States

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can provide many economic and environmental benefits to crop rotations. Our objectives were to quantify alfalfa stand lengths, identify the two crops following alfalfa, and determine the soil and temporal factors affecting them. The USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Cropland Data Layers (CDLs) for 2006 to 2012 and USDA-NRCS soil survey layers for North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin were combined and used to meet these objectives. Location and soil textural class generally determined stand length, with alfalfa being kept in production longer outside the major Corn Belt area of this region. Soil textural class effects on stand length varied by state. Corn (Zea mays L.) was the most common crop planted during the first- and second-year following alfalfa (79 and 61%, respectively), except in North Dakota (35% both years). Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was grown in 11 and 28% of cases, respectively. Small grains were planted as the first-year crop in 29% of cases in the Dakotas and 6% of cases in the other four states. As a second-year crop, small grains occurred in 26% of cases in North Dakota and 5% of cases in the other five states. Stand length, soil textural class, state, and year significantly influenced grower choice of both following crops. These geographic assessments will guide research and extension education designed to increase use of perennials for economic and environmental benefits. Similar methods can be applied to other crop rotations or U.S. regions.
Image-guided Raman spectroscopic recovery of canine cortical bone contrast in situ

Raman scattering provides valuable biochemical and molecular markers for studying bone tissue composition with use in predicting fracture risk in osteoporosis. Raman tomography can image through a few centimeters of tissue but is limited by low spatial resolution. X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging can provide high-resolution image-guidance of the Raman spectroscopic characterization, which enhances the quantitative recovery of the Raman signals, and this technique provides additional information to standard imaging methods. This hypothesis was tested in data measured from Teflon® tissue phantoms and from a canine limb. Image-guided Raman spectroscopy (IG-RS) of the canine limb using CT images of the tissue to guide the recovery recovered a contrast of 145:1 between the cortical bone and background. Considerably less contrast was found without the CT image to guide recovery. This study presents the first known IG-RS results from tissue and indicates that intrinsically high contrasts (on the order of a hundred fold) are available.
Bayesian Hierarchical Model for Large-Scale Covariance Matrix Estimation

Many bioinformatics problems implicitly depend on estimating large-scale covariance matrix. The traditional approaches tend to give rise to high variance and low accuracy due to “overfitting.” We cast the large-scale covariance matrix estimation problem into the Bayesian hierarchical model framework, and introduce dependency between covariance parameters. We demonstrate the advantages of our approaches over the traditional approaches using simulations and OMICS data analysis.
Sports Stadiums as Meeting and Corporate/Social Event Venues: A Perspective From Meeting/Event Planners and Sport Facility Administrators

Meeting and event planners are constantly searching for unique venues to increase attendees’ satisfaction by providing a one-of-a-kind experience. Many newly constructed or renovated sport facilities strive to position themselves as a unique meeting/event venue. This research investigated the perceptions of meeting/event planners (buyers) and sport facility administrators (sellers) to identify and compare their perceived quality of professional sport stadiums as a meeting and corporate/social event venue. A qualitative research method (mix of interview and open-ended questionnaire) was used to collect data. The findings indicate there are differences and similarities in perceived advantages and disadvantages by each side. The event/meeting planners perceived inferior quality of audio/video (A/V) and food and beverage (F/B) service, a complex planning process, and unknown price structure as disadvantages. Notably, sport stadium administrators perceived their high quality on-site F/B and comparable A/V as t...
Accelerated Gene Counting for Haplotype Frequency Estimation

Current implementations of the EM algorithm for estimating haplotype frequencies from genotypes on proximal loci require computational resources that grow as nh2k, where n is the number of individuals genotyped and h is the number of haplotypes possible on k loci. For diallelic loci hk=2k. We present an approach whose computational requirement grows as n2t where t is the largest number of loci at which an individual in the sample is heterozygous. The method is illustrated by haplotype frequency estimation from a sample of 45 individuals genotyped at 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PIK3R1 gene.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Perfume Oils

One hundred perfume oils were tested for antimicrobial properties against a series of pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria and fungi. The in vitro filter paper disk method was used exclusively for testing activity. The perfume oils were found to possess remarkable antimicrobial properties with greater activity against fungi than against bacteria. It is suggested that perfume oils be incorporated more widely into common toilet articles applied to the body surfaces as well as medicaments used externally.
Calcium and magnesium profiles in DSDP interstitial waters: Diffusion or reaction?

Abstract A model for diffusion is developed which incorporates measured values of the diffusion coefficient as a function of depth. The numerical method used to solve the resulting differential equation is described. The model is applied to the profiles of dissolved constituents in cores obtained by the Deep Sea Drilling Project using diffusion coefficients determined by electrical resistivity measurements. The profile of dissolved strontium of site 323 (Leg 35, DSDP, Bellingshausen Sea) is used to test the validity of the model. Application of the model at sites 70 and 71 (Leg 8, DSDP, Clipperton fracture zone) and sites 239 and 245 (Leg 25, DSDP, Indian Ocean) shows that the linearly correlated profiles of dissolved calcium and magnesium are principally the result of physical transport processes and thus that the predominant location of chemical reaction supporting the gradients must lie close to the basalt-sediment interface.
LA RÉFÉRENCE AU PASSÉ DANS LE DIALOGUE: ÉTUDE DE L'ACQUISITION DE LA TEMPORALITÉ CHEZ DES APPRENANTS DITS AVANCÉS DE FRANÇAIS. Maria Kihlstedt . Stockholm: Author, 1998. Pp. 227.

Written in French, this work reports the results of a longitudinal study of past-time reference in the interlanguages of four Swedish learners of French. Unlike most previous studies of L2 acquisition of temporal expression, which have focused on early interlanguage, Kihlstedt shifts the focus of inquiry in this study to the oral production of advanced L2 learners. Kihlstedt discusses evidence supporting a modified interpretation of Andersen's (1991) developmental stages in past temporal expression and proposes an ordering of aspectual value assignment to the passe compose and imparfait constructions in Swedish-French interlanguage.
Measurement Of Low Level Laser Pulses At 1.064 µm

A system has been developed for measuring 1.064 µm laser pulses of about 10-15 J. The overall uncertainty of the system has been evaluated and is less than ± 15%. The details of the measurement system, its documentation relative to the NBS absolute reference calorimeters, and the associated uncertainties of measurements are discussed. Several silicon avalanche and PIN photodiodes have been evaluated. Measurements have been performed utilizing cw lasers, and laser pulses of about 30 and 200 ns. These measurements have demonstrated the feasibility of characterizing transfer standards for these low level energies by means of cw laser measurements and acousto-optic modulators. Such a system is discussed. The results of these evaluations and work towards realizing well documented transfer standards are also discussed.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Unbalance Response of a Two Spool Gas Turbine Engine With Squeeze Film Bearings

This paper presents a dynamic analysis of a two-spool gas turbine helicopter engine incorporating intershaft rolling element bearings between the gas generator and power turbine rotors. The analysis includes the nonlinear effects of a squeeze film bearing incorporated on the gas generator rotor. The analysis includes critical speeds and forced response of the system and indicates that substantial dynamic loads may be imposed on the intershaft bearings and main bearing supports with an improperly designed squeeze film bearing. A comparison of theoretical and experimental gas generator rotor response is presented illustrating the nonlinear characteristics of the squeeze film bearing. It was found that large intershaft bearing forces may occur even though the engine is not operating at a resonant condition.
Genetic testing of children at risk for Huntington's disease

We reviewed 44 symptomatic children tested for CAG repeat expansions in the gene responsible for Huntington's disease (HD). Thirty-three patients had CAG repeat expansions, and 11 did not. No patient with a CAG repeat expansion had a negative family history of HD. Of the 15 patients presenting in the first decade, 12 had greater than 80 CAG repeats and a clinical profile at the time of the test that included two or more of the following: declining school performance, seizures, oral motor dysfunction, rigidity, and gait disorder. Three patients with smaller CAG repeat expansions had incomplete or atypical symptom profiles. Symptom patterns in patients presenting in the second decade were more varied but usually included behavioral and motor symptoms. Patients without CAG expansions had incomplete or atypical symptom profiles. We define the historical and clinical profiles of HD presenting in the first two decades and suggest that physicians exercise restraint in using a "diagnostic" gene test for HD in the evaluation of at-risk children with incomplete or atypical symptom profiles or no family history of HD, in whom test results are very likely to be normal or unrelated to the patient's symptoms.
Types for mobile ambients

Java has demonstrated the utility of type systems for mobile code, and in particular their use and implications for security. Security properties rest on the fact that a well-typed Java program (or the corresponding verified bytecode) cannot cause certain kinds of damage.In this paper we provide a type system for mobile computation, that is, for computation that is continuously active before and after movement. We show that a well-typed mobile computation cannot cause certain kinds of run-time fault: it cannot cause the exchange of values of the wrong kind, anywhere in a mobile system.
Sex Differences in Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Embryos

The sex of alligator embryos is determined by incubation temperature. Females are produced at temperatures between 29°C and 31°C and males at 33°C. As part of an ongoing study on the hormonal basis of sex determination in the alligator, we collected plasma and urogenital tissue from alligator embryos incubated at 30°C (females) and 33°C (males). Progesterone and corticosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in both plasma and urogenital tissue in embryos prior to the temperature-sensitive period (stage 17 in females and stage 20 in males) and at weekly intervals throughout the remainder of development until hatch. Corticosterone began increasing by stage 25 in both tissue and plasma of both sexes and continued to rise until hatching. Plasma progesterone on the other hand was very low throughout the second half of incubation in both sexes. Tissue levels of progesterone were low early in development and increased later in development. Plasma corticosterone values were significantly higher in female than in male embryos in the last week of incubation. However, by 3 weeks after hatch, plasma corticosterone levels had decreased significantly in both sexes and were not significantly different from one another. Plasma estradiol was significantly higher in female hatchlings than in male hatchlings. J. Exp. Zool. 280:238–244, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pressure-Tuning the Effective Diffusivity of Near-critical Reaction Mixtures in Mesoporous Catalysts

The pressure-tunability of the diffusivity of a supercritical medium in a mesoporous catalyst, by approximately 2 orders of magnitude with moderate changes in pressure, is demonstrated. Effective diffusivities in porous Pt/γ-Al2O3 pellets at supercritical conditions were estimated by performing the geometric isomerization of 1-hexene (Tc = 231 °C, Pc = 31.7 bar) at supercritical conditions that encompass both the kinetic-controlled and the pore-diffusion-controlled regimes. Operation at supercritical conditions thwarts catalyst deactivation by coking and ensures steady catalyst activity. Effective rate constants (ηk) are calculated from steady-state 1-hexene conversion data obtained in a fixed-bed reactor at various supercritical pressures (37−73 bar) in the 235−310 °C range. The intrinsic kinetics parameters and the effective diffusivities are estimated from the rate constants (ηk) using the conventional theory of diffusion and reaction in catalyst pellets. The intrinsic activation energy was determined ...
A miniature, wearable activity/fall monitor to assess the efficacy of mobility therapy for children with cerebral palsy during everyday living

Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking and may fall frequently, resulting in a decrease in their participation in school and community activities. It is desirable to assess the effectiveness of mobility therapies for these children on their functioning during everyday living. Over 50 hours of tri-axial accelerometer and digital video recordings from 35 children with cerebral palsy and 51 typically-developing children were analyzed to develop algorithms for automatic real-time processing of the accelerometer signals to monitor a child's level of activity and to detect falls. The present fall-detection algorithm has 100% specificity and a sensitivity of 100% for falls involving trunk rotation. Sensitivities for drops to the knees and to the bottom are 72% and 78%, respectively. The activity and fall-detection algorithms were implemented in a miniature, battery-powered microcontroller-based activity/fall monitor that the child wears in a small fanny pack during everyday living. The monitor continuously logs 1-min. activity levels and the occurrence and characteristics of each fall for two-week recording sessions. Pre-therapy and post-therapy recordings from these monitors will be used to assess the efficacies of alternative treatments for gait abnormalities.
New approach to optimal 3D object surface matching

This paper describes a method of optimal 3-D object surface representation used for feature- based parametric matching. First, the spatial and frequency domain methods are presented for the determination of an optimal grid spacing for 3-D object surface representation. The spatial domain approach is based on the measurement of the total variations of the object surface function, f(x,y), in the constant x and constant y planes. The frequency domain approach utilizes the Nyquist criterion and an ideal 2-D rectangular low-pass filter in an iterative operation. Two error criteria are defined based on the magnitude and shape features of f(x,y) as the measure of effectiveness of the optimal grid spacing for 3-D object surface representation. Second, a parametric matching is devised as a second order mapping function which maps the boundary features of f(x,y) in the cross section planes of the object and model surfaces.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of crystallization on the mechanical properties of Zr56.7Cu15.3Ni12.5Nb5.0Al10.0Y0.5 bulk amorphous alloy

Abstract Effects of crystallization behavior on the mechanical properties of Zr 56.7 Cu 15.3 Ni 12.5 Nb 5.0 Al 10.0 Y 0.5 based bulk amorphous alloy (BAA) were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in Ar environment showed three-exothermic peaks at 395, 472 and 659.5 °C and one-endothermic peak at 852 °C. Following DSC study, as received BAA samples were heat-treated in vacuum at six different temperatures 300, 450, 600, 700, 800 and 850 °C. Heat-treated samples were characterized using Vickers microhardness, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to study crystallization behavior. It is found that samples heat-treated above the second (472 °C) and third (659.5 °C) exothermic peaks show high microhardness values compared to the as processed samples, and brittle cracking along the indent diagonal. As processed samples show clear evidence of shear banding. FESEM examination revealed existence of nano-scale precipitates for samples heat-treated at 600 and 700 °C, while micro-scale precipitates for 850 °C samples. Quasi-static compression tests showed compressive strain to failure decrease with heat-treated samples compared to as received ones. Fracture morphology of the compression test samples changes from vein pattern for as received to flat facets with multiple cracks for heat-treated samples. Indentation fracture toughness values decrease almost an order of magnitude for heat-treated samples compared to as received samples.
Endogenous Regulation of Bronchomotor Tone

Airway smooth muscle responses are elicited in a complex manner through a large variety of endogenous mediators. Mediators augment or inhibit bronchomotor tone at a variety of sites through numerous different mechanisms. Interactions occur among mediators and nerves, muscle, and circulating blood elements or respiratory mast cells. Airway smooth muscle tone further is regulated by postsynaptic mediator-mediator interactions. Substances may circulate through the blood from distal sites to reach their target organ, as with epinephrine in its effects on airway smooth muscle, or may be secreted directly onto airway smooth muscle, as with the secretory products of respiratory mast cells. Recent observations have indicated that some mediators elicit airway contraction at least in part by activating efferent parasympathetic nerves and/or platelets. Direct secretion of minute quantities of mediators from adjacent epithelium or from infiltrating leukocytes may be an essential component of airway hyperreactivity. C...
Islam and Democracy Micro-Level Indications of Compatibility

Very few studies have attempted to empirically examine the relationship between Islam and democracy at the level of the individual. Using cross-sectional ordinary least squares regression, the author compares the sources and patterns of democratic supportamong Muslim and Christian respondents in eight countries undergoing varying degrees of democratization or attempting to consolidate democratic regimes. The results indicate that levels of support for democracy as an ideal are generally higher among Muslim respondents than Eastern Orthodox respondents in the countries included in the study. Furthermore, the study suggests that Muslims may more closely approximate the ideal envisioned by scholars who view civic engagement and political trust as essential to democracy. At the same time, however, the model reveals that in the countries included in the study, religion may play only a minor role in individuals’ evaluations of democracy as an ideal concept.
Measurements at NIST in Support of the Search for Exponents

I shall summarize work at NIST to measure reference spectra for the detection of exoplanets using Fourier transform spectroscopy.
Tribo-electrochemical characterization of copper with patterned geometry

Non-uniformity of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) induced by diverse pattern geometry in copper damascene structures has to be solved to increase the process yield. In the current research, we investigated the mechanisms of a step height reduction of copper during CMP. The tribological approach combined with an electrochemical study was applied. The surface modification controlled by potential altered the tribological behavior in terms of a friction coefficient and a surface morphology. Anodic CMP resulted in more step height reduction than cathodic CMP. The contact pressure increased exponentially with the decrease of pattern width and thus the more step height reduction was obtained for the smaller pattern. The rate of step height reduction varied with the contact pressure even among the patterns with same pattern densities. The mechanical factor such as the contact pressure and the pattern density was not the only factor but the metal-ion-concentration-cell established between each different pattern could also be the factor for the step height reduction. Analysis was based on the electrochemical behavior among the patterns and the Hertzian contact theory. Based on these results, we proposed two combinatorial mechanisms of the step height reduction for the better understanding and optimization of the CMP process.
Regional specialization of the hair cell plasmalemma in the organ of corti

Nonjunctional and nonsynaptic membranes of hair cells in the chinchilla organ of Corti were examined using the freeze-fracture technique. Cy-toplasmic leaflets of the apical membranes of hair cells have particles, 6–12 nm in diameter, but many more particles are found on apical membranes of outer hair cells than on inner hair cells. Cytoplasmic leaflets of the lateral membranes of outer hair cells are covered with large particles, but the corresponding regions of the inner hair cell membrane have fewer particles and these are small or medium-sized. Two types of particle aggregate also distinguish this region of the inner hair cell. The first consists of patches of particles closely spaced in rec tilinear arrays. The second consists of parallel strands of widely spaced large particles similar in size, but not in distribution, to the large particles on the lateral membranes of the outer hair cells. The basal membrane of outer hair cells is distinguished from that of inner hair cells by plaques consisting of cross-hatched in-cisures in the external membrane leaflet. While the significance of these anatomical features is not yet apparent, they give the hair cell plasmalemma a richness of regional specialization found in few other cells and suggest that there are important functional differences between inner and outer hair cells.
Noise due to tip vortex formation on lifting rotors

The high frequency broadband noise radiated by the local separated flow at rotor blade tips is analyzed. The aeroacoustic model is based on the convection of the tip region's separated flow pressure fluctuations past the trailing edge of the blade. The tip vortex formation and separation are modeled from available experimental studies. The separated flow pressure fluctuations are estimated using available separated flow experimental data and correlations. The trailing edge noise was approximated using a point dipole model. The point dipole strengths were evaluated by a method based on the trailing edge noise theory of Amiet. The point dipole approach compares favorably to stationary airfoil trailing edge noise analyses and experiments except near the plane of the airfoil. The rotor tip separation noise results are compared to other noise mechanism calculations and to experiments. The tip noise mechanism is shown to be quite important in the high frequency range. It is likely to be the major contributor to high frequency broadband noise for heavily loaded rotors with low turbulence inflow.
THE PUTATIVE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK OF JUBILEES

Dans l'original hebreu du Livre des Jubiles, aucun verset ne disait qu'un "ange de la Presence" avait ecrit certaines parties du livre. Au contraire, l'impression generale donnee par le livre est que Moise a recu la revelation contenue dans les Jubiles de la part de Dieu par la mediation d'un ange qui lui a dicte ce qu'il devait ecrire. S'il en est bien ainsi, l'hypothese de deux editions du livre n'a pas de fondement.
Are US firms stockpiling too much cash

US companies are stockpiling cash, despite the economic downturn. But why are they doing this? And are they holding too much cash? The authors of this article investigate the reasons for this trend, the effect on a company's value, and how a firm can tell if it is indeed holding too much cash. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiation-induced dielectric loss in hydrocarbon polymers

The dielectric loss of several cables insulated with hydrocarbon polymers has been measured over the frequency range of 10−3–104 Hz at 50° after being subjected to neutron doeses of up to 65 Mrad. The loss data show that a new loss process appears upon irradiation and that the frequencies associated with this loss are not those that are characteristic of those found for the unirradiated polymaric relaxations, ruling out main-chain motions. This loss seems to be related to dose and is probably due to local dipoles that are formed by the irradiation. It is also shown that the dominant behavior is not due to simple ionic conductivity. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Age and sex affect protein metabolism at protein intakes that span the range of adequacy: comparison of leucine kinetics and nitrogen balance data

Research suggests that changes in leucine oxidation (leuox) with feeding may reflect adult protein requirements. We evaluated this possibility by assessing the effects of age, sex, and different protein intakes on whole-body leucine kinetics and nitrogen balance. Thirty-four young (n=18, 22-46 years) and old (n=16, 63-81 years) men and women completed three 18-day trials with protein intakes of 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g protein·kg body weight(-1)·d(-1). Fasting and fed-state leucine kinetics were quantified on day 12 of each trial using a primed, constant infusion of L-[1-13C]leucine. Protein requirement was estimated using classical nitrogen balance measurements and calculations. Leucine kinetics parameters were influenced by age and sex across all protein intakes. With feeding, leuox increased more in old vs. young adults. Independent of age, fasting and fed-state leuox were lower, and net leucine balance (fasting+fed-state) was higher in women vs. men. Among all subjects and protein intakes, nitrogen balance was correlated with fed-state leuox (r=0.39), fed-state leucine balance (r=0.60), net leucine balance (r=0.49) and the change in leuox from the fasting to fed state (r=0.49) (P<.05 for all results). At the highest protein intake, the change in leuox with feeding was inversely correlated with protein requirement (r=-0.39). These findings indicate that leucine kinetics, especially leuox, reflect nitrogen balance-based estimates of the need for dietary protein and generally support the view that protein requirement is comparable between young and old adults.
Comparison of In-Canopy Flux Footprints between Large-Eddy Simulation and the Lagrangian Simulation

Abstract Flux footprints for neutral shear-driven canopy flows are evaluated using large-eddy simulation (LES) and a Lagrangian stochastic (LS) model. The Lagrangian stochastic model is driven by flow statistics derived from the large-eddy simulation. LES results suggest that both surface and elevated sources inside the canopy contribute equally to the cumulative flux from an upwind distance of 4 times the canopy height. LES flux footprints are more contracted than those obtained using the Lagrangian stochastic model. This is attributed to an enhanced vertical diffusion and reduced horizontal diffusion. The ejection and sweep contributions to momentum exchange in the Lagrangian stochastic model are weaker than those in the large-eddy simulation. Ejections of low-momentum air dominate at all levels in the canopy modeled by the LES. In contrast, high-momentum sweep events are dominant within the LES canopy and low-momentum ejection events are dominant above the canopy. Dispersion parameters for the first- a...
Feelings about Math and Science: Reciprocal Determinism and Catholic School Education

Applying Bandura’s reciprocal determinism model, differences in math and science experiences influenced by individual, gender, and school variables were investigated within 1,368 elementary students who attended 21 Catholic schools. Math and Science were evaluated positively and favored more than other academic subjects. However, advantages were found for boys by lowered math anxiety levels and favoring of math, and for large schools by lowered math anxiety levels and higher student ratings of science. No advantages were found for small schools. However, school poverty rate appeared to have a confounding effect on school size. Discussion is presented pertaining to the specific need to study Catholic school systems regarding student perceptions in light of distinguishing Catholic school factors.
High-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy of anions chemisorbed on electrode surfaces: The effect of counter cations

In the course of experiments that included Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) on cation exchange at benzoquinone sulfonate chemisorbed on a Pd(111) electrode, it was found that, whereas the AES spectra remained invariant as the counter cation was varied from H^+ to K^+ to Cs^+, profound changes occurred in the HREELS spectra. Specifically, the intensity of the spectral features decreased noticeably when H^+ was replaced with K^+. And, when the K^+ ions were exchanged with Cs^+, nothing but a flat-line (dead) spectrum was observed; even the elastic peak was completely attenuated. When the Cs^+ ions were displaced by protons, the initial undiminished spectrum was fully restored. This outcome, while unrelated to cation-exchange selectivity, is of exceptional significance in surface electron spectroscopy. It appears that the positive ions on the surface attracted the low-energy incident electrons such that backscattering towards the energy analyzer was hindered; partially by K^+ but totally by the larger Cs^+ ion. The use of HREELS to examine the molecular integrity of chemisorbed anionic species must thus take cognizance of the possibility that the counter cation chosen to preserve interfacial-layer electroneutrality can have a profound effect. To circumvent such complication, low-valent and small-radii cations will have to be employed. In addition, although subject to instrument limitations, higher incident-electron energies could be adopted. AES, with incident-electron energies in the kV range, is impervious to the presence of counter cations.
Rapid CD4+ T-Cell Loss Induced by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1NC in Uninfected and Previously Infected Chimpanzees

To investigate the pathogenicity of a virus originating in a chimpanzee with AIDS (C499), two chimpanzees were inoculated with a plasma-derived isolate termed human immunodeficiency virus type 1NC (HIV-1NC). A previously uninfected chimpanzee, C534, experienced rapid peripheral CD4+ T-cell loss to fewer than 26 cells/μl by 14 weeks after infection. CD4+ T-cell depletion was associated with high plasma HIV-1 loads but a low virus burden in the peripheral lymph node. The second chimpanzee, C459, infected 13 years previously with HIV-1LAV, experienced a more protracted course of peripheral CD4+ T-cell loss after HIV-1NC inoculation, resulting in fewer than 200 cells/μl by 96 weeks postinoculation. The quantities of viral RNA in the plasma and peripheral lymph node from C459 were below the lower limits of detection prior to inoculation with HIV-1NC but were significantly and persistently increased after superinfection, with HIV-1NC representing the predominant viral genotype. These results show that viruses derived from C499 are more pathogenic for chimpanzees than any other HIV-1 isolates described to date.