cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending linear designs to nonlinear systems via adaptive architectures

This paper addresses observer/controller design problems for nonlinear systems from the perspective of augmenting linear designs. In both problems, an adaptive element is added to the nominal design to provide a correction that accounts for modeling errors. The error signal for adaptive laws is generated through a linear observer of the nominal system's error dynamics. Ultimate boundedness can be shown through Lyapunov's direct method.
Embryogeny of Isotoma longiflora Presl

In a previous paper of ours (Kausik and Subramanyam, 1945 a) a detailed account of the development of the male and female gametophytes and endo-sperm formation in Isotoma longiflora fresl. has been given. The present paper deals with the development of the embryo in this plant. During this study a single case of polyembryon was met with and this has been separately described (Kausik and Subramanyam, 1946).
Contrast-associated Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-recognized iatrogenic sequela of intravascular iodinated contrast media administration. The incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) varies depending on the threshold change in kidney function used to define renal injury and the clinical characteristics and risk profile of the patient population. CA-AKI typically manifests as relatively small, transient decrements in kidney function that occur within 2–4 days of contrast administration. A growing number of studies suggest that this condition is associated with serious adverse outcomes, including death and accelerated longer term loss of kidney function; however, the causal nature of these associations remains unknown. This is important as recent data demonstrate that indicated contrast-enhanced procedures are not performed in some patients with chronic kidney disease, likely out of concern by providers for the development of CA-AKI. CA-AKI is one of the few potentially preventable forms of renal injury; as a result, there has been substantial interest in identifying strategies to reduce the risk of this condition. Past research of multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions forms the current evidence basis for the prevention of this condition. Given an aging patient population, growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease and diabetes, and increasing reliance on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that utilize intravascular iodinated contrast, AKI is likely to remain a common complication of iodinated contrast. As a result, it is essential for providers caring for patients undergoing contrast-enhanced procedures to recognize the risk factors for, outcomes associated with, and evidence basis for the prevention of this iatrogenic condition.
A three‐plate kinematic model for Lau Basin opening

[1] We present revised compilations of bathymetry, magnetization, acoustic imagery, and seismicity data for the Lau Basin and surrounds. We interpret these data to more precisely locate the plate boundaries in the region and to derive a three-plate kinematic model for the opening of the Lau Basin during the Brunhes Chron. Our tectonic model includes the Niuafo'ou microplate, which is separated from the Australian Plate along the Peggy Ridge-Lau Extensional Transform Zone-Central Lau Spreading Center and from the Tongan Plate along the newly discovered Fonualei Rift and Spreading Center. Our model shows that Australia-Tonga plate motion between 15.5°S and 19°S is partitioned across the microplate, and it resolves the former apparent conflict between geodetic versus seafloor spreading velocities. Regionally, this implies that the angular rate of opening of the Lau Basin has been faster than that of the Havre Trough to the south and that the rapid current rates of Pacific subduction at the Tonga Trench (∼240 mm/yr at 16°S) have been sustained for at least 0.78 m.y.
Layout-driven factorization and fitting for cellular-architecture FPGAs

The characteristic feature of the new cellular-architecture FPGA is a local connectivity between the adjacent cells. This paper presents nontraditional approaches to layout synthesis of the cellular-architecture FPGA. In the first approach, a multi-level network, in the form of DAG, is mapped to the target architecture using a simulated evolution. The parameters controlling the simulated evolution are defined such that the routing structure of the target architecture is considered during placement. In the second approach, a restricted multilevel network (RML), obtained by the architecture driven factorization of two-level representation of logic functions, is mapped to the target architecture. This method produces rectangular-shaped, locally-connected solutions which are the best structures for two-dimensional cellular arrays such as fine grain FPGAs.
Perioperative care of the elderly patient

Older patients admitted to the hospital for hip fractures or other conditions that require surgery may have additional complicated medical problems that are not present in younger patients, making perioperative management more complicated. This article reviews factors that put older patients at particular risk of perioperative complications and uses a case study to explore many of the complications that can arise during the postoperative management of an older patient. In doing so, it will illustrate the importance of a vigilant preoperative assessment, anticipating potential complications, and working to prevent them.
Grading and Report Cards for Standards-Based Physical Education

P hysical education teachers are confronted with a high-stakes, standardsbased environment that has produced a grading and report card crisis. The development of content standards, greater access to information about student achievement, and an emphasis on self-directed learning styles have led to changes in the way students are taught and assessed. The shift towards authentic learning (i.e., learning that is relevant to students and the real world) and authentic assessment (i.e., an accurate determination of what students really know, can do, and value) raises questions about traditional grading practices. Traditional letter grading systems fail to provide specifi c information about learning targets, which is why authentic learning and assessment have begun to infl uence grading and reporting practices. We need to move away from traditional letter grading and begin to use a grading system that informs and truly assesses learning (O’Connor, 2002). The purpose of this article is to explore the reality of grading and report cards within the context of standards-based physical education (SBPE). The article’s specifi c objectives are to (1) identify standards for conducting quality assessments, (2) examine grading issues and concerns, (3) present guidelines for grading in SBPE programs, and (4) show examples of grading and reporting schemes that emphasize clear reference points (content standards and learning targets).
Fluid modeling applied to atmospheric diffusion in complex terrain

Abstract Wind-tunnel and towing-tank studies conducted over the past 10 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fluid Modeling Facility (FMF) of flow and diffusion in complex terrain are reviewed. A primary impetus for this work was EPA's Complex Terrain Model Development Program (CTMDP)—designed to develop reliable atmospheric dispersion models applicable to large pollutant sources in complex terrain, with primary emphasis on plume impaction during night-time stable conditions. The FMF interacted closely with the model developers participating in the CTMDP and provided support in various ways through the conduct of a wide range of laboratory studies. Work at the FMF prior to the inception of the program provided the basic framework for the model—the dividing-streamline concept— and the focal point around which the field program was designed. At the beginning of the program, the FMF provided direct support as an aid to planning the details and strategies of the field experiments and testing the limits of applicability of the dividing-streamline concept. Later work included exercises of ‘filling in the gaps’ in the field data, furthering the understanding of the physical mechanisms important to plume impaction in complex terrain and in stably stratified flows in general, testing various modeling assumptions, providing data for ‘calibration’ of various modeling parameters, and testing the ability of the laboratory models to simulate full-scale conditions. Simultaneously, the FMF responded to the needs of the regulatory arm of EPA, the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), by providing guidance concerning expected terrain effects and by conducting demonstration studies. These latter studies were concerned primarily with simulation of diffusion in the neutral atmospheric boundary layer. Finally, several supplemental studies were conducted, broadening and expanding upon the specific requests of the model developers and the OAQPS. The highlights of the FMF complex-terrain research work are described herein.
Studies in experimental meningitis in Rhesus monkeys. I. The pathogenic effect of various bacteria recovered from human cases.

The original purpose of these investigations was to produce an experimental exudative meningitis, and then to determine the effect of fibrinolytic and other enzymes upon the exudate. The criteria proposed for the experimental infection were (1) that there be an abundant exudate, (2) that the degree of exudate be uniformly reproducible, and (3) that the infected animal survive long enough to allow the therapeutic effect of the enzymes to be studied. During the course of the studies a good deal was learned about the natural history of experimental meningitis, produced by the intracisternal inoculation of various bacteria, especially in relation to such factors as mortality and degree of exudate laid down. For instance, quite different effects were produced by Diplococcus pneumoniae, type I, on the one hand, and Hemophilus influenza, type B, on the other. When the original criteria were finally
Tipping the balance: antagonism of PKR kinase and ADAR1 deaminase functions by virus gene products.

The protein kinase regulated by RNA (PKR) and the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) are interferon-inducible enzymes that play important roles in biologic processes including the antiviral actions of interferons, signal transduction, and apoptosis. PKR catalyzes the RNA-dependent phosphorylation of protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2α, thereby leading to altered translational patterns in interferon-treated and virus-infected cells. PKR also modulates signal transduction responses, including the induction of interferon. ADAR1 catalyzes the deamination of adenosine (A) to generate inosine (I) in RNAs with double-stranded character. Because I is recognized as G instead of A, A-to-I editing by ADAR1 can lead to genetic recoding and altered RNA structures. The importance of PKR and ADAR1 in innate antiviral immunity is illustrated by a number of viruses that encode either RNA or protein viral gene products that antagonize PKR and ADAR1 enzymatic activity, localization, or stability.
Endotracheal tube holders and the prone position: a cause for concern--reply

To the Editor: We read with interest the paper by Fisher et al[1][1] regarding the methods for securing endotracheal tubes. The authors should be congratulated for a carefully performed experiment in a model of the head and upper airway. We noted the increase in pressure exerted by the
Ketoconazole, a cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor, markedly increases concentrations of Levo‐acetyl‐α‐methadol in ppioid‐naive individuals

Background Levo-acetyl-α-methadol (LAAM) exerts most of it μ-agonist activity through the action of its 2 N-demethylation metabolites, norLAAM and dinorLAAM. The N-demethylation of LAAM to norLAAM and norLAAM to dinorLAAM is primarily performed by cytochrome P450s (CYP) in the 3A family. No previous studies have been conducted to determine the effect of in vivo inhibition of CYP3A on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LAAM. Methods Oral LAAM (5 mg/70 kg) was administered on 2 occasions in a single-blind, randomized crossover design to 13 opioid-naive subjects (6 women and 7 men) 1 hour after pretreatment with 400 mg ketoconazole or placebo. Blood and urine samples were collected at defined intervals over 240- and 96-hour periods, respectively; LAAM, norLAAM, and dinorLAAM concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Physiologic and subjective measures were collected for up to 72 hours. Results Results are presented as the geometric mean with 90% confidence intervals of individual ratios of ketoconazole to placebo sessions. Coadministration of ketoconazole and LAAM resulted in a 3.22-fold (2.53–4.10, P < .001) and 5.29-fold (4.24–6.61, P < .001) increase in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of LAAM. The values for time to Cmax (tmax) of norLAAM and dinorLAAM were increased 2.43-fold (1.92–3.08, P < .001) and 11.6-fold (8.36–16.1, P < .001), with 0.77-fold (0.67–0.87, P < .005) and 0.55-fold (0.49–0.60, P < .001) decreases in their respective Cmax values. The AUCs of norLAAM and dinorLAAM were increased 2.25-fold (1.96–2.58, P < .001) and 1.21-fold (1.12–1.32, P < .005), respectively. Pupil diameter was significantly decreased by LAAM after both placebo and ketoconazole pretreatment; ketoconazole increased the tmax for miosis 2.92-fold (2.01–4.25, P < .001). Other physiologic measures and numerous subjective effects measures were significantly affected by LAAM; however, few significant effects of ketoconazole pretreatment were observed on these outcomes. Conclusion A single dose of ketoconazole causes a significant pharmacokinetic drug interaction with a single dose of LAAM that results in increased LAAM concentrations relative to norLAAM and dinorLAAM at early time points. Coadministration also results in prolongation of the appearance of its active metabolites and a concomitant prolongation of miosis, a sensitive dynamic index of μ-opioid action. The clinically relevant increase in LAAM concentrations and prolongation of plasma LAAM metabolites may affect physiologic function, such as QT intervals, suggesting that coadministration of LAAM and CYP3A4 inhibitors should be contraindicated. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 76, 154–166; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.04.004
Improving classifier performance through repeated sampling

Abstract In traditional pattern recognition, the classification decision is based on a single observation of the input. In this paper, we show that by relaxing this assumption, the performance of the classifier can be improved substantially. We present a detailed analysis of one particular method for achieving this: taking a consensus vote on the classifier's output for repeated samples of the input. We prove that this approach always yields a net improvement in recognition accuracy for common distributions of interest. Upper and lower bounds on the improvement are also discussed. Under certain conditions, it is even possible to “beat” the Bayes error bound associated with the classifier. We conclude by presenting results from three sets of experiments examining the effectiveness of the idea.
Examining alternative futures: Theoretical considerations

In consequence of world population growth, technological dependence and natural resource depletion, mankind, especially in the developed world, which operates with a free-trade tradition, faces unprecedented challenges to civilised survival. Following the Harrison Brown precedent in assessing the dynamics of social systems' responses to survival pressures, the authors have selected themes of theoretical social science and juxtaposed them for insights into the nature of and paths to our collective future, here characterised in three alternative scenarios.
The association between race and prostate cancer risk on initial biopsy in an equal access, multiethnic cohort

Purpose Population-based studies have established a link between race and prostate cancer (PC) risk, but whether race predicts PC after adjusting for clinical characteristics is unclear. We investigated the association between race and risk of low- and high-grade PC in men undergoing initial prostate biopsy in an equal access medical center.
THE THEORETICAL VALUE OF A STOCK RIGHT: A COMMENT

THE Journal of Finance recently published an article by Professor G. H. Evans, Jr., who criticized the traditional method of determination of the theoretical value of a stock right and suggested an "improved" method of computing such a value.' His method does not appear to have added anything nor to have improved the approach in what Professor Evans calls the "traditional formula." The traditional formula is a method of computing the theoretical value of a stock right based on the market price of the stock. There are two variations of the formula, depending upon whether one wishes to compute the value before or after the stock sells ex-rights. The formula to be used before the stock sells ex-rights is
Temperature-dependent Hc2 anisotropy in MgB2 as inferred from measurements on polycrystals

We present data on temperature-dependent anisotropy of the upper critical field of ${\mathrm{MgB}}_{2}$ obtained from the analysis of measurements on high-purity, low-resistivity polycrystals. The anisotropy decreases in a monotonic fashion with increase of temperature.
Diagnosis and management of pinworm infection

Abstract Pinworms, or Enterobius vermicularis, is a parasitic infection common in persons of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Infection can be asymptomatic or cause a variety of bothersome symptoms. The gold standard for diagnosis of this infection is the “scotch tape” test, which detects organisms near the anus. Treatment is simple and effective, but relapses are very common. The drug of choice for treatment is mebendazole (100 mg in a single dose, repeated in 1–2 weeks). This medication is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant women should only be treated in the second or third trimester and only if the benefit greatly outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Turbulent dispersion of particles in self-generated homogeneous turbulence

Turbulent dispersion of particles in their self-generated homogeneous turbulent field was studied both experimentally and theoretically. Measurements involved nearly monodisperse spherical glass particles (nominal diameters of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mm) falling with uniform particle number fluxes in a nearly stagnant water bath. Particle Reynolds numbers based on terminal velocities were 38, 156, and 545 for the three particle sizes. The flows were dilute with particle volume fractions less than 0.01%. Measurements included particle motion calibrations, using motion-picture shadowgraphs; and streamwise and cross-stream mean and fluctuating particle velocities, using a phase-discriminating laser velocimeter. Liquid-phase properties were known from earlier work. Particle properties were predicted based on random-walk calculations using statistical time-series methods to simulate liquid velocities along the particle path.Calibrations showed that particle drag properties were within 14% of estimates based on the standard drag correlation for spheres, however, the particles (particularly the 1.0 and 2.0 mm diameter particles) exhibited self-induced lateral motion even in motionless liquid due to eddy-shedding and irregularities of shape. Particle velocity fluctuations were primarily a function of the rate of dissipation of kinetic energy in the liquid since this variable controls liquid velocity fluctuations. Streamwise particle velocity fluctuations were much larger than cross-stream particle velocity fluctuations (2–5:1) largely due to varying terminal velocities caused by particle size variations. Cross-stream particle and liquid velocity fluctuations were comparable owing to the combined effects of turbulent dispersion and self-induced motion. Predicted mean and fluctuating particle velocities were in reasonably good agreement with the measurements after accounting for effects of particle size variations and self-induced motion. However, the theory must be extended to treat self-induced motion and to account for observations that this motion was affected by the turbulent environment.
Optical implementation of an iterative algorithm for matrix inversion

The incorporation of a photorefractive gain element into a confocal Fabry-Perot processor, with a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal in the feedback path providing the coherent image amplification, is discussed. The implementation of an iterative algorithm for matrix inversion is described, and its experimental implementation is demonstrated. It is shown that the BaTiO3 amplifier provides loss compensation and coherence restoration of the feedback signal, thereby increasing the effective number of iterations in the algorithm. Thus, the technique makes it possible to implement slowly converging (as well as rapidly converging) algorithms.
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 mediates inflammatory responses to oligomerized RrgA pneumococcal pilus type 1 protein.

The pneumococcal type 1 pilus is an inflammatory and adherence-promoting structure associated with increased virulence in mouse models. We show that RrgA, an ancillary pilus subunit devoid of a lipidation motif, particularly when presented as part of an oligomer, is a TLR2 agonist. The surface-exposed domain III, and in particular a 49-amino acid sequence (P3), of the protein is responsible for the TLR2 activity of RrgA. A pneumococcal mutant carrying RrgA with a deletion of the P3 region was significantly reduced in its ability to activate TLR2 and induce TNF-α responses after mouse intraperitoneal infection, whereas no such difference could be noted when TLR2−/− mice were challenged, further implicating this region in recognition by TLR2. Thus, we conclude that the type 1 pneumococcal pilus can activate cells via TLR2, and the ancillary pilus subunit RrgA is a key component of this activation. Background: The pneumococcal pilus is associated with increased inflammation. Results: A 49-amino acid region of the pilus protein RrgA activates TLR2 and is associated with increased inflammation and virulence. Conclusion: The pneumococcal pilus is a TLR2 agonist; RrgA is a key component. Significance: A better understanding of the pilus in bacterial pathogenesis is crucial for the development of novel strategies against this pathogen.
Parallel FETI algorithms for mortars

We propose a new version of the FETI algorithm for mortar discretizations based on generalized coupling conditions across the interface. The new algorithm preserves the parallelization properties of, and has the same scalability properties as, the FETI method for continuous finite elements. We compare the numerical performance of the new algorithm with that of other FETI methods for mortars. When mortar conditions are required only on a small part of the interface, while continuity is required elsewhere, we show that the extra storage and extra computational effort required by the parallel algorithm is minimal.
MR tagging early after myocardial infarction in mice demonstrates contractile dysfunction in adjacent and remote regions

The purpose of this study was to use MR myocardial tagging to assess regional cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Eight mice were imaged before and 1 day after MI. MRI included cine imaging, myocardial tagging, and contrast-enhanced imaging. Regional percent circumferential shortening (%CS) was measured from the tagged images, and the region of hyperenhancement on the contrast-enhanced images was used to determine the infarcted, adjacent, and remote zones. Ejection fraction (EF) fell from 59% +/- 6% at baseline to 32% +/- 6% after MI (P < 0.01). At baseline, %CS was 14.5% +/- 3.4%. After MI, %CS was 0.7% +/- 4.4% in the infarcted zone, 7.4% +/- 4.4% in the adjacent zone, and 11.8% +/- 4.2% in the remote zone. %CS was statistically different for all comparisons between the infarcted, adjacent, remote, and baseline groups (P < 0.01). MR tagging can detect regional differences in myocardial function post-MI in mice.
Adenovirus L-E1A Activates Transcription through Mediator Complex-Dependent Recruitment of the Super Elongation Complex

The adenovirus large E1A (L-E1A) protein is a prototypical transcriptional activator, and it functions through the action of a conserved transcriptional activation domain, CR3. CR3 interacts with a mediator subunit, MED23, that has been linked to the transcriptional activity of CR3. Our unbiased proteomic analysis revealed that human adenovirus 5 (HAdv5) L-E1A was associated with many mediator subunits. In MED23-depleted cells and in Med23 knockout (KO) cells, L-E1A was deficient in association with other mediator subunits, suggesting that MED23 links CR3 with the mediator complex. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of several mediator subunits suggested differential effects of various subunits on transcriptional activation of HAdv5 early genes. In addition to MED23, mediator subunits such as MED14 and MED26 were also essential for the transcription of HAdv5 early genes. The L-E1A proteome contained MED26-associated super elongation complex. The catalytic component of the elongation complex, CDK9, was important for the transcriptional activity of L-E1A and HAdv5 replication. Our results suggest that L-E1A-mediated transcriptional activation involves a transcriptional elongation step, like HIV Tat, and constitutes a therapeutic target for inhibition of HAdv replication.
Surveys for z > 3 Damped Lyα Absorption Systems: The Evolution of Neutral Gas*

We have completed spectroscopic observations using LRIS on the Keck 1 telescope of 30 very high redshift quasars, 11 selected for the presence of damped Lyα absorption systems and 19 with redshifts z > 3.5 not previously surveyed for absorption systems. We have surveyed an additional 10 QSOs with the Lick 120'' and the Anglo-Australian Telescope. We have combined these with previous data, resulting in a statistical sample of 646 QSOs and 85 damped Lyα absorbers with column densities N_(H i) ≥ 2 × 10^(20) atoms cm^(-2) covering the redshift range 0.008 ≤ z ≤ 4.694. Four main features of how the neutral gas in the universe evolves with redshift are evident from these data.
Cognitive processing differences between novice and expert computer programmers

Abstract Research on cognitive processing differences between novice and expert groups has recently begun to focus on applied areas like computer programming. An often-used research paradigm has measured subjects' syntactic memory, their ability to recall briefly presented computer programs. This study demonstrates that expert programmers use semantic memory and high-level plan knowledge to direct their programming activities. Fifty subjects were divided into novice and expert groups based on the number of programming courses taken. Four tests were developed to measure syntactic memory, semantic memory, tactical skill, and strategic skill. Experts performance was superior on all tests. Additionally, the best set of predictors of programmer expertise was semantic memory, tactical skill, and syntactic memory. Results from this and subsequent research may have implications for areas such as selection and training.
A practical method for comparing numerical integration techniques

Most schemes for numerical integration of a set of differential equations are closely related to a corresponding analog simulation. The equations to be solved are reduced to a set of first order differential equations, each of which requires a single integration. Hence, one way to set up the problem is to draw an analog signal flow graph, then write an equation for the input to each integrator. Simultaneous numerical integration of these equations is then performed.
Tip growth: signaling in the apical dome

Signaling molecules, such as ROP/RAC GTPases and their regulators, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phospholipids, play pivotal roles in the control of tip growth in pollen tubes and root hairs. They are often localized to the apical growing region of these cells, where their functions are tightly interconnected with cytoskeletal rearrangement and polar vesicle trafficking, which participate in tip growth as well as affect the generation and maintenance of the apical growing region. Recent advances in our understanding of the interface between these cellular activities and signaling in tip growth will be discussed.
Families of Multivariate Distributions Involving “Triangular” Transformations

Attention is initially focused on certain pseudo-normal distributions. These are multivariate distributions in which one coordinate variable has a normal distribution and the distribution of the remaining variables is determined by a specific triangular transformation model involving normally distributed components. A remarkably flexible family of models is obtainable in this fashion. Some examples are described. In addition, models involving non-normal component distributions are discussed together with their relationship with those models obtainable by means of the beta-generalized-Rosenblatt construction. Inferential questions regarding these models will be the subject of a separate report.
Single epitaxial structure for the integration of lasers with heterojunction bipolar transistors

Heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are capable of producing very high speed digital integrated circuits operating as high as 40 GHz. In this paper we introduce a potentially low cost technique of monolithically integrating in-plane lasers with HBT circuits. A multifunctional epitaxial structure is used which is essentially the same as that for a standard high-speed HBT with modifications made to allow for efficient light amplification. Unlike previous multifunctional epitaxial structures, compromise in the transistor's performance is minimal. The schematic energy band diagrams of the HBT/laser structure biased as an HBT and laser are depicted. Light amplification is achieved by forward biasing the HBT's base- collector junction. The optical gain media is placed in the GaAs collector and consists of strained InGaAs quantum wells (QWs). Under normal HBT operation, the base-collector junction is reverse biased and serves as a sink for electrons which have diffused across the base. To confine electronic carries to the gain region when this junction is forward biased, the subcollector and base consist of a wider bandgap AlGaAs relative to the GaAs collector.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A model for rain composition and the washout of sulfur dioxide

Abstract A model for the washout of sulfur dioxide from the atmosphere by rain was developed in which account was taken of mass transfer of SO2 into well-mixed drops, of ionic equilibrium of sulfur compounds in solution, of oxidation of dissolved species to sulfate ion, and of presence in the rain of background strong acid or base. Expressions were developed to predict the composition of raindrops as a function of fall distance, the time scale of atmospheric SO2 removal, and ground level composition transients during a rain event. Illustrative calculations were made for single drop sizes and for the full spectrum of a model drop-size distribution, with the following results. In the absence of bisulfite oxidation and with an acidic background pH (pH0 = 4) the composition of rain was in equilibrium with SO2 in the atmosphere after falling 100–200 m through a mixed layer of pollutant. In contrast, the equilibrium composition was not reached within a fall distance of 2000 m for a basic background pH (pH0 = 10). Furthermore, the pH of initially neutral or acidic rain did not vary significantly with drop size, whereas small drops were acidic and large drops were basic in rain which had a strongly basic background pH. Introduction of bisulfite oxidation led to enhanced SO2 uptake at pH0 = 4, and diminished uptake at pH0 = 10. Also, rejection of SO2 from raindrops of small size was found in the presence of oxidation at pH0 = 10. Half-lives for SO2 removal from the atmosphere at a 1 mm h−1 rainfall rate and a mixed layer height of 1km ranged from hours to days depending on background pH and initial atmospheric SO2 concentration.
Mycobacterium haemophilum: A new opportunistic pathogen

In May 1991, an article in a New York newspaper was entitled "HIV Victims' New Foe--Haemophilum: Rare but Deadly Microbe Remains a Mystery" (1). The article noted that "Marie, a once-beautiful 32-yr-old New Jersey suburbanite with AIDS, is covered from head to toe with huge purple scars that occasionally erupt in painful oozing sores. She routinely has fevers of more than 101°F. She walks with a limp because a deadly organism has eaten a hole in a bone in her left leg." The purple sores, originally thought to be the lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma, were eventually found to be caused by infection with Mycobacterium haemophilum Pus from lesions in the left leg contained the mycobacterium. During 1990 and 1991 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), we observed four cases of M. haemophilum infection and presented them at Intercity Infectious Disease Rounds. Physicians from two other hospitals in New York City described their own cases. Laboratory directors in the greater New York area were called, and a total of five additional cases were disclosed. In May 1991, we received a call from Dr. Robert C. Good, Chief of the Respiratory Diseases Branch of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), who stated that he had received a call from a New York reporter who wondered what the "haemophilum" organism was. Investigations by the New York City Health Department and the CDC were begun. In addition to the four cases of M. haemophilum infection seen at MSKCC (2), at least nine additional cases of suspected M. haemophilum infection occurred in the New York City area within the past 2 yr (3), and 17 additional cases of M. haemophilum infection were reported in journals between 1976 and 1991 (4, 5). A summary of the four MSKCC cases and the 17 previously reported culture proven cases is presented in Table 1.
Global breast cancer seasonality

Human breast cancer incidence has seasonal patterns that seem to vary among global populations. The aggregate monthly frequency of breast cancer diagnosis was collected and examined for 2,921,714 breast cancer cases diagnosed across 64 global regions over spans from 2 to 53 years. Breast cancer is consistently diagnosed more often in spring and fall, both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, regardless of presumable menopausal status ( 50). This seasonality is increasingly more prominent as population distance from the equator increases and this latitude dependence is most pronounced among women living in rural areas. Moreover, the overall annual incidence (2005-2006), per 100,000 population, of breast cancer increased as the latitude of population residence increased. These data make it clear that human breast cancer discovery occurs non-randomly throughout each year with peaks near both equinoxes and valleys near both solstices. This stable global breast cancer seasonality has implications for better prevention, more accurate screening, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatment. This complex latitude-dependent breast cancer seasonality is clearly related to predictable local day/night length changes which occur seasonally. Its mechanism may depend upon seasonal sunlight mediation of vitamin D and seasonal mediation of nocturnal melatonin peak level and duration.
Temporal aspects of depth contrast.

Abstract Depth contrast is a contrasting change in the depth of a feature that results from changes in the disparities of other objects in the field of view, even though the disparity of the original feature remains unchanged. Depth contrast effects decrease during continuous viewing of the stimuli and may disappear altogether after several minutes unless the disparities of the inducing features change with time. This fading occurs whenever the inducing features have constant disparity, whether they are stationary or oscillating laterally. Depth contrast effects occur whenever the inducing features are visible within half a second before or after presentation of the test features. When test features are enclosed by a rectangle which is just inside of a circumscribing outer trapezoid, the inner rectangle “shields” the test features from the depth-inducing effects of the outer trapezoid. Surprisingly, this shielding effect persists if the inner rectangle and outer trapezoid have the same slant direction, but fades with time if the slants are opposite in direction.
Collapse and stable self-trapping for Bose-Einstein condensates with 1/r b type attractive interatomic interaction potential

We consider dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates with long-range attractive interaction proportional to $1/{r}^{b}$ and arbitrary angular dependence. It is shown exactly that collapse of a Bose-Einstein condensate without contact interactions is possible only for $b\ensuremath{\geqslant}2$. The case $b=2$ is critical and requires the number of particles to exceed a critical value to allow collapse. The critical collapse in that case is a strong one, trapping into the collapsing region a finite number of particles. The case $bg2$ is supercritical with an expected weak collapse which traps a rapidly decreasing number of particles during approach to collapse. For $bl2$ a singularity at $r=0$ is not strong enough to allow collapse but an attractive $1/{r}^{b}$ interaction admits stable self-trapping (a stable three-dimensional soliton solution) even in the absence of an external trapping potential.
A simplified method for constructing a core following endodontic treatment

This report described use of a core form. The principal objectives of the method are (1) the provision of a form of proper size and (2) to allow formation of the core portion of the dowel and core directly in the mouth in much less time than has heretofore been needed.
Children's Television Viewing, Racial and Sex‐Role Attitudes1

One hundred and fifty-five third, fourth, and fifth grade children were assessed in terms of their racial and sex-role attitudes, family's television viewing habits, and demographic background. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicate that children's and parents' viewing of specific types of television programs predict children's racial prejudice and girls' sex prejudice. Children's IQ and mothers' educational attainment and employment status also significantly predict children's attitudes, but age, grade level, family constellation, fathers' educational attainment, and mothers' traditional/nontraditional careers do not. Implications for the role of television as a socialization agent are discussed.
Transpiration responses to vapor pressure deficit in well watered ‘slow-wilting’ and commercial soybean

Slow-wilting has been observed in several soybean genotypes as a phenotypic response to drought stress. This trait has been proposed as useful in improving the yield of soybean under drought conditions, but the exact nature of the trait is unresolved. This research explored the hypothesis that slow-wilting is an expression of soil water conservation that results from a plant-imposed limitation on maximum transpiration rate. Therefore, gas exchange by slow-wilting and commercial genotypes was measured over a range of atmospheric vapor pressured deficit (VPD). Two experiments were undertaken to examine the response by whole plants and by plant canopies. The results showed that indeed the slow-wilting genotypes reached a maximum transpiration rate at a VPD of about 2.0 kPa with little or no further increase in transpiration rate above this value as VPD was increased. In contrast, the commercial cultivars showed continued increases in transpiration rate as VPD was increased above 2.0 kPa. These results indicated that the slow-wilting trait would be especially desirable in low humidity (high VPD) environments where water deficits commonly develop in the later part of the season. In these environments, restricted transpiration rate during the middle of the day with high vapor pressure deficit would result in water conservation allowing for both increased yield and water use efficiency.
Aging and HIV/AIDS: pathogenetic role of therapeutic side effects

The intersection of aging and HIV/AIDS is a looming 'epidemic within an epidemic.' This paper reviews how HIV/AIDS and its therapy cause premature aging or contribute mechanistically to HIV-associated non-AIDS illnesses (HANA). Survival with HIV/AIDS has markedly improved by therapy combinations containing nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors (PIs) called HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). Because NRTIs and PIs together prevent or attenuate HIV-1 replication, and prolong life, the population of aging patients with HIV/AIDS increases accordingly. However, illnesses frequently associated with aging in the absence of HIV/AIDS appear to occur prematurely in HIV/AIDS patients. Theories that help to explain biological aging include oxidative stress (where mitochondrial oxidative injury exceeds antioxidant defense), chromosome telomere shortening with associated cellular senescence, and accumulation of lamin A precursors (a nuclear envelop protein). Each of these has the potential to be enhanced or caused by HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy, or both. Antiretroviral therapy has been shown to enhance events seen in biological aging. Specifically, antiretroviral NRTIs cause mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial DNA defects that resemble features of both HANA and aging. More recent clinical evidence points to telomere shortening caused by NRTI triphosphate-induced inhibition of telomerase, suggesting telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) inhibition as being a pathogenetic contributor to premature aging in HIV/AIDS. PIs may also have a role in premature aging in HIV/AIDS as they cause prelamin A accumulation. Overall, toxic side effects of HAART may both resemble and promote events of aging and are worthy of mechanistic studies.
Contingency management improves smoking cessation treatment outcomes among highly impulsive adolescent smokers relative to cognitive behavioral therapy

Background Impulsive adolescents have difficulty quitting smoking. We examined if treatments that provide behavioral incentives for abstinence improve treatment outcomes among impulsive adolescent smokers, who have been shown to be highly sensitive to reward.
DYNAMIC RECONSTRUCTION OF 3D CORONARY ARTERIAL TREES BASED ON A SEQUENCE OF BIPLANE ANGIOGRAMS

To facilitate the evaluation of coronary artery and regional cardiac wall motion in three dimensions (3D), a method has been developed for 3D reconstruction of coronary arterial tree from two sequences of routine angiograms throughout the cardiac cycle acquired at arbitrary angles without using calibration objects. The proposed method consists of four major steps: (1) segmentation of vessel centerlines and feature extraction including bifurcation points, vessel diameters, vessel directional vectors, and vessel hierarchy in the two sequences of coronary angiograms, (2) determination of the optimal transforation in terms of a rotation matrix R and a translation vector t for every pair of angiograms acquired at two different views based on the identified bifurcation points and vessel directional vectors, (3) calculation of 3D coronary arterial trees throughout the cardiac cycle based on the calculated transformations, identified vessel centerlines, and diameters, and (4) motion analysis and dynamic rendering of the reconstructed 3D coronary arterial trees throughout the cardiac cycle.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Magnetic fields of Mars and Venus; solar wind interactions

Recent USSR studies of the magnetic field and solar wind flow in the vicinity of Mars and Venus confirm earlier U.S. reports of a bow shock wave developed as the solar wind interacts with these planets. Mars 2 and 3 magnetometer experiments report the existence of an intrinsic planetary magnetic field, sufficiently strong to form a magnetopause, deflecting the solar wind around the planet and its ionosphere. This is in contrast to the case for Venus, where it is assumed to be the ionosphere and processes therein which are responsible for the solar wind deflection. An empirical relationship appears to exist between planetary dipole magnetic moments and their angular momentum for the Moon, Mars, Venus, Earth, and Jupiter. Implications for the magnetic fields of Mercury and Saturn are discussed.
The Hazards of Interaction: Why Isolation Can Benefit Performance

Interaction is central to organizational theory and strategic management, but scholars have differing views on the impact of interaction on performance. For some, interaction is essential for disti...
Femtosecond solitary waves in optical fibres

We present a theoretical calculation which shows that optical solitary waves can propagate in an optical fibre in the femiosecond regime. The optical fibre which can support such a wave must exhibit negative third-order dispersion (s"0<0) and must be used close to an appropriate `operating´ point (6s"/ω0s"≃1). Use of these waves will further increase the bandwidth of optical fibre communication systems.
Toward a Quantum Psychiatry: Hallucination, Thought Insertion and DSM

The Bleulerian “splitting” that characterizes hallucination and thought insertion in schizophrenia is difficult to explain in the classical neurophysics context of nonlinear brain dynamics where compromise—the very antithesis of splitting—is fundamental. Hallucination and thought insertion become intelligible in the framework of thermofield brain dynamics (TBD). The clinical classification found in The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) is of practical value but not founded on basic principles. TBD is able to generate common diagnoses in a systematic way as disorders of “self-tuning” (autotonoesis). This encourages further investigation into quantum psychiatry.
Characterization of telomere DNA from Neurospora crassa.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of the telomere at the right end of linkage group V (VR) in the standard OR23-IV- A strain of the filamentous fungus, Neurospora crassa , reveals the following features. At the chromosome terminus, tandem repeats of the hexanucleotide TTAGGG are present. Immediately centromere-proximal to the simple sequence repeat is a more complex element called Pogo that is reiterated 5–10 times in the genomes of various Neurospora strains. The element possesses several features characteristic of a transposable element: direct repeats of 318 bp flank the element, there is a long internal open reading frame (ORF), and a 3-bp duplication is found at its borders. However, Pogo has other structural features that are more difficult to reconcile with the standard model of a transposable element. A second temere from Neurospora was also cloned by screening a genomic λ library with a synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide homologous to the simple sequence repeats. This telomere is entirely non-homologous with the VR telomere except for the TTAGGG repeats, has no associated copy of Pogo, and has no nearby ORFs. There are no long stretches of TTAGGG repeats present in the Neurospora genome at non-telomeric sites.
Fuzzy logic in control systems: fuzzy logic controller. II

For pt.I see ibid., vol.20, no.2, p.404-18, 1990. The basic aspects of the FLC (fuzzy logic controller) decision-making logic are examined. Several issues, including the definitions of a fuzzy implication, compositional operators, the interpretations of the sentence connectives 'and' and 'also', and fuzzy inference mechanisms, are investigated. Defuzzification strategies, are discussed. Some of the representative applications of the FLC, from laboratory level to industrial process control, are briefly reported. Some unsolved problems are described, and further challenges in this field are discussed. >