cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perinatal dopamine-related drugs demasculinize rats

Administration of haloperidol, a common neuroleptic, to pregnant or lactating rats impaired the masculine sex behavior of their male offspring. Prenatal haloperidol did not affect testosterone concentrations in fetuses. Maternal administration of apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, and of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, an inhibitor of dopamine synthesis, also demasculinized male offspring. In both experiments other behaviors and developmental milestones were unaffected. Perinatal haloperidol, apomorphine, and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine did not lower testosterone in adulthood. These drugs may act directly on neurons that control masculine behavior without lowering testosterone prenatally or in adulthood.
Studies on maternally derived antibodies to Aujeszky's disease virus in piglets born to naturally or experimentally infected sows.

Summary The concentration of maternally derived antibodies to Aujeszky's disease virus was compared in 10 litters born to infected sows. Four sows had been naturally infected and six were experimentally infected. Both IgG and IgM were present in piglet sera during the first days of life. IgM antibodies went rapidly to undetectable levels; IgG persisted much longer. The duration was dependent upon the original concentration. There was a clear relationship between the clinical disease experienced by the sow and the titre of antibodies in serum and colostrum; sows which had been naturally infected or experimentally infected with a highly virulent strain passed onto their litters a high amount of specific antibodies while sows which after experimental infection presented only mild clinical signs had very low titres of neutralizing antibodies and their litters were virtually devoid of specific antibodies at 3 weeks after birth. A return to detectable levels of IgM was noticed in some litters at around 9 weeks postcolostrum intake suggesting a development of a specific immune response. Zusammenfassung Maternale Antikorper gegen das Virus der Aujeszkyschen Erkrankung im Blut von Ferkeln nach naturlicher Durchseuchung oder experimenteller Infektion der Muttertiere Der Verlauf maternaler Antikorpertiter gegen das Virus der Aujeszkyschen Erkrankung wurde in 10 Wurfen infizierter Sauen untersucht. Dabei liesen sich in den ersten Lebenstagen sowohl IgG-als auch IgM-Antikorper nachweisen. Wahrend der Titer der IgM-Antikorper rasch unter die Nachweisgrenze absank, persistierten IgG-Antikorper in Abhangigkeit von der Ausgangskonzentration. Diese hing direkt von der Schwere der Erkrankung der Muttertiere ab: naturliche Durchseuchung der Sauen oder Infektion mit einem hochvirulenten Stamm fuhrte bei den Wurfen zu hohen Antikorpertitern, eine Infektion mit einem schwach virulenten Stamm dagegen nur zu niedrigen Antikorpertitern, die innerhalb von 3 Wochen unter die Nachweisgrenze absanken. In einigen Wurfen konnten in der neunten Lebenswoche erneut IgM-Antikorper nachgewiesen werden; dies deutet auf eine aktive Auseinandersetzung mit dem Virus der Aujeszkyschen Erkrankung hin.
Fast Automated Object Detection Using Signature Parsing

A fast algorithm is described which makes use of image signatures or profiles for automated object detection. Following segmentation, signatures are generated with respect to both axes and transition points are marked to separate the signature into bands. The intersections of the bands define rectangular regions (subimages) which may contain objects or groups of objects. Signature parsing is repeated for each subimage until single band intersections are produced at which point each object is naturally bounded by the band limits. Recursive decomposition of the image in this manner allows fast location of objects and calculation of object parameters while avoiding pixel level processing. The output of the algorithm is a two-dimensional spatial object relationship tree (SORT) which contains a high-level hierarchical description of the spatial interrelationships between objects and groups of objects. The SORT provides a powerful tool for scene matching and can be used to distribute subimages (nodes) to multiple processors. The algorithm has been used for efficient detection of objects and their locations in picking and placing tasks with a (PC) compute time of 1-2 seconds for a typical image.
Optimization of protocrystalline silicon p-type layers for amorphous silicon n–i–p solar cells

Abstract Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry has been applied to develop deposition phase diagrams for p-type hydrogenated silicon (Si:H) films prepared at low temperature (200 °C) by rf plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using gas mixtures of SiH 4 , H 2 , and BF 3 . These diagrams depict the regimes of accumulated thickness and H 2 -dilution ratio R =[H 2 ]/[SiH 4 ] within which p-type amorphous Si:H [a-Si:H], mixed-phase Si:H [(a + μc)-Si:H], and single-phase microcrystalline Si:H [μc-Si:H] films are obtained in depositions on R =0 a-Si:H surfaces. The performance of n–i–p solar cells incorporating p-layers deposited under the same conditions as those used in the phase diagram development has been correlated with the deduced p-layer characteristics. This correlation demonstrates that V oc is maximized when the highest possible R value is used for the p-layer while ensuring single-phase amorphous film growth throughout its thickness.
Antiarrhythmic effects of vasostatin-1 in a canine model of atrial fibrillation.

Antiarrhythmic Effects of Vasostatin-1. Background: We examined the antiarrhythmic effects of vasostatin-1, a recently identified cardioregulatory peptide, in canine models of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: In 13 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs bilateral thoracotomies allowed the attachment of multielectrode catheters to superior and inferior pulmonary veins and atrial appendages (AA). Rapid atrial pacing (RAP) was maintained for 6 hours. Each hour, programmed stimulation was performed to determine the window of vulnerability (WOV), a measure of AF inducibility, at all sites. During the last 3 hours, vasostatin-1, 33 nM, was injected into the anterior right (AR) ganglionated plexus (GP) and inferior right (IR) GP every 30 minutes (n = 6). Seven dogs underwent 6 hours of RAP only (controls). At baseline, acetylcholine, 100 mM, was applied on the right AA and AF duration was recorded before and after injection of vasostatin-1, 33 nM, into the ARGP and IRGP. In separate experiments (n = 8), voltage–sinus rate response curves (surrogate for GP function) were constructed by applying high-frequency stimulation to the ARGP with incremental voltages with or without vasostatin-1. Vasostatin-1 significantly decreased the duration of acetylcholine-induced AF (11.0 ± 4.1 vs 5.5 ± 2.6 min, P = 0.02). The cumulative WOV (the sum of individual WOVs) significantly increased (P < 0.0001) during the first 3 hours and decreased toward baseline in the presence of vasostatin-1 (P < 0.0001). Cumulative WOV in controls steadily increased. Vasostatin-1 blunted the slowing of sinus rate with increasing stimulation voltage of ARGP. Conclusions: Vasostatin-1 suppresses AF inducibility, likely by inhibiting GP function. These data may provide new insights into the role of peptide neuromodulators for AF therapy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 771-777, July 2012)
School Adjustment, Drinking, and the Impact of Alcohol Education Programs

How effective are alcohol education programs? This answer is not as simple as the question, and not altogether encouraging.
*Miner: a spatial and spatiotemporal data mining system

Intelligent image information mining for thematic pattern extraction is a complex task. Ever increasing spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution poses several challenges to the geographic knowledge discovery community. Although the improvements in sensor technology and data collection methods may lead to improved geoinformation generation, it also places several constraints on data mining techniques. Moreover thematic classes are spectrally overlapping, that is, many thematic classes can not be separated by spectral features alone. In recent years we have developed several innovative machine learning approaches to address these problems. The resulting software system, called *Miner, was tested on several real world multisource spatiotemporal datasets. Experimental evaluation showed improved accuracy over conventional data mining approaches. In addition, we integrated *Miner with another popular open source machine learning system called Weka. In this demo we show the utility of *Miner for thematic information extraction from multisource spatiotemporal data (remote sensing images and ancillary geospatial databases).
Frequency and Significance of Phenotypes for α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency in Type 1 Autoimmune Hepatitis

To evaluate the frequency and significance of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, 181 Caucasian patients were assessed for variant phenotypes. Three hundred three Caucasian patients with various other chronic liver diseases were similarly evaluated. Twenty-one of the 181 patients (12%) had heterozygous deficiencies, including the MS (6%) and MZ (6%) phenotypes. These patients were indistinguishable from those with normal phenotypes. Immediate outcomes after corticosteroid therapy were also similar in both groups. Variant phenotypes were present in 34 of the 303 patients with other chronic liver diseases (11%). Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis had a significantly greater frequency of deficiency phenotypes than patients with chronic hepatitis C (20% vs 7%, P = 0.03). In conclusion, deficiency phenotypes are common in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and they have no clinical or prognostic importance. In certain liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, variant phenotypes may be comorbid factors.
Secure cloud-assisted location based reminder

In this paper, we propose a secure cloud-assisted location based reminder system. The proposed system is secure and responsive. Our system outsources the location testing task --- testing whether the current location is near a reminder location --- to the cloud server such that the device synchronization is not necessary in the system. This feature makes the proposed system more responsive, especially when the reminder message is of large size, e.g., audio, images. Above all, the proposed system protects a user's location privacy and the confidentiality of the reminder message. The system is designed in a way that the cloud server can perform location testing for a user but cannot learn about her current location, reminder locations, and reminder messages. We prove the security of the proposed system and demonstrate its efficiency using simulations on a Motorola Droid smartphone.
{L}_{2}-gain analysis and output feedback control for continuous-time switched systems with actuator saturation

This paper is concerned with the problem of $$L_2$$ -gain analysis for a class of continuous-time switched systems with actuator saturation. Different from the existing results using the state-dependent switching approach, a linear parameter-varying output feedback controller with the time-dependent switching mechanism is designed such that the overall system is exponentially stable and with disturbance tolerance capacity and $$L_2$$ gain. Further, the proposed controller is insured by introducing the slack matrices to have less conservatism, which maximizes the ellipsoid where the state trajectories starting from the origin will remain. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the switching and output feedback control law are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a practical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inhibition of the serotoninergic uptake system by MK-212 (6-chloro-2-[1-piperazinyl]-pyrazine)

Summary MK-212 inhibited the uptake of 3H-serotonin in cerebral cortical tissue with an EC50 of about 10 μM. At 10 μM, MK-212 did not affect the uptake of 3H-norepinephrine. Inhibition of serotonin and catecholamine uptake in vivo was assessed by determining the effect of pretreatment with MK-212 on the ability of p-chloroamphetamine and H 77/77 to decrease, respectively, the concentration of serotonin and catecholamines in rat brain. MK-212, 2.5–10 mg/kg i.p., produced a dose-related antagonism of the serotonin-lowering action of p-chloroamphetamine, while the H 77/77-induced reductions in norepinephrine and dopamine were not inhibited by prior administration of MK-212. Inhibition of the neuronal reuptake system for serotonin may contribute to the previously described serotoninmimetic action of MK-212 in the central nervous system.
Numerical modeling of non-adiabatic heat-recirculating combustors

Abstract A two-dimensional numerical model of spiral counterflow heat recirculating combustors was developed including the effects of temperature-dependent gas and solid properties, viscous flow, surface-to-surface radiative heat transfer, heat conduction within the solid structure, one-step chemical reaction and heat loss from the combustor to its surroundings. A simplified model of heat loss in the 3rd dimension was implemented and found to provide satisfactory representation of such losses at greatly reduced computational cost compared to fully three-dimensional models. The model predicts broad reaction zones with structure decidedly different from conventional premixed flames. Extinction limits were determined over a wide range of Reynolds numbers (2 500, modeling of turbulent flow and transport was required to obtain such agreement. Heat conduction along the heat exchanger wall has a major impact extinction limits; the wall thermal conductivity providing the broadest limits is actually less than that of air. Radiative heat transfer between walls was found to have an effect similar to that of heat conduction along the wall. In addition to weak-burning extinction limits, strong-burning limits in which the reaction zone moves out of the combustor center toward the inlet were also predicted by the numerical model, in agreement with experiments. It is concluded that several physical processes including radiative transfer, turbulence and wall heat conduction strongly affect the performance of heat-recirculating combustors, but the relative importance of such effects is strongly dependent on Re.
Electric field–curvature relationships for small and large deformation of piezoelectric bi-layers

A simple analytical framework is developed to capture the characteristic features of the electric field–curvature response of piezoelectric bi-layers. For small deformations, the curvatures developed depend on the mismatch in the piezoelectric strengths and the mechanical stiffnesses in both the layers, and the relative thicknesses and the electric potentials applied across each of the layers. For large deformations, a bifurcation in curvature is generally observed at characteristic electric fields which depend strongly on the geometric asymmetry of the bi-layers.
Neuroendocrine and leukocyte responses and pulmonary function to acute stressors

Although stress is linked to asthma exacerbation, underlying mechanisms are unclear. Given the shared relevance to stress and asthma, select neuroendocrine and immune responses to acute stressors and their impact on pulmonary function were examined, comparing responses between students with (n = 20) and without childhood asthma (n = 16). Students were challenged with speech and math tasks. Blood samples were collected five times: before tasks, immediately after first and second tasks, and 15 and 60 minutes posttasks. Pulmonary function was measured four times, excluding midtask point. Stress reactivity patterns did not differ between two groups. However, all measures showed significant changes across the challenge. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine rose during tasks and declined after tasks, p < .001. Cortisol mainly declined after tasks, p = .03. Leukocyte count increased during tasks with increased lymphocyte percentage that declined after tasks, while neutrophil percentage changed opposite to lymphocytes, p < .001 each. Changes in pulmonary function were significant, p < .05, but were not predicted by the magnitude of neuroendocrine and immune changes. Instead, neuroendocrine and immune levels explained 33%-51% of variance on concurrent pulmonary function. Findings indicate that acute stress induces significant neuroendocrine and immune changes that can affect pulmonary function. However, stress reactivity needs further investigation with larger samples and people with a more severe form of asthma.
Validating a GIS-based multi-criteria method for potential road identification

This paper investigated the validation of a multi-criteria method for identifying potential roads, and demonstrated the capability of analyzing GPS vehicle tracking data for identifying vehicle movement patterns and potential roads. The multi-criteria method was evaluated by comparing the predictions to the site visit results on 34 selected road segments meeting different criteria levels. Results show that locations meeting higher criteria levels have higher possibilities to be roads: an approximately 91% possibility of road existence for the locations meeting all five criteria; 55% for the locations meeting four criteria; and 14% for those meeting criteria level two or three. This approach provides an opportunity for land managers to update existing GIS roads map, or identify newly formed roads that may need either rehabilitation or inclusion into the roads maintenance program.
Mildly Symptomatic Pulmonary Emboli Associated With Electrophysiologic Procedures : Indications for Anticoagulant Use

Symptomatic pulmonary emboli complicating electrophysiologic procedures are uncommon. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic emboli are likely much more common. This case report highlights the problem of extensive, but mildly symptomatic, pulmonary emboli occurring as a complication of electrophysiologic procedures, including catheter ablation. The role of anticoagulation during and following electrophysiologic procedures in preventing pulmonary emboli (which can have long-term sequelae) is unknown. Currently, there appears to be no consensus regarding the use of anticoagulants either during or following electrophysiologic procedures, including those involving catheter ablation. Based on the presumed frequency and potential long-term complications of pulmonary emboli, anticoagulation during electrophysiologic procedures should be recommended.
The machine basis for the Dasein: On the prospects for an existential functionalism

Heidegger has provided a profound account of human existence in terms of the to-be-da. Even though Heidegger disregarded its brain machine basis (and even though brain scientists disregard Heidegger), the issue of the Dasein's machine basis is raised by the empirically extremely well confirmed “supervenience” of the Dasein on the brain. Since the Turing machine will not do as basis for the Dasein, as Dreyfus has shown, contemporary functionalism cannot resolve the issue. Instead an “existential functionalism,” which looks to some other kind of machine than the computer, is called for. A machine that continuously tunes filters on input and that detects any match between abstract properties of the input flux and filter specifications was considered. A match points to those tuning rules whose abstract conditions have been satisfied by input, and the rules thus selected are enabled to generate their own fulfillment through mechanisms that can presently be only speculated about. Such a machine cannot sustain direct perception but is “methodologically solipsistic.” At the most general level of description, the wet machine that provides a supervenience base for the Dasein is to be considered a “windowless monad.”
PRODUCTION OF NEUTRON - RICH NUCLIDES BY FRAGMENTATION OF 212-MEV/AMU CA-48

Yields of neutron-rich projectile fragments have been measured at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for the reaction of 212-MeV/amu $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ ions on an 890-mg-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ beryllium target. Fourteen nuclides have been observed for the first time. The systematics of production cross sections are discussed.
Ultrasonography and external cephalic version at term.

Sixty-five patients with nonvertex presentations at term were evaluated by ultrasonography to determine which factors were associated with a successful external cephalic version. Amniotic fluid volume, placental localization, type of breech, position of the fetal spine, and whether the breech had descended were determined and analyzed by χ analysis. Only a frank breech and an anteriorly located fetal spine were associated with a successful version. Four episodes of fetal bradycardia occurred, none requiring operative intervention. There were no episodes of maternal bleeding or dislodgement of the placenta. Fifty-eight percent of all breech presentations were converted and 62% were delivered vaginally. We conclude that ultrasonography is useful in the evaluation of patients with a nonvertex presentation at term and can be used to predict which patients are likely to undergo a successful external cephalic version.
Connections of Cat Auditory Cortex: III. Corticocortical System

The mammalian auditory cortex (AC) is essential for computing the source and decoding the information contained in sound. Knowledge of AC corticocortical connections is modest other than in the primary auditory regions, nor is there an anatomical framework in the cat for understanding the patterns of connections among the many auditory areas. To address this issue, we investigated cat AC connectivity in thirteen auditory regions. Retrograde tracers were injected in the same area or in different areas to reveal the areal and laminar sources of convergent input to each region. Architectonic borders were established in Nissl and SMI-32 immunostained material. We assessed the topography, convergence, and divergence of the labeling. Intrinsic input constituted >50% of the projection cells in each area, and extrinsic inputs were strongest from functionally related areas. Each area received significant convergent ipsilateral input from several fields (5 to 8; mean 6). These varied in their laminar origin and projection density. Major extrinsic projections were preferentially from areas of the same functional type (tonotopic to tonotopic, non-tonotopic to non-tonotopic, limbic-related to limbic-related, multisensory-to-multisensory), while smaller projections link areas belonging to different groups. Branched projections between areas were <2% with deposits of two tracers in an area or in different areas. All extrinsic projections to each area were highly and equally topographic and clustered. Intrinsic input arose from all layers except layer I, and extrinsic input had unique, area-specific infragranular and supragranular origins. The many areal and laminar sources of input may contribute to the complexity of physiological responses in AC and suggest that many projections of modest size converge within each area rather than a simpler area-to-area serial or hierarchical pattern of corticocortical connectivity.
The Role of the Innate Immune System in the Reconstituted SCID Mouse Model of Herpetic Stromal Keratitis

Abstract Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) has an immunopathological basis, thought primarily to involve a CD4 + T cell-mediated immune response to viral antigen. Other cell types, however, particularly those involved in nonspecific immunity, such as natural killer (NK) cells or neutrophils, may also contribute to tissue destruction in the cornea. The reconstituted SCID mouse model of HSK provides a powerful system in which to study the interactions of the innate and adaptive immune responses to herpes simplex virus type 1 corneal infection. In the present study, reconstituted SCID mice depleted of NK cells had a reduced incidence and severity of clinical and histopathological HSK. The levels of T cell cytokine protein and message in restimulated splenocytes and cytokine message in corneas did not differ between experimental groups. However, significantly fewer neutrophils were seen within the inflamed corneas of NK-depleted SCID mice. Therefore, endogenous NK cells may indirectly influence the severity of HSK in reconstituted SCID mice by affecting neutrophil migration into the cornea.
Computer-assisted microanalysis of parallel programs

This paper consists of two parts: the first provides the theoretical foundations for analyzing parallel programs and illustrates how the theory can be applied to estimate the execution time of a class of parallel programs being executed on a MIMD computer. The second part describes a program analysis system, based on the theoretical model, which allows a user to interactively analyze the results of executing (or simulating the execution) of such parallel programs. Several examples illustrating the use of the tool are presented. A novel contribution is the separation (both at the conceptual and the implementation levels) of the machine-independent and the machine-dependent parts of the analysis. This separation enables the users of the system to establish speed-up curves for machines having varying characteristics.
An economic analysis of community-level fast food prices and individual-level fast food intake: a longitudinal study.

Abstract Background While dietary intake is shaped by cost, there is minimal research on the association between community-level food prices and dietary intake. Methods We used nationally representative, longitudinal data to examine how community-level food price variation was associated with individual-level fast food intake by race/ethnicity and income across waves II (1996) and III (2001–2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=11,088) from 158 baseline and 363 follow-up US counties. Results Negative binomial regression models predicting the number of fast food meals per week show strong relationships between fast food consumption and prices of fast food and soda that varied by gender and race/ethnicity. We found relatively stronger association between food prices and fast food intake for males and relatively greater price sensitivity for soda versus burgers. In the group with strongest associations (black males), a 20% increase in the price of soda was associated with a decrease of 0.25 visits to a fast food restaurant per week. Conclusions Economic incentives may be an effective mechanism to address fast food intake in an age group at high risk for obesity.
Inflammatory polyps: a cause of late bleeding in stapled hemorrhoidectomy.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy has become a popular treatment of hemorrhoids, mainly because of the benefits of greatly reduced postoperative pain. However, complications unique to the new procedure have been reported. This study was designed to review our series of 82 patients with a focus on complications, with particular focus on late bleeding caused by inflammatory polyps at the staple line. A review of 82 patients who underwent stapled hemorrhoidectomy was conducted. Indications included bleeding in 29 patients, prolapse in 19, combined bleeding and prolapse in 31, and pain in 3. The procedure was performed in an outpatient setting with the Ethicon® ILS 33 stapler in the standard fashion. Late bleeding as a result of inflammatory polyps was encountered in nine patients (11 percent). Bleeding was mild, and all cases resolved after excision of the polyps. Other complications occurred with the following frequency: urinary retention (4.9 percent), submucosal hematoma (2.4 percent), early bleeding (1.2 percent), recurrent hemorrhoids (2.4 percent), thrombosed external hemorrhoids (2.4 percent), and fecal urgency (3.7 percent). Bleeding from inflammatory polyps occurs in a significant number of patients undergoing stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Mild bleeding several weeks or months after the procedure should prompt a search for inflammatory polyps at the staple line. Simple excision of the polyps was adequate treatment and has not resulted in rebleeding.
Analysis of Simple Lattice Designs with Unequal Sets of Replications

Abstract * This paper is a revision of parts III and IV of a doctoral thesis submitted to Princeton University. Preparation of this paper was assisted by a contract with the Office of Naval Research. Paper No. 293 from the Department of Biostatistics, School of Hygiene and Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University.
Shoe-Floor Frictional Properties for Varying Sliding Speed, Pressure and Contaminant

Injuries resulting from slips and falls are a major health concern. Current devices to measure slip resistance of shoe-floor-contaminant interfaces attempt to mimic biomechanical conditions (shoe angle, sliding speed, and normal force); however, the results are variable, depending upon the measurement methods used. Thus, an understanding of shoe-floor surface interaction from a theoretical view could provide insights into coefficient of friction (COF) of the shoe-floor interface and improve testing procedures. The purpose of this work was to provide basic measurement towards an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of shoe-floor friction. In experiment #1, the effects of nominal pressure and sliding speed on COF are examined for dry conditions using two common shoe materials. In experiment #2, effects of sliding speed on COF when a contaminant is present are examined for the same shoe materials. All experiments were conducted on a tribometer where a patch of shoe material was loaded on a rotating disc of floor material. The two shoe materials were polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. Three load levels corresponding to nominal pressures of 4.3, 22.1 and 57.6 kPa on the polyurethane and 3.8, 19.6 and 51.2 kPa on the polyvinyl chloride and three speed levels of 16, 78 and 156 mm/sec were examined in experiment #1. In experiment #2 six levels of speed were adjusted at 16, 39, 78, 117, 156 and 195 mm/sec. COF were measured using the tribometer with a computerized data acquisition system. Nominal pressure was determined from the apparent contact area and the applied load. Three trials were recorded and averaged for each condition. In experiment #1, the COF was found to be smaller at lower speeds and nominal pressures but was independent of pressure and speed at moderate and higher speeds and pressures. At low nominal pressures, few asperities may have been in contact between the shoe and floor material, which may have caused the lower COF. In experiment #2, COF decreased with increasing sliding speed. The shape of this curve was similar to the Stribeck curve. Therefore, it was determined that as sliding speed increased, fluid thickness increased, which decreased the interaction of asperities between the shoe and floor surfaces.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The paradoxical hedonic valence of acute ethanol withdrawal (hangover) states in rats: Place and taste conditioning

Abstract The hedonic valence of EtOH's delayed effects, usually referred to as "hangover", was assessed 18 h after a 4 g/kg injection using both place and taste learning tasks. In the place conditioning task two CS−, CS+ intervals were used (48 h and 144 h); within each treatment interval, experimentally induced "hangover" was paired with the initially nonpreferred conditioning compartment for half of the experimental group ( N = 10 rats) and with the initially preferred conditioning compartment for the half ( N = 10 rats). Saline injections were paired with placement in the alternate conditioning compartment. A third group ( N = 10 rats) was conditioned with milliliter equivalent volumes of saline on both sides. A conditioned place preference was conditioned with the hangover state-induced interoceptive stimuli. Attempts were made to taste condition 24 rats with the interoceptive stimulus attributes of hangover. Experimentally induced hangover was associated with an adipsogenic state, defined as a significant decline in voluntary intake of both saccharin and water, which prevented taste conditioning.
Runge-Kutta Algorithm for the Numerical Integration of Stochastic Differential Equations

This paper presents a new Runge-Kutta (RK) algorithm for the numerical integration of stochastic differential equations. These equations occur frequently as a description of many mechanical, aerospace, and electrical systems. They also form the basis of modern control design using the linear quadratic regulator/Gaussian (LQR/LQG) method. It is convenient, and common practice, to numerically simulate these equations to generate sample random processes that approximate a solution of the system (often called Monte Carlo simulations). It is shown in the paper that the standard deterministic solution techniques are inaccurate and can result in sample sequences with covariances not representative of the correct solution of the original differential equation. A new set of coefficients is derived for a RK-type solution to these equations. Examples are presented to show the improvement in mean-square performance.
A unified point process framework for assessing heartbeat dynamics and cardiovascular control

We present a unified probabilistic point process framework to estimate and monitor the instantaneous heartbeat dynamics as related to specific cardiovascular control mechanisms and hemodynamics. Assessment of the model's statistics is established through the Wiener-Volterra theory and a multivariate autoregressive (AR) structure. A variety of instantaneous cardiovascular metrics, such as heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and baroreceptor-cardiac reflex (baroreflex), can be rigorously derived within a parametric framework and instantaneously updated with an adaptive algorithm. Nonlinearity metrics, as well as the bispectrum of heartbeat intervals, can also be derived. We have applied the proposed point process framework to a number of recordings under different experimental protocols. Results reveal interesting dynamic trends across different posture/pharmacological/age/ heart disease conditions, pointing at our mathematical approach as a promising monitoring tool for an accurate, noninvasive assessment of a large spectrum of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including hypertension and congestive heart disease.
Icosahedral Incommensurate Crystals

One of the basic facts of condensed matter physics is that the symmetry of 3d crystals can be described in terms of space groups composed of Bravais lattices of 3d translational symmetries and point groups of rotation and reflection symmetries. Only 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold and 6-fold rotation symmetries are allowed. In a striking experiment on an Mn-Al alloy, however, Shechtman et al.1 have observed an electron diffraction pattern with a 5-fold symmetry axis, and an overall icosahedral symmetry (Fig. 1). How can this be possible? The diffraction spots are quite sharp, so there is long range positional ordering, but there can not be translational invariance in view of the considerations above. The spectrum has a “scaling” structure: if the pattern is magnified by a factor G (the golden mean) the positions of peaks remain fixed.
China as documentary: Some basic questions (inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni and Jia Zhangke):

Juxtaposing Antonioni's Chung Kuo/Cina with discussions on photographic realism by Sontag, Bourdieu and Barthes, this chapter delineates the aesthetic, epistemic and cross-cultural problems that emerge when China is captured and viewed in the documentary mode. If the most acute of such problems is the gap between "foreign observer" and "native informant," whose claims to the reality in question tend to be incommensurable, would things be different if and when the filmmaker is Chinese? The work of Jia Zhangke offers an interesting provocation: as well as subjectivity and time, he makes mediality part of a consciously stylized gesture of documentary-making, turning the notion of "China as documentary" into a new kind of conceptual project.
Electron transport within resonant tunneling diodes with staggered-bandgap heterostructures

The electron transport physics within the conduction-band of resonant tunneling diodes with staggered-bandgap structure is analyzed. Here, the current-voltage characteristic for AlGaSb/InAs/AlGaSb double-barrier tunneling diodes is calculated in the framework of the six-band Kane model. This work demonstrates that the conduction-band electron transport is extremely dependent on the coupling between the conduction and valence bands and that an accurate estimate of current density requires the application of a multi-band model. In addition, the application of a multi-band model yields results that are in excellent agreement with existing experimental measurements on staggered-bandgap structures when well know material parameters are utilized.
Analysis of switched-capacitor common-mode feedback circuit

A detailed analysis of the dc behavior of switched-capacitor common-mode feedback circuit (SC-CMFB) is presented. A mathematical model, useful for analysis, is developed and the expressions for the output common-mode (CM) voltage, with and without considering the charge injection of switches and leakage currents, are derived. Further, the expression for dc CM settling time, is presented. The effect of parasitic capacitances, dc CM gain, charge injection error, and leakage currents, on the steady-state value of the dc CM voltage is analyzed and design guidelines to minimize these errors are presented. Finally, an improved version of the SC-CMFB circuit is analyzed. This circuit has very low errors due to charge injection and leakage currents and settles much faster than the traditional SC-CMFB circuit.
Application of adaptive Kalman filtering in fault classification, distance protection, and fault location using microprocessors

An adaptive Kalman filtering scheme is presented for estimation of the 60 Hz phasor quantities, fault type identification, distance protection, and fault location. The current and voltage data of each phase are simultaneously processed in two Kalman filter models. One model assumes that the phase is unfaulted, while the other model assumes the features of a faulted phase. The condition of the phase is then decided from the computed a posteriori probabilities. Upon the secure identification of the condition of the phase, the corresponding Kalman filtering model continues to obtain the best estimates of the current or voltage state variables. Upon convergence to highly accurate values, the appropriate current and voltage pairs are selected to decide the zone of the fault and the fault location. The scheme was tested on digitally simulated data. The fault classification was doubly secure using both voltage and current data. The convergence of estimates reached exact values within half a cycle. >
Brief episode of ischemia activates protective genetic program in rat heart: a gene chip study

Objective: Brief episodes of ischemia of 20 min or less have the potential to protect the heart. Such episodes are associated primarily with reversible ischemic injury yet they induce changes in gene expression. The purpose of the study was to determine whether activation of protective genes takes place within 4 h following a brief episode of ischemia that would mimic angina pectoris. Methods: Three groups of rats were studied. In the control (Ctrl) group, hearts were immediately excised following anesthesia; in the sham-operated (SO) group, opened-chest rats received 4 h and 20 min of no intervention; and in the group subjected to ischemia (SI) hearts received 20 min of proximal coronary occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Hearts from the SI group were divided into nonischemic (NI) and ischemic (Isc) areas. Changes in gene expression pattern were analyzed by using Affymetrix Gene Chips. Results: Ischemia led to strong upregulation of mRNA transcripts for heat shock proteins 70, 27, 105, 86 and 40 kDa, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, activating transcription factor 3, B-cell translocation gene 2, and growth arrest and DNA damage inducible 45 α protein compared to the NI tissue. The majority of mRNAs whose levels increased following brief ischemia were of a protective nature. Conclusion: Genetic reprogramming emerging during or following brief episodes of ischemia that simulate angina, can be characterized as protective in nature. Developing new therapeutic strategies aimed to promote this protective response represents a legitimate target for future research.
Is internal friction friction

Mogi [1974] proposed a simple model of the incipient rupture surface to explain the Coulomb failure criterion. We show here that this model can plausibly be extended to explain the Mohr failure criterion. In Mogi's model the incipient rupture surface immediately before fracture consists of areas across which material integrity is maintained (intact areas) and areas across which it is not (cracks). The strength of the incipient rupture surface is made up of the inherent strength of the intact areas plus the frictional resistance to sliding offered by the cracked areas. Although the coefficient of internal friction (slope of the strength versus normal stress curve) depends upon both the frictional and inherent strengths, the phenomenon of internal friction can be identified with the frictional part. The curvature of the Mohr failure envelope is interpreted as a consequence of differences in damage (cracking) accumulated in prefailure loading at different confining pressures.
Preventing stroke: a review of current guidelines.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. It is now estimated that there are more than 700,000 incidents of strokes annually and 4.4 million stroke survivors living with neurologic sequelae of varying severity. The economic burden of stroke, including both direct and indirect costs, was estimated by the American Heart Association to be $51 billion in 1999. Epidemiologic data suggest a substantial leveling off of prior declines in stroke-related mortality and a possible increase in stroke incidence within the last decade, stressing the necessity for further efforts to reduce the burden of this disease. Despite some advances in treatment of acute ischemic stroke, prevention remains the cornerstone for managing stroke. Persons with a low level of risk factors have lifelong low levels of both heart disease and stroke (Table 1). Stroke-prone individuals can be identified and targeted for specific interventions for modification of risk factors for ischemic stroke. NONMODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
An Estimation Method of the Clearance for a One-Compartment Model of a Single Bolus Intravenous Injection by a Single Sampling

In clinical trials, sometimes only a single drug concentration can be measured from a patient, because of the burden on the patient. From a single concentration, we cannot generally obtain point estimates of each pharmacokinetic parameter in a patient. In this article, we propose a method to estimate the clearance using a one-compartment model of a single-bolus intravenous injection from a single concentration at a sampling point between 1.5 and 2.5 half-lives. This method requires an assumed value for the volume of distribution but is robust to misspecification. This approach is illustrated by simulated concentration data and cadralazine concentration data.
Periodic and Chaotic Motions in a Gear-pair Transmission System with Impacts

Nonlinear dynamical behaviors of a gear transmission system with im- pacts are investigated. The transmission system is described through an impact model with possible stick between the two gears. Based on the mapping struc- tures, periodic motions of such a system are predicted analytically. To understand the global dynamical behaviors of the gear transmission system, system parameter maps are developed. Numerical simulations for periodic and chaotic motions are performed from the parameter maps.
The Discursive Practice of Learning Disability: Implications for Instruction and Parent—School Relations

This article serves as an invitation to rethink and to broaden the scope of learning disabilities (LD) research and practice. We begin with 3 assumptions: Education in a representative democracy is inevitably a political enterprise; social justice is everyone's responsibility, but educators have a special role to play; and segregated schooling is neither equal nor equitable. After an analysis of the primary extant discourses, we argue for a more comprehensive and more openly political vision of the LD field, which we think is supported by Disability Studies in Education. Finally, we draw 3 conclusions relevant to our collective work as researchers and educators. First, learning disabilities are not objective fact; they are historically and culturally determined. Second, disability is both a personal and a societal attribute. Finally, learning disabilities are not and have never been immutable. We contend that we are ethically bound to transform educational practices to both welcome and accommodate everybody's children.
Seed size variation and predation of seeds produced by wild and crop–wild sunflowers

The movement of pollen between crop and wild sunflowers (both Helianthus annuus) has led to concerns about the possible introduction of crop transgenes into wild populations. The persistence of crop traits in wild populations will depend in part on the relative fitness of crop-wild hybrid vs. wild plants. Using seeds from two large experimental field plots, we found that seeds produced by crop-wild plants were twice the size of wild seeds and differed in coloration. Head diameter, date of flowering, identity of mother plant, and levels of predispersal predation explained some variation in mean seed size. We hypothesized that postdispersal vertebrate seed predation would be affected by seed size, with hybrid seeds preferentially eaten. In each of three field trials, significantly more hybrid seeds were eaten (62% of hybrid seed; 42% of wild seed). Within the category of wild seeds, larger seeds were preferentially eaten; however among hybrid seeds, predation was not significantly related to seed size. In this study, differential predation thus reduces hybrid fitness and would presumably slow the spread of transgenes into wild populations.
Explosive Boiling of Water Films Adjacent to Heated Surfaces: A Microscopic Description †

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the separation of water films adjacent to a hot metal surface. The simulations clearly show that the water layers nearest the surface overheat and undergo explosive boiling. For thick films, the expansion of the vaporized molecules near the surface forces the outer water layers to move away from the surface. These results are of interest for mass spectrometry of biological molecules, steam cleaning of surfaces, and medical procedures.