cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of soot particle optical inhomogenity and agglomeration on the analysis of light scattering measurements in flames

Abstract Computations have been performed for homogeneous and radially inhomogeneous spheres plus agglomerated structures composed of spherical primary units. The ranges of refractive index and particle size considered are typical of soot in flames. The effects of uncertainty in the refractive index and neglect of its radial distribution on inferring spherical particle sizes and concentrations from in situ light-scattering measurements are delineated. A framework is established for computing various scattering characteristics of agglomerated particles in terms of the scattering functions for spherical particles. The results achieved for agglomerates indicate that mean values of the particle concentration, number of units in an agglomerate and overall agglomerate size may be inferred from light-scattering data.
Real-time monitoring of adhesion and aggregation of platelets using thickness shear mode (TSM) sensor

Hemostasis is required to maintain vascular system integrity, but thrombosis, formation of a clot in a blood vessel, is one of the largest causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Novel clinical and research tools for characterizing the hemostatic system are of continued interest, and the object of this research is to test the hypothesis that clinically relevant platelet function can be monitored using an electromechanical sensor. A piezoelectric thickness shear mode (TSM) biosensor coated with collagen-I fibers to promote platelet activation and adhesion was developed and tested for sensitivity to detect these primary events. Magnitude and frequency response of the sensor were monitored under static conditions at 37 degrees C, using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and PRP with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), a clinical aggregation inhibitor (abciximab), or a collagen binding inhibitor. Sensors loaded with PRP exhibited a 3-stage response; no significant change in response for the first 20 min (Stage-1), followed by a larger drop in response (Stage-2) and subsequently, response gradually increased (Stage-3). Exogenous ADP stimulated an immediate Stage-2 response, while abciximab delayed and reduced the magnitude change of Stage-2. In the presence of collagen inhibitor, Stage-2 response was similar to that of control but was delayed by an additional 20 min. The obtained results, supported by epifluorescence and complementary SEM studies, demonstrated the selective sensitivity of TSM electromechanical biosensors to monitor platelet function and inhibition, particularly aggregation.
Promoting equitable collaboration between university researchers and school teachers

This paper questions whether relationships between teachers and researchers can in fact be called collaborative. It is asserted that they are collaborative in only the generic sense of the term and do not meet the specifications denoted in the paper for equitable collaborations. Examples of innovative types of relationships in which university researchers and school teachers work together are examined to see whether they fit within the bounds of equitable collaboration. The paper concludes with a description of a research relationship that closely approximates equitable collaboration through a separation of the work of university researchers and teachers.
Characterization of functionalized nanoporous supports for protein confinement

Here we characterize a highly efficient approach for protein confinement and enzyme immobilization in NH2– or HOOC– functionalized mesoporous silica (FMS) with pore sizes as large as tens of nanometres. We observed a dramatic increase of enzyme loading in both enzyme activity and protein amount when using appropriate FMS in comparison with unfunctionalized mesoporous silica and normal porous silica. With different protein loading density in NH2–FMS, the negatively charged glucose oxidase (GOX) displayed an immobilization efficiency (Ie, the ratio of the specific activity of the immobilized enzyme to the specific activity of the free enzyme in stock solution) in a range from 30% to 160%, while the same charged glucose isomerase (GI) showed an Ie of 100% to 120%, and the positively charged organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) exhibited Ie of more than 200% in HOOC–FMS. The enzyme–FMS composite was stained with the charged gold nanoparticles and imaged by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed no major secondary structural change for the enzymes entrapped in FMS. Thanks to the large, rigid, open pore structure of FMS, the reaction rate and Km of the entrapped enzymes in FMS were comparable to those of the free enzymes in solution. In principle, the general approach described here should be applicable to many enzymes, proteins, and protein complexes since both pore sizes and functional groups of FMS are controllable.
Management of Late Arrhythmias in Adults With Repaired Congenital Heart Disease

As survival of patients with congenital heart disease improves with surgery and the population of patients with repaired adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) age, understanding complications such as arrhythmias has become more important. Arrhythmias account for significant morbidity and mortality in the ACHD population. Atrial arrhythmias occur in 15 % of patients with ACHD and, in patients with severe congenital heart disease (CHD), more than 50 % develop atrial arrhythmias by the age of 65 years [1]. This article aims to give an overview of arrhythmias seen in the ACHD population and the treatment modalities available now.
HEAT TRANSFER IN ANNULAR PASSAGES. SIMULTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF VELOCITY AND TEMPERATURE FIELDS IN LAMINAR FLOW

Laminar flow heat transfer in annulus, simultaneous development of velocity and temperature fields and constant wall heat flux
Tracking unstable steady states: Extending the stability regime of a multimode laser system.

It is shown that the unstable steady state of a multimode laser system may be stabilized by the occasional proportional feedback technique for dynamical control of chaotic systems. The range of pump excitations over which stabilization can be maintained is extended by more than an order of magnitude through application of a procedure for tracking the unstable steady state as the pump excitation is slowly varied.
Carbon cycling in Lake Superior

[1] Carbon (C) cycling in Lake Superior was studied within the Keweenaw Interdisciplinary Transport Experiment in Superior (KITES) project to assess (1) whether the lake is net heterotrophic, (2) sources, sinks and residence time for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), (3) importance of terrigenous organic C subsidies, and (4) factors limiting C flow through bacteria. During 3 years of fieldwork, measurements were made of spatial and temporal distributions of C pools and rates of photosynthesis, community respiration, and bacterial production. Measurements were made of the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM), rates of DOM photolysis, lability of DOM toward microbial consumption, and river inputs of DOM. All measurements suggest the lake is net heterotrophic. The C:N ratios of DOM suggest that it is primarily of terrigenous origin, but other characteristics (size distribution, UV absorption) point to the presence of autochthonous DOM and to alteration of terrigenous material. The lake mass balance indicates that the residence time (∼8 years) of the DOC pool (17 Tg) is short relative to the hydrologic residence time (170 years). The known flux of terrigenous DOC (∼1 Tg/yr) is too low to support annual bacterial carbon demand (6–38 Tg/yr), but microbial respiration is the major sink for terrigenous DOC. A rapidly cycling, autochthonous DOC pool must exist. Microbial activity was correlated with temperature, phosphorus availability, and DOC concentration but not with photosynthesis rates. Measurements of respiration (∼40 Tg/yr), photosynthesis (2–7 Tg/yr), and bacterial production (0.5–2 Tg/yr) are not all mutually compatible and result in a discrepancy in the organic carbon budget.
Some Reactions Involving [W(N-2,6-Me2C6H3)(OCMe2CF3)2]2, a Symmetric d2/d2 Dimer that Contains No Bridging Ligands

(Me2CF3CO)2(Ar′N)W═W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2 (Ar′ = 2,6-Me2C6H3) reacts immediately at room temperature with 1 equiv of CCl4 to give the sparingly soluble [W(OCMe2CF3)2Cl]2(μ-NAr′)2. [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2 forms 1:1 adducts with simple donor ligands such as PMe3, PPhMe2, and pyridine, in which the base is likely to be coordinated to a single W center. Addition of ethylene to [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2 yields [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2(μ-C2H4), in which ethylene is bound essentially to one W, although it also could be argued that a 1,2-dimetallacyclobutane ring is present. Heating a toluene solution of [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2(μ-C2H4) produces (OCMe2CF3)2(Et)W(μ-NAr′)(μ-N-2-CH2-6-MeC6H3)W(OCMe2CF3)2, in which the proton required to form the ethyl ligand arises through CH activation in one of the methyl groups of the NAr′ ligand. Treatment of [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2 with 2-butyne yields [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2(μ-MeCCMe). Addition of 4 equiv of CH3CN to [W(NAr′)(OCMe2CF3)2]2 in benzene gives a mixture of two products, A and B, which...
Proceedings of the 2004 ACM conference on Computer supported cooperative work

Welcome to the ACM 2004 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work! The CSCW conference is a leading forum for the work on the design, deployment, and evaluation of technologies that affect groups, organizations, communities, and societies. New technologies of this type continue to appear in all segments of society. While the field of CSCW began formally nearly two decades ago with a focus on work (captured, of course, in the name itself), it is now the case that CSCW researchers and developers attend to all aspects of social life. These Proceedings contain the primary elements of the technical program of this year's CSCW conference. As you can see from the accompanying statement from the Papers and Notes chairs, we made some important changes in both the submission categories and the review process The large number of submissions in the Notes category was testimony to the usefulness of adding this new genre. And the revise and resubmit experiment was an overwhelming success. We encourage you to go to the web site for this conference, www.acm.org/cscw2004, for information about the full array of participation categories. We are grateful for the financial support we received from our benefactors and sponsors. The benefactors were IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Smart Technologies, and the National Science Foundation. Sponsors were FX Palo Alto Laboratory, Nokia, and Sun.
Liquid composition-dependence of calcium isotope fractionation during diffusion in molten silicates

Liquid phase diffusion experiments were carried out to determine whether diffusive isotopic fractionation of a major chemical element (Ca) varies with chemical composition in high-temperature molten silicates. The objective was to determine how differences in silicate liquid structure, such as the ratio of bridging to non-bridging oxygen atoms, as well as bulk transport properties such as viscosity, relate to isotope discrimination during diffusion. This information, in turn, may relate to the lifetimes and sizes of multi-atom structures in the liquid. Diffusion couples consisting of juxtaposed natural mafic and felsic liquids were held at T = 1450 C and P = 1.0 GPa for durations of 12–24 h in a standard piston–cylinder assembly. Experiments were done using different mafic endmember compositions (two tholeiitic basalts and a ugandite) and a single rhyolite composition. Major-element diffusion profiles and Ca isotope profiles were measured on the recovered quenched glasses. The starting materials were isotopically indistinguishable, but 44 Ca/ 40 Ca variations of ca. 5& arose due to a mass dependence of the Ca diffusion coefficients. Results indicate that the mass dependence of Ca diffusion coefficients varies with the magnitude and direction of aluminum gradients and the viscosity of the liquid. Some Ca fractionations result mainly from Al gradients. A simplified multicomponent diffusion model was used to model the experimental results. The model allows for diffusion of Ca in response to gradients in the concentrations of both CaO as well as Al2O3, and the model results are consistent with the inferred existence of at least two distinct species of Ca. The magnitude of isotopic discrimination during diffusion also appears to be stronger on the rhyolite versus the basalt/ugandite side of diffusion couples. The results can largely be accounted for by an adaptation of the model of Dingwell (1990), whereby in high silica liquids, Ca diffuses largely by site hopping through a quasi-stationary aluminosilicate matrix, producing strong isotopic effects because the Ca diffusion is not strongly correlated with the movement of the framework atoms. In low-silica liquids, Ca diffusion is correlated with the movement of the other components and there is less mass discrimination. Combining our Ca results with Ca, Mg, and Li data from previous studies, we show that this model can explain most of the cation- and composition-dependence of diffusive isotopic fractionations observed thus far. A key parameter controlling isotopic discrimination is the ratio of the elemental (Ca, Mg, Li) diffusivity to the Eyring (or Si) diffusivity. However, all experiments done so far also exhibit isotopic features that are not yet fully explained; some of these may relate to small temperature gradients in the capsules, or to more complex coupling effects that are not captured in simplified diffusion models. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A psychophysical study of dominant texture detection

Images of everyday scenes are frequently used as input for texturing 3D models in computer graphics. Such images include both the texture desired and other extraneous information. In our previous work [Lu et al. 2009], we defined dominant texture as a large homogeneous region in an input sample image and proposed an automatic method to detect dominant textures based on diffusion distance manifolds. In this work, we explore the identification of cases where diffusion distance manifolds fail, and consider the best alternative method for such cases.
Formation Kinetics of 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine and 2-Methylpyrazine in a Solid Model System Consisting of Amioca Starch, Lysine, and Glucose

A new analysis using the fractional conversion technique was applied to determine the formation kinetics of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methylpyrazine in a solid model system containing 4.5% (w/w) lysine, 5.5% glucose, and amioca starch with 10% moisture (dry basis) from 80 to 120 °C. The reaction order and kinetic parameters (rate constants and activation energy) were determined through a parameter estimation technique based on least-squares fit. The formation rate of both pyrazines followed a first-order reaction model. No significant differences were observed for the activation energies and rate constants for 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methylpyrazine, suggesting the production of these pyrazines was controlled by the same rate-limiting step. The activation energy was 13.5 kcal/mol. Keywords: Kinetics; 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methylpyrazine; solid state; fractional conversion
Caudal brainstem Fos expression is restricted to periventricular catecholamine neuron-containing loci following intraventricular administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose.

Reports that food intake is stimulated by fourth ventricular administration of glucose antimetabolites or uptake inhibitors suggest that glucose deprivation within the periventricular caudal brainstem activates compensatory neural mechanisms that restore global metabolic stasis. In the present study, Fos immunocytochemistry was employed to characterize the distribution of neurons within this region of the male rat brain that undergo genomic activation in response to intraventricular delivery of the antiglycolytic agent, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG). Fos immunoreactivity (-ir) was only detected in the locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and area postrema (AP) following drug treatment, whereas immunostaining for Fos was absent from these structures in the vehicle-treated control group. Dual-label immunocytochemical processing of sections of these loci for Fos- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-ir revealed that, in each site, a majority of TH-ir-positive neurons were co-labeled for this nuclear protein in response to this treatment paradigm. These results provide evidence for the transcriptional activation of catecholaminergic neurons in discrete periventricular caudal brainstem structures during central glucopenia. Taken together with pharmacological evidence for the initiation of glucoprivic regulatory signaling within neural tissue accessible from the fourth ventricle, the present findings suggest that LC A6, NTS precommissural C2 and commissural A2, and AP TH-ir-positive neurons may function to monitor and/or signal alterations in periventricular glucose metabolism as a means of defending central substrate balance.
An empirical study of Web-based algorithm animation courseware in an Ada data structure course

1. ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe Web-based courseware, which we developed, that contains exercises that use algorithm animation and visualization. It is intended for students in an introductory data structure course in Ada. We also discuss the results of an empirical study that we conducted using this courseware. In the study, we measured whether the interactive feature included in the courseware influenced student performance and whether student learning styles were a factor. No significant differences were found. A redesigned, more tightly controlled experiment is planned to more definitively answer this question. 1.1
The Role of Couple Discrepancies in Cognitive and Behavioral Egalitarianism in Marital Quality

Although gender ideologies and perceptions of equity in the division of household tasks have been associated with marital quality, there is limited understanding of the relationship between discrepancies (in husbands’ and wives’ subjective ideals and accounts of the division of labor) and relationship quality. We examined cognitive egalitarianism (beliefs about gender roles), behavioral egalitarianism (perceptions of the division of household tasks and management), and marital quality among 220 heterosexual, newlywed couples (N = 440) living in east and central regions of the United States. We used multi-level modeling to examine associations between cognitive egalitarianism, behavioral egalitarianism, and marital quality with a specific focus on discrepancies in the reports of husbands and wives. As hypothesized, both husbands and wives had lower marital quality when their cognitive egalitarianism was discrepant from their partner, and such a discrepancy had a greater influence on wives’ reports of marital quality, especially for wives with higher cognitive egalitarianism. Although we expected similar results for the associations between behavioral egalitarianism and marital quality, we found that the strength of the association between wives’ behavioral egalitarianism and marital quality decreased as the discrepancy from their husbands’ behavioral egalitarianism increased. The association between cognitive egalitarianism and marital quality also increased as behavioral egalitarianism increased for wives but not for husbands. The results of this study illustrate the central role of spousal discrepancy in perceptions and enactment of household labor.
Sensitization of adenylate cyclase: A general mechanism of neuroadaptation to persistent activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors?

Acute activation of Galphas-coupled receptors stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation leading to the activation of downstream signaling cascades. These Galphas-mediated events can be countered by acute activation of inhibitory G proteins (Galpha(i/o)), which inhibit the activity of adenylate cyclase, thereby attenuating cyclic AMP accumulation. Furthermore, an additional, less direct mechanism for Galpha(i/o) proteins modulation of cyclic AMP signaling also has been described. Persistent activation of several Galpha(i/o)-coupled receptors has been shown to result in a subsequent paradoxical enhancement of adenylate cyclase activity in response to drug-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. This sensitization of adenylate cyclase likely represents a cellular adaptive response following prolonged activation of inhibitory receptors. Recent advances in our knowledge of G protein signaling, adenylate cyclase regulation, and other cellular signaling mechanisms have extensively increased our insight into this phenomenon. It is now thought that sensitization occurs as part of a compensatory mechanism by which the cell adapts to chronic inhibitory input. Such a mechanism may be involved in modulating Galphas-coupled receptor signaling following neurotransmitter elevations that occur in psychiatric disease states or following the administration of many drugs of abuse. This review will focus on recent advances in the understanding of molecular signaling pathways that are involved in sensitization and describe the potential role of sensitization in neuronal cell function.
Use of Proteases to Improve the Insecticidal Activity of Baculoviruses

Abstract Basement membranes that surround the tissues of lepidopterous larvae act as potential barriers to baculovirus movement and establishment of systemic infection. Hence, one potential approach to improving the insecticidal activity of baculoviruses is to perforate or eliminate the basement membranes of their hosts, thereby facilitating the process of infection. Toward this end, we constructed six recombinant clones of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) that express three proteases that digest basement membrane proteins: rat stromelysin-1, human gelatinase A, and flesh fly ( Sarcophaga peregrina ) cathepsin L. Expression of these proteases was directed from either the ie-1 promoter (in AcIE1TV3.STR1, AcIE1TV3.GEL, and AcIE1TV3.ScathL) or the p6.9 promoter (in AcMLF9.STR1, AcMLF9.GEL, and AcMLF9.ScathL). Recombinant proteases were detected in the culture medium of cells infected with recombinant viruses by either zymography or azocoll assay. AcMLF9.STR1 and AcMLF9.ScathL caused premature cuticular melanization of 5th instar Heliothis virescens. Melanization and fragmentation of internal tissues were observed in half of the larvae infected with AcMLF9.ScathL and not at all in larvae infected with AcMLF9.STR1 or wild-type AcMNPV. Lethal-concentration bioassays revealed no significant differences in virulence toward H. virescens among the protease-expressing recombinants and wild-type AcMNPV. However, in survival-time bioassays, AcMLF9.ScathL killed H. virescens approximately 30% faster than AcMLF9.LqhIT2, a virus expressing an insect-selective scorpion neurotoxin from the p6.9 promoter. Larvae infected with AcMLF9.ScathL consumed approximately 26-fold less lettuce than wild-type virus-infected larvae. These results highlight the potential of improving baculovirus efficacy through the expression of proteases.
The origins of network server latency & the myth of connection scheduling

We investigate the origins of server-induced latency to understand how to improve latency optimization techniques. Using the Flash Web server [4], we analyze latency behavior under various loads. Despite latency profiles that suggest standard queuing delays, we find that most latency actually originates from negative interactions between the application and the locking and blocking mechanisms in the kernel. Modifying the server and kernel to avoid these problems yields both qualitative and quantitative changes in the latency profiles -- latency drops by more than an order of magnitude, and the effective service discipline also improves.We find our modifications also mitigate service burstiness in the application, reducing the event queue lengths dramatically and eliminating any benefit from application-level connection scheduling. We identify one remaining source of unfairness, related to competition in the networking stack. We show that adjusting the TCP congestion window size addresses this problem, reducing latency by an additional factor of three.
The influence of inhibitors on the repair of benzo[a]pyrenedamaged DNA in hamster tracheal epithelial cells

We investigated, in a cloned hamster tracheal epithelial cell line HTE-B, the effects of inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase, novobiocin and nalidixic acid; of DNA polymerase, 1-beta-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and 2',3'-dideoxythymidine; of ribonucleotide reductase, hydroxyurea; and of poly(ADP-ribose)synthetase, 3-aminobenzamide, upon the removal of benzo[a]pyrene adducted to DNA [B[a]P--DNA]. A substantial reduction in the rate of removal of the polycyclic hydrocarbon-adducts occurred when nalidixic acid was added to the HTE-B cells that had been previously incubated with B[a]P for 8 h. Novobiocin produced a similar, but less marked, effect. The rate of disappearance of the individual B[a]P--DNA adducts was measured by analysis of the h.p.l.c. profiles. Of the 5 major adducts observed under the h.p.l.c. conditions, 4 were reduced in control cells to 30% of the original levels by 24 h after removal of the B[a]P from the medium; adduct 5 was almost completely removed. In the presence of nalidixic acid, during the 24 h repair period, only the removal of adduct 5 was unimpaired; the removal of the other 4 adducts was significantly retarded. On the other hand, 3-aminobenzamide addition did not affect the rate of removal of B[a]P--DNA adducts from the HTE-B cells. We employed the combinations of ara-C and dideoxythymidine or ara-C and hydroxyurea to allow the accumulation of single strand breaks after incubation of the HTE-B cells with B[a]P. These breaks were assayed by alkaline elution analysis. Inclusion of these inhibitors during the 2 h after removal of the B[a]P from the medium resulted in the accumulation of 4-5 single strand breaks/10(10) daltons of HTE-B DNA. This compares with a minimum estimate of the number of adducts removed during this period of 3 adducts/10(7) daltons. This discrepancy may indicate that the majority of lesions are not repaired by a pathway sensitive to polymerase inhibitors. In the presence of 3-aminobenzamide, we routinely observed a 10% increase in the alkaline elution of the DNA obtained from B[a]P-treated cells (1-2 breaks/10(10) daltons). Our results indicate that an excision repair process may be involved in the removal of at least some of the B[a]P-induced damage to DNA. However, the repair of the multiple adducts is complex and may involve pathways other than classical excision repair.
Simulation of Ca2+ movements within the sarcomere of fast-twitch mouse fibers stimulated by action potentials.

Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle takes place at the triadic junctions; following release, Ca2+ spreads within the sarcomere by diffusion. Here, we report multicompartment simulations of changes in sarcomeric Ca2+ evoked by action potentials (APs) in fast-twitch fibers of adult mice. The simulations include Ca2+ complexation reactions with ATP, troponin, parvalbumin, and the SR Ca2+ pump, as well as Ca2+ transport by the pump. Results are compared with spatially averaged Ca2+ transients measured in mouse fibers with furaptra, a low-affinity, rapidly responding Ca2+ indicator. The furaptra ΔfCaD signal (change in the fraction of the indicator in the Ca2+-bound form) evoked by one AP is well simulated under the assumption that SR Ca2+ release has a peak of 200–225 μM/ms and a FDHM of ∼1.6 ms (16°C). ΔfCaD elicited by a five-shock, 67-Hz train of APs is well simulated under the assumption that in response to APs 2–5, Ca2+ release decreases progressively from 0.25 to 0.15 times that elicited by the first AP, a reduction likely due to Ca2+ inactivation of Ca2+ release. Recovery from inactivation was studied with a two-AP protocol; the amplitude of the second release recovered to >0.9 times that of the first with a rate constant of 7 s−1. An obvious feature of ΔfCaD during a five-shock train is a progressive decline in the rate of decay from the individual peaks of ΔfCaD. According to the simulations, this decline is due to a reduction in available Ca2+ binding sites on troponin and parvalbumin. The effects of sarcomere length, the location of the triadic junctions, resting [Ca2+], the parvalbumin concentration, and possible uptake of Ca2+ by mitochondria were also investigated. Overall, the simulations indicate that this reaction-diffusion model, which was originally developed for Ca2+ sparks in frog fibers, works well when adapted to mouse fast-twitch fibers stimulated by APs.
Timing of the switch from myometrial contractures to contractions in late-gestation pregnant rhesus monkeys as recorded by myometrial electromyogram during spontaneous term and androstenedione-induced labor.

Pregnant rhesus monkeys were studied to determine the precise time in relation to photoperiod of the onset, and the nature, of the switch in myometrial activity patterns from contractures to contractions. We investigated both spontaneous term labor and androstenedione-induced preterm labor. Under general anesthesia at 127 ± 2 days gestation (dGA) (mean ± SEM), 16 pregnant rhesus monkeys were instrumented with maternal femoral arterial and venous catheters and myometrial electromyogram electrodes. Eight animals (group I) received continuous i.v. infusion of intralipid (n = 7) or saline (n = 1) that was started at 143.3 ± 2 dGA and maintained until the spontaneous onset of term labor. Nine animals (group II) received continuous i.v. infusion of androstenedione that was started at 139 ± 0.4 dGA and maintained until the onset of prematurely induced labor. Myometrial activity was recorded continuously. All monkeys in both groups demonstrated nocturnal switches in myometrial activity from contractures to contractions. The mean time of onset of the switch in group I and group II monkeys was similar, occurring at 0.7 ± 0.4 h or 0.8 ± 0.5 h, respectively, after the onset of darkness. Group II monkeys demonstrated greater regularity in both the time of onset and the repetitive occurrence each night once the switch occurred, as well as greater consistency in duration in their switch patterns, than did group I monkeys.
Kirchhoff imaging beyond aliasing

Crucial image resolution may be lost when spatially aliased data are imaged with Kirchhoff algorithms that employ standard antialiasing methods. To maximize resolution, I introduce a method that enables the proper imaging of some aliased components in the data, while avoiding aliasing artifacts. The proposed method is based on a detailed analysis of the different types of aliasing that affect Kirchhoff imaging. In particular, it is based on the observation that operator aliasing depends on the dip spectrum of the data. A priori knowledge on the characteristics of the dip spectrum of the data, in particular on its asymmetry, can thus be exploited to enable “imaging beyond aliasing.” The method is not of general applicability, but it successfully improves the image resolution when a priori assumptions on the data dips are realistic. The imaging of salt‐dome flanks in the Gulf of Mexico has been enhanced by the application of the proposed method.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Sleep, and Seizures

Working hypothesis: benign febrile seizures seen in 7% of infants before 6 months play a role in the terminal pathway in a subset of sudden infant death syndrome victims. Supporting evidence: (1) lack of 5-hydroxitryptamine, one consistent finding in sudden infant death syndrome that Kinney et al coined a developmental serotonopathy, is consistent with risk for seizures. (2) Non–rapid eye movement sleep increasing during the age of highest risk for sudden infant death syndrome facilitates some seizures (seizure gate). (3) Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is associated with severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia during postictal generalized electroencephalographic (EEG) suppression. In toddlers, sudden unexplained deaths are associated with hippocampal abnormalities and some seizures. (4) The sudden nature of both deaths warrants an exploration of similarities in the terminal pathway. Moreover, sudden infant death syndrome, febrile seizures, sudden unexplained death in childhood, and sudden unexpected death i...
Nutrient concentrations in litterfall from some western conifers with special reference to calcium

Foliar litterfall nutrient concentrations were analysed for selected members of Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae families andPseudotsuga menziesii for two arboreta in western Oregon and Washington. Nutrient results between arboreta show similar concentrations with the exception of magnesium, which may be the result of historical land use. Nutrient concentrations between species vary considerably.Pseudotsuga menziesii is particularly distinctive from the Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae by retaining large amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Taxodiaceae is distinctive by high concentration of Mg while Cupressaceae retains calcium, especiallyChamaecyparis nootkatensis. Results suggest that all members of Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae retain considerably more Ca than Pinaceae in foliar litter.
Some Circulatory Effects of Thoracotomy and Intermittent Positive Pressure Respiration in Dogs

In the anesthetized dog, thoracotomy and intermittent positive-atmospheric pressure (I.P.-A.P.) respiration produce a marked arid sustained fall in cardiac output. Evidence suggests that most of the fall is due to thora cotomy, and the I.P.-A.P. respiration at levels sufficient to maintain adequate ventilation plays a relatively minor part. Thoracotorny also results in considerable reduction of all compartments of the central blood volume, presumably due to loss of the distending ef fect of negative intrapleural pressure on the heart aiid great vessels. There was a consistent rise in pulmonary vascular resistance which was not significantly affected by the adminis tration of hexamethonium or phentolamine. It is suggested that humoral or neurogenic factors play a minor role in producing the in creased resistance.
Statistical process control used in surface mount assembly

Insufficient and excess solder are the two most significant defects associated with surface-mount assembly, for which process control can play an important role. The statistical process control of the amount of solder deposited is directly related to the control of defects associated with solder volume. Statistical process control has been implemented to ensure that associated solder defects are minimized and that proper process conditions are maintained and controlled. The sensitivity of influential process variables has been analyzed to establish their range of influence upon control of the process. It is concluded that, with this information, problem process conditions can quickly be identified and corrected. >
Effects of Moderate- Versus High-Intensity Exercise Training on Physical Fitness and Physical Function in People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Exercise training is effective for improving physical fitness and physical function in people with type 2 diabetes. However, limited research has been conducted on the optimal exercise training intensity for this population. Objective The primary study objective was to investigate the effects of moderate- versus high-intensity exercise training on physical fitness and physical function in people with type 2 diabetes. Design This was a randomized clinical trial. Setting The setting was a university campus. Participants Twenty-one people with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to receive either moderate-intensity training (MOD group) or high-intensity training (HIGH group). Intervention The MOD group performed resistance training at an intensity of 75% of the 8-repetition maximum (8-RM) and aerobic training at an intensity of 30% to 45% of the heart rate reserve (HRR). The HIGH group performed resistance training at an intensity of 100% of the 8-RM and aerobic training at an intensity of 50% to 65% of the HRR. Measurements Muscle strength (peak torque [newton-meters]), exercise capacity (graded exercise test duration [minutes]), and physical function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale questionnaire) were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Acute exercise-induced changes in glucose levels were assessed immediately before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 1 hour after exercise during the first exercise training session. Results Although both groups showed improvements in physical fitness and physical function, the between-group effect sizes were not statistically significant (exercise capacity estimated marginal mean [EMM] difference=2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=−0.2, 4.5; muscle strength EMM difference=20.8, 95% CI=−23.3, 65.0; and physical function EMM difference=0.1, 95% CI=−0.6, 0.9). Mean percent changes in glucose levels measured immediately before exercise and immediately after exercise, immediately after exercise and 1 hour after exercise, and immediately before exercise and 1 hour after exercise for the MOD group were −11.4%, −5.0%, and −15.8%, respectively; those for the HIGH group were −21.5%, 7.9%, and −15.3%, respectively. Limitations Sample size, lack of outcome assessor masking, and physical function measurement subjectivity were limitations. Conclusions Moderate- and high-intensity exercise training, as defined in this study, may lead to similar improvements in physical fitness and physical function in people with type 2 diabetes.
NPP ATMS prelaunch performance assessment and Sensor Data Record validation

A suite of sensors scheduled to fly onboard the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite in 2011 will continue the Sensor Data Records (SDRs) provided by operational and research missions over the last 40 years. The Cross-track Infrared and Microwave Sounding Suite (CrIMSS), consisting of the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and the first space-based, Nyquist-sampled cross-track microwave sounder, the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), will provide atmospheric vertical profile information to improve numerical weather and climate modeling. The ability of ATMS to sense temperature and moisture profile information in the presence of non-precipitating clouds complements the high vertical resolution of CrIS. Furthermore, the ability of ATMS to sense scattering of cold cosmic background radiance from the tops of precipitating clouds allows the retrieval of precipitation intensities with useful accuracies over most surface conditions. This paper will present several assessments of the performance of ATMS. Prelaunch testing of ATMS has characterized the principal calibration parameters and has enabled predictions of on-orbit performance with high levels of confidence. Also to be discussed is the planned on-orbit characterization of ATMS, which will further improve both the measurement quality and the understanding of various error contributions.
Role of Intergranular Damage‐Induced Decrease in Young's Modulus in the Nonlinear Deformation and Fracture of an Alumina at Elevated Temperatures

The effect of the time-dependent decrease in Young's modulus due to damage accumulation by pore growth and intergranular cracking on the stress-strain behavior of a coarse-grained polycrystalline alumina deformed under conditions of displacement control at elevated temperatures was investigated. Considerable nonlinearity in stress-strain behavior, which increased with decreasing strain rate, was noted. At the higher strain rates, the failure stress was found to be independent of strain rate, thought to be due to a strain-rate-dependent fracture toughness due to the growth of microcracks at the tip of the failure-initiating macrocrack, which offsets the expected strain-rate sensitivity due to the growth of a single macrocrack only. Pore growth and intergranular cracking, accompanied by major reduction in Young's modulus by as much as a factor of 5, was most pronounced at the intermediate values of strain rate. This decrease in Young's modulus, under conditions of displacement-controlled loading, results in a decrease in stress, referred to as strain softening, which contributed to the observed nonlinear deformation. This conclusion was confirmed by a theoretical analysis, which showed that in addition to diffusional creep, time-dependent decreases in Young's modulus (elastic creep) by crack growth can make significant contributions to nonlinear deformation.
Social Isolation and Inmate Behavior: A Conceptual Framework for Theorizing Prison Visitation and Guiding and Assessing Research

Abstract Purpose Scholarship suggests that prison visitation is important because it allows inmates access to social ties that, in turn, can offset social isolation and help inmates cope with the transition back into society upon release. Only a small number of empirical assessments of visitation exist, however, and existing studies have typically overlooked how the heterogeneity inherent in visitation may influence whether visitation is beneficial, harmful, or has no effect. The goal of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for theorizing this heterogeneity and its impacts, evaluating visitation research, and guiding future research aimed at estimating visitation effects. Methods The paper reviews theory and research on inmate visitation. In so doing, it systematically examines heterogeneity in visitation and the implications of this heterogeneity. Results The paper identifies five dimensions—visitation timing, longitudinal patterns in visitation, visitor type, visitation experiences, and inmate characteristics—that can be used to characterize visitation events or patterns that, themselves, may have varied effects on in-prison outcomes and reentry outcomes. Conclusions More nuanced theories of, and empirical research on, inmate visitation are needed both to understand better the implications of visitation, and inmate social ties more broadly, and to advance theory, research, and policy.
On the Statistics of Intra-Channel Four-Wave Mixing in Phase-Modulated Systems

The correlation functions of intra-channel four-wave mixing (IFWM) in phase-modulated systems are studied. Implementing a phase noise predictor derived from the correlation functions results in a 1 dB improvement for typical terrestrial links.
World poverty, positive duties, and the overdemandingness objection:

One objection that has been consistently raised for theorists who are committed to the idea that we have a positive duty to aid the global poor is the overdemandingness objection. This article is a...
Finite element analysis of electromagnetic scattering from inhomogeneous cylinders at oblique incidence

The method of weighted residuals is used for the derivation of a convenient weak statement that is utilized for a finite-element solution of the boundary value problem for the time-harmonic electromagnetic scattering from linear, isotropic, composite cylinders at oblique incidence. The weighted-residual statement of the problem involves the z components of the electric and magnetic field and is such that the continuity of the tangential electric and magnetic fields at media interfaces is directly enforced. The finite-element solution is carried out using the bymoment method. Numerical results for echo widths and field distributions within cylinders of various shapes and compositions are presented. Comparisons of some of the results with those obtained from exact eigenfunction expansion and integral equation solutions demonstrate the validity of the method and the associated computer program. >
Nanotwin-modified copper interconnects and its effect on the physical properties of copper

Cu with high density nanotwins has been proven to possess excellent mechanical properties and electrical properties. In this study, nanotwins have been successfully introduced in Cu thin films and interconnect lines in trenches down to 150 nm line width. Nanoindentation measurements of hardness show that Cu with some amount of nanotwins has much higher hardness than that of bulk Cu. More interestingly, the hardness at the grain boundary area where there are triple points due to the intersection with some twin boundaries seems to be higher than that inside the grains. Nanotwinned Cu has also been investigated under annealing to study the thermal stability of the nanotwin-modified structure. Copper with nanotwins has slower grain growth than the Cu without nanotwins. Moreover, DC electroplated Cu with very few nanotwins undergoes abnormal grain growth at room temperature while the nanotwinned Cu has very little abnormal grain growth and shows much more uniform grain size. We believe that the effect of nanotwins on the physical properties of Cu is related to the change of the grain boundary microstructure when the twin induced triple points are present in the grain boundaries.
The Effects of Aggression Replacement Training on Male and Female Antisocial Behavior in a Runaway Shelter

Objective: A field study was conducted to test the effect of Aggression Replacement Training on male and female antisocial behavior in a runaway shelter. Method: An interrupted time series design was used in this study. The case records of 522 adolescents who stayed in a runaway shel - ter over a 519-day period were reviewed and measures of antisocial behavior obtained. Results: The results suggested that the implementation of the Aggression Replacement Training was associated with a decrease in male and female antisocial behavior in the shelter and that the effect on male antisocial behavior depended on the number of males in the shelter. Conclusion: The results suggested that the Aggression Replacement Training may be a useful component of a multicomponent approach to reducing juvenile antisocial behavior in a short-term residential setting. Antisocial behavior, defined as such acts as running away, stealing, and van- dalism, is common, with estimates suggesting that up to one half of all refer- rals of children and adolescents to outpatient clinics are for this type of prob- lem (McMahon & Forehand, 1988). Weisz, Weersing, and Valeri (1997) note that the most commonly treated child and adolescent mental health problems involve antisocial behavior. Antisocial behavior problems are extraordinarily costly not only to society but also to the individuals who engage in this behav- ior and to their families and victims (Kazdin, 1995). Child and adolescent antisocial behavior portends such adulthood problems as drunken driving, antisocial personality, alcoholism, marital problems, and psychiatric disor - ders (Farrington, 1991). Unfortunately, few interventions have been shown to reduce levels of anti- social behavior, and research on treatments for antisocial behavior problems
Woodpecker abundance in a logged (40 years ago) vs. unlogged lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia

Woodpeckers (Picidae) are a group of birds particularly sensitive to logging and deforestation because they nest in cavities located in large trees and often forage on large trunks or standing dead trees. The diverse woodpecker community of lowland dipterocarp forests in Peninsular Malaysia was investigated in a forest selectively logged 40 y ago and in adjacent primary forest at Pasoh Forest Reserve (PFR). Line transects were conducted at dawn and dusk in each forest type to document potential differences in the woodpecker communities in logged vs. unlogged forest. A total of 121 woodpeckers were recorded along transects, including 14 of the 15 species known to occur at PFR. Eleven species were encountered in logged forest, 12 species were encountered in primary forest, and nine species were found at both sites. A significant difference in the overall woodpecker community between the two forest types was found. Of the most common species, Meiglyptes tristis, Reinwardtipicus validus and Dryocopus javensis were significantly more common in primary forest. Only one species, Picus mentalis, was significantly more abundant in logged forest. Possible causes for the differences observed are discussed.