cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy constraints on carnivore diet.

The energy expenditure of mammals reflects their habits and environments1, subject to limitations associated with body size. Carbone et al.2 combined scaling relationships to argue that large species of the mammalian order Carnivora (weighing more than 21.5 kg) do not specialize on invertebrate prey. However, many tropical mammals that feed exclusively on ants and termites are much heavier than this, often weighing up to 60–70 kg; they survive by progressively reducing their metabolic rate to below that expected from their body size. I believe that this response indicates that it is not body size that limits the determination of diet, but rather the maximal rate of energy expenditure.
Girls With Fragile X Syndrome: Physical and Neurocognitive Status and Outcome

The fragile X syndrome, a common X-linked form of mental retardation and autism, affects females as well as males. Previous work has shown that approximately 35% of heterozygotes (women who carry the fragile X gene) demonstrate cognitive impairment. Thirty-two girls, 18 years or younger, who demonstrate the fragile X chromosome were evaluated and compared with 19 sisters who do not demonstrate the fragile X chromosome. Evaluations included a physical examination, behavioral assessment, and intelligence testing. Significant differences (in intellectual, behavioral, and physical features) were seen between the two groups. Twenty-five percent of fragile X-positive girls had an IQ in the mentally retarded range (IQ less than 70) and 28% had an IQ in the borderline range (70 to 84). Prominent ears, shyness, and poor eye contact were significant findings in fragile X-positive girls compared with fragile X-negative girls. Thirty-one percent of the fragile X-positive girls had significant attentional difficulties and most of these girls were successfully treated with stimulant medication. The majority of fragile X-positive girls in this study demonstrated significant behavioral and developmental problems which required identification and appropriate treatment. Pediatricians and health care providers should be aware of the frequency and manner with which fragile X affects females in order to initiate cytogenetic studies and treatment when indicated.
Evaluation of Various Interface Layer Models for Ultrasonic Inspection of Weak Bonds

Adhesively joined structures are increasingly used in industry. Effective nondestructive test techniques are therefore necessary for quality control and in service inspection of bonding conditions. Commonly encountered bonding problems can be classified into three types: debonding, cohesive weakness and adhesive weakness. The former two types can be detected by such traditional ultrasonic techniques as pulse echo, through transmission, C-scan, resonance etc. The last type is the most difficult due to physically ‘perfect ’ contact between adhesive and adherent. Several ultrasonic techniques using longitudinal, shear, plate and interface waves etc. have been considered for finding the most sensitive wave type and corresponding experimental parameters [1–8]. High sensitivity was obtained in several cases. To understand the characteristics of wave reflection and refraction on the bond line for evaluating the bonding quality, various boundary conditions and different physical models have been created [9–18]: 1. ideal rigid boundary conditions (or welded bond), considered as perfect bonding, 2. ideal smooth boundary conditions (or kissing bond), considered as a weak bond, 3. weak boundary conditions, the bond between the rigid and smooth limits, 4. intermediate layer between two solid media, to account for weak bonding.
External Loops at the C Terminus of Erwinia chrysanthemi Pectate Lyase C Are Required for Species-Specific Secretion through the Out Type II Pathway

The type II secretion system (main terminal branch of the general secretion pathway) is used by diverse gram-negative bacteria to secrete extracellular proteins. Proteins secreted by this pathway are synthesized with an N-terminal signal peptide which is removed upon translocation across the inner membrane, but the signals which target the mature proteins for secretion across the outer membrane are unknown. The plant pathogens Erwinia chrysanthemi and Erwinia carotovora secrete several isozymes of pectate lyase (Pel) by the out -encoded type II pathway. However, these two bacteria cannot secrete Pels encoded by heterologously expressed pel genes from the other species, suggesting the existence of species-specific secretion signals within these proteins. The functional cluster of E. chrysanthemi out genes carried on cosmid pCPP2006 enables Escherichia coli to secrete E. chrysanthemi , but not E. carotovora , Pels. We exploited the high sequence similarity between E. chrysanthemi PelC and E. carotovora Pel1 to construct 15 hybrid proteins in which different regions of PelC were replaced with homologous sequences from Pel1. The differential secretion of these hybrid proteins by E. coli (pCPP2006) revealed M118 to D175 and V215 to C329 as regions required for species-specific secretion of PelC. We propose that the primary targeting signal is contained within the external loops formed by G274 to C329 but is dependent on residues in M118 to D170 and V215 to G274 for proper positioning.
Inbreeding and juvenile mortality in small populations of ungulates: A detailed analysis

Abstract An initial survey of breeding records of captive ungulates showed that juvenile mortality was higher in inbred than in non-inbred young in 15 of 16 species. Because of recent scepticism regarding the deleterious effects of inbreeding, we conducted a more detailed analysis of the 12 species for which adequate records were available to examine the possibility that the trend of higher mortality rates in inbred young was not due to inbreeding but rather to some other factor often associated with inbreeding. The factors considered were: birth season; birth order; management changes; population density; and differences between captive-born and wild-caught, and inbred and non-inbred dams. None of these possibly confounding factors could account for the higher mortality rates of inbred young. These results demonstrate the reality of the effects of inbreeding and emphasize that an awareness of the consequences of inbreeding is vital to the sound genetic management of small captive populations.
Skeletal unloading induces resistance to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) by inhibiting activation of the IGF-I signaling pathways.

UNLABELLED We showed that unloading markedly diminished the effects of IGF-I to activate its signaling pathways, and the disintegrin echistatin showed a similar block in osteoprogenitor cells. Furthermore, unloading decreased alphaVbeta3 integrin expression. These results show that skeletal unloading induces resistance to IGF-I by inhibiting activation of the IGF-I signaling pathways at least in part through downregulation of integrin signaling. INTRODUCTION We have previously reported that skeletal unloading induces resistance to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) with respect to bone formation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify how skeletal unloading induces resistance to the effects of IGF-I administration in vivo and in vitro with respect to bone formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first determined the response of bone to IGF-I administration in vivo during skeletal unloading. We then evaluated the response of osteoprogenitor cells isolated from unloaded bones to IGF-I treatment in vitro with respect to activation of the IGF-I signaling pathways. Finally we examined the potential role of integrins in mediating the responsiveness of osteoprogenitor cells to IGF-I. RESULTS IGF-I administration in vivo significantly increased proliferation of osteoblasts. Unloading markedly decreased proliferation and blocked the ability of IGF-I to increase proliferation. On a cellular level, IGF-I treatment in vitro stimulated the activation of its receptor, Ras, ERK1/2 (p44/42 MAPK), and Akt in cultured osteoprogenitor cells from normally loaded bones, but these effects were markedly diminished in cells from unloaded bones. These results were not caused by altered phosphatase activity or changes in receptor binding to IGF-I. Inhibition of the Ras/MAPK pathway was more impacted by unloading than that of Akt. The disintegrin echistatin (an antagonist of the alphaVbeta3 integrin) blocked the ability of IGF-I to stimulate its receptor phosphorylation and osteoblast proliferation, similar to that seen in cells from unloaded bone. Furthermore, unloading significantly decreased the mRNA levels both of alphaV and beta3 integrin subunits in osteoprogenitor cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that skeletal unloading induces resistance to IGF-I by inhibiting the activation of IGF-I signaling pathways, at least in part, through downregulation of integrin signaling, resulting in decreased proliferation of osteoblasts and their precursors.
Nereus, A 250 kV, 80 kA Electron Beam Generator

A 250 - 400 kV, 80 kA, 30 ns electron beam generator has been developed. The machine consists of a 600 kV Marx generator, a water-dielectric transmission line, a diode, and a beam drift chamber. It was necessary to minimize prepulse for stable diode operation. Several cathodes were tested during development and results are reported. Diodes with 26 and 8 nH inductance are described.
Addiction Recovery: 12-Step Programs and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology.

This article provides the helping professional with an overview of treatment issues referred to as spiritual by those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions through 12-step programs like that of Alcoholics Anonymous. Conflicts between academically trained helping professionals and researchers, and those advocating spiritually oriented treatment programs are reviewed. Spiritual aspects of recovery may be foreign constructs for the academically trained helping professional. The goal of this article is to discuss these spiritual constructs in terms of cognitive-behavioral psychology, a knowledge base common to most professionally trained helpers.
Effects of non-homogeneity on the stresses in a rotating cylinder

In this paper the effects of non-homogeneity which is assumed both in elastic properties and in density on the stresses and extension in a complete rotating cylinder is discussed and the results are compared with those in the homogeneous case.
Effects of Triton‐extraction conditions on beat symmetry of sea urchin sperm flagella

Potentially asymmetric spermatozoa are obtained when spermatozoa are demembranated in the presence of a low Ca2+/Mg2+ ion concentration ratio. They swim with asymmetric bending waves even when reactivated at low Ca2+ concentrations, and become more asymmetric when Ca2+ is increased. Potentially symmetric spermatozoa, which swim with symmetric bending waves at low Ca2+ and become asymmetric as the Ca2+ is increased, can be obtained by exposing the flagella to a high Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio, either during or subsequent to demembranation. The rate of this conversion is an increasing function of temperature and Triton concentration. Potentially symmetric spermatozoa can be reconverted to potential asymmetry, if the exposure to high Ca2+/Mg2+ is brief, and is terminated by addition of EGTA and Mg2+ before diluting the spermatozoa. The conversion to potential symmetry may involve removal of a labile component from the axoneme.
Decreased hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by manganese–porphyrin complexes

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have been implicated in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Metalloporphyrins (MP) are stable catalytic antioxidants that can scavenge superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite and lipid peroxyl radicals. Studies were conducted with three manganese–porphyrin (MnP) complexes with varying superoxide dimutase (SOD) and catalase catalytic activity to determine if the MnP attenuates I/R injury in isolated perfused rat livers. The release of the hepatocellular enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was maximal at 1 min reperfusion, decreased rapidly and increased gradually by 90 min. Manganese tetrakis-(N-ethyl-2 pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP) decreased ALT, AST, LDH at 1–90 min reperfusion, while manganese tetrakis-(N-methyl-2 pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTM-2-PyP) and manganese tetrakis-(ethoxycarbonyl) porphyrin (MnTECP) decreased ALT and LDH from 5 to 90 min reperfusion. The release of thiobarbituric acid-reac...
Child-Report of Family Accommodation in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: Comparison and Integration with Mother-Report

Reducing family accommodation (FA) may be beneficial in cases of childhood anxiety disorders. Assessment of FA has so far relied on single-informant maternal report, which may be biased by factors including maternal anxiety. We compared child and mother reports of FA, and examined whether maternal anxiety moderates the association between mother and child report. Participants were fifty children with primary DSM-5 anxiety disorders, and their mothers. Mother–child agreement was good for overall FA and moderate for subdomains of FA. Mothers reported significantly more FA than children. Maternal anxiety moderated the association between mother and child report of FA, such that the correlation was stronger in more anxious mothers. Children agreed that FA helps them feel less anxious and did not agree that parents should accommodate less. FA is an important clinical characteristic of childhood anxiety disorders and assessment can be enhanced through child report and consideration of maternal anxiety.
Genetic Studies of Low-Abundance Human Plasma Proteins

Thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing over the pH range 3.5–5 followed by immunoblotting was used to investigate the occurrence and frequency of genetic variation in corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). Plasma samples from US Caucasians (n = 105) and US Blacks (n = 106) from Pittsburgh, Pa., Canadian Indians from Vancouver Island (n = 91) and Nigerian Blacks (n = 116) were analyzed. A complex isoprotein pattern was observed in all individuals tested. Reduction of this pattern to a single primary band following neuraminidase treatment indicates that the observed intraindividual variation is due to variation in the number of sialic acid residues associated with CBG. The CBG variant pattern consisted of a series of isoprotein bands having the same mobility as the common pattern, and a second series of bands at a more acidic isoelectric point. This pattern is consistent with heterozygosity for a rare CBG allele.
Computational Modeling of Dynamic Cell Adhesion, Deformation, and Rolling Under Blood Flow in a Micro-Channel

Cell adhesion to postcapillary vascular endothelium in the fluid dynamic environment is an important event in many physiological and pathological processes, e.g. leukocyte emigration is critical for the successful host defense against tissue injury and infection. Since cell-blood interaction is strongly coupled with cell adhesion in the microchannel, we have developed an integrated mathematical model of cell adhesion, deformation, and rolling. Cells are modeled as elastic solids interacting with the flat wall of a micro-channel. The ligand-receptor bonds between the cell and micro-channel wall are simulated as many simple springs. The formation and dissociation rates of bonds are characterized by a reversible kinetic model (Dembo et al., 1988).Copyright © 2003 by ASME
IDES: An Internet Distance Estimation Service for Large Networks

The responsiveness of networked applications is limited by communications delays, making network distance an important parameter in optimizing the choice of communications peers. Since accurate global snapshots are difficult and expensive to gather and maintain, it is desirable to use sampling techniques in the Internet to predict unknown network distances from a set of partially observed measurements. This paper makes three contributions. First, we present a model for representing and predicting distances in large-scale networks by matrix factorization which can model suboptimal and asymmetric routing policies, an improvement on previous approaches. Second, we describe two algorithms-singular value decomposition and non-negative matrix factorization-for representing a matrix of network distances as the product of two smaller matrices. Third, based on our model and algorithms, we have designed and implemented a scalable system-Internet Distance Estimation Service (IDES)-that predicts large numbers of network distances from limited samples of Internet measurements. Extensive simulations on real-world data sets show that IDES leads to more accurate, efficient and robust predictions of latencies in large-scale networks than existing approaches
Fault Diagnosis in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Regenerative Braking System

Regenerative braking is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly technologies used in electric and hybrid electric vehicles to improve energy efficiency and vehicle stability. This paper presents a systematic data-driven process for detecting and diagnosing faults in the regenerative braking system of hybrid electric vehicles. The diagnostic process involves signal processing and statistical techniques for feature extraction, data reduction for implementation in memory-constrained electronic control units, and variety of fault classification methodologies to isolate faults in the regenerative braking system. The results demonstrate that highly accurate fault diagnosis is possible with the classification methodologies. The process can be employed for fault analysis in a wide variety of systems, ranging from automobiles to buildings to aerospace systems.
Effects of progesterone and RU486 on the development and expression of adult male sexual behaviour and gene expression in the amygdala and preoptic area of the hypothalamus

The number of progesterone receptors is greater in the male than female neonatal rat hypothalamus. The aims of the present study were to determine developmental effects of progesterone on the expression of adult male sexual behaviour and whether changes in behaviour were reflected by altered gene expression within the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) or medial amygdala. Male rats were treated with progesterone (40 µg kg(-1), i.p.), the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 (40 µg kg(-1), i.p.) or an equal volume of vehicle (10% ethanol, 90% corn oil) on postnatal Days 1-5. Treatment with either progesterone or RU486 inhibited (P ≤ 0.07) the initial expression of consummatory sexual behaviour at 10.5 weeks of age without influencing growth or serum concentrations of testosterone. Sexual interest, as measured by latency to exhibiting mounting behaviour or the number of mounts achieved, was not influenced by treatment with either progesterone or RU486. The effects of treatment with progesterone or RU486 on sexual behaviour were diminished by experience. Microarray analysis of the POA indicated 61 genes that were upregulated and 49 that were downregulated (P ≤ 0.01) following RU486 treatment of male rats. However, the altered expression of selected genes was not confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of targeted genes within the amygdala was not influenced by treatment with either progesterone or RU486. Neonatal treatment with RU486, but not progesterone, decreased testes weight (P=0.02) without affecting testes morphology. The results indicate that altering the progesterone environment during a critical developmental period affects the expression of behaviour, but that changes in behaviour are not mirrored by the altered expression of selected genes.
Nutrient and temperature interactions in bioremediation of cryic soils

Low temperatures and lack of available nutrients often limit the rate of microbial petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in contaminated cryic soils. Proper management of both these parameters may increase microbial respiration in such soils. Interactions between nutrient level and temperature could impact management decisions for both factors, but these interactions have not previously been adequately described. Petroleum-contaminated soils from two Alaskan sites were studied in separate laboratory experiments. Nutrients and incubation temperatures were independently varied so interactions between the two could be studied. Soil from a gravel pad near Barrow, AK responded positively to temperatures increasing from 5°C to 20°C, and to addition of 50 or 100 mg/kg of supplemental nitrogen. Soil from Ft. Wainwright, AK responded positively as temperatures were increased from 1°C to 21°C, but microbial respiration decreased when temperatures were raised to 41°C. Microbial activity increased when 100 or 200 mg/kg of supplemental nitrogen was applied. In both soils, there were positive interactions between soil temperature response and addition of nitrogen fertilizer. Microbial response to soil warming was accentuated by proper nitrogen management, and response to fertilizer application was greatest when soil was warmed.
What is an adequate dose of oral vitamin B12 in older people with poor vitamin B12 status

The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency increases in the elderly, mainly because atrophic gastritis decreases the production of the acid and digestive enzymes needed to cleave protein-bound vitamin B12 from the natural chemical form of vitamin B12 found in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy foods. Depending on the biochemical criterion that is used, 5% to more than 20% of older adults have marginal or frank vitamin B12 deficiency. Adults over 50 years of age should meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance by consuming vitamin B12 in the crystalline form, which does not require gastric acid or enzymes for initial digestion. A recent clinical trial suggests that an oral dose of 500 μg/d of crystalline vitamin B12 is needed to reverse biochemical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults.
Differences in the subunit exchange between native and runoff single ribosomes

Abstract 1. Single ribosomes derived from chick embryo polysomes by runoff in vitro exchange their subunits with preisolated large subunits. No exchange is observed with native single ribosomes. 2. The subunit exchange is not dependent on simultaneous release of ribosomes from messenger RNA and half of the maximal exchange is reached in 1 min at 30°C. 3. The exchange is inhibited by the inhibitors of peptide chain initiation, NaF and aurintricarboxylic acid but not by an inhibitor of peptide chain elongation, cycloheximide.
Electrocardiographic changes in lightning stroke.

Abstract Serial electrocardiographic changes in a 14-year-old Negro male who had been rendered temporarily unconscious by a stroke of lightning are presented. Deep, symmetrical T-wave inversion in Leads II, III, aV F , V 1 –V 6 , with prolongation of the Q-T interval, were interpreted as being compatible with diffuse myocardial injury. These changes resolved in approximately 12 months, and no immediate or long-term adverse effect upon the heart was clinically evident.
Excision of ultraviolet and gamma ray products of the 5,6-dihydroxy-dihydrothymine type by nuclear preparations of xeroderma pigmentosum cells

Monomeric products of the 5,6-dihydroxy-dihydrothymine type are produced in the DNA by both ultraviolet and ionizing radiations. The capacity of nuclear preparations from normal and Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) cells (Complementation groups A, B, C and D) to excise such products from ultraviolet or gamma-irradiated T7DNA was comparable and was independent of radiation induced strand breaks.
Truth and Convention: On Davidson's Refutation of Conceptual Relativism

Summary I discuss a simple case in which theories with different ontologies appear equally adequate in every way. (The case concerns the existence of mereological sums of individuals). I contend that the appearance of equal adequacy is correct, and that what this shows is that the notion of “existence” has a variety of different but legitimate uses. I also argue that this provides a counterexample to the claim advanced by Davidson, that conceptual relativity is incoherent. Resume Je discute un cas simple ou des theories comportant des ontologies differentes apparaissent egalement adequates a tout point de vue. (Ce cas concerne ľexistence de sommes merologiques ?on;individus). Je pretends que ľapparence ?on;egale adequation est correcte et ceci montre que la notion ?on;existence a plusieurs sens differents, mais egalement legitimes. Je montre aussi que cela constitue un contre-exemple a la these avancee par Davidson, selon laquelle la relativite con-ceptuelle est incoherente. Zusammenfassung Ich diskutiere einen einfachen Fall, wo Theorien mit verschiedenen Ontologien in jeder Beziehung als gleich adaquat erscheinen. (Der Fall betrifft die Existenz von mereologischen Summen von Individuen). Ich behaupte, dass die Ansicht, wonach gleiche Adaquatheit bestehen soil, korrekt ist und dass entsprechend der Begriff der Existenz mehrere verschiedene Verwendungs-weisen hat, die alle legitim sind. Ich argumentiere, dass damit ein Gegenbeispiel zu Davidsons Auffassung vorliegt, wonach die These der begrifflichen Relativitat inkoharent sein soil.
A retrospective FISH study of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification in relapsed and non-relapsed node-negative breast cancer

We previously reported the results of 29 relapsed and 31 non-relapsed cases of node-negative breast cancer studied for HER-2/neu oncogene amplification using FISH and the Vysis HER-2/neu and chromosome 17 control probes (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL). Previous research performed in this laboratory on HER-2/neu amplification in stages I to IV breast cancer indicated that the most aggressive disease stages were associated with the higher frequency of oncogene amplification and the highest level of amplification. These data support the hypothesis that HER-2/neu is a prognostic marker of poor outcome. Thus, a retrospective study of HER-2/neu amplification in relapsed and non-relapsed node-negative breast cancer was initiated to explore further the above question. Out of a total of 46 relapsed cases studied, 13 (28.3%) were found to be amplified. The corresponding frequency of amplification for the controls was 4 (8.7%) of 46 non-relapsed cases. The difference was statistically significant with a p value of <0.05. Although these results still need to be confirmed and extended in other centers, they are quite remarkable and suggest an association between HER-2/neu amplification and disease relapse in patients with node-negative breast cancer. Our results also demonstrate that FISH is a sensitive technique for studying oncogene amplification in archival pathological specimens. (This study was partially funded by Vysis, Inc., Downers Grove, IL).
Effects of ozone and water stress on net photosynthetic rate of field-grown soybean leaves

Detailed physiological measurements were taken in controlled field experiments to better elucidate how environmental stresses interact to affect a soybean plant's physiology and growth. Nondestructive techniques were used to measure weekly and diurnal effects of ozone and water stress on net photosynthesis, stomatal resistance, and water status of field-grown soybean leaves. Open-top field chambers were used to expose soybeans to seasonal 12-h/day mean concentrations of 0.018 (CF), 0.059 (1.3NF) and 0.085 (1.9NF) ppm ozone. Soil water levels were well watered (WW) and water stressed (WS). Net carbon exchange-rate measurements (CER) were taken between 1000 and 1230h EST on center trifoliates with uniform exposure to sunlight. Average CER rates expressed as percent of CF over the growing season were 75% and 55% for WW 1.3NF, and 1.9NF and 90% and 61% for WS 1.3NF and 1.9NF, respectively. Measured mean seasonal photosynthesis rates of the WS CF treatments were 68% of those for the WW CF treatments.
Do employers pay efficiency wages? Evidence from Japan

Economists have long been interested in the seemingly cooperative nature of Japanese industrial relations. It has been hypothesized that information sharing in the wagesetting process has been used to promote efficiency. But have Japanese employers really paid efficiency wages, that is, can productivity gains be linked to pay raises? Efforts to test for efficiency wage setting face the problem of sorting out the extent to which pay influences labor productivity and vice versa. For the 1975–1997 sample period, we used an innovative statistical technique developed by Geweke to disentangle the linear association between pay and productivity growth. Efficiency wage behavior has not been the norm in Japan. Nevertheless, efficiency wage setting cannot be ruled out for some key areas of manufacturing.
Access to the scientific literature--a difficult balance.

In The Access Principle, John Willinsky argues that since the knowledge conveyed in scientific publications is a public good, access to it should be broadened as far as possible. Martin Frank writes that Willinsky's argument on behalf of the ultimate goal of open access falls short because it fails to weigh the benefits of such access against the costs in terms of other public goods.
Probabilistic Estimation Mechanisms And Tesselated Representations For Sensor Fusion

Two fundamental issues in sensor fusion are (1) the definition of model spaces for representing objects of interest and (2) the definition of estimation procedures for instantiating repre-sentations, with descriptions of uncertainty, from noisy observa-tions. In 3-D perception, model spaces frequently are defined by contour and surface descriptions, such as line segments and planar patches. These models impose strong geometric limitations on the class of scenes that can be modelled and involve segmentation decisions that make model updating difficult. In this paper, we show that random field models provide attractive, alternative representations for the problem of creating spatial descriptions from stereo and sonar range measurements. For stereo ranging, we model the depth at every pixel in the image as a random variable. Maximum likelihood or Bayesian formulations of the matching problem allow us to express the uncertainty in depth at each pixel that results from matching in noisy images. For sonar ranging, we describe a tesselated spatial representation that encodes spatial occupancy probability at each cell. We derive a probabilistic scheme for updating estimates of spatial occupancy from a model of uncertainty in sonar range measurements. These representations can be used in conjunction to build occupancy maps from both sonar and stereo range measurements. We show preliminary results from sonar and single-scanline stereo that illustrate the potential of this ap-proach. We conclude with a discussion of the advantages of the representations and estimation procedures used in this paper over approaches based on contour and surface models.
When energy storage reduces social welfare

This paper examines the potential welfare effects of storage under different market structures. This includes combinations of perfectly competitive and strategic generation and storage sectors, and standalone and generator-owned storage. We demonstrate that if the generation sector is perfectly competitive and does not own storage, then storage cannot be welfare-diminishing. Otherwise, generator-owned storage or standalone storage in a market with strategic generating firms can reduce welfare compared to the no-storage case. This contradicts conventional wisdom that adding firms to an imperfectly competitive market typically reduces welfare losses.
Drug-Induced Modifications in Sexual Behavior and Open Field Locomotion of Male Rats'

Abstract Several drugs were selected for sexual and open field behavioral testing, according to the following criteria: they are known synergists or antagonists of presumptive neurotransmitters; they modify behaviors thought to be related to sexual behavior; or they enjoy a popular reputation as aphrodisiacs in man. The drugs chosen were scopolamine, physostigmine, methamphetamine, cocaine, tranylcypromine, diazepam, cantharidin, and oxytocin. Scopolamine and diazepam disrupted sexual behavior, despite having differential effects on open field locomotion; locomotion was increased by scopolamine and unchanged by diazepam. Cocaine and methamphetamine increased locomotion, and in low doses were the only drugs to accelerate sexual performance. High doses of cocaine also increased locomotion, but had predominantly inhibitory actions on sexual performance. The other drugs were without significant effects on either behavior. The results are interpreted as indicating that activation of adrenergic pathways facilitates the sexual performance of male rats, and that alterations of cholinergic balance are disruptive. Open field activity modifications are not correlated with changes in sexual behavior.
Application of SKIPSM to binary template matching

An overview of SKIPSM (eparated-eme1 Jmage j.rocessing using Finite state Machines), a powerful new way to implement many standard image processing operations, is presented in a companion paper.' Other applications are presented in four other companion aper235 In comparison with conventional hardware-based and software-based approaches, SKIPSM allows implementation at higher speeds and/or lower hardware cost. The key theoretical developments upon which this improved performance is based ai . the separation of 2.-D binary image processing operations into a row operation followed by a column operation, . the formulation of these row and column operations in a form compatible with pipelined operation, . the implementation of the resulting operations as simple finite-state machines, and I the automated generation of the finite-state machine configuration data. This paper presents a general method for carrying out binary template matching, which is useful for image analysis in general and automated visual inspection and quality control in particular. Some key features of SKIPSM, as applied to binary template matching, are as follows: . Binary template matching with large, arbitrary templates can be implemented. Templates up to 35x35 and even larger are readily applied in a single pipelined pass. S Multipletemplates can be applied simultaneously in a single pass. . The user specifies the template or templates. All other steps can be automated. Speed increases and/or neighborhood size increases by factors of 100 or more can be achieved using conventional pipelined hardware in this new way. Alternatively, inexpensive off-the-shelf "chips" can be configured to carry out the same operations as more expensive conventional image processing hardware. Corresponding "speedups" are achieved in software-based implementations. This paper includes some simple examples of the results and gives implementation feasibility guidelines. KEYWORDS: image processing, binary template matching, real-time, implementations, finite-state machines, inspection
Piezoelektrische Versuche nach dem Prinzip der Methode von Giebe und Scheibe

Die von Giebe und Scheibe angegebene Methode zum Nachweis piezo-elektrischer Erregbarkeit last sich im Verein mit Temperaturvariierung in geeigneten Fallen zur Untersuchung von Modifikationsubergangen heranziehen. Solche Versuche wurden angestellt an Pentaerythrit und Kaliumjodat. Die verwendete Apparatur enthielt eine neue Schaltanordnung und eignete sich ferner zu einigen weiteren Versuchen bei hoher bzw. tiefer Temperatur.
Psychiatry Residents' Attitudes on Ethics and Professionalism: Multisite Survey Results

Recent studies show that psychiatry residents express a relatively greater need for ethics curricula than their colleagues in other specialties. Such studies have been limited in their generalizability because they were conducted at one site. This study of 151 psychiatry residents at seven U.S. psychiatry programs aims to address that limitation. Residents were surveyed on issues pertaining to ethics and professionalism education. Participants were found to support such curricula during training and to value its relevance to the practice of psychiatry. Gender differences and the influence of the “hidden curriculum” on such results merit further study.
On the scavenging of SO2 by cloud and raindrops: I. A theoretical study of SO2 absorption and desorption for water drops in air

An extention of our previous theory for trace gas absorption into freely-falling cloud and raindrops is presented. This theory describes the convective diffusion of a trace gas through air and into a water drop with internal circulation, the drop falling at its terminal velocity. Using flow fields for the circulating water inside and for the moving air outside the drop, obtained by numerical solutions to the Navier—Stokes equation of motion, we numerically solved the convective diffusion equation to determine the uptake of SO2 by water drops of various sizes, time exposure to the gas phase, and concentration of SO2 in the gas phase. It was found that for drops of radius larger than 1 mm and relatively low gas concentrations (≲10 ppb (v)), resistance to gas diffusion lies mainly in the gas phase; while for drops of radius less than 500 μm and gas concentrations larger than those found in the atmosphere (≳1% (v)), the resistance to diffusion lies primarily in the liquid phase. With drop sizes and gas concentrations between these limits, the rate of SO2 uptake is controlled by a coupled resistance to diffusion inside and outside the drop. In addition to our general model, a simplified version was formulated which allows considerable savings in computer time for evaluation and improved ease of handling without significant loss of accuracy. A comparison between our simplified model and that of Barrie (1978) shows that the boundary-layer approach of Barrie may be a useful alternate approach to estimating trace gas absorption by water drops, provided appropriate values are chosen for the thickness of the boundary layers involved.
Introduction to this special section OTC.10 and Offshore technology

From 3–6 May 2010, SEG will again cosponsor the Offshore Technology Conference, also known as OTC.10, the world's foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. OTC, founded in 1969, is now held annually at Reliant Center in Houston.
Talk, Research Technology, and the Achievement of Human Subject “Status Passage”

This article draws on field notes and interviews collected during an ethnographic study of the informed-consent process in HIV/AIDS clinical trials to examine the movement of individuals from the status designation of patient to that of human subject of research. Its theoretical starting points are Glaser and Strauss's (1971) observation of the centrality of interaction to status passage and their conceptualization of status passage as social accomplishment. Insights from conversation and technology studies are applied to show that human subject status passage is facilitated through (1) the enlistment efforts of research professionals and patients, (2) the talk of participants on informed consent and protocol-related matters, and (3) the placement of signatures on informed-consent documents. The analysis reveals that human subject status passage is indeterminate, negotiated, and unmarked by ceremony and cultural symbols. The implications of these findings for future studies on status passage and informed consent in human research are considered.
Personally Prudent but Publicly Profligate: Reagan's Generation and Budget Deficits

According to economic historian Robert Higgs (Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government, 1987), during the early part of the twentieth century, government spending at all levels (federal, state, and local) rarely exceeded 6 or 7 % of Gross National Product (GNP). Even after rising to 21 % of GNP during WWI, the government’s share of the economy returned to 8 % by the late 1920s. During the Great Depression, however, government’s share of the economy rose to between 14 and 15 % and would never drop below that point again. Public sector economists have wrestled with an explanation for this seemingly permanent increase in this size and scope of government for some time. Explanations include changes in the composition of the voting population (Husted and Kenny, “The Effect of the Expansion of the Voting Franchise on the Size of Government,” Journal of Political Economy, 1997), political entrepreneurship (Holcombe, “Veterans Interests and the Transition to Government Growth: 1870–1915,” Public Choice, 1999), crisis (Higgs, 1987), and Keynesian ideology (Buchanan and Wagner, Democracy in Deficit: The Political Legacy of Lord Keynes, 2000). It is this last argument we explore more in-depth in this note. In their seminal work, Buchanan and Wagner argue that Keynesian economics eliminated the old-time fiscal religion that had existed prior to the Great Depression. The old time fiscal religion was represented by a correspondence between prudence in personal finance and public finance. Government was expected to run surpluses in good economic times, to prepare for unforeseen bad times. Deficits were only to be
Suprathreshold binocular interactions for grating patterns

Binocular interactions of suprathreshold grating patterns have been investigated using a reaction time measure of contrast detection. Simple reaction times were determined for monocular and binocular viewing conditions over a contrast range from .63 to near threshold. The results from all subjects showed binocular summation for contrast levels near threshold, but there was considerable variation across subjects for contrast levels above threshold. Some subjects showed summation over the entire contrast range, but other subjects showed either binocular inhibition or binocular facilitation for some range of contrast levels. The pattern of binocular interaction for a given subject was consistent for several spatial frequencies. The differences in types of interaction between subjects, the variation in magnitude of binocular interaction with contrast level for each subject, and the data from experiments involving stimulation of noncorresponding retinal areas show that the binocular interactions found for suprathreshold stimuli cannot be accounted for on the basis of probability, and must, therefore, result from physiological interactions between the two eyes. These interactions have been investigated further under conditions of (1) induced fixation disparity, (2) horizontal gratings, and (3) orthogonally oriented gratings.
In Situ 50°C FTIR Spectroscopy of Pt and PtRu Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly Anodes

A tandem surface-transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) method permits the simultaneous investigation of adsorbed and desorbed species formed at the electrode surface of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Potential dependent, in situ specular reflectance spectra and on-line transmission FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed and desorbed species on working fuel cell electrode surfaces, confirm that linear hound CO, the primary intermediate on unsupported Pt and PtRu surfaces of fuel cell MEAs, have lower Stark tuning rates than the corresponding on arc-melted alloys. Two peaks corresponding to CO stretching modes were observed on a PtRu fuel cell anode surface prepared with Johnson Matthey catalysts. The higher frequency peak is ascribed to a Pt-rich alloy and the low frequency peak is ascribed to either pure Ru or an Ru-rich phase. The tandem technique confirms that a peak easily misassigned as a linear bound CO stretching mode (2083 cm -1 ) is is a methanol overtone peak. In addition to CO 2 , methylformate is a major product of a gas fed DMFC which is detected at the anode exhaust by on-line FTIR.
Legally speaking: should program algorithms be patented

In the Legally Speaking column last May [6], we reported on a survey conducted at last year's ACM-sponsored Conference on Computer-Human Interaction in Austin, Tex. Among the issues about which the survey inquired was whether the respondents thought patent protection should be available for various aspects of computer programs. The 667 respondents overwhelmingly supported copyright protection for source and object code although they strongly opposed copyright or patent protection for “look and feel” and most other aspects of programs. Algorithms were the only aspect of programs for which there was more than a small minority of support for patent protection. Nevertheless, more than half of the respondents I opposed either copyright or patent protection for algorithms. However, nearly 40 percent of the respondents regarded algorithms as appropriately protected by patents. (Another eight percent would have copyright law protect them.)We should not be surprised that these survey findings reflect division within the technical community about patents as a form of protection for this important kind of computer program innovation. A number of prominent computer professionals who have written or spoken about patent protection for algorithms or other innovative aspects of programs have either opposed or expressed reservations about this form of protection for software [2, 4, 5].This division of opinion, of course, has not stopped many firms and some individuals from seeking patent protection for algorithms or other software innovations [8]. Although the Refac Technology patent infringement lawsuit against Lotus and other spreadsheet producers may be in some jeopardy, it and other software patent lawsuits have increased awareness of the new availability of software patents. This situation, in turn, has generated some heated discussion over whether this form of legal protection will be in the industry's (and society's) long-term best interests.The aim of this column is to acquaint readers with the legal debate on patent protection for algorithms and other computer program innovations, an issue which seems to be as divisive among lawyers as those in the computer field. [3, 9].
Rate enhancement in the Wacker oxidation of hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated esters: A fast neutral method for the preparation of masked β-ketoesters

Abstract Wacker oxidation of 6- or 7-hydroxyalkenoate eaters is a mild one step means of generating both simple and highly functionalized protected β-ketoesters in high yield, under essentially neutral conditions.
Mechanism Governing Microparticle Morphology during Precipitation by a Compressed Antisolvent: Atomization vs Nucleation and Growth

This study provides insight into the mechanisms that govern morphology in microparticles processed using precipitation by a compressed antisolvent. We explore the time scale of surface tension evolution in jets of miscible fluids injected into critical and near-critical solvents to determine whether the jets atomize into droplets or simply evolve as gaseous plumes. Classical jet breakup length equations, modified with time-dependent surface tension, accurately predict observed breakup lengths over a range of liquid miscibilities. Linear jet breakup theory can be applied successfully to near critical conditions. The aerodynamic reduction factor remains constant over a wide range of pressures. However, under miscible conditions, calculations show that surface tension in a 10-cm/s round jet of methylene chloride in carbon dioxide at 8.5 MPa and 35 °C approaches 0.01 mN/m in 1 μm. Because this distance is shorter than characteristic breakup lengths, distinct droplets never form. Rather, the jets spread in a f...