cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contractile performance of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) ventricle: Assessment of the effects of temperature, pacing frequency, the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in contraction and adrenergic stimulation.

Abstract The air-breathing Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) experiences aquatic hypoxia, but restricted air-access in winter due to ice-cover. To lend insight into its overwintering strategy, we examined the effects of thermal acclimation (15 °C vs. 5 °C), acute temperature change (to 10 °C), increased pacing frequency, inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release and uptake and adrenaline (1000 nmol l−1) on the contractile performance of isometrically-contracting, electrically-paced ventricular strips. At routine pacing frequencies, maximal developed force (Fmax) was equivalent at 5 °C (2.1 ± 0.2 mN mm−2) and 15 °C (2.2 ± 0.3 mN mm−2), whereas contraction durations were 2.2- to 2.4-times longer and contraction rates 2.4- to 3.5-times slower at 5 °C. Maximum contraction frequency was reduced by decreased temperature, being 0.91 ± 0.04 Hz at 15 °C, 0.35 ± 0.02 Hz at 5 °C and equivalent between acclimation groups at 10 °C (~0.8 Hz). 15 °C and 5 °C strips were insensitive to SR inhibition at routine stimulation frequencies, but SR function supported high contraction rates at 10 °C and 15 °C. Adrenaline shortened T0.5R and increased relaxation rate by 18–40% at 15 °C, whereas at 5 °C, adrenaline augmented Fmax by 15–25%, in addition to increasing contraction kinetics by 22–82% and decreasing contraction duration by 20%. Overall, the results reveal that ventricular contractility is suppressed in cold-acclimated Alaska blackfish largely by acute and perhaps direct effects of decreased temperature, which effectively preconditions the tissue for low energy supply during winter hypoxia. Additionally, the level of cardiac performance associated with maintained activity in winter is supported by enhanced inotropic responsiveness to adrenaline at 5 °C.
Libraries and protecting patron privacy

Librarians have long been advocates of protecting patron privacy but in the digital age this is more challenging than ever before. Some of the issues involved are technical but there are other issu...
IP Reputation Analysis of Public Databases and Machine Learning Techniques

As Internet usage is increasing worldwide, today’s network is challenged with numerous cyber-attacks. An effective way to prevent users from cyber-attacks is to identify and create blacklists of those malicious domains. However, there are several issues related to the blacklist approach. Some authorized domains can mistakenly be added to blacklists, and some blacklist databases are not regularly maintained or updated. To solve these issues, we developed the Automated IP Reputation Analyzer Tool (AIPRA), a partly cross-checking system which automatically analyzes many reliable blacklist databases and assigns a weighted security degree of domains and IP addresses to inform users and applications about possibilities of malicious activities. However, there are some notable problems with blacklists, including false positives, inability to account for new malicious domains, and the constantly changing IP addresses of the malicious sites. To remedy this, we have tested four different machine learning approaches with several parameters, such as geolocation to analyze the performance of the approaches. Then, we integrate the geolocation-based machine learning approach into AIPRA to identify a malicious IP address or FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name). The results show that various public blacklist databases and machine learning techniques have significantly different results for the same set of IPs. While the results of machine learning methods can differ up to 25%, the blacklists result differ up to 80% differences for the same set of IPs. Therefore, our developed tool AIPRA is not only beneficial with crosscheck but also using machine learning to identify and eliminate the security issues which are caused by new harmful sites and outdated blacklists.
Endovascular Repair for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Antecedent Endograft

An 81-year-old male presented with a rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm with prior endografting secondary to Type IA and Type III endoleak. Following repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with endovascular repair (Palmaz stent, aortic cuff, and iliac extension limb), there was resolution of Type 1A and Type III endoleak. Patient developed recurrent Type IA endoleak 8 months later which was managed by fenestrated graft.
Electrochemically Grown Sodium Transition Metal Oxides NaxMO2 (M=Co, Mn, Fe, Ni)

Electrochemically grown ceramic oxide films have exhibited improved electrochemical, photovoltaic, and catalytic performance. However, product library accessible through conventional aqueous anodic electrolytic deposition of oxides is limited primarily to binary systems and rare examples exist for air and moisture sensitive ternary oxides. Moreover, growth rate, thickness, and functionality of the electrodeposited oxide films are hindered by the solvent of choice, poor reaction kinetics and low temperature of synthesis. Here, we introduce, an intermediate temperature (350oC), dry molten sodium hydroxide mediated binder-free electrodeposition process to grow air and moisture sensitive layered sodium transition metal oxides, NaxMO2 (M=Co, Mn, Ni, Fe), which are conventionally synthesized by solid state reactions at temperatures ≥ 700oC. Albeit the lowest reported synthesis temperature and reaction times, our electrodeposited oxides retain the key structural and electrochemical performance observed in the high temperature bulk synthesized analogues. We demonstrate that tens of microns thick, >75% dense O3 NaxCoO2 and O'3 NaxMnO2 can be deposited at a growth rate of ~5-20 mg/cm2/hr, with near theoretical gravimetric capacity, chemical diffusion coefficient of Na+ ions, and reversible areal capacity in the range ~0.25-0.76 mAh/cm2, which are significantly higher than those reported for binder free sodium cathodes deposited by other techniques. Our method resolves longstanding intrinsic challenges associated with traditional aqueous solution-based electrodeposition of ceramic oxides and opens a general solution chemistry approach for electrochemical processing of hitherto unexplored air and moisture sensitive high valent multinary oxides.
Spectrum of arrhythmogenic substrate post minimally invasive maze surgery in patients with recurrent.

BACKGROUND Advancements in minimally invasive surgical ablation (MISA) have focused on improving pulmonary vein isolation. Additional ablation targets have been developed (such as posterior wall isolation). The mid- and long-term effects of current techniques (including electrophysiologic findings and recurrent arrhythmia mechanisms) have not previously been reported. METHODS Twenty eight patients with recurrent atrial arrhythmias after bipolar clamp ablation of the pulmonary vein antrum, ganglionated plexi, posterior wall isolation (roof and floor lines to create a posterior box), and ligament of Marshall ligation/cauterization and left atrial appendage clipping underwent follow up electrophysiology study including left atrial mapping an average of 2.3 years postoperatively. RESULTS Atrial fibrillation was the most common recurrent arrhythmia (n = 18) followed by micro-reentrant atrial tachycardia (n = 5), macro-reentry left atrial flutter (n = 3), and typical cavo-tricuspid isthmus atrial flutter (n = 2). Eighty six of 112 (77%) PVs mapped were electrically isolated, 16 (57%) patients had all four pulmonary veins (PVs) isolated. The posterior wall (PW) was completely isolated in only four (14%) patients, seven (25%) patients had normal PW voltage, while 17 (61%) patients had abnormal delayed or fractionated electrograms in the posterior wall (incomplete isolation). Abnormal PW electrograms were more frequently found in patients with complex recurrent left atrial arrhythmia (micro-reentry or left atrial macro-reentry flutter). CONCLUSION With current surgical techniques PV isolation has improved, but PW isolation remains challenging. Incomplete PW isolation may produce arrhythmogenic substrate.
Assessment of Provisions for Load Rating Gusset Plates in Steel Truss Bridges

Many states have load rated their truss bridge gusset plates following the guidelines published in 2009 by the Federal Highway Administration in response to the catastrophic failure of the I-35W Br...
The Progress. Problems, and Prospects of Plant Protoplast Research

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the basic information about the isolation, fusion, and culture of plant protoplasts, in pointing out some of the new research approaches that may be useful in the production of better varieties of crop plants, and in understanding the basic processes involved in the growth and differentiation of higher plants. Protoplasts can be isolated from a variety of plant tissues and cultured cells. The nutrition and age of the plants, as well as the temperature and illumination at which they are grown, directly affect the isolation of protoplasts and their suitability for further growth. The chapter describes two methods for the isolation of protoplasts: mechanical methods and enzymatic methods. The stability and further growth of protoplasts are largely dependent on the procedures used for their isolation and the nutritional, physiological, and physical conditions of their culture. The chapter discusses the techniques for the culture of protoplasts, including (1) suspension and drop cultures, (2) plating, and (3) microculture chambers.
Optimization of high tunability barium strontium titanate thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering

Barium strontium titanate is a solid solution perovskite with a field-dependent permittivity. At microwave frequencies, its tunable dielectric constant and low loss make it a competitive choice for varactors and other tunable circuit elements. Much attention has been focused on the production of low-loss films for such applications, with little emphasis on how the film properties contribute to the circuit loss. When tunable elements are implemented in circuits, electrode loss dominates over film loss. In applications such as phase shifters, where cascaded tuning elements provide a predetermined amount of tuning, circuit designs using high tunability films minimize the number of tuning elements required, resulting in an overall reduction in circuit loss. When growth conditions are optimized for superior electrical properties, tunability and film loss are the two quantities of interest. By changing the oxygen partial pressure during growth, the amount of excess Ti incorporated into the film is changed. Films with higher excess Ti contents exhibit lower losses, higher breakdown voltages, and lower permittivities than more stoichiometric films. While all of the films approach the same high-field capacitance limit, the total tunability is determined not only by the zero-field permittivity but also by the breakdown voltage; a device must be able to tolerate sufficient applied bias to reach its high-field capacitance limit. By balancing these factors, we have produced capacitors with an unprecedented 13.71:1 (92.7%) tuning ratio at an applied field of 4.7 MV/cm.
Cinacalcet-induced hungry bone syndrome

Cinacalcet is a type II calcimimetic approved for treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is generally well tolerated with the most common side effects being nausea and vomiting. Symptomatic hypocalcemia is rare, and persistent hypocalcemia has not been reported to date. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman on chronic outpatient hemodialysis who was initiated on cinacalcet when her intact parathyroid hormone was 1091 pg/mL (normal 15-75 pg/dL). Two weeks later she developed diffuse muscle twitching. The patient required a 72-hour hospitalization and treatment with a continuous intravenous calcium infusion for symptomatic hypocalcemia. The intact parathyroid hormone level at this time was 176 pg/mL. This case is the first report of cinacalcet-induced prolonged and symptomatic hypocalcemia, closely resembling the hungry bone syndrome described in some patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism following surgical parathyroidectomy.
Genotypes and haplotypes of the methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 modify breast cancer risk dependent upon menopausal status

Introduction MBD2, the gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD)2, is a major methylation related gene and functions as a transcriptional repressor that can specifically bind to the methylated regions of other genes. MBD2 may also mediate gene activation because of its potential DNA demethylase activity. The present case-control study investigated associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MBD2 gene and breast cancer risk.
Toxicity of smoke to epiphytic ice nucleation-active bacteria.

Wheat straw smoke aerosols and liquid smoke condensates reduced significantly both the viability and the ice-nucleating activity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Erwinia herbicola in vitro and on leaf surfaces in vivo. Highly significant reductions in numbers of bacterial ice nuclei on the surface of both corn and almond were observed after exposure to smoke aerosols. At −5°C, frost injury to corn seedlings colonized by ice nucleation-active bacteria was reduced after exposure to smoke aerosols. Effects on −9°C ice nuclei, although significant, were less than on ice nuclei active at −5°C. These results suggest that smoke from wildfires or smudge pots may reduce plant frost susceptibility and sources of ice nuclei important in other natural processes under some conditions.
Measurements of Parity-Violation Parameters at SLD

We present direct measurements of the parity-violation parameters A{sub b}, A{sub c}, and A{sub s} at the Z{sup 0} resonance with the SLD detector. The measurements are based on approximately 530 k hadronic Z{sup 0} events collected in 1993-98. Obtained results are A{sub b} = 0.914 {+-} 0.024 (SLD combined: preliminary), A{sub c}, = 0.635 {+-} 0.027 (SLD combined: preliminary), and A{sub s} = 0.895 {+-} 0.066(stat.) {+-} 0.062(sys.).
Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of peripheral nerve and muscle are common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and share features with multifocal motor neuropathy

Introduction MRI of peripheral nerve and muscle in patients with ALS may be performed to investigate alternative diagnoses including multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). MRI findings of peripheral nerve and muscle are not well described in these conditions, making interpretation of results difficult.
Independent deposition of collagen types II and IX at epithelial-mesenchymal interfaces

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of type II collagen (in mature chickens predominantly a ‘cartilage-specific’ collagen) in a variety of embryonic extracellular matrices that separate epithelia from mesenchyme. In an immunohistochemical study using collagen type-specific monoclonal antibodies, we asked whether type IX collagen, another ‘cartilage-specific’ collagen, is coexpressed along with type II at such interfaces. We confirmed that, in the matrix underlying a variety of cranial ectodermal derivatives and along the ventrolateral surfaces of neuroepithelia, type II collagen is codistributed with collagen types I and IV. Type IX collagen, however, was undetectable at those sites. We observed immunoreactivity for type IX collagen only within the notochordal sheath, where it first appeared at a later stage than did collagen types I and II. We also observed type II collagen (without type IX) beneath the dorsolateral ectoderm at stage 16; this correlates with the period during which limb ectoderm has been reported to induce the mesoderm to become chondrogenic. Finally, in older hind limbs we observed subepithelial type II collagen that was not associated with subsequent chondrogenesis, but appeared to parallel the formation of feathers and scales in the developing limb. These observations suggest that the deposition of collagen types II and IX into interfacial matrices is regulated independently, and that induction of mesenchymal chondrogenesis by such matrices does not involve type IX collagen. Subepithelial type IX collagen deposition, on the other hand, correlates with the assembly of a thick multilaminar fibrillar matrix, as present in the notochordal sheath and, as shown previously, in the corneal primary stroma.
Stable Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Stringent (rel+) and Relaxed (rel−) Polyamine Auxotrophs of Escherichia coli K-12

Abstract The relationship of polyamines to stable ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis under conditions of amino acid withdrawal or chloramphenicol treatment was examined with the use of a closely related rel+, rel− pair conditionally incapable of synthesizing putrescine. Under conditions of polyamine starvation, the cellular sperimidine level fell to one-third to one-half of the value observed in putrescine-supplemented cultures and putrescine became undetectable; cadaverine was synthesized by both strains, but the relaxed strain, MA 252, accumulated less cadaverine per cell than its stringent twin, MA 254. Upon amino acid withdrawal, the stringent strain remained stringent whether starved of or supplemented with polyamines. Similarly, the relaxed strain was capable of making RNA either with or without polyamine starvation. On the addition of chloramphenicol or upon amino acid withdrawal in the relaxed strain, supplementation with spermidine had no effect on the initial rate of RNA synthesis, although RNA accumulation was greater in the presence of added spermidine. Spermidine added at the conclusion of RNA synthesis prompted additional synthesis, although preincubation with spermidine again had no effect on the initial rate. All forms of stable RNA species were made with polyamine supplementation. The present data appear to rule out the possibility that polyamines are primary causative agents in stimulating RNA synthesis, but rather suggest an indirect or secondary role for spermidine in which the polyamines “stimulate” stable RNA synthesis probably by relieving RNA product inhibition of RNA synthesis.
Use of an Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer System in a Separations Process Plant Laboratory

A commercially available inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry system has been modified and placed into operation for the analysis of radioactive samples in support of a separations process plant. The modifications consisted of building a ported hood around the standard torch box, modifying the gas and electrical connections in and to the torch box, providing an off-gas purification system and providing a shielded drain system. The ICP system, its modifications, support equipment, sample preparation, and two years of working experience are described.
Breaking Bad News About Cancer: Patients’ Preferences for Communication

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess patients’ preferences regarding the way in which physicians deliver news about their cancer diagnosis and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 351 patients with a variety of cancers completed a measure assessing their preferences for how they would like to be told news about their cancer. Patients rated characteristics of the context and content of the conversation as well as physician characteristics. RESULTS: Factor analysis indicated that patients’ preferences for how they would like to be told news regarding their cancer can be grouped into the following three categories: (1) content (what and how much information is told); (2) facilitation (setting and context variables); and (3) support (emotional support during the interaction). Women (P = .02) and patients with higher education (P = .05) had significantly higher scores on the Content scale, women (P = .02) had higher scores on the Support scale, and younger patients (P = .001) and those with m...
Readout interface circuits for MOS C-V sensors

The present work reports the design, implementation and testing of readout interface electronic circuits using switched-capacitor and ring oscillator techniques in 2/spl mu/m n-well CMOS technology. For MOS C-V type sensors, the switched capacitor technique is more appropriate for relatively small capacitance change compared to the ring oscillator technique which suits mostly for large capacitance variation. It is shown that the switched-capacitor readout interface circuit can be used to measure sensor capacitance change with high resolution and is insensitive to parasitic capacitances.
Electrostatic-Driven Ridge Formation on Nanoparticles Coated with Charged End-Group Ligands

Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the surface patterns of charged end-group ligands attached to faceted nanoparticles. A competition between electrostatic repulsio...
Alpha-particle-induced field and enhanced collection of carriers

A simple physical model explains all the characteristics of the newly discovered funnelling phenomenon. An alpha strike results in significant field in the quasi-neutral regions to a depth that is equal to 1 + µ _{n} /µ _{p} times the depletion region width of an n+/p junction. This and the predicted current waveform agree with experiments and simulation results. The model also predicts the effects of the angle of alpha incidence, and that p+/n junctions should exhibit weaker funnelling phenomenon.
Over-expression of human type I (placental) 3β-hydroxy-5-ene-steroid dehydrogenase/isomerase in insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus

Human type I placental 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene-steroid dehydrogenase/steroid 5-->4-ene-isomerase (3 beta-HSD/isomerase) synthesizes androstenedione from fetal dehydroepiandrosterone and progesterone from pregnenolone. The full length cDNA that encodes type I 3 beta-HSD/isomerase was inserted into the baculovirus, Autographa californica multiple nucleocapsid polyhedrosis virus, and expressed in Spodoptera fungiperda (Sf-9) insect cells. Western blots showed that the baculovirus-infected Sf-9 cells produced an immunoreactive protein that co-migrated with purified placental 3 beta-HSD/isomerase. Ultracentrifugation localized the expressed enzyme activities in all the membrane-associated organelles of the Sf-9 cell (nuclear, mitochondrial and microsomal). Kinetic studies showed that the expressed enzyme has 3 beta-HSD and isomerase activities. The Michaelis-Menton constant is very similar for the 3 beta-HSD substrate, 5 alpha-androstan-3 beta- ol-17-one, in the Sf-9 cell homogenate (Km = 17.9 microM) and placental microsomes (Km = 16.7 microM). The 3 beta-HSD activity (Vmax = 14.5 nmol/min/mg) is 1.6-fold higher in the Sf-9 cell homogenate compared to placental microsomes (Vmax = 9.1 nmol/min/mg). The Km values are almost identical for the isomerase substrate, 5-androstene-3,17-dione, in the Sf-9 cell homogenate (Km = 14.7 microM) and placental microsomes (Km = 14.4 microM). The specific isomerase activity is 1.5-fold higher in the Sf-9 cells (Vmax = 25.7 nmol/min/mg) relative to placenta (Vmax = 17.2 nmol/min/mg). These studies show that our recombinant baculovirus system over-expresses fully active enzyme that is kinetically identical to native 3 beta-HSD/isomerase in human placenta.
Lidocaine protein binding in preeclampsia.

The effect of preeclampsia on the binding of lidocaine to serum proteins was studied in 25 term parturients with severe preeclampsia and in 21 normal parturients serving as controls. There were no statistically significant differences in mean lidocaine free fraction, binding ratio, or serum AAG levels in the control vs preeclamptic patients, respectively. Binding ratio was strongly correlated with AAG concentration for the control (r=0.91) and preeclamptic (r=0.85) patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in the slopes of the lines relating binding ratio to AAG. Preeclampsia had little affect on serum AAG concentrations and lidocaine binding ratio. Preeclampsia may alter the interaction of lidocaine with binding sites on AAG without a significant change in lidocaine free fraction.
Nuclear matrix elements in the first forbidden beta decay of 198Au

Abstract Nuclear matrix elements for the 2 − (0.959 MeV β − )2 + beta transition in 198 Au were extracted and comparison was made with CVC theory predictions for the vector matrix element ratio Λ cvc = ∫α/∫ir/p. It was found that the ratio Λ cvc was consistent with the CVC prediction based on the assumption that the Coulomb Hamiltonian is diagonal. However, contributions from off-diagonal matrix elements of the Coulomb Hamiltonian could not be ruled out. Fairly good limits were placed on the nuclear matrix elements in spite of the fact that the Coulombenhanced combinations of matrix elements dominate the transition.
Developmental expression of alcohol dehydrogenases in maize

Abstract Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in Zea mays exists in five distinct electrophoretic forms (isozymes), ADH-1, ADH-2, ADH-3, ADH-4, and ADH-T. The mode of inheritance of ADH-1 and ADH-2 has been previously reported; preliminary data suggest that ADH-3 is controlled by a different locus than ADH-2; no genetic analysis has yet been made for ADH-4 and ADH-T. Analyses at different stages of ontogenesis and of different organs have shown that the ADH isozyme pattern fluctuates qualitatively and quantitatively during the course of development and differentiation of the maize plant. ADH-T is controlled spatially and temporally in a very strict manner, being present only in extracts from the pericarp of 19- to 40-day-old kernels. ADH-3 and ADH-4 are present in the scutella of mature kernels and during early sporophytic development. ADH-1 and ADH-2 are the most common isozymes in all tissues examined, but ADH-1 is not found in endosperm of mature kernels or during germination. None of the isozymes have been found to be associated with any particulate cellular component at any stage of development. These findings are discussed with respect to differential gene expression, physiology, and cellular metabolism.
Small-angle X-ray scattering studies of 7S and 11S globulins from pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract Small-angle X-ray scattering studies have been conducted on solutions of 11S and 7S globulins isolated from peas ( Pisum sativum cv. Filby), and the radii of gyration and molecular weights determined. The general features of the scattering curves were similar to those reported for other seed storage proteins.
Mechanism for the production of echolocating clicks by the grey swiftlet,Collocalia spodiopygia

1. Orientation sounds of the echolocating swiftlet,Collocalia spodiopygia (family Apodidae) consist of two clicks, each having a duration of a few milliseconds, separated from each other by a silent interval lasting about 20 ms (Fig. 1). Most of the acoustic energy is between 2 and 8 kHz. 2. These clicks are generated in the syrinx and require syringeal airflow. 3. The first member of the double click is initiated by contraction of the sternotrachealis muscles (Fig. 3) which reduces tension on the syrinx by pulling the trachea caudad (Fig. 2). This causes the first bronchial ring to rotate inward (Fig. 10), reducing the syringeal aperture. As the external tympaniform membrane approaches the internal tympaniform membrane, the subsyringeal (= sternal air sac) pressure rises with increasing syringeal resistance and expiratory tracheal airflow peaks at about 6.1 ml/s (Figs. 6, 7, Table 1). Bernoulli forces cause the internal tympaniform membranes to vibrate, producing the first member of the double click (Fig. 9b). 4. The syrinx is closed during the silent intraclick interval by apposition of the syringeal membranes (Figs. 9c, 10). Subsyringeal pressure peaks at about 17cm H2O during this interval (Fig. 6), which is terminated by contraction of the tracheolateralis muscles (Fig. 3) that moves the syrinx craniad and causes the first bronchial ring to rotate outward, thus abducting the external tympaniform membranes and opening the syringeal lumen (Fig. 9d). 5. The second member of the double click occurs as the internal and external tympaniform membranes begin to separate, allowing expiratory airflow to resume (Fig. 9d). Tracheal airflow peaks at about 10 ml/s during this click as syringeal resistance and subsyringeal pressure drop (Figs. 6, 7, Table 1). The second click is terminated by further abduction of the external tympaniform membranes to their resting position (Fig. 9a). 6. The ability of swiftlets to transform a longer duration squeak-like vocalization into two brief clicks by momentarily closing the syrinx probably represents an important adaptation for acoustic orientation. By generating brief clicks they have created a sonar signal with a greater bandwidth and having abrupt rise-decay times that should improve target range determination based on measurement of the pulse-echo interval.
Active thermography for potato characterization

This paper describes the design of a semi-automated heating and scanning system and analytic method for potato characterization. Potatoes are heated using lamps in a heating chamber and then transferred on a movable fixture to an imaging chamber. A non-linear model was designed to predict which potatoes have excessive sugar defects and the model was evaluated with good results. Results from this research will benefit potato growers and manufacturers/producers of potato-based products such as chips and fries.
Enhancement of silicate weathering rates by vascular land plants: quantifying the effect

Theoretical arguments and biogeochemical modeling indicate that levels of paleoatmospheric CO2 depend strongly upon the degree to which the appearance, spread, and evolution of vascular plants on land accelerated the weathering of calcium and magnesium silicates (Berner, 1991, 1993). We have undertaken a series of observations and controlled experiments relating to the relative weathering effects of higher plants and their weatheringspecific responses to elevated CO2. Work to date includes a comprehensive study of Hawaiian basalt weathering beneath plant communities, along with examination of bare-rock and lichen-covered controls (modern lichens may serve as first-order analogs for terrestrial vegetation prior to the late Silurian (Retallack, 1981; Wright, 1985 ) ); analysis of the impact of plants colonizing ash and pumice from the recent eruptions of Mt. St. Helens; and growth-chamber experiments on CO2 fertilization of Loblolly pine and American beech growth on a basalt gravel substrate. Findings from these studies are presented and their implications discussed. We sampled basalt flows with ages between a few years and several thousand years from the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. Regions of low, moderate and high rainfall were sampled. Apparent weathering textures (leached zones, regions of partial dissolution) were not observed to penetrate unvegetated rocks less than 200 years in age to depths of more than 10/~m, even in the most humid areas. In addition, the common fruticose lichen Stereocaulon vulcani has no greater weathering effect upon its substrate than does abiotic water-rock interaction: some slight crumbling of rock surfaces might be attributable to the expansion and contraction of lichen holdfasts upon wetting, but no leaching and only negligible dissolution of substrate minerals and glass were observed. Notwithstanding the lichen's failure to digest its substrate to any marked degree, its tendency to trap and leach fine wind-blown rock fragments may result in the chemical weathering of significant quantities of material that would otherwise be transported and buried without being chemically weathered. Schwartzman and Volk ( 1989 ) have suggested that such a process might have allowed primitive land biota to restrain atmospheric CO2 from reaching excessive values before the rise of vascular plants, and indeed it may. The scale of such lichen-mediated weathering, however, does not approach that observed adjacent to the fine roots of vascular plants on these Hawaiian flows. Younger flows beneath plants such as the common Ohia tree (Metrosideros polymorpha) exhibit widening of primary microfractures into open channels and preferential congruent dissolution of plagioclase, olivine and volcanic glass. On older flows up to
Nuclear-powered space debris sweeper

Future spacecraft design will be affected by collisions with man-made debris orbiting the earth. Most of this orbital space debris comes from spent rocket stages. It is projected that the source of future debris will be the result of fragmentation of large objects through hypervelocity collisions. Orbiting spacecraft will have to be protected from hypervelocity debris in orbit. The options are to armor the spacecraft, resulting in increased mass, or actively removing the debris from orbit. An active space debris sweeper is described which will utilize momentum transfer to the debris through laser-induced ablation to alter its orbital parameters to reduce orbital lifetime with eventual entry into the earth's atmosphere where it will burn. The paper describes the concept, estimates the amount of velocity change (Delta V) that can be imparted to an object through laser-induced ablation, and investigates the use of a neutral particle beam for the momentum transfer. The space sweeper concept could also be extended to provide a collision avoidance system for the space station and satellites, or could be used for collision protection during interplanetary travel.
Apolipoprotein-E (APO-E) genotype and symptoms of psychosis in Alzheimer's disease.

The authors examined the association of Apolipoprotein-E (APO-E) genotype to symptoms of psychosis and depression in 501 patients diagnosed with probable (n=343) or possible (n=158) Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. They observed the following APO-E genotypes: ɛ2/ɛ3 (n=19); ɛ2/ɛ4 (n=14); ɛ3/ɛ3 (n=228); ɛ3/ɛ4 (n=203); ɛ4/ɛ4 (n=37). In contrast to previous reports, the results did not indicate a relationship between either the ɛ4 allele or the ɛ2 allele and symptoms of mood disturbance in AD. However, an elevated risk for psychosis was shown, specifically, at the severe stage of cognitive impairment, among AD patients carrying the ɛ4 allele, after effects of age, gender, education, and level of cognitive impairment were controlled.
CAN TRADITIONAL THEORIES OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE FIT THE DATA

Two traditional explanations for structural changes are sector-biased technological progress and non-homothetic preferences. This paper integrates both into an otherwise standard growth model and quantitatively evaluates them vis-a-vis time series. The exercise identifies a set of puzzles for standard theories: (i) the model cannot account for the steep decline in manufacturing and rise in services in the later data; (ii) the standard model requires implausibly low elasticity of substitution across goods to match the consumption and output data; and (iii) the behavior of consumption and output shares differs significantly from that of employment shares. We argue that models that incorporate home production, sector-specific factor distortions, and differences across sectors in the accumulation of human capital are promising avenues to amend the standard models. (JEL: O11, O14, O41)
On the gaps in the Fourier expansion of cusp forms

In this paper we obtain some results on the gap function which measures the size of gaps in the Fourier expansion of cusp forms that are not linear combinations of forms with complex multiplication. We also investigate the nonvanishing of Fourier coefficients of such cusp forms along rational multiples of linear forms in two variables.
Effect of repulsive interactions on structure and rheology of sheared colloidal dispersions

A previously developed Smoluchowski theory for concentrated hard-sphere suspensions in shear flow is extended to study structure and rheology of colloidal suspensions with soft repulsive interactions. Accelerated Stokesian Dynamics simulations are carried out to provide insight and to enable direct comparison with theoretical predictions. The effect of extended range repulsive interactions is studied by considering repulsive interactions with different steepness, using identical potentials in simulation and theory, for varying shear rates characterized in dimensionless form as 0.1 ≤ Pe ≤ 100; here, Pe = 6πηa3/kbT is the ratio of hydrodynamic to Brownian forces and η is the fluid viscosity, is the shear rate, a is the particle radius and kbT is the thermal energy. Examples of predicted microstructures and the equivalent simulated results for hard-sphere suspensions at ϕ = 0.40 are also presented for comparison. The predicted pair distribution function is in good agreement with simulations before the onset of a shear-induced ordering transition in simulations of the soft colloids. The calculations of shear viscosity based on the predicted microstructure were also in general agreement with simulation results. The role of hydrodynamic interactions on flow-induced structures is discussed in the context of the proposed theory.
Protein C and S deficiency in children with ischemic cerebrovascular accident

A prothrombotic state caused by a deficiency of protein C or protein S, each an inhibitor of coagulation cascade, increases the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular accident (ICVA) in young adults. This retrospective review studies the relationship of protein C or S deficiency with childhood ICVA. From 1989 to 1995, 37 children were diagnosed by neuroimaging with ICVA unrelated to any known preexisting diagnosis. Protein C deficiency or protein S deficiency was the only identified risk factor for 5.4% (2 patients) and 13.5% (5 patients), respectively, of these 37 children. The data suggest that protein C or protein S deficiency is an important risk factor of ICVA in children.
Requirement of the Human-Immunodeficiency-Virus Type-1 env Gene Sequence for Tar-Independent trans Activation by Tat from the Major Immediate-Early Promoter of Murine Cytomegalovirus

Previously it has been demonstrated that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein mediates induction of the HIV-1 env expression through a TAR-independent manner in heterologous and homologous promoter systems (Kim and Risser, 1993, J. Virol. 67, 239; Kim and Panganiban, 1993, J. Virol. 67, 3739). To further explore the transactivation of HIV-1 env gene, I examined expression of the env, the baterial CAT, and the firefly luciferase genes from a heterologous promoter, the major immediate-early promoter (MIEP) of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Here we show that Tat augments gene expression from the MCMV MIEP only when linked to the env gene, Surprisingly, in contrast to the expression from an HIV-1 LTR lacking the TAR element, TAR-independent transactivation of env gene expression from MCMV MIEP did not require the full length Tar protein. In addition, deletion of the previously identified cis-acting Tat-responsive element in env did not affect Tat transactivation of the env gene expression. Thus, there are multiple distinct elements that mediate Tat responsiveness in the absence TAR.
Smart multiphase composite materials that repair themselves by a release of liquids that become solids

Smart multiphase composite materials which repair themselvesby a release of liquids which become solidsCarolyn Dry'School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign106 Architecture Building, Champaign, IL 61820ABSTRACTBrittle cementitious composites when subjected to overloads crack and suffer a reduction inmaterial performance. They are heavily reinforced to have fracture tolerance. The subject of thisresearch in terms of fracture mechanics is the enhancement of flexural toughening beyond theoriginal hardened material by the release of liquid "healing" chemicals such as adhesives fromhollow fibers into cementitious matrices in response to loading. These chemicals solidify in thecracks to impart an increased toughness and ductility. The overall property change is an increasedflexural toughening and ductility. The mechanisms for that appears to be an adhesive rebonding ofthe fibers and crack-filling with adhesives which behave more rigidly when bonded inside cracks.An investigation was made into the development of smart cement composites which can self-repair internal cracks due to mechanical loading. The research focused on the cracking of hollowrepair fibers dispersed in a composite and the resulting timed release of chemicals which seal matrixmicrocracks and rebond any damaged interfaces between fiber and matrix. Materials capable ofpassive, smart self-repair consist of several parts: (1) an agent of internal deterioration such asloading which induces cracking, (2) a stimulus to release the repairing chemical, (3) a fiber, (4) acoating or fiber wall which can be removed or changed in response to the stimulus, (5)
Ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential efficacy of ophthalmic laser microendoscope photocoagulation of the ciliary processes in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma. Methods: Ten patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma underwent ophthalmic laser microendoscope ciliary process ablation via a pars plana incision. The device and surgical technique are discussed. Results: Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ranged from 36 mmHg to 62 mmHg (mean, 43.6 mmHg). Postoperative final IOP ranged from 3 mmHg to 27 mmHg (mean, 15.3 mmHg). This represents an absolute decrease of 28.3 mmHg (65%). Postoperatively, 9 eyes had an IOP of less than 21 mmHg, although 3 of these eyes required medication. One eye attained a final IOP of 27 mmHg. All eyes were treated once. Nine patients were treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors preoperatively, and six patients were able to discontinue this medication postoperatively. Phthisis was not observed, but hypotony evolved in two eyes with chronic retinal detachment. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 11 months (mean, 8.8 months). Conclusion: This new therapeutic modality, which combines endoscopic visualization of the ciliary processes with diode laser photocoagulation, can be effective in the management of intractable neovascular glaucoma.
Late thrombosis of Starr-Edwards tricuspid ball valve prosthesis

Abstract Fatal thrombosis of a tricuspid ball valve prosthesis occurred 26 months after an initially successful replacement of the mitral and tricuspid valves in a 55 year old woman. Anticoagulant therapy with sodium warfarin had been stopped 2 weeks earlier because of an intracerebral hemorrhage. At postmortem examination a strut of the cage of the prosthesis was found embedded in the wall of the right ventricle, and there was an extensive formation of thrombus trapping the valve poppet in mid-position. Several guidelines may help prevent this disastrous complication. If the tricuspid valve is replaced with a ball valve prosthesis, the prosthesis must be of proper size, easily fitting into the cavity of the right ventricle. Division of hypertrophied muscle bundles in the wall of the right ventricle may be of value in changing both the contour and size of the right ventricular cavity. Routine semiannual fluoroscopic examination would seem indicated to determine that the poppet of the prosthetic valve has a normal range of excursion.
Learning Control of Robot Manipulators

Learning control encompasses a class of control algorithms for programmable machines such as robots which attain, through an iterative process, the motor dexterity that enables the machine to execute complex tasks. In this paper we discuss the use of function identification and adaptive control algorithms in learning controllers for robot manipulators. In particular, we discuss the similarities and differences between betterment learning schemes, repetitive controllers and adaptive learning schemes based on integral transforms. The stability and convergence properties of adaptive learning algorithms based on integral transforms are highlighted and experimental results illustrating some of these properties are presented
Physical Activity Advertisements That Feature Daily Well-Being Improve Autonomy and Body Image in Overweight Women but Not Men

The reasons for exercising that are featured in health communications brand exercise and socialize individuals about why they should be physically active. Discovering which reasons for exercising are associated with high-quality motivation and behavioral regulation is essential to promoting physical activity and weight control that can be sustained over time. This study investigates whether framing physical activity in advertisements featuring distinct types of goals differentially influences body image and behavioral regulations based on self-determination theory among overweight and obese individuals. Using a three-arm randomized trial, overweight and obese women and men (aged 40-60 yr, n = 1690) read one of three ads framing physical activity as a way to achieve (1) better health, (2) weight loss, or (3) daily well-being. Framing effects were estimated in an ANOVA model with pairwise comparisons using the Bonferroni correction. This study showed that there are immediate framing effects on physical activity behavioral regulations and body image from reading a one-page advertisement about physical activity and that gender and BMI moderate these effects. Framing physical activity as a way to enhance daily well-being positively influenced participants' perceptions about the experience of being physically active and enhanced body image among overweight women, but not men. The experiment had less impact among the obese study participants compared to those who were overweight. These findings support a growing body of research suggesting that, compared to weight loss, framing physical activity for daily well-being is a better gain-frame message for overweight women in midlife.
Addendum to counting by weighing and the seed testing problem

Summary The subject of counting by weighing as addressed in Ridout & Suntheralingam (1997) is revisited. When the coefficient of variation of the seed weights is known, we show how to modify the seed testing procedure in the aforementioned paper to account for the uncertainty introduced by obtaining a given number of seeds by weight, rather than exact counting. We find that counting by weighing requires a greater number of seeds per sub-sample than that required by the exact counting method of Ridout & Roberts (1997). Furthermore, the number of seeds per sub-sample increases with decreasing initial sample size used to estimate mean seed weight.