cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
K‐Structures and Topology

: K-structures allow one to give purely set-theoretic proofs of a number of important inequalities in cardinal functions. We explore the precise relationship between K-structures, closure spaces in the sense of Cech, spaces with the weak topology in the sense of Arhangelskii, and topological spaces. We also introduce the notion of a basic proximity space and establish the connection between K-structures and basic proximity spaces.
The distribution and dynamics of Uca pugnax (Smith) burrows in a new England salt marsh

Abstract The mud fiddler crab Uca pugnax Smith, builds and maintains below-ground burrow structures in salt marshes along the east coast of North America. The distribution of burrows across a marsh habitat was described and the influence of substratum characteristics on the distribution of U. pugnax burrows was examined. In a representative New England marsh, substratum hardness and root mat density increase with increasing tidal height with most burrows found at intermediate tidal heights. The depth, volume, and turnover rate of burrow structures decreases with increasing tidal height. Substratum preference tests show that U. pugnax preferentially burrows in substratum of intermediate root mat density in close association with hard structural elements. Without structural elements in the substratum, crabs prefer medium density root mat to both softer and harder substratum. Female and smaller male crabs are shown to be far superior to larger male crabs in burrowing ability. Burrowing in the soft substratum at lower intertidal levels of the marsh is limited since soft, fluid substratum will not support burrow structures. Consequently, almost all burrows at low levels on the marsh are closely associated with structural elements in the substratum (primarily grass stems) which given burrows support and increase burrow longevity. At high tidal levels, heavy root mat accumulation, resulting in a hard substratum, limits crab burrowing. The addition of artificial burrows and softer substratum to high intertidal levels resulted in rapid recruitment of crabs to that habitat. Patterns in the recruitment of crabs to artificial burrows suggests that U. pugnax individuals actively, compete for larger burrows.
Effects of Aging on Open Field Behavior

In a recent report by Furchtgott, et al. ( 1961 ), exploratory behavior in an open field situation was found to decrease with increasing age. These investigators used naive animals at each age of testing and terminated their study at 390 days of age. The present investigation confirms some of the findings of the above mentioned report, utilizing a different experimental design with repeated testing of the same animals to demonstrate chat the age factor is more important than the "novelty" of the experience. Additional data on animals tested at an older age and on sex differences are presented for the open field measures. METHOD Sabjects.-Ss were 28 albino rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain purchased from the Holtzman Co. The original group of 12 females and 16 males was reduced by death, disease, and other attrition factors to 12 females and 8 males on whom open field measures at each age were available. Animals were maintained on Purina laboratory chow and water ad libitam throughout their lifetime except for 3 weeks as 100 days of age during which time they were on a 23-hr. water deprivation schedule. Animals arrived in the laboratory at 45 days of age and were routinely weighed and handled at least once a week. At 100 days of age and after the first open field test, they were rested in a maze learning situation. At 360 days of age, attempts were made at macing the animals. Aside from these manipulations, each S received little or no handling and lived his routine life with a same sex cagemate. Apparatzrs and procedure.-The open field test used and the procedure employed was similar to that described by Stern (1956). T he apparatus was 3 by 5 ft., painted black and divided into 15 1-ft. squares marked by a chalk line. Lighting was uniform from overhead and the animals were observed through a one-way vision window. Animals were run for 5 consecutive daily 2-min. trials when 90, 180, 360, and 540 days of age. The number of squares traversed and the number of "emotional" activities such as defecating, urinating, edging, face washing, rearing, crouching, etc. were recorded.
Motor deficits and altered striatal gene expression in aphakia (ak) mice

Abstract Like humans with Parkinson's disease (PD), the ak mouse lacks the majority of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and experiences striatal denervation. The purpose of this study was to test whether motor abnormalities in the ak mouse progress over time, and whether motor function could be associated with temporal alterations in the striatal transcriptome. Ak and wt mice (28 to 180 days old) were tested using paradigms sensitive to nigrostriatal dysfunction. Results were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Ak mice significantly underperformed wt controls in rotarod, balance beam, string test, pole test and cotton shred tests at all ages examined. Motor performance in ak mice remained constant over the first 6 months of life, with the exception of the cotton shred test, in which ak mice exhibited marginal decline in performance. Dorsal striatal semi-quantitative RT-PCR for 19 dopaminergic, cholinergic, glutaminergic and catabolic genes was performed in 1- and 6-month-old groups of ak and wt mice. Preproenkephalin levels in ak mice were elevated in both age groups. Drd1, 3 and 4 levels declined over time, in contrast to increasing Drd2 expression. Additional findings included decreased Chrnα6 expression and elevated VGluT1 expression at both time points in ak mice and elevated AchE expression in young ak mice only. Results confirm that motor ability does not decline significantly for the first 6 months of life in ak mice. Their striatal gene expression patterns are consistent with dopaminergic denervation, and change over time, despite relatively unaltered motor performance.
Poly(A) polymerase and the regulation of cytoplasmic polyadenylation.

Translational activation in oocytes and embryos is often regulated via increases in poly(A) length. Cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF), cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB), and poly(A) polymerase (PAP) have each been implicated in cytoplasmic polyadenylation in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation activity first appears in vertebrate oocytes during meiotic maturation. Data presented here shows that complexes containing both CPSF and CPEB are present in extracts of X. laevisoocytes prepared before or after meiotic maturation. Assessment of a variety of RNA sequences as polyadenylation substrates indicates that the sequence specificity of polyadenylation in egg extracts is comparable to that observed with highly purified mammalian CPSF and recombinant PAP. The two in vitro systems exhibit a sequence specificity that is similar, but not identical, to that observed in vivo, as assessed by injection of the same RNAs into the oocyte. These findings imply that CPSFs intrinsic RNA sequence preferences are sufficient to account for the specificity of cytoplasmic polyadenylation of some mRNAs. We discuss the hypothesis that CPSF is required for all polyadenylation reactions, but that the polyadenylation of some mRNAs may require additional factors such as CPEB. To test the consequences of PAP binding to mRNAs in vivo, PAP was tethered to a reporter mRNA in resting oocytes using MS2 coat protein. Tethered PAP catalyzed polyadenylation and stimulated translation ∼40-fold; stimulation was exclusively cis-acting, but was independent of a CPE and AAUAAA. Both polyadenylation and translational stimulation required PAPs catalytic core, but did not require the putative CPSF interaction domain of PAP. These results demonstrate that premature recruitment of PAP can cause precocious polyadenylation and translational stimulation in the resting oocyte, and can be interpreted to suggest that the role of other factors is to deliver PAP to the mRNA.
Clinical confirmation of organophosphate poisoning of agricultural workers

A group of 31 lettuce harvesters exposed to the organophosphate pesticide mevinphos presented to a local emergency room with moderate cholinergic symptoms and eye and skin irritation, with 22 of the subjects (76%) reporting three or more symptoms. None had baseline cholinesterase values, and plasma cholinesterase activity for all but two workers was above the lower limit of the laboratory normal range. None of the workers received antidotes and all were released for return to work. Twenty-nine workers sought additional care when symptoms persisted, and were followed by the investigators until 12 weeks after exposure. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) cholinesterase increased until 14 days after exposure. Plasma cholinesterase was estimated to have been inhibited by an average of 15.6% (p less than 0.01), and RBC cholinesterase by 5.6% (p less than 0.01). These findings support the utility of sequential postexposure plasma cholinesterase analyses in confirmation of suspect organophosphate-induced illness when baseline values are not available.
Differential effects of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 and 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2 on calcium and phosphorus in normal and uremic rats

Differential effects of 19-nor-1,25-(OH) 2 D 2 and 1α-hydroxy-vitamin D 2 on calcium and phosphorus in normal and uremic rats . Background Calcitriol, 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 (1,25D), the most active metabolite of vitamin D, has been used in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH) because it controls parathyroid gland growth and suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion. Due to the calcemic and phosphatemic actions of 1,25D, two analogs with potentially less side effects, 19-nor-1,25-(OH) 2 D 2 (19-nor) and 1α(OH)D 2 (1αD 2 ) are currently being used in the treatment of SH. Methods This study compares the effects of these two analogs on calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism in normal, uremic, and parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats. Using doses of 50 to 250ng of 19-nor or 1αD 2 , experiments were conducted in normal and uremic rats. Results In uremic rats, 19-nor did not increase plasma Ca or P while 1αD 2 caused a dose-dependent increase in both. In addition, while the Ca × P product remained unchanged in 19-nor-treated rats, it increased progressively with 1αD 2 administration. In metabolic studies in normal rats treated with vehicle, 10ng of 1,25D, 100ng of 19-nor or 100ng 1αD 2 , intestinal calcium absorption and urinary calcium excretion were significantly higher in 1αD 2 –treated rats compared to those receiving 19-nor. Similar results were seen for intestinal phosphorus absorption and urinary phosphorus excretion. Finally, the skeletal response to these two analogs was tested in PTX rats fed a calcium-deficient diet and treated daily with 100ng of 19-nor or 1αD 2 . The increase in plasma calcium in 1αD 2 –treated rats was markedly higher than in those receiving 19-nor. Similar results were seen in plasma phosphorus when these studies were repeated using a phosphorus-deficient diet. Conclusions These studies demonstrate that when given in large doses to rats 19-nor is less calcemic and phosphatemic than 1αD 2 . The lower Ca × P product in 19-nor treated rats may be an important consideration in patient therapy. Further studies in patients are necessary to define the clinical applicability of these differences.
Reaching Part-Time Distance Students in Diverse Environments

This article focuses on the model used at the University of Kansas Medical Center to reach graduate students in the School of Nursing. Like many students returning for graduate degrees, distance students are balancing the demands of professional positions, graduate studies, and family life. Topics addressed include: point-of-need assistance, instant messaging reference and communication, promoting library resources and services to distance students, promoting partnerships with faculty and learning technology professionals and assisting teams working on collaborative projects from a distance.
Obesity: influence on length of hospital stay for the pediatric burn patient.

Childhood obesity is a major public health problem in the United States and is associated with numerous comorbidities. The relationship of obesity to risk of traumatic injury and recovery has been described, although not in depth. In adults with burns, obesity has been linked to negative impact on functional outcomes as well as increased mortality. Less is known about the impact of obesity on children with burns. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on length of hospital stay (LOS) among admitted pediatric burn patients. A secondary objective was to compare the difference in burn characteristics between obese and nonobese burn patients. To explore these questions, a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0 to 18 years admitted to a children's hospital burn unit between February 1, 2000, and September 30, 2006 was performed. For the purposes of this study, obesity was defined as weight-for-length (<2 years of age) or body mass index (≥2 years of age) ≥95th percentile for age and gender. Patients who had concomitant, non-burn injuries were not included in the study. LOS was measured in days, and an initial uni-variate analysis examined the association of clinical and demographic factors with LOS. To adjust for confounding, those factors that were found to be significantly associated with LOS were entered into a stepwise linear regression. A total of 528 patients were included in the study group, 17.4% of whom were obese. Obese patients were more likely to suffer a burn of a high-risk anatomic area (72.8% vs 60.8%). Median LOS for obese patients was significantly higher than nonobese (9.3 vs 7.1 days, P < .05). In the adjusted model, factors significantly associated with LOS included total body surface area burned, percent full thickness burn, Medicaid insurance status, and obesity. After controlling for these factors, obese children had a 6.5% longer LOS than nonobese children. This interesting finding raises the question of which factors are responsible for the increased length of stay for obese children hospitalized with burns. Investigating factors such as rate of complications, slower healing, or greater functional impairment may shed light on this fmding.
L'Egalité en marche: Le féminisme sous la Troisième République

(1990). L'Egalite en marche: Le feminisme sous la Troisieme Republique. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 698-699.
An integrated system of early childhood education and care governance in Turkey: views of policy-makers, practitioners, and academics

Despite a wealth of evidence showing the benefits of early childhood education and care (ECEC), in Turkey participation remains low and inequitably distributed, even though access to services is soaring. Drawing from previous findings, this paper will focus on different stakeholders’ views on a more integrated system of ECEC governance in Turkey. The research shows that Turkey, a country at the crossroads of forming the foundations of early childhood services, should consider the adverse effects of the current split system and focus on the integration of services to foster holistic development with the aim of offering quality and equity for all children.
The Relative Effectiveness of Active Listening in Initial Interactions

Although active listening is considered an important communication skill in a variety of occupational and therapeutic fields, few experiments compare dyadic partners' perceptions of active listenin...
A note on pattern matching under Quickscan in SNOBOL4

Quickscan pattern-match mode in SNOBOL4 uses heuristics to determine when it is "impossible" for a pattern match to succeed. Pattern matches ruled hopeless are terminated immediately with failure. An exposition of Quickscan is given in (1). Elaborations of this appear in (2) and (3). This note is intended to set down and clarify three aspects of the Quickscan process. These involve1. the minimum-length assumptions made for each of the fundamental SNOBOL pattern elements2. an exhaustive list of the ways length failure can occur3. the treatment of the pattern element BAL under QuickscanAll assertions here are based on the results of trials run with the macro (or SIL) implementation of SNOBOL4 on an IBM 360. Examples are intended to illustrate the assertions as precisely as possible, and do not represent common or recommended programming practice.
Even Parity States in Ppv, Polythiophene and Polysilanes

Two photon absorptions (TPA) in conjugated polymers with large bond alternation are reinterpreted. TPA to the 2Ag in long chains should be tiny due to cancellation effects, and therefore the observed strong, narrow TPA is to a higher even parity state. We also present the first theoretical evidence for bound biexcitons, and explain recent photoinduced absorption data.
The thermal and dynamic state of the Earth

The thermal state of the earth's interior is a topic of fundamental importance in many branches of geophysics. Investigations ranging from the dynamo theory of the origin of the earth's magnetic field to the driving mechanism for plate motions are all ultimately concerned with the question of how heat is transferred in various regions of the earth and what are the resulting flow patterns and temperature at depth. Present ideas on this problem are in a state of flux. New insights are being brought to bear on old problems, and additional questions are being raised. For example, analysis of postglacial rebound data from the Canadian shield has led to the interpretation that the effective viscosity of the lower mantle may not be significantly larger than that of the upper mantle, as had been previously thought. As a consequence, there has been a revival of interest in mantle-wide convection as the dominant mode of heat transfer within the mantle. A major uncertainty which remains, however, is whether mantle-wide convection would consist of a single flow system extending from the base of the lithosphere to the core-mantle boundary or whether there are, for example, separate flow systems in the upper and lower mantle, separated by a thermal boundary layer at about the depth of the 670-km phase transition.
Efficacy and safety of once-daily alfuzosin in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety, and determine the optimal dosage, of a once-daily (OD) formulation of the clinically uroselective alpha1-blocker, alfuzosin, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods. Five hundred thirty-six patients were randomized to receive alfuzosin (10 mg OD or 15 mg OD), without initial dose titration, or placebo in a 3-month double-blind trial conducted in North America. The primary efficacy criteria were improvement in symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score) and peak urinary flow rate. Results. Alfuzosin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving the symptoms and peak urinary flow rate from the first follow-up visit (day 28). The mean change in the International Prostate Symptom Score from baseline at endpoint was −3.6 and −3.4 with alfuzosin 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively, compared with −1.6 with placebo (alfuzosin 10 mg versus placebo, P = 0.001; alfuzosin 15 mg versus placebo, P = 0.004). The median increase in the peak urinary flow rate was +1.1 mL/s and +1.0 mL/s with alfuzosin 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively, compared with 0.0 mL/s with placebo (P = 0.0006 versus placebo for both dose groups). The patients’ quality of life also significantly improved with both alfuzosin doses. Overall, alfuzosin at both doses was well tolerated. The incidence of orthostatic hypotension as determined by systematic blood pressure measurements with both doses of alfuzosin was similar to placebo. No clinically relevant ejaculation disorders were observed with alfuzosin. Conclusions. Alfuzosin 10 mg OD, administered without dose titration, provides effective relief from the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia with no additional benefit from a 15-mg dose. It is well tolerated from a cardiovascular viewpoint and is not associated with abnormal ejaculation.
Thrombin enhances tumor cell adhesive and metastatic properties via increased αIIbβ3 expression on the cell surface

The association between blood coagulation and cancer growth and metastatic dissemination is not yet completely understood. In this study we demonstrate that thrombin is capable of enhancing tumor cell adhesive properties and thereby increases tumor cell metastatic potential. Following exposure to alpha-thrombin, Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells and B16 amelanotic melanoma cells became more adherent to both endothelial cell monolayers and the subendothelial matrix component, fibronectin. Preincubation of W256 and B16a cells with doses of alpha-thrombin from 0.01 to 10.0 U/ml produced a bell shape dose-response curve with the maximal effect (a 2-5-fold increase in adhesion) observed at 0.1 U/ml (corresponding to 0.8 nM). Complexes of alpha-thrombin with its inhibitors, hirudin and antithrombin III-heparin, diminished its effect on tumor cell adhesion. The effect of thrombin on tumor cell adhesion may be mediated by the alpha IIb beta 3 integrin as thrombin increased cell surface expression of the alpha IIb beta 3 complex. The significance of the in vitro observations was further substantiated by results of in vivo studies. Pretreatment of B16a cells with alpha-thrombin resulted in a 2-fold increase in the number of metastatic lung colonies in an experimental metastasis model. The data indicate a new role for thrombin in the metastatic spread of cancer.
Optimization of three-dimensional angiographic data obtained by self-calibration of multiview imaging.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. The treatment of stroke often involves vascular interventions in which devices are guided to the intervention site often through tortuous vessels based on two-dimensional (2-D) angiographic images. Three dimensional (3-D) vascular information may facilitate these procedures. Methods have been proposed for the self-calibrating determination of 3-D vessel trees from biplane and multiple plane images and the geometric relationships between the views (imaging geometries). For the biplane analysis, four or more corresponding points must be identified in the biplane images. For the multiple view technique, multiple vessels must be indicated and only the translation vectors relating the geometries are calculated. We have developed methods for the calculation of the 3-D vessel data and the full transformations relating the multiple views (rotations and translations) obtained during interventional procedures, and the technique does not require indication of corresponding points, but only the indication of a single vessel, e.g., the vessel of interest. Multiple projection views of vessel trees are obtained and transferred to the analysis computer. The vessel or vessels of interest are indicated by the user. Using the initial imaging geometry determined from the gantry information, 3-D vessel centerlines aremore » calculated using the indicated centerlines in pairs of images. The imaging geometries are then iteratively adjusted and 3-D centerlines recalculated until the root-mean-square (rms) difference between the calculated 3-D centerlines is minimized. Simulations indicate that the 3-D centerlines can be accurately determined (to within 1 mm) even for errors in indication of the vessel endpoints as large as 5 mm. In phantom studies, the average rms difference between the pairwise calculated 3-D centerlines is approximately 7.5 mm prior to refinement (i.e., using the gantry information alone), whereas the average rms difference is usually below 1 mm after refinement. Accuracies and reliabilities of better than 1 mm were also determined by comparing centerlines determined using multiview and rotational angiography reconstruction and clinical data sets. These results indicate that the multiview approach will provide accurate and reliable 3-D centerlines for indicated vessel(s) without increasing the dose to the patient.« less
Magnetism and superconductivity in nanoarchitectures

We examine states of electrons confined to the conduction band of an intrinsic semiconductor that is cut up into various geometric shapes. In the case of a repetitive pattern such as an antidot lattice, mini-Bloch sub-bands condense out of the conduction band. We find a fit of the lowest mini-band to a tight-binding approximation; this enables comparison with Hubbard and Hubbard-like models. With the Coulomb interaction being taken into account, it is easily seen that the ground state favors an antiferromagnetic phase, a ferromagnetic phase and ultimately, a superconductive phase, depending on electron concentrations. The critical temperatures increase with inverse effective mass, 1/m*.
Field Testing of Lake Water Chemistry with a Portable and an AUV-based Mass Spectrometer

Two mass spectrometers (MS) are tested for the measurement of volatile substances, such as hydrocarbons and metabolic gases, in natural waters. KOALA is a backpackable MS operated from above the water surface, in which samples are pumped through a flow cell using a syringe. NEREUS is an underwater instrument hosted by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is linked to a communications network to provide chemical data in real time. The mass analyzers of the two MS are nearly identical cycloids, and both use flat-plate membrane inlets. Testing took place in an eutrophic, thermally stratified lake exhibiting steep chemical gradients and significant levels of methane. KOALA provided rapid multispecies analysis of dissolved gases, with a detection limit for methane of 0. 1 ppm (readily extendable to 0. 01 ppm) and savings of time of at least a factor of 10 compared to that of conventional analysis. The AUV-mounted NEREUS additionally provided rapid spatial coverage and the capability of performing chemical surveys autonomously. Tests demonstrated the need for temperature control of a membrane inlet when steep thermal gradients are present in a water body, as well as the benefits of co-locating all sensors on the AUV to avoid interference from chemically different waters entering and draining from the free-flooding outer hull. The ability to measure dissolved volatiles provided by MS offers potential for complementarity with ionic sensors in the study of natural waters, such as in the case of the carbonate system.
Teaching Cross-Cultural Aging: Using Literary Portrayals of Elders from Chile and the United States.

Literary texts are cultural artifacts revealing a society's values and attitudes; reading literature about elders and old age can change readers' ageist attitudes. Beginning with these assumptions, I discuss ways of teaching cross-cultural aging in undergraduate literature courses, using Chilean texts paired with American texts. Students learn how old age is socially constructed and how writers can either reinforce or challenge negative societal stereotypes of elders. Chilean texts reveal Chileans' respect and affection by associating elders with nature and ascribing to them otherworldly wisdom. American texts respectfully depict elders connected to nature, but not as transcending the earthly.
Superelasticity in a New BioImplant Material: Ni-rich 55NiTi Alloy

With the drive towards minimally invasive procedures, the medical industry is looking towards ‘avant-garde’ materials, with 50NiTi currently being the prime choice for many critical components/applications. This paper examines a new Ni-rich NiTi alloy that exhibits superelasticity (SE) and shape memory (SM) properties. Superelastic (SE) properties of 55NiTi* [all compositions are quoted in atomic% throughout the paper. The reader should note the following conversions: 50NiTi (at.%)≈55NiTi (wt.%) and 55NiTi (at.%)≈60NiTi (wt.%)] are studied here as a function of heat-treatment between 400–800°C, and compared with the corresponding response of 50NiTi*, with an aim to develop and optimize thermal treatment procedures to maximize recoverable elastic strains. While optimal tuning of the SE properties in 50NiTi necessitates cold working in conjunction with specific heat treatment/aging, 55NiTi does not require cold work to achieve its optimal SE behavior. Moreover, it can be heat treated to produce strong, stable SE and SM response from the same ingot, with transformation temperatures being a strong function of heat treatment. The main difference between the two alloys is that Ni–Ti alloys with Ni content greater than 50.6 at.% are sensitive to heat treatment; aging in these materials leads to precipitation of several metastable phases. The initial work focuses on SE properties relevant to biomedical use, such as: plateau stress, recoverable strains and strength, as a function of heat treatment and microstructure.
Challenges of designing a low-cost indoor localization system using active beacons

Localization is very helpful for goal-oriented navigation of a mobile robot. In this article, we describe the challenges we faced when designing a low-cost indoor localization system that can be employed on consumer and domestic robots for the systematic navigation in household environments. Our system uses active beacons that project a pair of infrared (IR) spots onto the ceiling and a sensor on the robot which observes them. In order to reduce cost, we designed a 3-diode sensor, i.e. a three pixel camera, that measures directions to the spots. In contrast to e.g. a typical camera with VGA or higher resolution that would allow for a precise tracking of the beacon spots, our low-cost sensor suffers from multi-path, i.e. light not only reaches the sensor directly but also through reflections from walls and other furniture. We tackle this problem by a localization method that learns the light distribution in the room through a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) approach. Our experiments provide numbers on the accuracy and consistency of this method. The presented system is implemented on our Mint robot equipped with an ARM 7 processor and 64 kByte of RAM for the autonomous cleaning of floors.
Space mission scenario development and performance analysis tool

This paper discusses a new and innovative approach for a rapid spacecraft multidisciplinary performance analysis using a tool called the Mission Scenario Development Workbench (MSDW). To meet the needs of new classes of space missions, analysis tools with proven models were developed and integrated into a framework to enable rapid trades and analyses between spacecraft designs and operational scenarios during the formulation phase of a mission. Generally speaking, spacecraft resources are highly constrained on deep space missions and this approach makes it possible to maximize the use of existing resources to attain the best possible science return. This approach also has the potential benefit of reducing the risk of costly design changes made later in the design cycle necessary to meet the mission requirements by understanding system design sensitivities early and adding appropriate margins. This paper will describe the approach used by the Mars Science Laboratory Project to accomplish this result
Literacy coaching as a component of professional development

Current debates concerning effective professional development for teachers of early reading have focused on the potential benefits of a literacy coach in providing sustained support and guidance for teachers’ learning from a professional development program. In this study, we compare the response of first-grade teachers to a model of professional development that did or did not include a literacy coach (i.e., PD Coach or PD No Coach) by examining teachers’ attitudes toward professional development, their instruction, and student outcomes. We also take into account teachers’ views about their school climate, as these might influence their response to professional development activities. Results showed no differences in teachers’ attitudes toward the professional development, the support of their principal, or opportunities for collaboration with other teachers. The PD Coach teachers differed from the PD No Coach teachers in aspects of instruction relevant to the professional development program. Further, students in PD Coach teachers’ classrooms made greater improvements in word decoding from fall to spring. The support of the principal contributed to these outcomes. The results suggest benefits of a model of professional development in reading that included school-based coaching for first-grade teachers.
Dose-related cardiovascular and endocrine effects of transdermal nicotine

Background Transdermal nicotine in doses up to 21 mg/24 hr is used to facilitate smoking cessation. However, this dose does not achieve the nicotine plasma levels seen among heavy smokers, and underdosing may be one of the reasons for the limited efficacy of transdermal nicotine. There are some concerns about the adverse cardiovascular effects of nicotine, especially with concomitant smoking. Treatment with higher doses of transdermal nicotine has been proposed for highly dependent smokers, but the effects of such treatment on the cardiovascular system have not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of high-dose transdermal nicotine with concomitant smoking. Methods Twelve healthy male smokers received three doses of transdermal nicotine (21, 42, and 63 mg/24 hr) and placebo, each for 5 days, in a balanced order. The subjects smoked during the first 4 days of each treatment and abstained from smoking during the fifth day. Ambulatory 24-hour daytime and nighttime heart rate and blood pressure values were determined for each treatment; plasma nicotine, cotinine, and carboxyhemoglobin levels and urinary catecholamines with aldosterone were measured on days 4 and 5. The data were compared by means of repeated-measures ANOVA. Results There was no difference in heart rate or blood pressure and no changes in the pattern of circadian variations with various transdermal nicotine doses compared with smoking alone, consistent with the development of tolerance. Urinary epinephrine level was significantly higher (p < 0·05) with transdermal nicotine compared with no nicotine but was not higher with transdermal nicotine and smoking compared with smoking alone. No change was found in fibrinogen and lipid profiles with different nicotine doses. Conclusions High-dose nicotine treatment, even with concomitant smoking, caused no short-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1998) 64, 87–95; doi:
SYNTHESIS OF TRIFLUOROMETHYL AMINES, CF3N(X)H, FROM CF3N(X)C(O)F

Abstract A new general synthesis of trifluoromethyl amines of the type, CF3N(X)H, is reported. The amines are prepared in excellent yield by the hydrolysis CF3N(X)C(O)F in the presence of NaF. The N-acyl fluorides are now available in considerable variety from the reaction of nucleophiles with the oxaziridine CF3 NCF 2 O . Six new amines have been prepared and characterized [(X=CF3O, (CF3)2CFO, CH3O, C2H5O, (CH3)2CHO and (CH3)3CO)] and improved syntheses of CF3NHF and CF3NHOC(O)CH3 are reported. The new compounds are thermally stable at 22° and are characterized by IR, NMR and physical properties.
Hydrogen Peroxide Photolysis in Acidic Aqueous Solutions Containing Chloride Ions. II. Quantum Yield of HO∙(Aq) Radicals

Chloride ion is used as an efficient scavenger of hydroxyl radicals to measure the yield of HO• produced in the photolysis of acidic aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide. The scavenging efficiency is shown to depend on the chloride ion concentration and solution acidity, as expected from the mechanism. The results show that the quantum yield of hydroxyl radicals produced from hydrogen peroxide photodissociation in the aqueous phase is close to unity at both 248 and 308 nm: ΦHO•(248 nm) = 1.0 ± 0.1 and ΦHO•(308 nm) = 0.8 ± 0.2, where the uncertainties (±σ) were obtained from propagation of errors. [Because of geminate recombination in the solvent cage, quantum yields in solution are often smaller than those in the gas phase, where the HO• quantum yields are equal to 2.] The present results for the aqueous phase are generally consistent with other determinations.
Lipid content of Verticillium albo-atrum

Abstract Light-refractile granules in spores and mycelial cells of Verticillium albo-atrum R. & B. readily stained with Sudan Black B, indicating a marked lipid content. Mycelia contained 8% CHCl 3 -methanol extractable material, whereas the spore content was 14 per cent (dry weight basis). GLC analysis showed that the principal fatty acids were palmitic, stearic, and oleic. Increased culture age did not result in any detectable cellular lipid changes. Spores starved in phosphate buffer progressively declined in lipid content.
Modernization of the NASA IRTF Telescope Control System

We describe the ongoing modernization of the NASA IR Telescope Facility Telescope Control System. A major mandate of this project is to keep the telescope available for observations throughout. Therefore, we have developed an incremental plan that will allow us to replace components of the software and hardware without shutting down the system. The current system, running under FORTH on a DEC LSI 11/23 minicomputer interfaced to a Bus and boards developed in house, will be replaced with a combination of a Sun SPARCstation running SunOS, a MicroSPARC based Single Board Computer running LynxOS, and various intelligent VME based peripheral cards. The software is based on a design philosophy originally developed by Pat Wallace for use on the Anglo Australian Telescope. This philosophy has gained wide acceptance, and is currently used in a number of observatories around the world. A key element of this philosophy is the division of the TCS into `Virtual' and `Real' parts. This will allow us to replace the higher level functions of the TCS with software running on the Sun, while still relying on the LSI 11/23 for performance of the lower level functions. Eventual transfer of lower level functions to the MicroSPARC system will then proceed incrementally through use of a Q-Bus to VME-Bus converter.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prospects for a new cold neutron beam measurement of the neutron lifetime

In the most accurate cold neutron beam determination of the neutron lifetime based on the absolute counting of decay protons, the largest uncertainty was attributed to the absolute determination of the capture flux of the cold neutron beam. Currently an experimental effort is underway at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that will significantly reduce this contribution to the uncertainty in the lifetime determination. The next largest source of uncertainty is the determination of the absolute count rate of decay protons, which contributes to the experimental uncertainty approximately at the 1 s level. Experience with the recent neutron radiative decay experiment, which used the neutron lifetime apparatus, has provided valuable insights into ways to reduce other uncertainties. In addition, the cold neutron fluence rate at NIST is presently 1.5 times greater than in the 2003 measurement, and there is the prospect for a significantly higher rate with the new guide hall expansion. This paper discusses an approach for achieving a determination of the neutron lifetime with an accuracy of approximately 1 s.
Impact of Implantable Transvenous Device Lead Location on Severity of Tricuspid Regurgitation

Background Implantable device leads can cause tricuspid regurgitation (TR) when they interfere with leaflet motion. The aim of this study was to determine whether lead-leaflet interference is associated with TR severity, independent of other causative factors of functional TR. Methods A total of 100 patients who underwent transthoracic two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography of the tricuspid valve before and after lead placement were studied. Lead position was classified on 3D echocardiography as leaflet-interfering or noninterfering. TR severity was estimated by vena contracta (VC) width. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with postdevice TR, including predevice VC width, right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic areas, fractional area change, right atrial size, tricuspid annular diameter, TR gradient, device lead age, and presence or absence of lead interference. Odds ratios were used to describe the association with moderate (VC width ≥ 0.5 cm) or severe (VC width ≥ 0.7 cm) TR, separately, using bivariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Forty-five of 100 patients showed device lead tricuspid valve leaflet interference. The septal leaflet was the most commonly affected (23 patients). On bivariate analysis, preimplantation VC width, right atrial size, tricuspid annular diameter, and lead-leaflet interference were significantly associated with postdevice TR. On multivariate analysis, preimplantation VC width and the presence of an interfering lead were independently associated with postdevice TR. Furthermore, the presence of an interfering lead was the only factor associated with TR worsening, increasing the likelihood of developing moderate or severe TR by 15- and 11-fold, respectively. Conclusion Lead-leaflet interference as seen on 3D echocardiography is associated with TR after device lead placement, suggesting that 3D echocardiography should be used to assess for lead interference in patients with significant TR.
The effect of acid-base changes on vasopressin-stimulated water flow in toad urinary bladder.

Abstract Water flow was measured gravimetrically in the presence and absence of vasopressin across the toad urinary bladder. Four groups of toads in different states of acid-base balance were used; a normal group, a group in NH 4 Cl induced metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and a group in NaHCO 3 induced metabolic alkalosis. Vasopressin induced water flow was significantly reduced during metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis had no effect on the hydro-osmotic response to vasopressin. Dibutyryl cyclic-AMP-stimulated water flow on the other hand was not affected by either a metabolic or respiratory acidosis. Treatment with indomethacin was able to reverse the observed reduction in the vasopressin-stimulated water flow response in the toad bladder during metabolic and respiratory acidosis. We conclude that the vasopressin stimulated water flow is altered during acidosis and evidence suggests that prostaglandins may be involved in the observed reduction in vasopressin-stimulated water flow.
Optimized design of multilayer barrier films incorporating a reactive layer. I. Methodology of ingress analysis

A new method for the analysis of oxygen ingress into packages and optimized design solutions for multilayer barrier films incorporating an immobile noncatalytic oxygen scavenger within one of the layers are presented in this three-part series. The results are based on the theoretical framework of transient permeation through a dense reactive medium with a finite solute scavenging capacity. The target application was flexible and rigid plastic packaging for oxygen-sensitive products, and the goal was the minimization of oxygen ingress into the package within a predetermined timeframe. A predictive model for oxygen ingress was developed, and practical recommendations for the selection of layer material properties, layer sequencing, and placement of the scavenger within a layer to achieve this goal are provided. Part I introduces the concepts of reference and steady-state lag times for passive barriers to gas permeation. These concepts are expanded to include the scavenger exhaustion lag time for noncatalytic reactive barriers with an instantaneous scavenging reaction. The steady-state lag time concept is applied to the characterization of noncatalytic reactive barrier solutions with finite rates of the scavenging reaction using transient effective flux dynamics and the model of solute ingress into the package. The model is based on the semipermeable reaction wavefront concept, which we developed. The corresponding passive-to-reactive film transition and its effect on the lag times are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1940–1951, 2006
A circadian pacemaker in free-living chipmunks: essential for survival?

The importance of circadian timing was evaluated for 18 months from late-April 1997 through October 1998 in a high-density population of free-living eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus, at a 4-ha forest site in the Allegheny Mountains. Included in the radio-collared field group were 30 chipmunks with supra-chiasmatic nucleus-targeted lesions, 24 surgical controls, and 20 intact controls. An additional 17 chipmunks were used in a laboratory study as lesion-calibration controls to correlate degree of circadian arrhythmicity with extent of supra-chiasmatic nucleus deletion. Survival was documented in the field by daily radio tracking and by regular trapping censuses except during winter hibernation. A significantly higher proportion of supra-chiasmatic nucleus-lesioned than surgical control chipmunks or intact controls were killed by weasel predation during the first 80 days after repatriation. A 28-h continuous census found no surface activity of any chipmunks during hours of darkness. However, episodes of nocturnal movement were detected within the permanent dens by radio telemetric data logging, especially in supra-chiasmatic nucleus-lesioned animals. Excavation and mapping of six chipmunk burrow systems aided in the interpretation of the telemetric activity data. Nighttime restlessness of supra-chiasmatic nucleus-lesioned animals may have acted as a clue to the predator for locating its prey.
Refractometric determination of second‐order transition temperatures in polymers. III. Acrylates and methacrylates

A refractometric technique for determination of second-order transition temperatures (Tm) of polymers has been extended to include a series of alkyl acrylate and methacrylate polymers with transitions at temperatures down to −50°C. A convenient technique for determining refractive index down to −75°C. is described. Certain long-chain alkyl polymers are birefringent below Tm. Correlations of brittle point with Tm and relations between viscosity and Tm are reported.
Federally supported commercial technology development: Solar thermal technologies 1970–1982☆

Abstract The Federal Government has increasingly supported commercial technology development. Solar thermal technology development is one example. At least two characteristics distinguish commercial technology development from traditional federal research roles (basic RD independent private RD the public sector retains responsibility for managing the R&D effort. Federally orchestrated R&D projects become increasingly dubious as technologies approach commercialization. An R&D strategy that considers the unique characteristics of commercial technology development, the market imperfections present, and the impacts of alternative incentives could help coordinate public and private interests, emphasizing the relative strengths of both sectors.