cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered motor unit discharge coherence in paretic muscles of stroke survivors

After a cerebral stroke, a series of changes at the supraspinal and spinal nervous system can alter the control of muscle activation, leading to persistent motor impairment. However, the relative contribution of these different levels of the nervous system to impaired muscle activation is not well understood. The coherence of motor unit (MU) spike trains is considered to partly reflect activities of higher level control, with different frequency band representing different levels of control. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to quantify the different sources of contribution to altered muscle activation. We examined the coherence of MU spike trains decomposed from surface electromyogram (sEMG) of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle on both paretic and contralateral sides of 14 hemispheric stroke survivors. sEMG were obtained over a range of force contraction levels at 40%, 50% and 60% of maximum voluntary contraction. Our results showed that MU coherence increased significantly in delta (1-4 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (15-30 Hz) bands on the affected side compared with the contralateral side, but was maintained at the same level in the gamma (30-60 Hz) band. Additionally, no significant alteration was observed across medium-high force levels (40-60%). These results indicated that the common synaptic input to motor neurons increased on the paretic side, and the increased common input can originate from changes at multiple levels, including spinal and supraspinal levels following a stroke. All these changes can contribute to impaired activation of affected muscles in stroke survivors. Our findings also provide evidence regarding the different origins of impaired muscle activation post-stroke.
Adverse childhood experiences among youth reported to child welfare: Results from the national survey of child & adolescent wellbeing

The negative influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) outcomes are well documented. However, no research to date has examined the effect of ACEs on SEB outcomes in youth who received mental health services after reporting to the child welfare system. This study's analyses of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II revealed that the most prevalent ACEs included hospitalization for a medical condition, neglect, and exposures to domestic and community violence. Logistic regression of this data showed that the odds of being diagnosed with internalizing problems increased with age and when sexual abuse was reported. The results also showed that compared to Caucasian youth, Latinos were less likely to be diagnosed with externalizing behaviors, even when sexual abuse had been reported. Contrary to one of this study's hypotheses, mental health service use within the past 18 months increased the odds of being diagnosed with SEB problems. These findings highlight the persistence of SEB problems despite receipt of mental health services. Future research should assess the impact of interventions that aim to mitigate poor SEB outcomes due to ACEs, especially sexual abuse.
The influence of surrogate blood vessels on the impact response of a physical model of the brain.

The purpose of the study was to quantify the effect of surrogate vessels on the deformation patterns of a physical model of the brain under various impact conditions. Cerebral blood vessels are an integral part of the brain and may play a role in the response of the brain to impact. Silicone tubing and gel were used as surrogates for blood vessels and brain tissue, respectively. Two aluminum cylinders representing a coronal section of the brain were constructed. One cylinder was filled with silicone gel only, and the other was filled with silicone gel and silicone tubing arranged in the radial direction in the peripheral region. An array of markers was embedded in the gel in both cylinders to facilitate strain calculation by high speed analysis. Both cylinders were simultaneously subjected to a combination of linear and angular acceleration using a two-segment pendulum. Marker motion was tracked, and maximum principal strain (MPS) and maximum shear strain (MSS) were calculated using markers clustered in groups of three. Four test series were conducted. Peak angular speed varied from 17 to 29 rad/s and peak angular acceleration varied from 2,600 to 26,000 rad/(s squared). For all clusters, the peak MPS and MSS for both physical models were less than 32% and 26%, respectively. For 90% of the cluster locations, the absolute value of the difference in peak MSS and peak MPS between the physical models was 4% and 6%, respectively. In the physical model with tubing, strain tended to increase toward the center (away from the tubing), while it tended to decrease in the periphery (near to the tubing). Strain amplitudes were found to be sensitive to the peak angular speeds. In general, this research suggests that the vasculature could influence the deformation response of the brain.
A Simple Theory of Instantaneously Induced Anisotropy

Abstract This paper presents stress-strain relations for an ideal material which, in the plastic domain, instantaneously adapts its material anisotropy to the strain state it is experiencing. The objective of this work is to obtain a simple model for predicting strain-induced anisotropy.
Microresonator-on-Membrane for Real-Time Mass Sensing in Liquid Phase

Microresonator-on-membrane (MRoM) is presented in this article as a new approach to address the performance deterioration of microscale resonators in contact with a liquid media. An MRoM is composed of a rectangular piezoelectric-on-substrate resonator formed on top of an isolating membrane, which can operate in its length and width extensional (LE and WE) resonance modes. In the proposed scheme, the solution under a test is added into a microcavity on the back side of the MRoM chip. In this manner, the contact surface of the resonator to liquid is minimized to reduce mechanical losses caused by viscous damping, leading to a higher resonator quality factor ( Q ). Simultaneously, isolation caused by the membrane eliminates electrical interference of ionic solutions on a resonator performance. Despite enabling such advantages, the membrane underneath the resonator causes further anchoring losses, which reduces the Q s of MRoMs operating in air. To minimize such losses, in-plane primary and secondary circular acoustic reflectors are located around the resonator leading to higher Q s. Consequently, the MRoMs with secondary reflectors exhibit the Q s as high as 3500 for operation at both LE and WE resonance modes of 39 and 83MHz, respectively, when operating in air, showing adequate suppression of anchoring loss caused by the presence of the membrane. Also, maximum liquid phase Q s up to 410 are achieved for the MRoMs, which operate in the WE mode. As mass sensors, the MRoMs demonstrate mass sensitivity of 12 Hz.cm2ng while operating at the same mode.
Tumours of the Neck and Airways

This chapter is confined to malignant tumours of the neck and airways. Benign lesions are discussed in Chaps. 13 and 16 (cystic lesions of the head and neck and airway compression). Salivary tumours, both benign and malignant, are discussed in Chap. 24.
The ambulatory long block: a systems-based practice innovation.

There are many elements and much coordination involved in the design and implementation of an effective resident training program in systems-based practice. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Perceived needs of families of long-term critical care patients: a brief report.

OBJECTIVE To determine if families of long-term critical care patients have needs different from those of families of short-term critical care patients. DESIGN Ex post facto, descriptive, convenience sample. SETTING Southeastern community-based medical centers. SUBJECTS Twenty-six family members of patients in surgical intensive care units (SICU) for a minimum of 2 weeks. Age range was 20 to 73 years with a median of 48.19 years. INSTRUMENT Molter's Critical Care Family Needs Instrument administered to a relative of a patient in the SICU for 2 weeks or more. RESULTS The needs of families were very similar to the previously reported needs of families who had members in critical care units for short periods of time (3 to 4 days). The desire for information remained the number one need. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that family needs remain constant and continue in a crisis mode regardless of the length of time a family member may be a patient in the SICU. Recognition of these continuing needs will assist nurses in relating to the families of long-term critical care patients.
Automated parsing of sound level meter data into artifacts, natural sources, and noise

The National Park Service (NPS) has nearly one million hours of 1/3rd octave band sound level measurements collected at hundreds of sites throughout the system. One of the principal purposes of these data is to measure the background or residual sound level against which all transient sounds are heard. Historically this analysis has depended upon trained listeners to identify which sound sources can be heard in segments of these data. These annotated records were then used to calculate an adjusted median sound level. To pursue a more efficient, automated method to deliver this result, matrix decomposition methods were tested to characterize their capacity to model time series of sound level spectra as low-rank decompositions, including options to account for anomalous events. These methods were combined with sound source identification based on component spectral properties and time weightings to yield promising approaches for automating NPS analyses. These results may also offer options for detecting and removing the effects of pseudonoise due to the turbulence generated by air flowing past the microphone.The National Park Service (NPS) has nearly one million hours of 1/3rd octave band sound level measurements collected at hundreds of sites throughout the system. One of the principal purposes of these data is to measure the background or residual sound level against which all transient sounds are heard. Historically this analysis has depended upon trained listeners to identify which sound sources can be heard in segments of these data. These annotated records were then used to calculate an adjusted median sound level. To pursue a more efficient, automated method to deliver this result, matrix decomposition methods were tested to characterize their capacity to model time series of sound level spectra as low-rank decompositions, including options to account for anomalous events. These methods were combined with sound source identification based on component spectral properties and time weightings to yield promising approaches for automating NPS analyses. These results may also offer options for detecting and...
Verticillium isaacii is a Pathogen and Endophyte of Potato and Sunflower in the Columbia Basin of Washington

The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that Verticillium isaacii causes diseases of sunflower and potato plants. Two sunflower genotypes and one potato cultivar were inoculated with five V. isaacii isolates and three pathogenic V. dahliae isolates. Biomass, disease expression, and stem colonization were quantified. Overt wilt symptoms were observed on both sunflower genotypes and potato plants inoculated with a subset of the V. isaacii isolates. Biomass of both sunflower genotypes was not affected by V. isaacii infection. Tuber yields either decreased in response to infection by one V. isaacii isolate or were not affected by infection. Stems of sunflower and potato plants were infected by at least four of the five V. isaacii isolates. A new disease of sunflower and potato is documented. Evidence that V. isaacii exhibits different lifestyles including pathogenicity and endophytism is presented. Finally, this research documents variation in fungal lifestyles that can exist in samples from a single field.
Open for Politics? Globalization, Economic Growth, and Responsibility Attribution

Previous literature suggests that economic performance affects government approval asymmetrically, either because voters are quicker to blame incompetence than to credit ability (grievance asymmetry) or because they understand that the degree to which policy-makers can affect the economy varies depending on economic openness (clarity of responsibility asymmetry). We seek to understand whether these asymmetries coexist, arguing that these theories conjointly imply that globalization may have the capacity to mitigate blame for bad outcomes but should neither promote nor reduce credit to policy-makers for good economic outcomes. We look for evidence of these asymmetries in three survey experiments carried out in the USA and Canada in 2014 and 2015. We find ample experimental evidence in support of the grievance asymmetry, but our results are mixed on the impact of economic openness on blame mitigation, with some evidence of this phenomenon in the USA, but not in Canada.
The selection of boiling stones from a heterogeneous supply

Abstract Heating stones are an ancient technology found across time and space in the archaeological record. Most often studied in the contexts of cooking activities and overall density at a location, the decision-making used in obtaining stones to heat for particular tasks has been overlooked. The availability of stones varies from place to place and is controlled by the local supply. On the rocky beaches of Puget Sound, part of the glacially-carved Salish Sea in Northwestern North America, the choices are vast, as the supply of cobbles and pebbles is heterogeneous and ubiquitous. Archaeologists have previously demonstrated that rocks which are heated and quenched in water, or cooled quickly, break in distinct ways compared to rocks which are heated and air-dried, or cooled slowly. The fine-grain and coarse-grain textures of different rocks influence the breakage and fracture patterns resulting from expansion and contraction during heating and quenching. If field archaeologists can differentiate slow-cooled versus fast-cooled culturally-heated rocks, researchers can begin to consider behavior related to boiling stone technology in the Salish Sea. This study tests the utility of coarse-grain and fine-grain rocks for repeated use in boiling by examining the thermal properties of different local rock types as well as the susceptibility of each rock type to breakage when heated and submerged in water.
Energetics of a Rotating Wind-Forced Horizontal Convection Model of a Reentrant Channel

AbstractWe present numerical results for an idealized rotating, buoyancy- and windforced channel as a simple model for the Southern Ocean branch of the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). Dif...
On the Misinformation Beat: Understanding the Work of Investigative Journalists Reporting on Problematic Information Online

Journalists are increasingly investigating and reporting on problematic online content such as misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, leading to the creation of a new misinformation beat. The process of collecting, analyzing, and reporting on this kind of data is complex and nuanced. It is especially challenging as online actors attempt to undermine their work. Through in-depth interviews with twelve journalists, we explore how they investigate and report on online misinformation and disinformation. Our findings reveal some of the unique challenges of reporting on this beat, as well as the ways in which reporters overcome those challenges. We highlight and discuss how journalistic values could be better embedded into the design of tools to support their work, the power dynamics between social media companies and journalists, and the promise of collaborations as a way to support and educate journalists on this beat. This work provides contextual knowledge to researchers looking to better support investigative journalists - on the misinformation beat and beyond - as their work becomes more entangled in sociotechnical systems.
State intervention in sport: a comparative analysis of regime types

The historical use of sport for political purposes is well documented. Since the early twentieth century, many states have shaped their national sport policies to support broader domestic and forei...
Part-of-speech tagging of building codes empowered by deep learning and transformational rules

Abstract Automated building code compliance checking systems were under development for many years. However, the excessive amount of human inputs needed to convert building codes from natural language to computer understandable formats severely limited their range of applicable code requirements. To address that, automated code compliance checking systems need to enable an automated regulatory rule conversion. Accurate Part-of-Speech (POS) tagging of building code texts is crucial to this conversion. Previous experiments showed that the state-of-the-art generic POS taggers do not perform well on building codes. In view of that, the authors are proposing a new POS tagger tailored to building codes. It utilizes deep learning neural network model and error-driven transformational rules. The neural network model contains a pre-trained model and one or more trainable neural layers. The pre-trained model was fine-tuned on Part-of-Speech Tagged Building Codes (PTBC), a POS tagged building codes dataset. The fine-tuning of pre-trained model allows the proposed POS tagger to reach high precision with a small amount of available training data. Error-driven transformational rules were used to boost performance further by fixing errors made by the neural network model in the tagged building code. Through experimental testing, the authors found a well-performing POS tagger for building codes that had one bi-directional LSTM trainable layer, utilized BERT_Cased_Base pre-trained model and was trained 50 epochs. This model reached a 91.89% precision without error-driven transformational rules and a 95.11% precision with error-driven transformational rules, which outperformed the 89.82% precision achieved by the state-of-the-art POS taggers.
The contribution of intermolecular forces to phototropic actuation of liquid crystalline elastomers

Photomechanical effects in liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) functionalized with photochromic moieties, such as azobenzene, have been widely studied. This prior work has demonstrated that isothermal, photoinduced (e.g. phototropic) disruption of order via isomerization of azobenzene affects the anisotropic chain configurations of the polymer network. Here, we examine the contribution of the strength of intermolecular interactions between polymer chains in the LCE to both the thermotropic and phototropic response. By incorporating liquid crystalline monomers with reduced aromatic content, both the temperature and irradiation conditions to induce mechanical response are reduced.
Pediatric Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms can present early in life and may present a diagnostic challenge. Very few studies have focused on the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for pediatric myeloproliferative neoplasms. This article focuses on chronic myeloid leukemia, essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis in children.
In-vitro and in-vivo comparisons of high versus low concentrations of inhaled epoprostenol to adult intubated patients.

BACKGROUND Inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) has been shown to reduce pulmonary artery pressure and improve oxygenation. iEPO is mainly delivered via a syringe pump with feed tubing connected to a vibrating mesh nebulizer with high or low formulation concentration delivery. METHODS An in vitro study and a two-period retrospective case-control study were implemented. The in vitro study compared iEPO delivery via invasive ventilation at low concentrations of 7.5, and 15 mcg/mL and high concentration at 30 mcg/mL, to deliver the ordered dose of 30 and 50 ng/kg/min for three clinical scenarios with predicted body weight of 50, 70 and 90 kg. While in the clinical study, adult patients receiving iEPO via invasive ventilation to treat refractory hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, or right ventricular failure were included. 80 patients received low concentration iEPO at multiple concentrations (2.5, 7.5, and 15 mcg/mL, depending on the ordered dose) from 2015 to 2017, while 84 patients received high concentration iEPO at 30 mcg/mL from 2018 to 2019. RESULTS In the in vitro study, there were no significant differences in aerosol deposition between high vs low concentrations of iEPO at a dose of 50 ng/kg/min. In the clinical study, age, gender, ethnicity, and indications for iEPO were similar between high and low concentration groups. After 30-120 min of iEPO administration, both delivery strategies significantly improved oxygenation in hypoxemic patients and reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) for patients with pulmonary hypertension. However, no significant differences of the incremental changes were found between two delivery groups. Compared to low concentration, high concentration delivery group had better adherence to the iEPO weaning protocol (96% vs 71%, p < 0.001), fewer iEPO syringes utilized per patient (5 [3, 10] vs 12 [6, 22], p = 0.001), and shorter duration of invasive ventilation (6 [3, 12] vs 9 [5, 18] days, p = 0.028). Intensive care unit length of stay and mortality were similar between two groups. CONCLUSION Compared to low concentration delivery of iEPO, high concentration iEPO via a vibrating mesh nebulizer maintained clinical benefits and increased clinician compliance with an iEPO weaning protocol, required less medication preparation time, and shortened duration of invasive ventilation.
Effects and metabolism of hormones in normal and neoplastic prostate tissue.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects and metabolism of hormones in normal and neoplastic prostate tissue. The chapter focuses on recent work on fine structure of prostate tissue, hormonal influences on the metabolism of specific glandular constituents, the effect of hormones on viable prostate tissue in culture and on prostatic steroid catabolism, and a discussion of human prostatic neoplasia and its rodent and canine counterparts. It is now becoming apparent that the maintenance of normal prostatic structure and function and of residual epithelial activity in the castrate depends on the complex competitive or synergistic action of sex steroids, corticoids, and prolactin on the end organ. “Biological titration” with estrogen–androgen combinations has shown that the administration of both hormones is required to maintain the morphological integrity of the prostatic epithelium and the weight of the gland. Dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane-3α,l7 β-diol, the major products of the reductive catabolism of testosterone in the prostate, and their 17-ketosteroid analogs may be the active androgens in the gland.
PROPER MOTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE EXTRAGALACTIC REFERENCE FRAME

The Lick proper motion program, one of several using galaxies as a reference frame, is summarized with a statement of work accomplished for the non-Milky Way sky. The problem of identifying relatively transparent regions at low galactic latitudes is discussed, with tabular results presented for 41 windows from the literature having observable galaxies. These fields may be helpful for attaching stellar proper motions directly to the extragalactic frame.
Nb3Ge and Nb3Sn Films Prepared by High-Rate Magnetron Sputtering

During the past several years, considerable effort has been put into the fabrication of A15 superconductors, with particular emphasis on Nb3Sn and Nb3Ge. Nb3Ge probably cannot be produced by bulk fabrication or diffusion processes, which are successful with Nb3Sn, due to the metastable nature of the high critical temperature A15 phase, and thus must be “frozen in” at high temperatures by methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), or low-energy sputtering. The latter technique has produced Nb3Ge films with the highest critical temperature, T c , and best self-field critical current density, J c . A variation on the low-energy sputtering technique is discussed, wherein a magnetic field in the vicinity of the sputtering target alters the plasma characteristics in such a way that deposition rates are enhanced (up to 1 µm/min) at very low operating voltages (≤400V dc). Then sputter deposition is competitive with CVD. This technique is capable of producing very high quality Nb3Sn films and Nb3Ge films with T c ≥21.5 K. By suitable adjustment of the sputtering parameters, it is possible to alter the microstructure and surface characteristics. The effect of controlled amounts of oxygen in the sputtering gas on the T c of Nb3Ge is described.
Polypeptide composition of the alpha-latrotoxin receptor. High affinity binding protein consists of a family of related high molecular weight polypeptides complexed to a low molecular weight protein.

alpha-Latrotoxin is a vertebrate neurotoxin from black widow spider venom that causes massive neurotransmitter release. In order to gain insight into the mechanism of action of alpha-latrotoxin, we have studied alpha-latrotoxin-binding proteins from bovine and rat brain. Proteins purified by affinity chromatography on immobilized alpha-latrotoxin were investigated. Two sets of proteins were isolated: 1) three polypeptides of M(r) 79,000, 65,000, and 43,000 that were eluted from immobilized alpha-latrotoxin by increasing KCl concentrations in the presence of Ca2+, and 2) a family of related proteins ranging in molecular weight from 160,000 to 220,000 and a low molecular weight component of M(r) 29,000 that were eluted from immobilized alpha-latrotoxin only after removal of Ca2+. Amino acid sequences of these proteins demonstrated that all of these proteins represent novel proteins except for the M(r) 65,000 polypeptide, which is identical with synaptotagmin (Petrenko, A. G., Perin, M. S., Davletov, B. A., Ushkaryov, Y. A., Geppert, M., and Sudhof, T. C. (1991) Nature 353, 65-68). Surprisingly, the M(r) 79,000 and 43,000 proteins were also found in tissues insensitive to alpha-latrotoxin action. Since these proteins do not bind 125I-alpha-latrotoxin with high affinity, their purification probably is not physiologically significant. On the other hand, the fractions containing the M(r) 160,000-220,000 and 29,000 polypeptides bound alpha-latrotoxin with high affinity. Sucrose gradient centrifugations and anion exchange chromatography suggested that most of the M(r) 160,000-220,000 proteins were complexed with the M(r) 29,000 protein. alpha-Latrotoxin binding correlated with the presence of the M(r) 160,000-220,000 proteins and M(r) 29,000 polypeptide, and alpha-latrotoxin formed stable complexes with the M(r) 160,000-220,000 proteins. Accordingly, the alpha-latrotoxin receptor consists of a high molecular weight protein (M(r) 160,000-220,000) that is complexed with one or several copies of an M(r) 29,000 polypeptide. In addition, the receptor is found in a less tight association with synaptotagmin but not with other polypeptides.
Amino Acids of the Cell Wall of Nocardia rubra

Two classes of preparations of cell walls of Nocardia rubra strain 721-A, digested by trypsin and pepsin with or without subsequent extraction in alkaline ethanol, when examined by electron microscope and analyzed quantitatively for amino acid content differ in ultrastructure and constituent amino acids. Evidence suggests that the lipid-associated amino acids (as peptide or protein) occupy a location superficial to the basal peptido-glycan layer of this nocardia. Their removal is associated with the loss of a characteristic pattern of the outer envelope. Images
Urine Biomarkers of Risk in the Molecular Etiology of Breast Cancer

Endogenous estrogens can be bio-activated to endogenous carcinogens via formation of estrogen quinones. Estrogen-3,4-quinones react with DNA to form mutagenic depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts. The carcinogenicity of endogenous estrogens is related to unbalanced estrogen metabolism leading to excess estrogen quinones and formation of depurinating DNA adducts. The present studies were initiated to confirm that relatively high levels of depurinating estrogen- DNA adducts are present in women at high risk for breast cancer or diagnosed with the disease. These adducts may be biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer risk. The estrogen metabolites, conjugates and depurinating DNA adducts were identified and quantified by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to analyze urine samples from 40 healthy control women, 40 high-risk women and 40 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Estrogen metabolism was shifted from protective methoxylation and conjugation pathways in healthy control women towards activating pathways leading to formation of depurinating DNA adducts in women at high risk or with breast cancer. These results support the hypothesis that breast cancer is initiated by mutations derived from depurination of estrogen-DNA adducts. Therefore, relative levels of depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts could become biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer risk and aid in determining preventive strategies.
Modeling and Self-Tuning Control of a Dolomite Kiln

This paper describes the results of a study of the application of a multivariable self-tuning controller to stabilize the temperature profile throughout a dolomite kiln. Simulations of the two input, two output, indirect self-tuning controller on a transient model of the kiln were performed. A first principle model was used in this study to simulate the behavior of the dolomite kiln. The method used to solve the partial differential equations of the model was a finite difference method defined on a time-space grid. Static and dynamic simulations were performed in perfecting the controller and testing its operation. Example results are presented. The resulting controller will be installed on a full size plant kiln system.
Effects of carrier spatial hole burning and structure-dependent nonlinear gain in frequency modulation characteristics of GaAs quantum well external cavity lasers

We derive, we believe for the first time, an expression for the chirp-to-power ratio (CPR), i.e. the ratio of the frequency modulation to the intensity modulation for quantum well lasers which includes effects the carrier transport from separate-confinement-heterostructure (SCH) layers to the quantum wells, spatial hole burning in the lateral dimension of the quantum wells, and intrinsic material gain compression. The model includes the photon lifetime and percentage bias current above threshold as scaling parameters. We compare the model with data obtained from a quantum well GaAs laser and a channel-substrate planar (CSP) structure laser both in external cavities. >
Fouling in a high pressure, high recovery rotating reverse osmosis system

Concentration polarization and membrane fouling have limited the efficiency of reverse osmosis. Rotating filtration may minimize the effects of concentration polarization and membrane fouling by increasing the shear at the membrane surface. A second-generation high-pressure rotating reverse osmosis device was designed to perform long-term tests of the purification of a complex wastewater ersatz based on what is expected to be produced on a long-term space mission. A significant amount of fouling occurred after three days of operation during the tests. The fouling potential was used to characterize this fouling and was incorporated into a theoretical model of rotating reverse osmosis. The effect of cleaning cycles and a biocide on the reduction of flux due to fouling was investigated. Cleaning cycles every 48 h significantly improved the flux of the device. The addition of a biocide reduced the fouling including the sharp decrease in flux at day three, which can therefore be attributed to biofouling of the membrane surface.
On evaluating methods for recovering image curve fragments

Curve fragments, as opposed to unorganized edge elements, are of interest and use in a large number of applications such as multiview reconstructions, tracking, motion-based segmentation, and object recognition. A large number of contour grouping algorithms have been developed, but progress in this area has been hampered by the fact that current evaluation methodologies are mainly edge-based, thus ignoring how edges are grouped into contour segments. We show that edge-based evaluation schemes work poorly for the comparison of curve fragment maps, motivating two novel developments: (i) the collection of new human ground truth data whose primary representation is contour fragments and where the goal of collection is not distinguished objects but curves evident in image data, and (ii) a methodology for comparing two sets of curve fragments which takes into account the instabilities inherent in the formation of curve fragments. The approach compares two curve fragment sets by exploring deformation of one onto another while traversing discontinuous transitions. The geodesic paths in this space represent the best matching between the two sets of contour fragment. This approach is used to compare the results of edge linkers on the new contour fragment human ground truth.
Restoring with Maximum Entropy, II: Superresolution of Photographs of Diffraction-Blurred Impulses*

Can photographic images, e.g., corresponding to star clusters, be superresolved? Or alternatively, can already good (diffraction-limited) images be improved by restoring methods? To test this hypothesis, objects have been prepared that can be resolved only if the bandwidth in the restoration exceeds that of the image data. The objects are double and triple slits with separations equal to fractions (0.33, 0.50, or 0.65) of Rayleigh’s resolution distance. These are incoherently imaged in quasimonochromatic light by a slit-aperture optical system, and developed as photographs. The amount of diffraction blur is made comparable with the grain-limited resolution distance, since this is the usual situation for an efficient optics–film design. The photos are scanned across the slit directions, digitized, and computer restored by the method of maximum entropy. Results indicate that two object slits can be well resolved when separated by one-half of Rayleigh’s resolution distance, and that three object slits are resolvable subject to a definite hierarchy of confidence: Most accurately restored is the number of object impulses, next are their positions, and least accurate is information on their amplitudes.
The excited states of allene

Excited states of allene are calculated using virtual orbitals from a Gaussian SCF calculation on the ground state. The ground state ionization potential is predicted to be 10.14 eV. Although the calculated transition energies are too high, the spectrum is predicted to consist of 3 weak transitions followed by a strong transition at shorter wavelength, in good qualitative agreement with experiment. States of the flattened (D2h) molecule were also studied. The rotation barrier of the ground state is predicted to be 3.12 eV. The lowest triplet state is predicted to be planar.
Some invariants of Kakutani equivalence

We introduce some invariants of Kakutani equivalence and using them we prove that any two distinct cartesian powers of the horocycle flow are inequivalent.
National literatures as Intimate Expression and the Problem of Teaching World Literatures

In her article "National Literatures as Intimate Expression and the Problem of Teaching World Literatures" Kette Thomas analyzes the fundamental tension embedded in the discourse on teaching world literatures. Thomas focuses on models which contextualize the problem around the subject of allegiance either to the reader or the author rather than the commonly limited geographical, national, and politically defined complex. Focus on the reader or author is often made at the expense of the "other," but it is the tension and communication between them that offers possibilities for the development of the discipline of comparative literature (against Eurocentrism and the nation approach) and the fields of world literatures and comparative cultural studies.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON THE CLAY MINERALS ILLITE AND MONTMORILLONITE

Samples of three purified illites, one purified montmorillonite, and one natural clay containing montmorillonite, quartz, and limonite were heated at successive temperatures up to 1400°C. X-ray and optical determinations were made on all samples. The changes that take place in the clay minerals, illite and montmorillonite, when they are heated at various temperatures up to 1400°C. are discussed.
A Causal Theory of Enjoyment

I shall present a theory of enjoyment, in the form of a definition. The basic idea is that an object of enjoyment causes the subject to experience pleasure by causing occurrent beliefs which satisfy desires concerning the experience itself. Pleasure is identified with occurrent happiness, which can be defined in terms of belief, desire, and thought. I also define degree of enjoyment, as that part of the subject's pleasure attributable to the object of enjoyment. Degree of belief and desire are the fundamental quantities. Finally, I briefly treat negative enjoyment.1
Quantitative characterization of multiple binding sites for phencyclidine and N-allylnormetazocine in membranes from rat and guinea pig brain.

Abstract Quantitative ligand binding studies have been used to characterize binding sites for N-allylnormetazocine ((+)SKF10,047) (SKF), 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine (PCP), N-[1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexyl] piperidine (TCP) and haloperidol in membranes from the brain of rat and guinea pig under conditions which permitted simultaneous analysis of the binding of both PCP and SKF. Using four labelled ligands (SKF, TCP, PCP and haloperidol), each displayed by the corresponding four unlabelled ligands, four classes of binding sites were observed in membranes from the brain of the rat, corresponding to sigma (σ), two classes of PCP sites (PCP1, PCP2) and dopamine (D2) sites. The σ site was suppressed by 50nM haloperidol, while the PCP1 and PCP2 sites were not. These results were confirmed by the studies employing a self- and cross-displacement design and dose-response surfaces for SKF and TCP, with and without blockade by haloperidol of the sigma site. Using mathematical modelling, employing the program LIGAND, it was possible to reject simpler models involving a common “PCP/sigma” site or a model involving only two classes of sites (sigma and PCP). Similar methods were used to identify two classes of σ binding sites and two classes of PCP binding sites, in membranes prepared from the brain of guinea pig. The relative potencies of 18 ligands for displacement of (+)[3H]SKF10,047 and [3H]TCP were compared: there were significant qualitative and quantitative differences in the “sigma” binding sites in the brain of rat and guinea pig, while the PCP binding sites were very similar in two the species.
Inhibition of myosin light chain kinase provides prolonged attenuation of radial artery vasospasm

Objective: Current treatments for conduit vessel vasospasm are short-acting and do not inhibit all vasospastic stimuli. This study tests the hypothesis that irreversible inactivation of myosin light chain kinase provides sustained inhibition of arterial vasoconstriction stimulated by a spectrum of vasopressors. Methods: Canine radial artery segments were soaked for 60 min in control buffer or buffer with wortmannin, an irreversible inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase. The vessels were then thoroughly washed and contractile responses were quantified in response to a spectrum of vasopressors at 2 and 48 h after treatment. After 48 h, selected vessels were examined for morphologic changes and development of apoptosis. Results: Two hours after treatment, wortmannin-soaked vessels contracted significantly less than controls in response to norepinephrine (0.19G0.07 g vs. 7.22G0.37 g, P!0.001), serotonin (0.92G0.35 g vs. 9.64G0.67 g, P!0.001), thromboxanemimetic U46619 (1.25G0.17 g vs. 10.99G0.50 g, P!0.001), and KCl (1.98G0.27 g vs.15.00G0.48 g, P!0.001). At 48 h, vasoconstriction remained significantly inhibited in wortmannin-treated vessels compared to control vessels in response to norepinephrine (2.36G0.17 vs. 6.95G0.47 g, P!0.001), serotonin (4.67G0.39 vs. 12.42G0.70 g, P!0.001), U46619 (5.42G0.34 vs. 9.29G0.74 g, PZ0.008), and KCl (7.49G0.48 vs. 13.32G0.60 g, P!0.001). Histology of wortmannin-treated vessels revealed no overt smooth muscle or endothelial cell damage. TUNEL staining revealed a significantly greater proportion of apoptotic smooth muscle and endothelial cells in wortmannin-treated vessels as compared to controls. Conclusions: Disengaging the smooth muscle contractile apparatus by irreversibly binding myosin light chain kinase with wortmannin significantly attenuates radial artery vasoconstriction up to 48 h after brief treatment. This novel strategy may prevent vasospasm of arterial grafts from all causes for several postoperative days. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The differentiation of adaptive behaviours: evidence from high and low performers

Background: Professionals who use measures of adaptive behaviour when working with special populations may assume that adaptive behaviour is a consistent and linear construct at various ability levels and thus believe the construct of adaptive behaviour is the same for high and low performers. That is, highly adaptive people simply are assumed to have a higher level of adaptive behaviour than their less adaptive peers (i.e. individuals with special need, including intellectual disability). This study examines the viability of this assumption and poses an alternative hypothesis: adaptive behaviour is qualitatively different for high and low performers. Methods: Portions of the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System-II’s standardisation sample were used to examine the structure of adaptive behaviour in high and low performers. Results. Results of factor analysis indicated that the amount of variance attributable to a general factor of adaptive behaviour declines at lower levels of adaptive ability, indicating...
Evaluating Amorphization Around Micro-Cracks in PV Silicon

Since the initiation and propagation of a micro-crack in a silicon wafer introduces local variations in stress, it is critical to the understanding of wafer breakage that accurate profiling of stress be performed in the vicinity of the micro-crack. In this study, nanoindentation has been used to investigate the stress-relaxation during crack initiation and propagation in material of particular interest to the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The low load (<1 mN) capability of a Hysitron Triboindenter® was used to accurately profile the extent of plastic deformation and resulting amorphization. Measurements were made on Si samples extracted from top, middle and bottom of a (100) oriented single crystal ingot to evaluate the impact of different carbon, oxygen and metallic impurity concentrations. A gradual but significant drop in hardness from 10.2 to 6.9 GPa occurred as indents were made closer to the micro-crack and was attributed to local amorphization. Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the amorphization, respectively, at nano- and micro-scale.
Physical activity participation among persons with disabilities: barriers and facilitators.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to identify various barriers and facilitators associated with participation in fitness and recreation programs/facilities among persons with disabilities. Methods Focus groups were conducted in ten regions across the United States in 2001 to 2002 with four types of participants: (1) consumers with disabilities, (2) architects, (3) fitness and recreation professionals, and (4) city planners and park district managers. Sessions were tape-recorded and content analyzed; focus group facilitators took notes of identified barriers and facilitators to access. Results Content analysis of tape recordings revealed 178 barriers and 130 facilitators. The following themes were identified: (1) barriers and facilitators related to the built and natural environment; (2) economic issues; (3) emotional and psychological barriers; (4) equipment barriers; (5) barriers related to the use and interpretation of guidelines, codes, regulations, and laws; (6) information-related barriers; (7) professional knowledge, education, and training issues; (8) perceptions and attitudes of persons who are not disabled, including professionals; (9) policies and procedures both at the facility and community level; and (10) availability of resources. Conclusions The degree of participation in physical activity among people with disabilities is affected by a multifactorial set of barriers and facilitators that are unique to this population. Future research should utilize this information to develop intervention strategies that have a greater likelihood of success.
Review of Potential Characterization Techniques in Approaching Energy and Sustainability

Societal prosperity is linked to sustainable energy and a healthy environment. However, tough global challenges include increased demand for fossil fuels, while approaching peak oil production and uncertainty in the environmental impacts of energy generation. Recently, energy use was identified as a major component of economic productivity, along with capital and labor. Other environmental resources and impacts may be nearing environmental thresholds, as indicated by nine planetary environmental boundaries, many of which are linked to energy production and use. Foresight techniques could be applied to guide future actions which include emphasis on (1) energy efficiency to bridge the transition to a renewable energy economy; (2) continued research, development, and assessment of new technologies; (3) improved understanding of environment impacts including natural capital use and degradation; (4) exploration of GDP alternative measures that include both economic production and environmental impacts; and (5) international cooperation and awareness of longer-term opportunities and their associated potential scenarios. Examples from the U.S. and the international community illustrate challenges and potential.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Speed Monitoring Displays in Work Zones on Rural Interstate Highways

The long-term effectiveness of speed monitoring displays (SMDs) was evaluated as part of the Midwest States Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative, a pooled-fund study sponsored by Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and FHWA. Three SMDs were deployed for a 5-week period along a 4.35-km (2.7-mile) section between two work zones on I-80 near Lincoln, Nebraska. The mean, 85th percentile, and standard deviation of vehicle speeds and the percentage of vehicles complying with the 89-km/h (55-mph) speed limit and the 97 and 105-km/h (60 and 65-mph) speed thresholds were used as measures of effectiveness (MOEs). The SMDs were found to be effective in lowering speeds, increasing the uniformity of speeds, and increasing speed-limit compliance over the 5-week period. Statistically significant improvements in speed parameters and speed-limit compliance were observed at the measurement points down stream of the first two SMDs. The improvement in standard deviation and some compliance percentages were not statistically s...