cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PARP-S

Display Omitted We identify ARP broadcast problem in 802.11s.We propose a secure piggybacking-based ARP for 802.11s-based Smart Grid networks.We propose several modifications to Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (HWMP).Piggybacking-based ARP reduces the end to end delay significantly. The Smart Grid is expected to utilize a wireless infrastructure for power data collection in its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) applications. One of the options to implement such a network infrastructure is to use a wireless mesh network based on IEEE 802.11s mesh standard. However, IEEE 802.11s standard relies on MAC-based routing and thus requires the availability of MAC addresses of destinations. Due to large size of AMI networks, this creates a broadcast storm problem when such information is to be obtained via Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) broadcast packets. In this paper, we propose a mechanism to significantly alleviate such broadcast storm problem in order to improve the scalability of 802.11s and thus make it better suited for Smart Grid AMI applications. Our contribution is adapting 802.11s standard for addressing ARP broadcast storm problem in a secure and efficient manner. Specifically, we utilize the proactive Path Request (PREQ) packet and Path Reply (PREP) of layer-2 path discovery protocol of 802.11s, namely HWMP, for piggybacking ARP information. In this way, the MAC address resolution is handled during routing tree creation/maintenance and hence the broadcasting of ARP requests by the smart meters (SMs) to learn the MAC address of the data collector (i.e., the gateway/root node) is completely eliminated. Furthermore, since piggybacking the ARP via PREQ may pose vulnerabilities for possible ARP cache poisoning attacks, the data collector also authenticates the messages it sends to SMs by using Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). We have extensively analyzed the behavior and overhead of the proposed mechanism using implementation of IEEE 802.11s in ns-3 simulator. The evaluations for both UDP and TCP show that compared to the original ARP broadcast operations, our approach reduces the end-to-end delay significantly without negatively impacting the packet delivery ratio and throughput.
On the Structure of Podophyllotoxin and the Peltatins

Les analyses des podophyllotoxine et picropodophylline publiees par Press & Brun s'expliquent per la presence d'un reste du solvant de cristallisation dans leurs echantillons. Leurs « β-peltatinen » et « picro- β-peltatinen » ne sont en realite que de la podophyllotoxine et de la picropodophylline partiellement solvatees, tandis que leur « picro-α-peltatine » est identique a, l'α-peltatine et leur a-peltatine contient des traces d'impuretes. Aucune preuve chimique, telle que la preparation de derives, n'est avancee pour soutenir leurs formules. L'examen critique de leurs donnees et de leurs conclusions montre qu'il n'y a pas lieu d'abandonner des structures chimiques bien etablies, en faveur de leurs suggestions.
Miscibility Transitions and Lateral Compressibility in Liquid Phases of Lipid Monolayers

Lateral compressibility and miscibility phase behavior of monolayers of phospholipids and cholesterol were investigated using a Langmuir film balance and epifluorescence microscopy. Three lipid mixtures were used: dihydrocholesterol and either DMPC [di(14:0)PC], DLPC [di(12:0)PC], or 1/1 DMPC/DPPC [1/1 di(14:0)PC/di(16:0)PC]. The mixtures were chosen to produce liquid phases and a variety of miscibility phase diagrams. No general correlation was found between changes in lateral compressibility and miscibility phase transitions, even at miscibility critical points. A previously reported correlation for a monolayer system of cholesterol and DMPC seems to be coincidental. These results strongly argue against using only pressure−area isotherms to determine miscibility phase transitions in liquid monolayers.
Radiation enhancement of the catalytic properties of three-dimensional coordination polymers of Ru(II) with diisocyanide ligands

Coordination polymers are drawing increasing attention due to their versatility in structure and function, and their potential applications as catalysts. These polymers may be synthesized by using aryldiisocyanides, which when coordinated to a d 6 metal such as Ru(II), act as bridges and give rise to two distinct types of three-dimensional polymeric networks. Polymer A, [Ru(1,4-diisocyanobenzene) 2+ 4/2 (2Cl) 2- ] n has a tetragonal geometry, having, most likely, Ru-Ru stacking interactions in the z direction, while polymer B, [Ru(1,4-diisocyanobenzene) 2+ 6/2 (2Cl) 2- ] n has a cubic geometry, having all the Ru atoms separated by the 1,4-diisocyanobenzene ligands. In the hydrogenation reaction of 1-hexene, polymer A is an efficient but a non-selective catalyst. The hydrogenation reaction is accompanied by isomerization, with trans 2-hexene as the leading isomer, which is hydrogenated as well after all the 1-hexene has been used up. The catalytic reaction proceeds with an induction period which suggests that polymer A in its original structure is not the actual catalyst. Irradiation of the reaction mixture with 350 nm UV light prior and during the catalytic reaction drastically reduces the induction period. This indicates that the energy of irradiation is sufficient to break the Ru-Ru stacking bonds, thus creating electron-deficient Ru sites prior to the addition of the olefin. An in-depth study of the influence of irradiation on the kinetics of the catalytic reaction is presented in this paper.
Sensory response properties of pyramidal tract neurons in the precentral motor cortex and postcentral gyrus of the rhesus monkey

Pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) were identified in precentral motor cortex (MI) and in postcentral cortex (PoC) of a monkey trained to pronate and supinate its forearm. PTN responses to passive, ramp-form displacements of the forearm were examined in relation to the size of the neuron (as reflected by its antidromic latency). Larger PTNs tended to exhibit transient responses to passive limb displacement, whereas smaller PTNs more frequently showed sustained responses. These findings suggest that smaller PTNs, that make up the majority of the total PTN population, receive continuous feedback during posture as well as during the dynamic phase of movement.
EPIDEMIC ACUTE NEPHRITIS WITH REAPPEARANCE OF TYPE-49 STREPTOCOCCUS

Abstract After an interval of thirteen years, a second outbreak of acute nephritis developed at the Red Lake Indian Reservation in the late summer, 1966, coincident with the reappearance of the original epidemic strain. In 23 of 25 children with nephritis, a group-A streptococcus ( Streptococcus pyogenes ) identified as type 49 was recovered from the patient or from siblings. Since this strain was not recovered in studies of this population in 1964—65, this episode represents the first documented occurrence of type 49 at Red Lake in over a decade. As in the original epidemic, pyoderma was much more common than clinically apparent pharyngitis in patients with acute nephritis, but the type 49 streptococcus was frequently isolated from nose and throat cultures as well as from skin lesions. Serial observations of a healthy, preschool population at Red Lake during this period indicate that the epidemic strain first became prevalent in skin lesions and subsequently became widespread in the upper respiratory tract.
A glucose-regulated protein, GRP58, is down-regulated in C57B6 mouse liver after diethylhexyl phthalate exposure

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer that induces peroxisome proliferation in rodents. Prolonged exposure to DEHP results in a variety of toxic effects, the most significant of which appears to be an increased incidence of liver cancer and male reproductive toxicity in rodents. Accompanying these toxic effects is the induction of a number of genes within the liver, particularly those genes involved in peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation and members of the cytochrome P450 family, CYP4A. In order to explore which additional genes may be altered by DEHP exposure, mRNA differential display was performed using total liver RNA from male C57B6 mice that were treated with either O or 2% DEHP in their diet for 7 days. In doing so, a number of partial cDNAs representing messages that are potentially differentially expressed have been isolated. One of these cDNAs was found to be similar to the previously cloned gene, GRP58. Analysis by RNase protection assay and North hybridization have shown that the transcript for GRP58 is down-regulated in the liver after DEHP exposure. Analysis of dose-response exposures to DEHP by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR confirm these results and also shows that GRP58 is not altered in kidney or testis. Immunoblot analysis using GRP58-specific antibodies also shows a decrease in GRP58 protein levels in DEHP-treated mice. Moreover, exposure of mice to another peroxisome proliferator, clofibrate, results in a slight down-regulation of GRP58 at the highest dose, 0.5%. Thus, it appears as if DEHP and clofibrate can use different pathways to affect gene expression.
Baldwinian learning utilizing genetic and heuristic algorithms for logic synthesis and minimization of incompletely specified data with Generalized Reed-Muller (AND-EXOR) forms

Abstract This research applies a new heuristic combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) to the task of logic minimization for incompletely specified data, with both single and multi-outputs, using the Generalized Reed–Muller (GRM) equation form. The GRM equation type is a canonical expression of the Exclusive-Or Sum-of-Products (ESOPs) type, in which for every subset of input variables there exists not more than one term with arbitrary polarities of all variables. This AND–EXOR implementation has been shown to be economical, generally requiring fewer gates and connections than that of AND–OR logic. GRM logic is also highly testable, making it desirable for FPGA designs. The minimization results of this new algorithm tested on a number of binary benchmarks are given. This minimization algorithm utilizes a GA with a two-level fitness calculation, which combines human-designed heuristics with the evolutionary process, employing Baldwinian learning. In this algorithm, first a pure GA creates certain constraints for the selection of chromosomes, creating only genotypes (polarity vectors). The phenotypes (GRMs) are then learned in the environment and contribute to the GA fitness (which is the total number of terms of the best GRM for each output), providing indirect feedback as to the quality of the genotypes (polarity vectors) but the genotype chromosomes (polarity vectors) remain unchanged. In this process, the improvement in genotype chromosomes (polarity vectors) is the product of the evolutionary processes from the GA only. The environmental learning is achieved using a human-designed GRM minimization heuristic. As much previous research has presented the merit of AND–EXOR logic for its high density and testability, this research is the first application of the GRM (a canonical AND–EXOR form) to the minimization of incompletely specified data.
Lubiprostone for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

Chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are heterogeneous disorders characterized by altered bowel habits, abdominal discomfort and/or difficult defecation. These conditions have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, as well as on the US economy, both in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity. Treatment typically begins with lifestyle changes, increased fiber intake and osmotic and stimulant laxative intake. However, treatments for constipation vary in terms of their efficacy and safety. Furthermore, surveys of physicians and patients have revealed a strong desire for improved therapeutic options. Lubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid that is gut selective and stimulates type 2 chloride channels, resulting in increased chloride, sodium and water secretion into the lumen. The increased fluid secretion causes luminal distension, secondary peristalsis and laxation. Randomized Phase III trials have shown that lubiprostone is efficacious in the treatment of chronic idi...
Reliability of looking time

Twenty-eight college students viewed two sets of 30 color photographs each under instructions to look at each picture for as long as they wished. Equal thirds of the stimuli in each set were selected from high, middle, and low complexity levels. The sets were presented 7–10 weeks apart. The results indicated significant between- and within-session correlations that were not dependent on stimulus complexity. It was suggested that the findings were indicative of a consistency in either the rate at which Ss process information or the amount of information they process or both.
Characterization of adsorbents by energy profile of adsorbed molecules

Abstract The energy profile, which is the energy of the adsorbed phase as a function of loading, is essential for characterizing the equilibrium behavior of adsorbents. The energy of the adsorbed phase is measured directly by calorimetry or indirectly by differentiating adsorption isotherms at constant loading. The adsorption isotherm and energy profile are sufficient for the determination of thermodynamic variables such entropy and provide a basis for predicting the behavior of nonideal, multicomponent mixtures from single-gas isotherms.
Epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia: a case report of non-surgical management

Abstract Neuraxial block with intraoperative intravenous (IV) heparin use is considered to be a safe technique. The risk of epidural hematoma is low as long as concomitant anti-coagulation is not used [ASRA: Neuraxial Anesthesia and Anticoagulation Consensus Statements, 1998]. We describe a patient who developed epidural hematoma under those circumstances and was successfully treated without surgical intervention. A 75-year-old female underwent aorto-mesenteric arterial bypass for chronic mesenteric ischemia. Combined general and epidural anesthesia was used and IV heparin (total 6000 IU) was given intraoperatively. In the recovery room, aspiration of blood was noted through the epidural catheter. The next day, she developed severe back pain without sensory or motor deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed an epidural hematoma with spinal cord compression. Neurosurgical consultation resulted in a decision to monitor for neurological changes. She never developed a neurological deficit and was discharged from the hospital on post-operative day 7. Our case suggests that epidural hematoma may not be uncommon phenomena in patients with neuraxial block and intraoperative IV heparin use. Implications for the decision as to which of these patients should be imaged and which should not are discussed.
In Retreat from Excellence: The Single Six-Year Presidential Term

Analysis of the effects of the single, six-year term proposal by assessing its probable impact on presidential tenure in the past reveals that it would have reduced the tenure of highly regarded presidents who were relatively successful in dealing with Congress and increased the tenure of presidents with lackluster reputations and limited success in congressional relations. Thus, by inference, the adoption of this widely-touted institutional reform might undermine rather than strengthen presidential leadership in American politics.
Observations, Simulations, and Analysis of Nonstationary Trapped Lee Waves

Abstract Although considerable understanding of mountain waves has been gained with the aid of the steady-state assumption, it is clear that mountain waves evolve over time. Group velocity arguments indicate that this evolution can occur in less than 1 h. This study uses observations of trapped lee waves to measure the rate at which their horizontal wavelengths change, including a detailed analysis of two events in which such changes are clearly documented. In one case, Doppler lidar observations show a steady increase in horizontal wavelength of 6% h−1 over 4 h and clearly illustrates the relationship between the wave clouds and wave motions. In a second case, visible satellite imagery reveals an increase in wavelength of 14% h−1, which is related to temporal changes in vertical air motions measured by wind profilers within the wave field. Hourly vertical profiles of wind and virtual temperature measured by radio acoustic sounding systems (RASS) and wind profilers reveal important changes in the wave env...
A practical method for secure transmission of digital images

A practical method for secure and robust transmission of confidential pictorial messages is presented. The scheme consists of first blurring an image before transmission, then using an effective, robust adaptive predictive coding method based upon multiplicative time series to extract the parameters of the blurred image data for transmission and to reconstruct the blurred image at the receiver end, and finally applying a new fast algorithm to deblur and restore the original image. The various parameters may be manipulated by the user in a pre-established way to achieve maximum security.
Design and Fabrication of a Meso-Scale Gyroscope

The purpose of this work was to develop a low-cost gyroscope for general aviation. The work was supported by FAA to fulfill their goal of replacing all or part of ground based navigation for general aviation which could help to overcome the difficulties related to GPS failures. To achieve this goal researchers are focusing on MEMS technology. We propose a new design for the gyroscope which should increase the accuracy by increasing the mass of the gyro, that is, produce a meso-scale gyro using MEMS technology and increase signal amplitude by using piezoelectric actuators and sensors (instead of conventional electrostatics). Nb-doped Pb(Zr20,Ti80)O3 films were grown on both sides of a 4 inch Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si/SiO2/TiO2/Pt wafer by chemical solution deposition. The effective transverse piezoelectric coefficients (-e3t,f) of these films were measured for the pulse and DC poled films and found to be in the range of 3.21 ~6.36 C/m2. These films were then used to fabricate a meso-scale gyroscope using standard photo lithography, wet etching, ion milling and deep reactive ion etching techniques. One side of the film was used for actuation and the other side for sensing of the gyroscope. The resonance frequency of the gyroscope was obtained at 12.60 kHz which matches very well with the simulated results.
Spectroscopic studies of the influence of oxygen partial pressure on the incorporation of residual silicon impurities in vapor‐phase epitaxial gallium arsenide

The incorporation of residual shallow impurity species, in particular Si, in both chloride and hydride vapor‐phase epitaxial GaAs layers grown with oxygen intentionally injected into the source zone has been studied. Photothermal ionization spectroscopy and photoluminescence show that both the Si donor and acceptor concentrations are significantly reduced by the oxygen. The observed reduction of carrier concentration and the increase in Hall mobility with increasing oxygen partial pressure are mainly due to the reduction of Si impurity concentration. Although oxygen can form deep levels as indicated by the 1.4889‐eV bound‐exciton line in photoluminescence, the main effect of oxygen injection is to improve the material purity by suppression of the incorporation of residual Si.
Corporate Competitive Advantage Through Information Technology: Saudi Aramco Case

There so many articles argued whether information technology has any effect or relation with the competitive advantage of the companies. Nemours papers have addressed this issue when IT was advancing exponentially in the last decade. Some researchers come with a conclusion that IT would have no effect on the company competitive advantage. On the other hand, some other papers proved the relation between IT and IT performance with the corporate performance. This paper will discuss and analyze this relation. More specifically we will address the effect and the role of information technology on the strategic management of Saudi Aramco and how this would add extra dimension for the corporate competitive advantage. Saudi Aramco is an oil production company producing and exporting oil from Saudi Arabia. The company also had various business lines that serve the country with oil refined product. IT was integral part of the company strategy since it started producing oil since the 30's of last century.
Machiavellianism scores and self-rated performance of automobile salespersons

Machiavellianism (Mach-B) was positively correlated with self-reported number of vehicles sold and income in two samples of 80 car salespersons. The Mach-B scale showed higher internal consistency and significant relationship with sales performance. The Mach IV scale, used for one of two samples, showed low internal consistency and a nonsignificant relationship with performance. The results provided partial support for earlier findings. Research designed to clarify this finding is required.
Leaf alkanes in Persea and related taxa

Abstract The normal-alkane range in leaf cuticular waxes from 22 Persea species and cultivars and from the closely related genus Beilschmiedia was C23 H48 to C35, H72; alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms predominated, C33 H68 usually constituting about half of the total wax. The alkane profiles gave good agreement with established taxonomy. Beilschmiedia showed an alkane distribution quite different from that of the Persea taxa. Amongst Persea species, the geographical and phylogenetic distinctiveness of P. indica and P. donnell-smithii were reflected in the distinctiveness of their alkanes. Within the subgenus Persea. the morphologically most distinct entity. P. schiedeana, also had a distinct alkane profile. Cultivars of hybrid origin indicated in their alkane proportions pronounced gene interaction.
Comparing Rural and Urban Children's Perceptions of an Ideal Community

While there is research on children's participation, what is needed are investigations on how children perceive community design and whether the geographic location in which the children live has an effect on their perceptions of an ideal community. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify children's ideal community elements and (2) determine if there are any differences in rural and urban children's perceptions. Models of an ideal community are created by ninety-three rural children and fifty urban children in a design charrette. Model content is analyzed using multivariate statistics to identify element and pattern preferences. Principal component analysis of the resultant thirty-eight models reveals that for the rural children, six components are considered significant dimensions and explain 67 percent of the variance, with the first component accounting for nearly 27 percent of the variance. For the urban children, four components are significant and explain 51 percent of the variance, with th...
Constraints on the polar-optical-phonon influence functional in heterostructures.

The Feynman influence functional for the polar coupling of carriers to confined phonon modes in heterostructures is considered. It is found that the partial contributions to the total influence functional from the individual branches of the optical-phonon energy spectrum are related and constrained by conservation relations. The derivation of these conservation relations requires no specific functional form for the phonon modes; rather it employs only the inherent orthogonality and mathematical completeness of the classical vibrational modes over the crystal-lattice degrees of freedom. In the bulk-crystal limit these conservation relations lead to the familiar results of Feynman; for arbitrary heterostructures, these conservation relations provide a basis for an estimation of the influence functional from limited knowledge of the spatial confinement of the individual phonon branches.
Impact of carbohydrate and protein levels on bacterial metabolism in continuous culture.

Abstract Diets formulated with three levels of nonstructural carbohydrate (54, 37, and 25% of DM), with various concentrations of degradable intake protein ranging from 19 to 4% of DM, were fermented in continuous cultures to ascertain the effects of ratio of nonstructural carbohydrate to degradable intake protein on bacterial metabolism. Fermenters were maintained at a dilution rate of 12%/h with a solids retention time of 24h. Regardless of degradable intake protein level, bacterial efficiency (g of bacterial N/kg of DM digested) and VFA production (m M /d) were lower for diets with 25% nonstructural carbohydrate compared with the 37 and 54% nonstructural carbohydrate diets. In response to widening nonstructural carbohydrate:degradable intake protein ratios, bacterial efficiencies at all nonstructural carbohydrate levels declined quadratically from 34.2 to 10.3 with the lowest efficiencies on the 25% nonstructural carbohydrate diets. Bacterial protein production, DM digestion, NDF digestion, and VFA production (m M /d) increased linearly in response to dietary protein. The enhanced NDF and DM digestion, VFA production, and bacterial efficiencies observed with the narrower ratios of nonstructural carbohydrate: degradable intake protein support the theory that level of both degradable intake protein and nonstructural carbohydrate should be considered in order to enhance ruminal digestion and bacterial N production.
The hemoglobins of a fresh-water teleost, Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird and Girard). II. Subunit structure and oxygen equilibria of the isolated components.

Abstract Three major components constitute at least 80% of the total hemoglobin in hemolysates of the Rio Grande cichlid, Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum . All three of these appear to share a common β chain. Two components have unique α chains, and the other component has both of these unique α chains. Two of the major components have identical oxygen equilibria. The effects of pH (Bohr effect) and of adenosine triphosphate are the same for each of the three components. Although one of the components has a slightly higher oxygen affinity than the other two the effects of pH and of adenosine triphosphate appear to be indistinguishable in the different components. The Hill coefficient, n , is pH-dependent for all components. The data indicate that the ion exchange chromatography was without effect on the oxygen-binding properties. The oxygen equilibria of the components cannot be interpreted in terms of dimers and appear to require a tetrameric structure of the hemoglobin in the concentration range studied.
The early diagnosis of non-tropical sprue, with a note upon its familial incidence

The clinical features by which early sprue as it occurs in temperate climates is recognized, are presented and discussed. It is emphasized that the diagnosis in the early stage is dependent entirely upon subjective sensations. In the absence of any other organic lesion, reliance is placed upon the history of increased frequency of bowel movement, the sensation of abdominal distress, and the exacerbation in intestinal peristalsis after ingestion of certain foods. In addition the examination of the stool reveals only soft material or partially undigested foods, but never blood nor pus. A final point in the diagnosis is that of increased mobility of the barium through the intestinal tract so that it reaches the sigmoid at the end of three to four hours after ingestion. Liver extract intramuscularly, repeated at varying intervals, is practically specific treatment.
CRT-102 Non ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Due to Complete Coronary Occlusion: Clinical Characteristics

Routine electrocardiogram is unable to detect ST elevation in all patients who present with myocardial infarction due to acute total coronary occlusion. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence, distribution of the involved vessel and extent of cardiac injury in patients with non-ST elevation
Mechanisms of electrochemical phenomena in tissue repair and growth

Abstract A generalized discussion is given of the manner in which a living cell receives information from its electrochemical environment for such basic processes as maintenance and repair. It is shown that electrochemical stimulation can cause the same cellular changes as occur at natural trauma areas ( e.g. bone fractures) and can in fact lead to artificial stimulation of tissue healing. The possible mechanism by which this occurs is discussed by considering analogies between cell's membrane and the electrode | electrolyte interface, i.e. a membrane can be the site of processes (interfacial) other than transport.
From History to Myth: A Comparative Study

HEN in the context of an organization calling itself an association of biblical instructors the topic of mythology is brought up, the name of the Marburg giant, Rudolf Bultmann, dominates our thinking, as indeed it should. But New Testament scholars have impoverished their studies by a kind of myopia resulting from a neglect of the problem of myth in the wider demands of Religionswissenschaft. Bultmann's well-known three story universe accompanied by divine intervention is not, strictly speaking, a mythology; it is a Weltanschauung. Of course, sophisticated modem man, for whom E = mc2, cannot accept biblical cosmology, but neither could Copernicus. The real question of mythology runs much deeper. About a quarter of a century ago, the subject of myth began to be restudied seriously after a long period of neglect. Malinowski, following Frazer and Lang, considered the anthropological aspects of folklore. Cassirer, Langer, Tillich and Urban directly explored the meaning of myth, and the researches of C. G. Jung gave added dimensions to our studies.'
Elderly Show Decreased Adjustments of Motor Synergies in Preparation to Action

Abstract Background Aging is associated with decreased manual dexterity. Recent findings have identified changes in multi-finger synergies in elderly individuals. The purpose of current work was to study age-related changes in adjustments of multi-finger synergies in preparation to a quick targeted force pulse production task. Methods Right-handed elderly and young subjects produced quick force pulses by pressing on individual force sensors with the four fingers of the right hand. Prior to the force pulse, the subjects produced a constant low level of the total force. An index of multi-finger synergies was computed across trials for each time sample for each subject and each condition. Findings During steady-state force production, subjects showed co-variation of commands to fingers that stabilized the total force. An index of this co-variation started to decrease prior to the initiation of the force pulse (anticipatory synergy adjustment). Anticipatory synergy adjustments in young subjects started earlier and were larger than in elderly subjects. In particular, young and elderly subjects showed significant anticipatory synergy adjustments starting about 150 ms and about 50 ms prior to the force pulse initiation, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in other indices of performance such as reaction time, time to peak force, and magnitude of the peak force. Interpretation We conclude that healthy aging is associated with decreased feed-forward adjustments of multi-finger synergies in preparation to action. This may contribute to the age-related decline in the hand function. Based on similarities in age-related changes in anticipatory postural adjustments and anticipatory synergy adjustments we suggest a hypothesis that the two phenomena may share common mechanisms.
Area detectors for X-ray spectroscopy

Abstract Area detectors greatly increase the efficiency of data acquisition in spectroscopic applications. The operating principles, advantages and limitations of two types of detectors system are described. They are the microchannel plate (MCP) with resistive anode readout, and the silicon charged-coupled-device (CCD), both with and without MCP enhancement. The linearity, size, resolution, quantum efficiency, noise specifications, stability, and uniformity of response are discussed. Data acquisition electronics are described briefly. The use of the devices is illustrated with applications to electron and soft X-ray spectroscopy.
Influence of projected ocean warming on population growth potential in two North Atlantic copepod species

Abstract Copepods of the genera Pseudocalanus and Centropages play an important role in the North Atlantic ecosystems and have distinctive spatial and temporal patterns depending on physiological adaptation to different environmental conditions. To examine the possible impact of climate change on these biogeographic patterns, potential population growth rate was computed for each species using IPCC projections of sea surface temperature together with chlorophyll distributions from SeaWiFS climatology and published laboratory data on temperature and food-dependent life-history parameters. The results indicate that the predicted temperature increase throughout the North Atlantic will cause temporal and spatial shifts in copepod species population growth potential. The Centropages population is projected to increase in mid-latitudinal shelf areas, e.g. the Gulf of Maine and the North Sea, due to shorter generation times and a longer growing season, while Pseudocalanus is predicted to be less abundant in these regions after 2050. These shifts potentially have a significant impact on the future demographics of pelagic fish species for which the copepods are the major food source.
Distributed Intelligence in CAMAC

The CAMAC digital interface standard has served us well since 1969. During this time there have been enormous advances in digital electronics. In particular, low cost microprocessors now make it feasible to consider use of distributed intelligence even in simple data acquisition systems. This paper describes a simple extension of the CAMAC standard which allows distributed intelligence at the crate level.
ROOTing Out Meaning: More Morphemic Analysis for Primary Pupils

In an elementary-school professional development program, a group of primary teachers and a university consultant reviewed the research on morphemic analysis and then explored ways to give pupils in grades 1, 2, and 3 an early start on using prefixes, suffixes, and roots to construct word meaning. The teachers examined some middle-grade strategies for teaching morphemic analysis and modified these methods to make them suitable for use with younger children. The strategies included direct teaching of the meanings of affixes, finding and deriving meaning from roots in popular reading materials, disassembling and reassembling words with meaningful parts, using affix posters both informatively and interactively, employing Venn diagrams to compare and contrast the meanings of prefixes, and using contests and games to promote word study. Then teachers formulated three guidelines for instruction in morphemic analysis at the primary level: (1) When you teach a word, also gradually teach its derivative forms; (2) when you teach an affix, introduce it on words that carry its most common meaning, and then present other meanings; and (3) when you teach a word that has meaningful parts, deconstruct and reconstruct the words with your students, pointing out the meaning of each part.
Why we fail: How hubris, hamartia, and anagnosis shape organizational behavior

This article presents three tendencies (hubris, hamartia, and anagnosis) to explain why organizational personnel are prone to fail. All people are subject to these tendencies. Few organizations or individuals understand them, however, and fewer still know how to manage them. The article employs short case studies to define them and offers solutions on how to overcome their impact.
Effect of processing methods on drug release profiles of anti-restenotic self-assembled monolayers

Abstract The use of anti-restenotic self-assembled monolayers (ARSAMs) has been previously demonstrated for delivering drugs from stents without polymeric carriers. ARSAMs have been prepared by coating an anti-restenotic drug (paclitaxel – PAT) on –COOH terminated phosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) coated Co–Cr alloy specimens. This study investigates the effect of different processing methods on the percentage of drug release from ARSAMs. The different methods that were used in this study to process ARSAMs include room temperature (RT) treatment, heat treatment (HT), cold treatment (CT) and quenching. The changes in polymorphism, chemical structure, morphology, and distribution of PAT on SAMs coated specimens were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. DSC showed dihydrate, dehydrated dihydrate, semi-crystalline, and mixed (amorphous and dihydrate) forms of PAT for RT, HT, CT, and quenched specimens, respectively. FTIR showed that the chemical structure of PAT was unaltered in all the specimens processed by various methods employed in this study. SEM showed a mixture of spherical, ovoid, and bean-shaped morphologies of PAT on RT, HT, and CT while particle-like and needle-shaped morphologies of PAT were observed on quenched specimens. AFM showed PAT was uniformly distributed on RT, HT and CT specimens while particle-like PAT was well distributed and needle-shaped PAT was sparsely distributed on quenched specimens. CT specimens showed greater density of PAT crystals when compared to other methods. Thus, this study demonstrated that processing methods have significant influence on the polymorphism, morphology, and distribution of PAT on SAMs coated Co–Cr alloy specimens. The in vitro drug elution studies for up to 56 days showed sustained release for all the different groups of specimens. CT showed lesser percentage of drug release when compared to that of other methods on the first day. The treatment at high temperatures (HT-100 °C or HT-140 °C) improved the stability of PAT on alloy surfaces and showed lesser percentage of drug release when compared to that of RT or HT-70 °C at different time points. Large data scatter was observed for the release profiles of quenched specimens. No other major differences in the percentage of drug release were observed for the specimens prepared by different processing methods. These factors should be taken into consideration when drug delivery platforms are developed for stents or other medical devices.
Conceptual and action heuristics: Tools for the evaluator

Two types of program theory tools—conceptual and action heuristics—can help evaluators improve programs by expanding conceptions of problems and solutions and by narrowing the focus of decision alternatives for action.
Defective lens fiber differentiation and pancreatic tumorigenesis caused by ectopic expression of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I

All-trans retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol, is a possible morphogen in vertebrate development. Two classes of cellular proteins, which specifically bind all-trans retinoic acid, are thought to mediate its action: the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR alpha, beta, gamma), and the cytoplasmic binding proteins known as cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins I and II (CRABP I and II). The function of the retinoic acid receptors is to regulate gene transcription by binding to DNA in conjunction with the nuclear retinoid X receptors (RXR alpha, beta, gamma), which in turn have 9-cis retinoic acid as a ligand. Several lines of evidence suggest that the role of the cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins is to control the concentration of free retinoic acid reaching the nucleus in a given cell. Here, we have addressed the role of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I in development by ectopically expressing it in the mouse lens, under the control of the alpha A-crystallin promoter. We show that this ectopic expression interferes with the development of the lens and with the differentiation of the secondary lens fiber cells, causing cataract formation. These results suggest that correct regulation of intracellular retinoic acid concentration is required for normal eye development. In addition, the generated transgenic mice also present expression of the transgene in the pancreas and develop pancreatic carcinomas, suggesting that overexpression of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein is the cause of the tumors. These results taken together provide evidence for a role of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein in development and cell differentiation. The relevance of these findings to the possible role of the cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins in the transduction of the retinoic acid signal is discussed.
FIELD-SIZE DISTRIBUTION--AN EXERCISE IN DOODLING?

AUFMAN (1963) plotted field size against cumulative percentage of fields on log-probability paper for oilfields in North Louisiana, and obtained a close approximation to a straight line--suggesting a log-normal distribution. Comparable plots for fields in a number of formations in Western Canada yielded less perfect examples of log-normal distributions (Kaufman et al., 1975) .Other workers have proposed log-normal distributions for field sizes. Magara (1986) gives data on the sizes of "giant" oil- and gasfields World-wide.
Syncope in the emergency department: comparison of standardized admission criteria with clinical practice

Aims Syncope is a major health care problem that accounts for many emergency department (ED) and hospital admissions. This study was conducted to investigate the short-term risk of serious events in patients presenting to the ED with syncope and to compare guideline-based admission criteria with those adopted in clinical practice. Methods and results A single-centre retrospective analysis was performed on ED visits between January and June 2009. We used the ICD-9 code 780.2 for syncope as the primary diagnosis. The prevalence of serious events within 7 days of the index presentation was evaluated. In addition, admissions and discharges were classified as being appropriate or inappropriate based on standardized guideline-based criteria integrated in a new Faint-Algorithm developed at the University of Utah. Two hundred and fifty-four ED visits met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and thirty-six patients were discharged home and the remaining 118 were admitted. The prevalence of serious events in the discharged and admission groups were 5 and 10, respectively, ( P = NS). According to the Faint-Algorithm, the number of inappropriate discharges and admissions were 8 out of 136 and 69 out of 118, respectively. Using the Faint-Algorithm, only 57 patients instead of 118 patients should have been admitted resulting in a 52% reduction in admission rate. Furthermore, in the remaining 197 patients who should have been discharged, the prevalence of serious events was not significantly different than that observed in the 136 patients who were actually discharged (3% vs. 4%). Conclusion There are significant numbers of inappropriate discharges and admissions in patients presenting with syncope. The standardized guideline-based criteria integrated in the new Faint-Algorithm provide promise but require further prospective evaluation.
Increased Efficiency of Group B Coxsackievirus Isolation from Clinical Specimens by Use of BGM Cells

A continuous African green monkey kidney cell line, designated BGM, was compared with primary cynomolgus monkey kidney cells and human embryonic lung cells for efficiency of enterovirus isolation. A selective enhanced sensitivity of BGM cells both in terms of isolation rate and speed of isolation was found for group B coxsackieviruses but could not be demonstrated for a number of other nonpolio enteroviruses.
Potential role of Cryptococcus neoformans in the pathogenesis of asthma.

▴ Goldman DL, Davis J, Bommarito F, et al . Enhanced allergic inflammation and airway responsiveness in rats with chronic Cryptococcus neoformans infection: potential role for fungal pulmonary infection in the pathogenesis of asthma. J Infect Dis2006;193:1178–86 [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] The potential of pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection in immunocompetent subjects to modify allergic inflammation and airway responsiveness was investigated using a rat model. Rats were inoculated with C neoformans either endotracheally or intravenously. Four modes of infection were studied: short term and persistent localised pulmonary infection, resolved pulmonary infection, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BInfect%2BDis%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1086%252F501363%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F16544260%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=jinfdis&resid=193/8/1178&atom=%2Fthoraxjnl%2F61%2F8%2F705.atom
THINC: a virtual display architecture for thin-client computing

Rapid improvements in network bandwidth, cost, and ubiquity combined with the security hazards and high total cost of ownership of personal computers have created a growing market for thin-client computing. We introduce THINC, a virtual display architecture for high-performance thin-client computing in both LAN and WAN environments. THINC virtualizes the display at the device driver interface to transparently intercept application display commands and translate them into a few simple low-level commands that can be easily supported by widely used client hardware. THINC's translation mechanism efficiently leverages display semantic information through novel optimizations such as offscreen drawing awareness, native video support, and server-side screen scaling. This is integrated with an update delivery architecture that uses shortest command first scheduling and non-blocking operation. THINC leverages existing display system functionality and works seamlessly with unmodified applications, window systems, and operating systems.We have implemented THINC in an X/Linux environment and compared its performance against widely used commercial approaches, including Citrix MetaFrame, Microsoft RDP, GoToMyPC, X, NX, VNC, and Sun Ray. Our experimental results on web and audio/video applications demonstrate that THINC can provide up to 4.8 times faster web browsing performance and two orders of magnitude better audio/video performance. THINC is the only thin client capable of transparently playing full-screen video and audio at full frame rate in both LAN and WAN environments. Our results also show for the first time that thin clients can even provide good performance using remote clients located in other countries around the world.
Field Programmable Gate Array Implementation of Parts-Based Object Detection for Real Time Video Applications

The emergence of smart cameras has been fueled by increasingly advanced computing platforms that are capable of performing a variety of real-time computer vision algorithms. Smart cameras provide the ability to understand their environment. Object detection and behavior classification play an important role in making such observations. This paper presents a high-performance FPGA implementation of a generalized parts-based object detection and classifier that runs with capability of 266 frames/sec. The detection algorithm is easily reconfigured by simply loading a new representation into on-board memory, i.e., the FPGA can detect and classify a newly specified object and behavior without any changes to the hardware implementation.