cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A NONLINEAR DYNAMICS PERSPECTIVE OF WOLFRAM'S NEW KIND OF SCIENCE PART XI: PERIOD-2 RULES

The 11th part of our tour through one-dimensional binary Cellular Automata concerns period-2 rules, which form the second group in our classification of the 88 globally-independent CA rules according to the properties of their periodic orbits. In this article, we display the basin tree diagrams of all period-2 rules along with their time-2 characteristic functions, and then we prove that all rules belonging to group 2 have robust period-2 ω-limit orbits for any finite, and infinite, bit string length. This rigorous result, which pairs with the one about period-1 rules given in the tenth installment of our chronicle, confirms what we stated about period-2 rules on the basis of empirical evidence. In the second part of this tutorial, we introduce the notion of quasi global-equivalence and prove that there are only 82 quasi globally-independent CA rules. For the first time, we show that the space-time patterns of globally-independent local rules can depend on each other, and we present an example of quasi-global transformation. We also define the super string &#x1d11e;, and its unique decimal representation x&#x1d11e;, dubbed the super decimal, which provides a completely transparent yet rigorous proof that rule is chaotic when L → ∞. Moreover, we present the basin tree generation formulas, which uncover the analytical relationships between basin trees of globally-equivalent rules. Last but not least, for pedagogical and epistemological reasons, we conclude this paper with the selection of rule, instead of rule , as the prototypic universal Turing machine for our future discourse.
Solar source of the largest geomagnetic storm of cycle 23

[1] The largest geomagnetic storm of solar cycle 23 occurred on 2003 November 20 with a Dst index of −472 nT, due to a coronal mass ejection (CME) from active region 0501. The CME near the Sun had a sky-plane speed of ∼1660 km/s, but the associated magnetic cloud (MC) arrived with a speed of only 730 km/s. The MC at 1 AU (ACE Observations) had a high magnetic field (∼56 nT) and high inclination to the ecliptic plane. The southward component of the MC's magnetic field was made up almost entirely of its axial field because of its east-south-west (ESW) chirality. We suggest that the southward pointing strong axial field of the MC reconnected with Earth's front-side magnetic field, resulting in the largest storm of the solar cycle 23.
Static vacancies on a 2D Heisenberg spin-1/2 antiferromagnet.

We study static vacancies on a 2D Heisenberg spin-(1/2 lattice at T=0, using linear spin-wave theory (LSW) and exact diagonalizaton. Unexpectedly, quantum fluctuations are reduced on neighbors of an isolated vacancy. Two vacancies are attractive, with lowest energy as nearest neighbors. We find LSW to be surprisingly accurate relative to exact diagonalization, both done on a 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 lattice. However, LSW on larger systems gives substantial modification of the 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 results for binding and ground-state energies, suggesting the need for larger lattices than previously suspected for reliable numerical estimates.
Subjective comparison of six different reduction mammoplasty procedures.

There are an increasing number of young patients seeking an ideal reduction mammoplasty. The ideal procedure must obtain a youthful-looking result, minimal scarring, preservation of lactation, erotic sensitivity, and no postoperative complications. We have done a subjective comparison of six different reduction mammoplasty procedures by using a mail questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised three categories: (I) alleviating preoperative complaints, (II) postoperative appearance, and (III) postoperative complications. In category I, greater than 95% of all preoperative complaints were alleviated in all groups of patients. In category II, McKissock's and Robbins' procedures scored the best for nipple-areola position, with highest number of patients (40.5%) in the free nipple group appreciating the overall breast symmetry. In category III, the modified Regnault group (H/B) had the lowest overall complication rate. Only 33% of the patients in H/B group experienced failure to lactate and 26% experienced loss of erotic nipple sensation for longer than six months. In our study, we show that the H/B mammoplasty procedure was rated best overall and was the best compared with the concept of an “ideal” procedure.
Crystal structure and linear chain antiferromagnetism in Mn(tricyanomethanide)2(4,4′-bipyridine)2 ⋆

Abstract A new linear chain antiferromagnet, namely Mn(tcm)2(4,4′-bipy)2 (tcm=tricyanomethanide and bipy=bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Each Mn2+ is high-spin S=5/2 and linked to nearest-neighbor spin sites via μ-bridged tcm ligands to form a 1D linear chain while the bipy ligands are monodentate and segregate the chains. Magnetically, a broad maximum in χ′(T) is observed at 2.1 K and likely signifies short-range magnetic order within the chains. A least-squares fit of the χT(T) data to a classical-spin Fisher chain model yielded good agreement for g=2.008(1) and J=−0.217(4) K. No long-range magnetic ordering is observed above 1.6 K due to the presence of very weak interchain magnetic interactions as indicated by inclusion of a mean-field model that gave zJ′=−0.009(1) K.
Effects of Plotting a Second Observer’s Data on A-B-A-B Graphs When Observer Disagreement is Present

Plotting data from a second observer have been suggested as an alternative to presenting only mean agreement and ranges across sessions. One argument against this method of reporting is that plotting these data would not change analysis decisions by persons analyzing graphs. To empirically test this argument, we asked graduate students to analyze graphs with and without data from a second observer plotted alongside primary data. Results show that when these data are plotted: (a) observers do not change analysis decisions when both or neither paths show a functional relation, (b) observers change analysis decisions when only one path shows a functional relation, though this varied across graphs and participants, and (c) observers who did not change analysis decisions when only one path showed a functional relation often rated their decision with less confidence than when both paths showed a functional relation or when only summary statistics are reported. Findings suggest plotting data from a second observer may be helpful in making analysis decisions for A-B-A-B graphs.
Molecular mechanisms of S100‐target protein interactions

S100 proteins have no known enzymatic activity and exert their intracellular effects via interaction with and regulation of the activity of other proteins, termed target proteins, in both a Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent manner. Structural studies have identified the linker region between the two EF-hand Ca(2+) binding domains and the C-terminus as Ca(2+)-dependent target protein binding sites in several S100 family members. In fact, C-terminal aromatic residues are obligatory for interaction of S100A1 with several of its Ca(2+)-dependent target proteins. Pharmacological studies suggest the presence of additional Ca(2+)-dependent binding motifs on some family members. A minimum of seven family members interact with and regulate the activity of aldolase A in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. In the case of S100A1, Ca(2+)-independent target protein interactions utilize a binding motif distinct from the C-terminal Ca(2+)-dependent target protein binding site. Several studies suggest that ionic interactions participate in the interaction of S100 family members with Ca(2+)-independent target proteins. While some target proteins are activated by multiple family members, other target proteins exhibit family member-specific activation, i.e., they are activated by a single family member. As predicted, family member specific interactions appear to be mediated by regions that exhibit the most divergence in amino acid sequence among family members, the linker or "hinge" region and the C terminus. Further specificity in S100-target protein interactions may arise from the different biochemical/biophysical properties of the individual family members, including affinity for metal ions (Ca(2+), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+)), oligomerization properties, heterodimerization, post-translational modifications, and lipid-binding. Delineation of the structural motifs that mediate S100-target protein interactions and determination of the in vivo relevance of these interactions are needed to fully understand the role of S100 proteins in normal and diseased cells.
C-reactive protein is not associated with the presence or extent of calcified subclinical atherosclerosis***

Abstract Background Both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) coronary artery calcification (CAC) are valid markers of cardiovascular risk. It is unknown whether hsCRP is a marker of atherosclerotic burden or whether it reflects a process (eg, inflammatory fibrous cap degradation) leading to acute coronary events. Methods A nested case-control study was performed of 188 men enrolled in the Prospective Army Coronary Calcium study. The serum hsCRP levels (latex agglutination assay) were evaluated in subjects with CAC (CAC score >0, n=94) and compared with age- and smoking status–matched control subjects (CAC score 0, n=94). Results Levels of hsCRP in the highest quartile were related to the following coronary risk factors: smoking status, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and homocysteine. The mean hsCRP level was similar in cases (+CAC, 0.20 ± 0.22 mg/dL) and controls (–CAC, 0.19 ± 0.21 mg/dL; P =.81) and was unrelated to the log-transformed CAC score ( r P =.91). Multivariable analysis controlling for standard risk factors, aspirin, and statin therapy found only that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was related to CAC. Conclusions Despite associations with standard and emerging cardiovascular risk factors, hsCRP is unrelated to the presence and extent of calcified subclinical atherosclerosis. This implies that CAC (a disease marker) and hsCRP (a process marker) may be complementary for the prediction of cardiovascular risk. (Am Heart J 2001;141:206-10.)
Mixed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with spindle cell and clear cell features in the extrahepatic bile duct.

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas, spindle cell carcinomas, and clear cell carcinomas are all rare tumors in the biliary tract. We present the first case, to our knowledge, of an extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma composed of all three types. A 65-year-old man with prior cholecystectomy presented with painless jaundice, vomiting, and weight loss. CA19-9 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were elevated. Cholangioscopy revealed a friable mass extending from the middle of the common bile duct to the common hepatic duct. A bile duct excision was performed. Gross examination revealed a 3.6 cm intraluminal polypoid tumor. Microscopically, the tumor had foci of conventional adenocarcinoma (CK7-positive and CA19-9-postive) surrounded by malignant-appearing spindle cells that were positive for cytokeratins and vimentin. Additionally, there were separate areas of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Foci of clear cell carcinoma merged into both the LCNEC and the adenocarcinoma. Tumor invaded through the bile duct wall with extensive perineural and vascular invasion. Circumferential margins were positive. The patient’s poor performance status precluded adjuvant therapy and he died with recurrent and metastatic disease 5 months after surgery. This is consistent with the reported poor survival rates of biliary mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas.
Nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries

Reconstruction of nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries is complex and evolving. Careful physical examination of the patient is paramount in developing an operative strategy. The advent of microsurgical techniques combined with the principles of nerve reconstruction by grafting or neurotization has improved the quality of life for many patients. A solid understanding of the surgical anatomy is critical to increasing the chance of success for these reconstructive methods. Although avoided in the acute setting, amputation and prosthetic devices may still provide benefits in the face of a failed reconstruction. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Nanocomposite preparation by thermal decomposition of [Ag(hfac)(COD)] in amorphous polystyrene

A simple technique to prepare plastic color filters based on the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles has been developed. In particular, silver/polystyrene nanocomposite has been prepared by dissolving silver 1,5-cyclooctadiene-hexafluoroacetylacetonate in amorphous polystyrene, and the obtained solid solution was heated for ca. 10 s at a convenient temperature (180°C). In these conditions, the metal precursor decomposes and produces silver atoms that diffuse into the polymeric matrix and clusterize, leading to the formation of a contact-free dispersion of silver nanoparticles. The resulting films have been characterized by large-angle X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 242–245, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21278
An observation of microbial cell accumulation in a finned tube

Biofouling in heat exchange equipment results in significant energy loss by increasing heat transfer resistance and fluid frictional resistance. This paper compares the deposition and distribution of attached microbial cells on a smooth tube and a tube with inner fins after 100 hours exposure. Preliminary results suggest a significantly different distribution of attached microbial cells on the finned tube. Le bio-encrassement de l'equipement d'echange de chaleur produit une importante perte d'energie en augmentant la resistance au transfert de chaleur et de quantite de mouvement des fluides. On compare, dans le present travail, le depǒt et la distribution de cellules microbiennes adherant sur un tube lisse et un tube pourvu d'ailettes interieures, apres une exposition de 100 heures. Des resultats preliminaires portent a croire qu'il existe une distribution bien differente des cellules microbiennes adherant sur la tube a ailettes.
Carter on Anthropic Principle Predictions

Selon l'A., nous pouvons douter du principe anthropique car il ne permet pas d'effectuer scientifiquement des previsions sur l'avenir. Il reprend l'exemple de Carter sur l'evolution biologique et ses stades critiques dans le temps pour demontrer que ce dernier ne parvient pas a sauver scientifiquement ce principe
Analysis of coffee for the presence of acrylamide by LC-MS/MS.

A variety of popular instant, ground, and brewed coffees were analyzed using a modified liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method specifically developed for the determination of acrylamide in foods. Coffee test portions were spiked with 13C3-labeled acrylamide as an internal standard prior to their extraction and cleanup. Ground coffees (1 g) and instant coffees (0.5 g) were extracted by shaking with 9 mL of water for 20 min. Brewed coffee test portions (9 mL) were taken through the cleanup procedure without further dilution with extraction solvent. Coffee test portions were cleaned up by passing 1.5 mL first through an Oasis HLB (hydrophilic/lipophilic copolymer sorbent) solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge and then a Bond Elut-Accucat (cation and anion exchange sorbent) SPE cartridge. The cleaned up extracts were analyzed by positive ion electrospray LC-MS/MS. The MS/MS data was used to detect, confirm, and quantitate acrylamide. The limit of quantitation of the method was 10 ng...
Characterization of extrachromosomal DNA in the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata

The polytene pupal foot pad cells of the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata contain numerous extrachromosomal DNA containing granules. We have determined both the origin and the nature of the DNA sequences present in these granules. Studies done with quinacrine staining of seven day old pupal foot-pad polytene nuclei showed that the granules fluoresced very brightly while the chromosomal bands to which the granules were attached did not. The only other highly fluroescent regions of the polytene karyotype were the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosomes C and E and several bands associated with the nucleolus of Chromosome A. When polytene nuclei were hybridized in situ with cRNA made from highly repetitive DNA, many of the granules positively labeled. Most of the label on these slides was concentrated on the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosomes C and E. Quinacrine staining of the foot-pad cells at very early stages of pupal development showed that when granules were present, they were always closely associated with the same two centromeric regions, those of chromosomes C and E. Since the highly repetitive DNA located in these centromeric regions is underreplicated, we conclude that the granules result from an extrusion process which takes place early during the polytenization of these cells. The chromosomal integrity of the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosomes C and E is apparently disrupted and repetitive sequences are dissociated from the chromosomes as DNA granules which then secondarily become associated with chromosomal bands throughout the nucleus.
Model Nazi: Arthur Greiser and the Occupation of Western Poland

Model Nazi: Arthur Greiser and the Occupation of Western Poland Catherine Epstein Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010 451 pp, $45.00 (hbk) In Model Nazi, Catherine Epstein provides a detailed and...
Electromagnetic Gaussian beam

The governing equations for the paraxial approximation are deduced from Maxwell’s equations. The plane wave, in the paraxial approximation, is found to be transverse electromagnetic. For a field distribution at the input plane having a general azimuthal variation and a radial variation in the form of a Bessel function of an integer order with a Gaussian envelope of a given waist size, the spreading due to the Fresnel diffraction is determined as the paraxial beam is transported in the axial direction. The effects of Fresnel diffraction are illustrated with examples for a beam transporting unit power. Diffraction patterns of azimuthally symmetrical and dipolar modes are presented.
Effects of elevated levels of cyclic AMP on the embryonic chick mandible in vitro

Mandibles were cultured in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) and theophylline (1 mM) and in control medium. Controls differentiated normally but the timing of events differed from that in ovo and feathers did not form. With elevated intracellular cyclic-AMP levels, membrane bone did not form in the earlier stages tested and was inhibited or reduced in older ones; chondrogenesis was inhibited only in young explants (HH stage 20) and, in certain instances, it was enhanced. There was precocious and hyperplastic differentiation of mucous cells within oral epithelium but the aboral epithelium was unchanged.
Performance Degradation Due to MAI in OFDMA-Based Cognitive Radio

We consider a convolutionally coded orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) based cognitive radio system where each user achieves perfect synchronization for its own signal, while different users are asynchronized due to random timing offsets. The presence of asynchronous secondary users introduces potential multiple access interference (MAI) to each primary user's receiver. The strength of the MAI is determined by the secondary users' transmission powers, and their distances and frequency separations to the primary user. Expressions for the primary user's pairwise error probability and average probability of error are derived, and an error floor prediction method is presented. Finally, the trade-off between the MAI to the primary user and the secondary users' performances are investigated through numerical examples and simulations.
Assessing public perception of visibility for standard setting exercises

Abstract Using the photographs and optical measurements taken during a summer field program (REVEAL) designed to examine the chemical and physical characteristics of visibility impairment in the Fraser Valley, southwestern British Columbia, a protocol for gauging public perception of visibility in this region was devised and tested in a pilot survey. This paper details the protocol (which is based on previous studies conducted in the United States of America) and analysis techniques for survey responses. A preliminary assessment of the results of the pilot study is also presented. A public perception survey conducted in Denver (Ely et al., 1991), resolved a visibility standard for Denver of bext (total light extinction) = 0.076 × 10−3 m−1. Assuming a homogeneous atmosphere, this level of bext is approximately equal to a visual range of 50 km. Using a similar protocol, responses from this pilot study were used to extrapolate visibility standards for two suburban locations in the Fraser Valley of bext ≈0.09 × 10−3–0.105 × 10−3 m−1 (bsp (particle light scattering) ≈0.051 × 10−3–0.063 × 10−3 m−1) and bsp ≈0.39 × 10−3 m−1. These levels of light extinction (bsp is the largest component of bext) relate to approximate visual range of between 40 and 60 km in a homogeneous atmosphere. Possible reasons for the apparent discrepancies between locations are discussed and the effect of survey group are addressed.
Neural network-based prediction of phytoplankton primary production

Empirical models have been used to estimate primary production based on phytoplankton biomass and light intensity. In this paper, an alterative approach for estimating primary production using neural networks is proposed. The inputs to the neural network are chlorophyll, surface irradiance, sea surface temperature, and day length. The output of the network is the estimated primary production. The back-propagation learning algorithm is used to train the neural network. A single step learning with random presentation sequence is selected as the learning strategy. The data set used for this experiment is extracted form the Ocean Primary Productivity Working Group database. The results show a significant decrease in the mean squared error of the log transformed primary production compared to the estimation obtained using linear model and the vertically generalized production model. The neural network- based models can deal with non-linear relationships more accurately, can effectively include variables that tend to co-vary non-linearly with the output variable, are flexible towards the choice of inputs, and are tolerant to noise. Hence to improve the estimation of primary production, additional parameters can be easily incorporated in the neural network model, even though no a prior knowledge about het effect of these parameters is available. These important features of neural networks make them an ideal candidate for constructing primary production models for both case 1 and case 2 waters.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stabilization of the avicide 3-chloro-p-toluidine as the beta-cyclodextrin adduct.

Stabilization of the avicide 3-chloro-p-toluidine (CPTH) on rice baits by pseudo latex polymeric coating and β-cyclodextin inclusion was investigated. When CPTH-treated rice baits were exposed to sunlight, the CPTH formed colored compounds, which exacerbated problems with bait acceptance and efficacy. Fluidized bed coating with controlled-release polymeric psuedo latexes (RS, RL, NE) reduced CPTH loss but did not eliminate color formation. Enteric pseudo latex coatings (CAP and 4110) gave mixed results. Coating 4110 reduced CPTH loss but still allowed color formation, whereas CAP allowed more CPTH loss than any other coating as well as increased color formation. Inclusion in β-cyclodextrin (molar ratio 1:1) led to enhanced retention of CPTH and minimal color formation. The CPT/β-cyclodextrin adduct increased retention of CPTH from 43 to 70% upon simulated weathering. The retention was independent of the adhesives used for attachment. Keywords: 3-Chloro-p-toluidine, CPTH; pseudo latex coatings; β-cyclodext...
Information Technology Knowledge Sharing Using Case-Based Reasoning

In the relatively short time since the first case-based reasoning systems were implemented, there have been numerous academic CBR demonstrators. CBR systems have been used in diagnosis of diseases, planning, legal reasoning, software design, arbitration, weather forecasting, tutoring, and help desk operations, to name a few.
Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone enhances motor neuron–evoked contractions of cultured human muscle

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), 1 to 2.7 mM, introduced to the medium of monolayer-cultured human muscle innervated by cocultured fetal rat spinal cord with dorsal root ganglia, increased muscle fiber contractions 4.9 times (p less than 0.005). Doses higher than 5 mM, after increasing contractions for a few seconds, caused complete inhibition of contraction (autorefractoriness). Neither aneurally cultured human muscle nor innervated cultured human muscle blocked by 1 mM d-tubocurarine was excited by TRH. Thus, in this system TRH appeared to excite muscle contractions through direct or indirect action on motor neurons.
Assessment and treatment of ventilator tube disconnection exhibited by a toddler

This report describes the behavioral assessment procedures and treatment developed for a ventilator-dependent, 2-year-old male with severe developmental delays who displayed life-threatening behavior in the form of ventilator tube disconnection. An evaluation of possible environmental variables that served to maintain this behavior was conducted utilizing functional analysis methodology [Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., and Richman, G. S. (1982, 1994). J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 27: 197–209]. Results of the functional analysis of ventilator tube disconnection were undifferentiated. A treatment program consisting of the provision of a foam-padded bib and access to high preference toys was effective in eliminating ventilator tube disconnection; increased rates of toy engagement were also observed. While use of behavior analytic procedures is common with developmentally disabled children who display self-injury or aggression, similar procedures can be applied in pediatric settings to manage behavior problems specific to ventilator-dependent children.
Impact of a Power Plant on the Ground-Water System of a Wetland

The impacts of a coal-fired power plant on the ground-water system of a river floodplain wetland in central Wisconsin were quantified. The most important impacts were those related to the construction of a 200-ha cooling lake and a 28-ha ash pit. Several two-dimensional vertically-oriented steady-state models of the ground-water flow system were used to simulate ground-water flows before and after the filling of the cooling lake. The results of the simulation and supporting field evidence indicate that the creation of the cooling lake greatly altered the configuration of the flow system and increased the discharge of ground water to the wetland west of the lake by a factor of six. Moreover, ground-water temperatures have increased because of heat input from the cooling lake. Although the wetland biota are responding to the altered physical environment, the high rate of leakage from the cooling lake is not undesirable from a lake management standpoint. Seepage to the ground-water system prevents a buildup of dissolved solids which would necessitate periodic flushing of the lake and release of saline water to the Wisconsin River. Since 1975, concentrations of Ca+2 and SO4-2 have increased in ground water around the ash pit, suggesting that seepage is occurring. However, the plume of contaminated ground water is presently confined to a relatively small area around the ash pit.
Levels of naturally occurring DNA polymorphism correlate with recombination rates in D. melanogaster

Two genomic regions with unusually low recombination rates in Drosophila melanogaster have normal levels of divergence but greatly reduced nucleotide diversity, apparently resulting from the fixation of advantageous mutations and the associated hitch-hiking effect. Here we show that for 20 gene regions from across the genome, the amount of nucleotide diversity in natural populations of D. melanogaster is positively correlated with the regional rate of recombination. This cannot be explained by variation in mutation rates and/or functional constraint, because we observe no correlation between recombination rates and DNA sequence divergence between D. melanogaster and its sibling species, D. simulans. We suggest that the correlation may result from genetic hitch-hiking associated with the fixation of advantageous mutants. Hitch-hiking thus seems to occur over a large fraction of the Drosophila genome and may constitute a major constraint on levels of genetic variation in nature.
Results and analysis of a round robin test program for liquid-heating flat-plate solar collectors

Abstract A round robin test program was conducted to determine the intercompatibility of thermal performance data on 2 liquid-heating flat-plate solar collectors. Efficiency tests were performed at 21 test facilities, distributed across the United States, using a common test procedure. The results were statistically analyzed and showed a relatively large spread in the measured values of collector efficiency. Data from approximately half the facilities were selected for detailed analysis. A collector analytical model was used to show that less than 1 3 of the chi-square for a second order polynomial could be attributed to different environmental conditions from facility to facility. In general, data from a single facility were consistent and the majority of scatter was attributed to systematic uncertainties from facility to facility. When the data from six participants reportedly adhering to the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 93-77 were analyzed, the scatter was found to be within normal limits expected for the test procedure.
Effects of fatigue and laterality on fractionated reaction time.

Surface EMG enabled fractionation of a simple hand grip total reaction time into peripheral and central processing components (motor time and premotor time, respectively). Changes in reaction time components were investigated in 12 female intercollegiate swimmers (bilateral athletes) and 12 female intercollegiate tennis players (unilateral athletes) following a 48% strength decrement induced by serial maximal voluntary isometric contractions (5 sec in duration). Despite significantly greater strength in the dominant arm than in the nondominant arm, there was no difference in fatigue effects between arms. Fatigue increased the premotor component of reaction time significantly, and indirectly the total reaction time, but the motor time remained essentially constant regardless of the type of previous athletic training. This indicated that fatigue impaired central nervous system or myoneural-junction operations rather than the intramuscular ability to initiate force.
The Australian J-Curve: A Reexamination

Previous studies that have investigated the response of the Australian trade balance to a change in its exchange rate have concluded that depreciation of the Australian dollar has neither a short-run nor a long-run effect on the Australian trade balance. In this paper using quarterly data over the 1977I-1988I period, we show that in the short-run; the Australian trade balance follows a pattern of movement described by the “Delayed J-Curve ”. As for its long-run response, we provide statistically significant results, indicating that in the long-run devaluation improves the Australian trade balance. [F31]
Basal-Bolus Insulin Protocols Enter the Computer Age

Diabetes affects approximately one quarter of all hospitalized patients. Poor inpatient glycemic control has been associated with increased risk for multiple adverse events including surgical site infections, prolonged hospital length of stay, and mortality. Inpatient glycemic control protocols based on physiologic basal-bolus insulin regimens have been shown to improve glycemia and clinical outcomes and are recommended by the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Society of Hospital Medicine for inpatient glycemic management of noncritically ill patients. The 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act will catalyze widespread computerized medication order entry implementation over the next few years. Here, we focus on the noncritical care setting and review the background on inpatient glycemic management as it pertains to computerized order entry, the translation and efficacy of computerizing glycemic control protocols, and the barriers to computerizing glycemic protocols.
Vacuum stability in heterotic M theory

The problem of the stabilization of moduli is discussed within the context of compactified strongly coupled heterotic string theory. It is shown that all geometric, vector bundle, and five-brane moduli are completely fixed, within a phenomenologically acceptable range, by nonperturbative physics. This result requires, in addition to the full space of moduli, nonvanishing Neveu-Schwarz flux, gaugino condensation with threshold corrections, and the explicit form of the Pfaffians in string instanton superpotentials. The stable vacuum presented here has a negative cosmological constant. The possibility of ``lifting'' this to a metastable vacuum with positive cosmological constant is briefly discussed.
Geometrical optics approach to beam propagation analysis

Analyse de structures guides d'ondes a indice en echelon avec des changements d'indice abrupts
Permanental mates of doubly stochastic matrices

Abstract If A and B are n × n doubly stochastic matrices such that per [ rA + (1 − r ) B ] = per A for all 0 ≤ r ≤ 1, then B is a permanental mate of A . Properties of permanental mates are considered. In particular, a recently published problem and conjecture are resolved.
Gift-giving and deadweight loss

Abstract Although economic theory asserts that cash is often superior to gifts in-kind for maximizing welfare, there has been no empirical consensus on whether in-kind gift-giving destroys or creates value—i.e., whether recipients value gifts less than, as much as, or more than givers pay for them. The present study introduces a simple but important methodological innovation. Whereas prior studies focused exclusively on recipients’ estimates of the costs of gifts, we obtain more objective information on actual market prices. We also compare gifts in-kind to gift cards. We find a deadweight loss that averages more than 7 percent of the market price on gifts in-kind, and more than 14 percent on gift cards.
α3β4 subunit-containing nicotinic receptors dominate function in rat medial habenula neurons

Regional-specific differences in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were examined using the whole-cell patch clamp technique in rat medial habenula (MHb) slices. The majority of cells in the ventral two thirds of the MHb responded robustly to local pressure application of nAChR agonists. Mean agonist potency profiles in the middle and ventral thirds of the MHb were similar: cytisine was the most potent agonist and DMPP the weakest, consistent with a significant contribution of the β4 subunit to functional nAChRs in all areas of the MHb. In acutely isolated MHb neurons, the α3β4-selective toxin α-CTx-AuIB (1 μM) reversibly blocked≈75% of the nicotine-induced currents, as expected for cells solely expressing α3β4 nAChRs. However, the α3β2-selective toxin, α-CTx-MII (100 nM), blocked a variable fraction (0–90%) of the MHb nicotinic response implying that β2 subunits may contribute to some functional receptors. We suggest that the effects of α-CTx-MII may arise from interaction with α3β2β4 subunit-containing nAChRs. This idea is supported by the findings (1) that α-CTx-MII antagonizes receptors comprised of α3, β2 and β4 subunits in Xenopus oocytes, and (2) that a mutant α-CTx-MII toxin[H12A], which blocks α3β2β4 receptors but not α3β2 or α3β4 nAChRs, also reduces nicotinic currents in some MHb neurons. Overall these data imply that most functional nAChRs on MHb cells contain at least α3 and β4 subunits, and that a variable subpopulation additionally contains the β2 subunit.
Seat belt use among 13-15 year olds in primary and secondary enforcement law states

Abstract Context Coverage and enforcement provisions of safety belt use laws vary by state. Most laws cover drivers and passengers age 16 and above. “Primary” enforcement laws allow police to stop and ticket a motorist for a safety belt law violation. With “secondary” enforcement laws, ticketing can only occur in the presence of another traffic infraction. Given the lower rates of restraint use among teen drivers and their passengers, the effect of primary enforcement laws on the restraint use of young teen passengers is of particular interest. Objective To compare restraint use by 13–15 year olds passengers in motor vehicle crashes in states with primary versus secondary enforcement safety belt laws. Methods Cross-sectional study of 3953 crashes involving 5372 children, representing 54,226 children aged 13–15 years in 41,198 crashes of insured vehicles in 16 states and Washington, DC between December 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004, with data collected via insurance claims records and a telephone survey. Results Non-use of restraints by 13–15 year olds was 7.2% (95% CI 4.3–10.1%) greater in secondary enforcement states (10.8%) as compared to states with primary enforcement laws (3.6%). After controlling for driver's age and restraint status and the seating row of the occupant, a 13–15 year olds was over twice as likely to be unrestrained in a secondary enforcement state as compared to a primary enforcement state (adjusted RR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.1). Conclusions States considering primary enforcement provisions to their restraint laws should consider the potential benefits these laws may have to all occupants in the vehicle, particularly young adolescents who are nearing driving age.
Novel Vanilloid Receptor-1 Antagonists: 2. Structure−Activity Relationships of 4-Oxopyrimidines Leading to the Selection of a Clinical Candidate

A series of novel 4-oxopyrimidine TRPV1 antagonists was evaluated in assays measuring the blockade of capsaicin or acid-induced influx of calcium into CHO cells expressing TRPV1. The investigation of the structure−activity relationships in the heterocyclic A-region revealed the optimum pharmacophoric elements required for activity in this series and resulted in the identification of subnanomolar TRPV1 antagonists. The most potent of these antagonists were thoroughly profiled in pharmacokinetic assays. Optimization of the heterocyclic A-region led to the design and synthesis of 23, a compound that potently blocked multiple modes of TRPV1 activation. Compound 23 was shown to be effective in a rodent “on-target” biochemical challenge model (capsaicin-induced flinch, ED50 = 0.33 mg/kg p.o.) and was antihyperalgesic in a model of inflammatory pain (CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia, MED = 0.83 mg/kg, p.o.). Based on its in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile, compound 23 (N-{4-[6-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl...
Synthesis and structure of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex

Using a novel secondary amine-appended nitrogen/sulfur ligand, the first example of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex, a species relevant to the active forms of several zinc-containing metalloenzymes, has been prepared and structurally characterized.
Light-induced damage to photopic and scotopic mechanisms in the rat depends on rearing conditions

Abstract Albino rats reared in cyclic (12 h light: 12 h dark) light and subsequently placed in continuous illumination showed a significant decline in visual sensitivity. Results from gross potential recordings (visually evoked cortical potentials and the electroretinogram) indicated an early loss of the mechanisms underlying photopic spectral sensitivity. After approximately 100 h of continuous illumination, the remaining visual capacity was mediated solely by the scotopic system. These changes were in striking contrast to the results obtained from dark-reared albino rats. Dark-rearing significantly lowered absolute thresholds and, as reported by others, enhanced the susceptibility of the rods to light damage. In those animals, exposure to light led to a rapid loss of scotopic sensitivity. Within 15 h, absolute thresholds were elevated, and the spectral sensitivity function of the dark-adapted animal was characteristically photopic.
Feasibility study of a gas microstrip detector for medical applications

The goal of this study is to optimize the gas composition medium and strip geometry of a small-field of view gas- microstrip detector for medical imaging applications, such as x-ray digital imaging, computed tomography, quantitative autoradiography, including other nuclear medicine applications. The gas multiplication factor as well as the electrical parameters of the microstrip substrate have been studied. The results of this study indicate that an adequate gas multiplication process can be achieved with a Xe filled gas detector operating up to 10 atm.
Design of an automated rapid vapor concentrator and its application in nitroaromatic vapor sampling

An automated, rapid-cycling vapor concentrator and sample introduction device was designed and evaluated. The device consists of an inert deactivated fused silica capillary sampling loop. The temperature of the loop was manipulated through contact with a cold plate or a hot plate, maintained at pre-selected temperatures with a thermoelectric cooler and heating cartridge, respectively. The position of the loop was controlled with a stepper motor under microprocessor control. The low mass of the loop permit its rapid cooling and heating. This permits efficient trapping of adsorptive vapors such as the nitroaromatics from the air stream and also allows rapid and quantitative transfer of the trapped analytes to the detection system. The use of at thermoelectric cooler permits variable trapping temperatures and increased sampling selectivity without the use of cumbersome cryogenic fluids. Chemically inert sampling train surfaces prevent analyte loss due to irreversible adsorption and cross contamination between samples. The device was evaluated for rapid analysis of nitroaromatic and chlorinated aromatic vapors from air stream at trace concentrations with a selective electron capture detection system. Trapping efficiencies of > 95 percent can be readily obtained with the device for nitroaromatics at ppb and sub ppb concentrations.
Real-time extraction of tissue impedance model parameters for electrical impedance spectrometer.

This paper presents a new algorithm for real-time extraction of tissue electrical impedance model parameters from in vivo electrical impedance spectroscopic measurements. This algorithm was developed as a part of a system for muscle tissue ischemia measurements using electrical impedance spectroscopy. An iterative least square fitting method, biased with a priori knowledge of the impedance model was developed. It simultaneously uses both the real and imaginary impedance spectra to calculate tissue parameters R0, R∞, α and τ. The algorithm was tested with simulated data, and during real-time in vivo ischemia experiments. Experimental results were achieved with standard deviations of $$\sigma _{R_0 } = 0.80\% , \sigma _{R_\infty } = 0.84\% $$ , σα=0.72%, and στ=1.26%. On a Pentium II based PC, the algorithm converges to within 0.1% of the results in 17 ms. The results show that the algorithm possesses excellent parameter extraction capabilities, repeatability, speed and noise rejection.
Comments on review by D. M. Gash, T. J. Collier and J. R. Sladek transplants to the central nervous system as a therapy for brain pathology

Abstract Despite the potentially interesting implications of the neural transplantation research reviewed by Gash, Collier and Sladek, several issues related to the functional role of brain grafts are discussed. These issues require careful consideration and empirical analysis. Suggestions for further study and necessary control groups are presented.
Atrial and ventricular fibrillation: computational simulation of spiral waves in cardiac tissue

This manuscript proposes a novel, efficient finite element solution technique for the computational simulation of cardiac electrophysiology. We apply a two-parameter model that is characterized through a fast action potential and a slow recovery variable. The former is introduced globally as a nodal degree of free- dom, whereas the latter is treated locally as internal variable on the integration point level. This particular discretization is extremely efficient and highly modular since different cardiac cell models can be incorporated straightforwardly through only minor local modifications on the integration point level. In this manuscript, we illustrate the algorithm in terms of the Aliev-Panfilov model for cardiomyocytes. To ensure unconditional stability, a backward Euler scheme is applied to discretize the evolution equation for both the action potential and the recovery variable in time. To increase robustness and guarantee optimal quadratic convergence, we suggestanincrementaliterativeNewton-Raphsonschemeandillustratetheconsistentlinearizationoftheweak form of the excitation problem. The proposed algorithm is illustrated by means of two- and three-dimensional examples of re-entrant spiral and scroll waves characteristic of cardiac arrhythmias in atrial and ventricular fibrillation.
Evidence‐Based Esthetic Dentistry

Evidence-based clinical practice integrates the best available evidence with clinical expertise. This article presents a clinical case scenario and, using a four-step, evidence-based approach, demonstrates how to (1) ask an evidence-based question; (2) search MEDLINE for the best evidence; (3) critically appraise the evidence; and (4) apply the evidence to the patient. The procedure is demonstrated with the sample question, Does bleaching of bonded porcelain veneers increase marginal leakage? A MEDLINE search strategy was developed for synonyms of the key words that best identify the problem, the intervention, and the outcome. The synonyms were combined using the Boolean operator "or" to identify a "sensitive" (i.e., inclusive) universe of 140,000 journal articles. These categories were then combined using the Boolean operator "and" to identify the most "specific" (i.e., exclusive) four articles from among the 140,000. Finally, to find the best evidence, the articles were limited to "humans" and "randomized controlled trials." This identified one article. Critical appraisal of the limited data in this one article indicates that the methods are valid and statistically significant, but because of the methods employed, may not be clinically important. Evidence-based methods take one to the edge of the available information universe in about 15 minutes. The results can be both exhilarating and sobering. They can indicate the depth or limits of available information and suggest gaps in the knowledge-base that require further study. Most importantly, however, the results allow practitioners to communicate incisively and truthfully with patients and to make more informed clinical choices.