cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of technetium on selected inorganic ion-exchange materials and on a range of naturally occurring minerals under oxic conditions

Abstract The adsorption of Tc95m, as TcO4−, on a weakly basic organic ion-exchange resin was studied as a function of pH in 0.1M solutions of Na2SO4, NaCl and NaNO3. A similar study was performed with the adsorbents ZrO2 and Al2O3. In addition, adsorption on ZrO2 was investigated in 0.01 and 0.25M NaCl. An unusual pH profile of the distribution coefficient was found for the polymer, [(CHg3O)Cl]n in 0.1 and 1M NaCl and 0.1N Na2SO4, in as much as the D values increased with pH rather than decreased as was observed in all prior examples. In a number of selected systems, the adsorption of I131, as I−, was studied to aid in the characterization of the mechanisms. In addition, the adsorption properties of 37 minerals with respect to TcO4− were investigated in 0.1M NaCl as a function of pH. For the minerals, montmorillonite, illite, kaolinite and monazite this work was expanded to include 0.01, 1.0 and 4.0M NaCl solutions. In general, the distribution coefficients observed under the oxic conditions employed here were small and could be adequately accounted for by an ion-exchange mechanism.
Parameters Affecting the Microwave-Assisted Polyol Synthesis of Silver Nanorods

The effects of salt chemistry and concentration on the morphology and yield of silver nanorods produced by the microwave-assisted polyol synthesis are reported. Compared to NaCl, iron and copper salts reduced nanorod yield and length and increased diameter. This is in stark contrast to expectations based on the slower traditional polyol process. The role of the cation was further explored using MgCl2 and MnCl2 which showed different concentration dependent effects on nanorod diameter. In addition, the morphology and yield of nanomaterials was found to be significantly influenced by small variations in the procedure including container shape and the time between reactant mixing and microwave heating. These results highlight that, while the microwave-assisted process is very promising, results cannot be directly anticipated based on the traditional process, and the synthesis is very sensitive to procedural changes.
How much difference does chromosome banding make?: Adjustments in prevalence and mutation rates of human structural cytogenetic abnormalities

SUMMARY A collaborative analysis was undertaken of 226 karyotypes with structural chromosome abnormalities diagnosed primarily with low level banding resolution, about 300 to 400 bands per karyotype. We estimate that in this series, use of low level banding was required to detect about 78% of pericentric inversions, about 51% of reciprocal translocations, about 47% of all balanced translocations, about 35% of unbalanced rearrangements other than rings, Robertsonian translocations and extra structurally abnormal chromosomes, about 11% of all unbalanced rearrangements, and about 35% of all structural abnormalities. Adjustment factors derived from these figures were applied to prevalence and mutation rates of structural mutation rates derived from published large scale studies of livebirths. Had low level banding been used in these earlier studies we estimate that the rate of all structural abnormalities would have been about 60% higher than those reported (3.8 per 1000 vs. 2.3 per 1000 in the original studies). The increase is much higher for balanced abnormalities, 75% (3.4 per 1000 vs. 1.9 per lOOO), than for unbalanced abnormalities, 5% (0.42 per 1000 vs. 0.405 per 1000). The increase in mutation rates for de novo cytogenetic abnormalities was similarly, considerably higher after such adjustment: the rates per 100000 gametes increased from 18.0 to 35.0 for balanced rearrangements, from 8.2 to 10.1 for unbalanced abnormalities and from 26.2 to 45.1 for all abnormalities. These estimates illustrate the difference even low level banding makes to detection of structural cytogenetic abnormalities and why contemporary studies using such methods cannot be compared with earlier large scale population studies or livebirths without some type of adjustment such as those suggested here. Comparisons should be done at a constant level of diagnostic resolution, e.g. limited to lesions detectable without banding.
Pediatric infiltrating lipomas: Case report and review of the literature

A case of pediatric infiltrating lipoma and a collected literature review of four pediatric patients with well-documented infiltrating lipomas are presented. These lesions tend to recur after resection but there are no reported incidences of distant metastases or degeneration into frankly malignant lesions. Treatment consists of excising the lesion with a margin of normal muscle.
Optimizing adaptive multi-route query processing via time-partitioned indices

Adaptive multi-route query processing (AMR) is an emerging paradigm for processing stream queries in highly fluctuating environments. The content of stream data can be unpredictable. Thus, instead of selecting a fixed plan, AMR dynamically routes batches of tuples to operators in the query network based on up-to-date system statistics. The workload of query access patterns in AMR systems is ever changing. Selecting a single best index may not efficiently support all query access patterns at all times. While maintaining multiple indices to match a variety of query access patterns increases overhead and decreases throughput. Index design, while paramount for efficient query execution, is particularly challenging in AMR systems as the indices must serve the continuously evolving query access patterns. Our proposed Adaptive Multi-Route Index (AMRI) employs a bitmap time-partitioned design that serves a diverse ever changing workload of query access patterns and remains lightweight in terms of maintenance and storage requirements. We propose a high quality yet efficient assessment method modeled after hierarchical heavy hitters that exploits route relationships by modeling the frequency of the search access patterns used as nodes in a lattice. We also design assessment scheduling methods for AMRI based upon detecting changes in the search access patterns used. Our AMRI incorporates migration strategies that seek to meet the needs of both old partially serviced and new incoming search requests. Our experimental study using both synthetic and real data streams demonstrates that AMRI strikes a balance between effectively supporting dynamic stream environments while keeping the index overhead to a minimum. Using an environmental data set collected in the Intel Berkeley Research lab, our AMRI produced on average 68% more cumulative throughput than the state-of-the-art approach.
A general purpose set of statistical programs for smaller computers with an emphasis on data manipulation

A program package for smaller computers is presented which stresses data manipulation capability and generality. It is especially designed for use by social scientists and others whose data may require alteration and modification prior to analysis.
International Achievement Differences: An Assessment of a New Perspective:

In recent years, a new perspective has challenged the conventional wisdom that U.S. students do poorly in international assessments. It holds that sampling biases and a different curricular arrangement have made U.S. achievement appear low and that a focus on rankings has masked what are really small achievement differences among countries. To assess this perspective, I review evidence from the major international assessments of the past two decades, including the recent Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS). I argue for a middle ground. U.S. performance has not been consistently poor, but varies by subject and grade. Ranks sometimes have exaggerated differences, but even developed countries often differ greatly in achievement. Contrary to a common misconception, the assessments have not unfairly compared the mass of U.S. students to small academic elites in other countries. Our poor math performance is not a simple matter of selection bias or course sequencing, but also reflects real deficie...
New physical constraints for fluid mixture equations of state and mixture combining rules

Abstract Using thermodynamic identities and equilibrium relations, we prove that cubic equations of state with their usual mixture combining rules (EOS/MCR) must provide collinearity of isochores at their own predicted temperature extremum (CT). The conditions for collinearity are supported from simulated vapor-liquid-equilibrium (VLE) data using the Redlich-Kwong EOS. Cricondenbar (CB) and cricondentherm (CT) loci are presented as powerful physical constraints to develop and/or to improve the density—dependent MCR so as to provide future VLE calculations with more nearly correct physics. The relationships among CB, CT, and cricondencomps (CC), are developed so that ordinary experimental VLE data may be used together with these constraints to yield information about the MCR for each mixture.
Within-compound associations are not sufficient to produce taste-mediated odor potentiation.

Rats were used in two flavor-aversion experiments to determine if within-compound associations could be detected with a taste + odor compound that would not support taste-mediated odor potentation. In Experiment 1, following taste + odor compound conditioning, postconditioning taste extinction significantly weakened the odor aversion. In Experiment 2, following taste + odor compound conditioning, postconditioning taste inflation significantly strengthened the odor aversion. There was no evidence that taste potentiated the odor aversion in either Experiment 1 or 2. Thus, the results demonstrate that the presence of within-compound associations is not sufficient to produce taste-mediated odor potentiation. We offer a mediated conditioning explanation to account for the results of these two experiments.
Dual application versus single application of povidone-iodine in reducing surgical site contamination during strabismus surgery.

Purpose To investigate the contamination rates in patients undergoing strabismus surgery who received a single versus a dual application of povidone-iodine. Methods Patients undergoing strabismus surgery were divided into two groups of approximately equal size. Prior to surgery, the surgical sites for both groups were prepared by applying 4 drops of povidone-iodine 5% directly into the conjunctival fornices, after which the eyelashes were cleaned with cotton tips soaked with povidone-iodine 5%. Sterile gauze pads soaked with povidone-iodine 5% were used to clean the periocular skin. After lid speculum placement, the patients in the dual application group received an additional 2 drops of povidone-iodine in the conjunctival fornices. Intraoperatively, the conjunctiva, sclera, needles/sutures, and lid speculum were cultured. Gram stain and cultures were obtained and quantified. Contamination was defined as any bacterial growth on blood agar plates at 2 days. Results A total of 104 patients (aged 7 months to 79 years) were included. The single application group had a 25% contamination rate of surgical site and sutures; the dual application group, a 10% contamination rate. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). The rate of eyelid speculum contamination was unaffected by additional applications (12.5% contamination rate in both groups [P = 0.5]). The additional application of povidone-iodine affected the contamination rate of the conjunctival incision site the most, with a decrease from 20.5% to 5% (P = 0.02). Conclusions In our study cohort a second application of povidone-iodine significantly decreased the rate of contamination of the surgical site and sutures. It did not affect contamination of the lid speculum.
Experience-dependent plasticity: Differential changes in activation associated with repeated reinforcement

Experience-dependent change in blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal is increasingly being employed in neuroimaging research to examine questions about function and plasticity. In this investigation, plasticity was examined during consecutive visual cue presentations that preceded correct button presses and subsequent reinforcer deliveries. Using functional neuroimaging and a modified repeated acquisition methodology, 10 adult subjects learned, through trial and error, a series of novel cue-response-reinforcer relations. Separate BOLD responses were obtained to consecutive cues and reinforcers. Repeated measures analysis of variance highlighted differential BOLD response changes. Consecutive visual cue presentations elicited rapid bilateral increases in activation in the anterior cingulate and medial frontal gyrus and moderate increases in medial temporal lobe structures and the striatum. Consecutive reinforcer presentations elicited rapid increases in activation in the left precuneus, lingual and fusiform gyri and moderate increases in medial temporal lobe structures and striatum. Within the medial temporal lobe, cues elicited a gradual increase then an abrupt decrease in activation and rewards elicited abrupt and then sustained activation. Consideration of experience-dependent BOLD response change and variability provides basic research a new perspective from which to examine regional plasticity and further explore dynamic experience-dependent shifts among cognitive processes. Furthermore, BOLD change and variability offer many clinical research areas novel supplemental indices of neuropathology.
Fifth-generation microprocessors

The authors describes the evolution of various microprocessor chip families. Those discussed are: the Pentium chips, the PowerPC chips, The Cyrix 5/spl times/86 chips and the AMD-K5 chips. Future evolution is also briefly considered.
Running Scared: masculinity and the representation of the male body

Running Scared: masculinity and the representation of the male body PETER LEHMAN Detroit, Wayne State University Press, 2007 (2nd edition) xiv+262 pp., illus., notes, bibliography, index, $34.95 (p...
Theories of chess skill

The paper reviews the evidence for and against the recognition-association theory and a forward-search (SEEK) theory of chess skill. The recognition-association theory appears to be founded on indirect evidence concerning visual short-term memory, together with supplementary assumptions that may be questioned, and provides no role for verbal processes. There is no direct support for the theory, which omits forward search for reasons that are reexamined. In contrast, the SEEK theory maintains that move choice is based on search and evaluation processes supplemented (or else supplanted) by a knowledge base. These processes are directly evidenced by experimental findings. The objection that search theories cannot account for speed chess is met by a review of the available evidence. It is concluded that chess skill relies on thinking ahead rather than on pattern recognition.
Computing Low-Rank Approximation of a Dense Matrix on Multicore CPUs with a GPU and Its Application to Solving a Hierarchically Semiseparable Linear System of Equations

Low-rank matrices arise in many scientific and engineering computations. Both computational and storage costs of manipulating such matrices may be reduced by taking advantages of their low-rank properties. To compute a low-rank approximation of a dense matrix, in this paper, we study the performance of QR factorization with column pivoting or with restricted pivoting on multicore CPUs with a GPU. We first propose several techniques to reduce the postprocessing time, which is required for restricted pivoting, on a modern CPU. We then examine the potential of using a GPU to accelerate the factorization process with both column and restricted pivoting. Our performance results on two eight-core Intel Sandy Bridge CPUs with one NVIDIA Kepler GPU demonstrate that using the GPU, the factorization time can be reduced by a factor of more than two. In addition, to study the performance of our implementations in practice, we integrate them into a recently developed software StruMF which algebraically exploits such low-rank structures for solving a general sparse linear system of equations. Our performance results for solving Poisson's equations demonstrate that the proposed techniques can significantly reduce the preconditioner construction time of StruMF on the CPUs, and the construction time can be further reduced by 10%–50% using the GPU.
Effect of Emulsifier Salts on Textural and Flavor Properties of Processed Cheeses

Abstract Commercial processed cheeses, cheese foods, and cheese spreads were characterized for meltability, sliceability, composition, rheological properties (Instron), and descriptive sensory attributes. Samples varied within each grouping. Seventeen emulsifier salts were evaluated for performance in experimental processed cheese by the same criteria for the commercial samples. Tripotassium citrate, dipotassium phosphate, and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate each contributed properties to processed cheeses that should be useful in development of blends of emulsifier salts for reduced-sodium processed cheeses possessing a wide range of physical properties.
Restoring Susceptibility Induced MRI Signal Loss in Rat Brain at 9.4 T: A Step towards Whole Brain Functional Connectivity Imaging

The aural cavity magnetic susceptibility artifact leads to significant echo planar imaging (EPI) signal dropout in rat deep brain that limits acquisition of functional connectivity fcMRI data. In this study, we provide a method that recovers much of the EPI signal in deep brain. Needle puncture introduction of a liquid-phase fluorocarbon into the middle ear allows acquisition of rat fcMRI data without signal dropout. We demonstrate that with seeds chosen from previously unavailable areas, including the amygdala and the insular cortex, we are able to acquire large scale networks, including the limbic system. This tool allows EPI-based neuroscience and pharmaceutical research in rat brain using fcMRI that was previously not feasible.
Dynamic Polarizabilities and Refractive Indexes of H − and Li + Ions

A variational perturbation method is used to evaluate the first-order wave functions of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$ in the presence of a monochromatic electromagnetic field. These functions are utilized to calculate the dynamic polarizabilities and refractive indexes of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$ ions. Converged results are obtained for both systems. The converged static polarizability of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ in the present calculation is shown to be 206.0 a.u., which compares favorably with previous theoretical calculations. The wavelength for the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}1^{1}S\ensuremath{-}2^{1}p$ transition from the dynamic polarizability calculation, 199.16 \AA{}, is compared with the exact theoretical value of 199.32 \AA{}.
Computer aided breast density evaluation in cone beam breast CT

Cone Beam Breast CT is a three-dimensional breast imaging modality with high contrast resolution and no tissue overlap. With these advantages, it is possible to measure volumetric breast density accurately and quantitatively with CBBCT 3D images. Three major breast components need to be segmented: skin, fat and glandular tissue. In this research, a modified morphological processing is applied to the CBBCT images to detect and remove the skin of the breast. After the skin is removed, a 2-step fuzzy clustering scheme is applied to the CBBCT image volume to adaptively cluster the image voxels into fat and glandular tissue areas based on the intensity of each voxel. Finally, the CBBCT breast volume images are divided into three categories: skin, fat and glands. Clinical data is used and the quantitative CBBCT breast density evaluation results are compared with the mammogram-based BIRADS breast density categories.
Photoelectrochemical properties of electrodes coated with photoactive-membrane visicles isolated from photosynthetic bacteria

Abstract Chromatophore and sphericle vesicles, isolated from the photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R-26, were dried as a film on tin oxide electrodes, and their response to red light was examined in a liquid-junction, photoelectrochemical cell. Steady-state photocurrents demonstrate that electron transfer must occur across both the SnO 2 /chromatophore interface and the chromatophore film itself. The photoelectrochemical cell functions only when the chromatophore quinone pool is oxidized and cytochrome c 2 is reduced. Proton transport is not involved. Coated SnO 2 electrodes act as photocathodes instead of photoanodes, which is the case for uncoated SnO 2 . The addition of electron carriers to photoelectrochemical cells incorporating chromatophore- and sphericle-coated electrodes suggest that factors other than the orientation of the reaction center within the vesicle membrane play an important part in governing the net electrical responses. A model is proposed to explain how electron transport occurs across a vesicle-coated electrode.
Electron microscopic observations of non‐specific lead staining in the smallintestine of the cat after lipid or carbohydrate feeding

A series of experiments utilizing the technique of Rostgaard and Barrnett which purported to demonstrate lead-lipid complexes was performed to study the efficacy of using lead as a marker in lipid absorption. The jejunal mucosa from adult cats fasted 48 hours and fed corn oil by stomach tube was fixed in buffered glutaraldehyde for two hours, washed in cacodylate buffer and then incubated for 20 minutes in tris-maleate buffer (pH 7.2) which contained 4mM of lead nitrate. Following osmication, dehydration and embedding in Epon, thin sections, either stained or unstained were examined in an electron microscope. Lead deposits of varying size were observed in, on and about the microvilli. In addition, lead deposits were observed related to mucous cells. The jejunal mucosa of cats fasted 48 hours and fed 5% dextrose and treated as the lipid-fed animals gave similar results. Fasted animals had few lead deposits related to the gut epithelium. When jejunal mucosa from lipid- or carbohydrate-fed animals was extracted in lipid solvents prior to incubation in tris-maleate containing 4mM of lead nitrate, the lead densities persisted. In view of the foregoing, the occurrence of lead precipitates following a fatty meal does not offer an unequivocal means of tracing lipid absorption in the small intestine.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2009

AbstractThe 2009 eastern North Pacific hurricane season had near normal activity, with a total of 17 named storms, of which seven became hurricanes and four became major hurricanes. One hurricane and one tropical storm made landfall in Mexico, directly causing four deaths in that country along with moderate to severe property damage. Another cyclone that remained offshore caused an additional direct death in Mexico. On average, the National Hurricane Center track forecasts in the eastern North Pacific for 2009 were quite skillful.
Thiocyanate goiter with myxedema; report of two cases.

WITH the use of the thiocyanates as therapeutic agents in the treatment of hypertension, thiocyanate goiter has been well established as an entity. The existence of clinical myxedema in association with thiocyanate goiter has been reported. Wald and associates (1) were among the first to report on the formation of a goiter and a decreased metabolic rate in patients receiving thiocyanates for hypertension. Foulger and Rose (2) reported one case in which a goiter and clinical signs of myxedema developed during the course of treatment with thiocyanate. In a case reported by Kobacher (3) myxedema developed, with classical physical findings and a basal metabolic rate of minus 30 per cent. Rawson and coworkers (4) reported two cases, both with goiters and both having levels of protein-bound blood iodine characteristic of myxedema. A biopsy specimen from one patient was reported as revealing an extremely hyperplastic thyroid with marked papillary overgrowth. Potter (5), reporting on the pathology of two goiters ...
THE LAST EIGHT-BILLION YEARS OF INTERGALACTIC C IV EVOLUTION

We surveyed the Hubble Space Telescope UV spectra of 49 low-redshift quasars for z =3sigma{sub W{sub r}}. We conducted Monte Carlo completeness tests to measure the unblocked redshift (DELTAz) and co-moving path length (DELTAX) over which we were sensitive to C IV doublets of a range of equivalent widths and column densities. The absorber line density of (G = 1+2) doublets is dN{sub C{sub IV}}/dX= 4.1{sup +0.7}{sub -0.6} for log N(C{sup +3}) >= 13.2, and dN{sub C{sub IV}}/dX has not evolved significantly since z = 5. The best-fit power law to the G = 1 frequency distribution of column densities f(N(C{sup +3}))ident tok(N(C{sup +3})/N{sub 0}){sup {alpha}{sub N}} has coefficient k = 0.67{sup +0.18}{sub -0.16} x 10{sup -14} cm{sup 2} and exponent {alpha}{sub N} = -1.50{sup +0.17}{sub -0.19}, where N{sub 0} = 10{sup 14} cm{sup -2}. Using the power-lawmore » model of f(N(C{sup +3})), we measured the C{sup +3} mass density relative to the critical density: OMEGA{sub C{sup +3}}= (6.20{sup +1.82}{sub -1.52})x10{sup -8} for 13 0, with dOMEGA{sub C{sup +3}}/dt{sub age}= (0.42+-0.2)x10{sup -8} Gyr{sup -1}.« less
Drop Size and Velocity Measurements in Bio-Oil Sprays Produced by the Flow-Blurring Injector

This study seeks to assess the performance of cold sprays of refined soybean oil produced by the Flow-Blurring (FB) atomization process. A cold diesel spray is also investigated for comparison. Drop size and velocity measurements for different fuels and operating conditions are acquired by a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA). Results show that the pressure drop in the fuel and atomizing airline of the FB injector is independent of the fuel. Radial profiles of Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) were however affected by the fuel properties. For an Air to Liquid mass Ratio (ALR) of 2.0, the average SMD at an axial plane was about 38 μm for the VO sprays and 34 μm for the diesel spray. Increasing the ALR to 4.0 decreased the SMD in the VO spray to about 32 μm.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Striving to eliminate catheter-related bloodstream infections: A literature review of evidence-based strategies

This report has three objectives. First, to provide a concise summary of the current state of mandatory reporting legislation on nosocomial infection rates. Second, to identify and briefly summarize the evidence-based patient safety practices shown to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. And, finally, to demonstrate the significant cost benefit hospitals may achieve by undertaking programs to prevent these device-associated infections. Specifically, the following topics are addressed: public policy, prevention strategies and their clinical impact, role of technology, and economic implications.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria in randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy for PTSD.

Objective. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and often disabling condition. Fortunately, effective psychological treatments for PTSD are available. However, research indicates that these treatments may be underutilized in clinical practice. One reason for this underutilization may
DMD-based infrared scene projection: comparison of MWIR and LWIR modulation transfer function

We compare modulation-transfer-function (MTF) measurements for both mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave IR (LWIR) bands for an IR-laser scene projector based on the digital micro-mirror device (DMD). We evaluate MTF for both IR-CO2 (10.6 micron) and IR-HeNe (3.39 micron) laser systems. This gives a quantitative image-quality criterion for verifying system performance using identical configurations of the DMD, lens, and screen. Different angles of illumination for the MWIR and LWIR were used, to give an output beam always perpendicular to the DMD. For this experiment a set of bar-target images was used to measure the residual modulation depth at the fundamental spatial frequency of the bars. As expected, the MWIR projector system has better MTF than the LWIR system because of diffraction effects occurring at the 17-micron pixels of the DMD.
Ligand Dependence of Magnetic Dimensionality in Chromium(IV) Complexes: Layered vs Three-Dimensional Antiferromagnets

X-ray diffraction and thermomagnetic measurements were made on two chromium(IV) complexes, Cr(dien)(O2)2·H2O and Cr(NH3)3(O2)2, with the view of understanding how the ligands might change the magnetic dimensionality in such compounds. The magnetic susceptibility (χ(T)) of Cr(dien)(O2)2·H2O was analyzed according to the quadratic Heisenberg model, H = −2J∑i,j S(i)·S(j) − gβH∑i Sz(i), which yielded J010 = −2.71 K, J100 = −2.86 K, J001 = −2.88 K, g010 = 1.92, g001 = 1.96, and g100 = 1.82, where the indices coincide with alignment of the crystal axes relative to the magnetic field. The heat capacity (Cp) and entropy data support this analysis and show it to be a layered, two-dimensional antiferromagnet. In contrast, χ(T) and Cp(T) measurements on Cr(NH3)3(O2)2 showed it to be a classical three-dimensional antiferromagnet with sharp λ-type transitions at 8.80 and 8.46 K, respectively. Only 38% of the magnetic entropy is removed above TN = 8.46 K, implying that nominal short-range interactions occur, but the sy...
Singular planes of serial wrist-partitioned manipulators and their singularity metrics

Current metrics measuring proximity to kinematic singularities are based on mathematical characteristics of the Jacobian matrix such as manipulability or the conditioning index. This paper develops a geometric representation of the kinematic singularities of wrist-partitioned manipulators in terms of singular planes. It is shown that the determinant of the Jacobian matrix is a product of the distances from the controlled points on the end-effector to these singular planes. The paper proposes that for wrist-partitioned manipulators these distances can be used as singularity metrics which directly measure proximity to kinematic singularities. The Puma manipulator is used as an example.
SENSITIVITY OF FIELD ISOLATES OF EIMERIA TO MONENSIN FOLLOWING THE USE OF A COCCIDIOSIS VACCINE IN BROILER CHICKENS

The sensitivity of field isolates of Eimeria to monensin was investigated following the use of a commercial coccidiosis vaccine. Monensin was not effective against isolates from five commercial farms where ionophores had been used for many flocks. Monensin was more effective, however, against isolates obtained from the same farms following the use of a coccidiosis vaccine. No further improvement in drug efficacy was noted after five successive flocks in which the vaccine was used.
Hyaluronan in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the eye: Species differences in content, distribution, ligand binding and degradation

Hyaluronan (HA) distribution in the posterior eye wall from the vitreous through the sclera, with special consideration to localization in the retina and interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM), was evaluated in human, bovine, guinea pig, dog, rat and mouse tissues using a specific probe for HA (bHABC, biotinylated hyaluronan binding complex). The sclera, some regions of the choroid and vitreous body was positive for HA, as was the basal lamina of the retina (inner limiting membrane). bHABC binding was detected in the IPM of all species studied except the mouse. Predigestion with Streptomyces hyaluronidase for 3 hr before bHABC application eliminated binding in the vitreous, choroid, sclera and basal lamina of the retina, but did not eliminate bHABC binding in the IPM. In tissues from all species studied, incubation for 6 hr with hyaluronidase eliminated bHABC binding in the IPM, except for two human samples. In these two human samples, HA specific binding in the IPM persisted even after 24 hr enzyme treatment. bHABC failed to bind to any tissue layer when bHABC was preincubated with hyaluronan oligosaccharides before application. The resistance of the IPM HA to hyaluronidase digestion may reflect extensive coverage of HA binding sites by ligands present in this compartment which hinder enzyme access. The absence of bHABC binding to the IPM when the probe is preincubated with HA oligosaccharides indicates that the binding reflects specific interaction with HA. We conclude that, with the exception of the mouse, HA is a prominent constituent of the IPM, where it may serve to organize the matrix by functioning as a basic scaffold to which other macromolecules in the insoluble IPM are attached.
Respiratory effects of chronic in utero methadone or morphine exposure in the neonatal guinea pig.

Abstract This study uses a neonatal guinea pig model to compare the effects of in utero methadone or morphine exposure upon breathing control. We hypothesize that in utero methadone exposure will result in similar respiratory disturbances to those seen in morphine exposed neonates, but that the onset will be slower and the duration longer, due to methadone's longer elimination half-life. Pregnant Dunkin–Hartley guinea pigs received once-daily injections of methadone, morphine, or vehicle (saline) during the last half of gestation and pups were studied 3, 7, or 14 days after birth. In utero methadone or morphine exposure resulted in decreased birth weight compared to vehicle, and pups experienced a withdrawal syndrome which included increased locomotor activity and respiratory disturbances but no change in rectal temperature. Both opioid exposures increased inspiratory minute ventilation during CO2 challenge at 3 days after birth, but only in morphine exposed pups was this withdrawal effect still present on day 7. Surprisingly, only morphine exposure increased inspiratory minute ventilation during room air breathing. We conclude that in utero methadone exposure is not equivalent to in utero morphine exposure. With respect to neonatal respiratory control, methadone-induced changes in respiration are only apparent during hypercapnia.
Early education: A cognitive-developmental view.

This paper reviews the implications of the cognitive-developmental theories of Baldwin, Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky for preschool education. The conception of cognitive stage basic to these theories is analyzed, and the connection of a stage conception to an interactional (as opposed to a maturationist or environmentalist-training) view of the origins of mental structure is analyzed. Empirical studies are reviewed supporting the validity of this conception of intellectual development, Preschool programs of academic and linguistic training or stimulation are examined from this point of view. The conception of the preschool period as a critical period for the environmental stimulation of general intelligence is examined, considering general intelligence in both psychometric and Piagetian terms. It is concluded that the theories reviewed do not so much imply an emphasis upon specific forms of preschool intellectual stimulation as they do imply a systematic formulation of the cognitive-developmental components of the play, constructive, aesthetic, and social activities which have traditionally been the heart of the preschool.
Time spent in housework and leisure: Links with parents' physiological recovery from work.

Spouses’ balancing of housework and leisure activities at home may affect their recovery from work. This paper reports on a study of everyday family life in which 30 dual-earner couples were tracked around their homes by researchers who recorded their locations and activities every 10 min. For women, the most frequently pursued activities at home were housework, communication, and leisure; husbands spent the most time in leisure activities, followed by communication and housework. Spouses differed in their total time at home and their proportion of time devoted to leisure and housework activities, with wives observed more often in housework and husbands observed more often in leisure activities. Both wives and husbands who devoted more time to housework had higher levels of evening cortisol and weaker afternoon-to-evening recovery. For wives, husbands’ increased housework time also predicted stronger evening cortisol recovery. When both spouses’ activities were entered in the same model, leisure predicted husbands’ evening cortisol, such that husbands who apportioned more time to leisure, and whose wives apportioned less time to leisure, showed stronger after-work recovery. These results suggest that the division of labor within couples may have implications for physical health.
The discursive origins of Israeli separatism: The case of the Arab village

We should note, however, that the achievements of the control system cannot in and of themselves explain the success of the discourse on the Arab village. Indeed, with the benefit of hindsight, one must acknowledge today that what the control system produced was a “secondary order” reality at best, a representation superimposed over, and obscuring other social realities. It never managed (nor did it try) to stop the proletarianization of peasants. It never managed (though it did try) to put an end to illegal construction and de-facto urbanization. It did not even manage to repress the emergence of grass-roots national political organization in the villages. More often than not, its sole achievement was to obscure official (and academic) perception of these processes. Thus, one often finds nowadays settlements to which the term “village” is officially applied, while their physical structure already merits urban status. Urbanization took place in the villages regardless of the designs of planners, and this fact alone is enough to demonstrate how discourse detached them from reality. This was also why, in 1976, Orientalists and government experts were completely taken by surprise, when the “committee for national direction” (composed of “village” mayors!) organized mass demonstrations to protest government plans to confiscate more Palestinian lands. The events of this day, later known as “land day,” signaled the emergence of rural Palestinians as a national political force to be reckoned with. Quite contrary to what the notion of “hamula struggle” led them to believe, experts discovered that the villages were an effective mobilizing ground for national political action.
A 2-D continuous wavelet transform of mode shape data for damage detection of plate structures

Abstract A two-dimensional (2-D) continuous wavelet transform (CWT)-based damage detection algorithm using “Dergauss2d” wavelet for plate-type structures is presented. The 2-D CWT considered in this study is based on the formulation by Antoine et al. (2004). A concept of isosurface of 2-D wavelet coefficients is proposed, and it is generated to indicate the location and approximate shape or area of the damage. The proposed algorithm is a response-based damage detection technique which only requires the mode shapes of the damaged plates. This algorithm is applied to the numerical vibration mode shapes of a cantilever plate with different types of damage to illustrate its effectiveness and viability. A comparative study with other two 2-D damage detection algorithms, i.e., 2-D gapped smoothing method (GSM) and 2-D strain energy method (SEM), is performed, and it demonstrates that the proposed 2-D CWT-based algorithm is superior in noise immunity and robust with limited sensor data. The algorithm is further implemented in an experimental modal test to detect impact damage in an FRP composite plate using smart piezoelectric actuators and sensors, demonstrating its applicability to the experimental mode shapes. The present 2-D CWT-based algorithm is among a few limited studies in the literature to explore the application of 2-D wavelets in damage detection, and as demonstrated in this study, it can be used as a viable and effective technique for damage identification of plate- or shell-type structures.
EFFECTS OF LIGHT AND WAVE DISTURBANCE ON VERTICAL ZONATION OF ATTACHED MICROALGAGE IN A LARGE RESERVOIR1

Experimental field manipulations of artificial substrata were used to examine the mechanisms controlling attached algal zonation down the face of the dam in Lake McConaughy, a large reservoir in western Nabraska. Sets of clay tiles were incubated in the upper (2.5 m depth) and lower (8 m depth) growth zones for two weeks. Five sets tiles were then switched from the upper to the lower growth zone and vice versa. Five additional sets of tiles were switched to the lower zone and artificially disturbed. Diatom cell densities increased rapidly in both the zones; however, wind-induced turbulence caused dramatic declines (up to 61%) in densities in the upper zone. Consequently, cell densities in the upper and lower growth zones were not significantly different after four weeks, despite the 17–30% higher light levels in the upper zone. Based on cell densities and relative abundances on clay tiles and naturally occurring rocks, 26 of the 32 most common diatom taxa had a significant upper (10) or lower (16) zone preference. Of these, 15 taxa exhibited a consistent response to one or both switching manipulations, confirming a growth zone preference, and two showed a clear preference for disturbed substrata. Diatom growth form appeared to play a major role in determining the vertical zonation of attached communities, since actively motile taxa exhibited a lower zone preference and stalked forms occurred primarily in the upper zone. The present study indicates that light attenuation and wave disturbance are primary mechanisms that control the vertical zonation of freshwater epilithic algae.
A study of the mass-18 nuclei and the effective interaction in the sd shell

Abstract Using Q -box techniques, linked expansions in terms of number of folds are carried out for all states of the mass-18 nuclei, where the complete 0 + 2 ħω space is considered. These expansions are shown to converge quickly. However, the series involved in obtaining the Q -box and the Rayleigh-Schrodinger series are found to converge slowly and only with the use of a shift operator that modifies the harmonic-oscillator potential.
Meteorology enters the mesoscale era

Meso-scale Atmospheric Circulations. By B. W. Atkinson. Pp.495. ISBN 0-12-065960-3. (Academic: 1981.) £32.40, $78.
Variability and periodicity of dustbathing behaviour in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of time invested in, and the distribution of, dustbathing behaviour over the course of a day. Amount of time spent dustbathing, preening, ingesting, and engaging in sexual/agonistic activities by individual quail was recorded for the light portion of selected photoperiods. Results indicate consistency in amounts of dustbathing exhibited by individual birds under the different photoperiods; amount of time spent dustbathing was intermediate with respect to the other behaviours recorded. A daily peak period of dustbathing was evident except under constant light conditions. These results are explained on the basis of selective pressures operating to maximize the efficiency of dustbathing.
Urban Policy and National Political Economy

This article reviews theoretical and research problems in both ecological and urban political economy perspectives on cities. Several specific areas are identified-generic historical processes of the internationalization of the economy, uneven development within and between urban regions, economic concentration, political centralization, changes in family and community organization, and environmental limits to spatial differentiation. The connection between these structural issues and urban policy areas (social welfare policy, housing, transportation, and industrial structure) are discussed.
Feasibility of aortic valve assessment with low dose prospectively triggered adaptive systolic (PTAS) cardiac computed tomography angiography.

Background Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) is feasible for aortic valve evaluation, but retrospective gated protocols required high radiation doses for aortic valve assessment. A prospectively triggered adaptive systolic (PTAS) cardiac CT protocol was recently described in arrhythmia using second-generation dual-source CT. In this study, we sought to evaluate the feasibility of PTAS CTA to assess the aortic valve at a low radiation dose.
Analysis of Narrative Discourse Structure as an Ecologically Relevant Measure of Executive Function in Adults

This study examined the narrative discourse production and executive function (EF) abilities of 46 neuro-typical adults (18–98 years old). Two questions were addressed: Is the analysis of narrative structure sensitive to changes associated with aging? & What is the relationship between measures of narrative structure and EF? Narratives were elicited under two conditions and narrative structure was analyzed for the presence of organizing story grammar elements. Narrative structure was significantly correlated with age as well as linguistic and non-linguistic measures of EF. Factor analysis of story structure and EF variables yielded two factors reflecting constructs of output-fluidity and organizational-efficiency. These data suggest that narrative structure and EF represent aspects of goal-directed knowledge that are not bound by a traditional linguistic and non-linguistic division. Thus, narrative structure may represent a global and ecologically valid measure of goal-directed executive function knowledge that is also sensitive to changes associated with typical aging.
Coinfection With Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi in a Western Wisconsin Resident

A 68-year-old woman, who had not traveled outside of western Wisconsin, was hospitalized after 4 weeks of chills, fevers, myalgias, neuralgias in her right arm, and pain in the right upper quadrant of her abdomen. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly, and laboratory studies showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased aspartate transaminase level, and microscopic hematuria. Wright's stain of a blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with Babesia species. A polymerase chain reaction of whole blood specimens along with an increased serologic titer confirmed the diagnosis of Babesia microti. Indirect immunofiuorescent antibody serology and Western blot analysis revealed a simultaneous infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Coinfection with B. microti and B. burgdorferi may occur in endemic areas where both organisms are carried by the same tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. The intensity and duration of illness seem to be greatest in patients with concurrent infection.
The neuroprotective agent ebselen modifies NMDA receptor function via the redox modulatory site

Ebselen is a seleno-organic compound currently in clinical trials for the treatment of ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Its putative mode of action as a neuroprotectant is via cyclical reduction and oxidation reactions, in a manner akin to glutathione peroxidase. For this reason, we have investigated the effects of ebselen on the redox-sensitive NMDA receptor. We have found that ebselen readily reversed dithiothreitol (DTT) potentiation of NMDA-mediated currents in cultured neurons and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing wild-type NMDA NR1/NR2B receptors. In contrast, ebselen was unable to modulate NMDA-induced currents in neurons previously exposed to the thiol oxidant 5,5 0 -dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), or in CHO cells expressing a mutant receptor lacking the NR1 redox modulatory site, suggesting that ebselen oxidizes the NMDA receptor via this site. In addition, ebselen was substantially less effective in modifying NMDA responses in neurons exposed to alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) following DTT treatment. Ebselen also reversed DTT block of carbachol-mediated currents in Cos-7 cells expressing the a2bd1 subunits of the acetylcholine receptor, an additional redox-sensitive ion channel. Ebselen was observed to significantly increase cell viability following a 30-min NMDA exposure in cultured neurons. In contrast, other more typical antioxidant compounds did not afford neuroprotection in a similar paradigm. We conclude that ebselen may be neuroprotective in part due to its actions as a modulator of the NMDA receptor redox modulatory site.