cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fourier-domain digital holographic optical coherence imaging of living tissue

Digital holographic optical coherence imaging is a full-frame coherence-gated imaging approach that uses a CCD camera to record and reconstruct digital holograms from living tissue. Recording digital holograms at the optical Fourier plane has advantages for diffuse targets compared with Fresnel off-axis digital holography. A digital hologram captured at the Fourier plane requires only a 2D fast Fourier transform for numerical reconstruction. We have applied this technique for the depth-resolved imaging of rat osteogenic tumor multicellular spheroids and acquired cross-section images of the anterior segment and the retinal region of a mouse eye. A penetration depth of 1.4 mm for the tumor spheroids was achieved.
2 An IT Enterprise Architecture Process Model

This paper describes the authors' experiences using a process to develop Information Technology (IT) Enterprise Architectures. An IT Enterprise Architecture is a blueprint that explains how all the IT and Information Management elements work together as a whole. The IT Enterprise Architecture is characterized by four views: Work and Location, Information Sets, Applications, and Technology Infrastructure. The IT Enterprise Architecture Process is based on a seven step model. The seven steps are: (1) Define the IT Vision, Objectives and Principles, (2) Characterize the IT Baseline, (3) Create the IT Target Architecture, (4) Identify the Immediate and Future Opportunities and Perform a Gap Analysis, (5) Develop Migration Options, (6) Implement the IT Architecture, and (7) Continuously Review and Update IT Enterprise Architecture.
Optimization of the cooling profile to achieve crack-free Yb:S-FAP crystals

Abstract Yb:S-FAP [Yb 3+ :Sr 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F] crystals are an important gain medium for diode-pumped laser applications. Growth of 7.0 cm diameter Yb:S-FAP crystals utilizing the Czochralski (CZ) method from SrF 2 -rich melts often encounters cracks during the post-growth cool-down stage. To suppress cracking during cool-down, a numerical simulation of the growth system was used to understand the correlation between the furnace power during cool-down and the radial temperature differences within the crystal. The critical radial temperature difference, above which the crystal cracks, has been determined by benchmarking the simulation results against experimental observations. Based on this comparison, an optimal three-stage ramp-down profile was implemented, which produced high-quality, crack-free Yb:S-FAP crystals.
Physical and financial barriers to implementing a nature reserve network in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA

To understand the potential financial cost of acquiring lands within a proposed reserve network for the Sierra Nevada, CA, USA, we used an assessors GIS database to estimate the acquisition cost in one county within the network to be US$ 2.5 billion. When only larger parcels were selected for the reserve network, the cost of the network decreased exponentially as the size-threshold for parcel selection increased, while the total area of the network decreased only linearly. Although acquiring only larger parcels may make sense financially, it does not result in adequate habitat representation because the spatial distribution of parcels is such that the lower elevation oak woodland and mid-elevation conifer forests tend to be on smaller parcels, which fall below the larger size thresholds and the resulting potential reserve areas are fragmented. Then, for the area surrounding the two major highways that cross the Sierra Nevada, we identified seventeen road barrier areas and six urban conflict areas that pose major, but possibly mitigable barriers to wildlife movement at different time scales. We propose that (1) wildlife conflicts with highway traffic could be feasibly mitigated by installing wildlife overcrossings at the identified locations and (2) constraints on development rather than land acquisition are necessary to protect biodiversity. Finally, we suggest that a combination of highway crossings and restrictions on land-use may be the cheapest way to protect biodiversity in the Sierra Nevada.
Numerical implementation of mixing and molecular transport in LES/PDF studies of turbulent reacting flows

Probability Density Function (PDF) methods in combination with Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are a powerful tool for studying turbulent reacting flow problems and we are interested in the implementation of mixing and molecular transport in LES/PDF methods. The numerical methodology used for solution procedure is the hybrid particle/mesh method and a fractional step scheme is used to solve for transport, reaction and mixing sequentially. Mixing is modeled using the Interaction by Exchange with the Mean (IEM) model and the effects of molecular transport are incorporated as a mean drift term in the mixing step. This methodology avoids spurious production of scalar variance and also allows direct incorporation of differential diffusion effects. In this study, various numerical implementations of mixing and molecular transport are presented and evaluated, using the Method of Manufactured Solutions (MMS), for (1) accuracy, (2) detailed conservation, (3) realizability, and (4) stability. Moreover, the methodology is shown to be successful in capturing the effects of differential diffusion accurately with the additional property of ensuring realizability of species mass fractions. Finally and most importantly, we describe a new variance reduction technique by way of an implicit smoothing methodology. This smoothing scheme is shown to satisfy conservation, boundedness and regularity criteria. Moreover, for an appropriate choice of the smoothing length scale, significant improvements in accuracy can be achieved for an incremental increase in computational cost. Also, it is shown that with smoothing on a length scale greater than the grid size, the bias and statistical errors due to there being a finite number of particles in the Lagrangian Monte Carlo simulations scale as N"t"o"t^-^1 and N"t"o"t^-^1^/^2 respectively, where N"t"o"t is the total number of particles in the computational domain, whereas without smoothing these errors scale as N"p"c^-^1 and N"p"c^-^1^/^2, where N"p"c is the much smaller number of particles in a computational cell.
Middle Cranial Fossa Epidural Abscess: An Unusual Complication of Acute Sinusitis:

Intracranial complications of acute sinusitis usually are manifested as frontal lobe empyemas, and middle cranial fossa epidural abscesses are rare. We present an unusual case of middle cranial fossa epidural abscess as a direct complication of acute pansinusitis in a young man. The etiology of middle cranial fossa epidural abscess formation is similar to that of anterior cranial fossa (frontal lobe) abscess formation, but the treatment and surgical approaches are more complicated. We present the methods of communication of paranasal disease through the fascial planes into the subtemporal space and the lateral pharyngeal space. An evaluation of a patient who presents with fever and severe headache of sinus origin should commence with imaging scans and a team approach to treatment.
ROC manifolds of multiple fused independent ATR systems

ABSTRACT AnAutomaticTargetRecognition(ATR)systemwith N possibleoutputlabels (ordecisions)will have N (N  1) possibleerrors. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) manifold was created to quantify all of these errors. When multipleATRsystemsarefused,theassumptionofindependenceis usuallymadeinordertomathematicallycombinetheindividualROC manifolds for each system into one ROC manifold. This paper will investigate the label fusion (also called decisionfusion)ofmultipleclassiÞcationsystemsthathavethesamenumberofoutputlabels. Booleanrulesdonotexistformultiplesymbols, thus, we will derive possible Boolean-like rules as well as other rules that will yield label fusion rules. Theformulafor the resultant ROC manifold of the fused classiÞcation systems which incorporatesthe individualclassiÞcationsystems will be derived. SpeciÞcally, given a fusion rule and two classiÞcation systems, the ROC manifold for the fusedsystem is produced. We generate formulas for the Boolean-like OR rule, Boolean-like AND rule, and other rules and givethe resultant ROC manifold for the fused system. Examples will be given that demonstrate how each formulais used.Keywords: Automatic Target Recognition,ClassiÞcation System, ROC manifold,Label Fusion
Electronic band structures and charge densities of NbC and NbN

We present nonlocal-pseudopotential calculations of the electronic band structures and charge densities of NbC and NbN. The major contribution to the charge density of the bands near the Fermi energy comes from C or N $4p$ states. The charge density for the first partially filled Nb $4d$ band and the shape of the Fermi surface for this band are also discussed.
Environmental forcing of phytoplankton floral composition, biomass, and primary productivity in Chesapeake Bay, USA

Abstract We examined environmental forcing of floral composition, biomass as chlorophyll a (Chl a ), and primary productivity (PP) of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay for six years (1995–2000). Our goal was to describe regional, seasonal, and interannual variability in the context of environmental forcing of phytoplankton dynamics. Floral composition was reconstructed from pigment concentrations obtained using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and expressed as the proportion of Chl a comprised by major taxonomic groups of phytoplankton (f_chl-a taxa ). PP was measured using 14 C methods in simulated in situ incubations. Diatoms dominated the annual cycle. Seasonality explained most of the variance of the four major groups present in the Bay (diatoms, cryptophytes, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria). A significant, positive influence of Susquehanna River flow (SRF) on f_chl-a diatom in spring and summer, specific to Bay region, emerged from an analysis of interannual deviations from long-term averages (LTAs) based on principal components (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses. Optimal water-column photosynthesis, P opt B (mg C mg Chl a −1 h −1 ), was negatively correlated with f_chl-a diatom in spring, and positively correlated with f_chl-a diatom in summer. These patterns were consistent with the co-occurrence of high f_chl-a diatom and high average cell size in spring, and high f_chl-a diatom and alleviation of nutrient limitation of P opt B in summer. We conclude that the LTA seasonal floral composition of Chesapeake Bay is disrupted by the influence of interannual variability of SRF, particularly in spring and summer. Floral composition, Chl a , and PP respond predictably to environmental forcing associated with variability of SRF and attendant nutrient loading, affecting the function and fate of phytoplankton not conveyed by bulk measures of biomass and productivity alone.
On the convergence of a modified Kähler–Ricci flow

We study the convergence of a modified Kahler–Ricci flow defined by Zhou Zhang. We show that the modified Kahler–Ricci flow converges to a singular metric when the limit class is degenerate. This proves a conjecture of Zhang.
A greater decline in female facial attractiveness during middle age reflects women's loss of reproductive value.

Facial attractiveness represents an important component of an individual’s overall attractiveness as a potential mating partner. Perceptions of facial attractiveness are expected to vary with age-related changes in health, reproductive value, and power. In this study, we investigated perceptions of facial attractiveness, power, and personality in two groups of women of pre- and post-menopausal ages (35-50 years and 51-65 years, respectively) and two corresponding groups of men. We tested three hypotheses: 1) that perceived facial attractiveness would be lower for older than for younger men and women; 2) that the age-related reduction in facial attractiveness would be greater for women than for men; and 3) that for men, there would be a larger increase in perceived power at older ages. Eighty facial stimuli were rated by 60 (30 male, 30 female) middle-aged women and men using online surveys. Our three main hypotheses were supported by the data. Consistent with sex differences in mating strategies, the greater age-related decline in female facial attractiveness was driven by male respondents, while the greater age-related increase in male perceived power was driven by female respondents. In addition, we found evidence that some personality ratings were correlated with perceived attractiveness and power ratings. The results of this study are consistent with evolutionary theory and with previous research showing that faces can provide important information about characteristics that men and women value in a potential mating partner such as their health, reproductive value, and power or possession of resources.
Heterotopic calcification in abdominal wounds

Abstract Background Heterotopic bone formation in abdominal incisions is a recognized but uncommon sequela of abdominal surgery. The condition of heterotopic bone formation in the abdominal scar may not only cause physical and/or emotional discomfort for the patient but also mimic a retained foreign body or recurrence of a malignant condition. All cases of two surgeons representing a wide variety of general and thoracic surgery were reviewed, and three primary cases and one recurrent case of heterotopic bone formation in an abdominal wound were identified. These cases are compared with the cases available in the English literature to enhance the recognition, appropriate diagnosis, and treatment options available for the patient with this unusual condition. Methods All cases for two surgeons representing a variety of general and thoracic surgery were reviewed. Three patients with painful heterotopic calcification of an abdominal incision requiring excision were identified. One patient had undergone an upper midline laparotomy for pancreatitis and the other two had undergone median sternotomy for cardiac surgery. One of these patients developed a painful recurrence of upper linea alba calcification. All patients were male and ranged in age from 51 to 74 years. Primary heterotopic calcification of the upper linea alba occurred between 2 and 4 months for all patients. All cases were treated with excision and primary tissue closure. The case of recurrent calcification occurred 11/2 months after primary closure, and was treated with re-excision and 1,200 centirads of postoperative radiotherapy to the incision area over 3 days, starting on postoperative day 1. The 2 cases of primary heterotopic calcification successfully treated with the initial excision have been followed for 2 and 6 years respectively without recurrence. The case of recurrent heterotopic calcification treated with re-excision and postoperative radiotherapy has been followed for 10 months without recurrence.
Adjuvants of immunity: harnessing innate immunity to promote adaptive immunity.

Since Jules Freund reported that crude mycobacterial extracts greatly promoted immune responses to antigens ([1][1]), the use of adjuvants has become a widespread, but poorly understood practice to promote T and B cell responses ([2][2]). Recent studies have begun to identify the chemical nature of
Replication and allocation of task modules in distributed real-time systems

This paper addresses the problem of replicating and allocating periodic task modules to processing nodes (PNs) in distributed real-time systems subject to task precedence and timing constraints. The probability that all tasks can be completed before their deadlines-termed as the probability of no dynamic failure (P/sub ND/)-is used as the performance-related reliability measure. Modules which are critical in meeting task deadlines are then selected using the critical path analysis. To provide the timing correctness embedded in P/sub ND/, both original and replicated task modules are not only assigned to PNs, but also scheduled on each PN so as to meet the deadlines of all tasks. The module allocation scheme uses (1) the branch-and-bound method to implicitly enumerate all possible allocations while effectively pruning unnecessary search paths; and (2) the module scheduling scheme to schedule the modules assigned to each PN. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed scheme. >
Studies of Corrosion of Al Thin Films using Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy

A fundamental understanding of the processes that occur during early stages of corrosion is traditionally limited by the dearth of techniques that probe the liquid-solid interface with both high spatial resolution and microstructural detail such as grain size and orientation. Here, we demonstrate that with a microfluidic liquid flow cell holder, we can track the progress of corrosion in situ in Al thin films with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To mitigate the loss of resolution caused by imaging through liquid, we developed a method in which the liquid is temporarily de-wetted from the entire windowed area by switching the liquid stream from pure water to a mixture of ethanol and water. In the de-wetted region, we then collected images of the film microstructure with high spatial resolution over regular intervals while maintaining a low electron flux over the imaged area to minimize beam-induced effects. For as-deposited films, we find that the corrosion progresses in a fractal manner, consistent with reported behavior for films studied in water with low iron and chloride concentrations. For films that were subjected to rapid thermal annealing, we observe a higher density of pitting events, which we attribute to defects created by thermal stress in the oxide film. Furthermore, we observe that the pits can form at multiple locations in a single grain and are not confined to grain boundaries.
VERTEX SPLITTING IN DAGS AND APPLICATIONS TO PARTIAL SCAN DESIGNS AND LOSSY CIRCUITS

Directed acyclic graphs (dags) are often used to model circuits. Path lengths in such dags represent circuit delays. In the vertex splitting problem, the objective is to determine a minimum number of vertices to split so that the resulting dag has no path of length > δ. This problem has application to the placement of flip-flops in partial scan designs, placement of latches in pipelined circuits, placement of signal boosters in lossy circuits and networks, etc. Several simplified versions of this problem are shown to be NP-hard. A linear time algorithm is obtained for the case when the dag is a tree. A backtracking algorithm and heuristics are developed for general dags and experimental results using dags obtained from ISCAS benchmark circuits are obtained.
Internal Unilaterization Technique for CMOS mm-Wave Amplifiers

An internal unilaterization technique for cas-code devices is analyzed and demonstrated in 90 nm CMOS technology. The substrate network of the device has been incorporated in a circuit technique together with an LC tank on the top gate of the cascode structure. The structure is accurately modeled and conditions for unilaterization of the cascode are derived in terms of the the LC tank parameters. An increase in the maximum stable gain from 7.5 dB to 20 dB has been verified in the measurements using this technique.
Mass spectrometry for the molecular imaging of angiotensin metabolism in kidney

To better understand the tissue distribution and activity of enzymes involved in angiotensin II (Ang II) processing, we developed a novel molecular imaging method using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Mouse kidney sections (12 μm) were incubated with 10–1,000 μmol/l Ang II for 5–15 min at 37°C. The formed peptides Ang III and Ang-(1–7) were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF. A third metabolite, Ang-(1–4), was generated from further degradation of Ang-(1–7). Enzymatic processing of Ang II was dose and time dependent and absent in heat-treated kidney sections. Distinct spatial distribution patterns (pseudocolor images) were observed for the peptides. Ang III was localized in renal medulla, whereas Ang-(1–7)/Ang-(1–4) was present in cortex. Regional specific peptide formation was confirmed using microdissected cortical and medullary biopsies. In vitro studies with recombinant enzymes confirmed activity of peptidases known to generate Ang III or Ang-(1–7) from Ang II: aminopeptidase A (APA), Ang-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP), and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). Renal medullary Ang III generation was blocked by APA inhibitor glutamate phosphonate. The ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 and PCP/PEP inhibitor Z-pro-prolinal reduced cortical Ang-(1–7) formation. Our results establish the power of MALDI imaging as a highly specific and information-rich analytical technique that will further aid our understanding of the role and site of Ang II processing in cardiovascular and renal pathologies.
Formalizing Causal Block Diagrams for Modeling a Class of Hybrid Dynamic Systems

This paper attempts to formalize the semantics of causal block diagrams, a language that is extensively used in the design of technical systems. The formalization is based on lambda calculus, and implemented in the declarative functional language Haskell. Specifically, the combination of discrete-time and continuous-time computations, hybrid dynamic systems, is concentrated on. It shows how in many cases this combination causes multi-rate computations and so transition semantics between the two types of computations are strictly necessary. A loose interpretation is shown to result in an implementation that is amenable to error.
Estrous cycle characteristics and response to estrus synchronization in mammoth asses (Equus asinus americanus).

Breeding records from a herd of mammoth asses (Equus asinus americanus) maintained on pasture in southeast Texas from 1990 to 1998 were reviewed. Jennies were pasture or hand mated, and estrus was either observed while the jennies were on pasture or when exposed to a jack after being penned. Eighty-one estrus periods and 43 diestrus intervals were recorded in 33 jennies over 4 seasons of the year (January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December). Estrous cycle length and the duration of estrus were similar among seasons. Over all seasons, estrous cycle length was 23.3 +/- 2.6 d, duration of estrus was 5.9 +/- 2.1 d, and diestrus length was 17.4 +/- 2.6 d (mean +/- SD). During these same 9 yr, 58 injections of PGF2 alpha (5 mg, i.m.) were administered to 38 jennies without regard to stage of estrous cycle. Seventy-six percent (44/58) of the jennies showed signs of estrus after PGF2 alpha treatment, with an interval to estrus of 4.4 +/- 1.6 d and a duration of estrus of 5.6 +/- 1.7 d. Two estrus synchronization schemes were also assessed. Trial 1 was performed in October to November 1996, and Trial 2 was performed in February to March 1998. In Trial 1 (Group PE + PGF, n = 10), each jenny was injected intramuscularly once daily for 10 d with 150 mg progesterone and 10 mg estradiol-17 beta in sesame oil, and PGF2 alpha (10 mg) was injected intramuscularly on the last day of treatment. In Trial 2 (Group PGF-2X, n = 11), each jenny was injected intramuscularly twice, 16 d apart, with 10 mg PGF2 alpha. All Group PE + PGF jennies responded to treatment. One jenny in Group PGF-2X did not respond to either injection of PGF2 alpha, while 2 jennies responded to the first but not the second PGF2 alpha injection (8 of 11 jennies returned to estrus and ovulated after the second PGF2 alpha injection). Duration of estrus was 6.8 +/- 1.9 d for Group PE + PGF and 7.1 +/- 1.8 d for Group PGF-2X jennies. Interval to estrus and interval to ovulation following the last treatment were 9.0 +/- 0.9 d and 14.5 +/- 1.7 d, respectively, in Group PE + PGF jennies, and 4.5 +/- 0.9 d and 10.4 +/- 1.8 d, respectively, for Group PGF-2X jennies. In summary, estrous cycle characteristics of mammoth asses are similar to those reported for standard jennies, and estrus synchronization schemes used in horses are effective in mammoth asses.
Blocking Phragmites australis reinvasion of restored marshes using plants selected from wild populations and tissue culture

This study tested a vegetation strategy for controlling Phragmites australis invasion into brackish marshes as an alternative to the current technique of repeated herbicide sprays followed by burning. This strategy involves blocking P. australis by planting desired plants selected from wild populations and/or tissue culture regenerants at key points on the major routes of P. australis invasion. The planting of native species was conducted at three sites in a herbicide-treated P. australis marsh near Salem, NJ. Wild population selections of three upland marsh shrubs, Myrica cerifera, Baccharis halimifolia, and Iva frutescens, as well as two grass species, Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens, and two rushes, Juncus gerardi and Juncus roemerianus, were planted according to their normal zonation positions. Tissue culture regenerated plants of the two grasses and two rushes, and the sedge species Scirpus robustus, were also planted. Plant growth at each site was monitored each year after planting for up to 3 years. Most plants of B. halimifolia, I. frutescens, J. roemerianus, and S. patens demonstrated a consistent vigorous growth at all three sites, whether or not the plants were collected from wild populations or were tissue culture regenerants. These multi-layered walls of plants demonstrated effectiveness in controlling the P. australis by restricting or inhibiting its spread. Upon screening 48 regenerated plants of S. patens at one of the three sites, we found that some regenerants showed enhanced characteristics for blocking P. australis, such as greater expansion and a high stem density. The availability of the tissue culture-regenerated plants of the native marsh species makes it possible to select lines from local genotypes that have desirable characteristics for wetland restoration projects, such as blocking P. australis reinvasion.
Ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs and cats: 46 cases (1988-1992).

3. Dennis JA, Healy PJ, Beaudet AL, O’Brien WE: 1989, Molecular 6. Shuster DE, Kehrli ME Jr, Ackermann MR, Gilbert RO: 1992, definition of bovine argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency. Proc Identification and prevalence of a genetic defect that causes leuNatl Acad Sci USA 86:7947-7951. kocyte adhesion deficiency in Holstein cattle. Proc Natl Acad Sci 4. Pinder S J, Perry BN, Skidmore CJ, Savva D: 1991, Analysis of USA 89:9225-9229. polymorphism in the bovine casein genes by use of the poly7. Walsh PS, Erlich HA, Higuchi R: 1992, Preferential PCR ammerase chain reaction. Anim Genet 22:11-20. plification of alleles: mechanisms and solutions. PCR Methods 5. Plante Y, Schmutz SM, Lang KD, Moker JS: 1992, Detection Appl 1:241-250. of leucochimaerism in bovine twins by DNA fingerprinting. Anim Genet 23:295-302.
Detection of Rotavirus in Fecal Samples from Calves by a Cell Culture Indirect Immunofluorescence, an Ag-Capture ELISA, a Tissue Culture ELISA, and a Commercial Ag-Capture ELISA:

8 Rotavirus-caused diarrheas cannot be diagnosed solely on clinical signs; therefore, a rapid, simple, and sensitive laboratory detection method for rotavirus would be of a great diagnostic value. Several assays, including electron micros- copy (EM), have been developed for the rapid detection of rotaviruses or their antigens in stool samples of humans and animals. Because antigen-capture ELISAs (Ag-capture ELI- SAs) detect fragments of viral proteins in addition to intact virions, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate an Ag-capture ELISA developed in our laboratory (Ag-C ELISA), a commercial ELISA kit a
Detecting altered postural control after cerebral concussion in athletes with normal postural stability

Objective: To determine if approximate entropy (ApEn), a regularity statistic from non-linear dynamics, could detect changes in postural control during quiet standing in athletes with normal postural stability after cerebral concussion. Methods: The study was a retrospective, case series analysis of centre of pressure (COP) data collected during the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) from NCAA Division I (USA) athletes prior to and within 48 h after injury. Subjects were 21 male and six female athletes from a variety of sports who sustained a cerebral concussion between 1997 and 2003. After injury, athletes displayed normal postural stability equivalent to preseason levels. For comparison, COP data also were collected from 15 male and 15 female healthy non-athletes on two occasions. ApEn values were calculated for COP anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) time series. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, COP oscillations among athletes generally became more regular (lower ApEn value) after injury despite the absence of postural instability. For AP time series, declines in ApEn values were much larger in SOT conditions 1 and 2 (approximately three times as large as the standard error of the mean) than for all other conditions. For ML time series, ApEn values declined after injury in all sensory conditions (F1,55 = 6.36, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Athletes who demonstrated normal postural stability after concussion nonetheless displayed subtle changes in postural control. Changes in ApEn may have represented a clinically abnormal finding. ApEn analysis of COP oscillations may be a valuable supplement to existing concussion assessment protocols for athletes.
Static analysis of V transmission lines

A static analysis of V-shaped transmission lines is performed using a moment method formulation. Measurements were performed on a sample, and the validity of the theoretical results is verified by the experimental data. Characteristic impedance and propagation velocity are found to be strongly dependent on the angle parameter. Comparison with microstrip indicates a lower characteristic impedance and higher effective permittivity for V transmission lines. For multiple lines, the shape of the ground reference leads to lower coupling coefficients and lower mutual inductance and capacitance between adjacent lines. >
Body composition and energy balance: Lack of effect of short-term hormone replacement in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal women (PMW) commonly believe that hormone replacement (HR) leads to weight gain, and fear of weight gain and/or an actual increase in weight is one of the principle reasons evoked for the discontinuation of HR. However, the potential effects of physiologic HR on body composition have yet to be separated from the effects of lifestyle or aging. Therefore, we examined the effect of short-term hormone replacement and age on alterations in weight, body composition, and energy balance. A prospective study of 28 healthy PMW aged 45 to 55 years (younger PMW, studies completed n = 18) and 70 to 80 years (older PMW, studies completed n = 15) was conducted. The last menstrual period was more than 12 months previously. The women had a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m2 and were taking no medication. Subjects were studied at baseline, after 1 month of transdermal estrogen (Estraderm, 50 μg/day) administration (E2), followed by a further month of transdermal estrogen with progesterone (100 mg per vagina twice daily) for the final 7 days (E2 + P). Anthropometric measurements and energy assessments were performed at each visit. Physiologic HR was achieved in each subject, and there was no difference between levels achieved in older and younger women. Resting energy expenditure and activity level were positively correlated with fat-free mass (P < .0001), while energy intake was not. Resting energy expenditure was lower in older compared with younger PMW when adjusted for fat-free mass (P < .005). Energy intake was also lower in the older PMW when corrected for fat-free mass (P < .0001); as was activity level (P < .05). There was no effect of hormonal treatment on any of the parameters measured. Changes in weight from baseline for E2 (0.37 ± 0.25 and 0.61 ± 0.27 kg in younger and older) and E2 + P (0.11 ± 0.38 and 0.28 ± 0.31 kg) were not statistically significant. In addition, there was no difference in BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) between groups or with hormonal treatment. In conclusion, short-term transdermal HR is not associated with significant changes in weight or other anthropometric measures in younger or older PMW. These studies confirm the decrease in energy expenditure that occurs with aging, but indicates that there is no effect of HR on resting energy expenditure.
Computing education and the information technology workforce

Eric Roberts(with the endorsement of the ACM Education Board)March 1, 2000The Committee on Workforce Needs in Information Technology was formed in responseto “concern that lack of an adequate, well-trained workforce may inhibit the capacity ofthe United States to remain competitive” in information technology (IT) [25]. Thepurpose of this white paper is to examine the labor shortage in IT, drawing on ourexperience not only as experts in computing, but also as educators in the computing field.As we argue in the rest of this paper, we believe that the following statements are true ofthe labor economy in IT today:• Critical shortages exist in particular specialty areas within the IT profession,specifically those directly associated with software development.• The productivity of software developers—which we use as a generic designation forprogrammers, software engineers, systems analysts, and other professionals involvedin the creation of software—varies enormously among individuals.• Education is an important force in the intellectual development of most highlyeffective software developers.• The educational system that produces many of the high-quality software developers isitself threatened by the enormous demand from industry for top talent.1. BackgroundAs noted in the summary of the project on Workforce Needs in Information Technology[25], there is widespread concern in the computing industry that the supply of well-trained computing professionals is significantly less than the current demand. Employersreport critical labor shortages in certain IT areas, primarily those that are directlyinvolved in software development. A 1997 report from the Information TechnologyAssociation of America found that 190,000 jobs in the IT industry remained unfilledbecause of a shortage of qualified workers [18]. After interviewing 441 CEOs of thefastest growing U.S. companies, Coopers & Lybrand reported that 66 percent viewed theshortage of qualified workers to be their greatest concern [8]. Other studies—including adetailed analysis issued by the Computing Research Association (CRA) [15] and tworeports from the Office of Technology policy in the U.S. Department of Commerce[27, 28]—provide additional evidence to support the existence of an IT worker shortage.Despite such evidence, the very existence of an IT labor shortage remains controversial.The authors of the 1999 CRA report were unable to agree on whether the situation facingthe IT industry represents a significant labor shortage or a less serious, more ephemeraltightness in the labor market. The General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed themethodology of the 1998 Department of Commerce report and identified “seriousanalytical weaknesses that undermine the credibility of the report’s conclusion” [32].Critics within organized labor and some academics have expressed skepticism about thereality of such a crisis, arguing that any worker shortage in IT has been greatlyexaggerated. In his congressional testimony against increasing the number of visas under
A Method to Study Intracellular Ice Nucleation

The thermodynamics of intracellular ice nucleation are important in low-temperature biology for understanding and controlling the process of cell destruction by freezing. We have developed a new apparatus and technique for studying the physics of intracellular ice nucleation. Employing the principle of directional solidification in conjunction with light microscopy, we can generate information on the temperature at which ice nucleates intracellularly as a function of the thermal history the cells experience. The methodology is introduced, and results with primary prostatic cancer cells are described.
Spatiotemporal Analogies: Are Space and Time Similar?

Examinant les hypotheses analogistes de R. Taylor concernant la similitude des concepts d'espace et temps, ainsi que les critiques ineffectives formulees par J. M. Shorter, l'A. developpe un nouvel argument contre les analogies spatio-temporelles, fonde sur la notion de grandeur, de localite, et sur l'asymetrie entre les parties spatiales et les parties temporelles des objets physiques.
Perception and acceptance of selected high-intensity sweeteners and blends in model soft drinks by propylthiouracil (PROP) non-tasters and super-tasters

Individual variation in the perception of saccharin has been related to genetic sensitivity to the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). But, data on other intense sweeteners are sparse, particularly when tasted in real foods. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify the sensory attributes of intense sweeteners that influenced perception and acceptability of citrus-flavored model soft drinks and (2) to investigate the influence of PROP taster status on these responses. The sweeteners were: 10% and 8% high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) (controls), sucralose (SUC), aspartame (ASP), acesulfame-K (ACE), ASP/ACE and SUC/ACE. Twenty-nine PROP non-tasters (NT) and 30 PROP super-tasters (ST) rated nine attributes for intensity and liking. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The sweeteners were described in three dimensions. Factor 1 was a bitter-citrus contrast for which overall liking was associated with higher citrus impact and lower bitterness. Factors 2 and 3 were related to overall flavor and carbonation, respectively. The sensory profiles of ASP, ASP/ACE and SUC were most similar to 10% HFCS. SUC/ACE was more bitter and less acceptable than 10% HFCS; ACE was the most bitter and was liked the least. PCA also revealed that NT placed more emphasis on the perception of sweetness and citrus flavor (Factor 1; 37% variance), whereas ST tasters placed more emphasis on bitterness (Factor 1; 43% variance). Liking was uniquely related to lower bitterness for NT. For ST, liking was negatively related to bitterness and weakly positively related to persistence of sweetness. These data suggest that ST experience intense sweeteners differently than NT but these differences play a minor role in soft drink acceptance.
EXPERIMENTAL YAWS IN THE MONKEY AND RABBIT

1. Rabbits can be infected in the testicle with the spirochetae of yaws as well as with those of syphilis and the infection can be continued through successive generations in pure culture. 2. The infection shows itself by enlargement of the testicle and the presence of a nodule varying in size from that of a pea to that of an olive. The infection consists in a necrosis of the tubules, an infiltration of round cells and the new formation of an edematous connective tissue. 3. The complement fixation reaction occurs in rabbits infected with the spirochetae of yaws as well as in those infected with the spirochetae of syphilis. 4. This lesion makes possible the investigation of the problems of cultivation, of immunity and of treatment.
Role of EMT in Metastasis and Therapy Resistance

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex molecular program that regulates changes in cell morphology and function during embryogenesis and tissue development. EMT also contributes to tumor progression and metastasis. Cells undergoing EMT expand out of and degrade the surrounding microenvironment to subsequently migrate from the primary site. The mesenchymal phenotype observed in fibroblasts is specifically important based on the expression of smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), and collagen to enhance EMT. Although EMT is not completely dependent on EMT regulators such as Snail, Twist, and Zeb-1/-2, analysis of upstream signaling (i.e., TGF-β, EGF, Wnt) is necessary to understand tumor EMT more comprehensively. Tumor epithelial–fibroblast interactions that regulate tumor progression have been identified during prostate cancer. The cellular crosstalk is significant because these events influence therapy response and patient outcome. This review addresses how canonical EMT signals originating from prostate cancer fibroblasts contribute to tumor metastasis and recurrence after therapy.
Preparation of graphite intercalation compounds containing oligo and polyethers

Layered host-polymer nanocomposites comprising polymeric guests between inorganic sheets have been prepared with many inorganic hosts, but there is limited evidence for the incorporation of polymeric guests into graphite. Here we report for the first time the preparation, and structural and compositional characterization of graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) containing polyether bilayers. The new GICs are obtained by either (1) reductive intercalation of graphite with an alkali metal in the presence of an oligo or polyether and an electrocatalyst, or (2) co-intercalate exchange of an amine for an oligo or polyether in a donor-type GIC. Structural characterization of products using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analyses supports the formation of well-ordered, first-stage GICs containing alkali metal cations and oligo or polyether bilayers between reduced graphene sheets.
Social Security: Not All Reform Approaches are Equal

This study examines various traditional Social Security reforms that achieve a zero actuarial balance over the standard 75-year evaluation period and a reform that is similar to the one proposed by Reps. Archer and Shaw. Using the capabilities of SSASIM, a policy simulation model, each reform's 75-year actuarial balance is projected in both deterministic and stochastic modes. While all of the reforms achieve actuarial balance in deterministic mode, all but the Archer-Shaw type proposal with an assumed historical equity return rate and low administrative costs have a negative median actuarial balance from the 5,000 simulation scenarios which were run in stochastic mode. Furthermore, the probability of the traditional reforms achieving at least zero actuarial balance is relatively low, and the probability of the Archer-Shaw type reform reaching at least zero actuarial balance is highly dependent upon the assumed equity rate of return and the level of the administrative costs for the individual accounts.
The Epistemology of the Truth in Modern Islam

There is a serious problem with arguing that God intended to lock the epistemology of the seventh century into the immutable text of the Qur’an, and then intended to hold Muslims hostage to this epistemological framework for all ages to come. Among other things, this would limit the dynamism and effectiveness of Divine text because the Qur’an would be for ever locked within a knowledge paradigm that is very difficult to retrieve or re-create. The author argues for the recognition of three critical categories in Islamic theology: haqq, hikma and ma‘arifa. While haqq connotes the objective and constant truth, it is not reachable without hikma. Hikma is the balance [mizan] of truths in every historical moment with all of its contingencies. Ma’arifa is the epistemology or the way to searching the objective and constant truth as well as the search for the hikma appropriate for each stage in human consciousness. The author contends that it is contrary to the very nature of a merciful and compassionate God to leave Muslims with a Revelation that is not fully equipped to deal with the altered states of consciousness and perceptions that are inevitable in every stage of human development.
Axonal amyloid precursor protein and its fragments undergo somatodendritic endocytosis and processing

Deposition of potentially neurotoxic Aβ fragments derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) at synapses may be a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. However, the location(s) of proteolytic processing and subsequent secretion of APP fragments from highly compartmentalized, euploid neurons that express APP and processing enzymes at normal levels is not well understood. To probe the behavior of endogenous APP, particularly in human neurons, we developed a system using neurons differentiated from human embryonic stem cells, cultured in microfluidic devices, to enable direct biochemical measurements from axons. Using human or mouse neurons in these devices, we measured levels of Aβ, sAPPα, and sAPPβ secreted solely from axons. We found that a majority of the fragments secreted from axons were processed in the soma, and many were dependent on somatic endocytosis for axonal secretion. We also observed that APP and the β-site APP cleaving enzyme were, for the most part, not dependent on endocytosis for axonal entry. These data establish that axonal entry and secretion of APP and its proteolytic processing products traverse different pathways in the somatodendritic compartment before axonal entry.
Changing climate and sea level alter Hg mobility at Lake Tulane, Florida, U.S.

Between 45 000 cal years BP and the beginning of the Holocene, the accumulation rate for Hg in sediments of Lake Tulane, Florida ranged from ≈2 to 10 μg m–2 yr–1, compared with 53 μg Hg m–2 yr–1 in the 1985–1990 period of anthropogenic input. The locality experienced regional draw-down of the water table during the Wisconsinan glaciation, which lowered global sea level by nearly 130 m. Natural atmospheric deposition of Hg to the surrounding area resulted in long-term (ca. 100 000 years) sequestration of this atmospheric flux of Hg, primarily by adsorption in the oxic Al- and Fe-hydroxide-rich sandy subsoil.Global sea level rise during deglaciation led to a rising regional water table, flooding the oxidized soils surrounding Tulane. Iron and adsorbed Hg were mobilized by reductive dissolution and transported by groundwater flow to Lake Tulane and ultimately to the accumulating sediment. The accumulation rate of Hg (and Fe) increased rapidly about 16 000 cal years BP, peaked at nearly 60 μg Hg m–2 yr–1 ca. ...
Miki-le-toss ou comment repérer un guech en quelques leçons': l'identité ethnique 'tos' en France à travers les blogs de jeunes lusodescendants

In this article, I analyze the ‘tos’ ethnic identity, as expressed in blogs written by French-Portuguese teenagers in France, also called ‘lusodescendants,’ who are the children of Portuguese residents. Starting in the eighties, the reclaiming of this ethnic identity has been reinforced by Portugal’s entry in the European Union in 1986, the institutionalization of links between the lusodescendants and Portugal, and France’s recent opening to its migrant populations. Influenced by the Chicano cultural movement, the ‘tos’ movement shares some of its foundational features: a myth of origin, a privileging of unity, and a conservative notion of family. Despite this movement’s nationalist tendencies, I argue that it does not threaten this youth’s integration to France or to Europe, especially since lusodescendants, who are often Portuguese and French nationals, feel ‘twice European.’ In their case, European identity, to which they never refer in the blogs, is a mere sum of national identities. If a common European identity were needed, it should not be in the form of assimilationist policies replacing national cultures by a ‘European culture.’ Indeed, most European countries share a history of dictatorships and nationalisms, i.e. of official cultures being forced onto people. This dictatorial and nationalist past is directly responsible for the Portuguese diaspora and the lusodescendants’ ethnic identity claims today.