cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highpass and bandpass 2nd-order switched-capacitor filters

Highpass and bandpass switched-capacitor filters derived from Sallen and Key, and Bach's RC active highpass filters have been described. The bandpass filters have been shown to be realisable by simple modification of the highpass filters, using Laker's method of obtaining 1st-order lowpass filters from 1st-order highpass filters under certain input conditions. A single amplifier version of a recently described bandpass filter has also been discussed. All the realisations have been compared regarding the capacitor spread required to realise desired pole frequency and pole Q for given sampling frequency and optimised for minimal capacitor spread.
The six types of nonbelief: a qualitative and quantitative study of type and narrative

Extensive research has been conducted in exploration of the American religious landscape; however, only recently has social science research started to explore nonbelief in any detail. Research on nonbelief has been limited as most research focuses on the popularity of the religious “nones” or the complexities of alternative faith expressions such as spirituality. Through two studies, one qualitative and one quantitative, this research explored how nonbelievers’ self-identify. Study 1 (the qualitative study) discovered that individuals have shared definitional agreement but use different words to describe different types of nonbelief. Through thematic coding, a typology of six different types of nonbelief was observed. Those are Academic Atheists, Activist Atheist/Agnostics, Seeker Agnostics, Antitheists, Non-Theists, and the Ritual Atheists. Study 2 explored the empirical aspects of these types related to the Big Five Domain, Ryff Psychological Well-Being, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Multidimensi...
Sliding controller design for non-linear systems

Abstract New results are presented on the sliding control methodology introduced by Slotine and Sastry (1983) to achieve accurate tracking for a class of non-linear time-varying multivariate systems in the presence of disturbances and parameter variations. An explicit trade-off is obtained between tracking precision and robustness to modelling uncertainty : tracking accuracy is sot according to the extent, of parametric uncertainty and the frequency range of unmodelled dynamics. The trade-off is further refined to account for time-dependence of model uncertainty.
Temporal, Matter-Wave-Dispersion Talbot Effect

We analyze and experimentally demonstrate a new (temporal) Talbot effect, where a pulsed phase grating is applied to a cloud of cold atoms (Bose-Einstein condensate). In contrast to the usual (spatial) Talbot effect, our atoms gain kinetic energy when diffracted by the pulsed grating. The energy gain and the matter-wave-dispersion relation result in an exact (no paraxial approximation) Talbot effect where the initial wave front is reconstructed at multiples of a ``Talbot time'' ${T}_{\mathrm{T}}$. We demonstrate the Talbot effect by applying a second pulsed phase grating after a variable delay. When this second grating is applied at even (odd) multiples of ${T}_{\mathrm{T}}/2$, it doubles (cancels) the effect of the first pulsed grating.
Automatic generation of group technology families during the part classification process

Initial part family formation and subsequent part classification are two important problems to be addressed in applying the group technology principle. Although these two problems are closely related, they have been treated separately. As an aggregate problem, the automatic creation of new part families during the classification process, is investigated. A two-layer neural network using the adaptive resonance theory is adopted. The capability of this neural network model of dealing with the stability-plasticity dilemma is utilised in classifying the parts into families and creating new families if necessary. A heuristic algorithm using the neural network is described, with illustrative examples.
Electronic structure, elastic properties, surface energies, and work functions of NiGe and PtGe within the framework of density-functional theory for various surface terminations

We present a comprehensive theoretical study of the electronic structure, elastic properties, surface energies, and work functions of $\mathrm{NiGe}$ and $\mathrm{PtGe}$ within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Our calculated lattice constants are within 1--2% of recently reported experimental values. Calculated work functions for the (001) surfaces of $\mathrm{NiGe}$ and $\mathrm{PtGe}$ are 4.57 and $4.83\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, respectively, suggesting that both metals and their alloys can be used as self-aligned contacts to $p$-type germanium. We identify the growth conditions necessary to stabilize this orientation. We report on an unusual surface reconstruction of the $\mathrm{NiGe}(101)\text{--}\mathrm{Ge}$-terminated surface.
Rapid non-destructive determination of thin films of platinum by particle back-scattering

Abstract Rutherford back-scattering of α-particles is used to determine trace amounts of thin films of platinum. The method is sensitive to 0.3 ng of platinum and the response is linear from at least 0.01 to 80 μg Pt cm -2 of substrate surface area. Calibration with weighed standards reveals good accuracy and precision throughout the linear range. Up to at least 80 μg cm -2 , no matrix effects can be observed for platinum determinations on Mylar, carbon, glass, and glass or quartz coated with up to 0.5 μm thicknesses of tin oxide. Particle-induced x-ray emission spectra are included to show their utility in surface composition analysis. The analytical procedure for the determination of platinum is rapid and non-destructive, and requires minimal sample preparation.
European Space Agency announces comet landing site

Scientists believe that comets hold clues to the solar system's origins, and soon they will be one step closer to unlocking these secrets. Last week, the European Space Agency announced that the spacecraft Rosetta will deploy its lander, Philae, to land on the “head” of the comet 67/P Churyumov-Gerasimenko at candidate site J. Project scientists have been racing to choose an ideal landing site since Rosetta arrived at the comet on 6 August. This event will mark the first landing mission on a comet.
Spiritual weapons: Black female principals and religio‐spirituality

The historic connection of religion and spirituality to women, education, advocacy, and leadership is prevalent in Black American histories in general and the role of the religion and spirit in promoting education and socialisation. Important in this history is the intersection of spirituality and leadership for Black American women. This research privileges woman and female agency in rearticulating gender and race in ways that are meaningful despite subjectivities. This study, informed by notions of religio‐spirituality, is taken from a larger study of the life narratives of four Black female principals. Through narrative analysis, the intersectionality of gender, race, and religio‐spirituality highlighted the relationship of past and current religio‐spiritual leadership understandings that contest the status quo in US schools. Our study highlights one example in which the historicity and analysis of gender and race contributes to reconceputalising educational administration by emphasising the voices of ...
Free Radicals: Relation to Tissue Damaae ‐ A Review

Summary Free radicals are any molecules having an odd number of electrons. These molecules are highly reactive and can be generated as byproducts of normal metabolism as well as by exposure to a number of environmental factors including drugs, radiation and air pollutants. Due to the ubiquity of molecular oxygen, the oxygen metabolites superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and the hydroxyl radical are frequently involved in both beneficial and detrimental free radical reactions. Intracellular enzymes and radical scavengers help to protect against tissue damage by these reactive metabolites. The extent of free radical damage to tissue depends on the nature of the radical produced and its site of generation.
Target-Specific Support Vector Machine Scoring in Structure-Based Virtual Screening: Computational Validation, In Vitro Testing in Kinases, and Effects on Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation

We assess the performance of our previously reported structure-based support vector machine target-specific scoring function across 41 targets, 40 among them from the Directory of Useful Decoys (DUD). The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic plots (ROC-AUC) revealed that scoring with SVM-SP resulted in consistently better enrichment over all target families, outperforming Glide and other scoring functions, most notably among kinases. In addition, SVM-SP performance showed little variation among protein classes, exhibited excellent performance in a test case using a homology model, and in some cases showed high enrichment even with few structures used to train a model. We put SVM-SP to the test by virtual screening 1125 compounds against two kinases, EGFR and CaMKII. Among the top 25 EGFR compounds, three compounds (1−3) inhibited kinase activity in vitro with IC50 of 58, 2, and 10 μM. In cell cultures, compounds 1−3 inhibited nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (H1299) cancer cell proliferat...
A method for modelling transfer functions using dominant frequency-response data and its applications

This paper presents a fundamental method for modelling transfer functions using the basic performance specifications and frequency-response data at the dominant frequencies. A set of non-linear equations is constructed from the definitions of the basic performance specifications, the dominant frequency-response data and the unknown coefficients of a transfer function. A Newton-Raphson multidimensional method is applied to solve the non-linear equations. Four methods are given to construct approximate representations of the desired transfer functions for the estimation of good starting values to ensure rapid convergence of the numerical method. The applications of the proposed method are : (1) developing a standard model and/or a transfer function of a filter or a compensator using the specified dominant frequency-response data ; (2) identifying the transfer function of a system from available experimental frequency-response data ; and (3) reducing high-order transfer functions to low-order models using do...
Suggested role of respiration in bacterial DNA replication

Abstract Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation stimulate DNA synthesis in intact cello of Escherichia coli . Synthesis of double-stranded DNA has been shown rev coli to require a functioning respiratory system even in the presence of sufficient nucleotide triphosphate pools. We suggest that the role of respiration reflects a requirement for the motion of protons across the cell membrane, away from the locus of DNA chain unwinding. This flux would be expected to be promoted by addition of uncouplers and may be required to relieve electrostatic interaction between strands of DNA. Such a vectorial feature of DNA synthesis should be considered in light of the spatial proximity of DNA replication to the bacterial cell membrane.
Some Effects of Dietary Threonine, Tryptophan, and Choline on Liver Enzymes and Fat.∗

Summary1. Several liver enzyme systems were studied in rats fed diets known to produce fatty livers in order to determine whether changes in liver fat deposition could be associated with specific e...
Parameter estimation of the sparse data systems using a smoothed-likelihood estimator

A new approach for the parameter estimation of linear stochastic dynamic models from limited data is described in this paper. The method formally incorporates dynamic process noise as well as output error in defining the estimator, and is motivated by previous work on dynamic model maximum likelihood estimation for sparse data systems. The proposed estimator (smoothed-likelihood estimator) uses a smoothing algorithm to estimate the state of the system and its covariance. Simulation results are presented, evaluating the performance of the smoothed-likelihood estimator, the maximum likelihood estimator, and a regression model estimator.
Clinical decision rules and cervical spine injury in an elderly patient: a word of caution.

Abstract We report a case of a clinically significant cervical spine fracture in an elderly patient without midline cervical tenderness. Application of the NEXUS rule by the treating physicians ruled out the need for radiography. However, knowledge of the Canadian C-spine rule and clinical judgment prompted obtaining a three-view trauma series of the cervical spine and, when the patient’s pain increased, a computed tomography scan of the cervical spine. A type III fracture of the dens was found. In review of the case it was recognized that application of the NEXUS rule for this patient was problematic regarding the assessment of mental status. Specifically, the treating physicians did not strictly adhere to the detailed explanations attached to the NEXUS criteria regarding mental status. Clinicians may wish to preferentially apply the Canadian rule for patients over the age of 64 years.
Adenine Arabinoside in Idoxuridine Unresponsive and Intolerant Herpetic Keratitis

Twenty-two patients with active herpes simplex dendritic keratitis, in whom topical idoxuridine was unsuccessful in controlling their disease, were treated with topical adenine arabinoside (ara-A), a purine analogue effective against many DNA viruses. This drug was an effective antiviral agent in these patients. No signs of ocular or adnexal toxicity were noted.
Teacher Rating and Reading Readiness as Predictors of Vocabulary and Comprehension Achievement in First, Second, Third and Fourth Grade

This study evaluates two kindergarten predictive instruments by following the same population over one, two, three, and four years using multiple-regression analysis. The Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests: Readiness Skills (1968) and the Teacher Estimate of Kindergarten Pupils' Abilities (Kirk, 1966) were used as predictor variables. The criterion variables consisted of the vocabulary and comprehension test scores from the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests Primary, A, B, C, and Survey D administered one, two, three, and four years later. The analyses show exactly which subtests on the reading readiness tests and exactly which areas of the kindergarten teacher rating scale were predictive. Results of this study clearly indicate the need for a revised teacher rating scale incorporating fewer areas.
Optical Characterization of CdSe Colloidal Quantum Dot/ MEH-PPV Polymer Nanocomposites Spin-cast on GaAs Substrates

The motivation and distinct approach for this work is the use of intraband transitions within colloidal quantum dots for the detection of mid- (3-5 μm) and/or long-wave (8-14 μm) infrared light. The CdSe colloidal quantum dot/MEH-PPV conducting polymer nanocomposite material is well-suited for this application due to the ∼1.5 eV difference between the corresponding electron affinities. Therefore, CdSe colloidal quantum dots embedded in MEH-PPV should provide electron quantum confinement such that intraband transitions can occur in the conduction band. Further, it is desirable to deposit these nanocomposites on semiconductor substrates to enable charge transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs from the substrate to the nanocomposite. In this way, optoelectronic devices analogous to those achieved using Stranski-Krastanow quantum dots grown by epitaxy can be realized. To date, there have been relatively few investigations of colloidal quantum dot nanocomposites deposited on GaAs substrates. However, it is crucial to develop a better understanding of the optical properties of these hybrid material systems if such heterostructures are to be used for optoelectronic devices, such as infrared photodetectors. By depositing the nanocomposites on GaAs substrates featuring different doping characteristics and measuring the corresponding Fourier transform infrared absorbance, the feasibility of these intraband transitions is demonstrated at room temperature.
The effect of pulse repetition rate on laser ablation of polyimide and polymethylmethacrylate-based polymers

The effect of pulse repetition rate on polymer ablation was studied experimentally and theoretically for polyimide and 8230 photoresist, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based polymer. Both the experimental data and the theoretical model showed a distinct tendency for increased repetition rate to decrease the ablation threshold, without substantially altering the absorption coefficient. This was attributed to heating of the sample sequentially by the laser pulses and the magnitude of the effect is proportional to the square of the absorption coefficient. Polyimide, with an absorption coefficient of , is expected to exhibit the repetition rate effect in the range of tens to hundreds of kilohertz; hence the effect has not heretofore been observed. The PMMA-based photoresist, on the other hand, exhibits the effect at a much lower repetition rate, owing to the smaller effective absorption coefficient.
Fracture toughness improvements of dental ceramic through use of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin-film coatings

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate strengthening mechanisms of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film coatings as a viable method for improving fracture toughness of all-ceramic dental restorations.
Specific immobilization of in vivo biotinylated bacterial luciferase and FMN:NAD(P)H oxidoreductase.

Bacterial bioluminescence, catalyzed by FMN:NAD(P)H oxidoreductase and luciferase, has been used as an analytical tool for quantitating the substrates of NAD(P)H-dependent enzymes. The development of inexpensive and sensitive biosensors based on bacterial bioluminescence would benefit from a method to immobilize the oxidoreductase and luciferase with high specific activity. Toward this end, oxidoreductase and luciferase were fused with a segment of biotin carboxy carrier protein and produced in Escherichia coli. The in vivo biotinylated luciferase and oxidoreductase were immobilized on avidin-conjugated agarose beads with little loss of activity. Coimmobilized enzymes had eight times higher bioluminescence activity than the free enzymes at low enzyme concentration and high NADH concentration. In addition, the immobilized enzymes were more stable than the free enzymes. This immobilization method is also useful to control enzyme orientation, which could increase the efficiency of sequentially operating enzymes like the oxidoreductase-luciferase system.
Imaging site-specific peptide-targeting in tumor tissues using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We report imaging studies on site-specific peptide-targeting in tumor tissues using newly developed optical peptide probes and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The system used two broadband superluminescent light emission diodes with different central wavelengths. An electro-optic modulation in the reference beam was used to get full-range deep imaging inside tumor tissues. The optical probes were based on Bombesin (BBN) that is a fourteen amino acid peptide. BBN has high binding affinity to gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors overexpressed on several human cancer cell lines. Fluorescence BBN probes were developed by conjugating the last eight residues of BBN, -Q-W-A-V-G-H-L-M-(NH 2 ), with Alexa Flour 680 or Alexa Fluor 750 dye molecules via amino acid linker -G-G-G. The SD-OCT imaging can identify normal tissue and tumor tissue through the difference in scattering coefficient, and trace the BBN conjugate probes through the absorption of the dye molecules using the twowavelength algorithm. We performed the specific uptake and receptor-blocking experiments of the optical BBN probes in severely compromised immunodeficient mouse model bearing human PC-3 prostate tumor xenografts. Tumor and muscle tissues were collected and used for SD-OCT imaging. The SD-OCT images showed fluorescence traces of the BBN probes in the peptide-targeted tumor tissues. Our results demonstrated that SD-OCT is a potential tool for preclinical and clinical early cancer detection.
Non-linear control algorithm for robot manipulators

A mathematical model of a robot manipulator is described by a set of ordinary, coupled non-linear differential equations. Present theory is insufficient to obtain the exact solution of the equations to control the manipulator. We reduce the complexity of the problem by proposing a model reference system where the Coriolis terms are ignored and where the system of non-linear differential equations is almost decoupled by a careful selection of input torques. We show that the proposed control scheme for the model reference system is stable about a known equilibrium point. We present the simulation study for a two-link rotary manipulator where a model reference system and a control scheme are developed. The simulation results indicate that the solution is stable around a predetermined equilibrium point and that the addition of Coriolis terms in the non-linear differential equation does not change the overall stability of the system. The simulation results indicate that the robot manipulator tracks the desired...
A Human Laboratory Test of Eysenck's Theory of Incubation: A Search for the Resolution of the Neurotic Paradox

A number of recent attempts have been made by neobehaviorists to resolve the “neurotic paradox” by incorporating a nontraditional learning principle. Eysenck's concept of “incubation” represents one of these attempts and is the subject matter of this paper. Incubation theory states that under certain conditions exposure to a fear-provoking conditioned stimulus (CS) can result in a substained growth of fear. This concept is used to explain extreme avoidance (symptom) maintenance in extinction. To test this theory, three conditions identified by Eysenck and considered critical to the development of incubation were manipulated in a classical conditioning paradigm: unconditioned stimulus (UCS) intensity, duration of CS exposure, and individual differences in neuroticism/introversion. Both physiological and self-report fear measures were taken. Results indicated that, contrary to incubation theory, fear extinguished in all groups. Long durations of CS exposure were found to be more effective than brief exposure in reducing fear of highly fearful subjects. Clinical implications for therapies using fear exposure such as flooding and implosion were discussed, as well as the resolution of the neurotic paradox via established learning principles.
Difficulties in synchronous-gauge density fluctuations

The different techniques for solving density fluctuations in the synchronous gauge are presented, and subtle, but serious, problems are shown to arise in some of the more well-known approaches. Solutions to several orders are presented, and a recommendation is made for gauge-invariant methods.
A specific monovalent metal ion integral to the AA platform of the RNA tetraloop receptor

Metal ions are essential for the folding and activity of large catalytic RNAs. While divalent metal ions have been directly implicated in RNA tertiary structure formation, the role of monovalent ions has been largely unexplored. Here we report the first specific monovalent metal ion binding site within a catalytic RNA. As seen crystallographically, a potassium ion is coordinated immediately below AA platforms of the Tetrahymena ribozyme P4-P6 domain, including that within the tetraloop receptor. Interference and kinetic experiments demonstrate that potassium ion binding within the tetraloop receptor stabilizes the folding of the P4-P6 domain and enhances the activity of the Azoarcus group I intron. Since a monovalent ion binding site is integral to the tetraloop receptor, a tertiary structural motif that occurs frequently in RNA, monovalent metal ions are likely to participate in the folding and activity of a wide diversity of RNAs.
Sexual differentiation of nymphal corpora allata and the effects of ovariectomy on adult gland morphometrics in Blattella germanica.

Changes in the number of corpus allatum (CA) cells were investigated in nymphs and in intact and ovariectomized adult femaleBlattella germanica. The CA of intact adult females exhibit cyclic changes in volume in relation to juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis, while the CA of ovariectomized females become significantly hypertrophied as a result of a gradual and continuous increase in volume that is independent of JH biosynthesis. In both intact and ovariectomized females changes in JH synthesis and CA volume are not related to total cell number which remains relatively constant. However, adult females have twice as many CA cells as do adult males as a result of a female-specific increase in total cell number late in the last nymphal instar.
Sphincter preservation in rectal sarcoma.

Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum is rare. The standard treatment is abdominoperineal resection and, in the past, radiation therapy has been employed in the palliative setting only. The authors report two additional cases of this rare tumor and its treatment using sphincterpreserving surgery and radiation therapy. In selected patients, conservative surgery followed by radiation therapy (brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation) may be an alternative to radical surgery with the goals of local control of the disease and rectal sphincter preservation. However, more experience and longer follow-up are needed before this approach could be recommended routinely.
Synthetic and modified glycerides: effects on plasma lipids.

It has been suggested that the molecular species or structure of the triglyceride, i.e. not only what fatty acids are present but also their relative order in the sn1, 2, or 3 position on the triglyceride, can influence the metabolism of the triglyceride and its fatty acids, including lipoprotein metabolism. One rationale for this possibility assumes that the fatty acid in the sn2 position can be absorbed intact, i.e. as the sn2 monoglyceride, whereas the sn1,3 fatty acids are absorbed as free fatty acids that metabolize independently. Some sn2 monoglyceride might ultimately serve as the backbone for gut or liver phospholipids, exerting downstream influence on lipid metabolism. Experiments that test this hypothesis directly by feeding triglycerides with modified structure during carefully controlled fat intake are few, particularly in humans, but their results tend to support the paradigm.
Human lymphocyte mitogenic factor: synthesis by sensitized thymus-derived lymphocytes, dependence of expression on the presence of antigen.

Abstract Lymphocyte mitogenic factor (LMF) was obtained from human lymphocytes stimulated with tetanus toxoid. LMF proved to be a soluble lymphokine produced by a sensitized T lymphocyte in response to stimulation with antigen. LMF induces proliferation in cells which normally do not proliferate in response to antigen (thymocytes, B lymphocytes). This function is expressed only in the presence of antigen. LMF produced in response to stimulation with a specific antigen is able to cooperate with more than one antigen in recruiting cells into division. LMF is a nondialyzable protein different from other lymphokines as judged by the kinetics of its release. It elutes in the postalbumin fraction of Sephadex G200.
SBU strategy and performance: The moderating effects of the corporate‐SBU relationship

This study suggests that the link between an SBU strategy and performance is moderated by the SBU's relationship with corporate management. Information processing arguments suggest that this relationship, typically characterized by general measures of centralization, has been inappropriately conceptualized in prior research. An alternative view, one that considers which decisions and activities should be controlled by the individual SBU, is proposed and tested. The results of a study of 496 SBUs indicate that SBU performance is enhanced when: (1) SBUs with an external strategic orientation control environmental monitoring activities and strategic decision analysis, and (2) SBUs with an intraorganizational orientation control those activities relating to operations. Weaker SBU performance is associated with SBU control over those functions and activities not central to the SBU's business strategy. Therefore, it is suggested that the corporate-SBU relationship can either facilitate or inhibit the implementation of the SBU's intended strategy.
Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia: A case report of thoracic duct agenesis

We present a 17-year-old Caucasian male with congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia and an absent thoracic duct. This patient is unique as he did not present with the disorder until age 9.5 years. Since his initial presentation he has had recurrent chylothoraces and has been treated symptomatically. We discuss the possible implications of his disorder as well as some of the limited treatment that is available.
Block of the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-release channel by tetra-alkyl ammonium cations

The purified ryanodine receptor channel of the sheep cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane functions as a calcium-activated cation-selective channel under voltage-clamp conditions following reconstitution into planar phospholipid bilayers. We have investigated the effects of the tetra-alkyl ammonium (TAA) cations, (CnH2n+1)4N+ and the trimethyl ammonium cations, ethyltrimethyl ammonium and propyltrimethyl ammonium, on potassium conductance through the receptor channel. Small TAA cations (n = 1-3) and the trimethyl ammonium derivatives act as asymmetric, voltage-dependent blockers of potassium current. Quantitative analysis of the voltage dependence of block indicates that the conduction pathway of the sheep cardiac SR ryanodine receptor channel contains two distinct sites for the interaction of these small organic cations. Sites are located at approximately 50% for tetramethyl ammonium (TMA+) and 90% for tetraethyl ammonium (TEA+) and tetrapropyl ammonium (TPrA+) of the voltage drop across the channel from the cytosolic face of the protein. The chemical substitution of an ethyl or propyl group for one of the methyl groups in TMA+ increases the voltage dependence of block to a level similar to that of TEA+ and TPrA+. The zero-voltage dissociation constant (Kb(0)) falls with the increasing number of methyl and methylene groups for those blockers acting 90% of the way across the voltage drop. This is interpreted as suggesting a hydrophobic binding site at this point in the conduction pathway. The degree of block increases as the concentration of small TAA cations is raised. The concentration dependence of tetraethyl ammonium block indicates that the cation interacts with a single site within the conduction pathway with a Km of 9.8 +/- 1.7 mM (mean +/- SD) at 40 mV. Larger TAA cations (n = 4-5) do not induce voltage-dependent block of potassium current of the form seen with the smaller TAA cations. These data support the contention that the sheep cardiac SR ryanodine receptor channel may be occupied by at most one ion at a time and suggest that a large proportion of the voltage drop falls over a relatively wide region of the conduction pathway.
Schedule dependence of the lethal effects of 6-azauridine and cytosine arabinoside on murine leukemia cells (L5178Y) in culture

Abstract The antineoplastic drugs 6-azauridine and cytosine arabinoside exhibit a supra-additive lethal effect on murine L5178Y lymphoblasts if exposure to 6-azauridine precedes exposure to cytosine arabinoside; an additive effect is seen if cytosine arabinoside precedes 6-azauridine, while a sub-additive effect is obtained when the two drugs are present simultaneously. The potentiation of the effect of cytosine arabinoside by 6-azauridine increases for 2 1 2 hours following the removal of the 6-azauridine from the culture.
Identity and athletic retirement: a prospective study.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to reexamine the relationship between identity and athletic retirement using a longitudinal, prospective design. Method One-on-one, in-depth interviews were conducted with three male and three female university student athletes at three times: at the outset of their last season of competition, approximately 1 month after their retirement, and approximately 1 year later. The unstructured raw data was analyzed inductively following procedures established in the literature [Cote, Salmela, Baria, & Russell (1993). Organizing and interpreting unstructured qualitative data. The Sport Psychologist , 7 , 127–137; Cote, Salmela, & Russell (1995). The knowledge of high-performance gymnastic coaches: Methodological framework. The Sport Psychologist , 9 , 65–75; Miller & Kerr (2002a). The athletic, academic, and social experiences of intercollegiate student-athletes. Journal of Sport Behavior , 25 , 346–367]. Results The findings revealed the participants committed themselves strongly to their athletic goals and anticipated disrupted identities upon retirement. As a result, they employed several coping strategies including the proactive diminishment of their athletic identities prior to retirement. Decreasing the prominence of their athletic identities precluded a major identity crisis or confusion upon and following athletic retirement. Conclusions The study concludes that the redefinition of self long before sport career termination may protect one's identity during this transition process.
Selenium Accumulation in Beef: Effect of Dietary Selenium and Geographical Area of Animal Origin

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient with multiple human health benefits; the single most important dietary source of Se is beef. The Se content of beef varies, and cattle fed a high selenium diet may have Se concentrations in beef that are well above average. Such beef is potentially a unique supplemental source of dietary Se. To examine factors affecting Se accumulation in beef, 16 steers (initial wt 374.4 +/- 33.7 kg) were taken from seleniferous or nonseleniferous areas and fed in a 2 x 2 factorial design with diets high or moderate in Se (11.9 or 0.62 mg Se/kg diet). Diets contained 50% alfalfa, 25% wheat, and 25% corn on a dry matter basis. All dietary Se was from agricultural products, and Se in the high Se diet was primarily from high Se wheat and alfalfa hay. A loin muscle biopsy was taken at the start of the trial to determine initial Se content of beef. Steers were slaughtered after 14 weeks of the trial, and edible carcass (round, sirloin, shoulder clod, and ribeye) and organ samples were collected. Diets did not affect growth or feed intake (P > 0.05), and Se toxicity signs were not observed. Different cuts of meat had similar Se concentrations, and the Se content of all cuts was increased by both high dietary Se and high Se background. Except for liver and kidney, Se in tissues was increased by seleniferous background (P < 0.02) and high dietary Se (P < 0.001). Kidney Se concentrations of animals fed the high Se diet were lowest in animals from seleniferous areas (P = 0.04), suggesting a possible adaptation to the high Se diet. These results demonstrate that cattle fed diets high in Se from agricultural products will accumulate substantial amounts of Se in the beef without developing signs of Se toxicity and that prior Se status regulates Se accumulation in some organs. They further demonstrate that management practices may be altered so as to make beef a significant source of dietary Se.
“Low-power, high-density optical interconnects to the processor”

We will briefly motivate Oracle's DARPA Ultraperformance Nanophotonic Interchip Communication (UNIC) program and review progress to date on low-power photonic wavelength-division multiplexed link components
Expected stock returns and volatility in a two-regime market

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between market volatility and excess stock returns using a two-regime switching regression model. Regime 1 represents periods of “rising” stock market prices, while regime 2 represents periods of “falling” stock market prices. For the rising market periods described by regime 1, we find no significant relationship between market volatility and excess returns, whereas for regime 2, we find a highly significant negative relationship between market volatility and excess returns. However, by decomposing volatility into its predictable and unpredictable components, we are able to show that in rising market periods, there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between excess returns and ex ante market volatility.
Y-Stenting for Bifurcation Aneurysm Coil Embolization: What is the Risk?

The use of two stents in a “Y” configuration (Y-stenting) to assist with coil embolization of complex bifurcation aneurysms has been accepted as an alternative to clip reconstruction of a select subset of challenging aneurysms. We review the risks associated with Y-stenting, including its procedural complication rates, angiographic occlusion rates, rerupture, and retreatment rates.
Misconceptions and miscommunication among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking women with pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis Limited data exist on women’s experience with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms. We aimed to describe factors that prevent disease understanding among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking women.
SST and ENSO variability and change simulated in historical experiments of CMIP5 models

This work documents the diversity in Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models in simulating different aspects of sea surface temperature (SST) variability, particularly those associated with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), as well as the impact of low-frequency variations on the ENSO variability and its global teleconnection. The historical simulations (1870–2005) include 10 models with ensemble member ranging from 3 to 10 that are forced with observed atmospheric composition changes reflecting both natural and anthropogenic forcings. It is shown that the majority of the CMIP5 models capture the relative large SST anomaly variance in the tropical central and eastern Pacific, as well as in North Pacific and North Atlantic. The frequency of ENSO is not well captured by almost all models, particularly for the period of 5–6 years. The low-frequency variations in SST caused by external forcings affect the SST variability and also modify the global teleconnection of ENSO. The models reproduce the global averaged SST low-frequency variations, particularly since 1970s. However, majority of the models are unable to correctly simulate the spatial pattern of the observed SST trends. These results suggest that it is still a challenge to reproduce the features of global historical SST variations with the state-of-the-art coupled general circulation model.
Stress evaluation in low-modulus and viscoelastic materials using phtoelastic glass inclusions

Stressmeters are gages designed to enable stress changes to be determined without the need to know the elasticity moduli of the body being studied. This paper describes a technique by which the magnitude of the greatest principal stress in a biaxial-stress field can be determined from the isochromatic fringe pattern in a hollow-cylindrical-glass stressmeter. The influence of the moduli and Poisson's ratio of the meter and host material on the sensitivity of the meter are discussed in detail. It is shown that, for a wide range of rock and concrete-like materials, a glass stressmeter will enable the stresses to be determined directly from the meter readings.
A comparison of the maximum likelihood and discriminant function estimators of the coefficients of the logistic regression model for mixed continuous and discrete variables

A model for mixed continuous and discrete variables suggested by Chang and Afifi (1974) and Krzanowski (1975) is used to explore the bias in the discriminant function (DF) approach to estimation of the coefficients in the multiple1ogistic regression model. When the data come from this mixed variable model the DF estimator of the coefficients of the continuous variables are asymptotically unbiased. The DF estimator of the intercept and coefficients for the discrete variables may be severely biased. The magnitude of the bias is shown to depend in a systematic way on the true value of the coefficients and the underlying probabilities of the out-come of discrete variables. The implications for analysis are discussed.
REHABILITATION OF WATERSHEDS WITH INCISING CHANNELS

Channel incision is a pervasive problem that threatens infrastructure, destroys arable land, and degrades environmental resources. A program initiated in 1983 is developing technology for rehabilitation of watersheds with erosion and sedimentation problems caused by incision. Demonstration projects are located in 15 watersheds in the hills of northwest Mississippi. Watershed sizes range from 0.89 to 1,590 km 2 , and measured suspended sediment yields average about 1,100 t km -2 -yr -1 . Water quality is generally adequate to support aquatic organisms, but physical habitat conditions are poor. Rehabilitation measures, which are selected and laid out using a subjective integration of hydraulic and geotechnical stability analyses, include grade controls, bank protection, and small reservoirs. Aquatic habitat studies indicate that stone-protected stilling basins below grade-control weirs and habitats associated with drop pipes and stone spur dikes are assets to erosion-damaged streams. Additional recovery of habitat resources using modified stone stabilization designs, woody vegetation plantings, and reservoir outlets designed to provide non-zero minimum flows is under investigation.
Separation of fricatives and affricates

Separating speech from acoustic interference is a very challenging task. In particular, no system successfully addresses the separation of unvoiced speech. Fricatives and affricates are two main categories of consonants that contain a significant amount of unvoiced signal. We propose a novel system that separates fricatives and affricates from non-speech interference. The system first decomposes the input mixture into segments, each of which contains signal mainly from one source. Then it detects segments dominated by unvoiced portions of fricatives and affricates with a feature-based Bayesian classifier, and groups these segments with voiced speech separated by a previous system. The proposed system is evaluated with various types of interference and produces promising results.
Experimental analysis of particle and fluid motion in ac electrokinetics

An ac electric field is applied to induce particle and fluid motion in a wedge-shaped microchannel. Micron-resolution particle image velocimetry (μ-PIV) is used to determine spatially resolved particle velocity and fluid velocity fields. Under steady-state conditions, the particles experience a balance between dielectrophoretic forces induced by the nonuniform electric field and Stokes’ drag forces due to viscous interactions with the fluid. The particle velocity is therefore different from the fluid velocity because of dielectrophoresis. A variant of μ-PIV, two-color μ-PIV, is developed and used to uniquely determine the fluid velocity from the observation of particles without a priori knowledge of the electrical properties. This technique is used to explore ac electrokinetically generated fluid motion. A series of voltage levels at fixed frequency are applied to the wedge-shaped electrodes. The dependency of fluid velocity on applied voltage at different regions in the flow is obtained by fitting power-law curves. This is used to determine the underlying physical phenomena associated with ac electrokinetics. We found that both electrothermal effects and ac electroosmosis are important for the current experimental conditions. However, the electrothermal effect is dominant in the bulk fluid.
CT diagnosis of splenic vein occlusion: imaging features, etiology, and clinical manifestations

Previous reports have described the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of collateral veins following splenic vein occlusion (SVO). This retrospective study was performed to determine the etiology, clinical manifestations, and accuracy of CT diagnosis in patients with this entity. A computer search of radiology reports for a 1-year period found 52 patients with SVO diagnosed by absence of visualization of the splenic vein accompanied by the formation of the expected perigastric collateral veins. Clinical data were reviewed for sequela of SVO and clinical impact of the diagnosis. In 12 cases, other studies confirmed the CT diagnosis of SVO. In no case was the CT diagnosis proved to be incorrect by other imaging studies. Angiographic records found five additional cases with SVO not diagnosed by CT, but two of five had convincing CT evidence of SVO noted upon reevaluation by the authors. Review of clinical data showed heme-positive stool in six, of which three had significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Splenic infarction occurred in two cases. Our data indicate that SVO is more common than previously suspected and usually remains clinically silent, but CT appears to be highly specific and fairly sensitive for its diagnosis.
Predicting Phenology of Pear Thrips Emergence in Pennsylvania Sugar Maple Stands

Spring emergence of adult pear thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequens was monitored with 20-cm emergence traps in five sugar maple sites across Pennsylvania in 1990 and six sites in 1991 and 1992. Arnold’s least variability method and the standard error of prediction method were used to estimate the best start date x base (air) temperature combination among all combinations of 0–15 degrees C. and January 1 to March 1 for heating degree day (HDD) requirements to first and 50% emergence. The results suggest that HDD’s predict pear thrips emergence no better than average Julian date and that emergence is not temperature dependent, an interpretation inconsistent with previous studies of pear thrips and other thrips species. More likely, the relevant measure for thermal summation is soil temperature near the surface, where adults overwinter, rather than air temperature. Also, cessation of pear thrips overwintering may depend on a chilling requirement followed by thermal summation to promote development to emergence. Both possibilities should be explored through additional analyses and experiments.
Educating Future Public Health Leaders

The author reflects on the education of future public health leaders. Topics include the importance of setting targets and goals, the author's involvement in the unveiling of a U.S. public health program as part of the group Healthy People 2020, and the seven Ps of public health, which includes policymaking, the purchasing of health-related commodities, and public health budgets.
Computer-aided design of MESFET distributed amplifier

An automatic computer-aided design procedure for the design of a metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET) distributed amplifier is described. This procedure is based on a novel design method called design-by-simulation. Simulated annealing is applied in this design procedure to provide information about the number of stages, the MESFET model parameters, and the characteristics of microstrips used for matching networks in an amplifier which matches the desired frequency response. This procedure is fully automatic, and the only input needed is the desired gain and the 1-dB point. The implementation, testing, and evaluation of the proposed technique are discussed. >
Beyond the evidence: treating pulmonary hypertension in the intensive care unit

Most patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension succumb to their disease in the ICU; however, limited evidence-based information exists to guide treatment in those that present with advanced right ventricular failure. Critical care physicians should be aware of the complexities of the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and should develop a strategy for their care. Current management is based on the pathophysiology of the disease and involves a multidisciplinary team supported by institutional polices directed at optimizing patient safety.