cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-controlled ion beam deposition systems for high Tc superconductor and other multi-component oxide thin films and layered structures

Abstract A single beam, multiple target (SBMT) deposition system which features a rotating target holder with either elemental or simple compound targets has been developed for the production of layered thin film structures and multicomponent oxide, silicade or other compound thin films. We are employing the SBMT ion beam sputtering system for the deposition of high temperature superconducting, electro-optic and ferroelectric thin films and multilayered structures. The beam-target-substrate geometry and ion beam characteristics are designed to minimize scattering of the ion beam from the target (which results in resputtering of, and inert gas incorporation into the film) while maintaining high deposition rates. The amount of energy which is deposited into the film may be controlled by means of a secondary reactive or inert ion beam impacting on the growing film. This secondary beam may provide enough energy to promote activated processes, such as the in-situ formation of oriented crystal structures of high temperature superconducting materials. All parameters necessary to control the film properties are under computer control. A deposition cycle, defined as a number of sequential steps, may be easily modified or added to previously existing deposition cycles, thereby permitting the creation of complicated deposition procedures suitable for the production of films with highly reproducible properties for research purposes, and the in-situ fabrication of complex devices for technological applications. Examples are given of the capabilities of the technique as they apply to the production of high T c superconducting devices.
Experimental study of the deformation near a notch tip in copper and copper-beryllium single crystals

Abstract The plastic deformation around a notch tip within ductile single crystal material was investigated experimentally. Moire microscopy was used to measure the strain field on the surface of bending samples of Orientation II with a notch on the (0 1 0) plane and its tip along the [ 1 0 1] direction. The results of tests conducted on copper and copper–beryllium single crystals are compared to analytical solutions, numerical calculations, and prior experiments on samples of Orientation I with a notch on the (1 0 1) plane and its tip along the [1 0 1 ] direction. Distinct sectors with sharp sector boundaries are observed in experiments as were predicted analytically by Rice (Mech. Mater. 6 (1987) 301). However, Rice predicted that both Orientations I and II would give rise to the same sectors. It is found that experimental results for these two orientations differ and neither set of results agree with the analytical solution. In both orientations, the sector boundaries do not exclusively correspond to angles at which slip and kink can occur in these crystallographic orientations. The experiments also lead to the conclusion that some sectors in the deformation field remain elastic even after large amounts of deformation have occurred elsewhere. Based on the optical observations and strain measurements, a stress field is presented for Orientation II.
Experimental host specificity of Posthodiplostomum minimum

Abstract Parasite-free snails of the genus Physa were experimentally infected with the miracidia of Posthodiplostomum minimum, the metacercariae of which were originally obtained from bluegills, Lepomis macrochirus. Twelve species of fish representing 5 families (Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Centrarchidae, Poeciliidae and Ictaluridae) were exposed to cercariae from the infected snails. Two sunfish hybrids (female green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus X male redear sunfish, Lepomis microlophus; and female bluegill X male redear) were also exposed to cercariae of P. minimum. Only members of the family Centrarchidae became infected. Moreover, only the bluegill and its hybrid contained metacercariae in substantial numbers.
Mathematical programming models of discrete event system dynamics

Analytical models for the dynamics of some discrete event systems are introduced where the system trajectories are solutions to linear and mixed-integer programs.
Life History Characteristics and Prey Selection of Larval Boyeria vinosa (Odonata: Aeshnidae)

ABSTRACT Life cycle and feeding habits of Boyeria vinosa nymphs (Odonata: Aeshnidae) were examined over a three year period in Chestnut Creek, Virginia. Boyeria vinosa was univoltine with a synchronous emergence in late May to early June. These results differ from previous studies which report a semivoltine life cycle. Chironomids, hydropsychids and baetids comprised the majority of prey consumed. Seasonal variation in available prey and prey selection occurred, however proportions of prey consumed did not always correlate with prey availability. Chironomids were consumed throughout the year in roughly the same proportions as they occurred in the environment. Baetids served as the major food source in summer and autumn during which time hydropsychids were under-utilized as prey. We speculate that the conspicuous swimming behavior of baetids drew the attention of B. vinosa nymphs and caused them to be preferentially selected.
An Efficient Numerical Method for the Solution of the $L_2$ Optimal Mass Transfer Problem

In this paper we present a new computationally efficient numerical scheme for the minimizing flow approach for the computation of the optimal $L_2$ mass transport mapping. In contrast to the integration of a time dependent partial differential equation proposed in [S. Angenent, S. Haker, and A. Tannenbaum, SIAM J. Math. Anal., 35 (2003), pp. 61-97], we employ in the present work a direct variational method. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated on both real and synthetic data.
Principles of covariance propagation

This paper describes how to propagate approximately additive random perturbations through any kind of vision algorithm step in which the appropriate random perturbation model for the estimated quantity produced by the vision step is also an additive random perturbation. We assume that the vision algorithm step can be modeled as a calculation (linear or non- linear) that produces an estimate that minimizes an implicit scalar function of the input quantity and the calculated estimate. The only assumption is that the scalar function be non-negative, have finite first and second partial derivatives, that its value is zero for ideal data, and that the random perturbations are small enough so that the relationship between the scalar function evaluated at the ideal but unknown input and output quantities and evaluated at the observed input quantity and perturbed output quantity can be approximated sufficiently well by a first order Taylor series expansion. The paper finally discusses the issues of verifying that the derived statistical behavior agrees with the experimentally observed statistical behavior.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Association of hematocrit value with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in incident hemodialysis patients

Association of hematocrit value with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in incident hemodialysis patients. Background Associations between hematocrit values and clinical outcome have been studied with conflicting results in cardiac patients, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and ESRD patients with cardiac disease. We studied dialysis patients to determine the relationship between hematocrit value and cardiac risk under current Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) practices. Methods Medicare data were used to study 50,579 incident hemodialysis patients selected from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 1999, who received hemodialysis for 9 months after the onset of ESRD. Patients were divided into groups on the basis of the hematocrit value: ≤30%, >30% to ≤33%, >33% to ≤36%, >36% to ≤39%, and >39%. For hospitalization, the follow-up extended to 2 1 / 2 years; for mortality, 3 years. Results Compared to patients with hematocrit values of >33% to ≤36%, patients with values of >36% to ≤39% and those with values of >39% had risk ratios for hospitalization due to cardiac disease of 0.92 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.97) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.87), respectively, and risk ratios for death due to cardiac disease of 0.92 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.98) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.93), respectively, in the follow-up period. Conclusion The significant associations we report do not establish a causal relationship between higher hematocrit values and lower risks of cardiac morbidity and mortality. A randomized clinical trial in low-risk patients is needed to establish causality.
Detection of gastric contents in tracheal fluid of infants by lactose assay

We designed an in vitro assay to detect the presence of lactose in the tracheal aspirates of premature, ventilator-dependent infants. This method was employed to identify recurrent, unrecognized aspiration, which could prolong the requirements for ventilator support and contribute to the development of chronic lung disease. One hundred five determinations of lactose were performed on the tracheal fluid obtained from 42 ventilator-dependent infants who were receiving enteral feedings. There was a wide range of lactose levels (0 to 3,270 nmol lactose/ml tracheal aspirate). Six infants had samples that were highly suggestive of aspiration (>200 nmol lactose/ml tracheal aspirate). Twenty infants had questionably positive samples (25 to 200 nmol lactose/ml tracheal aspirate), and 16 infants had samples that were considered negative for aspiration (
Characterization of developmental arrest in early bovine embryos cultured in vitro

Abstract The susceptibility of early bovine embryos to developmental arrest (“blocking”) in vitro was examined. Embryos, obtained from superovulated donors, were cultured in vitro in Ham's F10 culture medium or in vivo in sheep oviducts. Treatments were terminated on Day 7 post-donor estrus (estrus = day 0), and the embryos were evaluated for development. Experiment 1 tested whether the 8- to 16-cell block was reversible. One- to two-cell embryos were cultured in vitro to the 8-cell stage (2 d), then in vivo for 3 d; controls were cultured in vitro or in vivo for 5 d. Forty-two percent ( 19 45 ) of in vivo controls developed normally; none ( 0 55 ; 0%) of the in vitro controls cleaved past the 9- to 16-cell stage. Only 4% ( 2 48 ) of the embryos cultured to eight cells in vitro developed normally after culture in sheep oviducts, indicating that the block was irreversible. Irreversibility was not caused by overt cell death, since 33 33 (100%) of blocked embryos responded positively to fluorescien diacetate vital staining. Experiment 2 tested the effect of in vitro exposure at specific cell stages on subsequent in vivo development. Embryos at the 1- to 2-, 3- to 4-, 5- to 8- and 9- to 16-cell stages were assigned randomly to one of the following treatments: in vivo culture; in vitro culture; or 24 h in vitro culture, followed by in vivo culture. Subsequent in vivo development was affected by 24 h of in vitro culture (P 11 41 , 27% vs 22 41 , 54% for in vivo controls). We conclude that 1) the block is a manifestation of in vitro exposure during the four- to eight-cell stage, and 2) the block, while irreversible, is not the result of overt embryonic death.
Complex formation between stage-specific oocyte factors and a Xenopus mRNA localization element

It is a long-standing proposal that localization of maternal factors in eggs can provide the basis for pattern formation in the early embryo. The localized information can be stored as RNA, one example being Vg1 RNA, which is localized exclusively to the vegetal hemisphere of Xenopus oocytes and eggs. Localization of Vg1 mRNA is directed by a 340-nt sequence element contained within its 3′ untranslated region. To understand the mechanism of localization, I have tested whether factors from the oocyte interact specifically with the RNA localization sequence. Results presented here show that a set of oocyte proteins form complexes with the localization element both in vitro and in vivo. These proteins are specifically enriched in the stages of oogenesis during which localization occurs and recognize sub-elements of the RNA localization element that are essential for localization in vivo. These data suggest that formation of a localization-specific RNA–protein complex may be the first step in directing Vg1 mRNA to its subcellular destination.
Vascular endothelial cell proliferation: regulation of cellular polyamines

Objective: The aims were to investigate the requirement for and regulation of cellular polyamines during vascular endothelial cell proliferation. Methods: Proliferation of cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells was determined after cellular polyamine depletion. In addition, polyamine synthesis and uptake mechanisms were examined in the presence and absence of trophic stimuli and density dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Results: Serum stimulated, subconfluent cells ceased cell division following the inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a rate limiting enzyme for polyamine biosynthesis. The addition of 10 μM putrescine, the product of the enzyme reaction catalysed by ODC, completely reversed the inhibition of cell growth. Serum deprivation reduced cytosolic ODC activity to near non-detectable levels. Readdition of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) resulted in transient increases in ODC activity which preceded DNA synthesis and mitosis. Basic fibroblast growth factor also stimulated ODC activity in a dose dependent manner with levels approximating the maximum obtainable with FBS. In contrast, platelet derived growth factor and epidermal growth factor did not stimulate ODC activity. Finally, mitogenic stimuli did not induce ODC activity in density arrested cells. The uptake of radiolabelled putrescine from the cell medium was time dependent and saturable. Kinetic studies from dividing cells revealed a single transport component for putrescine uptake [maximum rate of uptake (Vmax) = 11.2(SEM 2.0) pmol · 105 cells−1 · h−1; Michaelis constant (Km) = 1.1(0.3) μM]. Putrescine uptake by density arrested cells was characterised by a 57% decrease in Vmax with no change in Km. Readdition of FBS to serum deprived subconfluent cells, in the presence of ODC inhibitors, resulted in a rapid increase in the rate of putrescine uptake with Vmax increasing by 533% over FBS alone by 48 h. Discussion : These data suggest that polyamines are essential for endothelial cell proliferation and that synthesis and uptake mechanisms are regulated according to cell growth.
Beef Cattle Production, Nutritional Quality, and Economics of Windrowed Forage vs. Baled Hay During Winter

Production expenses associated with harvesting and feeding hay account for a large proportion of annual production costs for ruminant livestock systems. A 2-yr experiment compared windrow grazing, as a potential method to reduce winter cost, with feeding baled hay to beef cows. Two irrigated meadows (16.2 and 10.1 ha) consisting of a mixture of 'Garrison' creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.) and other introduced and native forage species were either baled and removed or windrowed and left in place 26 Aug. 1999 and 27 July 2000. Forage samples were collected from windrows and baled hay at harvest and then monthly until January. Beginning in November 1999 and 2000, 64 and 54 pregnant cows, respectively, were assigned to windrowed or baled forage for 42 d. Forage acid detergent fiber (ADF) was greater (P < 0.01) in 1999 and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in 2000 for windrowed than baled forage. Crude protein (CP) tended to be greater in windrowed (100 g kg -1 ) than baled (93 g kg -1 ) forage in 2000 (P = 0.08), but was similar (windrows, 89 g kg -1 ; bales, 90 g kg -1 ) in 1999 (P = 0.11). In 1999, cows offered windrowed forage had greater average daily gain (ADG = 1 kg d -1 ; P = 0.04) and body condition score (BCS = 5.5; P = 0.02) than cows fed baled forage [ADG = 0.66 kg -d ; BCS = 5.3]. In 2000, cattle offered windrows (-0.42 kg -d ) had lower (P = 0.03) ADG compared with cattle fed baled forage (0.1 kg -d ). Windrow grazing was less economical under the study and management conditions than bale feeding due to high cost of watering livestock and forage wastage.
Effect of a novel monamine oxidase‐a inhibitor, bw 1370U87, on urinary 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol in normal volunteers

Urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenlglycol (MHPG) levels were measured in 14 normal volunteers during a Phase I study of the novel, reversible monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) inhibitor BW 1370U87 targeted for the treatment of depression. baseline MHPG excretion (day 0) showed a significant diurnal increase (n = 14, P < 0.05) between 1200 and 2000 h. Oral administration of BW 1370U87 produced significant (35-45% maximal, P < 0.05) decreases from these basal levels during the same 1200-2000 h time interval Twenty-four hours after the dose (dose was given at 0800 h), urinary MHPG levels returned to baseline, consistent with a reversible mechanism of inhibition by BW 1370U87. Decreases in urinary MHPG did not appear to be dose-dependent between 200-800 mg BW 1370U87 per day, suggesting that maximal MAO-A inhibition was achieved at the 200 mg dose. These effects on MHPG excretion may be helpful in predicting the efficacy of BW 1371370U87 in the treatment of depression. © 1993 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Digital interferometry for flow visualization

Digital holographic interferometry is a hybrid optical-digital technique for determining the phase of an interferogram. This technique improves the accuracy of interferometric measurement of fluid properties and enhances the utility of interferometric flow visualization. Displays of the interferometric phase produce excellent images of weakly refracting two-dimensional flows and can be used to produce integral projection images of three dimensional flows which differ from and complement schlieren and shadowgraph images. The technique is explained herein and examples of its use in both continuous wave and pulsed interferometry are presented.
Dynamic state and evoked motility in coupled hair bundles of the bullfrog sacculus.

Abstract Spontaneous oscillations, one of the signatures of the active process in non-mammalian hair cells, have been shown to occur in individual hair bundles that have been fully decoupled from the overlying membrane. Here we use semi-intact preparations of the bullfrog sacculus to demonstrate that under more natural loading conditions, innate oscillations are suppressed by the presence of the overlying otolithic membrane, indicating that hair bundles lie in the quiescent rather than the unstable regime. Transepithelial electrical stimulation was then used to test the effect of evoking entrained hair bundle movement with an external stimulus. Firstly, we used a preparation in which the otolithic membrane has been partially detached, coupling only hair bundles of comparable orientations. Secondly, we deposited artificial polymer membranes on top of the epithelium so as to connect to only 10–20 cells. In both of these systems, hair bundle motion phase-locked by the electrical signal was found to induce movement in the overlying structures.
Design Considerations of Spacers for Aerial Spacer Cable

The design considerations for the use of high alumina in spacers for spacer cable are discussed. The spacer configuration is a function of the characteristics of the insulation materials involved?both the spacer and the phase conductor covering. Electrical considerations dictate a minimum of material in the spacer consistent with mechanical requirements. A new equivalent circuit, coupled with a method for comparing the voltage division between a spacer and the phase conductor covering, permitted evaluation of new designs. Flashover tests for the latest spacer design are reported. Surface leakage test results show the relative merits of ceramic and fluorocarbon coatings in reducing leakage due to salt contamination. The tests in which bare phase wires were used are most revealing. A simple design for a contamination testing facility is included.
Spin Hall effect clocking of nanomagnetic logic without a magnetic field

Nanomagnetic logic elements that do not require a magnetic field for clocking are now fabricated.
Three to ten years after cessation of therapy in children with leukemia.

Therapy was stopped in 140 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia after 2–3 years of complete remission (CR). Of the 108 children who had received preventive central nervous system (CNS) therapy and were in initial CR when therapy was stopped, 85 (79%) remain in CR for a median time of 93 months (66–166) and have been off therapy for a median time of 58 months (36–128). The 23 relapses involved the bone marrow in all but four patients who had isolated testicular relapse. Six of seven children who were in initial CR, but had received no CNS therapy, relapsed after cessation of therapy; five relapses involved the CNS. Twenty-five children had at least one extramedullary relapse, usually in the CNS, with subsequent CR for 2–3 years before therapy was stopped; 18 of 25 (72%) remain in CR for a median time of 86 months (56–141) and have been off therapy for a median time of 56 months (33–103). Six of the seven relapses involved the marrow. No feature present at the time of diagnosis could be correlated with the frequency of relapse after cessation of therapy except for the significantly greater frequency among boys (25/75) than girls (11/67). The adequacy of therapy, especially CNS prophylaxis, was a positive factor. The hematologic recovery pattern and degree of rebound marrow lymphocytosis after cessation of therapy did not correlate with the frequency of subsequent relapse. Of the 36 patients who relapsed after cessation of therapy, all attained CR again and six are off therapy a second time for 3–21 months.
Pressure Dependence of the Magnetic Transitions in Fe-Rh Alloys

The pressure coefficients of the Curie temperature $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and the first-order transition temperature ${T}_{0}$ have been measured for two binary and three ternary alloys containing Fe and Rh. The coefficients are constant with pressure for all the alloys up to 25 kbars. The existence of a triple point in the $P\ensuremath{-}T$ plane is demonstrated for these alloys. At pressures above the critical pressure, there is no ferromagnetic state, only antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic, consistent with Hargitai's theory that Rh atoms have no moment in the antiferromagnetic state. The pressure data and Kouvel's field-dependence data are used for comparison with the ratio of volume change to magnetization change as predicted from thermodynamics. Exchange inversion is discussed and ruled out as an acceptable model for the magnetic behavior. The effects of heat treatment on ${T}_{0}$ and $\frac{d{T}_{0}}{\mathrm{dP}}$ and the relationship between ${T}_{0}$ and $\frac{d{T}_{0}}{\mathrm{dP}}$ are also discussed.
Lack of correlation between titers of serum allergen-specific IgE and symptoms in untreated patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Abstract In five ragweed seasons and three grass pollen seasons, preseason and post season ragweed-specific serum IgE and nasal secretory-specific IgE and IgA have been measured in untreated patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. There was no consistent correlation between severity of rhinitis, as measured by symptom/medication scores during the season, and either absolute or changes in antibody titers. These findings suggest that antibody levels are only one of the factors that determine symptom severity.
Online Favela: The Use of Social Media by the Marginalized in Brazil

Based on fieldwork over six months in the favelas urban slums of Vitoria, Brazil, this paper focuses on the motivations, engagements and adoption of social media by marginalized people in community technology centers CTCs. It asks the following questions: 1 what is their experience using CTCs? 2 How does their experience inform the ways we should think about what constitutes empowerment vis-a-vis social media? This paper emphasizes the socio-cultural aspects of social media practices among marginalized people and attempts to understand such aspects and practices from their perspective. It argues that theoretical positions stemming from technology utilitarianism need expanding, because mundane and non-instrumental practices observed in the favelas shed light on the importance of technology in a variety of dimensions within people's lives. Encompassing such practices contributes to a broader comprehension of the engagements and ingenious strategies that help shape the daily use of technology by marginalized people.
Neural precursor-specific expression of multiple Drosophila genes is driven by dual enhancer modules with overlapping function

Transcriptional cis-regulatory modules (CRMs), or enhancers, are responsible for directing gene expression in specific territories and cell types during development. In some instances, the same gene may be served by two or more enhancers with similar specificities. Here we show that the utilization of dual, or "shadow", enhancers is a common feature of genes that are active specifically in neural precursor (NP) cells in Drosophila. By genome-wide computational discovery of statistically significant clusters of binding motifs for both proneural activator (P) proteins and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) repressor (R) factors (a "P+R" regulatory code), we have identified NP-specific enhancer modules associated with multiple genes expressed in this cell type. These CRMs are distinct from those previously identified for the corresponding gene, establishing the existence of a dual-enhancer arrangement in which both modules reside close to the gene they serve. Using wild-type and mutant reporter gene constructs in vivo, we show that P sites in these modules mediate activation by proneural factors in "proneural cluster" territories, whereas R sites mediate repression by bHLH repressors, which serves to restrict expression specifically to NP cells. To our knowledge, our results identify the first direct targets of these bHLH repressors. Finally, using genomic rescue constructs for neuralized (neur), we demonstrate that each of the gene's two NP-specific enhancers is sufficient to rescue neur function in the lateral inhibition process by which adult sensory organ precursor (SOP) cells are specified, but that deletion of both enhancers results in failure of this event.
The Chlorite Dismutase (HemQ) from Staphylococcus aureus Has a Redox-sensitive Heme and Is Associated with the Small Colony Variant Phenotype

The chlorite dismutases (C-family proteins) are a widespread family of heme-binding proteins for which chemical and biological roles remain unclear. An association of the gene with heme biosynthesis in Gram-positive bacteria was previously demonstrated by experiments involving introduction of genes from two Gram-positive species into heme biosynthesis mutant strains of Escherichia coli, leading to the gene being renamed hemQ. To assess the gene product's biological role more directly, a Staphylococcus aureus strain with an inactivated hemQ gene was generated and shown to be a slow growing small colony variant under aerobic but not anaerobic conditions. The small colony variant phenotype is rescued by the addition of exogenous heme despite an otherwise wild type heme biosynthetic pathway. The ΔhemQ mutant accumulates coproporphyrin specifically under aerobic conditions. Although its sequence is highly similar to functional chlorite dismutases, the HemQ protein has no steady state reactivity with chlorite, very modest reactivity with H2O2 or peracetic acid, and no observable transient intermediates. HemQ's equilibrium affinity for heme is in the low micromolar range. Holo-HemQ reconstituted with heme exhibits heme lysis after <50 turnovers with peroxide and <10 turnovers with chlorite. The heme-free apoprotein aggregates or unfolds over time. IsdG-like proteins and antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenases are close sequence and structural relatives of HemQ that use heme or porphyrin-like organic molecules as substrates. The genetic and biochemical data suggest a similar substrate role for heme or porphyrin, with possible sensor-regulator functions for the protein. HemQ heme could serve as the means by which S. aureus reversibly adopts an SCV phenotype in response to redox stress.
Television Detail and Selective-Sideband Transmission

Recently selective-sideband transmission has been adopted in this country in order to increase the picture detail which can be transmitted in a frequency channel of given width. The present analysis is an examination of the theoretical justification for this practice. The effect of various degrees of unequal-sideband transmission on typical television signals is calculated by Fourier integral analysis. The conclusions reached are as follows: (1) For small percentages of modulation and small changes in the percentage of modulation selective-sideband transmission is equivalent to double-sideband transmission of twice the frequency pass band. (2) For large changes in the percentage of modulation, selective-sideband transmission is equivalent to double-sideband transmission of twice the frequency pass band for the reproduction of symmetrical fine detail. However, at the edges of patterns where there is a great change of visual intensity, selective-sideband transmission introduces more or less false detail, not present in the original signal. The extent of this false detail increases with the sharpness of the rise of the frequency characteristic at the edge of the transmission band where the carrier is located.
Determination of the Exchange Coupling Strengths for Fe/Au/Fe

We measure, as a function of interlayer thickness, the magnitude of the bilinear exchange coupling in an Fe/Au/Fe trilayer, to investigate the existing order of magnitude discrepancy between theory and experiment. We use Fe whisker substrates, scanning electron microscopy polarization analysis, and reflection high-energy electron diffraction to monitor the sample's magnetic and physical structure, and confocal magneto-optical Kerr effect to determine the coupling. We determine the exchange coupling strengths of the individual oscillating terms. The total bilinear coupling strength is $\ensuremath{-}1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2\mathrm{mJ}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$, for a Au interlayer thickness of 4 monolayers, in substantial agreement with current theory.
Endothelial regulation of vascular contraction in radial and internal mammary arteries.

Abstract Background . The extent to which the endothelium regulates radial artery (RA) contractions is unknown. The goals of this study were to characterize endothelium-dependent relaxations in the RA, compare these responses with those in the internal mammary artery (IMA), and, subsequently, manipulate nitric oxide production in the RA with adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Methods . Segments of RA and IMA from 43 patients were studied initially in organ chambers. Endothelial function was evaluated and gene transfer, was examined. Results . After precontraction to 80% maximum tension with prostaglandin F 2α , acetylcholine produced lesser relaxations in the RA (21.5% ± 5.8%) than in the IMA (66.7% ± 10.6%); human thrombin and adenosine 5′-diphosphate yielded similar results. Reduced relaxations in the RA (16.8% ± 4.2%) compared with those in the IMA (71.6% ± 11.9%) were noted with calcium ionophore. Superfusion bioassay demonstrated a similar baseline release in both arteries but a reduced stimulated production of vasoactive substances in the RA, results confirmed by cyclic guanosine monophosphate level determination. The RA produced less 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α than the IMA. Light microscopy demonstrated an intact endothelium in both arteries. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of nitric oxide synthase augmented relaxations of the RA to acetylcholine. Conclusions . Reduced production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors suggests diminished endothelial regulation of vascular smooth muscle in the RA compared with the IMA. This finding may explain, in part, the predisposition to vasoconstriction in RA grafts.
Effect of chronic dietary nitrates on canine thyroid function

Abstract An investigation was conducted of the effects of dietary nitrate on thyroid function in beagle dogs and their offspring. The dogs received 0 ppm, 300 ppm, 600 ppm or 1000 ppm sodium nitrate in drinking water under normal management and feeding conditions. Continuous consumption of these sublethal levels of nitrate did not produce a syndrome of chronic nitrate toxicosis characterized by thyroid dysfunction.
Stress intensity factors for an edge-cracked strip in bending

The problem of an edge crack in a strip subjected to in-plane bending has been treated by various methods in several papers [1,2, 3,4]. In [1,2], the results were limited to the range 0 0.5 is treated by a deep-notch approximation. The present results were obtained from finite element solutions using linear strain quadrilateral elements [5] over the range 0.02 < ~ < 0.95.
Hydrogen fuel-cell forklift vehicle releases in enclosed spaces

Abstract Sandia National Laboratories has worked with stakeholders and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop scientific data that can be used to create risk-informed hydrogen codes and standards for the safe operation of indoor hydrogen fuel-cell forklifts. An important issue is the possibility of an accident inside a warehouse or other enclosed space, where a release of hydrogen from the high-pressure gaseous storage tank could occur. For such scenarios, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been used to model the release and dispersion of gaseous hydrogen from the vehicle and to study the behavior of the ignitable hydrogen cloud inside the warehouse or enclosure. The overpressure arising as a result of ignition and subsequent deflagration of the hydrogen cloud within the warehouse has been studied for different ignition delay times and ignition locations. Both ventilated and unventilated warehouses have been considered in the analysis. Experiments have been performed in a scaled warehouse test facility and compared with simulations to validate the results of the computational analysis.
Functional surface structures on human natural killer cells.

This manuscript reviews recent studies on the characterization of functional surface antigens on human NK cells. A series of cloned NK cell lines has been utilized for examination of these structures. These clones provide a relatively large number of cells with a stable phenotype and consistent specific cytotoxicity, which reflect the diversity of uncultured NK cells in normal peripheral blood. Almost all clones express the T11 antigen, some have a mature T-cell phenotype (T3+, T11+), and only one (JT1) does not reveal any T-cell antigen at all (T3−, T11+). Using NK clones to generate monoclonal antibodies specific for NK-associated antigens, two structures have been identified, NKH1 and NKH2. NKH1 appears to be exclusively expressed on large granular lymphocytes (LGL) of peripheral blood and was found to be a pan-NK cell antigen. NKH2 is also expressed primarily by LGL, but NKH2-positive LGL do not display a high level of NK activity. Another surface structure that has been found to play an important role in NK cell function is the T11 antigen/E rosette receptor complex, which is expressed in 80% of peripheral blood NK cells. The T11 antigen complex has been described as possessing the T111, T112, and T113 antigens and is an important alternate pathway for antigen-independent T-cell activation. Using anti-T112 and anti-T113 monoclonal antibodies, IL-2 receptor expression could be induced on various NK clones if they expressed the correct T11 antigenic epitope. As anti-T112/3 antibodies had a direct proliferative effect on NK cells with mature T-cell phenotype (T3+), it is proposed that the production of IL-2 by NK clones is largely dependent on the T-cell phenotype of NK cells. All NK clones expressed IL-2 receptor at low density and therefore needed a ten fold higher concentration for maximal proliferation than T-cell clones.
The effectiveness of the Spot Vision Screener in detecting amblyopia risk factors

Purpose To evaluate the updated Spot Vision Screener (PediaVision, Welch Allyn, Skaneateles Falls, NY) in detecting amblyopia risk factors using 2013 guidelines of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Methods In this prospective study, patients seen from June 2012 to November 2013 were tested with the Spot prior to examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist who was masked to test results. The following data were analyzed: age, subject testability, examination findings, and systemic and ocular pathology. Children were divided into three age groups to determine gold standard results according to the AAPOS guidelines. Results A total of 444 children (average age, 72 months) were included. Compared to the ophthalmologist's examination, the Spot sensitivity was 87.7% and the specificity was 75.9% in detecting amblyopia risk factors. Sensitivity did not differ significantly between age groups, although the positive predictive value improved in the older age groups. Conclusions In our study cohort, the Spot provided good specificity and sensitivity in detecting amblyopia risk factors according 2013 AAPOS criteria, with minor improvements with updated versions.
The Bholghati howardite: Chemical study

Bholghati is homogeneous on a cm scale in major element composition, but heterogeneous in trace elements such as the rare earth elements (REEs). The REEs are concentrated in accessory phosphates, and their sampling can influence the REE patterns of eucritic clasts which, in turn, can govern the bulk REE patterns. Bholghati can be reasonably modeled with 56% eucritic, 45% diogenitic, and 3% dark clast components; however, an additional component (feldspathic) is required to match the bulk composition. Dark clasts represent carbonaceous CM type material that was admixed with other components during regolith formation on the eucrite parent body (EPB). One eucritic clast (fine-grained) is light REE (LREE) depleted relative to heavy REE (HREE), which is unusual in normal eucrites. The LREE depletion pattern cannot be modeled from one-stage partial melting of a chondritic source; however, it can be modeled from a non-chondritic source depleted in LREEs or multi-stage melting of a chondritic source, provided that the LREE depletion is not from undersampling of phosphates. Bholghati has a complex history that involved early multiple magmatic events, later annealing, and fragmentation and low-temperature mixing of eucritic, diogenitic, and carbonaceous components on the howardite parent body.
Toward an Alternative Explanation for the Resource Curse: Natural Resources, Immigration, and Democratization:

Why do many resource-rich countries maintain autocratic political regimes? The authors’ proposed answer focuses on the causal effect of labor imports, or immigration. Using the logic offered by Ace...
Preoperative Predictors of Pathological Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Purpose: Patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma represent a subset that may benefit from retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. We identified preoperative clinical predictors of positive lymph nodes in patients with renal cell carcinoma without distant metastasis who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on a consecutive cohort of 1,270 patients with cTany Nany M0 renal cell carcinoma who were treated at a single institution from 1993 to 2012. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine preoperative predictors of pathologically positive lymph nodes in patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. A nomogram was developed to predict the probability of lymph node metastasis. Overall, cancer specific and recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier Method.Results: We identified 1,270 patients with renal cell carcinoma without distant metastasis who had (564) or did not have (706) retroperitone...
Revisiting Legal Realism: The Law, Economics, and Organization Perspective

The contrast between American Legal Realism, which “ran itself into the sand” (Schlegel, 1979, p. 459), and the law and economics movement, which is “perhaps the most important development in legal thought in the last quarter century” (Posner, 1986, p. xix), is dramatic. That the one foundered while the other flourished is explained in large measure by the absence of an intellectual framework for Legal Realism and the use by law and economics of the powerful framework of neoclassical economics.
TIPS Versus Peritoneovenous Shunt in the Treatment of Medically Intractable Ascites: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Medically intractable ascites due to cirrhosis imparts significant morbidity. As well, because it is a manifestation of advanced cirrhosis and represents a presentation of end-stage liver disease, it is generally thought to presage death due to liver failure with relatively small 1-year and 2-year rates of survival.1,2 Therefore, interventions for medically intractable ascites are directed at palliating the symptoms of massive ascites while hopefully not hastening hepatic failure. Numerous interventions for medically refractory ascites have been applied, and great debate exists over which is best. Each intervention has advocates and alleged differences in efficacy and differing profiles in complications. In short, after failing medical management, there is no consensus which interventional therapy provides the best palliation with the least morbidity. Transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent shunts (TIPS) have been embraced by many in the treatment of complicated portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. The care and course of thousands of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension undergoing TIPS have been reported. TIPS are thought by many to adequately decompress portal hypertension and thereby relieve ascites.3–8 TIPS are commonly known to be complicated by issues of shunt patency and progressive hepatic dysfunction. Peritoneovenous (PV) shunts have been applied to medically intractable ascites for many years. Several large series have been reported.9–12 PV shunts are embraced by some because they do not interfere with portal blood flow when decompressing ascites into the systemic venous circulation. Like TIPS, PV shunts are not without their potential problems, such as shunt occlusion and infection. To establish superiority of TIPS or PV shunts, we implemented a prospective randomized clinical trial for patients with medically intractable ascites. Our hypothesis in undertaking this trial was that PV shunts would provide superior palliation for medically intractable ascites with fewer complications because of a lesser association with occlusion. We also believed that patients undergoing PV shunts would live longer, as they would avoid hepatic consequences of diminished portal blood flow.
Improvement of Sleep Disturbance and Insomnia Following Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of sleep disturbance and insomnia in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and to evaluate the effect of parathyroidectomy. A questionnaire was prospectively administered to adult patients with PHPT who underwent curative parathyroidectomy over an 11-month period. The questionnaire, administered preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and eight additional questions regarding sleep pattern. Total ISI scores range from 0 to 28, with >7 signifying sleep difficulties and scores >14 indicating clinical insomnia. Of 197 eligible patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHPT, 115 (58.3 %) completed the preoperative and postoperative questionnaires. The mean age was 60.0 ± 1.2 years and 80.0 % were women. Preoperatively, 72 patients (62.6 %) had sleep difficulties, and 29 patients (25.2 %) met the criteria for clinical insomnia. Clinicopathologic variables were not predictive of clinical insomnia. There was a significant reduction in mean ISI score after parathyroidectomy (10.3 ± 0.6 vs 6.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). Postoperatively, 79 patients (68.7 %) had an improved ISI score. Of the 29 patients with preoperative clinical insomnia, 21 (72.4 %) had resolution after parathyroidectomy. Preoperative insomnia patients had an increase in total hours slept after parathyroidectomy (5.4 ± 0.3 vs 6.1 ± 0.3 h, p = 0.02), whereas both insomnia patients and non-insomnia patients had a decrease in the number of awakenings (3.7 ± 0.4 vs 1.9 ± 0.2 times, p = 0.0001). Sleep disturbances and insomnia are common in patients with PHPT, and the majority of patients will improve after curative parathyroidectomy.
Display requirements for synthetic vision in the military cockpit

The term synthetic vision is used to describe combinations of sensor-based imagery (e.g., forward-looking infrared, millimeter-wave radar, light amplification or night vision systems) and imagery based on databases (e.g., digital terrain elevation data, obstacle and obstruction data, approach path data). While sensor-based imagery (often referred to as enhanced vision) has been available in military cockpits for several years, imagery based on databases (often referred to as artificial vision) has not. This paper discusses the display requirements needed for combinations of enhanced and artificial vision in military cockpits. We briefly survey current efforts to achieve synthetic vision displays in both military and civilian cockpits and the costs and benefits of these efforts. The relative advantages and disadvantages of enhanced and artificial vision are discussed within the context of current and future display capabilities, focusing on the human factors of these displays. A sampling of synthetic vision formats envisioned for use in military and civilian cockpits is presented to illustrate what might be required of head-down, head-up, and helmet-mounted displays in terms of resolution, luminance, and color. Further discussion is given to how these display requirements might be altered by aircraft mission, type, and the need to compensate for varying visibility and laser threat conditions.
Microwave Spectrum of Saturn

RADIO observations of Saturn, have been reported previously1,2 at wave-lengths of the order of 3 cm. Observations at longer wave-lengths, combined with these earlier observations, would define the microwave spectrum of the planet, thus making it possible to determine whether Saturn also exhibits the striking microwave phenomena presented by Jupiter, evidently as a result of a vast system of radiation belts3,4.
On the Effects of Finite Depth on Wind-Wave Spectra: 1. A Comparison with Deep-Water Equilibrium-Range Slope and Other Spectral Parameters

Abstract Spectral parameters calculated from wind-wave measurements in a finite-depth restricted-fetch estuary are compared with similar deep-water parameters. The equilibrium range of these finite-depth spectral data seems to be fitted more satisfactorily by the −3 slope predicted for constant depth by Kitaigorodskii et al. (1975) and measured for shoaling waves by Thornton (1977). Non-dimensional effective-fetch x˜e appears to be the parameter of choice for use in displaying other scaled spectral data (like wave energy ϵ and peak frequency ν) because it reconciles differences in ϵ and ν data for short (5–7 km) and long (20–42 km) fetches without having to alter the ϵ and ν data, but the results also suggest that using fetch as a scaling parameter may not be satisfactory. Finite-depth effects were clearly shown in the ϵ-x˜e data (the slope of the power-law relation was significantly larger than for deep-water relations) and in the ν-x˜e data [the slope was between the relations of Phillips (1977), Ross (...