cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of salt fingering processes for salt movement in thawed coarse-grained subsea permafrost

Abstract Pore fluid velocities of vertical salt fingers, moving downward, in laboratory experiments with sands and thawed coarse-grained subsea permafrost sediments are on the order of 1 to 3 cm/hr with a maximum velocity of 5.6 cm/hr over distances of 0.1 to 0.4 m. It was demonstrated that fresh meltwater fingers move upward through a saline solution in thawed sand overlying a thawing phase boundary with frozen sand containing freshwater ice. Laboratory measurements of the hydraulic conductivity of thawed coarse-grained subsea permafrost sediments (silty sand) yield values about 103 times larger than values obtained in previous field measurements. The results of these laboratory experiments show that gravity-driven convection, in the form of salt fingering, can produce rapid salt movement in sands and in thawed subsea permafrost sediments. Field observations of coarse-grained subsea permafrost, including the relatively uniform salinity profiles in the thawed layer, the small change in salinity across the phase boundary, the boundary layer thickness, and the topography of the phase boundary, argue in favor of the larger values for hydraulic conductivity and pore fluid velocities suggested by these experiments. If these laboratory results are indicative of in situ conditions in subsea permafrost, then new interpretations of field observations and of previous modeling studies of coarse-grained subsea permafrost are required.
Measuring solar magnetic fields with artificial neural networks

The quantification of the solar magnetic field is a crucial step in modern solar physics to understand the dynamics, activity and variability of our star. Presently, a reliable inference of these fields is only possible by means of a computer-intensive process that has so far limited scientists to the analysis of observations from small regions of the solar disk, and/or very crude spatial and temporal resolution. This work presents a different approach to the problem, in which a multilayer perceptron, trained with known synthetic profiles, is able to recognize the profiles and return the magnetic field used to synthesize them. The network is then confronted with real observations of a sunspot which had been previously inverted using traditional inversion techniques. A quantitative comparison between these two procedures shows the reliability of the network when applied to points having magnetic filling factors larger than approximately 70%. The dramatic decrease in the required computing time presents an opportunity for the routine analysis of large-scale, high-resolution solar observations.
Electrochemical and spectroscopic manifestations of donor-acceptor coupling in cyanide bridged transition metal complexes: contrasts between RuCNRu, CoCNRu and RhCNRu systems

Abstract An issue of contrasting donor-acceptor electronic coupling in cyano-bridged transition metal complexes containing ruthenium, rhodium or cobalt acceptors has been addressed by means of spectroscopic and electrochemical comparisons of several series of M(CNRu(NH3)5)2 complexes where M is RuII(bpy)2, CoIII(MCL), RhIII(bpy)2 or RhIII(MCL) and MCL is a tetraazamacrocyclic ligand. All the complexes exhibit metal-to-metal (MII→RuIII(NH3)5 or RuII(NH3)5→MIII) charge transfer (MMCT) absorptions. These are highest in energy for M=Rh(III) and lowest for M=Ru(II). The electrochemical half-wave potentials of the Ru(NH3)3+,2+5 couples are strongly correlated with the energies of the MMCT transitions and span a 300 mV range. The M=CoIII(MCL), RhIII(bpy)2 and RhIII(MCL) complexes, in which RuII(NH3)5→MIIIMMCT transitions are observed, have E 1 2 values greater than 0.22 V versus SCE, while the M=RuII(bpy)2 complexes have values of E 1 2 which are less than 0.0 V. The results suggest that common perturbational treatments of the MMCT transitions in RuCNRu complexes are inadequate owing to the exceptionally strong electronic coupling, and that the perturbational MMCT band shape analysis underestimates the electronic coupling. This work indicates that the donor-acceptor electronic coupling is greater in RuCNRu complexes than in RuCNCo complexes, qualitatively in accord with reports of contrasting MMCT excited state back electron transfer behavior.
Cytological observations of the ovarian epithelium in mammals during the reproductive cycle

Cytological observations of the ovarian epithelium in mammals during the reproductive cycle are reported. It was found that the epithelial cells are joined by incomplete light junctions gap junctions and desmosomes. The cytoplasmic matrix was found to contain a large irregularly shaped nucleus few microtubules microfilaments mitochondria endoplasmic reticulum and a host of coated and noncoated vesicles of varying diameters. The saccules comprising the large Golgi complex and its companion vesicles are associated with a basal body-centriole complex. Some of these saccules are affiliated vesicles are acid phosphatase positive. Surface modifications of the epithelial cells include numerous microvilli (some have a bulbous tip) and plications of the lateral plasma membrane which are thought to accommodate volumes changes of teh ovary during follicular development. Many coated and noncoated endocytotic caveolae were found on these cells. The caveolae internalized exogeneously administered horseradish peroxidase. It is concluded that the marked endocytotic activity is an efficient transport mechanism for partially removing substances from the interstitium of the ovary and the peritoneum.
A study of the good will speaking of a U.S. congressman

In February, 1972, Louisianians selected Edwin W. Edwards as governor of their state. Unlike most contemporary politicians who rely upon television and radio to reach the public, Edwards almost completely shunned the media in favor of the personal contact allowed by the good will speech situation. This article examines the nature of the role of the Congressional good will speaker in our political heritage, considers Edwards as a case study of a Representative acting out this role, and describes the reactions of constituents to their Congressmen's role‐playing. The study has potential implications for the politician who neglects personal contact with small groups in favor of the larger audiences afforded by the mass media.
A GaAsFET spice model for active filter tuning purposes

Modeling GaAsFETs in MMIC active filter circuits at microwave frequencies is hampered by the complex dependence of the small-signal model elements on bias voltages, bias currents, and frequency. Several authors have attempted an improved GaAsFET model by starting with the Curtice model of the device. This article takes a different path in developing a model for SPICE usage: a Curtice model GaAsFET is used to set the DC bias conditions; based upon these bias conditions, values for each small-signal element are calculated. This model has been found to be especially useful for tuning studies of MMIC active filters. Results are presented for an MMIC active bandpass filter based on a twin-tee notch filter. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multipolaron solutions of the Gross-Neveu field theory: Toda potential and doped polymers.

Exact, periodic multipolaron solutions are constructed for the Gross-Neveu (GN) field theory in one dimension for particles with {ital N} flavors. First we connect the appropriate GN equations with continuum models of Peierls distorted polymer chains. Then we utilize a relationship between the cnoidal wave solutions of the Toda lattice and the potential of a polaron lattice in polymers.
Development of a population-based model of surface segmentation uncertainties for uncertainty-weighted deformable image registrations.

Purpose: To develop a population-based model of surface segmentation uncertainties for uncertainty-weighted surface-based deformable registrations. Methods: The contours of the prostate, the bladder, and the rectum were manually delineated by five observers on fan beam CT images of four prostate cancer patients. First, patient-specific representations of structure segmentation uncertainties were derived by determining the interobserver variability (i.e., standard deviation) of the structure boundary delineation. This was achieved by (1) generating an average structure surface mesh from the structure contours drawn by different observers, and (2) calculating three-dimensional standard deviation surface meshes (SDSMs) based on the perpendicular distances from the individual boundary surface meshes to the average surface mesh computed above. Then an average structure surface mesh was constructed to be the reference mesh for the population-based model. The average structure meshes of the other patients were deformably registered to the reference mesh. The calculated deformable vector fields were used to map the patient-specific SDSMs to the reference mesh to obtain the registered SDSMs. Finally, the population-based SDSM was derived by taking the average of the registered SDSMs in quadrature. Results: Population-based structure surface statistical models of the prostate, the bladder, and the rectum were created by mapping the patient-specific SDSMs to the population surface model. Graphical visualization indicates that the boundary uncertainties are dependent on anatomical location. Conclusions: The authors have developed and demonstrated a general method for objectively constructing surface maps of uncertainties derived from topologically complex structure boundary segmentations from multiple observers. The computed boundary uncertainties have significant spatial variations. They can be used as weighting factors for surface-based probabilistic deformable registration.
Investigating the communicative outcomes of task-based interaction

Abstract In contrast to much of the previous research on non-native speaker (NNS) interaction, with its narrow focus on linguistic repair in the negotiation of meaning and comprehensible input, this paper will be concerned with the communicative outcomes of NNS interaction and present a methodological framework for the analysis of different solutions to referential problems encountered in a task. A distinction can then be made between more vs less successful solutions, providing a means of measuring some aspects of L2 communicative effectiveness in interaction.
Clinical and roentgenologic evaluation of Banthine on the motility of the colon

1. By clinical observations Banthine delays motility of the colon in patients who have constipation, chronic ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, ileostomies, and normal persons. 2. By roentgenologic observations, Banthine delays motility of the colon in the same group of patients studied clinically. 3. By roentgenologic evaluations, the optimum delay in the motility of the colon is noted in the cecum.
Scintigraphic demonstration of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding may be localized using noninvasive radionuclide methods. We have favored the use of technetium-99m sulfur colloid with sequential imaging because of the rapid clearance of background activity. Definition of the site of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, however, may be obscured by intense uptake of radioactivity by liver and spleen. The sensitivity of the method is such that the bleeding rates of 0.05–0.1 ml/min can be detected compared to a sensitivity of 0.5 ml/min for angiography.
Breaking strength and composition of the skin of broiler chicks: response to dietary calorie-protein ratios.

Abstract Skin breaking strength and protein, fat moisture, and total collagen concentrations of skin from the breast, thigh, and back of male and female commercial broilers were measured in response to diets containing relatively wide or narrow ratios of calories to protein (C:P). Comparisons were made at 28, 42, and 56 days of age. Chicks fed diets containing relatively wide C:P ratios had weaker skin than those fed diets with narrower C:P ratios, with differences being greater at 56 days than at younger ages. Regardless of diet, males had stronger skin than females. Although the magnitude of the differences varied with age, breast skin was stronger than thigh skin, with skin from the back being intermediate in strength. The observed differences in breaking strength were not consistently associated with fat, protein, moisture, or collagen concentrations of the skin.
Massive surgery for palliation in malignancy of the head and neck.

Since World War II, major advances in surgical management and life support have made possible operative procedures that could not have been undertaken previously. As a result of these encouraging developments, it has become apparent that the possibilities for palliative surgery now demand our attention and should be considered along with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery, and immunotherapy as suitable management of the patient with advanced malignancy. It should be possible, on the basis of all available information, to excise the primary lesion and all metastases without leaving known tumor. This concept differs from that of “curability” in that it includes lesions which can be removed, but which are statistically not likely to be cured. The surgeon must be reasonably certain that the patient can be reconstructed sufficiently well and that his quality of survival will be superior to the disabilities that would be expected if the local tumor were left uncontrolled. The patient being considered for massive palliative surgery must, of course, be a sufficiently good surgical risk to tolerate the planned procedures. This criterion is not intended to be taken in the medicolegal sense, but rather implies that the patient and his family must fully understand the massive nature of the surgery planned. More important, all concerned must have a realistic expectation as to what can be accomplished. In applying these criteria to carefully selected cases, we have been encouraged to find that most patients are willing to undertake procedures that offer virtually no chance for cure in an effort to obtain the best possible quality of survival for as long as useful life can be prolonged. Morbidity as a result of these palliative attempts has been acceptably low and patient acceptance of these concepts very high.
Evaluation of a direct method for measuring absorption from the gut

Abstract Portal-arterial (P-A) differences and portal blood flow were used to calculate absorption of 14 C-glucose administered into the duodenum, from the small intestine of calves. Unabsorbed radioactivity was measured at the terminal ileum. Portal blood flow for 14 glucose absorption experiments with four calves averaged 37.17±.80 ml/(min×kg body weight). No significant differences in flow between animals, between treatments, (glucose administration), or between times after feeding and (or) glucose administration were observed. There was close agreement (r = .99) between three different methods to calculate absorption from P-A differences and portal blood flow. The most convenient method involved computer fitting of a polynomial function to data points and subsequent integration to obtain portal and arterial curve areas. Total P-A difference in area was used in absorption calculations. Recovery of 14 C dose (absorbed plus unabsorbed) averaged 104.1% (89.2 to 114.4) for seven experiments for which dye-dilution curves were acceptable and, therefore, supports the validity of this direct method. In two experiments in which dye-dilution curves were unsatisfactory, recoveries were 167.1 and 219.2%. Recalculation, with only the best curves of the experiments, produced recoveries of 103.5 and 106.8%. This suggests that accurate blood flow measurement is most critical for quantitating absorption.
A partitioned energy transfer model for spray impaction on plants

Abstract Of the processes active in foliar spray application of pesticidal and biologically active compounds in agriculture, impaction and deposit formation have been relatively neglected topics of investigation. Experimental research on spray-dynamic phenomena at the plant interface shows that rebound of droplets from some plant surfaces is a significant factor limiting effective application and retention. An energy transfer model was developed which predicts probable reflected velocity factors, or coefficients of restitution, for the first-impact rebound of droplets from a plant surface. The model, based on the principle of equipartition of energy as a limiting case, requires uniform distribution of incoming kinetic energy, on the average, among the dimensions of energy transfer modes involved. Energy transfer modes identified include droplet and plant-surface elastic deformation, impulse or shock, and plant-surface alteration. Available energy from elastic deformations is partitioned among droplet translation, rotation, oscillatory and internal energies when rebound occurs. The model will help determine the most effective ways to modify energy transfer in order to limit droplet rebound and improve spray retention.
Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of Solanum glycoalkaloids and its potential for mixture analysis

The positive ion fast atom bombardment mass spectra of ten glycoalkaloids and five related alkaloids are reported. The spectra of the glycoalkaloids are characterized by abundant [M + H]+ species and fragment ions, resulting from cleavage of the individual carbohydrate groups. Several of these ions have been observed to be diagnostic for individual glycoalkaloids and have allowed the analysis of mixtures of standards as well as crude extracts of potato peel and sprout.
Note on the estimation of the position of an intensity maximum in an absorption band

An estimate of the position of an intensity maximum in an absorption band is shown to be valid in greater generality than the original derivation suggested.
Fiber optic gyros in a high-performance, high-reliability inertial reference unit for commercial satellites

Honeywell Space Systems Division has successfully completed development of the Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (IFOG) for a next-generation Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) to point commercial satellites. The design, build, and test phase of an engineering-model of this IRU, nicknamed Spirit, completed in 2011. The Spirit IRU complements the existing portfolio of Honeywell navigation products, such as the Miniature Inertial Measurement Unit (MIMU), by leveraging the long life and excellent performance inherent in FOG technology. This paper provides an overview of the Spirit system along with initial results from gyro performance and life testing.
The promise of automatic vehicle identification

Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) technology, which permits fully automatic and unique identification of vehicles at specific interrogation points, offers potential benefits in many fields including fleet control, revenue collection, traffic operations, transportation planning, and safety and law enforcement. Three technologies are currently being used for AVI: optical, microwave, and low power radio frequency. All of the three technologies are currently being used in either operating systems or extensive field testing under operating conditions. The first large scale application of AVI was in the railroad industry to identify automatically rolling stock. The optical AVI techniques used have also been applied in automatic container identification and, in a limited scope application, in the operation of an automatic toll collection system. Microwave AVI techniques have been tested successfully in containerization applications and are currently under test by a major toll road in revenue collection application. Low power radio frequency AVI was tested extensively in the federally-sponsored Automatic Bus Identification Project and is being evaluated for nonstop toll collection application by toll agencies. While the cost effectiveness of AVI will vary to a considerable extent with the technology used and the desired functional requirements, existing AVI technology can provide automatic unique identification of vehicles at a cost which can be justified in many applications. As these applications are being developed, the rapid advances in computer and electronic technology which are inherent in AVI systems, will further reduce initial and operating costs of contemplated AVI systems.
Hegemony, Dominance or Leadership? Explaining Germany's Role in European Monetary Cooperation

This article explains Germany's function and role in European monetary cooperation. It refutes two popular hypotheses in this context — (1) that Germany serves as a regional hegemon comparable to t...
Gender, Religion, and Radicalism in the Long Eighteenth Century: The “Ingenious Quaker” and Her Connections – By Judith Jennings

The Quaker artist Mary Knowles is perhaps best known to literary scholars today for her famous debate over women's liberty and religion with Samuel Johnson, dutifully (if inaccurately) recorded in ...
Oxidation of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and other hydroxy fatty acids by lung prostaglandin dehydrogenase

Abstract The oxidation of the 15-hydroxy group of prostaglandins of the A, E, and F series by the NAD + -dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) has been well documented. In addition to prostaglandins, we have observed that the purified lung PGDH also will oxidize 15-HETE to a novel metabolite that was isolated by reverse-phase HPLC and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as the 15-keto-5,8,11- cis -13- trans -eicosatetraenoic acid (15-KETE). The K m for 15-HETE was 16 μ m , which was 2.5 times lower than the value obtained for PGE 1 . In addition to 15-HETE, 5,15-diHETE and 8,15-diHETE also were substrates for the lung PGDH with K m values of 138 and 178 μ m , respectively. Other hydroxy derivatives of eicosatetraenoic acid that did not have a hydroxy group at carbon atom 15 did not support the PGDH-mediated reduction of NAD + . In addition to the 15-hydroxy derivatives of eicosatetraenoic acid, 12-HHT also was a substrate for the lung enzyme with a K m of 12 μ m . These data indicate that ω6-hydroxy fatty acids, in addition to prostaglandins, are also substrates of the lung NAD + -dependent PGDH and that the enzyme does not require the cyclopentane ring of prostaglandins.
Generalisation of the partial-power law (Brown's identity) to waveguides with lossy media

The partial-power law, otherwise known as Brown's identity, which relates the product of the phase velocity of a mode on a lossless waveguide to the time-average power and momentum carried by the mode, is generalised to be applicable to lossy waveguides as well.
Electrostatically driven micro-hydraulic actuator arrays

This paper describes an all-electrical individually-addressable micro-hydraulic actuator array that produces high displacement and force by utilizing hydraulic amplification and electrostatic control, offering a considerable improvement in fabrication technique and performance over the recently-introduced micro-piston hydraulic actuator array [1,2]. The fabricated micro system consists of 3×3 and 4×4 arrays of actuator cells. A curved electrode capacitive actuator with a diameter of 2236 µm driven at 200 V produces 30.0 µm deflection on the front side at 14.4 kPa of pressure which corresponds to 11.3 mN force generated by the capacitive actuator on the back side. Actuation occurs from DC to 15 Hz.
EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF THE STRUCTURE AND VIBRATIONAL SPECTRA OF AZETIDINE DERIVATIVES

Abstract The IR spectra of 3,3-dinitroazetidine (DNAZ), 1-nitroso-3,3-dinitroazetidine (nitroso-DNAZ), and azetidine in solid argon matrices were measured. In addition, the structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies of these molecules were theoretically evaluated using three electronic structure methods: restricted Hartree–Fock and the B3LYP and BP86 density functional methods. The computed geometries are compared with the experimental measurements. The computed vibrational frequencies are used to determine the types of molecular motion associated with each of the observed experimental bands. Comparison with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of these computational methods to describe the vibrational modes in these highly polar strained ring compounds.
„Nichtmolekulare”︁ Metallchalcogenid/‐halogenid‐Festkörperverbindungen und ihre molekularen Cluster‐Analoga

Die Strukturen von Festkorperverbindungen enthalten eine Vielzahl von Ubergangsmetallclustern. Obwohl molekulare Analoga einiger dieser Cluster bereits synthetisiert wurden — sei es durch spontane Bildung aus kleineren Komponenten in Losung oder durch Freisetzung intakter Clustereinheiten aus den Festkorperverbindungen —, sind sich viele Molekulchemiker der Strukturvielfalt dieser Festkorper-Clusterverbindungen nicht bewust. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die verschiedenen Strukturtypen als mogliche Syntheseziele fur die praparative Molekulchemie; er beschreibt die Aufbauprinzipien von Clustern in Ubergangsmetallchalcogenid/-halogenid-Festkorperverbindungen und stellt die Falle vor, in denen die molekularen Cluster-Analoga bereits bekannt sind. Ein besonderer Akzent liegt dabei auf dem Herauslosen, der „Exzision”, von Clustern aus Festkorperverbindungen als einer Methode zur Synthese molekularer Cluster.
Antioxidant prevention of tumor promoter induced inhibition of mouse hepatocyte intercellular communication

Abstract The liver tumor promoters, phenobarbital (20–500 μg/ml), lindane (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane, γ-isomer; 0.1–5.0 μg/ml), and DDT (1,1-bis[4-chlorophenyl]-2,2,2-trichloroethane; 0.5–10.0 μg/ml), and the hydrogen peroxide-generating enzyme, glucose oxidase (0.01–0.10 units/ml) inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication between B 6 C 3 F 1 mouse hepatocytes in primary culture. Addition of the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (100 units/ml), DPPD ( N,N′ -diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine; 25 μM), and vitamin E ( dl -α-tocopherol acetate; 100 μM), to tumor promoter-treated cultures prevented the inhibition of hepatocyte intercellular communication. DPPD and vitamin E, prevented the inhibition of hepatocyte intercellular communication by glucose oxidase. Superoxide dismutase had no effect on the inhibition of intercellular communication caused by glucose oxidase. These results suggest that activated oxygen species are produced during liver tumor promoter treatment of cultured mouse hepatocytes and are responsible for the inhibition of mouse hepatocyte intercellular communication by the promoters.
Development of an ELISA for Rapid Detection of Anti-Type VII Collagen Autoantibodies in Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an acquired blistering skin disease characterized by the presence of IgG autoantibodies to type VII collagen. EBA autoantibodies recognize four major immunodominant epitopes localized within the amino-terminal, noncollagenous (NC1) domain. In this study, we developed a rapid, quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect autoantibody activity against the complete NC1 domain of type VII collagen with the use of an eukaryotic-expressed, recombinant human NC1 antigen. With the ELISA, we tested serum from patients with EBA (n = 24), bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) (n = 3), bullous pemphigoid (n = 16), pemphigus (n = 11)and normal controls (n = 12). All EBA and BSLE serum, including four sera that were negative by indirect immunofluorescence, demonstrated reactivity with immobilized NC1 in the ELISA. In contrast, none of the sera from healthy control subjects or patients with unrelated blistering skin diseases reacted with NC1. The EBA sera also reacted with recombinant NC1 by immunoblot analysis but with less sensitivity. Thus, the newly developed ELISA using recombinant NC1 is a sensitive, specific assay and a useful tool for rapidly screening EBA and BSLE serum.
Gastric emptying in postural tachycardia syndrome: a preliminary report.

Autonomic neuropathy is widely recognized to be associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and abnormal (i.e., rapid or slow) gastric emptying. While patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) may also have gastrointestinal symptoms, our understanding of gastric-emptying disturbances in POTS is very limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between gastric-emptying disturbances and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with POTS. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 well-characterized patients with POTS and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in whom autonomic (i.e., postganglionic sudomotor, cardiovagal, and adrenergic) functions and gastric emptying were evaluated using standardized techniques and scintigraphy, respectively. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to assess clinical features, gastric emptying, and autonomic functions. Over 70 % of patients had nausea and/or vomiting, which was the most common GI symptom; other common symptoms were abdominal pain (59 %), bloating (55 %), and postprandial fullness/early satiety (46 %). Over one-third of patients had abnormal [i.e., rapid (27 %) or delayed (9 %)] gastric emptying. Gastric-emptying disturbances were not significantly associated with GI symptoms, autonomic symptoms or autonomic dysfunction. Over one-third of patients with POTS and gastrointestinal symptoms have abnormal, more frequently rapid than delayed gastric emptying. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger cohort of patients.
FMRFamide produces biphasic modulation of the LFS motor neurons in the neural circuit of the siphon withdrawal reflex of Aplysia by activating Na+ and K+ currents

The molluscan neuropeptide FMRFamide has an inhibitory effect on transmitter release from the presynaptic sensory neurons in the neural circuit for the siphon withdrawal reflex. We have explored whether FMRFamide also acts postsynaptically in motor neurons in this circuit, focusing on the LFS motor neurons. FMRFamide typically produces a biphasic response in LFS neurons: a fast excitatory response followed by a prolonged inhibitory response. We have analyzed these postsynaptic actions and compared them with the mechanism of FMRFamide9s inhibition of the presynaptic sensory neurons. The transient excitatory effect of FMRFamide, which desensitizes rapidly, is due to activation of a TTX- insensitive, Na(+)-dependent inward current. The late hyperpolarizing phase of the FMRFamide response results from activation of at least two K+ currents. One component of the hyperpolarizing response is active at rest and at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials, and is blocked by 5 mM 4-aminopyridine, suggesting that it differs from the previously described FMRFamide-modulated K+ currents in the presynaptic sensory neurons. In addition, FMRFamide increases a 4-aminopyridine-insensitive K+ current. Presynaptically, FMRFamide increases K+ conductance, acting via release of arachidonic acid. In the LFS motor neurons, application of arachidonic acid mimicked the prolonged, hyperpolarizing phase of the FMRFamide response; 4-bromophenacyl bromide, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, selectively blocked this component of the FMRFamide response. Thus, FMRFamide may act in parallel pre- and post- synaptically to inhibit the output of the siphon withdrawal reflex circuit, producing this inhibitory effect via the same second messenger in the sensory neurons and motor neurons, though a number of the K+ currents modulated in these two types of neurons are different.
Optimization-based animation

Current techniques for rigid body simulation run slowly on scenes with many bodies in close proximity. Each time two bodies collide or make or break a static contact, the simulator must interrupt the numerical integration of velocities and accelerations. Even for simple scenes, the number of discontinuities per frame time can rise to the millions. An efficient optimization-based animation (OBA) algorithm is presented which can simulate scenes with many convex three-dimensional bodies settling into stacks and other “crowded” arrangements. This algorithm simulates Newtonian (second order) physics and Coulomb friction, and it uses quadratic programming (QP) to calculate new positions, momenta and accelerations strictly at frame times. Contact points are synchronized at the end of each frame. The extremely small integration steps inherent to traditional simulation techniques are avoided. Non-convex bodies are simulated as unions of convex bodies. Links and joints are simulated successfully with bi-directional constraints. A hybrid of OBA and retroactive detection (RD) has been implemented as well. A review of existing work finds no other packages that can simulate similarly complex scenes in a practical amount of time.
The refractive index of dye/polymer composite films

Designing photonic devices using organic nonlinear dye/polymer composites requires an accurate determination of the index. A model of the wavelength and concentration dependence of the index that includes the density dependence is given.
Characterizing and Detecting Virus Replication

Newly released computer viruses are spreading faster than ever before and current signature based detection do not protect against these unknown viruses. This paper presents a characterization of virus replication. Two detection models are developed, one using operation sequence matching and the other using frequency measures. The research shows virus replication can be characterized and used to detect known and unknown viruses with minimal false negatives. In our testing using operation sequence matching, over 250 viruses were detected with 43 subsequences. Detection of 130 viruses, 45% of all tested viruses, occured with the replication sequence of just one virus. Our testing using frequency measures detected all test viruses with no false negatives.
Gradient effects of within-category phonetic variation on lexical access.

In order to determine whether small within-category differences in voice onset time (VOT) affect lexical access, eye movements were monitored as participants indicated which of four pictures was named by spoken stimuli that varied along a 0–40 ms VOT continuum. Within-category differences in VOT resulted in gradient increases in fixations to cross-boundary lexical competitors as VOT approached the category boundary. Thus, fine-grained acoustic/phonetic differences are preserved in patterns of lexical activation for competing lexical candidates and could be used to maximize the efficiency of on-line word recognition. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Efficacy of Imagent® BP at 1.5ml/Kg in a Rabbit Liver Tumor Model

We have shown using a V×2 rabbit model that 3 and 5ml/kg of perflubron emulsion were highly effective in imaging liver tumors. The results from preliminary clinical trials suggested that should the infusion rate be increased, a 1.5ml/kg may be efficacious. This study determined whether 1.5ml/kg given as a bolus IV would be efficacious to image liver tumors using a V×2 rabbit model. V×2 tumors were implanted in 5 NZW rabbits, CT of the liver was performed during held expiration at 80kV and 800mAS, before and shortly after 1.5ml/kg Imagent® BP (ImBP), again at 30 minutes and 3 days. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn over the CT image of the spleen, liver, inferior vena cava, and tumor, CT# obtained and average enhancement of each tissue calculated at each time point. 4 animals had tumors 5cm or greater Precontrast, tumors were faintly seen on CT. Blood was brighter than liver shortly after infusion and isointense with liver at 30 minutes. Tumors did not enhance following contrast. Except for the liver a...
Response of a winter plankton food web to simazine

In situ microcosms of a winter plankton community were exposed for 21 d to 0 0, 0 1, 0 5 and 1 0 mg/L of the herbicide simazine, approximating persistent levels found after application in other systems Physical-chemical parameters, phytoplankton, bacteria and zooplankton were quantified Simazine induced decreases in dissolved oxygen and pH, but induced increases in nitrate and am monia levels compared to control microcosms Phytoplankton were differentially affected by simazine Sensitive taxa included Trachelomonas, Glenodinium and diatoms Others, such as Dinobryon and small coccoids, were not significantly affected Bacteria data were variable and did not exhibit changes related to phytoplankton densities or simazine Rotifers dominated the zooplankton and were also differentially affected by simazine The dominant species, Kellicottia bostomensis, exhibited a positive response to simazine, as did Keratella cochlearis, due to lesser mortality in higher concentrations of simazine Polyarthra vulgaris was unaffected, but Synchaeta pectinata was impaired by simazine at day 21 Zooplankton (primarily rotifers) may have fed on heterotrophic cells more than on autotrophic cells, and may have been more closely associated with the detrital food chain than the autotrophic food chain
Taxes and Voting: Electoral Retribution in the American States

We examine the impacts of legislated changes in and new programs of general sales and personal income tax policies on the electoral support for the gubernatorial nominee of the responsible party in 407 gubernatorial elections in the 50 American states from 1957-1985. We propose a taxpayer retribution hypothesis in the context of a general model of retrospective voting. We estimate the effects of several tax policy variables while controlling for rival political and economic factors that are believed to influence voting at this level--state and national economic conditions, partisan strength, national trends, and coterminous contests. Results indicate weak overall negative electoral effects of taxation; only changes in the general sales tax programs appear to have significant impacts. Further, while voters may punish taxing governors, there appears to be no complementary reward for governors who decrease taxes.
Time reversal SAR technique for imaging extended target shielded from line-of-sight

In this paper, we present a novel time reversal SAR technique for imaging extended targets completely shielded from line of sight. The secondary scattering between the cluttered environment and the shielded targets results in ghost images in the difference SAR imaging (with and without targets) and can be significantly enhanced by a developed time reversal technique. By matching the obtained ghost image with forward FDTD simulations using the scatters obtained from SAR imaging, a complete image of the extended target can be reconstructed with relatively high confidence. With a highly cluttered environment that generates sufficient secondary scattering, the ghost images are distinctively different for distinctively different extended targets, yielding a high distinction correlation in the forward matching process.
Dramatically Increased Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Utilization From 2000 to 2009, Especially by Podiatrists in Private Offices

Purpose Over the past two decades, musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound has emerged as an effective means of diagnosing MSK pathologies. However, some insurance providers have expressed concern about increased MSK ultrasound utilization, possibly facilitated by the low cost and ready availability of ultrasound technology. The purpose of this study was to document trends in MSK ultrasound utilization from 2000 to 2009 within the Medicare population. Methods Source data were obtained from the CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files from 2000 to 2009, and records were extracted for procedures for extremity nonvascular ultrasound. We analyzed annual volume by provider type using specialties, practice settings, and geographic regions where the studies were performed. Results In 2000, Medicare reimbursed 56,254 MSK ultrasound studies, which increased to 233,964 in 2009 (+316%). Radiologists performed the largest number of MSK ultrasound studies in 2009, 91,022, an increase from 40,877 in 2000. Podiatrists utilized the next highest number of studies in 2009, 76,332, an increase from 3,920 in 2000. Overall, private office MSK ultrasound procedures increased from 19,372 in 2000 to 158,351 in 2009 (+717%). In 2009, podiatrists performed the largest number of private office procedures (75,544) and accounted for 51.5% of the total private office growth from 2000 to 2009. Radiologist private office procedures totaled 19,894 in 2009, accounting for 9.2% of the total private office MSK ultrasound growth. Conclusions The MSK ultrasound volume increase among nonradiologists, especially podiatrists, was far higher than that among radiologists from 2000 and 2009, with the highest growth in private offices. These findings raise concern for self-referral.
Uni-directional hypercubes

Uni-directional hypercubes are hypercube interconnection topologies with simplex uni-directional links. While accommodating large number of nodes, uni-directional hypercubes require less complicated communication hardware than conventional bi-directional hypercubes. In addition, they alleviate the pin-limitation problem encountered in fabricating VLSI hypercubes and allow hypercube implementation of the Metropolitan Area Networks using optical fiber links. We propose in this paper two novel schemes of the uni-directional hypercubes. Our research results show that both proposed schemes, while using uni-directional links only, preserve most of the nice characteristics of conventional hypercubes such as short diameter, short average distance and efficient routing. In particular, the diameter of the second scheme with degree n is n+1 (n+2) only when n ≠ 3 (n = 3).
Alternative Careers for Graduates of LIS Schools: The North American Perspective--An Analysis of the Literature

Schools of Library and Information Science (LIS) have often promoted alternative careers as a marketing tool and some students enrol in LIS schools specifically to explore alternative careers. The literature on LIS career patterns continues to suggest that those non-traditional careers are desirable and viable alternatives. Yet the survey research based literature indicates that very few LIS graduates report finding employment outside traditional libraries in the US and Canada. This paper reviews the challenges of obtaining more accurate information on the career patterns of LIS graduates and discusses the international implications for analysing career patterns for LIS school graduates.
THE EFFECTS OF FOUR METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION ON TEST ACHIEVEMENT

The purpose of the study was to compare three methods of individual test administration (interview, self-paced tape, speaker-p4ced tape) and one group method (speaker-paced tape). Individual administrations were done in carrels in a portable van. Subjects were third- and seventh-grade students in 15 California public schools. Overall differences among test administration methods on multiplechoice test scores were not significant for either grade group; although for both grades, the mean score under the group administration method was highest. On short-answer exercises, third-graders performed significantly better in individual interview administrations. For seventh-graders, scores on short-answer questions were significantly higher under the interview and group speaker-paced methods than under the individual speaker-paced method. A student's achievement score in conventional tests is usually affected by his reading and writing abilities even though the tests may not intend to measure those skills. It was presumed that for such tests a test administration method which minimizes the amount of reading and writing a student does should be superior to the typical test administration procedure, particularly for low reading achievement pupils. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare four methods of test administration which differ from conventional methods. Previous studies2 have concerned individual interview assessment and group administration of exercises by speaker-paced tape. The uniqueness of this study lies (a) in the use of self-paced and speaker-paced tape recordings for presenting questions to pupils in individual carrels in a portable van; and (b) in recording oral responses of subjects to short-answer exercises on tape, so that pupils need not be concerned about their spelling and handwriting. PROCEDURE The focal point about which this study revolved was a van equipped for testing individuals in private carrels or rooms. A trailer of the type available for a portable office was partitioned into two sections. Six semienclosed carrels were constructed in the front section; each was equipped with two tape recorders, one for a question tape and one for a response tape. Other equipment for each carrel included earphones, microphone, volume control, listen button, and teacher button. Three rooms were built for individual
Occupational amputations in Illinois 2000–2007: BLS vs. data linkage of trauma registry, hospital discharge, workers compensation databases and OSHA citations

Abstract Background Workplace amputation is a widespread, disabling, costly, and preventable public health problem. Thousands of occupational amputations occur each year, clustering in particular economic sectors, workplaces, and demographic groups such as young workers, Hispanics, and immigrants. Objectives To identify and describe work related amputations amongst Illinois residents that occur within Illinois as reported in three legally mandated State databases; to compare these cases with those identified through the BLS-Survey of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries (SOII); and to determine the extent of direct intervention by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for these injuries in the State. Methods We linked cases across three databases in Illinois – trauma registry, hospital discharge, and workers compensation claims. We describe amputation injuries in Illinois between 2000 and 2007, compare them to the BLS-SOII, and determine OSHA investigations of the companies where amputations occurred. Results There were 3984 amputations identified, 80% fingertips, in the Illinois databases compared to an estimated 3637, 94% fingertips, from BLS-SOII. Though the overall agreement is close, there were wide fluctuations (over- and under-estimations) in individual years between counts in the linked dataset and federal survey estimates. No OSHA inspections occurred for these injuries. Conclusions/recommendations Increased detection of workplace amputations is essential to targeting interventions and to evaluating program effectiveness. There should be mandatory reporting of all amputation injuries by employers and insurance companies within 24 h of the event, and every injury should be investigated by OSHA. Health care providers should recognise amputation as a public health emergency and should be compelled to report. There should be a more comprehensive occupational injury surveillance system in the US that enhances the BLS-SOII through linkage with state databases. Addition of industry, occupation, and work-relatedness fields to the Electronic Health Record, the Uniform Billing form, and national health surveys would allow better capture of occupational cases for prevention and for assigning bills to the right payer source.