cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Networked multiplayer cooperative interaction using decoupled motion control method in a shared virtual environment with haptic, visual and movement feedback

This paper focuses on multiplayer cooperative interaction in a shared haptic environment based on a local area network. Decoupled motion control, which allows one user to manipulate a haptic interface to control only one-dimensional movement of an avatar, is presented as a new type haptic-based cooperation among multiple users. Users respectively move an avatar along one coordinate axis so that the motion of the avatar is the synthesis of movements along all axes. It is different from previous haptic cooperation where all users can apply forces on an avatar along any direction to move it, the motion of which completely depends on the resultant force. A novel concept of movement feedback is put forward where one user can sense other users’ hand motions through his or her own haptic interface. The concept can also be explained wherein one person who is required to move a virtual object along only one axis can also feel the motions of the virtual object along other axes. Movement feedback, which is a feeling of motion, differs from force feedback, such as gravity, collision force and resistance. A spring-damper force model is proposed for the computation of motion feedback to implement movement transmission among users through haptic devices. Experimental results validate that movement feedback is beneficial for performance enhancement of such kind of haptic-based cooperation, and the effect of movement feedback in performance improvement is also evaluated by all subjects.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An apparatus for immunoelectrofocusing: A study of squid tyrosinase

Abstract An apparatus which facilitates immunoelectrofocusing is described. Polyacrylamide is used as the support medium for both the thin-layer isoelectric focusing and immunodiffusion stages. The pH gradients formed during electrofocusing are reproducible and sufficiently stable. Immunoelectrofocused and isoelectric focused patterns indicate that at least one inactive form and four active forms of squid tyrosinase exist.
Structure and Molecular Length of the Large Subunits of RD-114 Viral RNA

By electron microscopy, the large subunits of RD-114 RNA have a molecular weight of 5.0 x 10^6; they all have a characteristic secondary structure feature close to the middle.
Numerical Simulation of the Taylor-Green Vortex

INTRODUCTION In a classic paper~ Taylor and Green (1937) considered the dynamical evolution of a model three-dimensional vortex field in order to clarify the dynamics of turbulence. The Taylor-Green vortex illustrates in a relatively simple flow the basic turbulence decay mechanisms of the production of small eddies and the enhancement of dissipation by the stretching of vortex lines. It has also proved exceedingly useful for testing numerical and perturbation methods, as discussed later in this paper. In the Taylor-Green vortex, the initial physical-space velocity field is
Using periodic electrical excitation to achieve stick-release in micro-cantilevers

Recently, it has been proposed that sticking contact between micro-scale components may be relieved (i.e., the components may be unstuck) using structural vibrations. The means to excite these vibrations plays a critical role in the physical mechanism responsible for the initiation of stick-release. For example, it has been shown that mechanical actuation using, say, an instrumented nanoindentor is most effective near a resonant frequency. Aside from showing the fundamental mechanism responsible for the repair (resonance), it also provides insight for choosing optimal excitation parameters, such as excitation amplitude and frequency, for stick-release. In the present paper, periodic electrical excitation is explored as a means of inducing structural vibrations. It is shown that electrical excitation produces stick-release through a fundamentally different mechanism than its mechanical counterpart. Here, stick-release is achieved via unstable self-excited vibrations. This fact has a significant influence on the practical matter of choosing appropriate excitation parameters to produce the desired repair. Using the underlying physics, appropriate parameter combinations are mapped.
A REEXAMINATION OF THE REACTION BETWEEN COLCHICINE AND TUBULIN

The rate of reversible dissociation of the colchicine-tubulin complex has been determined for purified porcine brain tubulin and for sea urchin tubulin from 100,000 times g supernatant. The rate constant, which is essentially the same for both species, is extremely slow; it corresponds to a half-life of approximately 36 hours for the reaction. This rate was the same whether or not sucrose was present, and was not influenced by low concentrations of vinblastine or by millimolar concentrations of colchicine. The association rate constant was determined for porcine brain tubulin with and without CaCl2. The sample without CaCl2 had been maximally polymerized prior to the addition of colchicine. A 4.7-fold difference was observed between the association rate constants under these two conditions. Equilibrium constants calculated from the measured rate constants are 5 to 20 times greater than directly measured values; this suggests that the interaction of microtubules and colchicine is more complex than was previously thought.
Crystallographic studies of V44 mutants of Clostridium pasteurianum rubredoxin: Effects of side‐chain size on reduction potential

Understanding the structural origins of differences in reduction potentials is crucial to understanding how various electron transfer proteins modulate their reduction potentials and how they evolve for diverse functional roles. Here, the high-resolution structures of several Clostridium pasteurianum rubredoxin (Cp Rd) variants with changes in the vicinity of the redox site are reported in order to increase this understanding. Our crystal structures of [V44L] (at 1.8 {angstrom} resolution), [V44A] (1.6 {angstrom}), [V44G] (2.0 {angstrom}) and [V44A, G45P] (1.5 {angstrom}) Rd (all in their oxidized states) show that there is a gradual decrease in the distance between Fe and the amide nitrogen of residue 44 upon reduction in the size of the side chain of residue 44; the decrease occurs from leucine to valine, alanine or glycine and is accompanied by a gradual increase in their reduction potentials. Mutation of Cp Rd at position 44 also changes the hydrogen-bond distance between the amide nitrogen of residue 44 and the sulfur of cysteine 42 in a size-dependent manner. Our results suggest that residue 44 is an important determinant of Rd reduction potential in a manner dictated by side-chain size. Along with the electric dipole moment of the 43-44 peptide bond and themore » 44-42 NHS type hydrogen bond, a modulation mechanism for solvent accessibility through residue 41 might regulate the redox reaction of the Rds. Proteins 2004.« less
MOS multiplier/divider cell for analogue VLSI

A novel all-MOS continuous-time multiplier/divider parameterised cell is introduced. It comprises eight MOS transistors and a single operational amplifier. The new cell is highly reconfigurable, versatile, extremely simple to design and its output is conveniently programmed via DC control voltages. Some of the many applications of the new cell in analogue VLSI signal processing include analogue multiplication, signal squaring, division, signal inversion, amplitude modulation and RMS/DC conversion. Moreover, the new cell is easily extendable to achieve analogue vector multiplication, and hence it lends itself naturally to analogue MOS VLSI implementation of feedback/feedforward neural networks.
Intranasal naloxone administration for treatment of opioid overdose

Purpose The pharmacology, pharmaco-kinetic properties, and clinical efficacy of naloxone injection administered intranasally for the reversal of opioid overdose are reviewed. Summary Naloxone is an opioid-receptor antagonist that is used in the treatment of opioid overdose to reverse the respiratory and central nervous system–depressant effects of the opioid. Naloxone injection is traditionally given by intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes. Paramedics also administer naloxone injection intranasally in the prehospital setting to treat suspected opioid overdose. The nasal mucosa has a rich blood supply that allows for efficient drug absorption and the avoidance of first-pass hepatic metabolism that would be seen with oral administration. Obtaining vascular access can be difficult in known drug users, prolonging the time required to administer the antidote. Patients awakening from an overdose may be agitated, confused, and even combative, thus increasing the risk of needle-stick injury to first responders. The intranasal route avoids the need for establishing vascular access and can be associated with speedier patient recovery. In two randomized controlled trials, intranasal naloxone alone was shown to be sufficient for reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression in 74% and 72% of the respective study populations of patients experiencing opioid overdose. In addition, the safety profile of intranasal naloxone appears to be no different than that of naloxone injection in the treatment of opioid overdose in the prehospital setting. Conclusion Intranasal administration of naloxone appears to be effective in treatment of opioid overdose when i.v. administration is impossible or undesirable.
Evaluation of aluminum-yttrium filtration for intraoral radiography.

In comparison with the use of traditional aluminum filtration, a radiation dose reduction of 40% at 90 kVp and 25% at 70 kVp was found with the use of aluminum-yttrium (Al-Y) filtration for intraoral bitewing and periapical radiographs. An increased exposure time, and consequent greater tube loading, was necessary to maintain film density. Extended gray-scales (i.e., reduced radiographic contrast) occurred at both energy levels tested with the use of Al-Y filtration. Subjective evaluation of image quality in terms of clarity, resolution, and contrast was carried out independently by nine periodontologists. Despite some interoperator variance, there was a preponderant preference for traditional aluminum filtration.
Is the Use of PPD in Black Henna Tattoo Criminal or Remiss

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is a known strong sensitizer and allergen. It has been directly associated with severe allergic contact dermatitis reactions and systemic toxicities. While PPD is permitted in hair-dye with restriction, it is prohibited for direct use on skin. Unfortunately, skin application continues through temporary tattoos with black henna dyes, because these products are unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Policy change, and parent and child-oriented educational campaigns are necessary to build knowledge of this serious issue.
University Belonging, Friendship Quality, and Psychological Adjustment During the Transition to College

The authors collected questionnaire data from college students (N = 79) at 2 time points during their freshman year to examine how changes in a sense of university belonging, quality of friendships, and psychological adjustment were associated. Students who had positive changes in university belonging had corresponding positive changes in self-perceptions (e.g., scholastic competence, self-worth) and decreases in their internalizing problem behaviors. Although the results did not link improvements over time in friendship quality to changes in self-perceptions, the authors linked them to decreasing levels of problem behaviors. The authors discuss the importance of educators' fostering university belonging and positive friendships among students as they transition to college.
The real estate of cardiac signaling: location, location, location.

Determining how cells distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive signals when they appear to share the same molecular pathways has been a vexing biological problem. The ability to identify distinctive features of a pathophysiological response compared with a physiological response would allow for the rational design of approaches to eliminate or diminish undesirable consequences of pathophysiological responses while preserving the beneficial effects of physiological signals. These issues are especially pertinent in the heart and in understanding the development of heart failure, for which >500,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Major factors contributing to worsening heart failure include a number of compensatory neurohormonal signals intended to counteract decreased cardiac output, such as hyperadrenergic stimulation (1). In a recent issue of PNAS, Balijepalli et al. (2) provide new insight into how adrenergic signaling pathways are organized in the heart.
Axillary lymph node dose with tangential breast irradiation.

Purpose The advent of sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy in the staging of breast cancer has resulted in a significant decrease in the extent of axillary nodal surgery. As the extent of axillary surgery decreases, the radiation dose and distribution within the axilla becomes increasingly important for current therapy planning and future analysis of results. This analysis examined the radiation dose distribution delivered to the anatomically defined axillary level I and II lymph node volume and surgically placed axillary clips with conventional tangential breast fields and CT-based three-dimensional (3D) planning. Methods and materials Fifty consecutive patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast conservation therapy were evaluated. All patients underwent 3D CT-based planning with conventional breast tangential fields designed to encompass the entire breast parenchyma. Using CT-based 3D planning, the dose distribution of the standard tangential breast irradiation fields was examined in relationship to the axillary level I and II lymph node volumes. Axillary level I and II lymph node anatomic volumes were defined by CT and surgical clips placed during complete level I–II lymph node dissection. Axillary level I–II lymph node volume doses were examined on the basis of the prescribed breast radiation dose and 3D dose distribution. Results All defined breast volumes received ≥95% of the prescribed dose. By contrast, the 95% isodose line encompassed only an average of 55% (range, 23–87%) of the axillary level I–II lymph node anatomic volume. No patient had complete coverage of the axillary level I–II lymph node region by the 95% isodose line. The mean anatomic axillary level I–II volume was 146.3 cm 3 (range, 83.1–313.0 cm 3 ). The mean anatomic axillary level I–II volume encompassed by the 95% isodose line was 84.9 cm 3 (range, 25.1–219.0 cm 3 ). The mean 95% isodose coverage of the surgical clip volume was 80%, and the median value was 81% (range, 58–98%). The mean volume deficit between the axillary level I–II volume and the surgical clip volume was 41.7 cm 3 (median, 30.0 cc). Conclusion In this study, standard tangential breast radiation fields failed to deliver a therapeutic dose adequately to the axillary level I–II lymph node anatomic volume. No patient received complete coverage of the axillary level I–II lymph node volume. Surgically placed axillary clips also failed to delineate the level I–II axilla adequately. Definitive irradiation of the level I and II axillary lymph node region requires significant modification of standard tangential fields, best accomplished with 3D treatment planning, with specific targeting of anatomically defined axillary lymph node volumes as described, in addition to the breast parenchymal volumes.
MERLIN: Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation

Abstract Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos are low-albedo, D-type bodies that may preserve samples of outer solar system material that contributed organics and volatiles to the accreting terrestrial planets. A Discovery-class mission concept described in this paper, the Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed Investigation (MERLIN), will obtain in situ measurements from Deimos to test models for the moon's origin. The measurement objectives of MERLIN are to determine Deimos' elemental and mineralogical composition, to investigate its volatile and organic content, and to characterize processes that have modified its surface. To achieve these objectives, a landed payload will provide stereo imaging and measurements of elemental and mineralogical composition and interior structure. An orbital payload will acquire global high-resolution and color imaging, putting the landing site in context by characterizing Deimos' geology. Following MOI the spacecraft flies in formation with Deimos, and uses small changes in its orbit around Mars to investigate Deimos from a range of altitudes and illuminations over 4 months. Data taken during 1- to 2-km altitude flyovers will certify a landing site. The spacecraft will be delivered to a point several kilometers above Deimos, and will navigate to landing on a fresh exposure of regolith using onboard imaging. 90 days of baseline landed operations will provide a complete set of measurements, with schedule reserve, and there is sufficient propellant to repeat the measurements at a second site.
Science Teacher Beliefs and Their Influence on Curriculum Implementation: Two Case Studies.

The influence of teacher beliefs on curriculum implementation was explored in two different contexts. Two middle-level teachers implemented a 20-lesson curriculum package in the presence of participant observers. Data sources included field notes and interview transcripts. The data were reviewed daily and tentative assertions were developed. Assertions and their accompanying evidence were examined weekly for recurring patterns. Case studies of the belief structures of each teacher were then prepared. In both cases, four major categories of beliefs appeared to influence curriculum implementation. These included beliefs about how students learn, a teacher's role in the classroom, the ability levels of students in a particular age group, and the relative importance of content topics. Both teachers believed that the most important student outcome is factual knowledge, that middle-grade students learn through repeated drill and practice, and that middle school students require a great deal of direction. The teachers' beliefs differed in other areas, including beliefs about a teacher's role in the classroom and beliefs regarding the curriculum and its content topics. Although certain components of both teachers' belief structures enhanced the success of curriculum implementation, overall their existing belief structures were incongruent with the underlying philosophy of the intended curriculum, thus hampering successful implementation.
Introduction to the biosafety guidelines for sorting of unfixed cells.

Cell sorting of biologic specimens by flow cytometry has become a widely used technique in research and clinical laboratories. Because viable biologic specimens can contain infectious agents, precautions need to be taken to prevent the exposure of operators of flow cytometers to biohazards arising from the use of these instruments. The International Society of Analytical Cytology (ISAC) recognized the need for establishing guidelines for sorting of unfixed cells and initiated the formation of a Biohazard Working Group, which has produced a set of recommendations that can aid in preventing such exposures. The guidelines contain recommendations on 1) sample handling, 2) training and protection of operators, 3) laboratory design, 4) cell sorter setup and maintenance, and 5) testing the instrument for the efficiency of aerosol containment. Cytometry 28:97–98, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A 21st-Century Personal Construct Psychology Upgrade

Cromwell's (2010) Being Human: Human Being. Manifesto for a New Psychology described many familiar elements of Kelly's (1955) Psychology of Personal Constructs. Cromwell regarded Kelly's theory as having a range of untapped implications, and he extended and elaborated many of these elements and links them to contemporary research in a variety of fields and subdomains. These extensions and elaborations might serve as a basis for maintaining the fundamental identity of personal construct psychology (PCP) while also modifying it in a manner that could enhance its contemporary relevance and effectiveness.
Transnational Sex Trafficking: Issues and Prospects

The articles in the present issue of "International Review of Victimology" provide broad coverage of the problem of, and response to, sex trafficking, with special concentration on trafficking involving persons who originate from the former Soviet Republics and Eastern and Southeastern Europe and migrate into Western Europe and beyond. Only one article (see record [rid]2004-18341-007[/rid]) addresses trafficking in the general sense, that is, in terms inclusive of other forms of exploited labor besides the various forms of sex work. The articles included in this issue provide insights into many of the areas of human trafficking: problems with the definition and conceptualization of the phenomenon (see record [rid]2004-18341-002[/rid]); issues in documenting its nature and estimating its magnitude (see record [rid]2004-18341-008[/rid]), the mechanisms of recruitment and the organization of the market (see record [rid]2004-18341-004[/rid]); best practices promoted in the interests of protecting victims (see record [rid]2004-18341-006[/rid]); prosecutors' approaches to working with victims in the prosecution of trafficking cases; and a summary assessment of the campaign's history, politics and accomplishments. itation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Cerebral activation during thermal stimulation of patients who have burning mouth disorder : An fMRI study

Abstract The pathophysiology of burning mouth disorder (BMD) is not clearly understood, but central neuropathic mechanisms are thought to be involved. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the pathophysiology associated with BMD by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Areas of brain activation following thermal stimulation of the trigeminal nerve of eight female patients with BMD (mean age 49.1 ± 10.1) were mapped using fMRI and compared with those of eight matched pain-free volunteers (mean age 50.3 ± 12.3). Qualitative and quantitative differences in brain activation patterns between the two study groups were demonstrated. BMD patients displayed greater fractional signal changes in the right anterior cingulate cortex (BA 32/24) and bilateral precuneus than did controls (p
Learned helplessness versus reactance: The effects of sex-role stereotypy

Both learned helplessness and reactance theories hypothesize that the effects of noncontingent reinforcement on later performance are related to the amount of experience with noncontingent reinforcement and to the subjects' expectations of control. In addition, learned helplessness theorists have suggested that performance may depend upon the causes to which subjects ascribe failure. The present study investigated these hypotheses by defining “expectation of control” as the degree of sex-role stereotypy and by assessing causal attributions. Forty men and 40 women were given either zero, three, four, five, or six discrimination problems for which they received noncontingent reinforcement; they were subsequently tested on anagrams and math problems. Causal attributions were rated after each set of tasks. The data suggested the following. (1) In general, under conditions of noncontingency, high masculinity subjects performed better on anagrams and low masculinity subjects performed worse on anagrams than subjects in the control conditions; stereotypic femininity was not related to performance. (2) Ratings of attributions for failing the discrimination problems were generally unrelated to performance, although there was weak support for the facilitating effects of effort attributions. (3) Subsequent to anagram and math performance, women rated external attributions higher following success and internal attributions higher following failure than did men. The implications for learned helplessness and reactance theories are discussed.
An electron spin resonance study of the cation radicals derived from some bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) and bis-(4-methoxyphenyl) sulfides

Abstract The cation radicals derived from a series of alkyl-substituted bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) and bis-(4-methoxyphenyl) sulfides have been investigated by ESR spectroscopy. Molecular orbital calculations are able to rationalize the effects of methyl substitution on spin density distributions and g -factor variations. The ESR results are consistent with a helical conformation of the cation radical, the degree of helicity changing with the degree of alkyl substitution.
The problem of strain-marker centers and the fry method

Abstract The Fry method and its variants will underestimate finite strain when applied to strain markers deformed heterogeneously at marker scale, despite homogeneous behavior at a population scale. This difference results from the post-deformation centers not coinciding with the original pre-deformation centers. The amount of error may rapidly approach 50% for small strains in ideal cases, but is likely to be in the range of 20–30%.
Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1-Deficient Mice Exhibit Altered Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), has emerged as a critical nuclear receptor regulating development and differentiation at several levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-steroidogenic axis. Although many coregulatory factors have been shown to physically and functionally interact with SF-1, the relative importance of these interactions in SF-1 target tissues has not been thoroughly established. In this study we assessed roles of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function using SRC-1-deficient (SRC-1-/-) mice in the absence or presence of SF-1 haploinsufficiency. Surprisingly, SRC-1 deficiency did not alter baseline HPA axis function or the acute rise in corticosterone after ACTH administration and failed to exacerbate adrenocortical dysfunction in SF-1+/- mice. However, after exposure to paradigms of acute and chronic stress, SRC-1-/- mice exhibited an elevation in serum corticosterone despite normal (nonsuppressed) ACTH, suggesting an increase in adrenal sensitivity as well as a concomitant defect in glucocorticoid-mediated feedback inhibition of the HPA axis. An examination of potential compensatory mechanism(s) revealed an increase in adrenal weight, selective elevation of melanocortin 2 receptor mRNA, and a coincident increase in SRC-2 and SRC-3 expression in SRC-1-/- adrenals. A reduction in blood glucose was observed in SRC-1-/- mice after chronic stress, consistent with a generalized state of glucocorticoid resistance. Dexamethasone suppression tests confirmed a weakened ability of glucocorticoids to 1) elevate serum glucose levels and induce hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase transcription and 2) suppress pituitary proopiomelanocortin transcript levels in SRC-1-/- animals. Collectively, these data are consistent with an indispensable role for SRC-1 in mediating actions of glucocorticoids in pituitary and liver.
Early and late abdominal bleeding after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: sources and tailored therapeutic strategies.

Bleeding is a potentially serious complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Preventive measures and therapeutic strategies have not been adequately defined. We reviewed data on 742 consecutive patients treated at the University of California San Francisco to identify cases of early and late bleeding (less or greater than 30 days after surgery) after RYGB. Bleeding was defined as symptoms or signs of bleeding, associated with blood transfusion. We recorded patient characteristics, details of the operative technique, diagnostic approach, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes. Twenty-six patients (3.5%) had postoperative bleeding, which mostly occurred in the first 30 days postoperatively (N = 19). Hematocrit decreased significantly from preoperative values (−5.2 ± 3.1 without bleeding vs. −14.8 ± 4.7 with, p < 0.01). Type 2 diabetes was more prevalent in patients who had bleeding (58% vs. 32%, p = 0.03). No other patient characteristics or details of the operative technique were associated with different rates of bleeding. Therapeutic intervention other than transfusion was needed for seven patients with early bleeding (36.8%) and for all patients with late bleeding. Four patients with early bleeding required reoperation. Early bleeding source was intraluminal in four patients, intraperitoneal in five, and self-limited and of unknown location in ten. Late bleeding occurred on average at 62.6 months (range, 5 to 300 months) after index surgery, five patients required reoperation, and the source was always intraluminal. Bleeding after RYGB may be from various anatomic sites; details of the operative technique were not associated with different rates of bleeding, and therapy should be tailored to suspected location of bleeding.
Ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid in the treatment of pneumonia and other serious infections

Clavulanic acid is a potent inhibitor of bacterial beta-lactamases, and ticarcillin is a potent antipseudomonal penicillin. The combination of ticarcillin disodium and clavulanate potassium provides an excellent spectrum of activity against the majority of bacterial pathogens responsible for serious infections in both normal and abnormal hosts. Eighteen courses of therapy were administered to 16 patients; 35 percent of the patients were in poor or critical condition, and all but one had severe underlying disease. Thirteen separate episodes of pneumonia were treated, of which nine were in patients with cystic fibrosis, and 11 involved Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the 13 cases of pneumonia, 11 showed clinical cure or improvement, whereas only three showed bacteriologic cure. Of the four nonpulmonary cases, three showed clinical improvement or cure, and one showed a bacteriologic cure. In two patients, phlebitis developed at the site of intravenous infusion. The combination of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid is safe and effective therapy for pneumonia in anatomically compromised hosts.
The Use of Fuzzy Logic and Expert Judgment in the R&D Project Portfolio Selection Process

New technologies emerge every day in response to a variety of needs. In research and development (R&D) project portfolio selection, the agencies responsible for budget allocation must make the crucial decision of which projects to fund. A quantitative, objective decision-making process necessarily avoids internal strife amongst decision-makers, and contributes to a more unbiased process. This paper proposes a new decision aid that integrates fuzzy logic and expert judgment into non-crisp decision making criteria for the R&D project portfolio selection process thereby reducing the number of solutions under consideration. Managers' preferences and knowledge are incorporated into the process using a fuzzy rule based aggregation procedure. This technique provides an alternative to clustering in choosing amongst non-dominated solutions. The methodology is illustrated through a case study, determining funding levels for R&D projects for the particular example of the nuclear emergency safety team (NEST).
Phosphorylation of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor in Plasma Membranes by Intrinsic GRK5†

Characterization of the GRKs participating in the phosphorylation of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) have in part been limited by the lack of a simple cell-free assay with membrane-bound β2AR and GRKs. We describe here a cell-free assay for GRK phosphorylation of the β2AR in a postnuclear 600g fraction and washed membranes by intrinsic GRK activity using the GRK phosphosite-specific antibody that recognizes pS(355,356). Treatment of these cell-free preparations with 1.0 μM isoproterenol (ISO) caused a rapid maximal 10−15-fold increase in GRK site phosphorylation of the β2AR (t1/2 = 1 min) with an EC50 for ISO stimulation of ∼80 nM. Extensively washed plasma membrane fractions retained the 10−15-fold ISO stimulation of GRK site phosphorylation and GRK5 levels while being depleted of GRK2 and GRK6. Stimulation of GRK site phosphorylation by a range of partial agonists correlated well with their intrinsic efficacy for stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. GRK phosphorylation of the β2AR in the washed membrane f...
Phonation in the Orange-winged Amazon parrot,Amazona amazonica

The syrinx of the Orange-winged Amazon parrot includes two external tympaniform membranes thought to be involved in sound production. The position of these membranes at the confluence of the bronchial and tracheal lumina requires that during phonation they be driven by a single column of air and by its attending turbulence patterns. Because of this anatomical arrangement, the phonatory output of either right or left syringeal half is grossly affected by denervation of the ipsilateral or contralateral syringial muscles. Following unilateral syringeal denervation the unbalanced oscillation of the two external tympaniform membranes generates noise. Form this we may infer that normally the parrot syrinx acts as a unitary sound source. Syringeal innervation is provided by the tracheosyringealis branch of the hypoglossus nerve. Each tracheosyringealis innervates both syringeal halves. Section of either the right or left tracheosyringealis leads to a minor and temporary change in the structure of vocalization. One week after the operation the vocalizations are delivered as pre-operatively. There is no indication of either right or left hypoglossal dominance in the phonatory control of the parrot syrinx. Other observations presented here are used to speculate on the possible role of the parrot tongue in altering the resonating properties of the nasopharyngeal space and generating speech like formants.
Photochemical aerosol formation from SO2: A theoretical analysis of smog chamber data

Abstract A simplified theoretical model is proposed for evaluating the dynamic behavior of photochemically generated aerosols in the SO2—air system. The key simplifying assumption is that evaporation rates are negligible compared with condensation rates for molecular clusters and particles of all sizes. The theory accounts for the formation of condensable molecules (monomer) by chemical reaction, and coagulation of these monomer with clusters of condensed molecules to form larger particles. Cluster coagulation is also included. For a constant rate of monomer production, the equations can be cast in a dimensionless form which is independent of the rate of monomer formation by chemical reaction. These dimensionless equations have been solved numerically, both including and neglecting the effect of London—van der Waals forces on the coagulation rate. Agreement between theory and the data of W. E. Clark (“Measurements of Aerosols Produced by the Photochemical Oxidation of SO2 in Air,” Ph.D. thesis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1972 ) and G. Madelaine, M. Perrin, and A. Renoux (J. Aerosol Sci. 12, 202 (1979 )) is good, particularly when London—van der Waals forces are considered. Because the solutions are presented in dimensionless form, direct application of these results for arbitrary rates of aerosol formation and for aerosols with arbitrary physical properties is possible.
Finite-difference time-domain simulation of light scattering from single cells.

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique is used to compute light scattering from biological cells in two dimensions. Results are presented for the computed scattering patterns of cells containing multiple organelles. This method provides considerably more flexibility than Mie theory because of its ability to model inhomogeneous objects such as cells.
The Impactful Field Research and Scholarship of Hetty Jo Brumbach and Robert Jarvenpa

I first read the work of Hetty Jo Brumbach and Bob Jarvenpa early in my graduate training—and I was blown away. Their work has no doubt inspired both my field research and scholarship. The scholarly team has been at the very head of the line in new ways of thinking about ethnoarchaeology as a method and a science and especially in howwe signify aspects of identity in the present, and hope to identify it in the past. The team (individually and as co-authors) has produced exceptionalwork on such currently hot topics as Indigenous–colonial processes, nutrition, ethnicity, and field ethics. In this brief essay I will contain my comments to their exceptional ethnoarchaeological research, and specifically their focus on gender and subsistence and our reading and representation of such in the archaeological record. In thinking about this homage tomy intellectual heroes I havemarveled atwhat they have done together—and especially what they have accomplished in their ethnoarchaeological work. In their vast compendium of work they couple detailed empirical and methodological rigor with intellectual curiosity and interpretive flexibility and creativity. Throughout their prodigiously productive careers Jarvenpa and Brumbach have weighed in on a few of our most lively discourses without being pernicious intellectual bullies or hiding in a sea of distracting jargon. Instead theywrite witherudite accessibility—amodel for collegial andcomprehensible scholarship.They have also been consummate scientists and have conducted themselveswith the utmost of respect for the communities of Indigenous people they have consulted and been friends with for over four decades. They are a perfect team for research concerned with observing living people and understanding the material signatures that help archaeologists understand the complex dynamics of the past. In some ways their pairing has been an ethnoarchaeological dreamteam; Bob leaning more to the cultural side of symbolic and material studies and Hetty Jo to a more in-depth expertise in archaeological processes. However, the beauty is they overlap in their interests—their realms of expertise are different but always complementary. Being a gendered team has surely been a valuable scholarly foundation and a critical asset in the field; like the classic field work of Yolanda and Robert Murphy (2014) among the Mundurucu.
Bioelectrochemical signaling in green plants induced by photosensory systems.

Abstract Plants generate various types of intracellular and intercellular electrical events in response to environmental stress. The generation of electrophysiological responses induced by blue and red photosensory systems was observed in soybean plants. A phototropic response is a sequence of the following four processes: reception of a directional light signal, signal transduction, transformation of the signal into a physiological response, and the production of a directional growth response. It was found that the irradiation of soybean plants at 450±50, 670, and 730 nm induces action potentials with duration times and amplitudes of approximately 0.3 ms and 60 mV respectively.
Effect of Hypophysial Isografts on the Mammary Glands of Intact and Hypophysectomized Mice

A single hypophysial isograft stimulated mammary lobulo-alveolar development and altered vaginal cycles of intact (RIII×CBA)F1 hybrid virgin mice. The in situ hypophysis was necessary for this graftinduced mammary growth in the intact host, since the transplants could not induce a lobulo-alveolar development in hypophysectomized mice. A hypophysial graft could partially maintain this lobulo-alveolar development after removal of the host’s own hypophysis. There appears to be a significant functional interdependence in the mouse between a hypophysial isograft and the host’s own hypophysis and ovaries. (Endocrinology 74: 586, 1964)
Epoxy functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for improved adhesives

Abstract Three different types of epoxy-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (EpCNTs) were prepared by multiple covalent functionalization methods. The EpCNTs were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy to confirm covalent functionalization. The effect of the different chemistries on the adhesive properties was compared to a neat commercial epoxy (Hexion formulation 4007) using functionalized and unfunctionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wt%. It was found that an EpCNT at 1 wt% increased the lap shear strength, tested using the American Society for Testing and Materials standard test D1002, by 36% over the unfilled epoxy formulation and by 27% over a 1 wt% unmodified MWCNT control sample. SEM images revealed a fracture surface morphology change with the incorporation of EpCNT and a deflection of the crack fronts at the site of embedded CNTs, as the mechanism accounting for increased adhesive strength. Rheological studies showed non-linear viscosity and DSC cure studies showed an alteration of cure kinetics with increased CNT concentration, and these effects were more pronounced for EpCNT.
ATR-FTIR characterization of organic functional groups and inorganic ions in ambient aerosols at a rural site

Abstract An Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic method was used to measure organic functional groups and inorganic ions at Tonto National Monument (TNM), an Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) sampling site in a rural area near Phoenix, Arizona. Functional groups and ions from common aerosol compound classes such as aliphatic and aromatic CH, methylene, methyl, aldehydes/ketones, carboxylic acids, ammonium sulfate and nitrate as well as functional groups from difficult to measure compound classes such as esters/lactones, acid anhydrides, carbohydrate hydroxyl and ethers, amino acids, and amines were quantified. On average, ∼33% of the PM1.0 mass was composed of organic aerosol. The average (standard deviation) composition of the organic aerosol at TNM was 34% (6%) biogenic functional groups, 21% (5%) oxygenated functional groups, 28% (7%) aliphatic hydrocarbon functional groups (aliphatic CH, methylene and methyl) and 17% (1%) aromatic hydrocarbon functional groups. Compositional analysis, functional group correlations, and back trajectories were used to identify three types of events with source signatures: primary biogenic-influenced, urban-influenced, and regional background. The biogenic-influenced event had high concentrations of amino acids and carbohydrate hydroxyl and ether, as well as aliphatic CH and aromatic CH functional groups and qualitatively high levels of silicate. The urban-influenced events had back trajectories traveling directly from the Phoenix area and high concentrations of hydrocarbons, oxygenated functional groups, and inorganic ions. This aerosol characterization suggests that both primary emissions in Phoenix and secondary formation of aerosols from Phoenix emissions had a major impact on the aerosol composition and concentration at TNM. The regional background source had low concentrations of all functional groups, but had higher concentrations of biogenic functional groups than the urban source.
Results of the modified Fontan operation for congenital heart lesions in patients without preoperative sinus rhythm

Preoperative sinus rhythm has been a criterion for the Fontan operation. However, of 297 patients who underwent the Fontan operation between October 1973 and February 1984, 12 (4%) did not have sinus rhythm. The age at operation ranged from 4 to 34 years (median 15). Nine patients had a univentricular heart, two had tricuspid atresia and one had a complex form of transposition. In all 12 patients, 3 to 8 of the 10 proposed criteria for operability were not met. An atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormality was present in seven patients, six with complete AV block and one with AV dissociation. The patient with complex transposition had complete AV block and atrial fibrillation. Postoperatively, all seven patients continued to have an AV conduction abnormality, and those with complete AV block had a permanent pacemaker implanted. Six of the 12 study patients had atrial flutter or fibrillation refractory to antiarrhythmic medications. Postoperatively, four of the six patients had sinus rhythm. Two of the six patients had complete AV block (including the patient with complex transposition) and both had a permanent pacemaker implanted. Three of the 12 patients died (mortality rate 25%). The nine survivors were followed up for 6 to 55 months; no late deaths occurred. All had marked clinical improvement. This study demonstrates that 1) complete AV block is not a contraindication to the Fontan operation, 2) some patients may not require AV synchrony postoperatively for survival, and 3) postoperative atrial flutter or fibrillation may cease or be easier to control after the Fontan operation.
New approach for blind source separation using time-frequency distributions

This paper deals with the problem of blind source separation which consists of recovering a set of signals from instantaneous linear mixture of them. So far, this problem has been solved using statistical information available on the source signals. Here, we propose an approach for blind source separation based on time-frequency (t-f) signal representations. This approach is based on a `joint diagonalization' of a combined set of time frequency distribution matrices which correspond to different t-f points. It relies on the difference in the t-f signatures of the sources to be separated. In contrast to existing techniques, the proposed approach allows the separation of Gaussian sources with identical spectra shape. Because of changes incurred in the t-f signal structures due to time- delay, the new approach can be employed to separate multipath signals received by multi-sensor array. Moreover, the effects of spreading the noise power while localizing the source energy in the time frequency domain amounts to increasing the signal to noise ratio and hence improved performance. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our method.
Performance Evaluation of an Air-to-Ground Optical Communications Demonstration

MIT Lincoln Laboratory has fielded a 2.67-Gbps optical link between an aircraft and a ground station, demonstrating communications at ranges beyond 50 km. We discuss tracking and communications performance against the atmospheric channel.
Investigation of the electrochemical properties of substituted titanocene dichlorides

The electrochemical properties of (η5-C5Me5)2TiCl2, (η5-C5H4Me)2TiCl2, (η5-C5H4Cl)2TiCl2, (η5-C5H4CO2Me)2TiCl2, and (η5-C5H5)2TiCl2 were examined in THF. two reduction processes. The first reduction processes of (η5-C5H4Me)2TiCl2, (η5-C5H4Cl)2TiCl2 and (η5-C5H5)2TiCl2 are characterized as one-electron reversible reductions. The other two compounds have one-electron reduction followed by the loss of a chloride in a slow chemical reaction (ie EC mechanism). Steric bulk of the pentamethyl derivative and the possibility of chelation in the carbomethoxy derivative enhance the loss of a chloride ion. AnE1/2 range of 550mV was obtained for the five titanocenes andE1/2 decreased to more negative values in the order:C5H4CO2Mes>C5H4C1 s>C5H5 s>C5Me5.
NONINCREMENTAL CHANGE IN THE AUTOMOBILE-HIGHWAY SYSTEM

Abstract A three-component—roads, vehicles and operations—structure of the automobile-highway system is analyzed. The decision rules among and within components have yielded a stable, S-shaped growth dynamic for the system. Access increases have driven performance improvements; market congestion or saturation has dampened improvements. Innovations sharply shifting the growth trajectory of the system are discussed.