cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vocal tract area functions for an adult female speaker based on volumetric imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to acquire vocal tract shapes of ten vowels /i, ɪ, ɛ, ae, ʌ, ɑ, ɔ, o, ʊ, u/ and two liquid approximants /ɝ, l/ for a 27-year-old adult female. These images were complemented with additional images acquired with electron beam computed tomography (CT) of /i/ and /ɑ/. Each 3-D shape was condensed into a set of cross-sectional areas of oblique sections perpendicular to the centerline of the vocal tract’s long axis, resulting in an “area function.” Formant frequencies computed for each area function showed reasonable similarity to those determined from the natural (recorded) speech of the imaged subject, but differences suggest that some of the imaged vocal tract shapes were articulated differently during imaging than during recording of natural speech, and also that imaging procedures may have compromised some accuracy for a few shapes. The formant calculations also confirmed the significant effect that the piriform sinus can have on lowering the formant frequencies. A comparison is made between area functions derived using both MRI and CT methods for the vowels /i/ and /ɑ/. Additionally, the area functions reported in this study are compared with those from two previous studies and demonstrate general similarities in shape but also obvious differences that can be attributed to anatomical differences of the imaged subjects and to differences in imaging techniques and image processing methods.
A photometric method for the determination of quinolinic acid.

Abstract 1. 1. A photometric method is described for the determination of quinolinic acid in trichloroacetic acid extracts of tissue preparations which have metabolized 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. 2. 2. The method is based on the measurement of the stable yellow color of the ferrous chelate of quinolinic acid. It is suitable for the determination of 1 to 10 μmoles in 5 ml. final volume.
Duodenal Obstruction From Mesenteric Stents Mimicking SMA Syndrome

Background Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition, which results in compression of the third portion of the duodenum by a narrow-angled SMA against the aorta. We report a case of a patient treated for chronic mesenteric ischemia, who developed an SMA-like syndrome as a result of the compression of the duodenum between an SMA stent and an inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) stent. Methods and Results A 44-year-old woman with chronic mesenteric ischemia had previously been treated with multiple endovascular stents. She re-presented with persistent abdominal pain and weight loss. Findings from the angiogram performed revealed an occluded celiac artery and an SMA. Mesenteric perfusion was maintained by the IMA with poor collateralization to the celiac circulation. At the time of surgical exploration, there were no suitable target sites for a traditional aortomesenteric bypass because of the extensive length of prior stenting. A renohepatic bypass with reversed saphenous vein was performed to improve the celiac circulation. Postoperatively, she continued to have persistent abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. An upper gastrointestinal study was performed that revealed severe partial obstruction of the third portion of her duodenum. On re-reviewing her preoperative computed tomography scan of the abdomen, it was more apparent that the duodenum was constricted between the SMA and IMA stents that had been previously placed. She underwent re-exploration, and a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy was performed. Subsequent study of the upper gastrointestinal showed resolution of the obstruction. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of duodenal obstruction caused as a result of the complications caused by multiple stent placements, which gave an impression of SMA-like syndrome.
Hypercholesterolemia Induces Upregulation of KACh Cardiac Currents

Control of the heart rate is a complex process that integrates the function of multiple proteins. Among them, G protein regulated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK or Kir3) channels play a major role. Kir3 channels are important in regulating membrane excitability in cardiac, neuronal and endocrine cells. In the heart, the atrial KACh channels are heterotetrameric proteins that consist of two pore-forming subunits, Kir3.1 (GIRK1) and Kir3.4 (GIRK4). Activation of KACh by acetylcholine (ACh) via the muscarinic M2 receptor and pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins mediates the vagal negative chronotropic effect. Thus, activation of KACh channels can terminate paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, i.e., a rapid cardiac rhythm. On the other hand, vagal stimulation predisposes to atrial fibrillation, which can lead to thromboembolism and stroke. Thus, since hypercholesterolemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, we investigated the role of cholesterol on KACh currents (IK,ACh). We found that in rabbit atrial cardiomyocytes, cholesterol enrichment enhanced channel activity whereas cholesterol depletion suppressed IK,ACh. Moreover, a 20-24 week high-cholesterol diet resulted in up to 3-fold increase in IK,ACh in rodents. In accordance, elevated currents were observed in Xenopus oocytes expressing the Kir3.1/Kir3.4 heteromer. Interestingly, whereas similarly to the heteromer Kir3.1/Kir3.4, the homomeric pore mutant Kir3.4∗ (Kir3.4S143T) was also enhanced by cholesterol, Kir3.1∗ was suppressed by cholesterol. Furthermore, our data suggest that cholesterol affects IK,ACh via a mechanism which is independent of both PI(4,5)P2 and Gbeta gamma. Notably, the impact of cholesterol on IK,ACh is opposite to its impact on IK1 in atrial myocytes. The latter are suppressed by cholesterol enrichment and by high-cholesterol diet, and facilitated by cholesterol depletion. These findings indicate that cholesterol plays a critical role in modulating IK,ACh in atrial cardiomyocytes via a mechanism independent of the channel's major modulators.
A comparative analysis of the major areas of tax controversy in developed countries

Abstract This paper responds to the growing inquiry into what areas of tax controversy are emerging as the most important to taxpayers and the tax administrations in major developed countries around the world. The study arises because of the globalization of the world economy and the issues arising with regard to tax administrations' ability to deal with the areas of taxation from international business activities. The paper identifies the most important tax issues presently facing taxpayers and tax administrators in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The study utilized the experiences of the major international accounting firms, and in particular, the professionals in those firms who deal with large multinational corporations doing business in their country and abroad. The principal findings of the study are that the areas of tax controversy in the countries studied are significantly different from those found in the United States. This is due to (1) the role that income tax plays in those countries versus other taxes, (2) the relationship that the tax adviser has with the taxpayer, and (3) the relationship that the taxpayer/tax adviser has with the tax administration in the countries studied.
Surprising Inferences from Unsurprising Observations: Do Conditional Expectations Really Regress to the Mean?

Abstract Most social science descriptions of the statistical regression effect envision the effect as occurring toward the population mean. If individuals that initially had extreme values regress back toward the mean on subsequent observations, then as a corollary individuals who were at the population mean initially are expected to stay at the population mean. Both the regression to the mean statement and its corollary are generally false for models exhibiting a regression effect. For commonly used probability mixture models, conditional expectations of subsequent observations based on previous observations regress not to the mean, but to some other value. Examples are presented using mixtures of normal, Poisson, and binomial random variables. Commentaries are informative essays dealing with viewpoints of statistical practice, statistical education, and other topics considered to be of general interest to the broad readership of The American Statistician. Commentaries are similar in spirit to Letters to...
The dorsal pallium in zebrafish, Danio rerio (Cyprinidae, Teleostei)

Abstract Zebrafish as a neurogenetic model system depends on the correct neuroanatomical understanding of its brain organization. Here, we address the unresolved question regarding a possible zebrafish homologue of the dorsal pallial division, the region that in mammals gives rise to the isocortex. Analyzing the distributions of nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate diphorase (NADPHd) activity and parvalbumin in the anterior zebrafish telencephalon, we show that against previous assumptions the central (Dc) zone possesses its own germinative region in the dorsal proliferative zone. We define the central (Dc) zone as topologically corresponding to the dorsal pallial division of other vertebrates (mammalian isocortex). In addition, we confirm through BrdU-labeling experiments that the posterior (Dp) zone is formed by radial migration and homologous to the mammalian piriform cortex. Based on our results, we propose a new developmental and organizational model of the zebrafish pallium—one which is the result of a complex outward–inward folding.
Somaclonal variation in Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. for plant improvement

Abstract Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. is a potential commercial source of medium-chain-length fatty acids. Somaclonal variation was investigated as a source of additional variability useful for crop improvement. The R 1 families derived from R 0 plants regenerated from calli, and their respective parental lines were evaluated in the field for somaclonal variation at two Iowa locations during the summer of 1991. Comparisons were made among the parents and their R 1 families for the following traits: plant height, leaf area, seed yield, 100-seed weight, seed germination, oil content and fatty acid composition. Certain R 1 families had significant increases ( P ≥ 0.05) over their parents for mean plant height, leaf area, seed yield, percent seed germination, caprylic acid (8:0) and lauric acid (12:0). These somaclones may provide a source of variation exploitable for future plant improvement.
Proton-transporting urinary epithelia. Reactivity with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

Abstract Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), a potent inhibitor of the F0F1-type H+-translocating ATPase, was employed to determine the possible involvement of such an ATPase in urinary acidification. Two methods were used in this approach: (1) the reaction of [14C]DCCD with tissues involved in urinary acidification and (2) the inhibition of ATPase activity by DCCD. Membrane components from epithelial cells of toad and turtle urinary bladder and brush borders of rabbit kidney were reacted with [14C]DCCD and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis both before and after extraction with organic solvents. Although a DCCD-binding component was extracted from toad and turtle bladder membranes by chloroform/methanol (2:1, v v ), the binding was not saturable. Analysis of this DCCD-binding component by thin-layer chromatography indicated that there was no ninhydrin reactivity associated with the [14C]DCCD binding. Moreover, all attempts to precipitate a DCCD-binding protein were unsuccessful. This and other evidence suggested that the observed DCCD binding was to phospholipid. In the second type of experiments, the ATPase activity present in brush borders from rabbit kidney was partially inhibited by DCCD, but at a concentration that is over two orders of magnitude greater than that required for typical DCCD-sensitive ATPase. We conclude from our failure to find positive evidence of a DCCD-reactive protein and from the relative insensitivity of the ATPase to DCCD that either urinary acidification is not accomplished by a typical F0F1-type translocating ATPase, or the F0 has been modified so that the sensitivity to DCCD has been altered or lost.
Bio-Inspired Autonomic Structures

Through the evolution of millions of years, nature has developed fascinating biosensors, bioactuators, and bio-network systems with ability to transfer data through information processing channels, and extracting useful information from data. Thus, nature has become a source of inspiration for many engineered systems. One such system is civil infrastructure. Globally, civil infrastructures are deteriorating at an alarming rate caused by overuse, overloading, aging, damage or failure due to natural or man-made hazards. With such a vast network of deteriorating infrastructure, there is a growing interest in continuous monitoring technologies. In order to provide a true distributed sensor and control system for civil structures, we are developing a Structural Nervous System that mimics key attributes of a human nervous system. This nervous system is made up of building blocks that are designed based on mechanoreceptors as a fundamentally new approach for the development of a structural health monitoring and diagnostic system that utilizes the recently developed piezo-fibers capable of sensing and actuation. In particular, our research has been focused on producing a sensory nervous system for civil structures by using piezo-fibers as sensory receptors, nerve fibers, neuronal pools, and spinocervical tract to the nodal and central processing units. This paper presents up to date results of our research, including the design and analysis of the structural nervous system.
Value of the vertebrogram in predicting cement filling patterns with unipedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Background: Unipedicular vertebroplasty can be successful in selected patients to decrease procedure time, sedation amounts, and cost.Purpose: To evaluate the value of the antecedent unipedicular vertebrogram in predicting patterns of cement deposition to decide whether unipedicular vertebroplasty will be successful, or if a bipedicular vertebroplasty is needed.Material and Methods: 75 fractured vertebral levels were injected by a unipedicle approach with iodinated contrast material (vertebrogram). This filling pattern was then compared to the cement deposition pattern, via the same pedicle, of the percutaneous vertebroplasty.Results: 35 levels showed excellent cross-filling and matched pattern by vertebrogram and cement deposition (47%). Twelve levels (16%) showed cross-filling by both techniques, with less than 100% matched pattern, but cement deposition was considered adequate for fracture treatment. Four levels (5%) showed predominantly matched central filling, considered adequate for fracture treatme...
Uncoded Error Performance of eCall Modem through AMR Codec and AWGN

Data communications through the voice channel of the cellular network are important for telematics applications such as automatic vehicle crash notification, an implementation of which is the pan- European eCall system scheduled for deployment in 2015. The cellular voice channel includes the vocoder which is designed for compressing speech waveforms and is a hindrance for data communications. No mathematical model exists for the vocoder as a data communications channel. Thus, in this paper, the uncoded bit error rate (BER) is found by simulation using the bit-exact C- code implementation of the vocoder. The adaptive multi-rate (AMR) vocoder is used in GSM, the network on which eCall runs and is the one used in these simulations. The uncoded BER is presented for different compression rates along with other effects of the vocoder such as a wake-up effect and the signal-to-distortion ratio.
Comparison of target labeling methods for use with Affymetrix GeneChips

Background Several different commercial one-cycle labeling kits are available for preparation of the target for use with the Affymetrix GeneChip platform. However, there have been no evaluations of these different kits to determine if comparable results were generated. We report on the cRNA target synthesis, labeling efficiency and hybridization results using the One-Cycle Target Labeling Assay™ (Affymetrix), the BioArray RNA Amplification and Labeling System™ (Enzo Life Sciences), and the Superscript RNA Amplification System (Invitrogen Life Technologies).
Pharmacogenomic perspectives of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is found in about 3% of the world population and has become one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment for HCV infection is widely available in places where it is affordable, and a variety of pharmacogenetic analyses have already suggested that differential response to HCV therapy can be related to coding and noncoding (promoter/regulatory) sequence variations in the human genome. However, most studies have been compromised by small sample size, nonrepresentative subject selection, and/or low-resolution genotyping. Systematic investigations of larger, representative populations will be essential for the generation of consensus data to guide experimental and clinical research.
Decoding Nonverbal and Vocal Communications: A Laboratory Study

This article describes a study in which sales personnel judged the feelings of prospective buyers based upon audio-video tapes illustrating selected combinations of kinesic and vocal cues. Findings revealed significant relationships between the nonverbal cues and perceptions of the prospective buyer's attitude toward a salesperson.
The response of Helmholtz resonators to external excitation. Part 2. Arrays of slit resonators

The response of regular arrays of two-dimensional Helmholtz resonators mounted in a rigid baffle and subject to external excitation by a plane acoustic wave is studied. The inviscid. The inviscid linearized problem is solved by the matched-asymptotic-expansion technique in the low-frequency limit, i.e. when the characteristic neck dimension is small compared with the acoustic wavelength. Different spacings between resonators, from comparable with down to much smaller than the wavelength, as well as variable neck length and different cavity shapes, are studied without assumptions about the velocity distribution in the neck. The results yield predictions of resonance for the different geometries and compare favourably with measurements. Besides showing analytically the dependence, of, say, the acoustic impedance on all geometric parameters and forcing frequency, the analysis also reveals that for deep narrow cavities the basic Helmholtz model with uniform cavity pressure is inappropriate at resonance.
Electrocardiogram-based predictors of clinical outcomes: a meta-analysis of the prognostic value of ventricular repolarization.

Abstract Objectives To estimate age- and sex-specific prognostic values of eight electrocardiographic repolarization descriptors to predict various mortality endpoints. Background Using electrocardiographic markers for risk stratification is well studied; however, the prognostic value of many markers is controversial, and their clinical utility remains debatable. No meta-analyses exist that address the prognostic value of ECG markers. Methods Data were synthesized from 106 primary studies using a random-effect variance model. Age and sex subgroups were analyzed using sensitivity analysis. Results Four classic (i.e., duration, amplitude, inversion, and ST-T changes) and four novel (i.e., axis, loop, wavefront direction, and waveform complexity) repolarization descriptors were studied. These novel descriptors were particularly useful in predicting sudden death. Abnormal repolarization duration, vectors, and loops have greater impact on negative cardiovascular outcomes in women compared to men; additionally, ischemic repolarization changes have greater impact on negative cardiovascular outcomes in younger versus older adults. Conclusions Assessing repolarization abnormalities is particularly helpful in women and younger adults. Researchers need to further explore the clinical utility of these abnormalities in management algorithms.
Impact of Drug Delivery Systems on Neuraxial Labor Analgesia

Neuraxial analgesia for the treatment of labor pain has proven to be efficacious and safe over the past few decades. At present, several new strategies are being developed to further enhance pain relief and maternal satisfaction of our parturients while providing them with greater autonomy over their own analgesic regimen. The recent years have witnessed the development of new infusion pumps that are more interactive, flexible and allow titration of analgesia according to an individual parturient’s need for pain relief as labor progresses. In this review, we examine the several strategies for maintenance of neuraxial labor analgesia with a focus on the impact of drug delivery systems in the past, present and future.
Risk aversion in the expected and the nonexpected utility functions

If asset returns are i.i.d. over time, the preference parameter in the time additive von Neumann-Morgenstern expected utility is the risk aversion coefficient in the Epstein-Zin nonexpected utility. By distinguishing between risk aversion and intertemporal substitution, this article provides an explanation about the observed discrepancy in the empirical estimates of the risk aversion coefficient.
Giant phonon-induced conductance in scanning tunnelling spectroscopy of gate-tunable graphene

Scanning tunnelling spectra of a graphene field-effect transistor reveal an unexpected tenfold increase in conductance as a result of phonon-mediated inelastic tunnelling. The honeycomb lattice of graphene is a unique two-dimensional system where the quantum mechanics of electrons is equivalent to that of relativistic Dirac fermions1,2. Novel nanometre-scale behaviour in this material, including electronic scattering3,4, spin-based phenomena5 and collective excitations6, is predicted to be sensitive to charge-carrier density. To probe local, carrier-density-dependent properties in graphene, we have carried out atomically resolved scanning tunnelling spectroscopy measurements on mechanically cleaved graphene flake devices equipped with tunable back-gate electrodes. We observe an unexpected gap-like feature in the graphene tunnelling spectrum that remains pinned to the Fermi level (EF) regardless of graphene electron density. This gap is found to arise from a suppression of electronic tunnelling to graphene states near EF and a simultaneous giant enhancement of electronic tunnelling at higher energies due to a phonon-mediated inelastic channel. Phonons thus act as a ‘floodgate’ that controls the flow of tunnelling electrons in graphene. This work reveals important new tunnelling processes in gate-tunable graphitic layers.
Examining the Socio-Cultural Dimension of Schooling in a Racially Integrated School

This article examines the experiences of 20 students of color who voluntarily attend a racially integrated school. The study draws from the Socio-Cultural dimension of schooling as a framework to understand how the students of color fared on a social, cultural, and environmental level within a predominantly White school. Through a questionnaire, African American and Latina/o students discussed the conditions and perceptions of their local schools, their experiences at the new school site, and the value of navigating the educational opportunities offered by participating in a voluntary integration program. Furthermore, based on the findings that emerged from this study, recommendations with implications for policy are discussed.
Analysis of DNA damage in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) spermatozoa by UV, hydrogen peroxide, and the toxicant bisazir

In this study we sought to demonstrate that Comet assay can be applied to sea lamprey sperm DNA fragmentation and used to describe the relationship between sperm DNA damage and sperm fertilizing ability. We show that the assay can be used reliably and accurately, and unlike in the case of mammals, there is no need for additional steps related to improvement of efficacy of lysis and DNA decondensation. This agrees with the presence of histone proteins in lamprey sperm. An increase in DNA fragmentation was noted during short-term storage of milt on ice (0–4 days). We demonstrated genotoxic effects of UV radiation and oxidative stress (exposure to hydrogen peroxide) and found that oxidative damage to sperm DNA was likely repaired after fertilization in the embryo. Repairing capacity of the oocyte toward sperm DNA lesions caused by UV was restricted. Toxic effect of p,p-bis-(1-aziridinyl)- N-methylphosphinothioic acid (p,p-bis(1-aziridinyl)-N-methylphosphinothioic amide), a sea lamprey chemosterilant, could not be linked to DNA fragmentation in the in vitro tests. Its genotoxicity in vivo may possibly be associated with other mechanisms of DNA degradation (oxidation or DNA–protein and DNA–DNA cross-linking). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Comet assay can be successfully applied to monitor effects of environmental disturbances and imposed injuries in sea lamprey spermatozoa and possibly other species of ancient fish with acrosomal sperm. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Micro and macrostructural dispersion of guided waves in solids

Abstract This article reports calculations and experiments on guided wave dispersion in microstructured materials. The microstructure in the models studied takes the form of laminations whose interface planes are normal to the plate surfaces, in contrast to the more typical layered plate geometry. The guided wave propagation has been modeled using two different approaches. Previous analyses of these problems have been made by a continuum mixture approach, appropriate to structures with laminations that are thin compared to the acoustic wavelength. The need to extend the analysis to shorter wavelengths has motivated the present study employing a variational approach, formulated here and tested for Rayleigh waves on a homogeneous surface. In addition, trial solutions have been developed, consisting of pairs of obliquely propagating partial waves, for the problems of a microstructured halfspace and plate. Using the continuum mixture approach to analyze the microstructured plate, dispersive effects are found to arise both from the plate geometry and the microstructure. The strongest effects are observed in a range of lamina to plate thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3. These effects are illustrated in several numerical examples and compared to experiments on fibrous composites. In this paper the authors honor the memory of Julius Miklowitz, who shared their interest in elastic waveguides and provided them inspiration in the form of his classic monograph on the subject.
A Theory for the Effects of Film Thickness and Normal Load in the Friction of Thin Films

The effect of film thickness in solid friction is reviewed. Two regimes are distinguished: (a) increasing coefficient of friction with decreasing film thickness which occurs for ultrathin films and (b) decreasing coefficient of friction with decreasing film thickness which occurs for thin films. The former regime has previously been treated by the author; consequently, attention is focused on the latter regime. A review of the thin film phenomenon establishes that it is very much dependent on the type of deformation occurring at the contact and concludes that no single expression can uniquely describe it for all materials situations. A special theory is put forth for the contact situation corresponding to a model of an elastic layer of much less rigidity than its substrate and indenter. This situation corresponds to practically all naturally occurring and bonded nonmetallic solid lubricant films of industrial and scientific interest. It is shown that coefficient of friction f obeys the relation f ∝ 1/P for variable load P and constant thickness h, f ∝ h for constant load and variable film thickness, and f ∝ h/P for the general case. These expressions are verified by use of data from pin-on-disk tests, Falex tests, 4-ball tests, modified MacMillan tests, and other types of tests. The experimental data are for naturally formed graphite on diamond, SiO2 bonded PbO on stainless steel, and phenolic bonded 9MoS2 -1 graphite films on steel and aluminum.
Recreation as a path for place making and community building 1

Abstract Social science researchers who study natural resource based rural communities are increasingly interested in the attachments people form with natural landscapes and the actions that result from those relationships. Recreation, encompassing outdoor leisure activities engaged in by tourists, seasonal and year‐round residents, involves a relationship with the land where the activity takes place. This paper highlights trends resulting in increased recreation participation and presents an overview of literature on place, community, and the phenomenon of amenity migration. The paper closes with a socioculturel conception of place that informs our understanding of place making and community building.
Robust Refinement as Implemented in TOPAS

A robust refinement procedure is implemented in the program TOPAS through an iterative reweighting of the data. Examples are given of the procedure as applied to fitting partially overlapped peaks by full and partial models and also of the structures of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in the presence of unmodeled impurity contributions.
Four-day Bravo pH capsule monitoring with and without proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Background & Aims: Ambulatory pH testing often is used to guide the management of reflux symptoms that do not respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and to evaluate the contribution of acid reflux to atypical symptoms. Controversy exists as to whether such clinical studies are performed optimally off or on PPI therapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of 4-day pH recordings using a pH system that would encompass time periods both before and during PPI therapy. Methods: Eighteen patients underwent 4-day ambulatory pH testing using 2 separate receivers calibrated to a single Bravo pH capsule. Rabeprazole was administered on days 2–4 of the study (20 mg orally twice a day). Results: Indications for pH testing were refractory heartburn, chest pain, or chronic cough. pH recordings showed that 9 patients (53%) had esophageal acid exposure values that exceeded 4% on day 1 and 7 patients (41%) had values that exceeded 5.3%. Patients showed significant and progressive reductions in acid exposure on days 2–4 of the recording period. Of the 7 patients with quantitatively abnormal levels of acid exposure on day 1, 86% had normalization by day 3. Conclusions: Prolonged, esophageal pH recordings using the Bravo pH system are feasible and allow for combined testing both off and on a therapeutic trial of PPI. Such studies may allow for the acquisition of complementary information in a single test that may be useful in the management of patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.
Quantitative reduction and inclusion of plant tissue nitrates in Kjeldahl digestion

(...) A system for quantitative reduction of NO 3 − to NH 4 + using the Zn metal and Cu 2+ in 2 M H 3 PO 4 was developed and was used as a predigestion treatment. Using four different acids in a Zn metal and Cu ion system, the efficiency of NO 3 reduction was found to be dependent on the acid type and its concentration. The Cu ions catalyze the Zn-acid reaction and improved reproducibility comparted to treatments with no Cu 2+ added. (...)
Signaling Health versus Parasites

Abstract: The Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis, that parasite‐host coevolution can maintain heritable variation in fitness, has inspired a very successful research program on sexual selection on signals of health. The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis was developed to provide a handicapping mechanism to stabilize the correlation between signals and health. In earlier articles, I showed that handicap signaling is a special case, not a general law that we can rely on to deduce relative costs across signalers of different quality at equilibrium. The essential requirement for reliable signaling is that higher‐quality signalers are more efficient; they get greater marginal fitness returns from an incremental increase in the signal. This does not undermine the Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis or the immunocompetence mechanism, but it does raise doubts about a widespread assumption that is commonly used to test these hypotheses: that sexual selection on signals of health implies the choice of mates with the fewest parasites. I...
Intermolecular Coupling in Liquid Alcohols

THE structure of the lower alcohols in the liquid state has generally been assumed to consist of long polyhydroxy chains with the appropriate aryl or alkyl side groups ; and an intense, broad infrared absorption at about 3,350 cm−1 has been assigned to this hydrogen bonded “polymer” structure1. More recently, however, Jakobsen et al.2 have shown that such a chain structure in solid n-decanol gives rise to two bands, about 90 cm−1 apart, due to intermolecular coupling. This raises the question of whether similar structures in the liquid state can also give rise to intermolecular coupling. The “polymer” bands observed in pure liquid alcohols are generally asymmetric, but it has not been possible to separate the possibilities of overlapping multiple bands and asymmetry of a single band due to anharmonicity3. Even at very low temperatures, discrete multiple bands are not observable in the fundamental “polymer” region4. Multiple bands are observed in the overtone region but their assignments are unclear4,5.
Creative Process Mentoring: Teaching the “Making” in Dance-Making

Abstract Within the Western fine arts tradition of concert and theatrical dance, new dances may be created in any number of ways. No matter how dance making begins, however, unless the work is to be improvised afresh each time it is performed, a process of developing, revising, and “setting” the work needs to take place. To move confidently and successfully from thinking up an idea for a dance to generating movement, to putting the finishing touches on the work, a choreographer must make hundreds, perhaps thousands, of creative decisions, each of which may be seen as a judgment of artistic taste. Lavender proposes creative process mentoring as a powerful way to facilitate the artistic work of choreographers. Following the presentation of a descriptive model of the basic “operational moments” of dance making in which challenges arise and must be met as any dance is made, he describes how a creative process mentor may assist a choreographer in recognizing and managing these challenges. He closes with though...
Cortical field of origin of the anterior commissure of the rhesus monkey.

Abstract The full extent of the cortical field of origin of the anterior commissure of the rhesus monkey was mapped by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) histochemistry. Two adult monkeys were first subjected to complete callosal commissurotomies and permitted to fully recover 6 months prior to a second operation involving the massive unilateral injection of HRP into the entire left temporal lobe. Because the anterior commissure is the only direct fiber system ramifying to the contralateral cerebral cortical hemisphere following callosotomy, the only cells labeled with HRP in the uninjected hemisphere are those giving rise to the anterior commissure. Only layer III cortical pyramidal cells were labeled by HRP. The outer boundaries of the field of origin of the anterior commissure extend from the temporal pole to the occipitotemporal border and from the inferior half of the insular cortex to the parahippocampal gyrus. The field of origin delineated in the present investigation is much more extensive than the terminal projection field of the anterior commissure delineated by prior investigators utilizing silver degeneration methods.
Maximizing Probability Bounds Under Moment-Matching Restrictions

The problem of characterizing a distribution by its moments dates to work by Chebyshev in the mid-nineteenth century. There are clear (and close) connections with characteristic functions, moment spaces, quadrature, and other very classical mathematical pursuits. Lindsay and Basak posed the specific question of how far from normality could a distribution be if it matches k normal moments. They provided a bound on the maximal difference in cdfs, and implied that these bounds were attained. It will be shown here that in fact the bound is not attained if the number of even moments matched is odd. An explicit solution is developed as a symmetric distribution with a finite number of mass points when the number of even moments matched is even, and this bound for the even case is shown to hold as an explicit limit for the subsequent odd case. As Lindsay noted, the discrepancies can be sizable even for a moderate number of matched moments. Some comments on implications are proffered.
EXHAUSTION OF MORPHOLOGIC CHARACTER STATES AMONG FOSSIL TAXA

Frequencies of new character state derivations are analyzed for 56 fossil taxa. The hypothesis that new character states are added continuously throughout clade history can be rejected for 48 of these clades. Two alternative explanations are considered: finite states and ordered states. The former hypothesizes a limited number of states available to each character and is tested using rarefaction equations. The latter hypothesizes that there are limited possible descendant morphologies for any state, even if the character has infinite potential states. This is tested using power functions. The finite states hypothesis explains states: steps relationships significantly better than does the ordered states hypothesis in 14 cases; the converse is true for 14 other cases. Under either hypothesis, trilobite clades show appreciably more homoplasty after the same numbers of steps than do molluscs, echinoderms, or vertebrates. The prevalence of the exhaustion pattern among different taxonomic groups implies that worker biases are not to blame and instead implicates biological explanations such as intrinsic constraints or persistent selective trends. Regardless of the source of increased homoplasy, clades appear to exhaust their available character spaces. Nearly all examined taxa show significant increases in proportions of incompatible character pairs (i.e., those necessarily implying homoplasy) as progressively younger taxa are added to character matrices. Thus, a deterioration of hierarchical structure accompanies character state exhaustion. Exhaustion has several implications: (1) the basic premise of cladistic analyses (i.e., that maximum congruence reflects homology rather than homoplasy) becomes increasingly less sound as clades age; (2) sampling high proportions of taxa probably is needed for congruence to discern homoplasy from homology; (3) stratigraphic data might be necessary to discern congruent homoplasy from congruent homology; and (4) in many cases, character states appear to have evolved in ordered patterns.
Folding of an isolated ribonuclease H core fragment

Based on results from both equilibrium and kinetic hydrogen exchange studies of Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI (RNase H), a fragment of RNase H (eABCD) was designed. The sequence of eABCD contains less than half of the protein's primary sequence and includes the regions that were shown to be the most protected from hydrogen exchange in all previous studies of RNase H. This core fragment of RNase H encodes a well-ordered protein with native-like properties. When isolated from the full-length monomeric protein, the eABCD fragment forms a stable dimer. However, we show indirectly that the monomeric form of eABCD is folded and has an overall secondary structure similar to the dimeric form.
Specular null polarization theory: applications to radar meteorology

Specular null polarization theory (SNPT) has been recently introduced for the case of coherent scattering where a 2/spl times/2 scattering matrix is sufficient to describe the scattering process. In this paper, SNPT is extended to the case of incoherent scattering. Optimum polarization states are derived and the results are discussed in relation to the classic radar optimum polarizations. In traditional radar polarimetry, modeling of the radar receive/transmit network is included in the radar voltage equation and consequently this affects the optimum polarizations and polarization responses of scatterers. SNPT eliminates this effect and therefore allows for a more direct analysis of scatterers. Modeling of ensembles of precipitation particles is used to illustrate the results of the analysis.
Modeling nonlinear resonance: A modification to the stokes' perturbation expansion

The Stokes’ series is a small amplitude perturbation expansion for nonlinear, steadily translating waves of the form u(x - ct). We have developed a modification to the Stokes’ perturbation expansion to cope with the type of resonance that occurs when two different wavenumbers have identical phase speeds. Although the nonlinear wave is smooth and bounded at the resonance, the traditional Stokes’ expansion fails because of the often-encountered “small denominator” problem. The situation is rectified by adding the resonant harmonic into the expansion at lowest order. The coefficient of the resonant wave is determined at higher order. Near resonance is treated by expanding the dispersion parameter in terms of the amplitude. As an example, we have chosen the Korteweg de Vries equation with an additional fifth degree dispersion term. However, the method is applicable to the amplitude expansions of much more complicated problems, such as the double cnoidal waves of the Korteweg de Vries equation, the problem that motivated this study.
Most science spared big budget bite

Most science budgets emerged unscathed from President Ronald Reagan's fiscal 1983 budget proposal. Total funding for research and development came out slightly ahead of inflation, as did funding for basic research (Eos, February 16, p. 162). The National Science Foundation (NSF) edged past the projected 7.3% inflation rate for 1982, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) budget is to be increased by 10.6%. However, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is budgeted for a 4.2% increase in funding, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will take an 8.3% cut.
Structural Modeling, Instrumentation, and Load Testing of the Tobin Memorial Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts

This paper describes analytical structural models created for various components of the Tobin Memorial Bridge, and a program of instrumentation and non-destructive testing for the Little Mystic Span. A detailed global finite element model of the Little Mystic Span, one of the two truss spans, was developed along with supporting special studies of continuity and boundary conditions. Special studies include modeling the rotational stiffness of the truss connections and consideration of the piers and bridge shoes. An instrumentation plan was developed and deployed for the Little Mystic Span to capture structural responses of key truss members. Nondestructive testing using loaded trucks was carried out for the purpose of model verification and calibration. Preliminary comparisons between experimental and analytical strains for key truss members show reasonable agreement. Special study results will be used to fine-tune the global finite element model. The verified models may be used as a condition assessment program and structural health monitoring system for the management of the Tobin Memorial Bridge.
Pollen feeding in the butterfly Heliconius charitonia: isotopic evidence for essential amino acid transfer from pollen to eggs

Heliconius and Laparus butterflies exhibit a unique pollen-collecting behaviour that enhances lifespan and fecundity. The specific nutritional contribution of pollen, however, had not been previously demonstrated. We used stable isotope variation to trace the carbon flow into eggs from corn pollen provided experimentally to ovipositing female Heliconius charitonia, and to evaluate the use of isotopically contrasting nectar sugars in egg amino acids. The delta(13)C of individual amino acids from pollen, larval host plant and the eggs from experimental butterflies was measured with gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), to evaluate amino acid transfer. The delta(13)C of egg essential amino acids indicated a transfer of essential amino acids from pollen to butterfly eggs. However, the delta(13)C of non-essential amino acids reflected the isotopic composition of the artificial nectar, indicating that H. charitonia synthesizes non-essential amino acids from dietary sugars. This, to our knowledge, is the first direct demonstration of amino acid transfer from pollen to butterfly eggs, and suggests that essential amino acids in particular are a key resource for extending lifespan and fecundity in Heliconius butterflies.
Crosswind Measurements through Pattern Recognition Techniques

Optical devices currently used for crosswind measurements are calibrated and results interpreted on the basis of theoretical predictions. However, under strong turbulence conditions, the experimental observations do not compare well with the theoretical predictions. This deficiency can be overcome by use of a learning machine which utilizes a pattern recognition technique. Basically this approach substitutes observed experience for a detailed knowledge of the physical model. The technique utilizes a minicomputer to process observed spectral profiles. In the training phase spectral features, which are weakly intercorrelated but strongly correlated with the crosswind, are selected and classified with known winds. These data are stored in the machine. During the execution phase, the observed spectral features are compared with the previously stored classifications to yield a best estimate of the crosswind. Experimental results are presented which quantify the performance of this method.
Randomized trial examining the effect of two prostate cancer screening educational interventions on patient knowledge, preferences, and behaviors

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of video and pamphlet interventions on patient prostate cancer (CaP) screening knowledge, decision-making participation, preferences, and behaviors.
Optical flow estimation & segmentation of multiple moving dynamic textures

We consider the problem of modeling a scene containing multiple dynamic textures undergoing multiple rigid-body motions, e.g., a video sequence of water taken by a rigidly moving camera. We propose to model each moving dynamic texture with a time varying linear dynamical system (LDS) plus a 2D translational motion model. We first consider a scene with a single moving dynamic texture and show how to simultaneously learn the parameters of the time varying LDS as well as the optical flow of the scene using the so-called dynamic texture constancy constraint (DTCC). We then consider a scene with multiple non-moving dynamic textures and show that learning the parameters of each time invariant LDS as well as their region of support is equivalent to clustering data living in multiple subspaces. We solve this problem with a combination of PCA and GPCA. Finally, we consider a scene with multiple moving dynamic textures, and show how to simultaneously learn the parameters of multiple time varying LDS and multiple 2D translational models, by clustering data living in multiple dynamically evolving subspaces. We test our approach on sequences of flowers, water, grass, and a beating heart.