cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of energetic electrons at second harmonic cyclotron resonance in ionospheric HF heating experiments

[1] The theory of electron acceleration by upper hybrid waves at second harmonic cyclotron resonance is presented. The results show that the meter-scale upper hybrid waves can incorporate the finite Larmour radius effect to make a second harmonic cyclotron resonance interaction effective. The finite Larmour radius effect provides a positive feedback to the interaction, thus the energies of the accelerated electrons increase in time exponentially, rather than linearly as in the case of fundamental cyclotron resonance. Consequently, energetic electrons (having energies larger than 10.7 eV) can be generated even at very low upper hybrid wave intensities. The threshold field for parametric excitation of meter-scale upper hybrid waves by O-mode HF heating wave is shown to be very low. The theory can be a reasonable basis for explaining the enhancement of airglow at 777.4 nm observed in recent low-heating-power experiment at HAARP.
A Counterexample to Modus Tollens

This paper defends a counterexample to Modus Tollens, and uses it to draw some conclusions about the logic and semantics of indicative conditionals and probability operators in natural language. Along the way we investigate some of the interactions of these expressions with knows, and we call into question the thesis that all knowledge ascriptions have truth-conditions. A probabilistic dynamic semantics for probability operators, conditionals, and acceptance attitudes is developed around the idea of representing the common ground of a conversation as a set of probability spaces.
Opiate detoxification protocols: A clinical manual

The purpose of any opiate detoxification protocol is to minimize or eliminate the signs and symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, thereby decreasing the chances of relapse to opiate dependence. In the last few years, because of the development of new medications such as clonidine, for the treatment of opiate withdrawal, a number of new protocols have been developed. Four different types of protocols are reviewed and outlined: methadone substitution/detoxification, codeine or other opiate substitution/detoxification, opiate of choice detoxification, and buprenorphine substitution/detoxification. In addition, six protocols utilizing clonidine are presented, including a protocol utilizing opiate antagonist precipitated withdrawal. Finally, two protocols that utilize naltrexone are outlined, and adjunct medications potentially useful in opiate detoxification are reviewed. Some suggestions for the treatment of drug-seeking behavior during detoxification and the advantages and disadvantages of the various protocols are summarized.
Characteristics of dump combustor flows

Abstract Turbulent flows through dump combustors with different inlet geometries and flow conditions were investigated. The combustors was simulated by an axisymmetric tube with a sudden expansion geometry. Specifically two different inlet geometries were studied; one resembled an actual inlet, another a well-designed convergent nozzle. Furthermore two different step heights were examined. Finally, the effects of rotation on the flow behavior were also studied. The results show that of all the geometric and flow parameters investigated, inlet turbulene and rotation have the greatest effect on the flow inside the combustor, in particular, the characteristics of the toroidal recirculating flow. Both parameters act to decrease the toroidal recirculation region and hence the reattachement length. The limited data available tend to show that the effects due to these two parameters are additive. On the other hand, inlet geometry only has as indirect effect on the combustor flow. It influences the flow characteristics because it creates different inlet turbulence at the sudden expansion.
Consequences of the loss of p53, RB1, and PTEN: relationship to gefitinib resistance in endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objective These studies demonstrate how loss of function mutations or downregulation of key tumor suppressors missing from type I and type II endometrial cancer cells contributes to carcinogenesis and to resistance to the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib (ZD1839). Methods Cell models devoid of tumor suppressors PTEN and RB1 or PTEN were studied. PTEN, RB1 and p53 expression was reinstated, and the effects on cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulators were evaluated. Results In Ishikawa H cells that model type I endometrial cancer in the loss of PTEN and RB1, re-expressing PTEN and RB1 increased the apoptotic and G1 phases and decreased the S and G2-M phases, which further sensitize the cells to gefitinib. Expressing p53 in Hec50co that model type II tumors by loss of this tumor suppressor arrested cells at the G1-S checkpoint, and apoptosis was also induced. Yet this did not improve sensitivity to gefitinib. Modulation of the cell cycle regulators responsible for these changes is explored, and a potential new therapeutic target, MDM2, is identified. Conclusion The downregulation of p53 expression in type II Hec50co cells is linked to gefitinib resistance. In addition, the overexpression of MDM2, the principal factor that inhibits p53 function also occurs in these resistant cells. MDM2 phosphorylation is only partially blocked by gefitinib, and high MDM2 expression may relate to drug resistance.
Sticks and stones: the relationship between drone strikes and al-Qaeda’s portrayal of the United States

This article seeks to determine the relationship between the implementation of drone strikes and any changes in al-Qaeda’s portrayal of the United States. To this end, the study examines the changes in frequency of 26 different accusations made against the United States in al-Qaeda propaganda published “pre-drone strikes,” as compared to propaganda published during the “drone strike era.” The statistical significance of changes in frequency was evaluated by conducting a series of proportions tests in STATA. The results indicate that al-Qaeda has shifted from more ambiguous claims that the United States meddles in foreign countries’ affairs, tolerates immoral acts, and is an occupying force to more specific accusations that the United States cowardly commits illegal acts and indiscriminately kills civilians.
A Visual Method for Couple Assessment, Therapy Progress, and Identifying Clinically Significant Change

Building on the patient-focused research literature, the authors introduce a graphical approach for couple therapy and research that can be adapted to pencil-and-paper assessments that are readily available. They present the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale as an example of a questionnaire that can be used in a patient-focused research methodology with clinical data to illustrate the method. Implications of the method on couple assessment, following the trajectory of treatment, and clinically significant change are also discussed.
Optically detected magnetic resonance in lysozyme: Evidence for three phosphorescent TRP residues

Abstract The Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance spectrum of lysozyme has been shown to consist of a multiplet of narrow components, at ∼ 1565 MHz, 1585 MHz, and 1620 MHz. The 1585 MHz component is the strongest feature of the spectrum. This is consistent with earlier reports which apparently resolved only this principal component in lysozyme. The linewidths reported here are the narrowest ever reported for tryptophan in proteins. Using Microwave-Induced Phosphorescence techniques, the dominant 1585 MHz line is seen to be coupled to a “narrow” phosphorescence emission component at about 4134A. This component has a bandwidth of about 25A compared to 42A for the normal O-O band for tryptophan in lysozyme.
Experimental absolute intensities of the 4ν9 and 5ν9 O–H stretching overtones of H2SO4

This work uses cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure two high vibrational overtones (4ν9 and 5ν9) of the O–H stretch in sulfuric acid. The frequencies, bandwidths, and intensities are obtained for these previously unobserved transitions. The atmospheric J-values for the overtone-induced photodissociation are calculated using the experimental cross-sections. Accurate J-values are essential for understanding the formation of the springtime polar sulfate layer by overtone-induced dehydration of H2SO4. The results are compared to previous experimental and theoretical studies of sulfuric acid.
Asymmetries in the Conditional Mean and the Conditional Variance: Evidence From Nine Stock Markets

Abstract This paper tests the hypothesis that both the conditional mean and the conditional variance of index stock returns are asymmetric functions of past information. For this purpose, an Asymmetric Autoregressive Threshold GARCH model is introduced and estimated for nine national stock markets. The empirical evidence suggests that both the conditional mean and the conditional variance respond asymmetrically to past information. In agreement with other studies, the conditional variance is an asymmetric function of past innovations rising proportionately more during market declines, the so-called leverage effect. With two exceptions, the conditional mean is also an asymmetric function of past returns. Specifically, positive past returns are twice as persistent as negative past returns of an equal magnitude. This behavior is consistent with an asymmetric partial adjustment price model where prices incorporate negative returns (bad news) faster than positive returns (good news). Furthermore, asymmetries in the conditional mean are linked to asymmetries in the conditional variance because the faster adjustment of prices to bad news causes higher volatility during down markets.
Phase behavior of tristearin/trioctanoin mixtures

The thermal behavior of mixtures of two monoacid, saturated triglycerides, tristearin (TS) and trioctanoin (TOC), was investigated with the intent of determining the liquid-solid and solid-solid solubility relationships. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Perkin-Elmer Model DSC-1) was used for the thermal analysis. Two different high purity grades of each component triglyceride were used. No large deviations from the ideal liquidus curve were exhibited by either system studied, regardless of purity. Polymorphism was not exhibited in TS/TOC binary mixtures Polymorphic transitions were observed during the heating curve when the individual components were analyzed under the same conditions of analysis as the mixtures. In mixtures less than 73–86% TS, the TOC melted at a constant temperature that was 0.9 K lower than when TOC was melted alone. At higher TS concentrations, no TOC peak was seen in the thermograms. Solid solutions of TS and TOC were indicated at weight percent TS compositions greater than 73–86%. If a TS/TOC eutectic mixture existed, it would contain less than 3% (w/w) TS.
Determinantal representation of the Moore–Penrose inverse matrix over the quaternion skew field

Within the framework of the theory of column and row determinants, we have obtained the determinantal representation of the Moore–Penrose inverse matrix over the quaternion skew field.
Carbon and water balances for young fruits of platyopuntias

Questions relating to transpired versus retained water for pected for CAM plants. The water potential of the young fruits, the xylem versus the phloem as water supplier to the fruits (average of 0.41 MPa) was higher than that of the fruits, and the importance of fruit photosynthesis for fruit cladodes (average of 0.60 MPa), indicating that water dry mass gain were examined in the field for 6 species of entered the fruits via the phloem rather than via the xylem. Solution entry into the fruits via the phloem supplied the platyopuntias (Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia ficus-indica, water lost by transpiration and allowed for increases in fruit O. megacantha, O. robusta, O. streptacantha and O. undulata), cacti with flattened stem segments (cladodes). For fresh mass (daily transpiration averaged 3.2-fold higher than plants with fruits midway between floral bud appearance and daily water content increases), while the accumulating sofruit maturation, transpiration was greater at night for the lutes were apparently polymerized to account for the higher cladodes, as expected for Crassulacean acid metabolism water potentials of the fruits compared with the cladodes. The phloem thus acts as the sole supplier of water and the (CAM) plants, but greater during the daytime for the fruits main supplier of dry mass (90%) to such young fruits of of all 6 species. Nevertheless, net CO2 uptake by fruits of platyopuntias. these platyopuntias occurred predominantly at night, as ex
Use of Latent Class Analysis Approach to Describe Drug and Sexual HIV Risk Patterns among Injection Drug Users in Houston, Texas

Following latent class analysis (LCA) approach we examined patterns of HIV risk using two related domains of behavior: drug use, and sexual activity among 523 injection drug users (IDUs) recruited into the 2009 National HIV behavioral surveillance system. Using posterior probability of endorsing six drug and sexual items, we identified three distinct classes representing underlying HIV risk. Forty percent of our participants were at highest risk, 25 % at medium risk, and 35 % at lowest risk for HIV infection. Compared to the Lowest-risk class members, the Highest-risk class members had riskier drug and sexual behaviors and had higher prevalence of HIV cases (6 vs. 4 %). This analysis underscores the merit of LCA to empirically identify risk patterns using multiple indicators and our results show HIV risk varies among IDUs as their drug and sexual behaviors. Tailored and targeted prevention and treatment interventions for the dual risk pattern are required rather than for drug or sexual risk in silos.
A reappraisal of local anesthesia for prostate brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose : Faced with rapidly increasing patient numbers, the authors adopted and modified a technique to perform prostate implants under local anesthesia in a radiation oncology facility. Our reasons for assembling the current report detailing 20 consecutive, unselected patients are to show how patients tolerate brachytherapy without the use of sedatives, to provide more technical detail regarding the procedure's practical aspects, and to summarize the time needed to complete its components. Materials and methods : No pre-operative medication is given. The patient is placed in the lithotomy position, using stirrups mounted on the end of the simulator table. A 5-cm×5-cm patch of perineal skin and subcutaneous tissue is anesthetized by local infiltration of 3–-5 cm 3 of 0.5% lidocaine, using a 25-gauge 1.5-inch needle. Immediately following injection into the subcutaneous tissues, the deeper tissues, of the pelvic floor are anesthetized by injecting 5 cm 3 lidocaine solution with approximately 16 passes of a 25-gauge 1.5-inch needle entering perpendicular to the skin surface. The transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe of a Siemens SONOLINE Prima ultrasound machine (6.0 MHz) and a Winston–Barzell stepper unit is next positioned to reproduce the planning images and a 3.5-inch, 22-gauge spinal needle is inserted into the peripheral and a few central tracks. About 0.5 cm 3 of lidocaine solution is injected into each intraprostatic track, as the needle is slowly advanced. Finally, a 7-inch 22-gauge spinal needle inserted through the skin via a 3.5-inch 18-gauge needle, is used to anesthetize to the base of the prostate under TRUS and fluoroscopic guidance. Seed placement is done with a Mick Applicator™, inserting and loading one needle at a time. The number of seeds placed ranged from 60 to 118 (average: 87) and the number of needles used ranged from 14 to 20 (average: 18). For the purpose of this study, prior to walking to the simulator suite, patients were asked to rate the pain they experienced with their prostate biopsy on a scale of 0–10 (no pain to pain at its worst). They were asked to rate their pain at the time of the catheter insertion, the lidocaine infiltration of the perineum and prostate and again at the completion of the seed insertion. Results : The amount of lidocaine administered ranged from 250 to 450 mg, with a median of 300 mg. There were no untoward effects of lidocaine. Average pain scores for patients' biopsy, catheter insertion, lidocaine infiltration and seed insertion were 3.3, 3.0, 4.0 and 2.7, respectively. Patients' total time in the simulator room, including taking post-implant dosimetric films, remove the intravenous line and catheter, and to clean the perineum, ranged from 77 to 135 min, with a median of 105 min. The median post-implant CT-defined target coverage by the prescription isodose was 94%, with a range of 80–100%. Conclusions : Performing prostate brachytherapy under local anesthesia, as reported here, is simple, efficient and well tolerated.
Cerebrosides of rabbit and pigeon aorta: isolation and fatty acid distribution.

Quantitative determinations have been made on the cerebrosides isolated from aortas of cholesterol-fed and normal rabbits, and mature and young pigeons. The fatty acid distributions of these cerebrosides were determined. Cerebroside concentration was higher in pigeons than in rabbits and higher in the animals expected to have atherosclerosis. Comparing supposedly atherosclerotic animals to normal animals, the atherosclerotic animals generally had more unsaturated fatty acids and more 18:0 and 18:1 as compared to 16:0 and 16:1. These trends are consistent with fatty acid data from human aorta. Pigeon data were more similar to human data than were the rabbit data.
Investigating neurological deficits in carriers and affected patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Abstract Background : Urea cycle disorders are caused by dysfunction in any of the six enzymes and two transport proteins involved in urea biosynthesis. Our study focuses on ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), an X-linked disorder that results in a dysfunctional mitochondrial enzyme, which prevents the synthesis of citrulline from carbamoyl phosphate and ornithine. This enzyme deficiency can lead to hyperammonemic episodes and severe cerebral edema. The objective of this study was to use a cognitive battery to expose the cognitive deficits in asymptomatic carriers of OTCD. Materials and methods : In total, 81 participants were recruited as part of a larger urea cycle disorder imaging consortium study. There were 25 symptomatic participants (18 female, 7 male, 25.6 years ± 12.72 years), 20 asymptomatic participants (20 female, 0 male, 37.6 years ± 15.19 years), and 36 healthy control participants (21 female, 15 male, 29.8 years ± 13.39 years). All participants gave informed consent to participate and were then given neurocognitive batteries with standard scores and T scores recorded. Results : When stratified by symptomatic participant, asymptomatic carrier, and control, the results showed significant differences in measures of executive function (e.g. CTMT and Stroop) and motor ability (Purdue Assembly) between all groups tested. Simple attention, academic measures, language and non-verbal motor abilities showed no significant differences between asymptomatic carriers and control participants, however, there were significant differences between symptomatic and control participant performance in these measures. Conclusions : In our study, asymptomatic carriers of OTCD showed no significant differences in cognitive function compared to control participants until they were cognitively challenged with fine motor tasks, measures of executive function, and measures of cognitive flexibility. This suggests that cognitive dysfunction is best measurable in asymptomatic carriers after they are cognitively challenged.
Amniotic Fluid Glycine/Valine Ratio Is Elevated in Fetuses with Growth Retardation

Alterations in the amnio acid content of fetal and neonatal cord blood characteristic of chronic starvation have been identified in growth-retarded offspring. We hypothesized that these changes in amino acid patterns, specifically an increase in the glycine/valine ratio, would be present in the amniotic fluid of growth-retarded fetuses. Amniotic fluid specimens from 63 singleton pregnancies in the third trimester (range 33-39 weeks) were examined. Twenty-five pregnancies were complicated by fetal growth retardation (FGR) which was suspected by ultrasound and confirmed at birth. Amniocenteses were performed for routine clinical indications. Amino acid analysis was performed on prepared amniotic fluid specimens by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The glycine/valine ratio in amniotic fluid as a function of gestational age was compared between growth-retarded and control (C) groups by analysis of covariance. Amniotic fluid from growth-retarded fetuses demonstrated a significantly higher glycine/valine rat...
Implications of a Neurophysiological Approach for the Study of a Nonverbal Communication

This article reviews the neurophysiological literature as it pertains to nonverbal communication. It provides an overview of research on the function of the cerebral hemispheres as related to communication, with particular emphasis on the right hemisphere where most nonverbal communication is processed. Limitations of the neurophysiological approach are discussed. Finally, implications of the neurophysiological approach are discussed for: (1) defining nonverbal communication, (2) the phylogenetic development of communication in humans, and (3) communication research and theory.
Olivine flotation and settling experiments on the join Mg2SiO4-Fe2SiO4

Results are presented of a study of some unusual density relations between olivine and coexisting liquid in the system fosterite-fayalite. At 1 atmosphere pressure it is found that olivine floats on its coexisting liquid for intermediate compositions on this binary because of extreme partitioning of Fe into the melt phase. At 20 kilobars, the usual behavior of olivine settling is found to occur because the partitioning of Fe in the melt is reduced, aided possibly by the dissolution of CO2 in the melt from the use of a graphite container. It is determined that olivine flotation and settling are rapid in a time period of only a few hours because viscosities are slightly greater than that of paraffin oil at room temperature. Some adcumulate textures with good triple junction grain boundaries are found to be developed. Observations of differentiated magmatic systems suggest that the mechanisms by which magmas can differentiate vary considerably in the ultramafic to tholeiitic compositional range.
Optical pattern detector and digital-to-analog converter for optical communications systems

Photonic technology is gradually replacing traditional electronic functionality, particularly in all-optical communications network. Optical filtering, switching, and amplification and optical memory are already proven functions and more optical functionality is emerging. Optical pattern detection is a key function for optical signal processing and it is applicable to optical packet identification, error control, wavelength assignment, and routing. All optical pattern detection eliminates optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions that add significantly to complexity and cost of system and network. We describe a direct optical pattern detector that in real time recognizes patterns in optical binary streams of synchronous frames or asynchronous packets. We demonstrate the detection of start of frame of an optical signal, and we describe the applicability of the method to all-optical digital-to-analog conversion. Simulation results support the detector optical circuitry.
Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Teachers and Parents with Coming Out in a School Setting

Abstract The present study was conducted to learn more about the experiences of gay and lesbian parents and teachers, particularly about experiences relevant to disclosure of their homosexuality at school. Thirty-four teachers and nineteen parents responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Teachers were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to fellow teachers than to principals, and to women than to men. Responses to disclosure were generally but not universally positive. Reasons for nondisclosure included fear of losing one's job and of exposure to others. Few parents had come out at their child's school, primarily due to fear of discrimination towards their child.
Novel metrics for object discrimination in overhead real and synthetic color images

The evaluation and discrimination of similar objects in real versus synthetically generated aerial color images is needed for security and surveillance purposes among other applications. Identification of appropriate discrimination metrics between real versus synthetic images may also help in more robust generation of these synthetic images. In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of three different metrics based on Gaussian Blur, Differential Operators and singular value decomposition (SVD) to differentiate between a pair of same objects contained in real and synthetic overhead aerial color images. We use nine pairs of images in our tests. The real images were obtained in the visible aerial color image domain. The proposed metrics are used to discriminate between pairs of real and synthetic objects such as cooling units, industrial buildings, houses, conveyors, stacks, piles, railroads and ponds in these real and synthetically generated images respectively. The proposed method successfully discriminates between the real and synthetic objects in aerial color images without any apriori knowledge or extra information such as optical flow. We ranked these metrics according to their effectiveness to discriminate between synthetic and real objects in overhead images.
Substituent effects on azo dye oxidation by the FeIII-EDTA-H2O2 system.

Abstract The effect of substituents on the oxidation of azo dyes in the FeIII–EDTA–H2O2 system was examined at pH 7. 4-(4′-sulfophenylazo)phenol and 2-(4′-sulfophenylazo)phenol, with methyl, methoxy, and halo substituents on the phenolic ring, were used as model systems. Oxidation of the naphthol dyes Orange I and Orange II were also examined. All of the dyes tested were decolorized in the FeIII–EDTA–H2O2 system, but the degree of decolorization varied over a factor of 10. Dyes substituted with one or two halogens were oxidized to a greater extent than the corresponding methyl- or methoxy-substituted dyes. One explanation for the effect of halogen substituents is that they make the phenolic moieties more acidic, which favors the phenolate anion, which is more readily attacked by OH. This explanation is supported by the observed correlation between charge density of the phenolate anion and the degree of decolorization. Based on an analysis of products formed from Orange II, a probable mechanism for decolorization of phenolic azo dyes by OH is proposed. In addition, the optimal levels of H2O2 needed for the process have been examined. It appears that high levels of H2O2 could reduce decolorization by scavenging the OH.
Quantitation of Retention of Endosseous Dental Blade Implants in Dogs

This research was initiated in order to study the extraction forces associated with solid, single-vented and multi-vented blade dental implants placed in mandibles of dog for 2 months. An extraction device was used to measure the extraction forces on five of the implants and a histological study was carried out around the sixth multi-vented implant. The main finding was that the extraction forces for the multi-vented blade implants were 6 to 12 times those of the single-vented and solid blades. Other findings in this study were: none of the implants exhibited mobility; sulci ranged from 2 to 3 mm at the implant neck; bone covered the implant shoulder. There was gross and histologic evidence of bone growth in the vents of the multi-vented blade; close adaptation of the bone, connective tissue capsule and implant; and no gross, histologic, clinical or radiographic evidence of bone pathology.
Reaction of oxygen nucleophiles with β-alkoxyvinylphosphonium salts. Isolation of phosphine oxides.

Abstract A variety of β-alkoxyvinylphosphonium bromides were prepared and reacted with sodium ethoxide and dimsyl anion to generate good yields of phosphine oxides 3 rather than the previously reported ylide 4.
On Lipschitzian Stability of Optimal Solutions of Parametrized Semi-Infinite Programs

We study continuity properties of optimal solutions of parametrized semi-infinite programming problems. The involved constraints are formulated in a form of cone constraints and then a slightly modified general result of Shapiro and Bonnans 1992 on Lipschitzian stability of optimal solutions is applied. It is shown that under certain second-order sufficient conditions, optimal solutions of the semi-infinite programs are Lipschitzian stable provided a regularity assumption related to a linearization of the considered programs is satisfied.
Host-adapted Cryptosporidium spp. in Canada geese (Branta canadensis)

The prevalence and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in the fecal droppings of the free-living waterfowl Canada geese were examined at 13 sites in Ohio and Illinois. On the basis of the analysis of the small-subunit rRNA gene by PCR, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing, 49 (23.4%) of 209 fecal specimens collected from 10 sites (76.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The following five Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were identified: Cryptosporidium goose genotype I (in 36 specimens), Cryptosporidium goose genotype II (in 9 specimens), Cryptosporidium duck genotype (in 1 specimen), Cryptosporidium parvum (in 4 specimens), and C. hominis (in 2 specimens). Cryptosporidium goose genotype I was the most prevalent parasite and was found at all five Cryptosporidium-positive sites in Ohio and at four of five positive sites in Illinois, followed by Cryptosporidium goose genotype II, which was found at two of five positive sites in Ohio and at four of five positive sites in Illinois. Cryptosporidium goose genotype II was detected for the first time, and it is phylogenetically related to goose genotype I and the duck genotype. All three genotypes have not so far been reported in humans, and their pathogenicity in geese has not been determined. Only 10.2% of the Cryptosporidium-positive specimens had C. parvum and C. hominis. The results of this study indicate that Canada geese might only serve as accidental carriers of cryptosporidia infectious to humans and probably play a minor role in the animal-to-human transmission cycle of the pathogen.
Primary production associated with the Florida Current along the East Florida Shelf: Weekly to seasonal variability from mesoscale-resolution biophysical simulations

[1] Numerical simulations with a mesoscale-resolution, three-dimensional coastal ocean model, coupled to a four-component ecosystem model, provide estimates of the frequency, intensity, duration, and property transport of upwelling events along the East Florida Shelf (EFS), and help identify their underlying mechanisms. The results compare favorably with in situ observations and demonstrate the strong variability in the ecosystem response associated with shelfbreak upwelling on daily to seasonal timescales. Monthly-to-seasonal nitrate inputs are mainly due to bottom Ekman transport, as the Florida Current (FC) jet interacts with the EFS topography, and summer coastal upwelling-favorable winds. The mesoscale variability in nitrate inputs along the EFS shelfbreak is directly related to Florida Current Frontal Eddies (FCFE), but their contribution to primary production is strongly modulated by the monthly-to-seasonal fluctuations in biological activity. Owing to short-lived biological activity and only approximately weekly recurrence periods, cumulative mesoscale contributions to primary production over the year are approximately 50% smaller than cumulative monthly-to-seasonal contributions. Since mesoscale contributions to net cross-stream transport are offshore and of equal or larger magnitude than monthly-to-seasonal contributions, FCFE activity should contribute significantly to the export of nitrate and phytoplankton from the continental shelf, especially north of 29°N as the FCFEs intensify while translating poleward along the EFS. In conclusion, the coupled physical-biological simulations provide a new framework to investigate the ecosystem response to the FC circulation over the EFS and represent a necessary step toward the implementation of more elaborate ecosystem models for future ecological forecasting efforts in the region.
Scatter correction for cone-beam CT in radiation therapy.

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is being increasingly used in modern radiation therapy for patient setup and adaptive replanning. However, due to the large volume of x-ray illumination, scatter becomes a rather serious problem and is considered as one of the fundamental limitations of CBCT image quality. Many scatter correction algorithms have been proposed in literature, while a standard practical solution still remains elusive. In radiation therapy, the same patient is scanned repetitively during a course of treatment, a natural question to ask is whether one can obtain the scatter distribution on the first day of treatment and then use the data for scatter correction in the subsequent scans on different days. To realize this scatter removal scheme, two technical pieces must be in place: (i) A strategy to obtain the scatter distribution in on-board CBCT imaging and (ii) a method to spatially match a prior scatter distribution with the on-treatment CBCT projection data for scatter subtraction. In this work, simple solutions to the two problems are provided. A partially blocked CBCT is used to extract the scatter distribution. The x-ray beam blocker has a strip pattern, such that partial volume can still be accurately reconstructed and the whole-field scatter distribution can be estimated from the detected signals in the shadow regions using interpolation∕extrapolation. In the subsequent scans, the patient transformation is determined using a rigid registration of the conventional CBCT and the prior partial CBCT. From the derived patient transformation, the measured scatter is then modified to adapt the new on-treatment patient geometry for scatter correction. The proposed method is evaluated using physical experiments on a clinical CBCT system. On the Catphan©600 phantom, the errors in Hounsfield unit (HU) in the selected regions of interest are reduced from about 350 to below 50 HU; on an anthropomorphic phantom, the error is reduced from 15.7% to 5.4%. The proposed method is attractive in applications where a high CBCT image quality is critical, for example, dose calculation in adaptive radiation therapy.
Digital TV bandwidth reduction techniques as applied to spacecraft television.

Digital data compression techniques suitable for use in transmission of television data from spacecraft are evaluated. Previously proposed compression techniques are summarized briefly, and two new techniques are described. One of these, the nontime-buffered ImprovedGray-Scale (IGS) pulse code modulation (PCM) compression system, was evaluated by scanning slides, digitizing the resultant video signal to 6-bit accuracy, processing the digitized signal, converting it to analog form, and displaying it for photographic reproduction. This simple system, suitable for spacecraft application, offers a saving of 2-to-l (three bits per picture element) with very little picture degradation compared to pictures generated by a 6-bit system. Theoretical evaluation of the other, a Coarse-Fine (C-F) PCM system (also nontimebuffered) indicates a possible 2-to-l saving with essentially no degradation. Systems utilizing time buffering techniques offer bandwidth reductions of as much as 4-to-l, and hybrid systems utilizing both nontime-buffered and time-buffered techniques offer compressions up to 6-to-l with possibilities of approaching 10-to-l for average complexity pictures.
From CNI-1493 to the immunological homunculus: physiology of the inflammatory reflex

The inflammatory reflex is a neurophysiological mechanism that regulates the immune system. The efferent branch of the reflex the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which inhibits inflammation by suppressing cytokine synthesis via release of acetylcholine in organs of the reticuloendothelial system, including the spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Acetylcholine binds to alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed by macrophages and other cytokine-producing cells. Receptor-ligand engagement suppresses proinflammatory cytokines and prevents tissue damage. Herein is a review of some of the experimental studies that define the inflammatory reflex and its anatomic and physiologic components.
Laser-Induced Infrared Fluorescence of Ozone. Application to Remote Sensing

Abstract Over the past several years studies of laser induced infrared fluorescence have been reported.1-5 These studies were carried out on about fifty compounds. Many of the compounds absorbed the laser radiation and fluoresced strongly. Some of these compounds; such as methane, nitromethane, chloroform, carbon disulfide, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide; did not appreciably absorb at the laser wavelength (10.6 microns). Nevertheless it was found that they fluoresced, although, at a relatively low intensity.
Regulation of the Dictyostelium glycogen phosphorylase 2 gene by cyclic AMP

A crucial developmental event in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, is glycogen degradation. The enzyme that catalyzes this degradation, glycogen phosphorylase 2 (gp-2), is developmentally regulated and cAMP appears to be involved in this regulation. We have examined several aspects of the cAMP regulation of gp-2. We show that addition of exogenous cAMP to aggregation competent amoebae induced the appearance of gp-2 mRNA. The induction of gp-2 mRNA occurred within 1 and 1.5 h after the initial exposure to cAMP. Exposure to exogenous cAMP concentrations as low as 1.0 μM could induce gp-2 mRNA. We also examined the molecular mechanism through which cAMP induction of gp-2 occurs. Induction of gp-2 appears to result from a mechanism that does not require intracellular cAMP signaling, and may occur directly through a cAMP binding protein without the requirement of any intracellular signalling. We also examined the promoter region of the gp-2 gene for cis-acting elements that are involved in the cAMP regulation of gp-2. A series of deletions of the promoter were fused to a luciferase reporter gene and then analyzed for cAMP responsiveness. The results indicated that a region from -258 nucleotides to the transcriptional start site is sufficient for essentially full activity and appears to carry all necessary cis-acting sites for cAMP induction. Further deletion of 58 nucleotides from the 5′ end, results in fivefold less activity in the presence of cAMP. Deletion of the next 104 nucleotides eliminates the cAMP response entirely. © 1993Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessment of heavy metal speciation in soils impacted with crude oil in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

AbstractChemical fractionation of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Mn in soils that had received a significant impact of crude oil spillage in the Niger Delta, Nigeria was studied using a sequential chemical extraction method. The results revealed that significant amounts of the metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Mn) were found in the most labile fractions as compared to the control site. On average, Ni, Cr and Zn were mostly associated with the residual fraction; Pb and Mn with the Fe–Mn oxides; Cu with the organic fraction and Cd with the exchangeable fraction. Among the non-residual fractions, metals were mostly associated with the Fe–Mn oxides fraction. The mobility factors of these metals were higher at the impacted sites as compared with the control site. High mobility of the metals in the impacted soils was associated with the oil spillage, since exogenous metals are usually weakly bound to soil particles. The mobility factors for the metals follow the order: Cd>Zn>Pb>Ni>Mn>Cu>Cr.
Multimode Free-space Optical Interconnections

There is considerable interest in the use of multimode fibers for high bandwidth local area network applications, and they form part of the standard for Gigabit Ethernet1. Multimode fibers provide a significant advantage over single-mode in their ease of alignment at connectors and for the coupling of sources and detectors.
Temporal Decomposition Scheme for Nonlinear Multisite Production Planning and Distribution Models

In this paper we propose a multiperiod nonlinear programming model for the production planning and product distribution of several continuous multiproduct plants that are located in different sites and supply different markets. The unique feature of the proposed model is that each plant is represented through nonlinear process models. To solve the resulting large-scale model, we present two solution techniques based on Lagrangean decomposition. Spatial decomposition is based on the idea of dualizing interconnection constraints between the plants and markets in order to be able to optimize each site and market individually. For the temporal decomposition, the interconnection constraints are defined between each time period through the inventory variables so that the entire production and distribution plan can be optimized independently in each time period. It is shown that the proposed decomposition methods yield significant computational savings, and temporal decomposition is shown to be the superior deco...
The complementariness of orogenic andesite and alpine peridotite

Abstract Current concepts on the origin of the calc-alkaline andesites of orogenic belts range widely with respect to the mechanism of magma generation, the place of origin and the nature of the source material. The hypothesis which the author believes best fits the evidence is that of the derivation of andesite through fractional crystallization of a body of primary olivine basalt which rises from the mantle into geosynclinal rocks, and which during the fractional crystallization experiences an exchange with the surrounding country rock of water flowing into the magma to a total amount of probably 2 or 3 per cent, and hydrogen flowing out. The small amount of oxygen being added to the magma during fractional crystallization is necessary to develop and maintain the calc-alkaline trend of the liquid and crystal compositions. Complementary bodies of settled crystals remaining at depth in the geosynclinal rocks after the andesite liquid is driven off are alpine peridotites. Research bearing on this hypothesis includes: 1. (1) experimental work on the system, CaO-MgO-iron oxide-plagioclase-SiO 2 , showing that the process is possible; 2. (2) experiments on basalts and andesites at controlled pO 2 , and on a basalt at 1 kbar water pressure as well as at controlled pO 2 , showing the effect of water pressure and pO 2 on temperature of crystallization of the phases and providing data on the equilibrium pO 2 of these rocks and the solubility of water in them; 3. (3) extensive chemical analyses of andesites and other geosynclinal rocks providing data on Sr isotopes, trace elements and alkali-silica ratios, all of which argue against formation of andesite by partial melting of crustal rocks or by assimilation of crustal rocks by basaltic magma; 4. (4) field and laboratory studies of alpine peridotite complexes leading to the conclusion that they represent cumulate bodies formed by crystal settling during crystallization of a magma; 5. (5) composition data on alpine peridotite complexes demonstrating their general calc-alkaline trend characteristics as opposed to the higher iron oxide trend of cumulates of the layered intrusions which do not develop calc-alkaline andesites.
Horizontal cells of the pigeon retina

Two types of horizontal cells are seen in Golgi-impregnated retinas of the pigeon. Type I horizontal cells are compact, "brush-shaped," and have an axon ending as an irregular spinous arborization. The majority of the dendrites terminate in the distal part of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) as clusters which contact cones, but some terminate as single expansions in the proximal part of the OPL. The axon terminal spines are found only in the distal part of the OPL and contact both rods and cones. Pigeon Type I horizontal cells are Cajal's "brush-shaped" cells, and their axon terminals resemble Cajal's "stellate" cells. Type II horizontal cells have irregular, wavy, multi-branched dendrites, appear horizontally flattened, and lack axons. The dendrites terminate in the proximal part of the OPL as isolated spines and contact only cones. The Type II horizontal cells of the pigeon have not been previously described in the avian retina.
The Effect of a Turbulent Wake on the Stagnation Point: Part II—Heat Transfer Results

A phenomenological model is proposed which relates the effects of freestream turbulence to the increase in stagnation point heat transfer. The model requires both turbulence intensity and energy spectra as inputs to the unsteady velocity at the edge of the boundary layer. The form of the edge velocity contains both a pulsation of the incoming flow and an oscillation of the streamlines. The incompressible unsteady and time-averaged boundary layer response is determined by solving the momentum and energy equations. The model allows for arbitary two-dimensional geometry, however, results are given only for a circular cylinder. The time-averaged Nusselt number is determined theoretically and compared to existing experimental data.
Data compression using straight line interpolation

One simple method of data compression relies on the approximation of the source output by polynomial segments or "interpolators." The parameters of each polynomial are transmitted in place of the original data. This paper presents a method of theoretically analyzing such techniques. Straight line interpolation is considered specifically although the ideas can he readily generalized. It is shown that the class of compression methods considered may or may not perform well depending on the data and, thus, that in some cases more complex techniques, including possibly adaptive methods, might he used, depending on the knowledge of the data statistical model.
A Sub-Saturn Mass Planet Orbiting HD 3651*

We report precise Doppler velocities of HD 3651 obtained at Lick and Keck Observatories. The velocities reveal evidence of a planetary companion with an orbital period of 62.23 ± 0.03 days, an eccentricity of 0.63 ± 0.04, and a velocity semiamplitude of 15.9 ± 1.7 m s-1. With an assumed mass of 0.79 M☉ for this K0 V star, we derive M sin i = 0.20MJ and a semimajor axis of 0.284 AU. The star is chromospherically inactive, with log R = -5.01, and 10 years of observations at Fairborn Observatory show it to be photometrically stable to better than 0.001 mag. In particular, there is no photometric variability on the 62.23 day radial velocity period to a limit of 0.0002 mag, supporting the planetary interpretation of the radial velocity variability. Photometric transits of the planetary companion across the star are ruled out with a probability of 87%.