cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF MOLECULAR HELIUM IONS BY ASSOCIATIVE IONIZATION IN A RECOMBINING PLASMA.

The afterglow of a 1.3-A 1.5-\ensuremath{\mu}sec-duration discharge in helium at 11 Torr was studied during the time 15 to 35 \ensuremath{\mu}sec after the discharge pulse. A 10-\ensuremath{\mu}sec current pulse was used to selectively heat the electrons, and it was found that the differences in the atomic and molecular intensities subsequent to this heating pulse could be explained by assuming a process of associative ionization of excited atomic helium states resulting in molecular helium ions, ${\mathrm{He}}^{n}+\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{{\mathrm{He}}_{2}}^{+}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. The rate of this process is determined. It is further shown, by comparison of excited-atomic-state densities with previous measurements at much lower pressures, that there must be a source, rather than a loss, of lower-lying atomic states. A model is proposed in which associative ionization of highly excited atomic states results in vibrationally and rotationally excited molecular ions, which subsequently relax by neutral helium collisions to the ground-state level. Dissociative recombination of these excited molecular ions while in the process of going to the ground-state level then forms a source of additional lower excited atomic states. Extremely rapid vibrational and rotational relaxation rates are required.
Drift drop deposition rate at a short distance from natural draft cooling Towers

Abstract The drift deposition rate has been measured at short distances (170 and 250 m) from the cooling towers at the Keystone Power Plant (Indiana, PA). The measurements were made during high humidity conditions such that the drift drops could be assumed to have a constant fall velocity. These results are compared with the predictions by two theoretical formulas and it is found that the predicted values are much lower than the observed ones. As the characteristics of the wind field generated by the presence of the towers have been ignored in the theoretical calculations, this discrepancy is not surprising.
Derivation of equivalent water thickness and an index of biochemical component abundance in vegetation from AVIRIS data

Remote sensing of water status and biochemical components of vegetation can have important applications in the fields of agriculture and forestry. Reflectance of fresh, green vegetation in the 1.0 - 2.5 micrometers region is dominated by liquid water absorption and also weakly affected by absorption due to biochemical components, such as lignin and cellulose. We have developed both the nonlinear and linear least squares spectrum- matching techniques for deriving equivalent water thickness (EWT) of vegetation from AVIRIS data in the 1.0 and 1.6 micrometers regions. Seasonal variations of EWTs over an agricultural area in Greeley, Colorado are determined. EWTs from 1.0 micrometers region are generally greater than those from 1.6 micrometers region because of the deeper light penetration into the canopy. After fitting the AVIRIS data with water spectrum alone, a weak lignin-cellulose absorption feature centered at 1.72 micrometers is seen in the residual spectra. We map the depth of the 1.72-micrometers feature, which can be considered as an index of component abundance in the canopy.
Molecular and morphological supertrees for eutherian (placental) mammals

A large body of diverse comparative data now exists for a major phylogenetic synthesis of the higher-level relationships among eutherian (placental) mammals. We present such a phylogenetic synthesis using the composite trees or supertrees from the combined and separate analyses of their published molecular and morphological source phylogenies. Our combined and separate supertrees largely support the same suprafamilial taxa and orders, but different interordinal clades. These similarities and differences reinforce the continuing contributions of morphological studies, while highlighting the growing influence of molecular information on the field. As current summaries of past research, our supertrees emphasize opportunities for future work, while providing a step toward the eventual integration of the data and characters themselves.
Ontogeny of vocal tract movements during song production in song sparrows

Abstract When adult songbirds sing, movements of the beak and other elements of the vocal tract are closely coordinated with the activity of the syrinx. The physical configuration of the vocal tract affects the tonal quality of sounds originating at the syrinx, and coordination between vocal tract movements and syringeal activity is thought to be necessary for the production of pure-tonal song. The ontogeny of this coordination in laboratory-reared song sparrows, Melospiza melodia , was examined. Developmental changes were quantified in (1) the acoustic structure of song notes, as measured by spectrogram cross-correlation, (2) the magnitude of beak movements during song, (3) the correlation between beak movements and acoustic frequency, and (4) the tonal quality of song. Each variable changed significantly over the course of song development, but at different rates. Note acoustic structure achieved adult-like form midway through song development, but increased use and coordination of beak movements were not observed until later stages of development. The late development of coordinated beak movements appears to correspond with the development of tonal quality. This finding suggests that the coordination of vocal tract movements with syringeal activity is delayed in ontogeny.
Endothelium-Independent Relaxation of Vascular Smooth Muscle by 17β-Estradiol

BACKGROUND: Estrogens directly dilate arteries, and this acute relaxation of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) may contribute to the cardioprotective effect of this important hormone. However, the mechanism by which estrogens relax VSM is not clear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on observations in isolated smooth muscle cells, we hypothesized that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) causes dilation through receptor-mediated activation of K(+) channels in VSM cells. To test this hypothesis, E(2)-relaxation was studied in arteries from male Sprague-Dawley rats. We observed that the estrogen receptor antagonist, tamoxifen (3 µmol) attenuated E(2) relaxation, suggesting that at least a portion of the relaxation depends on activation of E(2) receptors. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nomega-nitro-larginine (100 µmol) did not affect E(2) relaxation in either denuded or endothelium-intact arterial strips. Furthermore, inhibition of guanylyl cyclase with LY83583 (10 µmol) had no effect on the relaxation, suggesting that nitric oxide does not contribute to this relaxation. Vascular segments contracted with 90 mmol KCl to disrupt the K(+) gradient had a similar E(2) relaxation does not require K(+)-channel activation. Finally, E(2) pretreatment inhibited contraction of arterial segments depleted of intracellular calcium but in the presence of extracellular calcium. However, E(2) did not affect contraction of strips in calcium-free solution. CONCLUSIONS: These final experiments suggest that E(2) inhibits Ca(2+) influx but not intracellular calcium release. Together, these studies establish that E(2) causes receptor-mediated relaxation of peripheral resistance arteries through inhibition of calcium entry independent of nitric oxide production, guanylyl cyclase stimulation, and K(+)-channel activation.
Membrane skeleton protein 4.1 in developing Xenopus: expression in postmitotic cells of the retina.

Abstract Membrane skeleton protein 4.1 plays a key role in modulating the interactions of spectrin, actin, and integral membrane proteins in erythroid and nonerythroid cells. We have investigated its structure and expression during embryonic development of Xenopus laevis. An analysis of the complete 2758-nucleotide sequence and predicted translation of 801 amino acids (85.5 kDa) of X. laevis oocyte protein 4.1 reveals that, within overlapping regions, oocyte protein 4.1 is 74% identical to a composite amino acid sequence of human erythroid and lymphoid protein 4.1 and has an identity similar to that of amino acid motifs variably expressed in either human erythroid or lymphoid protein 4.1 S1 nuclease protection analysis demonstrates the presence of a single species of protein 4.1 transcript in embryos. Antibodies produced against X. laevis protein 4.1 fusion protein recognize two bands of 180 and 115 kDa on Western blots of X. laevis embryos and retina and, using immunocytochemical techniques, label the developing retina most intensely. In vitro transcription of a cDNA constrnet fully encoding X. laevis protein 4.1 yields a synthetic mRNA which, when translated in vitro, produces a polypeptide that comigrates on SDS-polyacrylamide gels with the 115-kDa form of embryos and retina. Protein 4.1 is found exclusively in photoreceptors following the terminal mitoses of retinal neurons. When retinal synaptogenesis is complete, protein 4.1 is also expressed in the inner retina. In adult amphibian retinas, protein 4.1 is detected in photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cell axons. As these cell types have previously been shown to express spectrin, actin, and ankyrin, it is likely that the membrane skeleton of erythrocytes and retinal cells share functional similarities.
Dynamic common property resources and environmental problems

Problems of interacting common-property resources are set up as stochastic differential games. A class of models is solved where equilibrium closed-loop strategies keep harvest rates proportional to stocks. Corrective taxes, etc., are considered.
Cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants referred for apnea monitoring studies.

Background. Episodes of apnea, desaturation, and bradycardia are common in preterm infants. Such infants who have persistent cardiorespiratory events detected by clinical bedside monitoring often are referred for overnight apnea monitoring studies. Objective. To characterize apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation events in infants referred for an overnight apnea monitoring study and compare them with corresponding events in control infants of similar age and weight with no bedside monitor alarms. Methods. Twelve-hour bedside apnea monitoring studies were performed on 68 preterm infants before hospital discharge. This population included 35 infants who were referred by their attending physicians because of persistent bedside monitor alarms (referral group) and 33 infants who had no documented cardiorespiratory events for at least 2 days before the study (control group). Each study monitored respiration via respiratory inductance plethysmography, oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), and heart rate. Events were defined as meeting 1 of the following criteria: apnea ≥20 seconds, bradycardia ≤80 beats per minute, or SaO 2 ≤80%. Results. The incidence of apnea ≥20 seconds was low, with no significant difference between infant groups. Referral infants exhibited a higher occurrence of desaturation episodes (20 ± 6 vs 6 ± 3 episodes/12-hour study) and a higher occurrence of bradycardia episodes (4.3 ± 0.8 vs 1.1 ± 0.3 episodes/12-hour study) than controls. These episodes of desaturation and bradycardia were always preceded by a respiratory pause, which was shorter in the referral infants (10.0 ± 0.4 seconds vs 12.0 ± 1.0 seconds). Baseline SaO 2 was lower in referrals than controls (95 ± 1% vs 98 ± 1%), and the incidence of periodic breathing was significantly higher. Conclusions. Infants referred for apnea monitoring studies because of persistent bedside monitor alarms have very infrequent prolonged apnea but a higher frequency of desaturation and bradycardia in response to short respiratory pauses than infants without persistent bedside monitor alarms. Referral infants also exhibit a lower baseline SaO 2 . These abnormalities in oxygenation and cardiorespiratory control may be markers for subtle residual lung disease or functional central nervous system abnormalities.
On the strong Martin conjecture

We study the following conjecture. Conjecture. Let T be an ω-stable theory with continuum many countable models. Then either i) T has continuum many complete extensions in L 1 ( T ), or ii) some complete extension of T in L 1 has continuum many L 1 - types without parameters . By Shelah's proof of Vaught's conjecture for ω-stable theories, we know that there are seven types of ω-stable theory with continuum many countable models. We show that the conjecture is true for all but one of these seven cases. In the last case we show the existence of continuum many L 2 -types.
Two putative measures of cognitive dissonance

Abstract Two self-report questionnaire measures of cognitive dissonance were discussed in relation to problems of dissonance measurement and theory. Some data on reliability and construct validity of the measures were presented. Results were replicated on a second sample. It was concluded that the measures by and large lacked desirable psychometric properties, and most likely were not measuring cognitive dissonance, at least cognitive dissonance as generally understood. Such approaches to the assessment of dissonance were strongly questioned. However, it was suggested that a notion of individual differences in tolerance for cognitive dissonance may have merit, and that the two measures under discussion might be included in further research into such a notion.
Flow Structure in the Wake of a Wall-Mounted Bluff Body

This paper discusses an experimental study of the flow field around three different wall-mounted obstacles in a boundary layer within a relatively shallow flow (d/H ≈ 4, where d is the flow depth and H is the obstacle height). The first two obstacles consist of a semi-ellipsoidal body with the major axis of the base ellipse oriented in the streamwise and the transverse direction. The third obstacle is a low-aspect-ratio cylinder, bearing greater similarity to geometries investigated in other studies. Reynolds numbers of 5500 and 17800, based on obstacle height, were investigated. Digital particle image velocimetry was used to characterize the flow field in each case. At ReH = 17800, isocontours of streamwise vorticity reveal the presence of a tip vortex pair and a base vortex pair for each geometry; however, the ratio of the relative strengths of the tip and base vortices varies considerably, with the streamwise-oriented ellipsoid having the largest ratio of tip/base vortex circulation and the transverse ellipsoid having the smallest ratio. The presence of a base vortex for such low-aspect-ratio obstacles is unexpected, and therefore we hypothesize that its existence is related to the small d/H. It is anticipated that variation of geometry and d/H will help to elucidate the role of the base vortex in the three-dimensional vortex structure of the wake.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Fuzzy two-stage carrier synchronization

This paper presents a novel two-stage carrier synchronization scheme. It provides both faster acquisition and better noise suppression than a conventional digital phase-locked loop (DPLL). The first stage produces the frequency estimate. The second stage is a new phase estimator, a DPLL with fuzzy adaptive bandwidth, to track frequency offset and phase. The simulation results show the improved performance. The main advantage of the proposed scheme over [7] is that it does not need optimization of fuzzy membership functions and a low computational cost of a DPLL is preserved.
The volume and compressibility change for the formation of transition metal sulfate ion pairs at 25??C

The apparent molal volume and adiabatic compressibilities of some transition metal (Mn2+, Co2+ Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+) sulfates have been determined at 25°C. Values of\(\Delta \bar V^\circ = 3.4\) to 11.4 cm3-mole−1 and\(\Delta \bar K^\circ = 17.8\) to 31.3 × 10−4cm3-mole–1-bar–1 at 1 atm were found for the formation of the transition metal sulfate ion pairs. These results are in good agreement with the values obtained from the high-pressure conductance measurements of Fisher et al., Shimizu et al., and Taniguchi et al. The volume and compressibility data indicate that 3.1±0.7 water molecules are lost when transition metals form ion pairs with SO 4 2− . The fractions of inner-sphere ion pairs (20%) estimated in this study are in good agreement with the values obtained from ultrasonic measurements.
The Preparation, Characterization, X-ray Structural Analysis, and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Tetrakis[1,3-Dimethyl-2(3H)-Imidazolethione]Zinc(II) Nitrate and Tetrafluoroborate

Two new compounds, [Zn(dmit)4][BF4]2 and [Zn(dmit)4][NO3]2, have been synthesized and characterized via standard solid and solution state methods including single crystal X-ray crystallography (dmit = 1,3-dimethyl-2(3H)-imidazolethione). [Zn(dmit)4][BF4]2 crystallizes in space group Pbcn with a = 11.954(2) A, b = 21.260(4) A, c = 12.749(3) A, Z = 4. [Zn(dmit)4][NO3]2 crystallizes in space group I 4 1 /a with a = b = 11.091(4) A, c = 22.713(5) A, Z = 4. Both structures display a compressed tetrahedral geometry in the zinc coordination sphere similar to previously reported isopropyl and n-butyl analogs. The degree of distortion is closer to that noted for the recently reported methyl isopropyl analog than to the methyl n-butyl complex. There are no significant differences between the nitrate and tetrafluoroborate coordination spheres, and the source of distortion appears to be close intramolecular contacts. Thermogravimetric analysis results suggest that both complexes decompose to yield ZnS2 instead of ZnS. A two new ionic complexes of 1,3-dmethyl-2(3H)-imidazolethione (dmit) containing tetra-S-coordinated Zn(II) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Both nitrate and tetrafluoroborate analogs have distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry around the zinc ions similar to that noted for complexes with bulkier alkyl imidazolethiones. There are no significant differences between the nitrate and tetrafluoroborate coordination spheres, and the source of distortion appears to be close intramolecular contacts.
Think you know how miRNAs work? Think again.

Two proposed mechanisms for how microRNAs (miRNAs) and their associated Argonaute proteins inhibit translation in mammals do not seem to operate in Drosophila melanogaster cells, suggesting that insights into important miRNA functions remain elusive. However, the interaction between Argonaute and the P-body factor GW182 may help in elucidating the biochemical basis of translational control by miRNAs.
Follow the Leader: A Relational Demography, Similarity Attraction, and Social Identity Theory of Leadership Approach of a Team’s Performance

While voluminous research exists on managerial successions and the decline of female head coaches, limited research has evaluated the impact of the coach’s gender on a team’s performance. Therefore, this study focused on gendered coaching successions to determine if the gender of the head coach influenced the team’s performance when controlling extraneous variables (e.g., revenues, expenses, and team statistics). Utilizing the theoretical foundations of relational demography (Tsui et al. in Productivity and interpersonal relations in work teams characterized by diversity, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, pp 97–130, 1995) , similar-attraction paradigm (Byrne in The attraction paradigm. Academic Press, New York, 1971) and social identity theory of leadership (SITL; Hogg in Pers Social Psychol Rev 5:184–200, 2001), we hypothesized coaching successions to similar demographic leader-member dyad relationships would positively impact team performance. Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Equity in Athletic Data Analysis websites were collected on all Division I women’s basketball head coaching successions from 2003 to 2010. Coaching predecessors and successors were coded by gender, win-loss ratios, and performance statistics. Analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis of covariance were used to analyze the data. Results indicated demographic similarities in leader-member dyadic relationships do not advance team performance.
Development of Parametric Mass and Volume Models for an Aerospace SOFC/Gas Turbine Hybrid System

In aerospace power systems, mass and volume are key considerations to produce a viable design. The utilization of fuel cells is being studied for a commercial aircraft electrical power unit. Based on preliminary analyses, a SOFC/gas turbine system may be a potential solution. This paper describes the parametric mass and volume models that are used to assess an aerospace hybrid system design. The design tool utilizes input from the thermodynamic system model and produces component sizing, performance, and mass estimates. The software is designed such that the thermodynamic model is linked to the mass and volume model to provide immediate feedback during the design process. It allows for automating an optimization process that accounts for mass and volume in its figure of merit. Each component in the system is modeled with a combination of theoretical and empirical approaches. A description of the assumptions and design analyses is presented.
DL-Apiose substituted with stable isotopes: synthesis, n.m.r.-spectral analysis, and furanose anomerization

Abstract The branched-chain pentose dl -apiose has been synthesized in good yield by a new and simple chemical method that can be adapted to prepare (1-13C)-, (2-13C)-, (1-2H)- and/or (2-2H)-enriched derivatives. N.m.r. spectra (1H- and 13C-) have been interpreted with the aid of selective (13C)- and (2H)-enrichment, and 2D and 13C{13C}-n.m.r. spectra. The solution composition of dl -(1-13C)apiose in 2H2O, determined by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy, has been found to differ from that determined previously by 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Several 13C-1H and 13C-13C couplings have been measured and interpreted in terms of apiofuranose ring conformation. Ring-opening rate-constants of the four apiofuranoses [3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-α- and -β- d -erythrofuranose, and 3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-α- and -β- l -threofuranose] have been determined by 13C-saturation-transfer n.m.r. spectroscopy, and compared to those obtained previously for the structurally related tetrofuranoses.
Numerical model for the dynamics of a coupled fly line/fly rod system and experimental validation

Abstract A model is presented that describes the two-dimensional dynamics of the coupled system composed of a fly rod and a fly line. The fly line is modelled as a long elastica that is subjected to tension, bending, aerodynamic drag, and weight. The fly rod is modelled as a flexible Euler–Bernoulli beam possessing two degrees of freedom: a rigid-body mode, and a flexible-body mode. The line and the rod are coupled through the boundary conditions at their interface. The resulting initial two-point boundary-value problem is solved numerically using a finite difference algorithm. The numerical solutions for an overhead cast are computed using experimental data as the input for the motion of caster's hand. The shape of the fly line and the position of the fly rod are compared with images captured by video.
Recent approaches to the taxonomy of the Gracilariaceae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) and the Gracilaria verrucosa problem

Recognition of species in the Gracilariaceae, often notoriously difficult, is being aided by a combination of classical and modern techniques. We review some recent findings and present new results that may lead to redefinition of Gracilaria verrucosa, the type species of its genus. Plastid DNA restriction profiles (patterns of banding obtained by electrophoresis of DNA after restriction endonuclease digestion) from eleven strains ascribed to G. verrucosa indicated that the concept of this species in northern Europe includes possibly three taxa, one of which is known now to be a species of Gracilariopsis. In contrast, restriction profiles from Argentinian and Japanese strains were closely similar to the predominant pattern for European G. verrucosa. Profiles of several other strains, from the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, were dissimilar to the European group and to each other. A chromosome number of n = 24 was determined for a representative of the predominant European group, and preliminary results of hybridization trials suggest that these strains, and others with approximately the same plastid DNA restriction pattern, are interfertile.
Reversal of hypercapnia induces KATP channel and NO-independent constriction of basilar artery in rabbits with acute metabolic alkalosis.

Abstract The mechanism of hypocapnic constriction of the cerebral vasculature under conditions of altered acid–base balance has not been investigated. As K ATP channels and NO have been implicated in hypocapnic constriction, this study investigated their roles in the constriction due to lowered p CO 2 in hypercapnic rabbits with acute metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis was induced acutely following ketamine/xylazine injection. Lowering blood p CO 2 from initial baseline hypercapnic levels to near normocapnic and hypocapnic levels constricted basilar artery by 10.2±0.8% (4) and 16.2±0.6% (44), respectively (means±S.E., n ), as determined in an in situ cranial window preparation. The constrictions were maintained for 4–5 h and return of p CO 2 to hypercapnic levels relaxed the constriction. Changing the suffusate pH to either the pH of the cerebral spinal fluid observed during initial baseline hypercapnia or following lowered p CO 2 did not alter the magnitude of constriction due to lowered p CO 2 . Neither 0.3 mM N G -monomethyl- l- arginine monoacetate, an NO synthase inhibitor, nor 10 μM glibenclamide, a K ATP channel blocker, altered the magnitude of hypocapnic constriction. These results demonstrated that under conditions of acute metabolic alkalosis and accompanying compensatory hypercapnia, subsequent p CO 2 reduction induces prolonged constriction of the basilar artery that is independent of (1) cerebral spinal fluid pH over a physiologic range, and (2) NO and K ATP channels.
Triangular wave cyclic voltammetry. I

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry using moderately slow sweep rates, and hence pen and ink recording, is advantageous for examining the overall mechanisms of complex organic electrode processes. The method is particularly well suited to the study of organic oxidations at solid electrodes. When coupled with single sweep peak voltammetry for measuring charge transfer rates and other kinetic parameters, it can be a powerful tool for the study of organic electrode processes.
Electrical properties of the Drosophila egg membrane

Abstract Electrical properties of the egg membrane of Drosophila melanogaster were examined using intracellular microelectrodes. Unfertilized eggs and fertilized eggs for the period up to the syncytial blastoderm stage were used. Among Na, K, and Cl, K was most permeant to the membrane. The K permeability, however, did not completely determine the membrane potential. The resting potential in standard solution was −63.5 ± 8.0 mV (mean ± SD) in unfertilized eggs collected within 2–3 days after virgin flies started to lay eggs. The resting potential in fertilized eggs was −27.0 ± 8.4 mV within 20 min after egg deposition, while it was −55.1 ± 6.5 mV at the syncytial blastoderm stage. These changes at different developmental stages were associated with changes in the K-dependence of the membrane. The larger amplitude of the resting potential was suggested to be due to increased K permeability but not to decreased nonspecific leakage. The current-voltage relation was linear throughout the stages examined. Action potentials, such as those in eggs of other animals, were not observed. High Ca media significantly increased the amplitude of the resting potential associated with increase in the membrane resistance. A remarkable nonlineality in the I–V relation appeared in high Ca media, which caused continuously increasing hyperpolarization during sustained inward current. Eggs of temperature-sensitive mutants, shi ts 1 and para ts 1 showed properties similar to those in wild-type eggs with transient temperature changes.
Influence of baroreceptor reflexes on the capacitance vessel's response to acetylstrophanthidin ☆ ☆☆

Abstract The importance of the reflexes in the effects of acetylstrophanthidin on capacitance vessels was evaluated in the present study using chloralose-anesthetized dogs with intact and denervated baroreceptors. In each animal left ventricular bypass was instituted by draining all pulmonary venous blood into a reservoir from which it was pumped into a T-tube inserted into the descending thoracic aorta. Shifts of blood into or out of the reservoir reflected alterations in systematic vascular capacity. Femoral artery and central venous pressures as well as reservoir level, were continuously monitored. Acetylstrophanthidin (12.5 and 25.0 μg/kg) was administered by rapid i.v. injection. In 6 animals with intact baroreceptors, both doses of acetylstrophanthidin were followed by an increase in intravascular blood volume (average 86 and 228 ml, respectively). The small dose had no effect on arterial blood pressure while the large dose produced a significant rise in the pressure. Acetylstrophanthidin administration in 6 denervated dogs was not associated with a significant change in intravascular volume, but both doses produced significant increases in arterial pressure. These results indicate that the increase in systematic vascular capacity observed in animals with intact baroreceptors was due to venodilation resulting from a withdrawal of sympathetic activity to the systemic veins rather than from a direct action of acetylstrophanthidin on these vessels.
Photon noise bias in computed bispectra

Summary form only given. Recent work in developing techniques for the removal of photon noise (shot noise) from two-dimensional power spectra and bispectra is reported. The general problem of speckle imaging (i.e. imaging through atmospheric turbulence), has been addressed. The general approach is to take a set of very-short-exposure frames (1-10 ms), compute some quantity like the power spectrum or bispectrum for each frame, and average this quantity over all the frames. These averaged quantities can be used to reconstruct the image. However, when the object being imaged is very dim, or the exposure time for a single frame is very short, the computed bispectrum with exhibit a photon noise component due to the Poisson statistical nature of the photon detection process. The photon noise contribution has been derived, taking into account that some pixels are brighter than others when the camera is exposed to uniform illumination. >
Environmental Contaminants in Tissues of Bald Eagles Sampled in Southwestern Montana, 2006–2008

Abstract Blood and feathers of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) banded as nestlings (n = 17), captured as free-flying (n = 91), or submitted for rehabilitation (n = 29) in southwestern Montana between December 2005 and April 2008 were sampled for mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), seven other trace elements, and organochlorines. Hg concentrations in blood (hereafter “HgB”) did not differ between captured eagles and those submitted for rehabilitation, and HgB in both were higher than concentrations in nestlings (P < 0.01). Se concentrations in blood (“SeB”) were similar among groups. Pb concentrations in blood (“PbB”) were higher in captured eagles than in those submitted for rehabilitation (P = 0.05). No bird submitted for rehabilitation exhibited toxic levels of PbB, but 9% of captured eagles did. HgB and PbB in captured eagles declined as date of capture advanced from autumn to spring. Hg and Se concentrations in feathers (“HgF”; “SeF”) tended to increase with age-class. HgB and SeB, ...
A cross-cultural comparative study of teacher effectiveness: Analyses of award-winning teachers in the United States and China

The purpose of this study was to develop a richer understanding of teacher effectiveness through cross-cultural analyses of the practices and beliefs of selected China and US teachers who have received national awards for their teaching. This study was based upon a phenomenological design that used semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and artifacts for data generation/collection. Sixteen China teachers and 16 US teachers participated in this study. This study revealed similarities and differences between US teachers and China teachers in their patterns of instructional practices and professional thinking. The major similarities found between them were (a) using a variety of instructional activities which spanned across different cognitive levels, (b) being opportunistic planners to maximize meaningful student learning, (c) having high student engagement, (d) presenting effective classroom management skills, and (e) maintaining a learning environment that was conducive to optimal learning. Primary differences between US and China teachers’ classrooms included the types of instructional activities used and their beliefs and practices in the areas of (a) instructional planning, (b) differentiation, (c) assessment, (d) classroom management, (e) relationships with students and parents, and (f) professional development.
The anatomy of financial crises: Evidence from the emerging ADR market☆

We study the anatomy of recent financial crises in Mexico, East Asia, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, and Argentina by investigating the efficiency and pricing of the emerging American depositary receipt (ADR) market. We use a non-parametric technique to test for persistent regime shifts in two basic structural relationships for ADR returns in 20 emerging countries — identified via arbitrage and capital mobility considerations — that should always hold in efficient and integrated capital markets. We find that those “normal” market conditions were instead often violated in proximity of financial crises: The law of one price often weakened (by 54% on average) and domestic sources of risk became more important (often by more than 100%) for many emerging ADRs. We also find the likelihood of these regime shifts to be related to proxies for uncertainty among investors, exchange rate volatility, trade linkages, and liquidity (but not stock market trends, currency devaluations, capital flight, or capital controls).
Growing Up With Assets and Risks: The Importance of Self-Regulation for Academic Achievement

This study examined children's self-regulation, demographic risks (English Language Learner (ELL) status, being from a low-income family), and academic achievement longitudinally across four time points (fall and spring of the prekindergarten and kindergarten years). Findings suggested that assets such as high self-regulation in the fall of prekindergarten were significantly related to children's academic achievement in prekindergarten and during the transition to kindergarten. The effect of self-regulation on achievement did not vary as a function of risk. Higher self-regulation significantly predicted higher academic skills regardless of risks. Discussion highlights the importance of assets, such as strong self-regulation, for early academic achievement.
Dimensional stability of wood-plastic composites reinforced with potassium methyl siliconate modified fiber and sawdust made from beetle-killed trees

Wood from two varieties of beetle-killed trees was used to fabricate wood–plastic composites. Loblolly pine and lodgepole pine beetle-killed trees were defibrated mechanically and thermomechanically, respectively, into fiber. Fiber and sawdust produced from the trees were modified with potassium methyl siliconate (PMS) and injection-molded into fiber/sawdust reinforced plastic composites. Modification of fiber and sawdust with PMS improved the compatibility between lignocellulosic materials and ethylene plastic in the composites, resulting in decreased water sorption, increased dimensional stability, and increased tolerance to morphological variations in the fiber and sawdust. Fiber-to-sawdust ratio and size of sawdust particles affected the time required for saturation with water, as well as dimensional stability.
Serum bilirubin levels on ICU admission are associated with ARDS development and mortality in sepsis

Background: Hyperbilirubinaemia is a common complication of sepsis. Elevated bilirubin may induce inflammation and apoptosis. It was hypothesised that increased serum bilirubin on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission contributes to sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Serum bilirubin on ICU admission was measured in 1006 patients with sepsis. Serial serum bilirubin was analysed prospectively in patients with sepsis who had ARDS for a period of 28 days. The effects of clinical factors and variants of the UGT1A1 gene on serum bilirubin levels were determined. Outcomes were ARDS risk and mortality. Results: During 60-day follow-up, 326 patients with sepsis developed ARDS, of whom 144 died from ARDS. The hyperbilirubinaemia (>2.0 mg/dl) rate in patients with ARDS (22.4%) was higher than in those without ARDS (14.1%, p = 0.002). For each 1.0 mg/dl increase in admission bilirubin, ARDS risk and 28- and 60-day ARDS mortalities were increased by 7% (OR = 1.07; p = 0.003), 20% (OR = 1.20; p = 0.002) and 18% (OR = 1.18; p = 0.004), respectively. Compared with subjects with bilirubin levels ,2.0 mg/dl, patients with hyperbilirubinaemia had higher risks of ARDS (OR = 2.12; p = 0.0007) and 28-day (OR = 2.24; p = 0.020) and 60day ARDS mortalities (OR = 2.09; p = 0.020). In sepsisrelated ARDS, serial bilirubin levels in non-survivors were consistently higher than in survivors (p,0.0001). Clinical variables explained 29.5% of the interindividual variation in bilirubin levels, whereas genetic variants of UGT1A1 contributed 7.5%. Conclusion: In sepsis, a higher serum bilirubin level on ICU admission is associated with subsequent ARDS development and mortality.
Appearance-based face recognition and light-fields

Arguably the most important decision to be made when developing an object recognition algorithm is selecting the scene measurements or features on which to base the algorithm. In appearance-based object recognition, the features are chosen to be the pixel intensity values in an image of the object. These pixel intensities correspond directly to the radiance of light emitted from the object along certain rays in space. The set of all such radiance values over all possible rays is known as the plenoptic function or light-field. In this paper, we develop a theory of appearance-based object recognition from light-fields. This theory leads directly to an algorithm for face recognition across pose that uses as many images of the face as are available, from one upwards. All of the pixels, whichever image they come from, are treated equally and used to estimate the (eigen) light-field of the object. The eigen light-field is then used as the set of features on which to base recognition, analogously to how the pixel intensities are used in appearance-based face and object recognition.
Segmented multigrid domain decomposition procedure for incompressible viscous flows

In this paper, the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are approximated with a reduced NS system, that represents the lowest-order terms in an asymptotic Re expansion. This system allows for simplified boundary conditions, more generality in the location of the outflow boundary, and insures mass conservation in all subdomain grid interfaces, and also at the outflow boundary. The higher-order NS diffusion terms are included through a deferred corrector, in chosen subdomains, when required.
Bottleneck removal algorithm for dynamic compaction in sequential circuits

We present a dynamic algorithm for test sequence compaction and test application time (TAT) reduction in combinational and sequential circuits. Several dynamic test compaction algorithms for combinational circuits have been proposed. However, few dynamic methods have been reported in the literature for sequential circuits. Our algorithm is based on two key ideas: (1) at any point during the test generation process, we identify bottlenecks that prevent vector compaction and TAT reduction for test sequences generated thus far, and (2) future test sequences are generated with an aim to eliminate bottlenecks of earlier generated test sequences. If all bottlenecks of a test sequence are eliminated, the sequence is dropped from the test set. Our algorithm can also target TAT reduction under the recently proposed partial scan-in/scan-out model by identifying and eliminating scan bottlenecks. If only the scan bottlenecks of a test sequence are eliminated, the test sequence can be trimmed to reduce the scan-in/scan-out cycles required to apply the sequence. For sequential circuits, we propose a sliding anchor frame technique to specify the unspecified inputs in a test sequence. The anchor frame is the first frame processed by a sequential test generator that is based on an iterative array model of the circuit, and the vector corresponding to the anchor frame is called the anchor vector. Under the sliding anchor frame technique, every vector in the test sequence being extended is considered as an anchor vector. This has the same effect as allowing observation of fault effects at every vector in the sequence, leading to a higher quality of compaction. The final test set generated by our algorithm cannot be further compacted using many known static vector compaction or TAT reduction techniques. For example, reverse or any other order of fault simulation, along with any specification of unspecified values in test sequences, cannot further reduce the number of vectors or TAT. Experimental results on combinational and sequential benchmark circuits, and large production VLSI circuits are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Lower weight-for-age z score adversely affects hospital length of stay after the bidirectional Glenn procedure in 100 infants with a single ventricle

Objective Poor growth has been described in infants with a single ventricle; however, little is known regarding its effect on surgical outcomes. We sought to assess the effect of nutritional status at the time of the bidirectional Glenn procedure on short-term outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective case series of children who underwent the bidirectional Glenn procedure at our institution between January 2001 and December 2007. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at the time of neonatal admission and the bidirectional Glenn procedure. Data from preoperative echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization were recorded. The primary outcome variable was length of hospital stay. Results Data on 100 infants were included for analysis. Age at the time of the bidirectional Glenn procedure was 5.1 months (range, 2.4–10 months). The median weight-for-age z score at birth was −0.4 (range, −2.6 to 3.2), and by the time of the bidirectional Glenn procedure, it had decreased to −1.3 (range, −3.9 to 0.6). In multivariable modeling longer postoperative hospital stays were predicted by lower weight-for-age z score ( P = .02), younger age ( P P = .01), and undergoing concomitant aortic arch reconstruction ( P Conclusions There is suboptimal weight gain between neonatal discharge and the bidirectional Glenn procedure. A lower weight-for-age z score and younger age at the time of the bidirectional Glenn procedure affects length of hospital stay independent of hemodynamic or echocardiographic variables.
"Vertical" and "horizontal": complementary biometric spaces for medical image analysis

Landmark points, when they can be located reliably over a sample of medical images, serve both to generate a statistical space of biometric shape variables and to specify an unwarping by which variation of pixel values associated with displacements of the landmarks can be corrected with respect to all landmarks simultaneously. There thus arise two separate spaces of descriptors of the same images: "horizontal" descriptions of the landmark configurations, and "vertical" descriptors, like image averaging or subtraction, applied only after pictures have been unwarped to adjust out this horizontal variation. A large class of image features may be generated by combining these two channels of analysis. In this paper, a series of figure captions, demonstrates their interplay in a little study of brain form in schizophrenia.
Some (not all) nonsententials are only a phase

Abstract This paper explores the derivation of nonsententials within Minimalist phase-based derivational models of syntax. The analysis of nonsententials proposed here capitalizes on the previously unexplored possibility that has emerged within these models: namely, that nonsententials are phases. A particular phasal architecture [Epstein, S.D., Groat, E., Kawashima, R., Kitahara, H., 1998. A derivational approach to syntactic relations. Oxford University Press, Oxford; Epstein, S.D., Seely, T.D., 1999. SPEC-ifying the GF “Subject”: Eliminating A-chains and the EPP within a Derivational Model. Manuscript. University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, MI; Epstein, S.D., Seely, T.D., 2002. Rule applications as cycles in a level-free syntax. In: Epstein, S.D., Seely, T.D. (Eds.), Derivation and Explanation in the Minimalist Program. Blackwell, Oxford; Epstein, S.D., Seely, T.D., 2006. Derivations in Minimalism. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge], wherein Spell Out is triggered by each transformational rule application, makes unique predictions with respect to the derivation of nonsententials, which are explored here in detail. However, aspects of the proposed analysis may be further generalizable to other phasal architectures. Within this model, I show that if a convergent XP (either sentential or nonsentential) can be generated from a particular Numeration, no further operations are required to apply. By appealing to independently motivated phasal architectures, I am able to provide an analysis of nonsententials without positing construction-specific stipulations uniquely concerning nonsententials.
Decoder-Friendly Subpel MV Selection for H.264/AVC Video Encoding

A decoder-friendly subpel motion vector (MV) selection scheme for H.264/AVC video encoding is proposed in this work. First, the rate-distortion (RD) relationship with respect to subpel MVs is examined to shed light on the tradeoff of R-D performance degradation and complexity reduction in different block types. It is observed that the R-D gain of some macroblocks (MB) is greatly enhanced by employing subpel MVs while others are not. An SAD-based approach is adopted to decide whether the subpel MV scheme is needed for a certain MB. To enhance the prediction accuracy, the correlation of MVs in the spatial domain is also exploited. Our scheme further introduces decoder complexity budget to aid the designer in making design tradeoffs. Experimental results indicate that our scheme is flexible enough that the actual achieved complexity is very close to the target complexity budget under different QP settings.
Speed quantification and tracking of moving objects in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

Microscopic features of the human retina can be resolved noninvasively using an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). We describe an improved method to track and quantify the speed of moving objects in AOSLO videos, which is necessary for characterizing the hemodynamics of retinal capillaries. During video acquisition, the objects of interest are in constant motion relative to the background tissue (object motion). The background tissue is in constant motion relative to the AOSLO, due to continuous eye motion during video recordings (eye motion). The location at which AOSLO acquires data is also in continuous motion, since the imaging source is swept in a raster scan across the retina (raster scanning). We show that it is important to take into consideration the combination of object motion, eye motion, and raster scanning for accurate quantification of object speeds. The proposed methods performed well on both experimental AOSLO videos as well as synthetic videos generated by a virtual AOSLO. These methods improve the accuracy of methods to investigate hemodynamics using AOSLO imaging.