cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conversational Agents in Language Education: Where They Fit and Their Research Challenges.

Conversational agents (or dialogue agents or Artificial Intelligent AI agents or chatbots) can provide a foreign language learner with otherwise hard-to-find conversational exposure to a new language. Such agents that teach languages differ significantly from their general-purpose counterparts in their goals, their approach, and their users’ characteristics, thereby effectively creating a new interaction paradigm for which little literature exists in the HCI of Conversational Interfaces community. The difference from general-purpose agents comes from two themes highlighted in this work: the user is not expected to know the language of interaction, and the purpose of the conversation is language education through task completion rather than task completion itself. This paper highlights the role and the research challenges of interactions with dialogue agents that allow people to learn and practice new languages.
INTEGRATING LANGUAGE AND MEANING IN STRUCTURED INHERITANCE NETWORKS

Abstract Natural language systems must map between language and meaning. The mapping process is central to language analysis—producing an internal representation of an input text, and language generation—producing language to express an underlying knowledge representation. This language processing issue suggests using a representation that explicitly associates concepts with linguistic structures. Extending structured inheritance networks to include these associations helps in building efficient natural language processing systems that can perform both analysis and generation, and extend easily to new domains. The integration of language and meaning requires a representation that provides a general framework for mapping but adequately constrains the mapping process.
Neonatal Hyperparathyroidism and Skeletal Demineralization in an Infant With Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a benign dominantly inherited condition, in which the total and ionized calcium are maintained at values well above the normal range.1 When an affected mother is carrying an unaffected fetus, the fetus is chronically exposed to pathologically high calcium levels and neonatal hypoparathyroidism would be expected, as we2 and others have reported.3,4 Conversely, when a fetus is affected, but the mother is not, the fetus might be expected to develop hyperparathyroidism, which should manifest at birth. These infants may require emergency surgery5 or may be managed medically until the hyperparathyroidism subsides.6,7 We report here an infant with FHH, a first cousin of our previous case, who presented with hyperparathyroidism and skeletal demineralization.
Function-based reasoning for goal-oriented image segmentation

Function-based object recognition provides the framework to represent and reason about object functionality as a means to recognize novel objects and produce plans for interaction with the world. When function can be perceived visually, function-based computer vision is consistent with Gibson's theory of affordances. Objects are recognized by their functional attributes. These attributes can be segmented out of the scene and given symbolic labels which can then be used to guide the search space for additional functional attributes. An example of such affordance-driven scene segmentation would be the process of attaching symbolic labels to the areas that afford sitting (functional seats) and using these areas to guide parameter selection for deriving nearby surfaces that potentially afford back support. The Generic Recognition Using Form and Function (GRUFF) object recognition system reasons about and generates plans for understanding 3-D scenes of objects by performing such a functional attribute-based labelling process. An avenue explored here is based on a novel approach of autonomously directing image acquisition and range segmentation by determining the extent to which surfaces in the scene meet specified functional requirements, or provide affordances associated with a generic category of objects.
Volcanic inflation measured in the caldera of Axial Seamount: Implications for magma supply and future eruptions

[1] Since 2000, ambient seawater pressure has been precisely measured at five seafloor benchmarks inside the summit caldera at Axial Seamount to monitor volcanic inflation, using a remotely operated vehicle to deploy a mobile pressure recorder (MPR) in campaign-style surveys. Additionally, seawater pressure has been measured at the caldera center with multiyear deployments of continuously recording bottom pressure recorders (BPRs). These pressure data (converted to depth) are currently the only measurements of volcanic inflation at a submarine volcano. We show new data spanning 2004 to 2007 documenting steady inflation of 12.7 ± 0.4 cm/a at the caldera center. The spatial pattern of uplift is consistent with magma storage in a shallow reservoir underlying the caldera at a depth of ∼3.5 km, and the current uplift rate implies that magma is being supplied to the volcano at a rate of ∼7.5 × 106 m3/a. However, the supply rate immediately after the last eruption in 1998 was significantly higher, and the temporal pattern of uplift at Axial caldera appears to be governed by at least two processes occurring at very different time scales. We interpret the high uplift rates immediately following the 1998 eruption as either due to influx from one or more small satellite magma bodies or as the result of viscoelastic relaxation and/or poroelastic behavior of the crust surrounding the shallow magma chamber, and we present a numerical model which supports the latter interpretation. In contrast, we interpret the current lower uplift rate as due to a steady longterm magma supply from the mantle. This two component uplift pattern has not been observed on land volcanoes, suggesting that magma supply/storage processes beneath this ridge axis volcano differ from volcanoes on land (including Iceland). To reconstruct the uplift history at Axial, we fit the combined MPR and BPR data to two possible uplift scenarios, with which we forecast that the next eruption at Axial is likely to occur by about 2020, when most of the ∼3 m of deflation that occurred during the 1998 eruption will have been recovered.
Infertility Help-seeking: Perceptions in a Predominantly Rural Southern State

Infertility Help-seeking: Perceptions in a Predominantly Rural Southern State ABSTRACT Purpose: As the incidence of infertility increases to a public health concern, there are a number of factors, including social and cultural ones, which influence help-seeking. An assessment of infertility perceptions in a rural southern state was conducted to gain a better understanding how they might impact help seeking for rural dwellers from the social and cultural context. Sample: Phone interviews were conducted to collect data from adults, 18 years or older in a rural state. Method: Survey research methodologies were used. Findings: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Respondents reported most often that “Doctors” should be the person sought for help with infertility and infertile persons should assume the financial responsibility for any help they seek for their infertility. Conclusion: The perceptions of participants in this study may have direct influence on the infertility experience of those in their environment from a social and cultural context. Advice they give and support they provide may impact those who experience infertility. Implications for social scientist, health care providers and policy makers include focusing on nurses and doctors in primary care settings and providing enhanced reproductive support for rural citizens.
Picture archiving and communication system activities at the Mayo Clinic Rochester.

This report summarizes Mayo Clinic Rochester’s experience with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to date and discusses the principles that have guided implementation.
Synthesis of spherical silver nanoparticles by digestive ripening, stabilization with various agents, and their 3-D and 2-D superlattice formation.

Capped nanoparticles of silver were synthesized via the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) technique followed by a digestive ripening procedure producing gram quantities of monodisperse spherical nanoparticles. This shows for the first time that a digestive ripening protocol is possible for an element other than gold. The particle size and optical spectra were found to be dependent on the capping agent used. Particles capped with dodecane thiol had a mean diameter of 6.6 ± 1 nm, while trioctyl phosphine capped particles were 6.0 ± 2 nm determined via TEM microscopy. These particles were found to organize into two- and three-dimensional superlattices with a well defined geometry through self-assembly in a liquid solution, that was dictated by the ligand used resulting in a triangular or circular lattice.
A note on the enumeration of line chromatic trees

Abstract Explicit formulas are obtained for the number of line chromatic planted trees with c line colors, n+1 lines and a given color on the stem, also for the number of rooted line chromatic trees with n lines at the root.
Occurrence of Mysidopsis Almyra (Mysidacea, Mysidae) On the East Coast of Florida, U.S.a

tification of the specimens. This constitutes the first report of M. almyra from the Atlantic coast. The previously known geographic range of M. almyra was confined to the Gulf of Mexico, extending from the southwestern Everglades, Florida (Bowman, 1964; Brattegard, 1969, 1970; Odum & Heald, 1972) to Laguna de Tamiahua, a lagoon between Tampico and Tuxpan, Mexico (Price, unpublished). Mysidopsis almyra is one of the most abundant mysid species in the estuarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Conte & Parker, 1971; Darnell, 1958; Mackin, 1971; Odum & Heald, 1972; Price, unpubl.), and further collections will prob ably find it common along the east coast of southern Florida. Neomysis americana (S. I. Smith) is the most common mysid in the shallow marine waters of the Atlantic coast of North America, extending from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to St. Augustine, Florida (Williams, Bowman & Damkaer, 1974). Williams et al. (1974) speculated that it may range southward to Cape Canaveral, Florida which is south of the present collection of M. almyra. Thus, this M. almyra range exten sion shows a probable overlap of the distribution of these species. Further in vestigations within this probable area of sympatry should more precisely define niche differences between the two wide ranging species.
An optical catalog of extragalactic emission-line objects similar to quasi-stellar objects

A catalog of 935 galaxies which have optical properties similar to those of QSOs is given. A subsidiary table of cross-identifications enables the reader to relate the name of a given object to its coordinate name. Most of the objects appear to be nonstellar. The majority, more than 700, have redshifts z = 0.2 or less, and have mostly been classified as Seyfert galaxies, N systems, or radio galaxies. The Hubble diagram for all of the objects with z = 0.2 or less is shown. The redshift distribution peaks at z = 0.025, but there are about 200 powerful radio galaxies in the extended tail of the distribution which have z greater than 0.2. There is a separate and distinct peak in the redshift distribution at z = 0.06.
Effects of cross-sectional dimensions on active noise control in rectangular and round ducts.

Active noise control (ANC) works best to reduce low frequency noise. Because many industrial noise sources are broadband, ANC may be used more if it can be successfully applied to higher frequency ranges. This study explored one method to increase ANC effectiveness at higher frequencies. ANC is particularly useful in hard-walled ducts where plane waves propagate. Higher order mode waves are much more difficult to control. Basic acoustic principles dictate that the cut-on frequency at which higher order modes will first begin to eclipse simple plane waves in a duct will be determined by the cross-sectional geometry of the duct. The lowest frequency for higher order modes increases as duct diameter decreases; therefore the range of frequencies where plane waves dominate will be greater and effective control using ANC will be better as duct diameter decreases. The result is that somewhat higher frequencies can be controlled with ANC for smaller diameters. Below the first higher order mode cut-on frequency fo...
An electroenzymatic glucose sensor fabricated on a flexible substrate

Abstract A glucose-oxidase-based electroenzymatic glucose sensor has been developed using thin-/thick-film processing techniques. We believe that this processing scheme will overcome a major impediment to the successful movement of the devices from the research laboratory to the marketplace by removing the difficulty of fabricating large numbers of reproducible and economical sensors. Several hundred sensors have been fabricated and tested in vitro. The sensors respond linearly to glucose, are stable for 72 h, are oxygen independent and have a 90 s response time. The sensors have also responded appropriately during preliminary glucose tolerance tests performed in rabbits.
Sub-slab anisotropy beneath the Sumatra and circum-Pacific subduction zones from source-side shear wave splitting observations

Understanding the dynamics of subduction is critical to our overall understanding of plate tectonics and the solid Earth system. Observations of seismic anisotropy can yield constraints on deformation patterns in the mantle surrounding subducting slabs, providing a tool for studying subduction dynamics. While many observations of seismic anisotropy have been made in subduction systems, our understanding of the mantle beneath subducting slabs remains tenuous due to the difficulty of constraining anisotropy in the sub-slab region. Recently, the source-side shear wave splitting technique has been refined and applied to several subduction systems worldwide, making accurate and direct measurements of sub-slab anisotropy feasible and offering unprecedented spatial and depth coverage in the sub-slab mantle. Here we present source-side shear wave splitting measurements for the Central America, Alaska-Aleutians, Sumatra, Ryukyu, and Izu-Bonin-Japan-Kurile subduction systems. We find that measured fast splitting directions in these regions generally fall into two broad categories, aligning either with the strike of the trench or with the motion of the subducting slab relative to the overriding plate. Trench parallel fast splitting directions dominate beneath the Izu-Bonin, Japan, and southern Kurile slabs and part of the Sumatra system, while fast directions that parallel the motion of the downgoing plate dominate in the Ryukyu, Central America, northern Kurile, western Sumatra, and Alaska-Aleutian regions. We find that plate motion parallel fast splitting directions in the sub-slab mantle are more common than previously thought. We observe a correlation between fast direction and age of the subducting lithosphere; older lithosphere (>95 Ma) is associated with trench parallel splitting while younger lithosphere (<95 Ma) is associated with plate motion parallel fast splitting directions. Finally, we observe source-side splitting for deep earthquakes (transition zone depths) beneath Japan and Sumatra, suggesting the presence of anisotropy at midmantle depths beneath these regions.
DESIGN OF EDGE INSERTS FOR COMPOSITE SANDWICH BEAMS

Preliminary results indicate that an optimized edge insert design can be achieved that provides good performance characteristics and can be cost effective to manufacture. The introduction of a higher modulus insert significantly reduces the core compression caused by the lower support rollers. Stress concentration locations can be altered through insert geometry and material changes.
Droplet−String Deformation and Stability during Microconfined Shear Flow

We have performed experiments on model emulsions of polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to quantify the effect of confinement on deformation and stability under flow of droplets and strings (threads). It is known from earlier work from our group that, under confinement, droplets in concentrated emulsions can coalesce with each other and elongate in the flow direction to form stable strings. In the present context, strings can be simply viewed as droplets having a large aspect ratio whereas, in the bulk case, there are two known states of a droplet (stable and unstable), as determined by the droplet Capillary number (Ca). We find that confinement effects induce three additional states: squashed drops, stable strings, and unstable strings. For strings, deformation under confinement is a very strong function of Ca: the aspect ratio of a string scales nearly as Ca 3 . This scaling relationship is unique to confinement, and it sets strings apart from transiently stretched droplets in the bulk. Confinement not only promotes deformation but also allows larger stable droplets to exist under flow than what is predicted by the critical Ca. Strings are stabilized by a combination of the shear flow field and wall effects arising from confinement.
Selective degradation of the glycosyluroic acid residues of complex carbohydrates by lithium dissolved in ethylenediamine

Abstract Lithium metal dissolved in ethylenediamine had been demonstrated to cleave a 3-linked glycosyluronic acid-containing polysaccharide [A. J. Mort and W. D. Bauer, J. Biol. Chem. , 257 (1982) 1870–1875]. The present study with model compounds has established that, by lithium treatment, carbohydrates are cleaved at the sites of the glycosyluronic acid residues, regardless of the point at which other glycosyl residues are attached to the glycosyluronic acid residues. Treatment of carbohydrates with lithium metal dissolved in ethylenediamine also results in cleavage of methyl glycosides, reduction of aldoses, and cleavage of methyl ethers and pyruvic acetals of glycosyl residues. Model compounds were used to demonstrate that oligosaccharides containing only neutral glycosyl residues are largely stable to the reaction conditions (except for the reduction of the glycose residue of each oligosaccharide). Thus, a general procedure for the selective cleavage of underivatized carbohydrates at the glycosyluronic acid residues is described.
In-situ transmission electron microscopy study of ion-irradiated copper: Temperature dependence of defect yield and cascade collapse

Abstract High-energy neutrons and ions incident upon a solid can initiate displacement collision cascades of lattice atoms which result in localized volumes within the solid that contain high concentrations of interstitial and vacancy point defects. At sufficiently high point-defect concentrations, cascade regions are unstable; recombination of interstitial and vacancy point defects can occur together with the aggregation of point defects into clusters. These clusters can collapse into various types of dislocation loop and stacking-fault tetrahedra which are large enough to produce lattice strain fields that are visible under diffraction-contrast imaging in a transmission electron microscope. The kinetics which drive cascade formation and subsequent collapse are investigated by analysing the microstructure produced in situ by low-fluence 100 keV Kr-ion irradiations of fcc Cu over a wide temperature range (18–873 K). The product microstructures are characterized by quantitative measurements of the yields o...
Neural Sensitization and Physiological Markers in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Abstract This paper summarizes the key features of the olfactory-limbic, neural sensitization model for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and presents relevant data on chemically intolerant human subjects from laboratory studies using quantitative electroencephalography, polysomnography, neuropsychological tests, cardiovascular measurements, and blood markers. MCS is a poorly understood chronic, polysymptomatic condition in which some prior controlled research studies have failed to find evidence to differentiate active from placebo tests. Closer examination of past MCS research, however, reveals that studies have failed to incorporate the design and methodological approaches necessary to test for nonimmunological sensitization. Time-dependent sensitization (TDS) is a well-documented phenomenon in the pharmacology literature involving the progressive increase in a given response by the passage of time between the initial and subsequent exposures to a substance or a stressor. As in MCS, multiple, chemically unrelated agents can trigger TDS. Females time-sensitize more readily than do males. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological (stress) stimuli can cross-sensitize. Dopaminergic pathways in the brain and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are likely involved in TDS. Data on the symptomatology of MCS point to central nervous system involvement, including limbic regions that receive input from both olfactory (odor) and trigeminal (irritant) pathways. Limbic and mesolimbic brain regions are among the most sensitizable to repeated, intermittent environmental stimuli. Sensitizable individuals can show no difference or lesser responses to a test substance on initial exposure, but later exhibit much greater increases in responsivity on the next exposure after a period of days. For future research, it is essential to distinguish chemical intolerance symptoms such as derealization, sudden mood changes, musculoskeletal pain, menstrual dysfunction, and uncontrollable sleepiness from chemical phobia and avoidance behaviors. This model permits hypothesis-driven research on MCS and has major implications for interpretation of apparently positive and negative tests for “true” as opposed to “perceived” sensitivity to low levels of environmental chemicals.
When discounting fails: An unexpected finding.

Two studies were designed to investigate the effects of prior information about plausible causes on subsequent attributions. In the Experiment 1, prior information was given about an internal and an external cause. It was predicted and found that the stronger an expectancy for a behavior, the more the behavior would be attributed to the cause that formed the basis of the expectancy. It was also predicted that (1) for facilitative causes, the stronger the expectancy based on a given cause, the less the behavior would be attributed to other causes (discounting), and (2)for inhibitory causes, the stronger the expectancy, the more the behavior would be attributed to other causes (augmenting). These predictions were not supported. It was suggested that discounting and augmenting did not occur because subjects had been given information about both causes which “locked in” their attributions to each cause. To test this explanation, a second study was undertaken in which observers were given information about only one cause. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that discounting and augmenting may only occur for attributions to causes about which no prior information is available.
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor is involved in acetylcholine regulating stomatal movement

In animal cells, action of acetylcholine depends on its binding with its two specific receptors on the plasma membrane: the nicotinic and muscarinic respectively. The present investigation has shown that agonists of muscarinic receptor (muscarine) could induce stomatal opening, while the antagonists (atropine) could block stomatal opening induced by acetylcholine. Their effects can only be realized in medium containing Ca2+, but not in medium containing K+. The results tend to reveal that the muscarinic receptor is involved in acetylcholine-induced stomatal movement.
Mast Cell Degranulation, Hepatic Glycogen Depletion, and Hyperglycemia in Compound 48/80 or Pilocarpine-Treated Rats

Blood glucose, hepatic glycogen, and mean carotid blood pressure were determined in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats receiving an i.v. infusion of Compound 48/80, pilocarpine, or Ringer's solution as a control. Histochemical determinations of the integrity and number of hepatic mast cells and hepatic glycogen content also were performed at the light microscopic level, and the results compared to those from rats whose livers were treated topically with each of these compounds. Compound 48/80 produced a marked decrease in mean carotid blood pressure, while pilocarpine produced a slight increase in this parameter. Injection of either Compound 48/80 or pilocarpine provoked an increase in blood glucose and a decrease in hepatic glycogen as well as in the number of hepatic mast cells. Infusion produced no change in glycogen within cardiac or skeletal muscle. The application of Compound 48/80 or pilocarpine to the surface of the liver evoked no alteration in the histochemical appearance of hepatic glycogen. However, the topical application of these substances elicited a significant decrease in the number of Falck-Hillarp-positive hepatic mast cells. Blood glucose was higher in rats that survived 30 min or more after injection of either compound. However, glucose levels were significantly higher in rats that survived 30 min or longer following Compound 48/80 infusion than in those surviving pilocarpine treatment. These results provide evidence that the i.v. injection of Compound 48/80 or pilocarpine causes: (a) hyperglycemia; (b) depletion of hepatic glycogen, and (c) a concomitant decrease in the number of Falck-Hillarp-positive mast cells. The degree of hyperglycemia appeared to correlate with the length of survival of the rats and to be independent of the hyper- or hypotensive effects elicited by either chemical.
Voragocoris schuhi, a New Genus and Species of Neotropical Schizopterinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Schizopteridae)

Schizopteridae, the largest of the five families of Dipsocoromorpha or litter bugs, currently comprise 48 genera and ∼235 species in three subfamilies. Due to their small size (1–2 mm), cryptic habits, high diversity in the tropics, and the fact that few contemporary experts focus on the group, a significant proportion of schizopterid diversity remains undocumented. Based on one female and three male specimens, Voragocoris schuhi, n. gen. n. sp., is here described from the Andean foothills in Southeastern Peru. Specimens were collected by sweeping low vegetation and suspended leaf litter. The new taxon is placed in the subfamily Schizopterinae and belongs to the Corixidea genus group. The unique modification of the ventral surface of the male pygophore differentiates this taxon from all remaining Schizopterinae and Schizopteridae. Color images of habitus and details of the thorax and abdomen are provided together with scanning electron microscopical documentation and drawings.
Technical note: a three-dimensional framework for information technology solutions

Today's information technology products and solutions are becoming increasingly complex and confusing. Customers and solution providers have more product and technology choices than ever before. This complexity will always increase as new products are added to the existing ones--it will never decrease! A framework to guide users through these choices is needed. Just as a construction blueprint helps engineers and builders and a city plan helps city planners, an information technology framework can guide its users in building solutions. This technical note discusses a blueprint in generic terms and uses examples from the transportation industry as an analogy to the information technology industry. The basic stack of IBM's Open Blueprint® is incorporated into a framework that expands the physical network layer into more granular product layers, so that relationships between purchased products and delivered functions can be determined. This allows users to make more thoughtful decisions in a guided approach as they design solutions.
Fairness at the Collective Level: A Meta-Analytic Examination of the Consequences and Boundary Conditions of Organizational Justice Climate

This article uses meta-analytic methods (k = 38) to examine the relationship between organizational justice climate and unit-level effectiveness. Overall, our results suggest that the relationship between justice and effectiveness is significant (ρ = .40) when both constructs are construed at the collective level. Our results also indicate that distributive justice climate was most strongly linked with unit-level performance (e.g., productivity, customer satisfaction), whereas interactional justice was most strongly related to unit-level processes (e.g., organizational citizenship behavior, cohesion). We also show that a number of factors moderate this relationship, including justice climate strength, the level of referent in the justice measure, the hierarchical level of the unit, and how criteria are classified. We elaborate on these findings and attempt to provide a clearer direction for future research in this area.
Hepatitis C Virus Expression Suppresses Interferon Signaling by Degrading STAT1

Background & Aims: The molecular mechanisms by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) antagonizes the antiviral actions of interferon (IFN) have not been fully characterized. Specifically, how HCV proteins impact on IFN signaling components has yet to be elucidated. We used an HCV cell-based expression model to examine the interaction between HCV protein expression and host type I IFN signaling components in the Jak-STAT kinase pathway. Methods: Full-length HCV and HCV subgenomic constructs corresponding to structural and each of the nonstructural proteins were transiently transfected into Huh-T7 cells. HCV expression was monitored by an HCV core antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. STAT1, P-STAT1, and HCV protein expression was investigated with immunoprecipitation and Western blots. Results: Overexpression and small interfering RNA studies showed that STAT1 was indispensable for control of HCV expression. STAT1 and P-STAT1 expression were markedly reduced in HCV-transfected cells. Full-length HCV, HCV core/E1/E2, and NS3-4A were each associated with decreased STAT1 expression, which was attributable to proteasome-dependent degradation of STAT1. HCV core, but not HCV E1, E2, NS3, NS4, or NS5, bound to STAT1. STAT2 expression was not affected by HCV. Conclusions: HCV expression selectively degrades STAT1 and reduces P-STAT1 accumulation in the nucleus in a proteasome-dependent manner. HCV core protein binds STAT1, suggesting that this viral protein is associated with STAT1 degradation. STAT1 plays an indispensable role in innate antiviral immunity against HCV expression. In turn, HCV subverts the Jak-STAT kinase by selectively inducing STAT1 degradation.
A New Species of Large, Terrestrial Caracara from Holocene Deposits in Southern Jamaica (Aves: Falconidae)

Abstract A new species of caracara, Caracara tellustris, is described from cave deposits in the arid Portland Ridge area of southern Jamaica. It is characterized by great size and much reduced wings, and was probably almost completely terrestrial in habits if not even flightless. It was thus probably confined to the more arid southern areas of the island where open country would be compatible with a terrestrial mode of life.
Direct observation of the vacancy structure of a (220) platelet in an ion-irradiated platinum-4·0 at. % gold alloy

A detailed field-ion microscope (FIM) study has been made of the vacancy structure of a (220) platelet created by a single 30 keV W/sup +/ ion in a platinum-4.0 at. percent gold alloy; the specimen was maintained at 40/sup 0/K (below substage II/sub B/) during the in-situ irradiation at approximately 2 x 10/sup -9/ torr. Prior to the pulsed field-evaporation dissection of the specimen at 40/sup 0/K it was warmed isochronally to 100/sup 0/K (above substage II/sub c/). The (220) platelet was found to consist of 31 vacant lattice sites, lying in four (220) planes, and clustered in a disc-shaped region which is approximately 20 A in diameter. If only first nearest-neighbor lattice sites are considered then the distribution of cluster sizes is as follows: (1) two monovacancies; and (2) one jumbo vacancy cluster containing 29 vacancies. The range of the vacancy concentration within the (220) vacancy platelet is approximately 35 to 44 at. percent. Employing the modified Kinchin-Pease equation it was calculated that the displacement efficiency (kappa) for this platelet is 0.12. It is suggested that the prismatic dislocation loops lying on (220) type planes, observed by transmission electron microscopy, in ion or fast-neutron irradiated platinum can form asmore » a result of the direct collapse of (220) type vacancy platelets.« less
The Effect of Surface Tension in Modeling Interfacial Fracture

In this article the problem of an interface fracture between two isotropic linear elastic materials is studied within a continuum modeling framework, which incorporates important nanoscale effects. The proposed model of bi‐material crack ascribes curvature‐dependent surface tension to both the fracture surfaces and the solid‐solid interface. Further, it uses as boundary conditions the jump momentum balance equations, which take into account the excess properties ascribed to the material interfaces. Ultimately, the model leads to a 4×4 system of Cauchy‐singular integro‐differential equations which is equivalent to a system of Fredholm integral equations. It is demonstrated herein, using the Method of Integral Transforms and the Theory of Fredholm Integral equations, that this model leads to bounded stresses and strains, in contrast to the square‐root singularities of the stress and strain fields predicted by the classical theory of brittle fracture.
Swainsonine-Containing Plants and Their Relationship to Endophytic Fungi

Swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid with significant physiological activity, is an α-mannosidase and mannosidase II inhibitor that alters glycoprotein processing and causes lysosomal storage disease. Swainsonine is present in a number of plant species worldwide and causes severe toxicosis in livestock grazing these plants. Consumption of these plants by grazing animals leads to a chronic wasting disease characterized by weight loss, depression, altered behavior, decreased libido, infertility, and death. This review focuses on the three plant families and the associated taxa that contain swainsonine; the fungi that produce swainsonine, specifically the fungal endophytes associated with swainsonine-containing taxa; studies investigating the plant, endophyte, and swainsonine relationship; the influence of environmental factors on swainsonine concentrations in planta; and areas of future research.
Diffusion-weighted MRI of the transplanted liver.

Aim To assess the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating parenchymal disorders following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Materials and methods This institutional review board-approved, retrospective study measured the hepatic apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) in patients following OLT. Those with vascular complications or within 3 months of OLT were excluded. A single-shot echoplanar sequence with b values of 50, 400 (or 500), and 800s/mm 2 was performed. Liver biopsy specimens [performed with a median of 17 days after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] were recorded for the presence and severity of parenchymal disorders, such as acute cellular rejection, and recurrence of fibrosis in all patients, and the recurrence of viral hepatitis in patients with hepatitis C. ADC values were measured blinded to histology in 41 patients (33 males) who had 56 MRI scans. Results There was a significant difference in ADC values associated with a histological abnormality seen on core biopsy [ n =43, mean (SD) ADC of 0.91 (0.15)×10 −3 mm 2 /s] and those associated with no histological abnormality [ n =13, mean (SD) ADC of 1.11 (0.17)×10 −3 mm 2 /s; ( p =0.003)]. ADC values did not predict any of the individual parenchymal disorders on logistic regression analysis. When the ADC value was −3 mm 2 /s, there was a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 72%, respectively, in predicting a parenchymal disorder (area under ROC curve=0.84; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.92). Conclusion ADC measurements may help in deciding which patients require core liver biopsy after OLT. However, ADC values are not likely to be reliable in differentiating between the various parenchymal disorders.
The antibody response to Epstein–Barr virions is altered in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and patients with MS have an increased antibody response to some EBV antigens. The major antigens of EBV are only partly defined. Our hypothesis is that the antibody response to EBV is altered in MS. With ELISA, we found that antibodies to EB virions were increased in both serum and CSF of MS patients. Western blots demonstrated that there are multiple different antigens recognized. The antibody response was generally higher in MS to all EBV antigens, with particularly significant increases for certain antigens. We conclude that the antibody response to EBV in MS is generally increased with altered specificity.
High-performance liquid chromatography of phospholipids using deuterated solvents for infrared detection

Infrared detection of chromatographic effluents offers the advantage of direct on-line quantitation of lipid fractions. However, infrared detection imposes limitations on the solvent systems that can be used for chromatography. Methanol and water, which are essential ingredients in the mobile phase for the successful chromatography of phospholipids, do not have spectral transmittance windows in the infrared region. Substituting deuterated methanol and deuterium oxide for methanol and water allowed infrared detection because they had lower infrared absorbance than their hydrogenated counterparts. We report a method that is suitable for the quantitative analysis of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin in the tissue extracts. The lipid separation was accomplished on a micropraticulate silica gel column. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine were eluted isocratically with chloroform-acetonitrile-methanol-deuterium oxide (136:25:34:5.9) and detected at a wavelength of 5.75 microns. For the analysis of sphingomyelin, chloroform-acetonitrile-deuterated methanol-deuterium oxide (130:24:37.6:7.0) was used as the mobile phase, and the detection was at a wavelength of 6.15 microns.
Melanoma developing from a café-au-lait spot

Abstract The case of a thirty-three year old woman who developed a malignant melanoma in what appeared to be a cafe-au-lait spot is presented. Only one such case has been reported previously in the literature.
Using terrestrial laser scanning to support ecological research in the rocky intertidal zone

Scale-appropriate, foundational datasets are necessary for ecological analyses of the rocky intertidal ecosystem. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to characterize and quantify the rocky intertidal zone topography at a western U.S. coastal site (Rabbit Rock, Oregon) to support ecological research relating to potential climate-induced changes in distribution and abundance of intertidal invertebrates and a large-bodied shorebird, the Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani). Alternate available data (e.g., aerial photography, airborne LIDAR) proved inadequate or infeasible for development of a topographic surface model inclusive of intertidal area from Mean Lower Low Water to Mean Higher High Water tidal elevation. Our TLS-derived topographic surface model competently supported development of an invertebrate distribution model relative to tidal elevation and topography. Using the developed model, we estimated current and future aerial extent of the intertidal zone and potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher in our study area. Intertidal zone area decreased from 7,194 m2 to 6,409 m2 and 3,070 m2 with 1 and 2 m sea-level rise, respectively. Surprisingly, due to the configuration of site substrate, potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher increased from 5,658 to 5,903 m2 with 1 m sea-level rise, but declined to 3,068 m2 with 2 m sea-level rise. Our results demonstrate the utility of TLS for ecological research in the rocky intertidal zone. They further illustrate that climate change effects on ecological conditions may vary considerably depending on local configurations.
Identification and characterization of the minimal 5′-regulatory region of the human riboflavin transporter-3 (SLC52A3) in intestinal epithelial cells

The human riboflavin (RF) transporter-3 (product of the SLC52A3 gene) plays an important role in intestinal RF absorption. Our aims in this study were to identify the minimal 5′-regulatory region o...
A dual‐tuned resonator for proton‐decoupled phosphorus‐31 chemical shift imaging of the brain

A fully quadrature dome-shaped resonator is presented that has been dual-tuned for proton and phosphorus operation at 1.5 T. The resonator is 16.5 cm in length and 23 cm in diameter. Phantom studies were performed to demonstrate the utility of the resonator for proton imaging, shimming, and proton-decoupled phosphorus spectroscopy. In human subjects, proton-decoupled phosphorus chemical shift imaging spectra of the brain were acquired at 27 cm 3 resolution in 34 min. Volunteer studies demonstrated improved resolution of phosphomonoesters, phosphodiesters, and nucleoside triphosphates due to proton decoupling. Sensitive coverage of the brain extended from the most superior cerebral cortex to the cerebellum. Acquisition of good quality 31 P spectra over this volume is due to the dome structure as well as quadrature operation at both proton and phosphorus frequencles.
Orientation invariant light source parameters

At present there is no common language for comparing two different light sources. Trying to quantify (or even to explain qualitatively) the difference in performance terms, for example, of an axial and a trans- verse filament, or a gas discharge tube and a light-emitting diode, or a gas lamp mantle and a laser, is like comparing apples and oranges. We have developed a concept for a common representation of these diverse kinds of light sources, without reference to any coordinate system or light generation process. Based on an expansion in spherical harmonics of an intensity data set over a sphere, we characterize the angular light distri- bution of a source by providing a prescription for calculating the orientation-independent parameters dl that represent the proportion of rms power distributed in each angular mode. © 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Using clinical risk factors and bone mineral density to determine who among patients undergoing bone densitometry should have vertebral fracture assessment.

Summary Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) is a new method for imaging thoracolumbar spine on bone densitometer. Among patients referred for bone densitometry, the selection of patients for VFA testing can be optimized using an index derived from clinical risk factors and bone density measurement.
70 Familial Congenital Hypothroildism Secondary to Transplacental Thyroid Inhibitory Autoantibodies

Each of three children in a family was found to be hypothyroid at birth as part of the neonatal hypothyroid screening program. Their mother had developed Graves disease at age 8 years but became hypothyroid at age 25 - 3 years before the 1st child. Serum obtained 6 years after the 1st child was born, inhibited TSH binding to human thyroid cell membranes in vitro. At birth each child was found to have increased TSH concentration. In retrospect thyroid microsomal autoantibodies were present at 1:6400 at 2 months of age in first boy and at 1:6400 at 3 days of age in third child. The oldest two children have been followed 3 months off thyroxine therapy and continue to have normal thyroid function (T4, unbound T4, T3 and TSH). In patients with congenital hypothyroidism in whom the mother has autoimmune thyroiditis or there is a family history of thyroiditis, the possibility of a transient condition secondary to transplacental immunoglobulins should be sought.
Enforcing application-level QoS by frame-induced packet discarding in video communications

Advances in networking are making it feasible to support a wide spectrum of video services over fast packet-switched networks. In this paper, we investigate the problem of providing efficient QoS guarantees for video communication, when they are expressed at the application-level, in terms of video frames, rather than at the network-level, in terms of packets. We propose a simple to implement, yet effective, strategy called frame-induced packet discarding (FIPD), in which, upon detection of loss of a threshold number (determined by an application's video encoding scheme) of packets belonging to a video frame, the network attempts to discard all the remaining packets of that frame. We present extensive, trace-driven performance simulations that demonstrate the efficacy of the FIPD strategy. Networks employing the FIPD strategy exhibit significant increase in the number of video channels that they can support. Towards such networks, using a discrete time Markov chain model of the FIPD strategy, we devise a method for computing the frame loss probabilities of video applications, which then serves as the criterion for admission control: the network admits an incoming application only if the predicted frame loss probability (in the event of admission) does not exceed the frame loss bounds of any of the applications being serviced.
Hydrogen bonding effects on the reactivity of a preassociating α-nucleophile. the secondary-side βCD hydroxylamine

Abstract The secondary-side hydroxylamine derivative of β-cyclodextrin demonstrates base-catalyzed transesterification from pH 6.5-9.5, while the primary-side derivative does not.
Thromboembolic complications of left ventricular noncompaction: Case report and brief review of the literature

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare condition that is believed to represent an arrest in endomyocardial morphogenesis. This entity may be complicated by the development of mural thrombi and embolic events, however data on the associated thromboembolic risk is variable and poorly defined. We describe 2 cases of LVNC in African American patients presenting with thromboembolic manifestations and briefly review the available literature relevant to this complication.
A Conceptual Paradigm and Approach for the Study of Innovators

An operational approach for measuring an organization's innovativeness is proposed. This procedure draws on measurement theory to overcome problems often associated with single product and composit...
Improving schedulability of fixed-priority real-time systems using shapers

In this paper, we introduce a technique for improving the schedulability of real-time embedded systems with fixed-priority scheduling. Our technique uses shapers to reduce the resource interference between higher-priority and lower-priority tasks, and thus enables more lower-priority tasks to be scheduled. We present a closed-form solution for the optimal greedy shaper for periodic tasks with jitter, as well as a schedulability condition for tasks in the presence of shapers. We also discuss two applications of greedy shapers: In compositional scheduling frameworks, shapers can help optimize the resource interfaces of real-time components, and in mixed-criticality systems, they can reduce deadline misses of low-criticality tasks while preserving schedulability of high-criticality tasks, even with lower priorities. We demonstrate the utility of our technique through an evaluation based on randomly generated workloads.
Grouped element-by-element iteration schemes for incompressible flow computations

Abstract Grouped element-by-element (GEBE) iteration schemes for incompressible flows are presented in the context of vorticity- stream function formulation. The GEBE procedure is a variation of the EBE procedure and is based on arrangement of the elements into groups with no inter-element coupling within each group. With the GEBE approach, vectorization and parallel implementation of the EBE method becomes more clear. The savings in storage and CPU time are demonstrated with two unsteady flow problems.