cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistics of HI Extents of Irregular Galaxies

Using the 3/2 Arecibo beam, we have mapped the HI envelopes of a sample of 70 irregular galaxies (Sdm, Sm, Im and BCD), including 45 from the Virgo Cluster Catalog, 14 Field galaxies at similar redshifts, and 11 Nearby dwarfs chosen to give a complete sample out to 6 Mpc, within the Arecibo declination range. To explore correlations among variables characterizing the size and dynamics of these galaxies, we have combined this sample with all other mappings (multiple single beams and synthesis array) of irregulars and of spiral galaxies spanning the same redshift range (out to about 20 Mpc) available in the literature. In all, there are 128 mapped dwarfs and 119 mapped spirals in this dataset. We obtain the following correlations: \(r_{H,max} = (2.75\pm.15)r_{25}^{(0.890\pm.034)}\) where both HI and optical radii are in kpc; \(L_B = (3.59\pm.80)\times 10^6r_{gm}^{(2.70\pm.11)}\) where L B is in solar luminosities and r gm is the geometric mean of r H,max and r 25; \(L_B = (125\pm 36)V_c^{(3.62\pm.19)}\) where the rotation speed is in km s-1; \(M_H = (9.3\pm 1.1)\times 10^6r_{gm}^{(1.977\pm.056)}\) where the HI mass is in solar units; and \(L_B = (1.9_{-1.1}^{+2.7})\times 10^{-3}M_{dyn}^{(1.164 \pm. 043)}\) where \(M_{dyn} \equiv V_c^2r_{gm}/\textup{G}\).
Therapeutic Change on the Thematic Apperception Test

Change over the course of long-term intensive treatment was also assessed from stories told to the cards of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Cramer (1987, 1991) developed a method for systematically scoring different types of defenses on the TAT—denial, projection, and identification. This chapter examines the hypothesis that constructive change over the course of long-term treatment will be expressed both in the overall diminution of total defenses apparent in the TAT stories and by a shift in the TAT narratives to higher-level, developmentally more mature defenses over the course of treatment—from denial, to projection, to identification.
The Science and Practice of Transitions

We tend to set ourselves up to thrive in a particular state while ignoring the transitions between states. But there is magic in the transitions; they are where unexpected and interesting things happen. There is an opportunity for our user interfaces to better support the transitions we make. In this talk I will share some of what I have learned from years of productivity research about how to successfully transition between tasks over the course of a day, and reflect on how these findings might be extended to help us understand how we, as academics and practitioners, can successfully transition through the various contexts and roles that we hold in a lifetime.
Graphene-Based Sensing of Gas-Phase Explosives

Graphene based sensors have shown excellent potential in the trace detection of specific gases which are hazardous to humans or environmentally toxic. Sensor designs incorporating pristine graphene, graphene oxide, and nanopatterned graphene have been the focus of much recent experimental and computational research. The application of graphene based sensors in the trace detection of explosives has seen relatively limited study, due in part to the difficulties of conducting experiments using the nitramine and aromatic explosives of central interest. Computational studies of explosive sensors are not subject to hazardous materials handling constraints, and may be used to complement experimental research on the development of low weight, low power, graphene-based sensors. Ab initio models of five different graphene nanoribbon sensor configurations have been developed, and their chemiresistive response to three widely used explosives and four background gases has been investigated. The results indicate that t...
Comparing Outcomes for Fasciocutaneous versus Muscle Flaps in Foot and Ankle Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background The distal lower extremity poses unique reconstructive challenges due to its requirements for durability of the load-bearing plantar surface and for thin, pliable contour in the dorsal foot and ankle region. This study compares outcomes between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps in patients with foot and ankle defects. Methods A retrospective review of soft tissue free flaps used for traumatic foot and ankle defects was performed. Outcomes included takebacks, partial flap failure, total flap failure, and wound complications. Results A total of 165 cases met inclusion criteria, with muscle flaps (n = 110) comprising the majority. Defects involving the non–weight-bearing surface were more common (n = 86) than those of the weight-bearing surface (n = 79). Complications occurred in 56 flaps (33.9%), including 11 partial losses (6.7%) and 6 complete losses (3.6%). There were no differences in take backs, partial flap failure, or total flap failure between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps; however, fasciocutaneous flaps had significantly fewer wound complications compared with muscle flaps (7.3% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.046). On multivariable regression analysis, defects of the weight-bearing surface had significantly increased risk of wound breakdown compared with those in the non–weight-bearing surface (odds ratio: 5.05, p = 0.004). Conclusion Compared with fasciocutaneous flaps, muscle flaps demonstrated higher rates of wound complications. While the flap selection in foot and ankle reconstruction depends on the nature of the defect, our findings support the use of fasciocutaneous over muscle flaps in this region.
Glioblastoma stem cells: lessons from the tumor hierarchy in a lethal cancer

Glioblastoma ranks among the most lethal of all human cancers. Glioblastomas display striking cellular heterogeneity, with stem-like glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) at the apex. Although the original identification of GSCs dates back more than a decade, the purification and characterization of GSCs remains challenging. Despite these challenges, the evidence that GSCs play important roles in tumor growth and response to therapy has grown. Like normal stem cells, GSCs are functionally defined and distinguished from their differentiated tumor progeny at core transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic regulatory levels, suggesting that no single therapeutic modality will be universally effective against a heterogenous GSC population. Glioblastomas induce a systemic immunosuppression with mixed responses to oncoimmunologic modalities, suggesting the potential for augmentation of response with a deeper consideration of GSCs. Unfortunately, the GSC literature has been complicated by frequent use of inferior cell lines and a lack of proper functional analyses. Collectively, glioblastoma offers a reliable cancer to study cancer stem cells to better model the human disease and inform improved biologic understanding and design of novel therapeutics.
A Practical Study of Gross-Error Detection in Bundle Adjustment

A special bundle adjustment program has been developed with a built-in automatic gross-error detector which uses the data snooping approach. The program computes, in an efficient way, the exact val...
Self-assembly on a lipid membrane viewed as a first passage time problem

Abstract Lipid membranes form the outer covering of all biological cells. Embedded on the lipid membrane are numerous proteins that can diffuse on its surface due to its fluid nature. The proteins can also interact with each other through elastic and entropic forces that have their origin in the membrane’s resistance to bending deformations. These interactions can be attractive or repulsive, and they likely play a role in self-assembly of proteins on the surface of the membrane to form scaffolds for exo- and endo-cytosis and also viruses. Thus, it is crucial to understand these elastic and entropic forces in detail and how they affect self-assembly of inclusions on the surface of membranes. Although most analyses of these phenomena utilize various simulation techniques, we use a semi-analytical method based on Gaussian integrals to compute the elastic and entropic interactions of inclusions. Once we have determined the interaction forces between inclusions, we use Langevin dynamics to study how they diffuse under the influence of these interaction forces. We focus first on two inclusions and cast their self-assembly as a first passage time problem. We show that an analytical treatment of the first passage time problem starting from a Fokker-Planck equation leads to a partial differential equation that can be solved numerically, and gives results which are in excellent agreement with the first passage time estimated from Langevin dynamics simulations. We are also able to account for hydrodynamic interactions between inclusions and show that they speed up the self-assembly. Finally, we use these insights to study how interaction forces influence the self-assembly of more than two inclusions. Our methods provide a different view of self-assembly that could be utilized for developing more advanced and efficient computational techniques.
Shakespeare e-books: an account of promising practice

ABSTRACTDigital editions of Shakespeare plays are promising tools to support student engagement in sophisticated reading, evidence-based analysis, and meaningful creative productions. One such comp...
Disambiguating Requirements Through Syntax-Driven Semantic Analysis of Information Types

[Context and motivation] Several state laws and app markets, such as Google Play, require the disclosure of app data practices to users. These data practices constitute critical privacy requirements statements, since they underpin the app’s functionality while describing how various personal information types are collected, used, and with whom they are shared. [Question/Problem] When such statements contain abstract terminology referring to information types (e.g., “we collect your device information”), the statements can become ambiguous and thus reduce shared understanding among app developers, policy writers and users. [Principle Ideas/Results] To overcome this obstacle, we propose a syntax-driven method to infer semantic relations from a given information type. We use the inferred relations from a set of information types (i.e. lexicon) to populate a partial ontology. The ontology is a knowledge graph that can be used to guide requirements authors in the selection of the most appropriate information type terms. [Contributions] Our method employs a shallow typology to categorize individual words in an information type, which are then used to discharge production rules in a context-free grammar (CFG). The CFG is augmented with semantic attachments that are used to generate the semantic relations. This method is evaluated on 1,853 unique information types from 30 privacy policies to yield 0.99 precision and 0.91 recall when compared to human interpretation of the same information types.
Abstract 185: The Association Between Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Neighborhood-Level Disadvantages: A Multi-Dimension Evaluation in the City of Chicago

Introduction: The association between sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and low socio-economic status has been well described in the literature. While the rate of SUDI had declined dramatic...
Hematoma Risk After Needle Electromyography (EMG) In Patients on Newer Anticoagulants (P1.4-037)

Objective: To assess the safety of needle EMG in patients on newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in comparison with warfarin. Background: EMG is useful in the diagnosis of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. However, the safety of EMG in patients on NOACs and the bleeding risk remains unknown. Design/Methods: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent EMG of both superficial and deep muscles and those who were on either on warfarin (INR 2–3) or NOACs (while still on them). All patients were monitored clinically and with ultrasound of deeper muscles for two hours post procedure. Patients were discharged with detailed written instructions on the complications and also the details of the nearby ER, in case there were any complications. A follow-up phone call was made 3 days after the procedure to assess for any complications that needed clinical intervention. Results: 58 patients were included - 29 on NOACs and 29 on warfarin. The mean age was 59.33 +/− 16 years, 30 were male. Rivaroxaban was used in 19 (63%), apixaban in 8 (27%) and dabigatran in 2 (10%). 361 muscles were tested of which 55(15.2%) were deep muscles. Hemorrhagic complications from needle EMG were noted in 11 patients - 9 (75%) NOACs and 2 (25%) warfarin. 6 had hemorrhagic complications with rivaroxaban, 2 with apixaban and 1 with dabigatran. Acute bleeding needing pressure bandage was seen in one (rivaroxaban), clinical hematoma requiring ice packs (within 2 hrs) was seen in 5 (2 apixaban, 2 rivaroxaban, 1 warfarin), hematoma on ultrasound of deep muscles was seen in 2 (rivaroxaban).3 patients reported hematoma on follow up over the phone but none needed clinical intervention. There was no statistical significance (p=0.623) with hemorrhagic complications between the NAOC and warfarin. Conclusions: Patients on NOACs had minimal risk of hemorrhagic complications and the risk is not significantly different from those on warfarin. Disclosure: Dr. Nagarajan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dyer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bailey has nothing to disclose. Dr. yelam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Govindarajan has nothing to disclose.
Development of a Novel Technological Readiness Assessment Tool for Fuel Cell Technology

Technology Readiness Level and Manufacturing Readiness Level evaluation methodologies have been applied for a long time by the aerospace and defense industries to systematically determine the state of readiness for their products and processes. These tools have been proven to be extremely valuable not only in assessing the stages of product development, but also in providing requirements and guidance for continuing pursuit towards final products. This paper describes the creation of a novel and unique technology readiness level methodology tool that applies specifically to fuel cell technologies. This evaluation tool used modified criteria from the above-mentioned readiness level tools and adapted them to reflect the aspects of fuel cell technology. The biggest challenge in developing the readiness evaluation tool was due to the fact that there are several different fuel cell types and many different applications. In this complex matrix of drastically different conditions and diverse components, a general evaluation tool was developed first. Subsequently, specific versions of the tool will be developed to reflect the fuel cell types and applications. The Fuel Cell Technology Readiness Level (FCTRL) methodology is developed for those skilled in the art of fuel cells, engineers, and other professionals who need to evaluate fuel cell technologies for integration into existing systems and applications, as well as for anyone interested in fuel cells and renewable energy systems in general. The tool can also be very effective for use by investors planning to fund a fuel cell projects or government panels in charge of assigning research funds. The FCTRL evaluation tool comprises seven levels and a varying number of specific criteria within each level. The application of the tool is relatively simple in the form of a checklist. The technology is assumed to progress to a higher level once all criteria in the lower level are met. An example of the application is presented for a general case of fuel cell technology and places the most advanced fuel cell product in the correct level of readiness. The FCTRL is expected to make a significant impact on understanding fuel cell technology and its role in the energy systems poised to replace conventional energy technologies.
The impact of methamphetamine/amphetamine use on receipt and outcomes of medications for opioid use disorder: a systematic review

Background Methamphetamine/amphetamine use has sharply increased among people with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is therefore important to understand whether and how use of these substances may impact receipt of, and outcomes associated with, medications for OUD (MOUD). This systematic review identified studies that examined associations between methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder and 3 classes of outcomes: (1) receipt of MOUD, (2) retention in MOUD, and (3) opioid abstinence during MOUD. Methods We searched 3 databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete) from 1/1/2000 to 7/28/2020 using key words and subject headings, and hand-searched reference lists of included articles. English-language studies of people with documented OUD/opioid use that reported a quantitative association between methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder and an outcome of interest were included. Study data were extracted using a standardized template, and risk of bias was assessed for each study. Screening, inclusion, data extraction and bias assessment were conducted independently by 2 authors. Study characteristics and findings were summarized for each class of outcomes. Results Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Studies generally found that methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder was negatively associated with receiving methadone and buprenorphine; 2 studies suggested positive associations with receiving naltrexone. Studies generally found negative associations with retention; most studies finding no association had small samples, and these studies tended to examine shorter retention timeframes and describe provision of adjunctive services to address substance use. Studies generally found negative associations with opioid abstinence during treatment among patients receiving methadone or sustained-release naltrexone implants, though observed associations may have been confounded by other polysubstance use. Most studies examining opioid abstinence during other types of MOUD treatment had small samples. Conclusions Overall, existing research suggests people who use methamphetamine/amphetamines may have lower receipt of MOUD, retention in MOUD, and opioid abstinence during MOUD. Future research should examine how specific policies and treatment models impact MOUD outcomes for these patients, and seek to understand the perspectives of MOUD providers and people who use both opioids and methamphetamine/amphetamines. Efforts to improve MOUD care and overdose prevention strategies are needed for this population.
Investigating Multimodal Interactions and Parasocial Attractiveness in YouTube ASMR Videos

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos have become a popular video genre on YouTube and attracted millions of views every day. However, there is limited understanding in HCI and CSCW of how the ASMRtist community on YouTube leveraged the multi-sensorial stimuli to design the experiences of calm and relaxation and construct parasocial relationships with the viewers. This work presents a typology to understand the multimodal interactions and parasocial attractiveness in YouTube ASMR videos. The annotation of 88 YouTube ASMR videos reveals that, beyond tingling sensation, ASMR videos are also experiences of social connection, physical intimacy, and activity observation. We describe the future design and research opportunities to utilize ASMR effects in video-based applications.
Reconstruction of brain tissue from cell suspensions: I. Aggregation patterns of cells dissociated from different regions of the developing brain☆

Abstract Cells dissociated from different brain areas of chick and mouse embryos (cerebrum, diencephalon, optic tectum, or corpora quadrigemina, cerebellum, and medulla) reconstructed in vitro aggregates which were diagnostically characteristic in size and shape for their region of origin; in addition, cells from each area exhibited a distinctive age profile of aggregative behavior which reflected their developmental schedule. Mouse cell aggregates from all brain regions tested were consistently larger than aggregates of cells from corresponding chick brain regions; mouse cerebrum cells formed especially massive aggregates in contrast to small aggregates characteristic of chick cerebrum cells. Coaggregation of suspensions of mouse cerebrum cells with chick cells from various brain areas, or from nonnervous tissues resulted in bispecific aggregates which were generally intermediate in size between typical aggregates of each of the component cell populations. The size of these coaggregates and the extent of internal sorting out of cell types was closely related to the degree of homology between the commingled cell populations. The implications of the findings are discussed with reference to fundamental mechanisms governing regional brain differentiation and specificity of neuronal associations.
Novel transcatheter closure of an iatrogenic perimembranous ventricular septal defect

Iatrogenic membranous ventricular septal defects (VSD) are rare complications of cardiothoracic surgery, most commonly seen as a complication of aortic valve replacements. An iatrogenic VSD can lead to right sided heart failure, systemic hypoxia, and arrhythmias, and closure is often necessary. Given the increased mortality associated with repeat surgical procedures, percutaneous transcatheter closure of these iatrogenic VSDs has increasingly become the preferred choice of therapy. We describe the first case of iatrogenic membranous VSD in the setting of mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair, using the newly approved Amplatzer Duct Occluder II Device from an entirely retrograde approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serological relationship of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses: I. Hemagglutination by polyhedral inclusion body protein from the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Porthetria (= Lymantria) dispar

Abstract Polyhedral inclusion body protein (PIBP), harvested from the nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) infecting the gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar, illicits the hemagglutination of chicken erythrocytes. Antisera to PIBP, polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIB), and virions (RODS) from the NPV's infecting P. dispar and the European Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer, inhibits hemagglutination when utilized to neutralize the PIBP from P. dispar. The crossreactivity of antisera to viral components from N. sertifer, a hymenopteran insect, with viral antigens from P. dispar, a lepidopteran insect, demonstrates a serological relationship exists between two viruses which have widely separated host ranges.
Interview: Dr. Kenneth Kerle, Ph.D., editor of American jails magazine and author of American jails: Looking to the future

In the past 30 years, Dr. Kerle has had extensive experience with jails both in the United States and abroad. In this interview, conducted by Judith Sturges, he discusses his perspectives about jails. He explains how he became involved with jails and describes how conditions have changed in these facilities during the past three decades. Dr. Kerle discusses how the public's perception about the purpose of jails affect funding and programs. Contrary to the public's belief, changes which address the human needs of inmates as well as foster justice and fairness have resulted due to direct supervision and better trained jail staff. Dr. Kerle suggests that jail administrators take an active role in their communities to inform citizens about jail issues. He also emphasizes that community support is needed so collaboration can begin between community groups and the jails in order to reduce crime rates during the 21st century.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists prevent 25-OH-cholesterol induced c-jun activation and cell death

Cholesterol oxides, the oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol, have been shown to cause programmed cell death in a variety of cell types. Using N9 microglia, this study was designed to investigate the molecular events induced by cholesterol oxides prior to the execution of programmed cell death. Microglia were very sensitive to 25-OH-cholesterol, such that a 2-day treatment of the cells with 5 μM 25-OH-cholesterol reduced cell viability to 5–10% of controls. There was a dose- and time-dependent increase in c-jun and phospho-c-jun levels in microglia prior to this 25-OH-cholesterol induced cell death. In contrast, 7-β-OH-cholesterol, which was relatively non-toxic to microglia, did not increase phospho-c-jun levels. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptors that have important roles in atherogenesis. Results from this study indicate that PPAR agonists such as 15d-PGJ2, indomethacin and WY14643 can attenuate cholesterol oxide induced c-jun activation and cell death in microglia. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists may be useful in future development of pharmacological agents against cholesterol oxide induced cytotoxicity.
Optimal impulsive space trajectories based on linear equations

The problem of minimizing the total characteristic velocity of a spacecraft having linear equations of motion and finitely many instantaneous impulses that result in jump discontinuities in velocity is considered. Fixed time and fixed end conditions are assumed. This formulation is flexible enough to allow some of the impulses to be specifieda priori by the mission planner. Necessary and sufficient conditions for solution of this problem are found without using specialized results from control theory or optimization theory. Solution of the two-point boundary-value problem is reduced to a problem of solving a specific set of equations. If the times of the impulses are specified, these equations are at most quadratic. Although this work is restricted to linear equations, there are situations where it has potential application. Some examples are the computation of the velocity increments of a spacecraft near a real or fictitious satellite or space station in a circular or more general Keplerian orbit. Another example is the computation of maneuvers of a spacecraft near a libration point in the restricted three-body problem.
Effect of substrate and topology on the collective response of Fano-resonant systems

Critical effects of substrate and topology of the metamolecules on their collective response are studied. Spatial dispersion of the resonances can be substantially changed by these effects resulting in weakening their dependence on incidence angle.
Scintigraphic Lung Scans and Clinical Assessment in Critically III Patients With Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of radionuclide scintigraphic lung scans and clinical assessment in critically ill patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism. Materials and methods Critically ill patients were defined as follows: (1) patients who were hypoxemic on room air, and not given ventilatory support (n=89); (2) patients given ventilatory support (n=46); and (3) patients in ICUs, but not given ventilatory support (n=85), and hypotensive patients who were not hypoxemic or given ventilatory support (n=3). Comparisons were made with patients who had none of these characteristics of critically ill patients (n=627). Data are from the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis. Results The sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values of high probability lung scans among each of the four categories of critically ill patients were not statistically significantly lower than values in noncritically ill patients. The positive predictive values of the clinical assessments did not differ to a statistically significant extent from noncritically ill patients. Clinical assessment, when concordant with the lung scan interpretation, usually increased the positive predictive value for pulmonary embolism. Conclusion Scintigraphic lung scans and clinical assessment retain their diagnostic value, even in critically ill patients.
Limits on the extent of Saturn's hydrogen cloud

The 30-day reports from the Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer team characterize the atomic hydrogen observed near Saturn as a torus with a half width of 7 Saturnian radii. The atomic processes occurring in the inner magnetosphere are modelled, including sputtering, ionization, charge exchange, ion-atom interchange, recombination, and transport, and a neutral hydrogen source is added to test the proposal that a hydrogen cloud exists in this region. Plasma observations in the inner magnetosphere are found to be inconsistent with the presence of a dense atomic hydrogen cloud. Thus, it is concluded that the hydrogen cloud must be a torus as originally reported, and that the cloud does not extend inward to the orbits of the inner satellites of Saturn.
Selection for circadian eclosion time in Drosophila melanogaster.

Early and late eclosion strains were developed from Drosophila melanogaster cultures. The Oregon-R parent strains (isolated in 1925) showed significantly more selectability than the W2 parent strain collected at the beginning of this study (1971). This is consistent with the hypothesis that the selective advantage of circadian behaviors is reduced in laboratory conditions.
Establishing Walking by Severely Retarded Children

This article examines the implications of independent ambulation for severely retarded children and reviews the literature describing behavioral interventions which facilitate walking. Findings from applied behavior analysis of single subjects support the value of operant techniques in the acquisition of walking. An operationally defined, data-based, four-level sequence for training walking beginning with momentary standing and ending with independent walking on command is described. Representative data from five severely retarded children are presented.
On Lagrange Multipliers and Inequalities

Necessary and sufficient conditions for minima maxima of nonlinear functionals subjected to linear constraints are derived. Two classes of functionals are considered a convex concave functionals for which necessary and sufficient conditions for global minima maxima are obtained, and b more general functionals possessing continuous second derivatives for which necessary and sufficient conditions for local optima are obtained. In the first case the theorems presented here are special cases of the well-known Kuhn-Tucker theorems. Some simple examples are included.
A PM Brushless DC Starter/Generator System for a Series-Parallel 2x2 Hybrid Electric Vehicle

A higher power starter/generator system has been implemented for a hybrid electric vehicle using a 20-kW PM brushless DC (BLDC) machine. The PM BLDC machine, coupled to the 1.9 L diesel engine of the vehicle, generates the electrical power to charge the high-voltage energy storage system and to drive an induction machine connected to the rear wheels. It may also use stored energy to start the engine or to assist propulsion during vehicle acceleration. The starter/generator system comprises of the BLDC machine itself, the power electronics, and a control processor, and is integrated into the vehicle via a CAN interface. The control processor responds to torque commands via the CAN bus from the vehicle supervisory controller providing two-quadrant drive operation with Hall-sensor position information. It also monitors current and position sensor signals for fault conditions, and provides a CAN status message summarizing the health of the system. The starter/generator system is an integral part of the series-parallel 2-X-2 architecture that allows multiple modes of hybrid vehicle operation with improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions and performance over conventional hybrid vehicles.
Assessing fertility in women of advanced reproductive age

Abstract Reproductive capacity in women declines dramatically beyond the fourth decade of life. Oocyte quality seems to be the primary determinant of reproductive potential, although age-related uterine changes may also contribute. Underlying reasons for reproductive decline in women remain unclear, and both ovarian and neuroendocrine mechanisms have been proposed. A number of age-related endocrinologic changes precede menopause and predict diminished reproductive capacity. Thus, “ovarian reserve” screening may identify patients in whom attempts at conventional assisted reproduction is warranted before proceeding with ovum donation. Techniques to preserve the maternal genetic contribution to offspring (in lieu of egg donation), including germinal vesicle transfer and donor ooplasm, are under investigation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:758-70.)
Reticulospinal excitation and inhibition of neck motoneurons

Responses of neck motoneurons to electrical stimulation of the pontomedullary reticular formation were recorded intracellularly in cerebellectomized cats anesthetized with chloralose. Stimulation of nucleus reticularis (n.r.) ventralis and the dorsal part of n.r. gigantocellularis evoked short latency, monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in the majority of motoneurons supplying the ipsilateral splenius, biventer cervicis and complexus muscles and in 25% of motoneurons projecting in the ipsilateral spinal accessory nerve. Monosynaptic IPSPs were also evoked by stimulating the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) but lesion and collision experiments indicated that these IPSPs were independent of those evoked by reticular stimulation. Monosynaptic IPSPs were also occasionally observed following stimulation of the contralateral reticular formation, especially of the dorsal part of n.r. gigantocellularis.
Suppression of the odd-parameter superconductivity by impurities and the odd-even phase transition

Abstract The first order phase transition curve between phases with an odd and an even order parameter with respect to the π 2 rotation in the ab-plane of a tetragonal high Tc superconductor is established in coordinates Tc(w), where w = 1/τ is the scattering probability. The amplitudes of the order parameters of both phases are analyzed. A model describing an orthorhombic distortion of the order parameter is considered in order to have a more reliable comparison with experimental data on YBCO. It is shown that no qualitative difference appears with the tetragonal case.
Investigating Reliability of Variable Blank Holder Force Control in Sheet Drawing Under Process Uncertainties

The blank holder force (BHF), which regulates the amount of metal drawn into the die cavity, has been used effectively to draw defect-free sheet parts. It has been shown that a properly designed variable BHF profile can provide greater drawability as compared to constant BHF. Extensive research has been carried out in the past to determine this optimal profile. However, these deterministic efforts neglect the sensitivity of this optimal BHF design to unintended process variations inherent in sheet forming. This paper investigates the reliability of optimal variable BHF in the presence of process uncertainties by minimizing the magnitude of wrinkling and fracture defects under probabilistic constraints. To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, it analyzes the conical cup drawing of an aluminum killed deep-drawing quality steel under process uncertainties including sheet thickness, punch speed, interface friction at the punch surface, and interface friction at the die surface. The results show that probabilistic design improves the yield (probability of good parts) to 99.98% as compared to the 48.04% yield realized by the traditional deterministic design. In addition, Monte Carlo simulations verify that the probabilistic design handles the uncertainties better due to its inherent robustness. This is primarily due to the design moving away from the process constraints and at the same time balancing the probability of failure between the two failure modes.
Morphological Characterization of Thioflavin-S-Positive Amyloid Plaques in Transgenic Alzheimer Mice and Effect of Passive Aβ Immunotherapy on Their Clearance

Transgenic mice mimicking certain features of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-pathology, namely amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, have been developed in an effort to better understand the mechanism leading to the formation of these characteristic cerebral lesions. More recently, these animal models have been widely used to investigate emergent therapies aimed at the reduction of the cerebral amyloid load. Several studies have shown that immunotherapy targeting the amyloid peptide (Aβ) is efficacious at clearing the amyloid plaques or preventing their formation, and at reducing the memory/behavior impairment observed in these animals. In AD, different types of plaques likely have different pathogenic significance, and further characterization of plaque pathology in the PDAPP transgenic mice would enhance the evaluation of potential therapeutics. In the present study, a morphological classification of amyloid plaques present in the brains of PDAPP mice was established by using Thioflavin-S staining. Neuritic dystrophy associated with amyloid plaques was also investigated. Finally, the efficacy of passive immunization with anti-Aβ antibodies on the clearance of Thio-S positive amyloid plaques was studied. Our results show that distinct morphological types of plaques are differentially cleared depending upon the isotype of the antibody.
A Microstructure-Based Continuum Model for Multiphase Solids.

For applications in material design, it is critical that future material's models transition from empirically- to mechanistically-based. In this perspective, a continuum theory is introduced, based on a physically motivated strain decomposition, which not only reflects the macroscopic response of a solid but also the internal deformation and size effects of its microstructure. Because of the physical meaning of kinematic variables, constitutive relations may be derived from simple micromechanical arguments. Two examples are then presented: (a) the elastic response of an elastic material with defects and (b) the assessment of size effects at the boundary of a fiber-reinforced composite.
Principal components analysis of cells in cat visual cortex.

Abstract Cortical cells differ along many dimensions, and statistical techniques are needed to study the relationships among them. We have used principal components analysis to study variation within a population of cells in the visual cortex of the cat. This procedure transforms the data which may then be projected onto a small number of independent axes. The axes are hierarchically ordered in terms of the sample variance they account for so that subsequent components account for decreasing proportions of the total sample variance. Four principal components (PCs) were identified by the analysis. The contributing variables on these components were respectively: (1) cutoff velocity, peak response, receptive field area and spontaneous activity; (2) tuning width, orientation selectivity, occular dominance ratio and obliquity; (3) directionality ratio, monocularity and vvariability; and (4) width to length ratio, variability and sideband ratio. We hypothesize that each of these components identifies a physiologically important feature of cortical organization. PC 1 and PC 4 describe those relationships among variables that have been used previously by other workers to classify cells in the visual cortex of the cat. Specifically, PC 1 is highly correlated with those variables associated with type of afferent input and PC 4 is highly correlated with those variables that differentiate simple cells from complex cells. PC 2 and PC 3 , however, are highly correlated with variables that have not been used in classiying cells. Our results demonstrate that: (1) each of two major classification schemes (simple/complex and classification by afferent input) describe important differences among neurons in the cat's visual cortex and both must be incorporated into a comprehensive system for classifying cells in the cat's visual cortex; and (2) these two schemes when combined do not account for all the major differences among neurons in cat visual cortex, and at least two additional components are required: one related to orientation selectivity and dominance by the ipsilateral eye, and another related to directional selectivity and the degree of binocular interaction.
A Simple Scheme to Determine Potential Aquatic Metal Toxicity from Mining Wastes

A decision tree (mining waste decision tree) that uses simple physical and chemical tests has been developed to determine whether effluent from mine waste material poses a potential toxicity threat to the aquatic environment. For the chemical portion of the tree, leaching tests developed by the United States Geological Survey, the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (Denver, CO), and a modified 1311 toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test of the United States Environmental Protection Agency have been extensively used as a surrogate for readily available metals that can be released into the environment from mining wastes. To assist in the assessment, element concentration pattern graphs (ECPG) are produced that compare concentrations of selected groups of elements from the three leachates and any water associated with the mining waste. The MWDT makes a distinction between leachates or waters with pH less than or greater than 5. Generally, when the pH values are below 5, the ECPG of the...
The collection of strongly magnetic particles in HGMS

Abstract The process of collecting strongly magnetic particles is studied both experimentally and theoretically in a single wire arrangement of high gradient magnetic separation. It is found that for such particles the build-up consists of two regions: a compact build-up region close to the collection wire, and a region of particle chains, stretching from the compact build-up along the direction of the magnetic field. The chains are not entirely stable. The separation between them is found to depend on their length, the magnetization and size of the captured particles, and the magnetization of the HGMS collector.
Finite difference calculations of buoyant convection in an enclosure: verification of the nonlinear algorithm

Abstract Solutions are presented to nonlinear finite difference equations used to represent fire-driven buoyant convection in enclosures. The solutions depend upon the fact that these difference equations permit the decomposition of the discretized velocity field into solenoidal and irrotational components. The irrotational field is shown to satisfy a finite difference analog of Bernoulli's equation when the density is constant. This leads to a three-dimensional time-dependent solution to the difference equations. The solenoidal field is shown to possess steady-state two-dimensional solutions corresponding to a constant non-zero value of the discretized vorticity. The two solutions, together with results presented elsewhere describing finite difference approximations to linear internal waves in enclosures, have been used in the development and testing of the computer-based algorithms used to solve these equations. They have proved particularly useful in assessing the accuracy of finite difference approximations to the equations of inviscid fluid mechanics, as well as in debugging the computer codes implementing these algorithms.
TRESK is a mammalian anesthetic-sensitive K channel

Abstract Several members of the two-pore potassium channel family (K2P) display currents that are potentiated by clinical concentrations of volatile anesthetics. Fifteen human family members are known at present. In this presentation we show data on the anesthetic sensitivity of the most recently isolated K2P channel member, TRESK. Human TRESK is strongly potentiated by volatile anesthetics at near sub-clinical concentrations. Rodent (mouse and rat) TRESKs are also potentiated but with significantly lower efficacy. Species-specific differences are also found between rodent and human TRESKs in extracellular pH and zinc sensitivity. TRESK was initially described as having an expression pattern restricted to spinal cord and testis only; however, we have demonstrated TRESK expression by RT-PCR in human and rodent brain and by immunohistochemistry in rat brain. These data identify TRESK as a likely candidate for the action of volatile anesthetics, adding to the established role of K2P channels in anesthesia mechanisms.
Resistance training improves femoral artery endothelial dysfunction in aged rats

Although endurance exercise improves age-associated endothelial dysfunction, few studies have examined the effects of resistance training and the potential molecular mechanisms involved in altering vascular reactivity with age. Young (9 months) and aged (20 months) male, Fisher 344 rats were divided into four groups: Young Sedentary (YS, n = 14), Young Trained (YT, n = 10), Aged Sedentary (AS, n = 12), and Aged Trained (AT, n = 10). Resistance training consisted of climbing a 1 m wire ladder, at an 85 degrees angle, 3 days/week for 6 weeks with increasing weight added to the tail. Endothelial function in femoral arteries was determined by constructing acetylcholine dose-response curves on a wire myograph. Femoral artery phospho-Ser1179-eNOS, eNOS and Hsp90 expression were evaluated by Western blot. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was significantly (P < 0.05) impaired in AS compared to YS and YT but not AT compared to YS and YT. Phospho-Ser1179-eNOS and eNOS were elevated (P < 0.05) in aged animals but not changed with resistance training. Resistance training increased Hsp90 levels in both young and old animals. Therefore, resistance training improves age-associated endothelial dysfunction in femoral arteries without changes in eNOS phosphorylation and expression. Increased Hsp90 expression, a regulator of eNOS activity and coupling, suggests a potential mechanism for this improvement.
Discussion of “Evaluation of sea-surface roughness from underwater-pressure recordings” by H. R. Seiwell

Under the discussion of wave period, the author states, “Periods of surface waves are to be expected to be lower than those recorded at or near the bottom.” This statement is true, but it should be supplemented by a statement to the effect that, by placing a pressure pick-up unit below the sea surface, pressure fluctuations due to the shorter period waves are inappreciable or non-existent because of hydro-dynamic filtering. Thus, only the pressure fluctuations from the longer period waves are present to activate an underwater pressure pick-up unit. The relationships between the period of subsurface pressure-fluctuations and the average period of the combined wind waves and swell observed at the surface given by the author for stations at Cuttyhunk and Bermuda were merely a function of the depth of the instruments and the wind waves and swell that existed at the time of the observations. With different depths of instrument and different wave conditions, the filtering effects would be different; hence the ratio of periods as observed at the surface and recorded by an underwater instrument would be different. Without explanatory supplementary statements on filtering action accompanying wave motion, it is believed that the casual reader would be led to the erroneous belief that a certain single wave train would have a different period whether observed at the surface or below the surface.
Hypnosis and Smoking: A Review of the Literature

Abstract The use of hypnosis in the treatment of smoking is reviewed. Although there are many clinical reports available, there is almost no good research evidence attesting to the effectiveness of hypnosis in the elimination of smoking behavior.