cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emissions from two methanol-powered buses

Emissions from the two methanol-powered buses used in the California Methanol Bus Demonstration have been characterized. The M.A.N. SU 240 bus is powered by M.A.N.'s D2566 FMUH methanol engine, and utilizes catalytic exhaust aftertreatment. The GMC RTS II 04 bus is powered by a first-generation DDAD 6V-92TA methanol engine without exhaust aftertreatment. Emissions of HC, CO, NO/subX/, unburned methanol, aldehydes, total particulates, and the soluble fraction of particulate were determined for both buses over steady-state and transient chassis dynamometer test cycles. Emission levels from the M.A.N. bus were considerably lower than those from the GMC bus, with the exception of NO/subX/. Comparison of emission levels from methanol-and diesel-powered buses indicates that substantial reductions in emissions are possible with careful implementation of methanol fueling.
High-level expression of ice nuclei in a Pseudomonas syringae strain is induced by nutrient limitation and low temperature.

Attempts were made to maximize the expression of ice nuclei in Pseudomonas syringae T1 isolated from a tomato leaf. Nutritional starvation for nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, or iron but not carbon at 32 degrees C, coupled to a shift to 14 to 18 degrees C, led to the rapid induction of type 1 ice nuclei (i.e., ice nuclei active at temperatures warmer than -5 degrees C). Induction was most pronounced in stationary-phase cells that were grown with sorbitol as the carbon source and cooled rapidly, and under optimal conditions, the expression of type 1 ice nuclei increased from < 1 per 10(7) cells (i.e., not detectable) to 1 in every cell in 2 to 3 h. The induction was blocked by protein and RNA synthesis inhibitors, indicative of new gene expression. Pulse-labeling of nongrowing cultures with [35S]methionine after a shift to a low temperature demonstrated that the synthesis of a new set of "low-temperature" proteins was induced. Induced ice nuclei were stable at a low temperature, with no loss in activity at 4 degrees C after 8 days, but after a shift back to 32 degrees C, type 1 ice nuclei completely disappeared, with a half-life of approximately 1 h. Repeated cycles of low-temperature induction and high-temperature turnover of these ice nuclei could be demonstrated with the same nongrowing cells. Not all P. syringae strains from tomato or other plants were fully induced under the same culture conditions as strain T1, but all showed increased expression of type 1 ice nuclei after the shift to the low temperature. In support of this view, analysis of the published DNA sequence preceding the translational start site of the inaZ gene (R. L. Green and G. Warren, Nature [London] 317:645-648, 1985) suggests the presence of a gearbox-type promoter (M. Vincente, S. R. Kushner, T. Garrido, and M. Aldea, Mol. Microbiol. 5:2085-2091, 1991).
Comparison of spin dynamics in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ and La 2 − x Sr x CuO 4 : Effects of Fermi-surface geometry

Neutron experiments have indicated that the structure factor S(q,\ensuremath{\omega}) for the two cuprates ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ and ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ has a different q dependence. Commensurate peaks at (\ensuremath{\pi}/a,\ensuremath{\pi}/a) are observed in the former case, whereas clearly incommensurate peaks are seen in the latter, for metallic hole concentrations. We attribute this contrasting q dependence to differences in the Fermi-surface geometry, obtained in band-structure approaches, and (for the YBaCuO system) also corroborated by photoemission experiments. Using a large Coulomb-U, Fermi-liquid-based scheme, we present results for the q,\ensuremath{\omega} and temperature dependence of the neutron cross section as well as for the temperature dependence of the NMR relaxation, in both cuprate families at various hole concentrations. When antiferromagnetic quasiparticle interactions of moderate strength are included, these calculations compare favorably with experiment. It should be stressed that the Fermi-surface shape must be accurately represented in both systems in order to produce this good agreement with the neutron data. We conclude that the close correspondence found, thus far, between band-structure-derived spin dynamics and the detailed fermiology of both cuprates provides support for Fermi-liquid-based schemes.Furthermore, this correspondence suggests important constraints which should be included in theoretical schemes ranging from the marginal and nearly antiferromagnetic Fermi liquid to more exotic scenarios for the normal state. Within this context, it is extremely important to determine the characteristic energy scales of the Fermi liquid. Comparison of our calculations with the measured energy scales of the spin dynamics indicates that these are sufficiently low so that one can reconcile deviations from canonical behavior above ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ with a Fermi-liquid ground state. Explicit effects of these low-energy scales are discussed in the context of the quasiparticle lifetime as a function of frequency and temperature. Our detailed studies also yield predictions for future experiments which will help to test futher the validity of this approach.
The winged-helix transcription factor Foxd3 suppresses interneuron differentiation and promotes neural crest cell fate

The neural crest is a migratory cell population that gives rise to multiple cell types in the vertebrate embryo. The intrinsic determinants that segregate neural crest cells from multipotential dorsal progenitors within the neural tube are poorly defined. In this study, we show that the winged helix transcription factor Foxd3 is expressed in both premigratory and migratory neural crest cells. Foxd3 is genetically downstream of Pax3 and is not expressed in regions of Pax3 mutant mice that lack neural crest, implying that Foxd3 may regulate aspects of the neural crest differentiation program. We show that misexpression of Foxd3 in the chick neural tube promotes a neural crest-like phenotype and suppresses interneuron differentiation. Cells that ectopically express Foxd3 upregulate HNK1 and Cad7, delaminate and emigrate from the neural tube at multiple dorsoventral levels. Foxd3 does not induce Slug and RhoB, nor is its ability to promote a neural crest-like phenotype enhanced by co-expression of Slug. Together these results suggest Foxd3 can function independently of Slug and RhoB to promote the development of neural crest cells from neural tube progenitors.
A new ganglioside in human meconium detected by antiserum against the human milk sialyloligosaccharide, LS-tetrasaccharide b.

Abstract Antibodies directed against human milk sialyloligosaccharides [ D. F. Smith and V. Ginsburg (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 55–59 ] are used to identify human meconium gangliosides by radioimmuneoverlay-thin-layer chromatography or by direct binding on nitrocellulose filters of sialyl[ 3 H]oligosaccharide alditols obtained from gangliosides after ozonolysis and alkali-fragmentation. Thin-layer chromatograms of meconium monosialylgangliosides immunostained with rabbit antisera specific for LS-tetrasaccharide c (NeuAcα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc) or LS-tetrasaccharide b (Galβ1-3[NeuAcα2-6]GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc) reveal their corresponding gangliosides, 6′-LM 1 and a previously undescribed ceramide derivative of LS-tetrasaccharide b, respectively. The sialyl[ 3 H]oligosaccharides derived from the monosialylganglioside fraction of meconium are separated by paper chromatography and assayed for binding to specific anti-sialyloligosaccharide sera. Antisera specific for LS-tetrasaccharide c and 3′-sialyllactose (NeuAcα2-3Galβ1-4Glc) identify their corresponding 3 H-labeled haptens released from the major meconium gangliosides 6′-LM 1 and GM 3 , respectively. Binding of a ganglioside-derived sialyl[ 3 H]oligosaccharide by anti-LS-tetrasaccharide b serum is consistent with the presence in meconium of a monosialylganglioside with the following proposed structure:
Replication Factor C Is a More Effective Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) Opener than the Checkpoint Clamp Loader, Rad24-RFC

Clamp loaders from all domains of life load clamps onto DNA. The clamp tethers DNA polymerases to DNA to increase the processivity of synthesis as well as the efficiency of replication. Here, we investigated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) binding and opening by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae clamp loader, replication factor C (RFC), and the DNA damage checkpoint clamp loader, Rad24-RFC, using two separate fluorescence intensity-based assays. Analysis of PCNA opening by RFC revealed a two-step reaction in which RFC binds PCNA before opening PCNA rather than capturing clamps that have transiently and spontaneously opened in solution. The affinity of RFC for PCNA is about an order of magnitude lower in the absence of ATP than in its presence. The affinity of Rad24-RFC for PCNA in the presence of ATP is about an order magnitude weaker than that of RFC for PCNA, similar to the RFC-PCNA interaction in the absence of ATP. Importantly, fewer open clamp loader-clamp complexes are formed when PCNA is bound by Rad24-RFC than when bound by RFC.
Bank Lending to Minority and Low-Income Households and Neighborhoods: Do Community Reinvestment Agreements Make a Difference?

This article marks a new direction in research on the Community Development Act (CRA) by examining the outcomes of CRA agreements, comparing the mortgage and home improvement lending of banks with ...
Almost-uniform sampling of rotations for conformational searches in Robotics and Structural Biology

We propose a new method for sampling the rotation group that involves decomposing it into identical Voronoi cells centered on rotational symmetry operations of the Platonic solids. Within each cell, Cartesian grids in exponential coordinates are used to achieve almost-uniform sampling at any level of resolution, without having to store large numbers of co-ordinates, and without requiring sophisticated data structures. We analyze the shape of these cells, and explain how this new method can be used in the context of conformational searches in the fields of Robotics and Structural Biology.
Sampling plan and patient characteristics of the PROMIS pediatrics large-scale survey.

Purpose This paper describes a large-scale administration of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric items to evaluate measurement characteristics.
β-Fructofuranosidase activity in disaccharide transport mutants ofStreptococcus thermophilus

Sucrose transport negative (sucS) mutants were isolated after treatingStreptococcus thermophilus strain ST128 withN-methyl-N-nitroso-N′-nitroguanidine. The mutants could not grow on sucrose but retained ability to utilize lactose and the capacity to synthesize β-fructofuranosidase at the constitutive level. The intracellular enzyme required ca. pH 7.0 for optimum activity.
NEW LARGE SAMPLE AND BOOTSTRAP METHODS ON SHAPE SPACES IN HIGH LEVEL ANALYSIS OF NATURAL IMAGES

This paper, dedicated to the 80th birthday of Professor C. R. Rao, deals with asymptotic distributions of Frechet sample means and Frechet total sample variance that are used in particular for data on projective shape spaces or on 3D shape spaces. One considers the intrinsic means associated with Riemannian metrics that are locally flat in a geodesically convex neighborhood around the support of a probability measure on a shape space or on a projective shape space. Such methods are needed to derive tests concerning variability of planar projective shapes in natural images or large sample and bootstrap confidence intervals for 3D mean shape coordinates of an ordered set of landmarks from laser images.
Phorbol myristate acetate induces endocytosis as well as exocytosis and hydroosmosis in toad urinary bladder.

The induction of the hydroosmotic response in the toad urinary bladder is considered to be associated with membrane addition mediated by exocytosis at the affected luminal membrane and reversed by endocytic retrieval at that surface. The permeability, exocytosis and endocytosis are initiated by antidiuretic hormone (ADH) receptor interaction on the basolateral membrane. In other hormone responsive systems, phorbol ester (phorbol myristate acetate, PMA), a tumor promoter, has been implicated in the regulation of various transport processes through the activation of protein kinase C and cytoskeletal protein phosphorylation. We found that addition of 10−6 M PMA to the mucosa induces an hydroosmotic response which is gradual and which reaches a maximum within 60 min, equal to about 13 the maximal ADH response. Morphologically, PMA causes rapid exocytosis of the granules, endocytosis of horseradish peroxidase from the mucosal medium into tubules and multivesicular bodies and elongation of apical microvilli. Controls treated with mucosal 0.1% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or an inactive PMA isomer on the mucosal surface, or PMA on the serosal surface lack the hydroosmotic, exocytic, endocytic and cytoskeletal changes. Addition of serosal ADH to PMA-treated bladders results in a precocious hydroosmotic and exocytic ADH response, but a lowering of the maximal response. Also pretreatment of bladders with PMA prevented the ADH-induced increase in transepithelial potential difference. Thus, apical events mediating the PMA hydroosmotic response are correlated with exo- and endocytosis and elongation of apical microvilli.
An invasive podosome-like structure promotes fusion pore formation during myoblast fusion.

Recent studies in Drosophila have implicated actin cytoskeletal remodeling in myoblast fusion, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. Here we show that actin polymerization occurs in an asymmetric and cell type–specific manner between a muscle founder cell and a fusion-competent myoblast (FCM). In the FCM, a dense F-actin–enriched focus forms at the site of fusion, whereas a thin sheath of F-actin is induced along the apposing founder cell membrane. The FCM-specific actin focus invades the apposing founder cell with multiple finger-like protrusions, leading to the formation of a single-channel macro fusion pore between the two muscle cells. Two actin nucleation–promoting factors of the Arp2/3 complex, WASP and Scar, are required for the formation of the F-actin foci, whereas WASP but not Scar promotes efficient foci invasion. Our studies uncover a novel invasive podosome-like structure (PLS) in a developing tissue and reveal a previously unrecognized function of PLSs in facilitating cell membrane juxtaposition and fusion.
Polymer waveguide with tunable optofluidic couplers for card-to-backplane optical interconnects

Polymeric waveguides with tunable optofluidic couplers are fabricated by the vacuum assisted microfluidic technique for card-to-backplane optical interconnect applications. The optofluidic coupler on a backplane consists of polymer waveguides and a perpendicular microfluidic channel with inclined sidewalls. An index matching liquid and air bubbles are located in the microfluidic hollow channel. The activation or deactivation of the surface normal coupling of the optofluidic coupler is accomplished by setting air bubbles or index matching liquid to be in contact with the waveguide mirrors. 10 Gbps eye diagrams of the card-to-backplane optical interconnect link have been demonstrated showing the high performance of the interconnect system.
Image analysis shows that variations in actin crossover spacings are random, not compensatory

A recent paper by Bremer et al. (1991. J. Cell Biol. 115:689–703) has argued that the random angular disorder model for actin is wrong, and that the variations in crossover spacing observed in electron micrographs of F-actin filaments can be best explained by a compensatory disorder caused by the lateral slipping of the twin (or two-start) strands which comprise the actin filament. We have analyzed the images of F-actin presented in Bremer et al. and show that their data argues against compensatory disorder and in favor of random disorder, independent of the cause of the disorder. We also revise our estimate of the angular component and show that the magnitude of this disorder is about 5–6 degrees per subunit, which is less than the 10–12 degrees that we originally proposed.
Relationship of dirigent protein and 18s RNA transcript localization to heartwood formation in western red cedar.

Abstract Western red cedar ( Thuja plicata ) heartwood contains abundant amounts of structurally complex plicatic acid-derived lignans that help confer protective properties and longevity to this tissue type. Although the lignan biochemical entry point is dirigent protein-mediated, the formation of heartwood and its associated lignans in some species remains poorly understood due to technical difficulties of working with the former. To begin to address such questions, this study therefore focused on the anatomical localization of dirigent protein and 18s rRNA (control) gene transcripts within recalcitrant woody tissues, including heartwood. This in situ mRNA hybridization approach enabled detection of dirigent protein transcripts in cork cambia, vascular cambia and ray parenchyma cells of the sapwood, but not the heartwood under the conditions employed. By contrast, the hybridization of the 18s rRNA (control) transcript resulted in its detection in all tissue types, including radial parenchyma cells of apparently preformed heartwood. Application of in situ hybridization to such recalcitrant tissues thus demonstrates the utility of this technique in identifying specific cell types involved in heartwood formation, as well as the relationship of dirigent protein localization to that of heartwood metabolite generation.
The Influence of Conference Committees on Policy Outcomes

This article examines the effect that the spatial location of conference committees relative to the parent bodies has on congressional policy outcomes. The article presents a theoretical model proposing that conferees choose policies that maximize their policy utility subject to the constraint of gaining House and Senate majorities on the conference report. I tested the model using conferences on bills associated with votes that generated liberal-conservative divisions. The results confirm that, under specified conditions, conferees pull outcomes away from the parent bodies toward conferee preferences.
Monte Carlo simulation of avalanche formation and streamer discharge

Streamer discharges play a central role in the electrical breakdown of matter, both in nature and in technology, therefore accurate modeling and simulation of streamers are of high interest, and an insight is needed into the physics of streamer formation and propagation processes. This paper describes the formulation of a Monte Carlo model, which is capable of describing electron dynamics in air. This simulation is carried out in air in uniform electrical fields; we have investigated the effect of the photoionization, which is important in air and poses a major numerical challenge, and the technique also accounts for the effect of the rapid spatial and temporal space charge variations.
Development US Navy Gas Turbine Vibration Analysis Expertise: LM2500 Vibration and Trim Balance

Although generally reliable in-service and with an ever increasing mean time between removal, it was identified in the mid to late 1980’s that the LM2500 gas turbine in US Navy service had a problem with self generated vibration; this was principally due to imbalance in the gas generator or power turbine rotor, however, other non-synchronous sources for vibration were discovered to be important as well. The initial method for resolving this problem was to remove and repair, at a depot, the engines that exceeded the in-service alarm level. This turned out to be a very expensive approach and it was found that most engines that had excessive vibration levels in other respects (performance, etc.) were perfectly acceptable for continued use without repair. Raising the vibration alarm level was tried for a time. However, it became clear that prolonged engine operation with higher levels of vibration were detrimental to the mechanical integrity of the engine. This paper discusses the systematic approach developed to reduce LM2500 self generated vibration levels. This included monitoring system improvements, engine design & hardware improvements and the development and implementation of in-place trim balance. This paper also discusses some of the analysis and practical difficulties encountered reducing and maintaining low LM2500 vibration levels through trim balance and by other means. Also discussed is the present implementation of remotely monitoring LM2500 operating parameters, in particular vibration, through the Integrated Performance Analysis Reports (IPAR) and the Maintenance Engineering Library Server (MELS).© 2012 ASME
Father-son recognition in Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus). A field experiment in India

A juvenile male langur, about 15 months old, was removed from his natal one-male-multi-female troop and reintroduced after 3.3 weeks. In attempts to protect the juvenile, his presumed father, the troop's resident male, charged the primatologist who removed and released the individual. After the second removal, the juvenile was introduced into a neighboring male band. The resident male attacked the band members to keep them away from his females. However, after 3.4 weeks of separation, the father and the son recognized each other, because the resident male showed no aggression towards his son and the latter did not run away from him. Kin-recognition is considered to be a mechanism in structuring coalitions within langur male bands.
Some practical stability criteria for semistate equations

In this paper various conditions guaranteeing the ordinary, uniform, and asymptoticA-stability of semistate equations are given. These results are based on and given in terms of the semi-explicit form of a semistate equation.
Control of drooling by translocation of parotid duct and extirpation of mandibular gland.

SUMMARY A modified Eilkie procedure, consisting of submandibular gland resection and parotid duct transplantation, has proven to be successful in controlling drooling in over 90 per cent of 120 patients eith cerebral palsy and/or mental retardation. Folloe-up ranges from one to six years. The operation is safe, effective and appears to be permanent. RESUME Controle du bavage dans Vinfirmite motrice cerebrale et le retard mental La technique de eilkie modifyee, consistant en une resection des sous-maxillaires et une transplantation du canal parotidien, s'est montree efficace a plus de 90 pour cent en controlant le bavage chez 120 sujets IMC ou retardes mentaux, suivis de un a six ans. L'intervention est sure, efficace et parait definitive. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Kontrolle des Speichelflusses bei Cerebralparese und geistiger Retardierung Die modifizierte Methode nach eilkie, bestehend in der Resektion der Glandula submandibularis und in der Transplantation des Ductus parotideus, hat sich in mehr als 90 Prozent von 120 Patienten mit Cerebralparese und geistiger Retardierung fur die Speichel-fluskotrolle erfolgreich ereiesen. Die Patienten eurde zeischen ein und sechs Jahren nachkontrolliert. Die Operation ist sicher, effektiv und scheint zu einem bleibenden Erfolg zu fuhren.
Social identity framing communication strategies for mobilizing social change

Abstract Social identity framing delineates a set of communication tactics that leaders may use to harness follower support for a vision of social change. An experimental design tested the effectiveness of three social identity framing communication tactics (inclusive language, similarity language, positive social identity language) on follower outcomes. Students ( N = 246) completed dependent measures after reading one of eight possible leader speeches promoting renewable energy on campus. Results showed that participants exposed to inclusive language were more likely to: indicate that renewable energy was ingroup normative; intend to engage in collective action to bring renewable energy to campus; experience positive emotions and confidence about change; and to view the leader more positively. The combination of inclusive language and positive social identity increased ratings of leader charisma. Perceived leader prototypicality was related to followers' social identification, environmental values, ingroup injunctive norms, and self-stereotypes. Positive social identity language increased collective self-esteem. These results underline the important role of implicating social identity in leader communication that strives to mobilize follower support for social change.
Relaxation of two-dimensional interacting charged particles under magnetic confinement

We study the relaxation of a classical gas of fully interacting two-dimensional charged particles under a transverse magnetic field. The gas is initialized in an artificial condition{emdash}the particles are placed randomly into a circle of a fixed radius and released{emdash}and the equations of motion are integrated numerically to find the long-time equilibrium configuration. The scattering mechanisms responsible for the relaxation are studied, revealing two distinct regimes: at short times, the gas expands and contracts as a whole at roughly the cyclotron frequency, and the interparticle scattering (being density dependent) shows a periodic {open_quotes}scattering out{close_quotes} of a small fraction of the constituent particles from the oscillating body. After roughly ten cyclotron periods, about two-thirds of the particles have been scattered out of the oscillating cloud, and the scattering becomes essentially a small group oscillating through (and colliding with) a thermalized region of randomly moving charges. We find that the overall relaxation time of the gas scales like the square root of the number of particles, and that for a fixed number of particles the relaxation time scales like the inverse square root of the initial radius.
Asymptotic distribution of the likelihood ratio test that a mixture of two binomials is a single binomial

Abstract A problem of interest in genetics is that of testing whether a mixture of two binomial distributions Bi(k, p) and B i (k, 1 2 ) is simply the pure distribution B i (k, 1 2 ) . This problem arises in determining whether we have a genetic marker for a gene responsible for a heterogeneous trait, that is a trait which is caused by any one of several genes. In that event we would have a nontrivial mixture involving 0 Standard asymptotic theory breaks down for such problems which belong to a class of problems where a natural parametrization represents a single distribution, under the hypothesis to be tested, by infinitely many possible parameter points. That difficulty may be eliminated by a transformation of parameters. But in that case a second problem appears. The regularity conditions demanded by the applicability of the Fisher Information fails when k > 2. We present an approach where use is made of the Kullback Leibler information, of which the Fisher information is a limiting case. Several versions of the binomial mixture problem are studied. The asymptotic analysis is supplemented by the results of simulations. It is shown that as n → ∞, the asymptotic distribution of twice the logarithm of the likelihood ratio corresponds to the square of the supremum of a Gaussian stochastic process with mean 0, variance 1 and a well behaved covariance function. As k → ∞ this limiting distribution grows stochastically as log k.
Frequency Modulation of Heart Rate to Increase Low-Frequency Content of Cardiovascular Signals

Vital physiologic infonnation about the cardiovascular system resides in the low-frequency range of the frequency spectrum. The regularity of cardiac pulsations generaily restricts their frequency spectrum to a few lines corresponding to the hannonics of the regular wave-forms with little or no information at frequencies below the natural heart rate. To obtain accurate infonnation at frequencies above zero but below the natural heart rate, a simple experimental technique has been developed which introduces a periodic perturbation to the heart rate by electrical pacing. This frequency-modulated heart rate results in predictable increases in the low-frequency content of the pressure (F) and flow (Q) signals corresponding to the period and associated harmonics of the perturbation. Using this technique, curves are plotted for the modulus of the low-frequency hydraulic input impedance of a canine systemic arterial system.
Temperature and pH sensitivity of the partition coefficient as related to the blood-brain barrier to drugs.

The true drug distribution (apparent partition coefficient) coefficients of a number of CNS- active drugs were measured as a function of pH and temperature. It was found that the distribution coefficients of narcotics and narcotic antagonists are very sensitive to pH in the range of human physiological blood pH's and are strongly temperature dependent. Therefore, body temperature and blood pH of the patient must be considered when assessing blood-brain and blood-CSF exchange of a given drug.
Determination of concentrations via the diminution of Doppler shifts by radiation trapping

Abstract Under typical discharge conditions, atoms or molecules excited by electrons have a unique velocity component along the plasma electric field direction. This component results in Doppler shifts that can be observed and measured by a high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. We show theoretically that if the upper state of a given transition suffers radiation trapping, its Doppler shift will be reduced by a factor dependent upon the average number of trapping cycles a photon of that frequency experiences. We further show how the diminution of the Doppler shift can be related to the volume and the density of the trapping species. These results can be used to measure the unknown concentration of a trapping species provided a “standard” is available. A typical application of this technique would be the measurement of the concentration of a metastable discharge species, e.g., He, using the trapping of its known ground state density as a standard.
A Partial Test of Hulin's Psychometric Theory of Measurement Equivalence in Translated Tests

Hulin (1987) suggested that the a and b parameters of item characteristic curves (ICCs) for test items that function differentially when translated for use in another culture (i.e., DIF items) may provide useful information about the source of DIF. Hulin hypothesized that a-parameter differences and b-parameter differences “have much different linguistic and measurement implications.” He proposed that DIF due to b-parameter differences is due to translation error; DIF due to a-parameter differences is indicative of more “profound cultural bias.” The 118-item Trier Personality Inventory was administered (in German) shortly after reunification to 300 East and 298 West Germans. Thus, the source of any DIF discovered could not be due to translation error. IRT analysis revealed two significant DIF items and two items with DIF indices that approached significance. In disagreement with Hulin, there were large differences in the b parameters along with modest differences in the a parameters for three out of four ...
NIPT in a Clinical Setting: An analysis of Uptake in the First Months of Clinical Availability

The objective of our study was to describe the clinical experience in offering noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy to pregnant patients, highlighting the clinical utility, barriers to acceptance and limitations of this novel test. Data were collected from 961 patients offered NIPT from 3/1/12 to 9/30/12. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Twenty-eight percent of patients elected NIPT and 72 % declined. Women continue to elect less sensitive and less specific screening through biochemical markers and nuchal translucency. Women considering all options at average risk for aneuploidy were less likely to accept NIPT testing than women who had a risk adjustment from an ultrasound marker or routine screening test. In our multi-ethnic population, Filipina women were significantly less likely to elect NIPT compared to other ethnicities. Five percent of NIPT ordered failed analysis. Several chromosome abnormalities were detected through CVS or amniocentesis that would not have been detected by NIPT. Even though NIPT offers a non-invasive, highly sensitive and specific analysis for aneuploidy, the majority of women in our study declined this option. NIPT should be offered in the context of genetic counseling so that women understand the limitations of the testing and make an educated decision about the testing option best suited to their situation.
Comparing preservation strategies and practices for electronic records

This presentation reports on a study we conducted on behalf of the Preservation Task Force of the International Research on Permanent Authentic Records in Electronic Systems, known as the InterPARES Project. InterPARES is an international research initiative that involves national archives, university archives, and a team of academic researchers in archival science, preservation, and computer science to address issues related to the permanent preservation of authentic electronic records. The Project is investigating and developing theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and prototype systems required for the permanent preservation of authentic electronic records. In this paper we will focus on our study, and not on the InterPARES Project as a whole.
Psychosocial Differences Between Whites and African Americans Living With HIV/AIDS in Rural Areas of 13 US States

ABSTRACT: Context: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevalence rates are increasing rapidly in rural areas of the United States. As rural African Americans are increasingly affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is important to identify psychosocial factors unique to this group so that AIDS mental health interventions can be culturally contextualized to meet their unique needs. Purpose: The current study characterized psychosocial functioning in 43 rural African Americans living with HIV/AIDS and compared their levels of functioning to those of 196 HIV-infected rural white persons. Methods: All participants were recruited through AIDS service organizations in 13 US states. Surveys were completed as part of a preintervention phase of a randomized clinical trial evaluating 2 mental health interventions for HIV-infected rural persons. Findings: Compared to their white counterparts, fewer African Americans had progressed to AIDS. African American participants also reported higher levels of coping self-efficacy, more support from family members, and marginally fewer depressive symptoms, and they engaged in more active coping. African Americans who had greater HIV disease severity also received less support from family members and experienced more loneliness. Conclusions: Study findings caution that rural African Americans and whites living with HIV disease should not be considered a homogeneous group.
Flavor preference conditioning by oral self-administration of ethanol

Oral self-administration and operant tasks have been used successfully to confirm ethanol′s positive reinforcing effects in rats. However, in flavor conditioning tasks, ethanol is typically found to have aversive effects. The present studies explored this apparent paradox by examining the change in value of a flavor paired with orally self-administered ethanol in two different limited-access procedures. Rats were food-deprived and trained to drink (experiment 1) or to barpress for (experiment 2) 10% (v/v) ethanol during daily 30-min sessions using prandial initiation techniques. All rats were then exposed to a differential flavor conditioning procedure in which banana or almond extract was added to the drinking solution. One flavor (counterbalanced) was always mixed with ethanol (CS+), whereas the other flavor was mixed with water (CS–). By the end of conditioning, rats in both experiments drank more flavored ethanol than flavored water, confirming ethanol’s efficacy as a reinforcer. Moreover, barpress rates for CS+ exceeded those for CS– in the operant task. Ethanol doses self-administered in final sessions averaged about 1 g/kg. The effect of the flavor-ethanol contingency was assessed in preference tests that offered a choice between the two flavor solutions without ethanol. In both experiments, subjects developed a preference for the flavor that had been paired with ethanol. Thus, the outcome of flavor conditioning was consistent with that of the oral self-administration tasks in providing evidence of ethanol’s rewarding effects. These experiments confirm and extend previous studies showing that flavor aversion is not the inevitable result of flavor-ethanol association in rats. It seems likely that ethanol’s nutrient and pharmacological effects both contributed to the development of conditioned flavor preference.
The Blood Pressure Lowering Ability of Some Fractions of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth

A study has been made of the antihypertensive activity of nine samples from five different varieties of Rauwolfia serpentina., A difference in potency among the different samples and varieties, and the variation in response between animals demonstrates the need for an assay procedure for purposes of standardization of the activity. The prolonged action of certain of the preparations tested and a high therapeutic index suggest that the drug is worthy of further chemical and pharmacological study.
NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF SELF-SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEMS

We investigate the self-synchronization of nonlinear systems. The particular system considered is two-coupled, digital phase-locked loops. It is shown that the overall dynamics is far more complicated than that of a single loop, which is governed by a one-dimensional circle map. In the case of two-coupled loops, we observe that the dynamics is governed by explicit mapping equations only for certain regions of the parameter space. In the regions for which mapping equations can be derived, we find the universality class of the coupled loops. Using such a two loop system as a transmitter of a chaotic signal, it is shown how a third loop can synchronize with this signal. Our results may provide one possible solution to the problem of secure communications.
Physician attitudes toward cytotoxic chemotherapy use in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Attitudes toward the use of chemotherapy in patients with prostate carcinoma have changed as new therapeutics have demonstrated efficacy. This is important as randomized trials using chemotherapy are proposed. The authors used a questionnaire to investigate the attitudes of physicians in the New England area who care for patients with advanced prostate carcinoma. METHODS A 15-question survey was developed and mailed in the year 2000. No monetary incentives were used to encourage return of surveys. Baseline demographic data were obtained, including type of practice and number of patients with prostate carcinoma seen. Urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists were asked whether they had recommended chemotherapy for patients with prostate carcinoma, what they perceived as the effectiveness of specific drugs, what concerns they had regarding chemotherapy, and the appropriateness of chemotherapy in three hypothetical patient scenarios. RESULTS Of 1068 surveys that were delivered to practicing physicians, 232 surveys (22%) were returned and evaluable. Forty-six percent of respondents were urologists, 41% were medical oncologists, and 10% were radiation oncologists. Eighty-seven percent of respondents had recommended cytotoxic chemotherapy to their patients. Four agents were rated as moderately effective to very effective by 41–60% of respondents who rated effectiveness: estramustine, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, and docetaxel. In three hypothetical patient scenarios of hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma, only one patient was judged as an appropriate candidate for chemotherapy. In a multivariate analysis, female physicians and physicians with practices comprised of > 25% patients with hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma were more likely to recommend chemotherapy. Concerns regarding severe toxicity and lack of benefit were among the most influential on respondent decisions to use chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Most physicians who cared for patients with prostate carcinoma had recommended chemotherapy for patients with hormone-refractory disease. There were differences between specialties regarding the likelihood of recommending chemotherapy and clinical judgment regarding which patients were appropriate candidates for chemotherapy. Cancer 2003;97:2171–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11344
Image BOSS: An image database system designed for research

T HE PRIMARY PURPOSE for the use of a database is to help manage the vast amounts of data generated in today's "information age." Like other types of data, biomedical image data is currently being generated at enormous rates, and shows no signs of decreasing. Large volumes of image data become unmanageable under current computational systems. Mayo Foundation supports a significant number of research studies, which include medical images (computed tomography, magnetic resonance, etc) and biological images (optical microscope, confocal microscope, etc). Research topics range from basic science through clinical diseases. The Biomedical Imaging Resource (BIR) is a core resource at Mayo with a mission to provide expertise and computer resources for advanced image visualization and analysis. The BIR affiliated research activities generate large volumes of image data. For example, gastrointestinal nerve studies, which derive images from optical microscopy typically generate 50 to 70 images per nerve, each image containing 512 • 512 8 bit pixels, or approximately 262 kilobytes each. Similar cell types are imaged using different staining techniques. Several sets of images are collected from different organs in the body, and several different types of animals are under study, resulting in hundreds of sets of raw image data. After the raw data is collected, image processing is used to register, segment, and scale the images into an isotropic volume image. From these volume images, measurements are taken, objects are segmented and various visualization techniques, such as volume and surface rendering generate further images, which are used to view the cells and study the 3-dimensional relationships in the data. To date, the BIR has accumulated over 5,500 images for this single physiology investigator's work, requiring over 40 Gigabytes of storage.
Thermochemical engineering of hydrothermal crystallisation processes

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to highlight how understanding solution thermodynamics of aqueous systems can aid in choosing process parameters for hydrothermal synthesis reactions of phase pure materials. The steps necessary for generating equilibrium diagrams from thermochemical data and fundamental thermodynamic relationships are discussed. A case study is presented to illustrate how data from equilibrium diagrams aid in selecting appropriate hydrothermal synthesis conditions for optimisation of doping rare earth ions into lanthanum phosphate hosts. Thermochemical engineering for hydrothermal synthesis has broader applications for optimisation of dopant incorporation in other systems, as well as for reducing the number of empirical experiments necessary to synthesise phase pure products. Thus, thermochemical engineering is an important tool to maximise the potential of hydrothermal synthesis to be an industrially relevant process.
EXACT RESULTS FOR DIFFUSION-LIMITED REACTIONS WITH SYNCHRONOUS DYNAMICS

A method is introduced allowing one to solve exactly the reactions A+A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}inert and A+A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}A on the one-dimensional lattice with synchronous diffusional dynamics (simultaneous hopping of all particles). Exact connections are found relating densities and certain correlation properties of these two reactions at all times. Asymptotic behavior at large times as well as scaling form describing the regime of low initial density are derived explicitly.
Dynamic frequency and voltage scaling for a multiple-clock-domain microprocessor

Multiple clock domains is one solution to the increasing problem of propagating the clock signal across increasingly larger and faster chips. The ability to independently scale frequency and voltage in each domain creates a powerful means of reducing power dissipation. A multiple clock domain (MCD) microarchitecture, which uses a globally asynchronous, locally synchronous (GALS) clocking style, permits future aggressive frequency increases, maintains a synchronous design methodology, and exploits the trend of making functional blocks more autonomous. In MCD, each processor domain is internally synchronous, but domains operate asynchronously with respect to one another. Designers still apply existing synchronous design techniques to each domain, but global clock skew is no longer a constraint. Moreover, domains can have independent voltage and frequency control, enabling dynamic voltage scaling at the domain level.
High-frequency, high-intensity photoionization

Two analytical methods for computing ionization by high-frequency fields are compared. Predicted ionization rates compare well, but energy predictions for the onset of ionization differ radically. The difference is shown to arise from the use of a transformation in one of the methods that alters the zero from which energy is measured. This alteration leads to an apparent energy threshold for ionization that can, especially in the stabilization regime, differ strongly from the laboratory measurement. It is concluded that channel closings in intense-field ionization can occur at high as well as low frequencies. It is also found that the stabilization phenomenon at high frequencies, very prominent for hydrogen, is absent in a short-range potential.
Atlantic Intersections: Early American Commerce and the Rise of the Spanish West Indies (Cuba)

An Atlantic approach to the history of early American trade challenges traditional British opinions and, indeed, much Anglo-American scholarship regarding the commercial prospects of the new United States. Contemporary Spanish observations, in contrast to the more familiar and widely cited ones in English, correctly predicted the post-Revolutionary War integration of American and Spanish imperial markets. As political, diplomatic, and economic upheavals broke down the old mercantilist system, U.S. merchants quickly succeeded in exploiting their comparative advantage in the expanding Atlantic economy. The debate over the “decline” of the British West Indies is amplified by examining the concurrent “rise” of the Spanish West Indies, particularly Cuba, in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Influencing Health Debates Through Letters to the Editor: The Case of Male Circumcision

In this article I use the case of male circumcision (MC) to examine how grassroots activists, medical professionals, other stakeholders, and ordinary people employ letters to the editor (LTEs) to influence public health debates. I also show how journalistic practices affect the use of LTEs. Seventy LTEs about MC from U.S. newspapers between 1985 and 2006 are analyzed using qualitative methods. Pro-MC, anti-MC, and neutral LTE writers supported their stances on similar grounds, described adversaries as biased, and stressed medical and scientific authority. Yet only MC advocates and neutralists trivialized MC and declined to justify their stances, suggesting distinctive dynamics for LTEs about widely accepted practices. The prevalence of debated practices and activists' efforts to piggyback on related issues also affect LTE content. Editors chose LTEs to address readers' critiques, enact news values like balance and controversy, and showcase writers with strong claims to legitimacy, thereby mediating public health debates.