cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of convective turbulence: an effect of Prandtl number

Abstract Direct numerical modeling is used to study the influence of Prandtl number (Pr) on the style of high Rayleigh number thermal convection. The spline-characteristic method, an algorithm for direct numerical simulation of turbulent flows, is employed to simulate 3-D convection in the Boussinesq limit. The differences in plume dynamics reveal themselves in the spectra, and in the probability distributions of turbulent fluctuation. They indicate the growing dominance of large-scale temperature fluctuations with decreasing Pr. The boundary layer of infinite-Pr ]onvection forms ridges interconnected into cellular structures. These cells have a preferred size which decreases with increasing Rayleigh number. Well-shaped, strong plumes grow at the intersections of these ridges. The flowfield of a low-Pr convection exhibits ‘swarms’ of smaller plumes, and boundary-layer ridges join together to form large-scale coherent structures similar to the elongated ‘rivers’ found in homogeneous isotropic turbulence.
Is there a hearing aid for the thinking person

BACKGROUND: The history of auditory prosthesis has generally concentrated on bottom-up processing, that is, on audibility. However, a growing interest in top-down processing has focused on correlations between success with a hearing aid and such higher order processing as the patient's intelligence, problem solving and language skills, and the perceived effort of day-to-day listening. PURPOSE: Examination of two cases of cognitive effects in hearing that illustrate less-often-studied issues: (1) Individual subjects in a study use different listening strategies, a fact that, if not known to the experimenter, can lead to errors in interpretation; (2) A measure of shared attention can point to otherwise unknown functional effects of an algorithm used in hearing aids. RESEARCH DESIGN: In the two examples described above: (1) Patients with cochlear implants served in a study of the binaural precedence effect, that is, echo suppression. (2) Individuals identifying speech-in-noise benefit from noise reduction (NR) when the criterion was improved performance in simultaneous tests of verbal memory or visual reaction times. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of hearing impairment, either in the laboratory or in a fitting session, should include study of the complex stimuli that make up the natural environment, conditions where the thinking auditory brain adopts strategies for dealing with large amounts of input data. In addition to well-known factors that must be included in communication, such things as familiarity, syntax, and semantics, the work here shows that strategic listening can affect even how we deal with seemingly simpler requirements, localizing sounds in a reverberant auditory scene and listening for speech in noise when busy with other cognitive tasks.
Antagonism of L-baclofen-induced antinociception by CGP 35348 in the spinal cord of the rat.

This study examined the potency and selectivity of the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (3-amino-propyl(diethoxymethyl)phosphinic acid) in the spinal cord of the rat. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of 3–30 μg CGP 35348 produced a dose-dependent antagonism of the antinociception produced by i.t. administered L-baclofen. Increasing doses of CGP 35348 produced progressive, rightward parallel shifts in the dose-effect relationship of L-baclofen in both the tail flick and hot plate tests. However, in the tail flick test, the magnitude of the shift was not proportional to the dose of CGP 35348 such that doses greater than 10 μg i.t. produced no further antagonism. Schild analysis using all three doses of CGP 35348 yielded a slope of −0.45. However, if the Schild analysis was confined to the two lowest doses of CGP 35348 at which progressive shifts were obtained, a slope of −0.91 and an apparent pA2 value of 9.3 were obtained. An apparent pA2 value of 9.0 was also obtained in the hot plate test using the two lowest doses of CGP 35348. These data suggest that CGP 35348 is a competitive GABAB receptor antagonist at low concentrations. However, the failure to observe greater antagonism at higher doses of CGP 35348 suggests that this drug may exhibit additional properties at higher concentrations that can mask or prevent the occurrence of further antagonism. In contrast, the antinociception produced by i.t. administration of the GABAA receptor agonist isoguvacine was not antagonized by 30 μg i.t. CGP 35348, a dose that shifted the dose-effect relationship of L-baclofen 10-fold to the right. These data suggest that CGP 35348 is a potent and selective antagonist of spinal GABAB receptors in the rat.
A rapid in vitro system for screening the effect of experimental compounds on nonadhering cell lines

A simple in vitro method was developed to assess the toxic effect of experimental compounds, with two nonadhering cell lines, a parasitic protozoan,Leishmania mexicana (promastigote), and human lymphocyte CEM T4 cells. The technique developed involves growth of cells in a 96-well microwell plate and monitoring of turbidity. This technique requires the use of a chemically defined medium, nonadhering cells, and a microwell spectrophotometer. The method is rapid, simple, and can, in principle, be easily applied to determine the effect of test agents on any nonadhering cell line or microorganism.
Effectiveness of stream restoration following highway reconstruction projects on two freshwater streams in Kentucky

Abstract After new highway construction near or across a stream, the site often requires remediation to reestablish suitable habitat for local biota. This study addresses effectiveness of environmental mitigation efforts for these construction projects, and contributes to the development of a protocol for environmental mitigation to be adopted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Effects of remediation on two small KY, USA, streams, Cedar Creek and Holts Creek, were assessed using U.S. EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP). Habitat assessments and fish species assemblage surveys (index of biotic integrity) were conducted for three sectors of each stream. A decrease in total habitat assessment scores was observed at the remediated sector in each stream. However, for both streams the IBI fish assemblage scores were similar for upstream and remediated sectors, indicating that habitat impact resulted in limited effects on fish assemblages. The overall score for the downstream reach of Cedar Creek also was similar to upstream and remediated sectors, but the downstream portion of Holts Creek scored lower, primarily because of reduced number of fish species and abundances. This was likely due to stream characteristics and lack of diversity. The U.S. EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols proved to be well suited for quantitative assessments of fish assemblages for small stream sectors with limited impacted areas. Although habitat quality scored somewhat lower in the remediated sectors of both streams, there were no major impairments of overall stream productivity and no apparent blockage of fish migration. The most apparent deficiencies in habitat restoration involved protective and riparian vegetation, resulting in diminished bank stability, increased prospects for bank erosion, moderate downstream siltation, and consequences of stream channelization.
Backbone folding of immunoglobulin light and heavy chains: A comparison of predicted β-bend positions

Abstract We have calculated the probable positions of β-bends in immunoglobulin light and heavy chains of several species from their amino acid sequences and have found that (1) many β-bends are predicted to occur in all domains; (2) outside of the hypervariable segments, the predicted positions of β-bends are essentially the same in the light chain variable regions, regardless of sub-group; (3) the same holds true for the heavy chain variable regions but the predicted positions of β-bends are somewhat different from those in the light chains; (4) in contrast, positions of β-bends in the hypervariable segments show no uniformity; (5) β-bends are predicted to occur in the immediate vicinity of hypervariable regions; and (6) about half of all glycine, proline, and serine residues have high probabilities of occurrence in β-bends. We have concluded that there is an overall common structural design in light chains, and in heavy chains, which in the absence of significant quantities of other recognizable conformational features, may be at least partially influenced by the positions of β-bends. One of the primary functions of β-bends may be to hold the hypervariable regions in close proximity. A comparison of the predicted positions of β-bends in the variable domain showed that these positions were preserved despite variation in the amino acid sequence. Thus, preservation of β bends may be one mechanism by which selective pressure is exerted on chain conformation. This possibility is further supported by the finding that no uniformity is observed in the hypervariable regions, so that the configuration of the active site may vary significantly from one molecule to another.
Correlates of Multiple Placements in Foster Care: A Study of Placement Instability in Five States

In order to assess the consistency of correlates of multiple placements, secondary data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) were examined for five states. The relationships between multiple placements and age, disability, and maltreatment type were consistent across the states studied. On the other hand, gender, race, and foster care system size were inconsistently related to multiple placements in terms of direction and/or strength. These results point to the importance of considering not only the strength and direction of these relationships, but also the enduring or shifting nature of these relationships across environments.
Microjet Impingement Cooling With Phase Change

The large heat generation rates in contemporary microprocessors require new thermal management solutions. Two-phase microjet impingement cooling promises high heat transfer coefficients and effective cooling of hotspots. We have fabricated integrated microjet structures with heaters and temperature sensors to study local heat transfer at the impingement surface of a confined microjet. Circular jets with diameters less than 100 μm are machined in glass. Preliminary temperature measurements (for Rej = 100–500) suggest that heat transfer coefficients of 1000 W/m2 C close to the jet stagnation zone can be achieved. As the flowrate of the jet is increased, a tradeoff in heat removal capability and wall superheat is observed. To aid in understanding the mechanism for wall superheat during boiling at the heated surface, the devices allow for optical access through the top of the device. However, the formation of vapor from the top reservoir makes visualization difficult. This study aids in the design of microjet heat sinks used for integration into a closed-loop cooling system.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Coroner Training Needs: A Numeric and Geographic Analysis

Objective. —To define geographically and numerically the need for coroner training programs. Design. —Survey and literature review. Setting. —States in the United States that have coroners. Main Outcome Measures. —Which states have coroners; which states require coroners to be physicians or have mandated training requirements; and the number of coroners potentially requiring training on an annual basis. Results. —Twenty-nine states have coroners in some or all counties with coroner states being located throughout most of the United States except for New England and the MidAtlantic states. Four states (Louisiana, Kansas, North Dakota, and Ohio) require coroners to be physicians. Seven states (Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming) have mandated training requirements. At any given time, there are approximately 2759 individuals serving as coroners. Nationwide, the annual number of newly elected or appointed coroners ranges from 159 to 1546. Conclusions. —It is feasible to provide training to all newly elected or appointed coroners annually. The use of existing training programs, development of state-specific training programs, and the development of a standard national training curriculum may be useful strategies. Funding sources for coroner training need to be explored.
Predictors of inotrope use in patients undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgeries at separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)

Background Left ventricular dysfunction is common after coronary artery bypass graft and valve replacement surgeries and is often treated with inotropic drugs to maintain adequate hemodynamic status. In this study, we aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic and hemodynamic factors that are associated with use of inotropic drugs in patients undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass graft and aortic valve replacement surgery.
Mesometeorological observation of physical properties in a typical wave cyclone family in western oregon

Es wird uber die Untersuchung einer Zyklonenperiode in West-Oregon berichtet, die in koordinierter Weise konventionelle synoptische, luftelektrische und Radarbeobachtungen verwendet. Derartige kombinierte Analysen durften geeignet sein, mesometeorologische Probleme, wie zum Beispiel die Kartierung der ortlichen Niederschlagsverteilung, zu losen.
From Ancient to Modern Organization: The Church as Conduit and Creator

This article seeks to illustrate the importance of the medieval Church in the emergence of modern organizational forms. In outlining the organizational development of the Church, similarities to "modern " organization are noted using Weber's ideal-typical presentation of bureaucracy. It is argued that the medieval Church preserved some Roman administrative techniques, created new forms over the course of its development, and served as a model for emerging nation states in Western Europe.
What becomes of global color

Abstract The recent demise of certain global unbroken symmetry generators in the presence of a grand unified magnetic monopole leads us to consider more carefully the notion of charges associated with gauge symmetries. It turns out that global transformations associated with the generators of the gauge group, and their charges, make sense only for extended systems which are sufficiently localized. GUT monopoles fail this criterion. Detailed consideration of the monopole-antimonopole system helps remove apparent paradoxes related to the chromodyon excitations of a single monopole and agrees with the previous result that some, but not all, of the states naively expected do exist. The remaining states ns needed to fill out color multiplets are spread throughout space; they are recovered as long-lived excitations when an antimonopole is brought in from infinity.
Charge exchange effects in the (d, p) reaction leading to states in 93,95Zr, 93,95Mo and 141Ce

Abstract Excitation functions for the (d, p) reaction leading to the first few levels in 93,95 Zr, 93,95 Mo and 141 Ce have been obtained in the energy region of the (d, n) thresholds to the corresponding isobaric analog states. Anomalies have been observed in the reactions leading to the d 5 2 ground state in 93,95 Zr and 93,95 Mo and the s 1 2 first excited state in 95 Zr at the corresponding (d, n) thresholds.
Neuritic plaque evolution in Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by transition of activated microglia from primed to enlarged to phagocytic forms.

Activated microglia, overexpressing the potent neuroactive cytokine interleukin-1, have been implicated as a driving force in the evolution of diffuse amyloid deposits into diagnostic neuritic plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. To evaluate this role further, we used double-label immunohistochemistry to classify and quantify plaque-associated and non-plaque-associated activated interleukin-1-immunoreactive microglia in parahippocampal tissue from 11 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. These activated microglia were subclassified as primed (only slightly enlarged), enlarged, or phagocytic (enlarged with heterogeneous cytoplasmic contents). We further determined the distribution of these microglial subtypes among four defined plaque types. Most (84%) primed microglia were not plaque associated, although 13% were present in diffuse non-neuritic plaques and 3% were present in diffuse neuritic plaques. In contrast, most enlarged (55%) and phagocytic (91%) microglia were plaque associated. Of plaque-associated enlarged microglia, most (71%) were found in diffuse neuritic plaques with the remainder evenly distributed between diffuse non-neuritic and dense-core neuritic plaques (15% each). Of plaque-associated phagocytic microglia, a few were present in diffuse non-neuritic plaques (5%), but most were found in diffuse neuritic plaques (62%) and dense-core neuritic plaques (33%). These findings show preferential association of primed microglia with diffuse amyloid deposits and imply that microglial transformation from primed, to enlarged, to phagocytic types occurs in concert with the evolution of amyloid plaques from diffuse amyloid deposits to the neuritic β-amyloid plaque forms in Alzheimer’s disease. Microglial phagocytic activity in neuritic plaques may reflect involvement in the processing of diffuse amyloid into condensed β-amyloid, or in clearance of neuritic debris.
Perceptions of African American Police Officers on Racial Profiling in Small Agencies

Most assessments of the impact and effects of biased-based policing have been reviewed from the aspect of officer-citizen interaction during traffic stops, with the majority of studies focusing on these occurrences in larger police jurisdictions. Yet police officers themselves, and particularly African American officers, bring a completely different perspective to this issue that has not been fully considered or developed, especially where it concerns the smaller agencies that make up the bulk of the nation’s police community. This study considers the perceptions of African American police officers regarding the presence and impact of biased-based policing in their agencies, as well as their perceptions of the positive or negative effects of their presence in these small local police agencies.
A quantum cup-length estimate for symplectic fixed points

A new lower bound for the number of fixed points of Hamiltonian automorphisms of closed symplectic manifolds (M,ω) is established. The new estimate extends the previously known estimates to the class of weakly monotone symplectic manifolds. We prove for arbitrary closed symplectic manifolds with rational symplectic class that the cup-length estimate holds true if the Hofer energy of the Hamiltonian automorphism is sufficiently small. For arbitrary energy and on weakly monotone symplectic manifolds we define an analogon to the cup-length based on the quantum cohomology ring of (M,ω) providing a quantum cup-length estimate.
Expression of immune inhibitory receptor ILT3 in acute myeloid leukemia with monocytic differentiation.

Background: The diagnosis of AML with monocytic differentiation is limited by the lack of highly sensitive and specific monocytic markers. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3) is an immune inhibitory receptor expressed by myelomonocytic cells and at high levels by tolerogenic dendritic cells. Methods: Using flow cytometry, we analyzed the expression of ILT3 in 37 patients with AML and 20 patients with no detectable disease. Results: We showed that ILT3 was expressed in all cases of AML displaying monocytic differentiation (FAB M4/M5; N = 18), but not in AML M1/M2 and M3 (N = 19; P < 0.0001). Co-expression of ILT3 and immature cell markers, such as CD34 and CD117, was observed in monoblastic leukemia. ILT3 expression was preserved after treatment in M4/M5 patients with refractory or relapsed disease. ILT3 expression was associated with the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities linked to an intermediate prognosis (P = 0.001). Rare CD45dimCD34+CD117+ILT3+ cells were identified in noninvolved bone marrow, suggesting that ILT3 expression is acquired at an early stage by normal myelomonocytic precursors. Conclusions: ILT3 is a highly sensitive and specific marker which distinguishes AML with monocytic differentiation from other types of AML. Testing of ILT3 expression should be incorporated into the initial diagnostic work-up and monitoring of patients with AML. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of 1- and 2-methylbenzotriazole

Abstract The NMR parameters of 1-methyl- and 2-methylbenzotriazole have been obtained from their high resolution spectra. LAOCOON III was used to iteratively refine the reported chemical shifts and coupling constants. Huckel molecular orbital calculations were performed in the hope of facilitating the choice of input parameters for the computer analysis of the complex ABCD spectrum of the 1-methylbenzotriazole. No useful correlation was found between the π-electron densities and chemical shifts of the aromatic protons. A deuteration experiment was performed to unambiguously assign the chemical shifts of the four protons. The NMR and MO data are tabulated and compared.
Expression of the Gene Encoding the LIM Protein CRP2: A Developmental Profile

Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family are evolutionarily conserved Lin-11, Isl-1, Mac-3 (LIM) domain proteins that have been implicated in cell differentiation. Here we describe the expression pattern of the CRP family member CRP2 in mouse. Unlike other CRP family members, which are expressed primarily in muscle, CRP2 is more broadly expressed. In addition to expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, we also detect CRP2-specific transcripts in mesenchymal derivatives and several epithelia.
Effect of Fruit Scarcity on Use of Spatial Memory in a Seed Predator, White-faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia)

Many studies have shown that primates use spatial memory to travel efficiently between important resources such as trees with ripe fruit or water holes. White-faced sakis (Pithecia pithecia) have shown strong evidence of spatial memory as they travel efficiently to feed on the seeds of highly productive fruit trees and the ripe fruit of a highly preferred tree species and to drink from natural cisterns in trees. Researchers theorize that primates rely less on memory when they feed on more evenly dispersed food. Here we examine the use of spatial memory in a group of wild white-faced sakis during a month of fruit scarcity when they foraged for desiccated seeds, leaves, insect material, and flowers. We used logistic regression and three computer models (the geometric model, the step model, and the change point model) to analyze their movement patterns. We find that the focal group does not demonstrate the use of memory. These results are in contrast to results from a study of spatial memory with the same focal group in the two immediately preceding months. The results conform to theories on the role of nutritionally dense and patchy foods in driving the use of memory during travel between feeding sites. They demonstrate that, within a short time, a group of primates can vary from a strong reliance on spatial memory to no demonstrable use of spatial memory.
Field Mapping of the IUCF 200 MeV Cyclotron

Magnetic field mapping of the Indiana main stage cyclotron is performed on a Cartesian grid using a 4 by 4 array of Hall probes. The apparatus, driven by torque motor-assisted, high-speed stepping motors, maps one eighth of the cyclotron beam area in 6 hours. Positioning accuracy is maintained by encoders attached to the stepping motor drive shafts and absolute probe locations are determined using magnetic fiducials on the magnet pole tip. The mapper is interfaced to a digital computer for automatic position control and for field data acquisition, reduction and storage. On-line data reduction includes conversion of Hall voltages to field values, allowing for individual differences in the sensitivity and non-linearity of the probes, and corrections in the fields for measured errors in the relative probe positions. Examples of the field data quality obtained are presented.
Process capability indices: overview and extensions

The process capability indices Cp, Cp*, CPL, CPU, CPL*, CPU* Cpk Cpk* Cpm and Cpm* are presented and related to process parameters. These indices form a complementary system of measures of performance and are used by a number of U.S. and Japanese industries. Some properties of an estimator of Cpm, Ĉpm are given, and the operating characteristic curve approach is used to analyze Ĉp, Ĉpm and Ĉp where Ĉpm and Ĉpm are estimators of Ĉp and Ĉpm respectively. Two tables for the analysis and use of Ĉp and Ĉpm are included, and an example of application of Ĉp, Ĉpm, and Ĉpk is provided, where Ĉpk is an estimator of Ĉpk. Finally, criticisms and benefits of the use of process capability indices are presented.
A Perceptual Grouping Hierarchy for Appearance-Based 3D Object Recognition

In this paper we consider the problem of 3D object recognition and the role that perceptual grouping processes must play. In particular, we argue that reliance on a single level of perceptual grouping is inadequate, since it is responsible for the specific weaknesses of several well-known recognition techniques. Instead, recognition must use a hierarchy of perceptual grouping processes. We describe an appearance-based system that uses four distinct levels of perceptual grouping to represent 3D objects in a form that allows not only recognition, but reasoning about 3D manipulation of a sort that has been supported in the past only by 3D geometric models. The results of the algorithms have been previously reported, and the main contribution of this paper is the development of the perceptual organization hierarchy.
PREPARATION OF AN ANTISERUM SPECIFIC TO A SPONTANEOUS MOUSE LEUKAEMIA AFTER THE INDUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL IMMUNOLOGICAL TOLERANCE TO NORMAL MOUSE TISSUE.

THE feasibility of preparing antisorum to the transplantable Ehrlich ascites tumour after the induction of immunological tolerance to normal mousa tissue antigens in the neonatal rabbit has been reported previously from this laboratory1,2. Such tolerant anti-Ehrlich ascites tumour sera, when tested in vivo, were toxic for the tumour and relatively innocuous for the murine host. Non-tolerant anti-Ehrlich ascites tumour sera displayed far greater murine toxicity, and no greater, or decreased, protection against the transplanted tumour. Antisera to normal tissues from animals previously made tolerant to the same tissues have no increased anti-tumour effect, and non-tolerant anti-normal tissue sera have not only no increased anti-tumour activity, but are highly murine toxic. Other authors, using in vitro tests, have reported similar findings on other tumours3,4.
Interjudge and intrajudge reliabilities in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (fees) using the penetration-aspiration scale: a replication study.

This study used Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES®) to assess the reliability of the Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) using 79 swallows and four judges in a replication of a study using videofluoroscopy (VFSS). The swallows were diagnosed using FEES, which allowed for comparison between the two techniques. The findings indicated that all categories of the PAS achieved adequate reliability, both on intrajudge and interjudge assessments. Reliabilities, with the exception of Scale Score 7, were higher in this study than in the original study by Rosenbek and associates. Data analysis indicated that judges were more highly consistent on second ratings compared with their original ratings, indicating a learning curve on the PAS. In addition, findings suggested that the FEES was more reliable on assessing penetration than VFSS, but that VFSS was more reliable on the assessment of the various severities of aspiration. The two techniques were equally effective in discriminating between penetration and aspiration. This study found that FEES was just as reliable as VFSS when using the PAS.
Predicting five-year outcome for patients with cutaneous melanoma in a population-based study

BACKGROUND In numerous studies tumor thickness has been shown to be the most important prognostic factor for patients with localized cutaneous melanoma. However, to our knowledge there are no population-based studies analyzing the prognosis of patients living in the United States with cutaneous melanoma. METHODS A prognostic model was developed with death as an outcome for 548 patients from Connecticut with localized cutaneous melanoma. Only patients with invasive melanoma who either died of the disease or were followed-up at least five years were studied. Fourteen pathologic parameters (histologic type of melanoma, Clark level, microscopic satellites, histologic regression, tumor thickness [Breslow], ulceration, vascular invasion, mitotic rate per mm2, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, radial vs. vertical growth phase, solar elastosis, co-existing nevus, lymphocytic response, and pigmentation) and three clinical variables (age, sex, and anatomic site) were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS After univariate analysis, 10 pathologic variables showed prognostic significance: histologic type (nodular and “other” types only), Clark level, microscopic satellites, regression (protective), tumor thickness, ulceration, vascular invasion, mitotic rate, vertical growth phase, and solar elastosis (protective). In the final model employing multivariate analysis, only tumor thickness and mitotic rate continued to have independent predictive value. CONCLUSIONS In this population-based study of 548 patients in Connecticut, tumor thickness was the most significant prognostic factor for survival of patients with localized cutaneous melanoma. Other prognostic factors studied to date have not been conclusively verified as providing any additional information beyond that of tumor thickness. Cancer 1996;78:427-32.
State DOT Performance Programs: From Program Development to Strategic Planning

Abstract This article presents evidence from selected state transportation departments across the United States that indicates that although many states have established performance measures programs, very few have acted to integrate across the board results into transportation decision-making processes. Transportation-related performance programs across the nation have reached a critical juncture between performance program creation and integration of results into decision-making processes. Only time will tell if the fundamental strength of performance programs, that of enhancing strategic planning, will be unleashed, thereby strengthening the management of transportation programs and the relationship with decision-makers and the public that government transportation providers desperately need.
An Overview of the U.S. EPA Proposed Amendments to the Guidelines for the Health Assessment of Suspect Developmental Toxicants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently proposed amendments to the Guidelines for the Health Assessment of Suspect Developmental Toxicants. These amendments expand and clarify points made in the original guidelines, and add new information based on advances in the field. For example, the original risk assessment guidance was developed around several basic assumptions that were implicit in the earlier document, but that are clearly stated in the proposed amendments. Also, several consensus workshops were held following the completion of the 1986 guidelines, and the conclusions of these workshops have been incorporated. These include workshops dealing with the relationship of maternal and developmental toxicity, and with the development of an approach for a weight-of-evidence classification. In addition, a reference dose for developmental toxicity (RfDT) is proposed, based on short-term exposure, to distinguish it from the Rf D for chronic exposure. Other proposed changes include the expansion...
Representation and recognition of the spatial organization of three-dimensional shapes.

The human visual process can be studied by examining the computational problems associated with deriving useful information from retinal images. In this paper, we apply this approach to the problem of representing three-dimensional shapes for the purpose of recognition. 1. Three criteria, accessibility, scope and uniqueness, and stability and sensitivity, are presented for judging the usefulness of a representation for shape recognition. 2. Three aspects of a representation9s design are considered, (i) the representation9s coordinate system, (ii) its primitives, which are the primary units of shape information used in the representation, and (iii) the organization the representation imposes on the information in its descriptions. 3. In terms of these design issues and the criteria presented, a shape representation for recognition should: (i) use an object-centred coordinate system, (ii) include volumetric primitives of varied sizes, and (iii) have a modular organization. A representation based on a shape9s natural axes (for example the axes identified by a stick figure) follows directly from these choices. 4. The basic process for deriving a shape description in this representation must involve: (i) a means for identifying the natural axes of a shape in its image and (ii) a mechanism for transforming viewer-centred axis specifications to specifications in an object-centred coordinate system. 5. Shape recognition involves: (i) a collection of stored shape descriptions, and (ii) various indexes into the collection that allow a newly derived description to be associated with an appropriate stored description. The most important of these indexes allows shape recognition to proceed conservatively from the general to the specific based on the specificity of the information available from the image. 6. New constraints supplied by a conservative recognition process can be used to extract more information from the image. A relaxation process for carrying out this constraint analysis is described.
Simulation of Primary Aberrations of a Lens Using a Generalized Michelson Interferometer

The Michelson interferometer in its more generalized form is shown to be an analog of a lens suffering from primary aberrations. This is a true analog in the sense that no test lens is needed, except insofar as certain lenses form part of the interferometer. By suitable modification it could be made to simulate primary spherical aberration, primary astigmatism, and primary coma.
Nonaromatic core-shell structure of nanodiamond from solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

The structure of synthetic nanodiamond has been characterized by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral editing combined with measurements of long-range 1H−13C dipolar couplings and 13C relaxation times. The surface layer of these ∼4.8-nm diameter carbon particles consists mostly of sp3-hybridized C that is protonated or bonded to OH groups, while sp2-hybridized carbon makes up less than 1% of the material. The surface protons surprisingly resonate at 3.8 ppm, but their direct bonding to carbon is proved by fast dipolar dephasing under homonuclear decoupling. Long-range 1H−13C distance measurements, based on 13C{1H} dipolar dephasing by surface protons, show that seven carbon layers, in a shell of 0.63 nm thickness that contains ∼60% of all carbons, predominantly resonate more than +8 ppm from the 37-ppm peak of bulk diamond (i.e., within the 45−80 ppm range). Nitrogen detected in 15N NMR spectra is mostly not protonated and can account for some of the high-frequency shift of carbon. The location o...
Quantum Field Theory for Bosons with Condensed Phase at a Finite Temperature

A detailed proof is given for the validity of substituting a $c$ number for the zero-momentum-state operators in the quantum-field-theory approach to the many-boson problem at a finite temperature. We use a modification of the method of Kromminga and Bolsterli, and add slightly to their work for the ground-state case. The case in which the bosons which condense are themselves composite particles, as in superconductivity, is treated in this method by the artifice of coupling to a fictitious elementary boson and then letting the coupling become infinitely weak; the self-consistent formulation of Schrieffer for superconductivity can be obtained in this way.
Effects of competitive and noncompetitive antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor on the analgesic action of δ1- and δ2-opioid receptor agonists in mice

1. The effects of MK-801, a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and LY 235959, a competitive antagonists of the NMDA receptor on the analgesic actions of [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and [D-Ala2, Glu4] deltorphin II (deltorphin II), the putative delta 1- and delta 2-opioid receptor agonists, respectively, were determined in the male Swiss-Webster mice. 2. Intracerebroventricular administration of DPDPE or deltorphin II produced analgesia. MK-801 administered intraperitoneally 10 min before the injection of DPDPE or deltorphin II, dose-dependently antagonized the analgesic actions of both drugs. 3. LY 235959 also dose-dependently antagonized the analgesic actions of DPDPE and deltorphin II. 4. The effects of MK-801 and LY 235959 on the binding of [3H]-DPDPE to mouse brain membranes were also determined. Neither of the NMDA receptor antagonists had any effect on the binding of [3H]-DPDPE. 5. It is concluded that competitive and noncompetitive antagonists of the NMDA receptor antagonize the analgesic action of delta 1- and delta 2-opioid receptor agonists and that such effects are not mediated via a direct interaction with brain delta-opioid receptors.
Das Denken über die Großstadt um 1900 Deutsche Stellungnahmen zum urbanen Lebensraum im internationalen Vergleich

This essay treats perceptions of urban society by scholars in Europe and America during the years just before and after 1900. It focuses on a series of lectures held in Dresden in connection with a major exhibition on cities and published in 1903 under the title Die Grosstadt: Vortrage und Aufsatze zur Stadteausstellung, but it also points out the ways in which the ideas expressed in Dresden reflected broader intellectual trends elsewhere. It also emphasizes German acceptance of the big city and willingness to seek forward-looking solutions for urban problems.
Pull-out strength of monocortical screws placed in the maxillae and mandibles of dogs

Background: Mini-implants can facilitate orthodontic tooth movement by serving as anchors. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the pull-out strength of screws in bone varies depending on the site of insertion in the maxilla or the mandible. Materials: Fifty-six titanium screws (2 mm diameter, 6 mm length, Synthes USA, Monument, Colo) were placed in 4 beagle dogs (14 screws per dog) within 30 minutes after they were killed. The screws were inserted to obtain monocortical anchorage, at predetermined sites in the anterior, middle, and posterior regions of the jaws bilaterally. Two screws were placed in the posterior palate in each dog. The jaws were harvested, and bone blocks, each containing a screw, were prepared for mechanical testing. The bone/screw block was aligned on a custom-made fixture, and the maximum force (F max ) at pullout was recorded. Cortical bone thickness was measured after extraction of the screw. Statistical analyses to test for differences were conducted with ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests. Results: Screws placed in the anterior mandibular region had significantly ( P max (134.5 ± 24N, mean ± SE) than those placed in the posterior mandibular region (388.3 ± 23.1N). Regression analyses suggested a weak (r = 0.39, P = .02) but significant correlation between F max and cortical bone thickness. Conclusions: The bone supporting monocortical screws would most likely withstand immediate loading and support tooth-moving forces.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Structure and Reactivity of FemOn+ (m = 1, 2; n = 1−5) with CO

Studies involving small iron oxide cationic clusters, FemOn+ (m = 1, 2, n = 1−5), and their reactivity in the presence of CO at near thermal energies were conducted by employing a guided ion beam mass spectrometer. Observed reaction channels included CO oxidation and oxygen replacement by CO which are shown to be dependent on cluster size and stoichiometry. First principles electronic structure studies within the density functional theory framework were carried out to address the structures and energetics of small cationic clusters and to probe the molecular level pathways for CO oxidation. The theoretical calculations, in conjunction with the experimental findings, are used to propose a coherent picture about the trends in the dissociation energies, which are largely dependent upon the metal to oxygen ratio, and the nature of the structure−reactivity relationships for the formation of the reaction products.
Diffusion, flow, and heterogeneous reaction of ternary mixtures in porous catalytic media

Abstract Unidirectional diffusion and flow of O 2 COCO 2 gas mixtures undergoing heterogeneous chemical reaction within a porous CuO-on-alumina plug flow reactor are investigated. Experimental data for spatial distributions of pressure, temperature and composition and for feed-end species fluxes exhibit reasonable agreement with theoretical results drawn from appropriate extensions of the dusty gas model. Calculations for the individual contributions of bulk, Knudsen and thermal diffusion and thermal transpiration to the total species fluxes indicate that bulk diffusion is the major component under purely diffusive conditions; however, Knudsen diffusion assumes greater significance when forced flow is introduced. The theory indicates that the contributions of thermal diffusion and thermal transpiration to the total species fluxes become more significant as the species molecular weights become more disparate. The effects are demonstrated by means of companion calculations for the O 2 H 2 H 2 O system.
Regulation of activin type I receptor function by phosphorylation of residues outside the GS domain

Activin signals through a heteromeric complex of receptor serine kinases by inducing type II receptor-mediated phosphorylation, and consequent activation, of the type I receptor. Type I receptor phosphorylation occurs at a glycine- and serine-rich site in the juxtamembrane domain; phosphorylation at that site correlates with signaling. Investigation of type I activin receptor mutants impaired for GS domain phosphorylation revealed that, in the presence of elevated amounts of type II activin receptor, GS domain phosphorylation is not required for signaling. The type I receptor showed activin-dependent phosphorylation of several tryptic phosphopeptides, suggesting that phosphorylation of receptor I at sites both within and outside the GS domain is required for full signaling.
Assessing a system to detect patient motion in SPECT imaging using stereo optical cameras

Patient motion, which causes artifacts in reconstructed images, can be a serious problem in SPECT imaging. If patient motion can be detected and quantified, the reconstruction algorithm can compensate for the motion. Most previous approaches to detecting patient motion have relied on only the acquired projection data, using, for example, consistency checks or motion-tracking to detect motion. Our approach is based on optical tracking of the patient using a pair of web cameras to acquire stereo images. The stereo images are analyzed by a visual tracking system (VTS) that detects changes in the stereo images over time to track locations on the patient surface. Patient surface motion can then be used to infer motion within the patient body, which will be used to correct for patient motion. The system consists of a three-headed SPECT system and two web cameras connected to a PC.
Linear alkylbenzenes in muscle tissues of white croaker near a large ocean outfall in southern California, USA

Muscle tissues of a bottom-dwelling marine fish, white croaker (Genyonemus lineatus), collected near a large wastewater outfall in southern California, USA, were analyzed for long-chain linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). Total LABs (summed concentrations of C11 through C14 isomers) were highest (166-748 ng g-1 wet wt) in individuals collected in the immediate vicinity of the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD; Fountain Valley, CA, USA) outfall diffuser, whereas relatively lower concentrations occurred in fish from mid-shelf and inshore locations at distances of 2.5 and 5 km, respectively, from the outfall. Fish tissue LAB concentrations were roughly proportional to sediment LAB concentrations at the respective collection sites. The extent of LAB degradation, as determined by ratios of internal to external C12 isomers, did not appear to relate to LAB concentrations or sampling location. Tissue DDT and PCB concentrations were not significantly correlated with LABs and, thus, did not appear to relate to recent exposures to sewage residues from the OCSD discharge. Measurements of LAB concentrations in fish tissues may be widely applicable as a monitoring tool for interpreting exposures to sewage discharges.
A skip lesion in association with Ewing sarcoma. Report of a case.

Four cases of posterior dislocation of the shoulder at birth in association with obstetric brachial plexus palsy are presented. Review of the literature suggests that this association is not generally recognised. All cases were diagnosed late; two were treated by open reduction, one by humeral osteotomy and one managed conservatively
Discrepancy in Pathologic Diagnosis of Placental Lesions

Abstract Context.—Placentas are routinely examined by surgical pathologists, but peer review of placental diagnosis is rarely performed. Objective.—To determine the frequency of discrepant placental diagnosis between general surgical pathologists and a pediatric pathologist. Design.—One hundred fourteen placentas from infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and 170 placentas from infants appropriate for gestational age (AGA) were reviewed for 10 lesion types using standardized criteria. The review diagnosis was compared with original reports. Results.—The review identified 333 lesions, 168 in the IUGR group and 165 in AGA group. Discrepant diagnosis occurred in 137 lesions (41.1%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of discrepant diagnosis between the IUGR (44.7%) and AGA groups (37.6%) (P > .05). Most discrepancies (92.7%) were due to underdiagnosis (identified on review but not mentioned in original diagnosis), but a few (7.3%) were due to misdiagnosis (mentioned in origina...
Decentralization of the Gaussian maximum likelihood estimator and its applications to passive array processing

In radar and sonar the trajectory of a radiating source can be estimated by measuring the relative travel time of the signal to several spatially separated receivers. A minimum variance estimate is achieved by simultaneous coherent processing of all receiver outputs. A considerable simplification in estimator structure, and therefore in processor complexity, is obtained by pairwise processing of the receiver outputs. In this paper we determine the performance degradation incurred by decoupling the estimation procedure in such a fashion. We show that if the individual in-band signal-to-noise ratio at each receiver output is much greater than unity, pairwise processing is nearly optimal. If the individual in-band signal-to-noise ratio falls below unity, but the post-beam-forming signal-to-noise ratio (i.e., the product of the individual signal-to-noise ratio and the number of receivers) is large, simultaneous coherent processing yields a level of performance equal to that of pairwise processing with unit signal-to-noise ratio. If the post-beam-forming signal-to-noise ratio does not exceed unity even in the signal frequency band, pairwise processing seriously degrades performance. Finally, we note that decentralizing estimator structure is a powerful technique that may be used to simplify processor complexity whenever large data vectors and/or large parameter sets must be processed.