cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE ON THE ROD-AND-FRAME TEST

S~~mmary.-A 2-phase investigation (10 preconditioning trials followcd by 10 conditioning trials) was performed in which operant conditioning techniques were used to increase the absolute magnitude of the average error on the rod-and-frame test (RFT) for one group and to decrease it for a second group of 10 undergraduates. A third group was given the same number of trials without reinforcement (E saying "very good") in order to control for practice effects. The RFT perfo~rnances of the experimental groups were significantly modified in the predicted directions and remained consistent over 1 mo. Although the RFT performance of the control group improved significantly during the initial testing, this improvement did not carry over 1 mo. Performance on the rod-and-frame test (RFT) has been used as a measure of the personality constructs of "field dependence" and "psychological differentiation" by Witkin and his colleagues (Witkin, Lewis, Hertzman, Machover, Meissner, & Wapner, 1954; Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, & Karp, 1962). Generally such performance has been found to be a stable behavioral trait. Thus the cross-sectional studies reported by Witkin, et al. (1954) and the longitudinal test-retest studies (Bauman, 1951; Fliegel, 1955; Witkin, 1950, 1959; Witkin, et dl., 1954) have indicated that after adolescence an individual's performance remains relatively constant. Furthermore Franks (1956) and Pollack, Kahn, Karp, and Fink (1960) found that various drugs and placebos did not affect RFT performance while Karp, Witkin, and Goodenough ( 1965) reported similar results for the ingestion of controlled amounts of alcohol. On the other hand, RFT performance has been improved (a reduction in the absolute difference between judged and true verticality) following convulsive therapy (Pollack, Kahn, Karp, & Fink, 1960), a 3-mo. in-patient alcoholic treatment program (Goldstein & Chotlos, 1966), and direct feedback information on the adequacy of prior RFT performance (Elliott & McMichael, 1963; Mann & Boring, 1953; Weiner, 1955; Witkin, 1948). Results have also been reported which indicate an effect of practice (Camenietski, 1967) and of "set" or "expectancy" (Gross, 1959) on RFT performance. More recently, McAllister (1970), using response contingent reinforcement with tokens in combination with the methods of successive approximations of "shaping" and "fading," found that the RFT performance of schizophrenic patients could be improved and that this improvement was maintained on a l-mo. follow-up test. Three points stand out in this brief review of literature on the stability of RFT performance.
Proactive self-defense algorithm for large matrix calculation using multiple P-adic data type

One of the problems with large-scale scientific computation using distributed computing systems is that if one processor is compromised, the whole computational result cannot be trusted, then the computational process has to be started all over again. For large scale computation, this can be very costly and time consuming. Based on our previously developed multiple P-adic rational number system, an efficient proactive self-defense algorithm for large matrix computation on distributed, high-performance computing (HPC) system is presented using multiple P-adic data structure to enable the computation process to detect data being compromised and still deliver the correct results. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the ideas.
Distance, anger, freedom: An account of the role of abstraction in compatibilist and incompatibilist intuitions

Experimental philosophers have disagreed about whether “the folk” are intuitively incompatibilists or compatibilists, and they have disagreed about the role of abstraction in generating such intuitions. New experimental evidence using Construal Level Theory is presented. The experiments support the views that the folk are intuitively both incompatibilists and compatibilists, and that abstract mental representations do shift intuitions, but not in a univocal way.
Surgical considerations in the management of falcotentorial meningiomas: advantages of the bilateral occipital transtentorial/transfalcine craniotomy for large tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Meningiomas arising from the falcotentorial junction are relatively rare, and the description of the surgical nuances in approaching these tumors is limited. We describe our surgical management of these lesions in detail. METHODS: From 2001 to 2005, 9 patients underwent operation for meningiomas aris- ing from the falcotentorial junction, with some extending to and/or invading the torcula. All patients were assessed preoperatively with magnetic resonance neuroimaging and cerebral angiography. Furthermore, preoperative embolization was attempted in all cases. A supratentorial/infratentorial torcular craniotomy technique was used in all butt 1 of these cases. RESULTS: The average dimensions of the falcotentorial meningiomas were 5.1 × 4.4 x 4.2 cm. The angiograms revealed that these tumors were fed by branches of the inter- nal carotid artery, choroidal arteries, branches of the meningohypophyseal trunk, and branches of the posterior cerebral artery. Preoperative embolization was achieved in only 2 patients. Five patients had gross total resection (Simpson grade 1), and 4 had subtotal resection (Simpson grade 4). Two of the tumors (22%) recurred during a mean follow-up period of 49 months (range, 17―88 months). The most common complication after surgery was cortical blindness, but all postoperative visual deficits had fully recovered at the last follow-up evaluation within several months. CONCLUSION: An excel lent outcome can be expected with detailed preoperative neuroimaging and knowledge of the nuances of the surgical technique that we describe in detail in this article.
Geosat GM data reveal new details of ocean floor

Between 1985 and 1990, the U.S. Navy's Geosat radar altimeter made direct observations of sea-surface topography. Since the sea surface is nearly an equipotential surface of the Earth's gravity field, variations in sea surface topography reveal variations in marine gravity. At short wavelengths (<200 km), the topography of the sea surface mimics the seafloor or basement topography. Observations from Geosat have been used to map the marine geoid with unprecedented accuracy and resolution (see Figure 1). This mapping of the marine geoid—or gravity field—can revolutionize marine geophysics and geodesy, especially in the southern ocean basins where shipboard coverage is sparse.
MOSFIRE: a multi-object near-infrared spectrograph and imager for the Keck Observatory

MOSFIRE, the multi-object spectrometer for infra-red exploration, is a near-IR (0.97-2.45 micron) spectrograph and imager for the Cassegrain focus of the Keck I telescope. The optical design provides imaging and multi-object spectroscopy over a field of view (FOV) of 6.14' x 6.14' with a resolving power of R~3,270 for a slit width of 0.7 arc seconds (2.9 pixels along dispersion). The detector is a 2.5 micron cut-off 2K x 2K H2-RG HgCdTe array with a SIDECAR ASIC for detector control. A special feature of MOSFIRE is that its multiplex advantage of up to 46 slits is achieved using a cryogenic Configurable Slit Unit (developed in collaboration with the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Micro Technology) reconfigurable under remote control in <5 minutes without thermal cycling. Slits are formed by moving opposable bars from both sides of the focal plane. An individual slit has a length of ~7.1 arc seconds but bar positions can be aligned to make longer slits. A single diffraction grating in two positions along with order-sorting filters gives essentially full coverage of the K, H, J and Y bands using 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th order respectively. The grating and a mirror are mounted back-to-back, and when the bars are retracted from the FOV MOSFIRE becomes a wide-field imager. A piezo tip-tilt mirror following the field lens is used to provide flexure compensation at the 0.1 pixel level. Two large CCR heads allow the instrument to reach operating temperature in ~7 days. MOSFIRE is currently in construction.
Thiyl free radical production with hematoporphyrin derivative, cysteine and light: a spin‐trapping study

Abstract Hematoporphyrin derivative, used in photodynamic therapy of cancer, was found to generate the cysteinyl free radical as seen by spin-trapping. Oxygen appears to be an absolute requirement for thiyl radical production. Singlet oxygen may be the initiating species since azide inhibits oxygen uptake and radical production. In addition, the hydroxyl radical, or a radical with similar reactivity, is also observed and is proposed as the precursor for thiyl free radical production. Hematoporphyrin derivative Cysteine Thiyl free radical Singlet oxygen Hydroxyl radical Spin-trapping
An Investigation of Sheet Metal Deformation Behavior During Electro-Hydraulic Forming (EHF)

This work describes recent advances in our understanding of sheet metal behavior during electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) process. Two sets of experiments were performed using AA5182-O Al sheet material. In the first set, 1 mm thick sheet samples were subjected to a single pressure-pulse or two consecutive pressure-pulses with the deformation being carried out under free-forming or inside a conical die. In the second set of experiments employing 2 mm sheet samples, a circular region at the center of the sheet was pre-thinned to 1 mm thickness and the sheet was subjected to a single pressure-pulse under free-forming conditions. The sheet deformation history for both sets of experiments was quantified using a recently developed technique that combines high-speed imaging and the digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. The results from the first set of experiments show that the manner in which the discharge is created can influence the strain-rates and hence, the deformation history experienced by the sheet materials. The results of the multi-pulse experiments demonstrate the applicability of the EHF technique for re-strike operations. The results from the second set of experiments show that the pre-thinned region is analogous to a reduced gauge section with the resulting strain-rate (in the pre-thinned region) exceeding that in the adjacent homogeneous sheet by more than 50%.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Supine breast MRI and 3D optical scanning: a novel approach to improve tumor localization for breast conserving surgery.

Wire localization for excision of nonpalpable breast cancer is an inefficient and inexact technique. A total of 18 women with palpable invasive breast cancers underwent preoperative prone and supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intraoperatively, the edges of the tumor were palpated and marked on the skin surface. The breast was optically scanned, and the supine MRI was adjusted to match the actual breast position at the time of surgery. Image-defined tumor edges were marked on the surface of the breast. The main outcome measure was the distance between the image-defined and palpation-defined edges of the tumor. No significant difference was found between the mean maximal tumor diameter as measured by histopathology (29.6 ± 14.3 mm), supine MRI (25.3 ± 9.7 mm), prone MRI (27.6 ± 13 mm), or palpation (30.5 ± 9.3 mm). The distance from the tumor to the chest wall was markedly different in prone versus supine MRI (56.4 ± 38 vs 19.5 ± 20 mm, p = .002). The average distance between the palpated and supine MRI image-defined tumor edge locations was 7.2 mm (range, 0–19 mm). Accuracy improved over time; the average difference in edge locations in the last 7 patients was 4.0 mm. All 4 image-defined edge locations in the last 5 patients were ≤1 cm away from the palpated locations. We have developed a method of breast tumor localization using preoperative supine MRI and intraoperative optical scanning that defines tumor size and position as accurately as palpation.
Physisorption of N2, O2, and CO on fully oxidized TiO2(110).

Physisorption of N2, O2, and CO was studied on fully oxidized TiO2(110) using beam reflection and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) techniques. Sticking coefficients for all three molecules are nearly equal (0.75 ± 0.05) and approximately independent of coverage suggesting that adsorption occurs via a precursor-mediated mechanism. Excluding multilayer coverages, the TPD spectra for all three adsorbates exhibit three distinct coverage regimes that can be interpreted in accord with previous theoretical studies of N2 adsorption. At low coverages (0−0.5 N2/Ti4+), N2 molecules bind head-on to five-coordinated Ti4+ ions. The adsorption occurs preferentially on the Ti4+ sites that do not have neighboring adsorbates. This arrangement minimizes the repulsive interactions between the adsorbed molecules along the Ti4+ rows resulting in a relatively small shift of the TPD peak (105 → 90 K) with increasing coverage. At higher N2 coverages (0.5−1.0 N2/Ti4+) the nearest-neighbor Ti4+ sites become occupied. The clo...
Glutathione depletion increases the cytotoxicity of melphalan to PC-3, an androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell line.

Prostate cancer that is androgen-insensitive is unresponsive to a wide spectrum of cytotoxic agents, including all of the alkylating agents. Since a major pathway for the detoxification of the alkylating agents is conjugation with glutathione (GSH), GSH depletion has proved to be effective as a technique to restore melphalan sensitivity in melphalan-resistant cancer cell lines. However, the effect of GSH depletion has not been widely studied in tumor cell lines that have not developed resistance due to previous exposure to alkylating agents. Thus, we decided to investigate GSH depletion as a technique to increase melphalan cytotoxicity to PC-3 cells, an androgen-insensitive prostate cancer line. After 2 and 6 h incubation with 0.25–5 μm melphalan, virtually no effect was observed on either clonogenic lethality or MTT viability until 5 μm exposures. A 24-h incubation of the cells with 100 μm buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, reduced the GSH content by 70%–75%. Following GSH depletion, an increase in clonogenic lethality and a decrease in MTT viability occurred after exposure to concentrations as low as 0.25 μm. The dose modification factor ranged from 2.9 after 2 h incubation to 4.5 at 6 h. These results provide support for additional studies in prostate cancer for further investigation of GSH depletion as a technique to induce sensitivity to alkylating agents in this chemotherapy-resistant tumor.
De novo ANKRD11 and KDM1A gene mutations in a male with features of KBG syndrome and Kabuki syndrome

KBG syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations or deletions leading to haploinsufficiency for the Ankrin Repeating Domain-Containing protein 11 (ANKRD11) at chromosome 16q24.3. Kabuki syndrome is caused by mutations or deletions of lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) and lysine-specific methylase 6A (KDM6A). We report on a male with developmental delays, cleft palate, craniofacial dysmorphism, hypotonia, and central nervous system anomalies including diminished white matter with thinning of the corpus callosum. Exome sequencing revealed a de novo mutation in ANKRD11, c.2606_2608delAGA, predicting p.Lys869del and an additional, de novo mutation, c.2353T>C, predicting p.Tyr785His in KDM1A, a gene not previously associated with a human phenotype. We describe this child as the first report of a deleterious sequence variant in KDM1A and hypothesize that his phenotype resulted from the combined effect of both mutations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circular dichroism of a membrane protein of Neurospora crassa.

Membrane protein of a mutant of Neurospora crassa has been isolated in aqueous sodium phosphate buffer without employing a chemical agent such as urea, detergent, or organic solvent. The protein moved in a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and as well on non-SDS gel electrophoresis. The circular dichroism spectrum of the protein exhibited the characteristic low ellipticity but no red shift.
The irreversibility of subunit associations in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a suggestion regarding an early step in cellular morphogenesis.

Abstract For the purpose of studying the stability of the association of subunits in the dimeric enzyme glucose-6-PO 4 dehydrogenase (G6PD), the formation of ‘hybrid’ G6PD in the presence or absence of translation inhibitors was studied in polyethylene glycol-induced heterokaryons of mouse and human fibroblasts. In heterokaryons cultured in the absence of translation inhibitors, hybrid G6PD made of one monomer each of the mouse and human types was detectable. In the presence of cycloheximide concentrations that inhibited over 90% of protein synthesis, however, no hybrid G6PD could be detected in heterokaryons, despite the presence in such heterokaryons of substantial amounts of the ‘parental’ mouse and human enzymes that had been produced prior to heterokaryon formation. Thus, we conclude that once the subunits form a dimeric G6PD, they remain irreversibly associated in the mature enzyme. This, we propose, may reflect an early step in the morphogenesis of relatively stable intracellular structures.
Comparison of pharmacist managed anticoagulation with usual medical care in a family medicine clinic.

The beneficial outcomes of oral anticoagulation therapy are dependent upon achieving and maintaining an optimal INR therapeutic range. There is growing evidence that better outcomes are achieved when anticoagulation is managed by a pharmacist with expertise in anticoagulation management rather than usual care by family physicians. This study compared a pharmacist managed anticoagulation program (PC) to usual physician care (UC) in a family medicine clinic. A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a family medicine clinic which included a clinical pharmacist. In 2006, the pharmacist assumed anticoagulation management. For a 17-month period, the PC group (n = 112) of patients on warfarin were compared to the UC patients (n = 81) for a similar period prior to 2006. The primary outcome was the percentage of time patients' INR was in the therapeutic range (TTR). Secondary outcomes were the percentage of time in therapeutic range within ± 0.3 units of the recommended range (expanded TTR) and percentage of time the INR was >5.0 or 5 were 0.3% for PC patients and 0.1% for UC (p < 0.0001). The pharmacist-managed anticoagulation program within a family practice clinic compared to usual care by the physicians achieved significantly better INR control as measured by the percentage of time patients' INR values were kept in both the therapeutic and expanded range. Based on the results of this study, a collaborative family practice clinic using pharmacists and physicians may be an effective model for anticoagulation management with these results verified in future prospective randomized studies.
PLZT ceramic numeric display devices

The longitudinal fringe-field electrooptic effect in slim-loop lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics offers the best known possibility of using ferroelectric ceramics for low-voltage, high-contrast numeric and alphanumeric display devices. Such devices appear feasible using either transmitted or reflected ambient light. When using ceramics 75 µrn to 250 µm thick, ON-OFF contrast ratios exceeding 10 dB are obtained with electric fields of 8 kV/cm, and contrast ratios exceeding 20 dB are obtained at 16 kV/cm. These results imply that equally high contrast ratios may be achieved in very thin samples at comparable electric fields but at correspondingly lower applied voltages; e.g., 20–30 volts for a 10 dB contrast ratio with a 25 µm thick ceramic, and 40–60 volts for a 20 dB contrast ratio.
In situ forces in the posterolateral structures of the knee under posterior tibial loading in the intact and posterior cruciate ligament‐deficient knee

The posterolateral structures of the knee consist of a complex anatomical architecture that includes several components with both static and dynamic functions. Injuries of the posterolateral structures occur frequently in conjunction with ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament. To investigate the role of the posterolateral structures in maintaining posterior knee stability, we measured the in situ forces in the posterolateral structures and the distribution of force within the structures' major components, i.e., the popliteus complex and the lateral collateral ligament, in response to a posterior tibial load. Eight cadaveric knees were tested. With use of a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system, a posterior tibial load of 110 N was applied to the knee, and the resulting five-degree-of-freedom kinematics were measured at flexion angles of 0, 30, 60, 75, and 90 degrees. The knees were tested first in the intact state and then after the posterior cruciate ligament had been resected. These tests were also performed with an additional load of 44 N applied at the aponeurosis to simulate contraction of the popliteus muscle. In the intact knee, the in situ forces in the posterolateral structures were found to decrease with increasing knee flexion. After the posterior cruciate ligament was sectioned, these forces increased significantly at all angles of flexion. With no load applied to the popliteus muscle, the in situ forces in the popliteus complex were similar to those in the lateral collateral ligament. However, with a load of 44 N applied to the popliteus muscle, in situ forces in the popliteus complex were three to five times higher than those in the lateral collateral ligament. These results reveal that in response to posterior tibial loads, the posterolateral structures play an important role at full extension in intact knees and at all angles of flexion in posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. The popliteus muscle appears to be a major stabilizer under this loading condition; thus, the inability to restore its function may be a cause of unsatisfactory results in reconstructive procedures of the posterolateral structures of the knee.
Potential Tax Revenue from a Regulated Marijuana Market A Meaningful Revenue Source

Abstract. Dissatisfaction with current drug policy measures has led to a push for the regulation of drugs, especially marijuana. On the premise that such regulation is a real possibility, estimates of potential tax revenue from a regulation scheme and critical comments on other estimates of the size of the marijuana market are presented. For 1991, potential tax revenue is estimated to range from 2.55 to 9.09 billion dollars. The uncertainty surrounding the price elasticity of demand for marijuana, home cultivation of marijuana by individual users, and the extent to which purchases may still be made from the black market are discussed, as are their implications for potential tax revenue.
Norms About Nonmarital Pregnancy and Willingness to Provide Resources to Unwed Parents

Contested social norms underlie public concern about adults' and teenagers' nonmarital pregnancy. The original, vignette-based National Pregnancy Norms Survey (N = 812) measures these norms and related sanctions. Descriptive analyses report embarrassment at the prospect of a nonmarital pregnancy by age and gender of hypothetical prospective parents and age, race or ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of respondents. Multivariate analyses show that embarrassment about nonmarital pregnancy is frequently weak but much stronger when prospective parents are teenagers. Embarrassment predicts respondents' hypothetical sanctions of a new parent in their family by withholding several types of needed material resources. Because research has shown that such resources affect education and income, this study helps explain how violating norms might lead to negative outcomes among unmarried parents.
Observation of ion-cyclotron turbulence at small values of magnetic-field-aligned current

Fluctuations in plasma density are observed in the ion-cyclotron frequency range in a Q-machine plasma column at values of magnetic-field-aligned current significantly below the critical value for current-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron (CDEIC) waves. These fluctuations arise from the inhomogeneous energy-density driven (IEDD) instability, are relatively broadband, and can have large amplitude compared to CDEIC fluctuations. These results impact the interpretation of ion heating and acceleration in the ionosphere, especially at low-altitude where magnetic- field-aligned current densities estimated to be large enough to be supercritical to current-driven or beam-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves are rarely detected.
The Shanidar 3 Neandertal

The Shanidar 3 Neandertal partial skeleton preserves four teeth, major portions of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, ribs, clavicles, scapulae, humeri, hand bones, innominate bones, and foot bones, plus fragments of the ulnae, radii, femora, tibiae, and fibulae. Their morphology aligns Shanidar 3 closely with the other Shanidar Neandertals and the European and Near Eastern Neandertals. This is apparent especially in the dentition, scapulae, hand bones, and pubic bones.
Characterizing NF and RO membrane surface heterogeneity using chemical force microscopy

Chemical force microscopy (CFM) was used to characterize the chemical heterogeneity of two commercially available nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. CFM probes were modified with three different terminal functionalities: methyl (CH3), carboxyl (COOH), and hydroxyl (OH). Chemically distinct information about the membrane surfaces was deduced based on differences in adhesion between the CFM probes and the membrane surfaces using both traditional atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements and spatially resolved friction images. Contact angle titration and streaming potential measurements provided general information about surface chemistry and potential, which largely complemented the CFM analyses, but could not match the accuracy of CFM on the atomic level. Using CFM it was found that both membranes were characterized as chemically heterogeneous. Specifically, membrane chemical heterogeneity became more significant as the scan size approached colloidal or micron-sized dimensions. In many instances, the chemically unique regions, contributing to the overall chemical heterogeneity of the membrane surface, were substantially different in chemistry (e.g., hydrophobicity) from that determined for the surface at large from contact angel and streaming potential analyses. Topographical and corresponding CFM images supports previous adhesion studies finding a correlation between surface roughness and the magnitude of adhesion measured with AFM. However, chemical specificity was also significant and in turn measurable with CFM. The implication of these findings for future membrane development is discussed.
Oligodendrocyte-Myelin Glycoprotein and Nogo Negatively Regulate Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity

In the adult mammalian CNS, the growth inhibitors oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp) and the reticulon RTN4 (Nogo) are broadly expressed in oligodendrocytes and neurons. Nogo and OMgp complex with the neuronal cell surface receptors Nogo receptor-1 (NgR1) and paired Ig-like receptor-B (PirB) to regulate neuronal morphology. In the healthy CNS, NgR1 regulates dendritic spine shape and attenuates activity-driven synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapses. Here, we examine whether Nogo and OMgp influence functional synaptic plasticity, the efficacy by which synaptic transmission occurs. In acute hippocampal slices of adult mice, Nogo-66 and OMgp suppress NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) when locally applied to Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapses. Neither Nogo-66 nor OMgp influences basal synaptic transmission or paired-pulse facilitation, a form of short-term synaptic plasticity. PirB−/− and NgR1−/− single mutants and NgR1−/−;PirB−/− double mutants show normal LTP, indistinguishable from wild-type controls. In juvenile mice, LTD in NgR1−/−, but not PirB−/−, slices is absent. Mechanistic studies revealed that Nogo-66 and OMgp suppress LTP in an NgR1-dependent manner. OMgp inhibits LTP in part through PirB but independently of p75. This suggests that NgR1 and PirB participate in ligand-dependent inhibition of synaptic plasticity. Loss of NgR1 leads to increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), signaling intermediates known to regulate neuronal growth and synaptic function. In primary cortical neurons, BDNF elicited phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6 kinase is attenuated in the presence of myelin inhibitors. Collectively, we provide evidence that mechanisms of neuronal growth inhibition and inhibition of synaptic strength are related. Thus, myelin inhibitors and their receptors may coordinate structural and functional neuronal plasticity in CNS health and disease.
A Sensitive Fiber-Optic Gas Spectrophone

An improved spectrophone for measurements of laser absorption in gases has been tested. The device employs a fiber-optic interferometer, wound into a cylindrical shape, as the acoustic sensor. Performance of the device was evaluated by measuring the absorption of 3.39 μm HeNe laser radiation in a calibrated mixture of methane in Argon. Results indicate a minimum detectable absorption capability of 2x10-7cm-1 W/√ MHz , although a background signal 30 dBV above the noise limited performance. We report an improvement in sensitivity several orders of magnitude above the first fiber-optic spectrophone.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Caffeic acid derivatives in dried Lamiaceae and Echinacea purpurea products

Abstract The concentrations of caffeic acid derivatives within Lamiaceae and Echinacea (herb, spice, tea, and dietary supplement forms) readily available in the US marketplace (n = 72) were determined. After the first identification of chicoric acid in Ocimum basilicum (basil), the extent to which chicoric acid could be found within the family Lamiaceae was investigated. The dominant phenolic acid in all Lamiaceae samples was rosmarinic acid, which ranged from 2.04 mg/100 g (one of 12 oregano samples) to 622.28 mg/100 g (lemon balm). Of the herbs tested in this study (marjoram, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, and thyme from the family Lamiaceae), only basil and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contained chicoric acid. Basil samples (starting material and resulting end product) obtained from an industry cooperator, showed substantial phenolic deficiency as a result of processing (approximately 78% loss).
High-sensitivity neutron-capture gamma-ray facility

Abstract An exceptionally sensitive experimental system for the measurement of neutron-capture gamma rays is described and the characteristics of the system are examined critically. The results of measurements on the gamma-ray spectra from neutron capture in 6 Li, 10 B, 12 C, 13 C and 14 N are reported. Some of these data are used to derive an accurate calibration of the efficiency of the Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometer used in the measurements.
En bloc resection for contiguous upper abdominal invasion by adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Althoughen bloc resection for contiguous invasion by adenocarcinoma of the colon is a well-recognized principle, it is difficult to assess the efficacy of this principle when upper abdominal viscera are involved. This study was undertaken to better define this subgroup. Seventeen patients were studied over a period of 20 years who underwent extended resections for colonic adenocarcinoma with upper abdominal organ invasion. The age range was 30 to 81 years (average, 61 years). There was a male-to-female ratio of greater than 2,1. The duration of presenting symptoms was as short as 4 days and as long as 18 months (average, 4.3 months). The most common complaints was weight loss (13/17). The next most common complaint were abdominal pain (10/17), bowel complaints (5/17), and septic symptoms (4/17). A single organ was involved in 7 instances, but multiple organs were involved in most cases. The frequency of involvement was the stomach, spleen, and duodenum (5 each), abdominal wall and diaphragm (4 each), pancreas and liver (3 each). There were 2 perioperative deaths and 9 other major complications. The most common cause of morbidity and mortality was septic in nature in 8 of the 11 instances. All 3 patients with pancreatic resections had postoperative complications; none were fatal. Five patients survived over 10 years, three were 5-year survivors, and two are living and free of disease at less than 5 years. Excluding the two perioperative deaths, four of the five patients who died in less than 5 years had documented recurrences.
Spatial and temporal variability in streamflow generation on the West Fork of Walker Branch Watershed

Abstract Spatially intensive measurements of streamflow were used to document the spatial and temporal variability in streamflow generation on the West Fork of Walker Branch Watershed, a 38.4 ha forested catchment in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The study focused on a 300 m section of a small stream, and covered a wide range of flow conditions ( Q weir , streamflow at the basin outlet, varied from about 350 to 3500 l min −1 ). There was enormous spatial variability in the stream inflow, down to the finest scale investigated (reaches 20 m in length). Lateral inflow to longer reaches (60–130 m) was linearly correlated with Q weir over the full range of flows studied, making it possible to estimate the spatial pattern of stream inflow from measurement of Q weir alone. The heterogeneous nature of the karstic dolomite bedrock was the dominant control on the observed spatial variability in streamflow generation. This thesis is consistent with the results of field investigations using natural tracers, reported in a companion paper. Bedrock structure and lithology may affect streamflow generation directly (via water movement through fractured rock), and indirectly (by influencing the slope and thickness of the overlying soil). While the West Fork contains all the topographic and surface hydrologic features of larger basins (ridge tops, valleys, hollows, spurs, ephemeral and perennial stream channels), it covers an area which is relatively small with respect to the bedrock heterogeneity. Therefore, while the hydrologic processes observed on the West Fork are no doubt typical of those occurring elsewhere in karst terrain, the particular patterns of spatial and temporal variability observed are somewhat specific to the study site.
Seven days of muscle re-loading and voluntary wheel running following hindlimb suspension in mice restores running performance, muscle morphology and metrics of fatigue but not muscle strength

In this study, we examined the effects of 2-week hindlimb un-loading in mice followed by re-ambulation with voluntary access to running wheels. The recovery period was terminated at a time point when physical performance—defined by velocity, time, and distance ran per day—of the suspended group matched that of an unsuspended group. Mice were assigned to one of four groups: unsuspended non-exercise (Control), 14 days of hindlimb suspension (HS), 7 days of access to running wheels (E7), or 14 days of HS plus 7 days access to running wheels (HSE7). HS resulted in significant decreases in body and muscle mass, hindlimb strength, soleus force, soleus specific force, fatigue resistance, and fiber cross sectional area (CSA). Seven days of re-ambulation with access to running wheels following HS recovered masses to Control values, increased fiber CSA, increased resistance to fatigue and improved recovery from fatigue in the soleus. HS resulted in a myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype shift from slow toward fast-twitch fibers, though running alone did not influence the expression of MHC fibers. Compared to the Control group, HSE7 mice did not recover functional hindlimb strength as assessed through measurements either in vivo or ex vivo. Results from this study demonstrate that 7 days of muscle re-loading with access to wheel-running following HS can stimulate muscle to regain mass and fiber CSA and exhibit improved metrics of fatigue resistance and recovery, yet muscles remain impaired in regard to strength. Understanding this mismatch between muscle morphology and strength may prove of value in designing effective exercise protocols for disuse muscle atrophy rehabilitation.
An improved model of the lightning electromagnetic field interaction with the D‐region ionosphere

[1] We present an improved time-domain model of the lightning electromagnetic pulse (EMP) interaction with the lower ionosphere. This improved model inherently accounts for the Earth's curvature, includes an arbitrary number of ion species, and uses a convolutional Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) boundary. We apply an improved model of electron heating due to the lightning EMP and electrostatic fields, and we include ionization, attachment, and detachment. In addition to modeling lightning, this model can be used for long-distance VLF wave propagation in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, heating of the lower ionosphere by VLF transmitters, and heating in the F-region ionosphere by lightning. In this paper we present three initial results of this model. First, we compare results of ionospheric heating and electron density disturbances with and without electron detachment taken into account. We find that detachment is important only for the QE effects on time scales longer than 1 ms. Second, we find a simple explanation for the recently-reported “elve doublets”, which we find are an effect of the rise and fall times of the lightning waveform. In particular, we find that all elves are doublets, and the rise and fall times of the current pulse control the brightness and separation in time of the two successive halves of the elve. Third, we find a similar simple explanation for “ring” sprites, whole columns appear in a circle symmetric around the discharge axis. We find that ring sprites can be initiated for particular current waveforms, where the QE and EMP fields in the mesosphere produce a maximum reduced field away from the discharge axis.
Association between the Amino- and Carboxyl-Terminal Halves of Lactose Permease is Specific and Mediated by Multiple Transmembrane Domains

Lactose permease of Escherichia coli is a polytopic membrane transport protein containing 12 membrane-spanning segments. When the amino (N6)- and carboxy (C6)-terminal halves are expressed as separate gene fragments, association of the first half (N6) of the permease with the second half (C6) is necessary for stable insertion of C6 [Bibi, E., & Kaback, H. R. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 4325−4329]. In this report we demonstrate that N6−C6 interaction is specific, since N6 fragments derived from the structurally related tetracycline or sucrose transporters are unable to stabilize insertion of C6 from lactose permease. Furthermore, this association appears to be mediated by multiple transmembrane domains, since co-expression of progressively truncated N-terminal fragments (N5, N4, N3, N2, N1) with C6 leads to markedly decreased, but detectable amounts of C6 in the membrane. The results indicate that the N- and C-terminal six transmembrane domains of lactose permease are integrated into the membr...
Reinterpreting recapitulation: systematics of needlefishes and their allies (Teleostei: Beloniformes)

Abstract As needlefishes (Belonidae) grow, their jaws pass through a “halfbeak” stage that resembles the adult jaw condition of the closely related family of halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae). Based on this pattern, some authors have suggested that halfbeaks are “developmentally arrested” or paedomorphic needlefish derivatives, whereas others have supported the notion that needlefishes are descended from halfbeak-like ancestors and that needlefish ontogeny thereby recapitulates phylogeny. To test these ideas and to better understand evolutionary changes in jaw ontogeny, phylogenetic relationships among genera of needlefishes, sauries (Scomberesocidae), halfbeaks, and flyingfishes (Exocoetidae) were assessed using mitochondrial (cytochrome b and 16S), nuclear (Tmo-4C4), and morphological characters. The resultant tree provides several novel taxonomic findings: (1) flyingfishes appear to be nested within halfbeaks; (2) sauries appear to be nested within needlefishes; and (3) the Indo-West Pacific freshwater halfbea...
Banded matrices with banded inverses

Our concern is with the reconstruction of functions from linear observations which only depend locally on the data. We are especially interested in the case that the data and model for reconstruction are “stationary”. This leads us to study the solution of rectangular Toeplitz equations which have fewer rows than columns. We can therefore take advantage of excess of unknowns over equations to obtain banded inverses, even when the original system is banded.
Two mechanisms for generating infinite families of pairing bijections

We explore two general mechanisms for producing pairing bijections (bijective functions defined from N2 → N). The first mechanism, using n-adic valuations results in parameterized algorithms generating a countable family of distinct pairing bijections. The second mechanism, using characteristic functions of subsets of N provides 2N distinct pairing bijections. Mechanisms to combine such pairing bijections and their application to generate families of permutations of N are also described. The paper uses a small subset of the functional language Haskell to provide executable specifications of various the functions defined in a literate programming style.
A circuit implementation for time-reversal of short impulses

In this paper, a practical circuit is designed to time reverse very short impulses. The proposed circuit obtains the impulse's discrete spectrum first; then accomplishes time-reversal in the frequency domain; and finally synthesizes the output using discrete continuous wave elements. This circuit consists of practical and commercially available components and is easy to implement. Its performance is demonstrated by advanced design system (ADS) simulation, with time-reversal of a 1.4-ns-wide impulse in noisy environments as an example.
A Rose by Any Other Name Is Still a Rose: A Comparative Analysis of Reticence, Communication Apprehension, Unwillingness to Communicate, and Shyness.

Theorists claim that reticence, communication apprehension, unwillingness to communicate, and shyness are different problems, but the interrelationships among those constructs has not been systematically explored. The purpose of this paper is to examine theoretical assumptions underlying these four constructs regarding the nature of the problem, how it is identified, its etiology, and proposed solutions. This analysis reveals that the four labels do not denote four discrete problems; rather, the constructs overlap to a great extent. A systematic interview in conjunction with self-report scales is recommended as the means of identification of the problem, since present methods do not provide a precise account of the specific nature of individual difficulties. The particular treatment used should depend on the exact nature of the problem as it is reported by the individual, rather than applying one specific mode of treatment in every case.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe produces novel Gal0-2Man1-3 O-linked oligosaccharides.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe whole-cell glycoproteins, previously depleted of N-linked glycans by sequential treatment with endo-ss-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and peptide-N4-asparagine amidohydrolase F, were ss-eliminated with 0.1 M NaOH/1 M NaBH4 to release the O-linked oligosaccharides. The saccharide-alditols were separated by gel-exclusion chromatography into pools from Hexitol to Hex4Hexitol in size. Analysis of the Hexitol pool indicated Man to be the only sugar linked to Ser or Thr residues. The Hex1Hexitol pool contained two components, Galalpha1,2Man-ol (2A) and Manalpha1, 2Man-ol (2B). The Hex2Hexitol pool contained two components, Galalpha1,2Manalpha1,2Man-ol (3A) and Manalpha1,2Manalpha1,2Man-ol (3B). The two Hex3Hexitol components were Galalpha1,2(Galalpha1, 3)Manalpha1,2Man-ol (4A) and Manalpha1,2(Galalpha1,3)Manalpha1, 2Man-ol (4B). The Hex4Hexitol component was found to be a single isomer with the composition of Galalpha1,2(Galalpha1,3)Manalpha1, 2Manalpha1,2Man-ol (5AB). Surprisingly, galactobiose was not detected in any of these oligosaccharides. The gma12 (T. G. Chappell and G. Warren (1989) J. Cell Biol., 109, 2693-2707) and gth1 (T. G. Chappell personal communication) alpha1, 2-galactosyltransferase-deficient mutants and the gma12/gth1 double mutant S.pombe strains were similarly examined. The results indicated that gma12p is solely responsible for the addition of terminal alpha1,2-linked Gal in compound 2A, while one or both of gma12p and gth1p are required for the alpha1,2-linked Gal in 4A. Both transferases are largely responsible for terminal Gal in isomer 5AB. Neither gma12 nor gth1 had any discernible effect on the structure of the large N-linked galactomannans as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thus, while gth1p and gma12p appear responsible for adding alpha1,2-linked Gal to terminal Man, neither adds galactose side chains to the N-linked poly alpha1,6-Man outerchain, nor the O-linked branch-forming alpha1,3-linked Gal. Furthermore, the presence of Hexalpha1,2(Galalpha1,3)Manalpha1,2- structures in the O-linked glycans implies the presence of a novel branch-forming alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase in S.pombe.
A wavelet based de-noising approach for real-time signal processing in switched reluctance motor drives

This work develops an application-aware approach to signal de-noising. The approach considers the way in which a signal from a sensor or receiver is processed and used in deciding how best to de-noise the signal. The benefits of the system-wide approach are illustrated through an application that processes raw indirect position feedback signals in a switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive. The results show that the application-aware de-noising scheme results in more noise reduction than can be obtained using a more conventional approach. The approach delivered a clean and useful estimated rotor position for the SRM that improved its output performance.
Teaching agents for wearable augmented reality systems

This poster describes informal testing of a wearable augmented reality system as a method to guide school age children to specific outdoor locations where learning content might be situated. Speed and accuracy of students in finding locations is evaluated comparing paper maps with guided and unguided wearable augmented reality.
Application of the Chord Method to Obtain Analytical Expressions for Dancoff Factors in Stochastic Media

In this paper the chord method is applied to the computation of Dancoff factors for doubly heterogeneous stochastic media, characteristic of prismatic and pebble bed designs of the Very High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (VHTR), where TRISO fuel particles are randomly distributed in fuel compacts or fuel pebbles that are arranged in a full core configuration. Previous work has shown that a chord length probability distribution function (PDF) can be determined analytically or empirically and used to model VHTR lattices with excellent results. The key observation is that once the chord length PDF is known, Dancoff factors for doubly heterogeneous stochastic media can be expressed as closed-form expressions that can be evaluated analytically for infinite and finite media and semianalytically for a collection of finite media. Based on the assumption that the chord length PDF in the moderator region between two fuel kernels in a VHTR compact or pebble is exponential, which was shown to be an excellent approximation in previous work, closed-form expressions for Dancoff factors are derived for a range of configurations from infinite stochastic media to finite stochastic media, including multiple finite stochastic media in a back- ground medium (e.g., a pebble bed core). Numerical comparisons with Monte Carlo benchmark results demonstrate that the closed-form expressions for the Dancoff factors for VHTR configurations are accu- rate over a range of packing fractions characteristic of prismatic and pebble bed VHTRs.