cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algebraic methods applied to network reliability problems

An algebraic structure underlying network reliability problems is presented for determining the 2-terminal reliability of directed networks. An iterative algorithm is derived from this algebraic perspective to solve the $(s,j)$-terminal reliability problem simultaneously for all nodes j. In addition to providing an exact answer (in the form of a reliability polynomial), the algorithm also yields a nondecreasing sequence of approximate solutions guaranteed to be lower bounds on the exact solution. Empirical results, presented for two different implementations of the algorithm, show that useful approximate solutions can be obtained in a reasonable amount of computation time.
Heat Transfer to an Airfoil in Oscillating Flow

Local heat transfer coefficients to an airfoil in an oscillating stream have been measured for a range of frequencies and oscillation amplitudes. Results at moderate angles of attack are in agreement with previously reported findings. However, at large angles of attack, including those associated with stall in steady flow, a strong periodic starting vortex shed from the leading edge leads to a dramatic reattachment of the flow and consequent increase in local Nusselt Numbers of as much as five-fold. These effects are shown to be amplified by increasing oscillation frequency and amplitude.
Calibration and comparison of the LDGO nephelometer and the OSU transmissometer on the Nova Scotian rise

Gardner, W.D., Biscaye, P.E., Zaneveld, J.R.V. and Richardson, M.J., 1985. Calibration and comparison of the LDGO nephelometer and the OSU transmissometer on the Nova Scotian rise. In: A.R.M. Nowell and C.D. Hollister (Editors), Deep Ocean Sediment Transport -- Preliminary Results of the High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer Experiment. Mar. Geol., 66: 323--344. During the survey of the HEBBLE (High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer Experiments) area, two optical instruments were used to determine the spatial and temporal structure of the benthic nepheloid layer. Both instruments showed a linear response to suspended particle mass and volume over the typical range of concentrations found in the ocean (10--250 ug l-'). At higher concentrations the transmissometer response remains linear, but, as previously noted and as shown here by theory, the nephelometer has a predictable second-order response due to multiply scattered light. At the low concentrations found in mid-water, both instruments seem near their limit of sensitivity. Small differences between instruments at low concentrations may result from variations in response to particle types found in mid-water or may be minor second-order effects of temperature or pressure on the instruments. The comparison made here shows that either instrument can be effectively used to study the nepheloid layer, and that data from different study areas using these instruments can consistently be compared. The HEBBLE region was ideal for testing the range of these instruments because it yielded the highest concentrations of particles ever recorded in the deep sea.
Physiological correlates of the forced swim test in rats

Rats were tested in the forced swim test to evaluate the effects of duration of exposure (0, 5, 15, or 25 min), and water temperature (0, 35, 30, 25, or 20 degrees C), on a variety of physiological measures. Serum corticosterone, glucose, lactate, phosphorus levels, and the anion gap (a measure of acid-base status) were increased significantly, whereas carbon dioxide and potassium levels were consistently decreased by testing, as was the potassium/phosphorus ratio; creatinine, triglycerides, and magnesium were not altered significantly in any study. Effects on prolactin, amylase, lipase, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, sodium, and chloride were inconsistent. Levels of serum corticosterone were increased at each duration of testing, and the increments were significantly higher than the previous duration. Corticosterone levels were also increased in proportion to decreasing water temperature, but the increments were not significantly different from the previous or following temperatures. Glucose levels were increased at every duration and at every water temperature with the exception of the coldest water temperature. Lactate and phosphorus levels and the anion gap were all increased, whereas carbon dioxide levels decreased after 5 min of immersion. Potassium levels did not decrease until some time after 5 min of testing. Immobility times were marginally correlated with corticosterone levels (r = -0.38) but were highly correlated with serum carbon dioxide (r = 0.59), potassium (r = 0.67), and phosphorus levels (r = -0.73); the correlation between immobility times and the ratio of potassium/phosphorus was 0.82. The potassium/phosphorus ratio accounted for 67% of the variance in immobility. These high correlations were interpreted in terms of acid-base changes associated with testing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Economic performance of flexible functional forms

Flexible functional forms are well behaved over restricted regions — the outer domain — and constitute ‘good’ approximations of a hypothetical true technology (set of preferences) over only a subregion of the outer domain — the inner domain. Comparison of such forms has been made in terms of outer domain. Ideally il should also cover the inner domain. By definition, however, the inner domain is unquantifiable. Instead, functions representing producer technology (consumer preferences) can be characterized and compared in terms of what we call in this paper economic performance. Focusing on the producer side we demonstrate that relative differences and associated implications for equilibrium modeling can be substantial.
Myocardial temperature reduction attenuates necrosis after prolonged ischemia in rabbits

Objective: Previously we observed that a large reduction in infarct size was attained by cooling the risk region of the heart, either before or early after the onset of a 30-min coronary artery occlusion. While this is a standard duration of ischemia used in the rabbit model of infarction, it may not reflect the situation of patients who are reperfused late. The effects of regional hypothermia with a longer duration of ischemia, and when the intervention is applied later, are unknown. This study tests the hypothesis that a local reduction in cardiac temperature protects myocardium during prolonged ischemia (2 h) even if begun well after coronary artery occlusion. Methods: Anesthetized rabbits received 2 h of coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion. Rabbits were randomly assigned to a treated group: topical myocardial cooling starting 30 min after coronary occlusion ( n =14), or control group, no intervention ( n =12). Myocardial temperature in the risk zone, hemodynamics and regional myocardial blood flow were measured. Results: Ischemic zone temperature was similar in both groups at 30 min post occlusion, but the cooling maneuver produced a reduction in temperature in the risk region of the treated group such that myocardial temperature was reduced an average of 10°C between 30 and 60 min of coronary artery occlusion. Myocardial temperature in the control group remained within 0.3°C of baseline during coronary artery occlusion and into reperfusion. Core temperatures were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters and collateral blood flow during occlusion were also equivalent in both groups. After 120 min of coronary occlusion, necrosis in the control group comprised 72±3% of the ischemic risk region. However, in cooled hearts, infarct size, expressed as a fraction of the risk region was significantly lower. Infarct size in this group averaged 59±3% of the risk region ( p <0.004 vs. controls), and thus cooling resulted in a salvage of approximately 18% of the risk region. Conclusion: These results show that reducing myocardial temperature protects ischemic myocardium during a long duration of ischemia even if initiated after coronary artery occlusion.
A Generalization of Rings of Type 1, 1

x , y , z s x , z , y 1 Ž . Ž . Ž . Ž . w x Ž . have been studied. Among these are rings of type 1, 1 2 , which satisfy 1 Ž . Ž . w x and x, x, x s 0, third power associativity , Novikov rings 4, 6, 7, 10 , Ž . Ž . Ž . which satisfy 1 and x yz s y xz , and more recently rings which satisfy Ž . Ž w x . w x 1 and w, y, z , s s 0, 1, 8 . In the present paper we study rings Ž . Ž Ž . . Ž . satisfying 1 and w, x, x, x , y s 0. This generalizes rings of type 1, 1 . Ž w x . w 2 x Ž . It also generalizes the identity w, y, z , s s 0, since x , x s x, x, x . The result we obtain is that simple rings of characteristic / 2, 3, 5 must be associative. There exist examples of simple Novikov rings which are not w x associative 3 , and there exist examples of right alternative division rings Ž Ž .. w x of characteristic 2 thus of type 1, 1 which are not associative 9 .
Paleomagnetism and rock magnetism of the Mississippian Leadville (carbonate) formation and implications for the age of sub‐regional dolomitization

The Mississippian Leadville Formation of Central Colorado is dolomitized near the Sawatch Uplift and hosts numerous Pb-Zn-Ag mineral deposits. Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data from several dolomite types away from centers of Tertiary intrusive activity imply a late Paleozoic (Late Mississippian, ?) age for the dolomitization (e.g., D = 148°, I = −11°, k = 86, α95 = 8.6°, N = 3 localities, 31 samples in dolomitized units). The magnetization is of diagenetic origin and was probably acquired during or soon after dolomitization. Tertiary thermochemical activity has overprinted dolomites close to intrusive centers. Data indicate that limestones removed from igneous activity were also remagnetized at the same time.
XXVII. Thermoelectric Applications of Semiconductors

(1955). XXVII. Thermoelectric Applications of Semiconductors. Journal of Electronics and Control: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 218-222.
Sensitivity analysis and application guides for integrated building energy and CFD simulation

Abstract Building energy simulation (ES) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programs provide complementary information essential to evaluating building thermal performance. Integration of the two programs eliminates many model assumptions in separate applications and thus improves the quality of simulation results. This paper discusses the potential building and environmental characteristics that may affect the necessity and effectiveness of applying an ES–CFD coupling simulation. These characteristics and the solution accuracy requirement determine whether a coupled simulation is needed for a specific building and which coupling method can provide the best solution with the compromise of both accuracy and efficiency. The study conducts a sensitivity analysis of the coupling simulation to the potential influential factors, based on which general suggestions on appropriate usage of the coupling simulation are provided.
On high-order shock-fitting and front-tracking schemes for numerical simulation of shock-disturbance interactions

High-order methods that can resolve interactions of flow-disturbances with shock waves are critical for reliable numerical simulation of shock wave and turbulence interaction. Such problems are not well understood due to the limitations of numerical methods. Most of the popular shock-capturing methods are only first-order accurate at the shock and may incur spurious numerical oscillations near the shock. Shock-fitting algorithms have been proposed as an alternative which can achieve uniform high-order accuracy and can avoid possible spurious oscillations incurred in shock-capturing methods by treating shocks as sharp interfaces. We explore two ways for shock-fitting: conventional moving grid set-up and a new fixed grid set-up with front tracking. In the conventional shock-fitting method, a moving grid is fitted to the shock whereas in the newly developed fixed grid set-up the shock front is tracked using Lagrangian points and is free to move across the underlying fixed grid. Different implementations of shock-fitting methods have been published in the literature. However, uniform high-order accuracy of various shock-fitting methods has not been systematically established. In this paper, we carry out a rigorous grid-convergence analysis on different variations of shock-fitting methods with both moving and fixed grids. These shock-fitting methods consist of different combinations of numerical methods for computing flow away from the shock and those for computing the shock movement. Specifically, we consider fifth-order upwind finite-difference scheme and shock-capturing WENO schemes with conventional shock-fitting and show that a fifth-order convergence is indeed achieved for a canonical one-dimensional shock-entropy wave interaction problem. We also show that the method of finding shock velocity from one characteristic relation and Rankine-Hugoniot jump condition performs better than the other methods of computing shock velocities. A high-order front-tracking implementation of shock-fitting is also presented in this paper and nominal rate of convergence is shown. The front-tracking results are validated by comparing to results from the conventional shock-fitting method and a linear-interaction analysis for a two-dimensional shock disturbance interaction problem.
URYSOHN-CLOSEDNESS ON FUZZY LATTICES

In this paper the concepts of Urysohn-convergence of filters and Urysohn-closedness on fuzzy lattices are introduced. Some important results with respect to fuzzy lattices are obtained.
Non-transferrin-bound iron is associated with enhanced Staphylococcus aureus growth in hemodialysis patients receiving intravenous iron sucrose.

Background: Hemodialysis vascular access infections are most frequently caused by Staphylococcus spp. The purpose of this study was to determine if S. aureus growth is enhanced after administration of IV iron sucrose and to establish a relationship between the appearance of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) and S. aureus growth. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 12 hemodialysis patients receiving maintenance doses of 100 mg of iron sucrose at baseline and 5, 30, 90, 220 min and 48 h after iron administration. Assays for NTBI and transferrin saturation were performed. S. aureus isolates were used to inoculate patient serum samples. Bacterial growth was determined by optical density. Results: Six of 12 patients had NTBI present within 30 min of the iron dose. NTBI was present more frequently in patients with baseline transferrin saturation values >30% (p < 0.05). Bacterial growth was significantly greater in patients who had NTBI present at 5, 90 and 220 min after iron administration compared to those who did not have NTBI present. Conclusions: Doses of 100 mg of iron sucrose are associated with the presence of NTBI and enhanced S. aureus growth.
A field-scale analysis of the dependence of wind erosion threshold velocity on air humidity

[1] The wind-forced detachment and movement of soil particles, is known for having important regional and global implications on climate change and biogeochemical cycles. The wind erosion process occurs when wind speed exceeds a certain threshold value, which depends on a number of factors, including surface soil moisture. In arid regions changes in atmospheric humidity contribute to most of the variability in surface soil moisture, which, in turn, has a significant influence on wind erosion threshold. This paper investigates the dependence of wind erosion threshold on air humidity in two arid regions in North America, the Mojave Desert (CA) and Canyonlands (UT). Field data are used to test existing models relating the threshold velocity for wind erosion to atmospheric conditions. The threshold velocity is found to be significantly dependent on the atmospheric relative humidity (RH) and to exhibit a well-defined maximum for RH ≈ 35%. This result validates at the field scale recent theories and laboratory-scale experimental results.
Reexamination of the Transmittance Formulae of a Lamina

Expressions for the optical properties of laminated layers have drawn much attention from researchers in recent years because of emerging optoelectronic applications (Chen and Tien, 1992; Cunsolo et al., 1992; Zhang and Flik, 1993, Engelbrecht, 1994; Grossman and McDonald, 1995; Anderson and Bayazitoglu, 1996). Different equations must be applied in particular situations (Chen and Tien, 1992; Zhang, 1994). After carefully examining the transmittance formulae of a lamina, this work shows that the geometric-optics formula may result in a significant error for a highly absorbing medium even in the incoherent limit (when interference effects are negligible).
Mitotic segregation of cytoplasmic determinants for chloramphenicol resistance in mammalian cells II: Fusions with human cell lines.

The segregation of cytoplasmically inherited chloramphenicol (CAP) resistance in mouse cells was investigated in fusions between CAP-resistant cells or cytoplasts (enucleated cells) and CAP-sensitive cells of varying tissue origin. All hybrids formed in cell-cell fusions were initially CAP-resistant, indicating that CAP resistance is dominant. Hybrids from fusions of cells of the same tissue origin (homologous) were stably CAP-resistant, whereas the hybrid population from fusions of different origins (heterologous) showed a rapid diminution of average CAP resistance. Individual hybrid clones from these heterologous fusions also showed an overall loss of CAP resistance, and a wide variation in CAP resistance which is consistent with a large number of genetic determinants (possibly mitochondrial DNA molecules) contributing to the CAP phenotype. Similar results were obtained from cytoplast-cell fusions, so the observed CAP segregation is not the result of nuclear-nuclear interactions. This segregation of CAP resistance constitutes a second criterion of cytoplasmic inheritance in mammalian cells.
Tetraphenylborate potentiates the respiratory inhibition by the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+ in both electron transport particles and intact mitochondria.

Abstract The cytotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP + ) is believed to arise as a consequence of its time- and energy-dependent accumulation inside mitochondria, followed by inhibition of electron transport at Complex I of the respiratory chain. Consistent with our proposal that the accumulation of MPP + represents a passive Nernstian transport into mitochondria in response to the transmebrane electrochemical potential gradient, tetraphenylborate (TPB − ) was found to accelerate the onset of the respiratory inhibition by MPP + on intact mitochondria. Moreover, the ultimate level of inhibition reached was unexpectedly also increased. The latter is now explained by our finding that TPB − elicits a 12-fold enhancement of MPP + inhibition of respiration in electron transport particles. It is suggested that TPB − facilitates access of MPP + to its intramembrane site of inhibitory action in Complex I.
Turning or Spinning? Charles Taylor's Catholicism: A Reply to Ian Fraser

Charles Taylor's work has recently taken a religious turn, with Taylor becoming more explicit about his own religious faith and its influence on his thinking. Ian Fraser offers a systematic, critical exploration of the nature of Taylor's Catholicism as it appears in his writings. This reply to Fraser endorses his belief in the importance of looking carefully at Taylor's religious views. However, it raises doubts about some of Fraser's particular arguments and conclusions, and aims to foster a clearer understanding of Taylor's religious beliefs. It poses questions for Fraser about (i) what Taylor is setting out to do in A Catholic Modernity?; (ii) why he invokes the figure of Matteo Ricci; (iii) whether he believes that acts of practical benevolence are impossible without a religious foundation; and (iv) whether his religiously-inspired pluralism suffers an inherent contradiction.
Financial Impacts of Early Neonatal and Obstetric Discharge. † 1544

The effect of early neonatal and obstetric discharge was studied using hospital admissions and discharge data in Wisconsin for the period 1989-94. Data for 412,268 neonatal and 360,362 obstetric admissions were analyzed using a stochastic model of discharge patterns and multiple regression techniques. The average length of stay (ALOS) decreased significantly (p <.001) from 2.97 days in 89 to 2.22 days in 94 for newborns, and from 2.61 to 2.07 for mothers. The readmission rates (within 14 days for newborns) decreased significantly (p <.001) from 5.67 to 1.78 while for mothers it increased significantly (p <.01) steadily from.76 to.89 during the same period. The total charges per newborn (charges at birth +expected readmission charges(calculated as readmission rate times the charges during readmission))increased significantly (p <.001)from $1011.24 in`89to 1350.83 in '94 for newborns and from $1570 to $ 2530 for mothers after adjusting for inflation. Quarterly averages of expected readmission charges for urban and rural counties were regressed on ALOS, readmission rates for three major categories, and socio-economic variables. In urban counties, the coefficient of ALOS was found to be negative and highly significant (p-value of.0005). Our analysis indicates that extending ALOS by one additional day is optimal (for minimizing the expected charge of birth) and leads to a saving of$161.68 for each newborn. Readmission charges increase by $966 for jaundice(DRG 391), $2545.62 for newborn with major problems (DRG 389), $4405 for premature infants classified as normal at birth (DRG 388). For obstetric readmissions, the additional charges are $1938.70 for puerperal infection(ICD-9-CL 670) and $2689.50 for complications of surgical wounds(ICD-9-CL 6741-43).
Transient focal ischemia results in persistent and widespread neuroinflammation and loss of glutamate NMDA receptors.

Stroke is accompanied by neuroinflammation in humans and animal models. To examine the temporal and anatomical profile of neuroinflammation and NMDA receptors (NMDAR) in a stroke model, rats (N = 17) were subjected to a 90 min occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) and compared to sham (N = 5) and intact (N = 4) controls. Striatal and parietal cortical infarction was confirmed by MRI 24 h after reperfusion. Animals were killed 14 or 30-40 days later and consecutive coronal cryostat sections were processed for quantitative autoradiography with the neuroinflammation marker [{sup 3}H]PK11195 and the NMDAR antagonist [{sup 3}H]MK801. Significantly increased specific binding of [{sup 3}H]PK11195 relative to non-ischemic controls was observed in the ipsilateral striatum (> 3 fold, p 2 fold) with smaller (20%-80%) but statistically significant (p = 0.002-0.04) ipsilateral increases in other regions partially involved in the infarct such as the parietal and piriform cortex, and in the lateral septum, which was not involved in the infarct. Trends for increases in PBR density were also observed in the contralateral hemisphere. In the same animals, NMDAR specific binding was significantly decreased bilaterally in the septum, substantia innominata and ventral pallidum. Significant decreasesmore » were also seen in the ipsilateral striatum, accumbens, frontal and parietal cortex. The different anatomical distribution of the two phenomena suggests that neuroinflammation does not cause the observed reduction in NMDAR, though loss of NMDAR may be locally augmented in ipsilateral regions with intense neuroinflammation. Persistent, bilateral loss of NMDAR, probably reflecting receptor down regulation and internalization, may be responsible for some of the effects of stroke on cognitive function which cannot be explained by infarction alone.« less
Simulation of atrazine leaching in relation to water-table management using the CERES model

There is a lack of models to predict the effect of water-table management on pesticide leaching. The objective was to modify CERES (Crop Estimation through Resource and Environmental Synthesis), a soil-crop-atmosphere model, to be a decision-making tool for water-table management in relation to pesticide leaching. CERES is a functional model that simulates all basic plant and soil processes with moderate data and hardware requirements. Data from five field lysimeters planted with maize (Zea maysL.) and sprayed with atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) were collected to calibrate the model. The water-table in the lysimeters was raised and drained at two different growing stages and for two different durations. Simulation results for soil water content and atrazine were reasonable. Simulation can be used to estimate the leaching intensity, a decision criterion to select strategies to mitigate environmental impact.
RENAL LESION GROWTH IN CHILDREN WITH TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS COMPLEX

AbstractPurpose: Renal lesions, including angiomyolipoma, renal cysts (simple and polycystic kidney disease) and renal cell carcinoma, develop in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. While the...
Inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis by acetylenic analogs

Abstract The monoacetylenic acid, 5,6-dehydroarachidonic acid (5,6-DHA), inhibits the 5-lipoxygenase in RBL-1 extracts in a time-dependent irreversible manner. In intact cell systems, 5,6-DHA is not as effective as ETYA or 15(S)-HEYA in inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase activities, because 5,6-DHA is metabolized into triglycerides, phospholipids and hydroxylated products. While lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid at C-5 and C-12 is inhibited by 15-HETE, the transformation of arachidonic acid into 5,15-diHETE via 15-HPETE in human leukocytes is relatively insensitive to 15-HETE.
Development and validation of a short form for the multidimensional work ethic profile

Abstract The multidimensional work ethic profile (MWEP) has become one of the most widely-used inventories for measuring the work ethic construct. However, its length has been a potential barrier to even more widespread use. We developed a short form of the MWEP, the MWEP-SF. A subset of items from the original measure was identified, using item response theory, such that the loss of test information was minimized. The measure was reduced from 65 to 28 items. The processes of parameter estimation, item selection, cross-validation, and comparisons with the full measure and other relevant constructs are presented and discussed. Although test information was reduced by the elimination of items, the relationships among MWEP-SF subscales and other variables in the MWEP-SF's nomological network were preserved.
Conflicting measures of hospital quality: ratings from "Hospital Compare" versus "Best Hospitals".

BACKGROUND In April 2005 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched “Hospital Compare,” the first government-sponsored hospital quality scorecard. We compared the ranking of U.S. News and World Report's “Best Hospitals” with Hospital Compare performance ratings. METHODS We examined Hospital Compare scores for core measures related to care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We calculated composite scores for the disease-specific sets of core measures and a composite combined score for the 14 core measures (across 3 diseases) and determined national score quartile cut points for each set. We then characterized the quartile distribution of Hospital Compare scores for the Best Hospitals for care of cardiac conditions and respiratory disorders in each year, as well as for the Best Hospital “Honor Roll” institutions. RESULTS AMI scores were available for 2165 hospitals, CHF scores for 3130, and CAP scores for 3462. In both 2004 and 2005, fewer than 50% of the Best Hospitals for cardiac care rated in the top quartile of Hospital Compare scores for AMI and CHF. Among the Best Hospitals for care of respiratory disorders, fewer than 15% scored in the top Hospital Compare quartile for CAP. Among Honor Roll institutions, only 5 (of 14 hospitals in 2004; of 16 in 2005) ranked in the top quartile for the combined core measure score. CONCLUSIONS Hospital Compare scores are frequently discordant with Best Hospital rankings, which is likely attributable to the markedly different methods each rating approach employs. Such discordance between major quality rating systems paints a conflicting picture of institutional performance for the public to interpret. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:128–134. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Crawling and rolling gaits for a coupled-mobility snake robot

We present a three-dimensional motion planning framework for a coupled-mobility snake robot that incorporates centipede-like crawling and a variety of rolling gaits. The snake robot is equipped with a number of feet on its underside that enable it to crawl over and around obstacles. Due to its flexible body structure, the snake also retains the ability to move without the aid of its feet, through internally induced bending motions — in this paper we focus specifically on a class of lateral rolling gaits. The motion planning framework is based on fitting the snake robot's kinematic structure to a three-dimensional spline curve passing through prescribed interpolation points. In the case of linear crawling, the curve defines a path to which the snake is fitted as it crawls forward. For a rolling gait, the curve is used to define the shape of the snake as it repeatedly rolls about its own center axis. The framework outlined in this paper can be adapted to a wide range of modular snake robots. Numerical results demonstrating the computation of joint angle trajectories for two different rolling gaits are presented.
Melanocyte activity in the epidermis of the boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor) during the sloughing cycle.

Epidermal melanocytes are easily identifiable in the skin of the Boa Constrictor throughout the whole skin cycle. Intensity of the dopa reaction, however, varies. It is at its peak just before the skin enters its resting phase when the melanization of the beta layer of the epidermis is complete. There is no pigment transfer when those layers of the epidermis are formed which contain alpha keratin. The melanocytes accumulate melanosomes, retain them throughout the resting phase of the epidermis, and donate them again during the subsequent growing period of the epidermal keratinizing system when beta keratin is again formed. Thus, when a new beta layer is formed, most of the melanosomes which are donated to this layer have been formed during a previous cycle. The dermal melanophores do not show morphological or histochemical changes during the shedding cycle of the epidermis.
The marihuana perception inventory: stage 2--confirmatory evidence.

A perceptual inventory was developed earlier to determine the relationship between societal or familial factors and the onset of marihuana use among youths, and to discover if these perceived relationships differed by demographic characteristics such as ethnicity, religious persuasion, and parental status. This study reports the results of analyzing a second sample—junior- and senior-high students. Factor analysis again revealed a five-factor solution, this time with twenty-six of the thirty-four items included; scales were again labeled Rebelliousness; Societal Issues: Parental Limitations; Maturational Difficulties; and, Inherent Predispositions. While development continues, the instrument appears sufficiently stable to aid drug educators design focused programs.
3-D Numerical Study of Turbulent Mixing of Intake Air and Exhaust Gas in a Low Pressure EGR System

A 3-D numerical study of turbulent mixing characteristics of air and exhaust gas in a low pressure EGR system (LP-EGR) has been performed under typical operating conditions. There are two objectives of this study. The first objective of the study is to understand and quantify the effects of following factors on mixing quality of exhaust gas and intake air: a) Rate of generation and dissipation of turbulence in the near mixing zone. b) Swirl induced due to formation of counter rotating vortex pairs (CVPs). c) Impingement of the EGR jet on the opposite wall of the intake manifold. The second objective of this study is to understand mixing quality with respect to pressure drop. Under typical conditions, on the low pressure side of the turbocharger, the pressure drop available to ensure required mass flow rate of EGR into the intake air is minimal. Hence, different EGR inlet configurations have been modeled to calculate the mixing quality along with the pressure drops. Some of configurations that have been studied are the effect of varying the diameter of EGR inlet tube, varying the insertion of EGR inlet tube into the intake air duct, angular injection, mixing elbow, multi-point EGR injection, EGR tube with multiple nozzles, venturi configuration, EGR flow control valve at EGR inlet etc. The above mixers have been compared by plotting respective mixing quality vs. EGR-side pressure drop and air-side pressure drop on a 3-D scatter plot at various operating conditions of the engine. One of the important conclusions of the study is that, in the range of operating conditions considered, a simple T-Junction like configuration, which generates maximum local turbulence and allows uninhibited formation and propagation of counter rotating vortex pairs, provides the best mixing quality with the least pressure drop.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Making sense out of the numbers

Determining the size of the CD-ROM market has always been a difficult task. The availability of sales surveys seems to offer a solution to predict market size. However, these surveys need careful scrutiny and evaluation to draw any meaningful conclusions. These surveys generally study only the consumer market which is usually viewed as more profitable than narrower markets. This study examines several of these surveys, looking at their assumptions, their deficiencies, and what remains unreported. However, conclusions drawn from one market cannot be extrapolated to make comparisons with other markets. After a brief examination of some of the problems selling to both markets, the article concludes by raising some of the questions that need to be asked in order to understand what the surveys report.
Autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy: identification of a new family with a mutation in the ELOVL4 gene.

Abstract Purpose To describe the clinical features and identify the mutation responsible for an autosomal dominant macular degeneration occurring in a four-generation family. Methods Family members underwent clinical examination and genealogical characterization. Mutation screening of the ELOVL4 gene was performed. Results Patients reported visual loss occurring at a mean age of 20 years. Fundus examination revealed varying degrees of central macular atrophy with or without flecks in all affected individuals. DNA sequence analysis showed a 5-bp deletion in exon 6 of the ELOVL4 gene, confirming the diagnosis of autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy. Genealogical analysis showed that this family represents a new affected branch of a previously described 12-generation family (31 branches) with this disorder. Conclusions We characterized a new branch of a family with autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy. Identification of the disease-causing gene allows for improved genetic counseling of affected individuals.
Multimodal white matter imaging to investigate reduced fractional anisotropy and its age-related decline in schizophrenia.

Abstract We hypothesized that reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) of water diffusion and its elevated aging-related decline in schizophrenia patients may be caused by elevated hyperintensive white matter (HWM) lesions, by reduced permeability–diffusivity index (PDI), or both. We tested this hypothesis in 40/30 control/patient participants. FA values for the corpus callosum were calculated from high angular resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Whole-brain volume of HWM lesions was quantified by 3D-T2w-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. PDI for corpus callosum was ascertained using multi b -value diffusion imaging (15 b -shells with 30 directions per shell). Patients had significantly lower corpus callosum FA values, and there was a significant age-by-diagnosis interaction. Patients also had significantly reduced PDI but no difference in HWM volume. PDI and HWM volume were significant predictors of FA and captured the diagnosis-related variance. Separately, PDI robustly explained FA variance in schizophrenia patients, but not in controls. Conversely, HWM volume made equally significant contributions to variability in FA in both groups. The diagnosis-by-age effect of FA was explained by a PDI-by-diagnosis interaction. Post hoc testing showed a similar trend for PDI of gray mater. Our study demonstrated that reduced FA and its accelerated decline with age in schizophrenia were explained by pathophysiology indexed by PDI, rather than HWM volume.
Workplace upper limb disorders: A prospective study with intervention

A prospective longitudinal study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of upper limb disorders in an electromechanical plant between 1980 and 1988. It included clinical and epidemiological studies, measurement of vibration produced by the power tools used, ergonomic assessment of the works and time and motion studies. Simultaneously during the same period remedial actions were taken through multidisciplinary interventions when the specific causal factors were known. The study shows the clinical entities of the disorder, identifies the risk factors and evaluates the results of the interventions. It assists in establishing a cause and effect relationship for the condition and demonstrates the way a preventive strategy could be developed.
Detection of Clostridium botulinum Type C Cells in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) by Polymerase Chain Reaction

We established a method of directly detecting Clostridium botulinum type C cells, while minimizing spore detection, in the intestinal contents of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). This technique involved extraction of predominantly cellular DNA from tilapia intestinal tracts and used a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect presence of type C1 toxin gene. We consistently detected C. botulinum type C cells in tilapia gastrointestinal contents at a level of 7.5×104 cells per 0.25 g material or 1.9×103 cells. This technique is useful for determining prevalence of the potentially active organisms within a given population of fish and may be adapted to other types of C. botulinum and vertebrate populations as well.
The Biological Origins of Automated Patterns of Human Interaction

The biological origins of automated patterns of- human interaction are explored. Automated patterns of interaction are distinguished from deliberate patterns. Automated patterns consist of two particular types: stimulation regulation and emotional responsiveness. Evidence for the biological origins of these patterns is obtained by studying the early interactions of infants and neonates, surveying the ethological parallels, exploring the evolutionary adaptiveness of the specific patterns, and ascertaining physiological, psychophar-macological, and brain mechanisms responsible for the putterns. Although circumstantial, the case for a biological basis for stimulation regulation and emotional responsiveness is very suggestive.
What bad impressions say about employees (Part I)

Organizations need to be concerned more than ever with managing the impressions their employees make on internal and external customers. Yet little research has focused on the individual or organizational causes of bad impressions. This two-part article examines this topic and suggests methods organizations can use to eliminate specific bad impressions and lower their overall base rate.
Communication Between Key Stakeholders Within a Medical Home: A Qualitative Study

The objective of this study was to determine perceived benefits, detriments, and barriers to communication between pediatric providers and home visitors. The authors performed a cross-sectional, qualitative study consisting of 3 focus groups with paraprofessional home visitors (n = 12), 6 with parents receiving home visiting (n = 33), and 4 with pediatric providers whose patients received home visiting (n = 19). Emerging themes were generated by an inductive analytic approach. Perceived benefits included home visitors assisting parents with communication, giving providers family information, and reinforcing providers' guidance. Detriments included parental concern of sharing confidential information and providers becoming aware of family issues for which they are unprepared to act. Barriers included parental consent, logistics of home visitor—provider communication, and providers' lack of knowledge about home visitor programs/roles. Greater coordination between home visitation programs and pediatric provi...
A Career Locus of Control Scale for Undergraduate Students

This paper describes the development and initial validation of a measure of locus of control as it relates to the career process among college students. The scale is shown to be related to the cons...
Pupation Sites of Scirtothrips citri (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Potential Management through Increasing Mortality of Instars on the Ground

Release of laboratory-reared citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), onto branches of citrus trees, and capture of falling larvae on sticky sheets, suggested a significant proportion of pupation on the ground. Field experiments were performed with individual trees caged in order to exclude the possibility of random migration of S. citri from tree to tree. Preventing adult emergence from the ground by covering the ground beneath the canopy with sticky plastic sheets resulted in estimates that between 49 and 90% of S. citri adults emerge from the ground. Emerging adults from soil samples collected in the field and from an artificial sand and leaf-litter substrate in the laboratory indicated that most S. citri emerge from leaf-litter or a shallow soil depth. Results have implications for development of future management strategies for S. citri .
Tetrasulfonated 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane as a Building Block for the Synthesis of Disulfonated Alkyldiphenylphosphanes

A new and convenient route to various water-soluble alkyldiphenylphosphanes is proposed starting from tetrasulfonated 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane (DPPETS). DPPETS is alkylated and then cleaved to give the disulfonated alkyldiphenylphosphane. This methodology allowed the production of disulfonated n-octyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl, phenethyl, and but-3-enyl diphenylphosphanes with satisfactory yields.
A pilot study to assess use of passive extension bias to facilitate finger movement for repetitive task practice after stroke.

AbstractBackground and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether active range of finger motion could be increased through the introduction of passive, external extension joint torques in stroke survivors. Participants: Five chronic stroke survivors with severe hand impairment resulting from hemiparesis took part in the study. Method: Participants completed 2 experimental sessions in which hand movement and function were assessed. In one session, they wore a custom orthotic glove (X-Glove) that passively supplied extension torques to the joints of the fingers. In the second session, they performed the same tasks as in the other session, but without the glove. Outcome measures consisted of active range of motion, distance of the fingertip from the hand, selected tasks from the Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT), and the Box and Blocks (BB) test. Primary results with and without the glove were compared using paired t tests with a Bonferroni correction. Results: Active range of motion...
In Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve at the Cubital Tunnel

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a clinical entity that has been described for more than a century. Numerous conservative and surgical treatments have evolved to address this condition, but a consensus has yet to emerge regarding optimal treatment. Evidence suggests a limited but potentially valuable role for in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel. Future research will undoubtedly clarify this role and contribute to the development of a standard treatment protocol.
Novel variation-aware STA methodology

A novel variation-aware STA methodology is proposed. And with 65nm process, the impact of this methodology is estimated. Statistical STA has come into use in order to consider process variation. But methodologies to consider SI such as crosstalk and PI such as voltage drop are still under investigations. In the point of PI, process variations are considered definitely [1–3]. With the power shut off circuit, it is important to recognize which part in the circuit, power routing, normal transistors, or switch transistors is most sensitive to performance. From this acknowledgement, it is necessary to control variation of most sensitive elements and develop validation flow to handle these phenomena.
Structure–function studies of DNA polymerase lambda

DNA polymerase lambda is a member of the X family of polymerases that is implicated in non-homologous end-joining of double-strand breaks in DNA and in base excision repair of DNA damage. To better understand the roles of DNA polymerase lambda in these repair pathways, here we review its structure and biochemical properties, with emphasis on its gap-filling polymerization activity, its dRP lyase activity and its unusual DNA synthetic (in)fidelity.
Local inhibition of ovo-implantation in the rat.

Progesterone or Provera was injected subcutaneously to pregnant rats for various periods from Day 0 or 1 of pregnancy. Estradiol or estradiol cypionate was injected locally in one spot in the mesometrial fat tissue on Day 3. Various types of local inhibition of ovo-ixnplantation were observed on Day 9 in approximately 60% of the animals thus treated. The portion of the uterus lacking implantation sites was limited within an area near the site of local injection of a small dose of estrogen. With larger doses of estrogen the inhibitory effect extended to the contralateral uterine horn. Subcutaneous injection of progestin or local injection of estrogen alone did not inhibit ovo-implantation. Thus, locally administered estrogen was shown to produce a precocious refractory state in a limited portion of the uterus by acting synergistically with an elevated level of progestin. (Endocrinology 88: 627, 1971)
How to lengthen the nuclear fuse

Presidents Clinton and Yeltsin took a step toward de-alerting strategic nuclear forces in 1994, when they pledged to stop aiming strategic missiles at each other's country. But the pact was symbolic only. The missiles retained their wartime targets in computer memory, and the target coordinates could be reloaded into the missile guidance computers within seconds. If either President ordered a missile attack, the message would be transmitted in seconds to land-based launch crews and in minutes to submarine crews. Thousands of warheads could be launched within 30 minutes or so of the initial decision. A stand-down from this strategic forces alert-a lengthening of the launch readiness of the missiles from minutes to hours or days or longer-would do in reality what the de-targeting step did symbolically. It would end an anachronistic state of affairs-the fact that, a decade after the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia are still maintaining nuclear weapons on hair-trigger alert aimed at each other's nuclear forces and cities. The authors discuss the alert status of the nuclear forces, pressure for fast launches, and the path to de-alerting, and a de-alerting scenario.