cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring hormones in urine and feces of captive bonobos (Pan paniscus)

Urinary and fecal hormones were analyzed on average every other day in 17 female bonobos kept at four US zoos (San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Milwaukee, Columbus, and Cincinnati). Ovarian cycle activity was monitored throughout the 15-month study period using estrogen and progesterone profiles and swelling charts. Behavioral data on sexual activity were also collected on a daily basis. Fecal and urinary samples were analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS), and nanoelectrospray. Preliminary results indicate that in urine, both conjugated progestin and estrogen metabolites were abundant, while in fecal samples, free progestin metabolites from the 5a-pregnane series were found. Although traces of estrogen metabolites were detected in fecal samples, long-term monitoring of ovarian activity in our study yielded no meaningful estrogen profiles. In contrast, fecal progestin profiles, after adjusting for a one-day delay in excretion, closely matched the corresponding urinary progestin profiles. Using the identical antibody and tracer for both, fecal and urinary progestins, fecal samples yielded approximately ten times the relative amount of progestins compared to urinary progestins. Thus, when converted using a regression formula, fecal progestins may complete the picture obtained from urinary progestins, particularly in cases where the urine sample record is unavailable or incomplete. Evidence of the usefulness of urinary cortisol as a measure of stress is presented.
Sensory, Physical, and Microbiological Properties of Liquid Whitener from Peanuts

Liquid whitener was prepared using peanut extract, cottonseed oil, and water. Quadratic canonical polynomials predicted the response of the sensory variables peanutty, milky, oily flavor, astringent, and surface layer thickness to the component proportions. Reduced cubic canonical polynomials were necessary to predict responses of the sensory variables color lightness, roasted nutty, oily suspension; and the variables viscosity and stability in coffee to the component proportions. Increasing or decreasing extract from 50% of the blend decreased whitening capacity. Increasing extract increased peanutty and roasted nutty ratings. Increasing oil increased ratings for oily flavor and surface layer thickness but decreased astringent ratings and stability of whiteners in coffee. Storage of the whitener at 5° was necessary to prevent mi-crobial spoilage.
Low-temperature shear compliance of TaS 3

We have measured the low-frequency (13 Hz) and quasistatic shear compliance (J) of orthorhombic ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ as a function of applied electric field (E) at 4.2 K. In contrast to liquid-nitrogen temperatures, where J increases by 25--30 % when the electric field depins the charge-density wave, at 4.2 K the compliance is field independent for E up to 270 ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{NL}}$, the field where nonlinear current is first observed, and well into the regime where the conductance is proportional to ${\mathit{E}}^{2}$. A few possible reasons for the lack of an elastic anomaly at low temperature are suggested. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Electromechanical conversion of low-grade heat into electricity with shape memory alloy actuators

An energy harvesting prototype is presented to electromechanically convert low grade heat into electricity using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. A model is presented for the system, and the relationship between the SMA temperature and the angle of rotation of the generator is experimentally validated. The ability of the SMA energy harvesting prototype to cyclically oscillate is also demonstrated. A 10.2V peak voltage is generated with the energy harvesting prototype.
Review article: Epithelial disposition of antigen.

SUMMARY Exogenous antigens can impinge upon the luminal surface of mucous membranes and to a limited degree, can even penetrate into the lamina propria. As a result of infection, microbial antigens can be present in mucosal epithelium or lamina propria. At all three levels (lumen, epithelium, lamina propria), locally produced antibodies, principally immunoglobulin A (IgA), can combine with antigens. As a result, antigens can be prevented from attaching to the epithelium, viruses can be neutralized inside epithelial cells and immune complexes in the lamina propria can be excreted into the lumen. As the Fc portion of IgA is specialized to facilitate epithelial transport of IgA rather than to activate inflammatory mediator systems (as is the case with other classes of immunoglobulin), the predominance of IgA among mucosal antibodies serves to limit the degree of local inflammation following antigen-antibody reactions.
Effectiveness of community intervention in improving bone health behaviors in older adults.

An 8-week, bone-health community program addressed risks/lifestyle changes within the Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action frameworks in a randomized format (treatment group n = 35; control group n = 34). Median week 1 values for calcium (control, 963 mg; treatment, 1023 mg) and vitamin D (81 IU both groups) were below recommendations, increasing throughout the program for both control (1023 mg calcium, 128 IU vitamin D) and treatment (1005 mg calcium, 122 IU vitamin D) groups. There was limited response to the exercise outcome variables, with many not participating in that section of the program. Psychosocial variables were positive for both control and treatment groups at week 1, with no significant difference at postintervention. Regression analysis indicated that those with a positive attitude about calcium intake and belief that they could choose calcium-fortified foods were more likely to have higher calcium intake. Intention to exercise was modified by peer and family support. Communit...
Value-added network services… & beyond

The campus computer networks of today run the gamut from nonexistent through rich functionality and connectivity. Network value can be enhanced by the addition of network-based high-level services such as file storage, printing, fax, fuzzy email addresses and information directories. The next step is to organize access to all these services in a consistent menu-driven way, so that the network itself becomes invisible.
Stimulation of polypeptide synthesis by artificial nucleoproteins.

Abstract The capacity of a nucleoprotein to stimulate polypeptide synthesis in a system in vitro was examined. Artificial nucleoproteins were prepared from polyribonucleotides of known composition and bovine serum proteins. These artificial nucleoproteins were shown to bind as undissociated complexes to rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes in a system capable of polypeptide synthesis in vitro . The nucleoproteins stimulated amino acid incorporation in a manner similar to polyribonucleotides. When incubated with low concentrations of ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.16) the artificial nucleoproteins demonstrated a decrease in rate of hydrolysis relative to the uncomplexed polynucleotide. After treatment with nuclease the nucleoproteins were able to stimulate a greater amino acid incorporation into polypeptide than were the polyribonucleotides which had been similarly treated. The resistance of the nucleoprotein to nuclease makes attractive the hypothesis that messenger RNA may be protected by the association of nucleic acid with protein.
Fractal Analysis of Hard Disk Surface Roughness and Correlation With Static and Low-Speed Friction

The purpose of this work was to use new scale-sensitive fractal parameters to characterize the surface topography of computer hard disks and to correlate the fractal parameters with measured start-up friction (or stiction) behavior of textured hard disks. The topographies of glass disks with three different surface textures and aluminum disks with two different textures were measured using an atomic force microscope. Two parameters derived from area-scale fractal analysis by the patchwork method were chosen to characterize the surface topography: smooth-rough crossover and area-scale fractal complexity. The two fractal parameters were found to be characteristic of the disks' texture; disks which had been processed in the same batch had similar values of complexity and smooth-rough crossover, but those values differed for disks subjected to a different texturing process. Friction behavior of unlubricated glass disks and lubricated aluminum disks was determined at startup and during low speed drag testing. The results show a high correlation between the smooth-rough crossover parameter and start-up friction (stiction) for both lubricated and unlubricated disks. Additional tests showed that the area-scale fractal parameter is related to low speed sliding friction. The friction results for the unlubricated glass disks were dependent on humidity and roughness in a manner that is consistent with a meniscus model of stiction.
Shocked transonic flow calculations using finite elements and a fictitious gas

Abstract A variational finite element method for computation of shocked transonic flows is developed. The method combines the use of a fictitious gas for a regularized elliptic calculation together with the method of characteristics in the supersonic pocket. For shocked flows the shock condition is enforced using a penalty method in a dual ‘two pass’ algorithm which iteratively improves the calculated shock location. Comparison studies with experimental measurements and other numerical results for direct analysis codes are given for representative test cases.
29Si NMR studies of zeolite precursor solutions.

Solution 29 Si NMR spectroscopy results of zeolite precursor solutions of composition 1 SiO 2 :4 C 2 H 5 OH: 0.36/n R +n [OH - ] n :20 H 2 O are reported. This work employs isotopically enriched 29 Si materials to aid in spectral interpretation. Using both 1D and 2D methods, spectra of solutions containing tetrapropylammonium hydroxide are wholly consistent with the existing silicate chemistry literature and indicate that the majority of the species are high-symmetry silicate clusters previously observed in aqueous solutions. The results are inconsistent with the nanoblock or nanoslab model proposed by Kirschhock and co-workers. Mixtures containing the 4,4'-trimethylene-bis(1,1'-dimethylpiperidinium) dihydroxide cation were also studied. These mixtures have similar speciation to the TPA solutions, although the relative populations of the species are different. Preliminary variable temperature 29 Si NMR of these mixtures shows that the exchange properties of the high-symmetry silicate species, most notably the tetrahedral tetramer, depend on the organocation identity.
Influence of patch- and landscape-level attributes on the movement behavior of raccoons in agriculturally fragmented landscapes

We tested the hypotheses that movement rates and home range sizes of raccoons (Procyon lotor (L., 1758)) inhabiting a highly fragmented landscape would vary in response to local and landscape-level...
Myocardial couplings: Their structural variations in the mouse

In mouse myocardial cells, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) forms specialized complexes (“couplings”) with both the sarcolemma and its extension, the system of transverse (T) and axial (Ax) tubules. As well as contributing to conventional “diads” and “triads,” the junctional region of the SR (J-SR) often forms complexes having special configurations, the latter including: (1) couplings in which J-SR is wrapped partially or completely around T-Ax tubules; (2) “reversed triads” in which a single J-SR saccule is flanked by two T-Ax tubules; (3) “pentad” and “sextad” couplings with multiple J-SR and T-Ax elements; and (4) “bidirectional peripheral couplings” in which J-SR is sandwiched between closely apposed folds of the sarcolemma, a condition frequently observed in the region of the intercalated disc. In the last three configurations, electron-opaque junctional processes are formed on both sides of the flattened sac of J-SR, rather than on a single side as in conventional couplings.
Comorbid substance use disorder: Prevalence, patterns of use, and course

Research on the prevalence, patterns, and course of substance use disorders in severe mental illness gives key insights into the complex interaction of substance use and mental disorder. Understanding the literature on comorbidity has implications for the design of clinical services and for the direction of future research in the field.
Uniformly complementedl p n ’s in quasi-reflexive Banach spaces

It is shown that for every non-reflexive Banach spaceX withX**/X reflexive there exists a uniformly bounded sequence of projections {Pn}n=1∞ whose ranges are uniformly isomorphic to {lpn}n = 1∞ either forp=1, orp=2 or forp=∞. The proof uses knowledge of the transfinite dualXω, ESA Schauder decompositions and proof of a similar statement for spaces with an unconditional basis due to Tzafriri.
Is a small platelet mass associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in very low-birth-weight infants?

Is a small platelet mass associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in very low-birth-weight infants?
Biological waste air treatment in biofilters

Recent studies in the area of biological waste air treatment in biofilters have addressed fundamental key issues such as microbial dynamics, microscopical characterization of the process culture and oxygen and nutrient limitations. The results from these studies have provided a deeper insight into the overall biofiltration process. In the coming years, such advances should allow for the design of better reactor controls and the improvement of pollutant removal in gas-phase bioreactors.
Root Metaphor Versus Square Root: Research Evidence for a Contextualist Theme

Steenbarger has elegantly described contextualist themes in counseling. His discussion clearly reveals the limitations of linear models of change; nevertheless, one should carefully examine the language used to discuss higher order change processes. The point of this article is that the language used should be put into practice so that research can be conducted to examine the concepts conveyed by the language. In this way, we may better understand the mechanisms of change, and practitioners may benefit.
Selective attention in peacocks during predator detection

Predation can exert strong selective pressure on the evolution of behavioral and morphological traits in birds. Because predator avoidance is key to survival and birds rely heavily on visual perception, predation may have shaped avian visual systems as well. To address this question, we examined the role of visual attention in antipredator behavior in peacocks (Pavo cristatus). Pea- cocks were exposed to a model predator while their gaze was continuously recorded with a telemetric eye-tracker. We found that peacocks spent more time looking at and made more fixations on the predator compared to the same spatial location before the predator was revealed. The duration of fixations they directed toward conspecifics and environmental features decreased after the predator was revealed, indicating that the peacocks were rapidly scan- ning their environment with their eyes. Maximum eye movement amplitudes and amplitudes of consecutive sac- cades were similar before and after the predator was revealed. In cases where conspecifics detected the predator first, peacocks appeared to learn that danger was present by observing conspecifics' antipredator behavior. Peacocks were faster to detect the predator when they were fixating closer to the area where the predator would eventually appear. In addition, pupil size increased after predator exposure, consistent with increased physiological arousal. These findings demonstrate that peacocks selectively direct their attention toward predatory threats and suggest that predation has influenced the evolution of visual orienting systems.
Stock selection based on Morningstar’s ten-year, five-star general equity mutual funds

Abstract Recent research suggests that the individual investor can build stock portfolios that outperform broad market indices. Based on this research and on evidence supporting the persistence of mutual fund performance, we test whether or not the individual investor can build market-superior portfolios from stocks selected from the top holdings of Morningstar’s ten-year, five-star general equity mutual funds. We use modern portfolio theory to construct the portfolios. Although the portfolios tend to outperform the S&P 500 for the 1990s, we conclude that the evidence is not strong enough to recommend this stock selection strategy to the individual investor.
Demyelination in the spinal cord of murine globoid cell leukodystrophy (the twitcher mouse).

Chronologic events of demyelination were investigated in the spinal cord of the twicher mouse, an authentic murine model of human globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) from 5 to 45 days postnatal. There was very little evidence of myelin degeneration before day 25 although clustered or scattered globoid cells were already noted in the dorsal columns and intramedullary portion of the ventral roots.
Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in methane combustion: Comparative new results from premixed flames

Direct sampling and GC/MS analysis of fuel-rich, laminar, premixed flames of methane indicates the production of higher in-flame peak concentrations of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) than in the flames of ethane under similar combustion conditions. These findings are surprising and significant because the methane flame not only had a higher H/C ratio and lower carbon density, but also produced less acetylene and soot than the ethane flame. These results suggest the significance of species containing an odd number of carbon atoms in PAH formation processes in the methane flame, as well as the importance of soot surface reactions. Although aromatic and polyaromatic intermediates constitute trace by-products of combustion, their formation is of practical concern due to their potential adverse health effects.
Multiple-item exposure and serial learning.

Summary.-Recent studies show that simultaneously-presented pairs detrimentally affect paired-associate learning. In this study, serial learning was nor affected by exposure of the cue item plus 1, 2 or 3 preceding items. The data seem relevant to the issue regarding identity of a functional stimulus; additional research of a parametric nature is in order. In a typical serial learning of CVC trigrams by the anticipation method, successive items appear one at a time. The question arose whether exposure of multiple items might provide for implicit rehearsal of exposed subsets and so aid learning. Interest in the effects of multiple-item exposure has recently appeared but so far has been limited to the learning of paired-associates (Brown & Brown, 1965; Brown & Read, 1966). The general finding is that exposure of subsets of paired-associates appears to have a detrimental effect. Brown & Read (1966) suggested some possible souces of difficulty, one of which might stem from serial-position cues generated by the use of invariant subsets. To the extent that such cues are integral to serial learning, it was predicted that multiple-item exposure should favor forming of serial associations since it structures the material for intratrial rehearsal. Method.-Forty student \olunteers from the general psychology course at the University of Maine served as Ss. None had had prior experience in serial learning and all were naive with respect to the purpose of the study. Twelve typewritten CVC rrigrams (Archer, 19GO), with an average association value of 36.5%, were presented serially by means of a Gerbrands Model M1-A memory drum. The order of items was MEP, JID, GAH, NUC, ZOG, KEX, VAK, QUM, PIB, CEV. YOT, RYL. A syllable-presenration rate of 2 sec. with an intertrial interval of 6 sec. was used. The symbol XXX signaled the beginning of each trial. For purposes of the srudy, the drum aperture was replaced by one of four cardboard masks that permitted, respectively, the viewing of from one to four trigrams simultaneously. Ten Ss were randomly assigned to each of four groups that differed only in terms of the number of trigrams exposed ar any one time. The control group (C) saw only the current stimulus item while experimental groups (E-1, E-2, E-3) saw the stimulus item #lus one, two or three preceding trigrams. All Ss were instructed to anticipate and pronounce each item before it appeared. Anticipation was emphasized and nothing was said concerning the presence of more than a single item in the viewing aperture. In other words, rehearsal of doublets, triplets, erc. was neither encouraged nor discouraged. Results.-Table 1 shows mean trials to criterion (two successive errorless trials) and other summary data. By inspection, and by the analysis of variance (F .30), and the Kruskal-Wallis test which compares the sample distributions (H = 0.28, df = 3, p > .95), the data clearly were not significant. Inspection of serial-position curves, plotted for the various groups, also supported the general finding that performance did not differ as a function of
Kinetics of carbon precipitation in irradiated iron

Abstract Iron containing approximately 0.01 wt.% carbon was irradiated in the BNL reactor at different times and temperatures, and the amount of carbon in solution was measured by torsion pendulum internal friction. Isothermal annealings after irradiation for 12 days at 200°K showed that the irradiation accelerated the disappearance of carbon from solution by about three orders of magnitude over the thermal rate. The extent of the accelerated decay is a function of irradiation time, and after 12 days irradiation the peak decayed to background level. The decay curves are all second order with an activation energy of the diffusion of carbon in iron. After a 4 hr irradiation at 57°C, however, the decay was accelerated by only about one order of magnitude and the decay rate is not affected by further irradiation.
Strategies to Reduce Negative Socialization in the First Years of Teaching

(2012). Strategies to Reduce Negative Socialization in the First Years of Teaching. Strategies: Vol. 25, No. 7, pp. 8-10.
Environment-specific cross-sensitization between the locomotor activating effects of morphine and amphetamine.

Abstract Groups of eight rats each were preexposed on four occasions to 10 or 20 mg/kg morphine sulfate, IP, either in activity boxes where activity was measured for two hours (COND, conditioning groups) or in their home cages (UNPAIRED groups). On alternate days these groups were administered saline in the other environment. Two groups of eight rats each served as CONTROL groups (one for each preexposure dose) and were administered saline in both environments. On the day following morphine preexposure, all animals were administered 0.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine sulfate, IP, prior to being tested in the activity boxes. On this test, the COND group preexposed to 10 mg/kg morphine showed higher levels of activity than either of its respective UNPAIRED or CONTROL groups. The COND group preexposed to 20 mg/kg morphine was significantly more active than its UNPAIRED group, but not more active than its CONTROL group. The implications of such environment-specific cross-sensitization between the activity effects of opiate and stimulant drugs are discussed.
Index: An Interactive Computer Program for Item Analysis of Objective Tests

INDEX is an interactive program, written in the BASIC language, which operates simply on a microcomputer to perform objective test analysis. The program accommodates the occurrence of tied scores fully and correctly.
Perinatal smoking and depression in women with concurrent substance use.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this report was to examine the course of smoking among pregnant women with concurrent substance use, and to assess the impact of depression on smoking. Methods Data were gathered as part of a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of substance abuse treatment in pregnant women. Women (n = 176) were recruited before 28 completed weeks of pregnancy, and followed until 3 months postpartum. Depression was assessed using the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and the MINI Neuropsychiatric Interview. Our outcome was the average number of cigarettes smoked per day. Linear mixed effects regression was used to measure differential changes in smoking. Results 66% of women smoked in the three months before pregnancy, 42% of pre-pregnancy smokers achieved abstinence before delivery and 60% of the baseline cohort smoked postpartum. Smoking did not differ significantly between depressed and non-depressed groups. After delivery both groups increased smoking at similar rates. Conclusion Smoking was common among our cohort of pregnant women with a history of substance use. Women were able to discontinue or decrease smoking during pregnancy, but were likely to resume or increase smoking postpartum. Having clinically significant depressive symptoms or a diagnosis of depression did not have an obvious effect on smoking behaviors.
Space competition in the acorn woodpecker: Power struggles in a cooperative breeder

Abstract During a 5-year study of the cooperatively living acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus , I observed 26 irruptions of agonistic behaviour involving large numbers of intruders invading a territory. Evidence from several sources suggests that these invasions are usually contests among potential immigrants for the opportunity to replace a missing group member (hence, ‘power struggles’). Thus, power struggles indicate intense competition among individuals to transfer out of their natal group. Such dispersal is not necessarily excluded by the hypothesis that individuals gain directly by living in cooperative groups through either increased foraging efficiency or better predator defence. However, birds involved in power struggles expend considerable energy and incur considerable risks. These costs are likely to be an acceptable part of dispersal only if cooperative living is a result of birds being forced to remain in groups as a result of resource localization.
Laboratory method of measuring the phase of a backscatter signal

Much can be learned about the basic scattering from simple radar targets if the phase as well as the amplitude of the echo is measured. Many laboratories cannot afford a costly phase-amplitude receiver, and this letter describes a simple way to extract phase behaviour from amplitude data alone.
Internet access to the C. elegans genome.

In December 1998, the genome of the small soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans became the most recent model system to fall to the collective efforts of the Genome Project 1, its complete 97 Mbp genome taking its place alongside those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli and numerous microorganisms. The availability of the C. elegans sequence means that, for the first time, the complete genome of a fully functional multicellular animal is available to the scientific community, along with a rich infrastructure of genetic, behavioral, physiological and developmental data about the organism.
The peanut orbit: a modified elliptical orbit for single-photon emission computed tomography imaging.

The front collimator surface of a conventional single‐photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) detector system transcribing an elliptical orbit to approximate body contour could, under certain circumstances, penetrate the ellipse and make patient contact. The problem is associated both with the large front surface dimensions of tomographic cameras and the need to maintain the camera perpendicular to a radius through the axis of rotation. To aid in the development of an improved body contour orbit, software has been developed to simulate SPECTimagingsystems. A major feature of the algorithms is a spatially calibrated graphic representation of the pallet, patient and orbit of the camera head. Based on computer simulations performed with this software, a modified elliptical orbit has been proposed for patient contour SPECT scanning on two different types of tomographic acquisition systems: a dual camera, rotating ring system and a single camera, multimotion stand system. This peanut orbit has the advantage of minimizing collimator patient distance, as does the elliptical orbit, but also compensates for camera motion that could potentially produce patient contact. Versions of the peanut orbit algorithms have been installed and are operational on clinical systems similar to those that were simulated. The ring‐based gantry system (with cameras mounted on cantilevered arms) requires additional software to correct for translational shift in the field of view as a function of radial distance from the center of the system. This is done during uniformity correction. Standard unmodified backprojection software is used for reconstruction. The peanut orbit may represent an improved approach to body contour imaging in rotational SPECT.
Impact of dedicated trauma lists on a maxillofacial surgical service.

In 1995, the maxillofacial surgical inpatient services in East Lancashire were centralized in Blackburn Royal Infirmary, and twice-weekly operating lists dedicated to maxillofacial trauma were established. We examined the non-elective workload for three-month periods before and after trauma lists became available to find out the proportion of non-elective operations done out of normal working hours. Although there was an increase in the total number of non-elective patients after centralization, day-time trauma lists allowed a reduction in the proportion of operations performed out of normal working hours. Fewer trauma cases were added to elective lists. Trauma lists allow the unit to comply with the recommendations of both NCEPOD and the Calman report, in that they maximize training opportunities for all staff and facilitate both audit and research.
Laser beam diagnostics using fuzzy logic

The measurement of laser beam quality is of prime importance for various applications. M2 factor has been widely accepted as a standard for characterizing the quality of real laser beams. The inaccuracies present in the specifications of resonator elements, variations occurring due to various competing physical processes inside the lasing medium, and offsets in the cavity configuration make the beam quality deviate from the desired value. Since the beam quality can be improved by manipulating the cavity parameters, fine tuning of mirror separation distance can offer considerable modification in the beam quality. In this paper, a fuzzy logic based controller to obtain and monitor desired laser beam characteristics for stable resonators is discussed. The simulation results indicate that the proposed fuzzy logic controller will dynamically adapt to real laser beams and can offer superior performance over conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. The principle advantage of the present approach is that it provides a versatile means for automatic control over the beam characteristics without relying on detailed mathematical modeling techniques.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Two-component planar Doppler velocimetry in the compressible turbulent boundary layer

Non-intrusive Planar Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) has been extended to two-component measurements in a Mach 3, flat plate turbulent boundary layer and the distorted boundary layers downstream of 7° and 14° expansions. PDV results were compared to redundant Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements. Mean velocity results obtained with the two techniques agree to within ±5%. PDV measurements were obtained within 0.4 mm of the surface while LDV could be employed only to within approximately 2.0 mm, highlighting a near-wall resolution advantage for PDV. Effects including those associated with separate filtered and reference cameras led to PDV uncertainties of the same order as the encountered moderate turbulence intensities, precluding an investigation of instantaneous turbulence fields. Despite these difficulties, the current multi-component measurements in distorted, compressible boundary layers highlight the potential of PDV and represent progress in its ongoing evolution. Sources of error and improvements required for quantitative turbulence measurements are discussed. Further advances can be expected from ongoing development efforts.
Evaluation of mirror thermal distortions from temperature measurements

A method is described to assess the figure change created by thermal distortion in beryllium sandwich mirrors during solar exposure in space. A NASTRAN finite element model of a mirror is used to evaluate the procedure, which uses embedded temperature sensors. The method is tested, with respect to six parameters, on an aluminum thermal surrogate mirror. Thermal gradients in most full-depth sandwich configurations are shown to be minimized, due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum. Overall rms figure and defocus deformation are predicted to within 15 percent; the coma and astigmatism are predicted to within 20-25 percent; and the variability in predicting higher order distortions is wide. Defocus is shown to be the most likely dominant term in temperature-induced distortion. The notion is posited that provisions are necessary to counterbalance the high CTE of metal mirrors during solar exposure.
Replication of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Non-dividing Bacteria

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC acid (DNA) is thought to be formed by replication. Meselson and Stahl1 have used a density-gradient centrifugation technique to show that bacterial DNA is bipartite as was proposed by Watson and Crick2 and that it reproduces in a semi-conservative fashion3, each original sub-unit being found associated, on replication, with a newly formed sub-unit.
Mechanical properties of aircraft materials subjected to long periods of service usage

This paper evaluates changes in the behavior of aircraft materials which result from aging and/or corrosion that occurs during long periods of service usage. The primary objective was to determine whether damage tolerant analyses for older aircraft should employ updated properties that more accurately represent the current state of the material, or if the virgin material properties continue to properly characterize the aged/corroded alloy. Specifically, tensile stress-strain curves, cyclic stress life (SN) tests, and fatigue crack growth tests were used to characterize the aged aircraft materials. These properties were compared with handbook properties for virgin material of the same pedigree. The aluminum alloys tested were obtained from fuselage and wing panels of retired KC-135 aircraft. Computer controlled tests were conducted using specimens machined from the retired aircraft components. Different configurations were used to observe the effects of aging and/or corrosion on material behavior. In the crack growth specimens, various levels of corrosion were observed, thus the crack growth rates could be categorized as a function of the level of corrosion present. The SN and da/dN-{Delta}K curves for the aged only materials were compared with the fatigue properties of virgin material of the same alloy. Similar comparisons were performed for themore » tensile stress-strain properties.« less
The framework of controlled active vision

One of the most desirable characteristics of a robotic manipulator is its flexibility. Flexibility and adaptability can be achieved by incorporating vision and generally, sensory information in the feedback loop. Our research introduces a framework called controlled active vision for efficient integration of the vision sensor in the feedback loop. This framework was applied to the problem of robotic visual tracking and servoing, and the results were very promising. Full 3-D robotic visual tracking was achieved at rates of 30 Hz. Most importantly, the tracking was successful even under the assumption of poor calibration of the eye-in-hand system. This paper extends this framework to other problems of sensor-based robotics, such as the derivation of depth maps from controlled motion; the vision-assisted grasping; the active calibration of the system robot-camera; and the computation of the relative pose of the target with respect to the camera. We address these problems by combining adaptive control techniques with computer vision algorithms. The paper concludes with a discussion on several relative issues such as the stability and robustness of the proposed algorithms and the problem of incorporating stereo information in the existing algorithms in order to increase the accuracy of the estimated depth.
The Role of the Epaulets in the Red-Winged Blackbird, (Agelaius Phoeniceus) Social System

The role of the epaulets of the male Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, was examined. Territorial male Red-wings were captured and their epaulets blackened with Nyanzol D, a permanent black dye. The following results were obtained: 1) Sixty-four percent of the males with black epaulets lost their territories while only eight percent of the control males lost theirs. 2) Males with epaulets blackened prior to pair formation were still able to "attract" females and mate successfully. It was concluded that the epaulets communicate threat between rival males but that they have little if any role in intersexual encounters. The epaulets, therefore, have probably evolved in response to intrasexual (epigamic) selection pressure.
Managing multi-tenant services for software defined cloud data center networks

As cloud computing data centers grow larger and networking devices proliferate, many complex issues arise in the network management architecture. We propose a framework for service offerings in a dynamic cloud network, based on software defined networking principles. The proposed approach also facilitates the use of multi-tenancy applications by providing redundant, vendor agnostic zone controllers with a hierarchical network manager. This approach enhances network security and supports converged Fibre Channel over Ethernet storage. Experimental implementation is demonstrated in a multi-tenant cloud test bed using a hybrid environment including both KVM and VMWare components.
Slr2013 Is a Novel Protein Regulating Functional Assembly of Photosystem II in Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803

The Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, which has a T192H mutation in the D2 protein of photosystem II, is an obligate photoheterotroph due to the lack of assembled photosystem II complexes. A secondary mutant, Rg2, has been selected that retains the T192H mutation but is able to grow photoautotrophically. Restoration of photoautotrophic growth in this mutant was caused by early termination at position 294 in the Slr2013 protein. The T192H mutant with truncated Slr2013 forms fully functional photosystem II reaction centers that differ from wild-type reaction centers only by a 30% higher rate of charge recombination between the primary electron acceptor, QA−, and the donor side and by a reduced stability of the oxidized form of the redox-active Tyr residue, YD, in the D2 protein. This suggests that the T192H mutation itself did not directly affect electron transfer components, but rather affected protein folding and/or stable assembly of photosystem II, and that Slr2013 is involved in the folding of the D2 protein and the assembly of photosystem II. Besides participation in photosystem II assembly, Slr2013 plays a critical role in the cell, because the corresponding gene cannot be deleted completely under conditions in which photosystem II is dispensable. Truncation of Slr2013 by itself does not affect photosynthetic activity of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803. Slr2013 is annotated in CyanoBase as a hypothetical protein and shares a DUF58 family signature with other hypothetical proteins of unknown function. Genes for close homologues of Slr2013 are found in other cyanobacteria (Nostoc punctiforme, Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, and Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1), and apparent orthologs of this protein are found in Eubacteria and Archaea, but not in eukaryotes. We suggest that Slr2013 regulates functional assembly of photosystem II and has at least one other important function in the cell.
Microfloral and compositional changes in alfalfa hay treated with sodium diacetate and stored at different moisture contents

Abstract Third-cut alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) hay at high (26.1 and 25.4%) and low (13.1 and 15.7%) moisture content was treated with sodium diacetate and made into small bales (0.46×0.56×0.91 m). Hay was sampled initially and stored in stacks of 30–44 bales each in two separate experiments. The temperature of the stacks was monitored and samples were taken during and after the storage period. Hay samples were analyzed for actinomycetes, bacteria and fungi. Fibre composition, digestibility and total non-structural carbohydrates were determined for all samples. Sodium diacetate treatment (3.25 or 1.30 g kg −1 ) was ineffective in preventing microbial growth or heating of wet alfalfa hay. Wet hay temperatures in both experiments increased to 44–46°C after 1 week of storage and maintained a high level for 1 week. Fungi and bacteria were abundant in the hay at the start of storage, but the bacterial population declined as the hay dried in the stacks. Actinomycetes were not detected at the end of the storage period. Aspergillus glaucus developed in the wet hay and was the major microorganism present. Neutral detergent fibre concentration increased in the wet hay and was associated with a relatively large increase in the apparent hemicellulose concentration. The increase in hemicellulose did not have a major effect on the digestibility of the wet hay.
Three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann model for immiscible two-phase flow simulations.

We present an improved three-dimensional 19-velocity lattice Boltzmann model for immisicible binary fluids with variable viscosity and density ratios. This model uses a perturbation step to generate the interfacial tension and a recoloring step to promote phase segregation and maintain surfaces. A generalized perturbation operator is derived using the concept of a continuum surface force together with the constraints of mass and momentum conservation. A theoretical expression for the interfacial tension is determined directly without any additional analysis and assumptions. The recoloring algorithm proposed by Latva-Kokko and Rothman is applied for phase segregation, which minimizes the spurious velocities and removes lattice pinning. This model is first validated against the Laplace law for a stationary bubble. It is found that the interfacial tension is predicted well for density ratios up to 1000. The model is then used to simulate droplet deformation and breakup in simple shear flow. We compute droplet deformation at small capillary numbers in the Stokes regime and find excellent agreement with the theoretical Taylor relation for the segregation parameter β=0.7. In the limit of creeping flow, droplet breakup occurs at a critical capillary number 0.35<Ca(c)<0.4 for the viscosity ratio of unity, consistent with previous numerical simulations and experiments. Droplet breakup can also be promoted by increasing the Reynolds number. Finally, we numerically investigate a single bubble rising under buoyancy force in viscous fluids for a wide range of Eotvos and Morton numbers. Numerical results are compared with theoretical predictions and experimental results, and satisfactory agreement is shown.
Modeling the effects of hydrogen on the mechanisms of dose rate sensitivity

The effects of hydrogen on dose-rate sensitivity are simulated using a one-dimensional (1-D) model that incorporates the physical mechanisms contributing to dose-rate effects in the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) system of gated lateral pnp (GLPNP) bipolar transistors. Calculations show that molecular hydrogen cracking at positively charged defects may be a key reaction relating hydrogen and dose rate response. Comparison to experimental data on bipolar devices is in good agreement with the dose rate calculations of interface trap buildup.
Development of a new and efficient laboratory method for processing testicular sperm.

Purpose: Testicular biopsy specimens contain large amounts of debris that makes sperm pick-up for ICSI more difficult than with epididymal aspirates. We sought to develop improved processing techniques for testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Methods: Retrievals were with azoospermic male partner scheduled to undergo percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and TESE. The study group consisted of 9 retrievals with a new TESE technique (TESE-N). The control group was 21 retrievals with PESA and 3 retrievals with a previous TESE technique (TESE-P). Results: TESE-N eliminated almost all debris, which made ICSI sperm pick-up more rapid. TESE-N, PESA, and TESE-P fertilization (77, 75, and 72%) and ongoing/delivered pregnancy rates per retrieval (67, 76, and 67%) were similar. Conclusions: Our new technique provides for easy removal of debris from TESE specimens and fertilization and pregnancy rates equal to epididymal sperm's. Eliminating debris from TESE specimens allows for rapid sperm pick-up for ICSI, making the procedure more efficient for embryology staff.
Optimizing traffic prediction performance of neural networks under various topological, input, and traffic condition settings

This paper presents an approach to optimize the short-term traffic prediction performance on freeways using multiple artificial neural network topologies under different network and traffic condition settings. The approach encourages multimodel techniques that are capable of improving the prediction system performance over single-model approaches. Using a mix of neural network topologies, the short-term speed prediction performance was extensively evaluated under different input settings and various prediction horizons (from 5 to 20 min). To enable the networks to learn from historical information, a long-term memory component was introduced to the input patterns to allow the networks to build internal representation of recurrent conditions, in addition to the short-term memory that is encoded in the most recent information. Optimal settings were determined by maximizing the performance under different traffic conditions observed at the target location, as well as upstream and downstream locations. Comparative statistical analysis with naive and heuristic approaches showed that the optimized neural network approach resulted in better prediction performance. The study shows that the optimal settings were consistently more dependent on the long-term memory component as prediction horizon increases.
Working Poverty across the Metro-Nonmetro Divide: A Quarter Century in Perspective, 1979–2003

Researchers are increasingly recognizing space as a key axis of inequality. Scholars concerned with spatial inequality have called for special attention to issues of comparative advantage and disadvantage across space as well as the consideration of the subnational scale. This study draws on these ideas by examining the relationship between work and poverty in the United States with an explicit comparative focus on metropolitan (metro) and non- metropolitan (nonmetro) areas. Moreover, this study joins space with its counterpart time by exploring how this relationship has changed over the last quarter century. Using data from the March Current Population Survey, the results show that working poverty persistently had a disproportionate impact on nonmetro families between 1979 and 2003. However, the results also show a trend of residential convergence, as working poverty in metro areas has climbed toward the levels experienced in nonmetro areas. Logistic-regression models exploring the effects of residence, family labor supply, and period confirm that labor supply has consistently provided nonmetro families with less protection from poverty than their metro counterparts, but also show that this disadvantage has waned in recent years. The findings underscore the need for policies that support those working on the economic margins and recognize the variable opportunity costs of employment across the rural- urban continuum. ruso_20 363..387