cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolute-based Hough transform method for characterization of ellipsoids

Summary We propose a novel and algorithmically simple Hough transform method that exploits the geometric properties of ellipses to enable the robust determination of the ellipse position and properties. We make use of the unique features of the evolute created by Hough voting along the gradient vectors of a two-dimensional image to determine the ellipse centre, orientation and aspect ratio. A second one-dimensional voting is performed on the minor axis to uniquely determine the ellipse size. This reduction of search space substantially simplifies the algorithmic complexity. To demonstrate the accuracy of our method, we present analysis of single and multiple ellipsoidal particles, including polydisperse and imperfect ellipsoids, in both simulated images and electron micrographs. Given its mathematical simplicity, ease of implementation and reasonable algorithmic completion time, we anticipate that the proposed method will be broadly useful for image processing of ellipsoidal particles, including their detection and tracking for studies of colloidal suspensions, and for applications to drug delivery and microrheology.
A perspective on rate control in the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Until recently, the standard approach to therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) in most cases was restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (rhythm control). Although difficult to accomplish, and associated with potential serious adverse effects of antiarrhythmic agents, this therapeutic approach was influenced by the belief that rhythm control was associated with better survival, fewer symptoms, better exercise tolerance, lower risk of stroke, better quality of life, and absence of need for long-term anticoagulation. However, four clinical trials comparing rate control with rhythm control have failed to demonstrate these advantages, indicating that rate control should be considered a legitimate primary therapeutic option, particularly in patients at risk for stroke. Pursuit of rate or rhythm control should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Anxiety and motor behavior: a review.

Anxiety and related terms were defined by conceptually distinguishing between “state” and “trait” anxiety and between anxiety, stress, and fear. The literature concerned with the anxiety-motor behavior relationship was reviewed using the state-trait anxiety distinction. After outlining the general notions of drive theory as related to anxiety, the literature was reviewed, focusing on the relationship between the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (MAS) and motor behavior in the absence or in the presence of a stressor, and on those studies using anxiety scales other than the MAS. The accumulated evidence failed to reveal any consistent trends in these three areas. The use of drive theory and the MAS to predict motor behavior was shown not to be a viable approach. Two alternative approaches were briefly outlined.
Reasons for Operating AHS Vehicles in Platoons

The advent of the federal Automated Highway Systems (AHS) program, based on the guidance contained in ISTEA, has brought increased attention to the concept of highway automation within the past year. The AHS Precursor Systems Analyses (PSA) projects and the initiation of work by the National Automated Highway System Consortium (NAHSC), which will conduct the Systems Definition Phase of the program, have provided opportunities for numerous people to think about AHS issues. Prior to these developments, AHS was generally regarded as something of a “fringe” issue in the world of Intelligent Transportation Systems, and only received serious research attention within the PATH Program.
Photoreactivation, Excision, and Strand-Rejoining Repair in R Factor-Containing Minicells of Escherchia coli K-12

Abstract Chromosomeless “minicells” are formed by misplaced cell fissions near the polar extremities of an Escherichia coli K-12 mutant strain. Resistance (R)-factor deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be introduced into minicells by segregation from an R+ (R64-11) derivative of the original mutant. We have assessed the ability of R+ minicells to correct defects produced in their plasmid DNA by ultraviolet (UV) and gamma radiations. Minicells harboring plasmid DNA, in comparison with their repair-proficient minicell-producing parents, possess (i) an equal competence to rejoin single-strand breaks induced in DNA by gamma rays, (ii) a reduced capacity for the photoenzymatic repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers, and (iii) a total inability to excise dimers, apparently owing to a deficiency in UV-specific endonuclease activity responsible for mediating the initial incision step in excision repair. Assuming that the DNA repair properties of R+ minicells reflect the concentration of repair enzymes located in the plasmid-containing polar caps of entire cells, these findings suggest that: (i) the enzymes responsible for rejoining single-strand breaks are distributed throughout the cell; (ii) photoreactivating enzyme molecules tend to be concentrated near bacterial DNA and to a lesser extent near plasmid DNA; and (iii) UV-specific endonuclease molecules are primarily confined to the central region of the E. coli cell and, thus, seldom segregate with R-factor DNA into minicells.
AAPM Welcomes Its 28th President: Martin Grabois, MD

The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) is pleased to announce Martin Grabois, MD, as the Academy's 28th President. Dr. Grabois assumed his new position at AAPM's Annual Meeting held last month in Palm Springs, CA. Dr. Grabois has recently served as the Academy's Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, among other numerous leadership positions throughout the past 30-plus years. Currently, Dr. Grabois is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston. He has served as President of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, International Rehabilitation Medicine Association, American Pain Society, and the Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has conducted over 200 invited presentations worldwide and are published widely including editor or coeditor of books, book chapters, publications …
HP's worldwide take back and recycling programs: lessons on improving program implementation

Hewlett-Packard's customer take back and recycling program is the most comprehensive printer cartridge and hardware return program of its competitors worldwide. HP's recycling program accepts hardware products from every computer/printer manufacturer, as well as HP-branded printer supplies. During development and implementation of these programs, HP's recycling group faced several logistical and regulatory barriers that made this process challenging. This paper addresses these issues from both a domestic and worldwide perspective. It concludes that electronics manufacturers and government agencies should work together to better provide customers with environmentally responsible take back and recycling programs. Standard procedures for implementing and managing worldwide product take back and recycling programs should be established to make implementation less inhibitive.
Rethinking the Resource Curse: A Review Essay on the Politics of Oil Investments

Oil, Dollars, Debt, and Crises: The Global Curse of Black Gold. By Mahmoud A. El-Gamal, Amy Myers Jaffe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 217 pp., $26.00 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-72070-0). Foreign Investment and Political Regimes: The Oil Sector in Azerbaijan, Russia, and Norway. By Oksan Bayulgen. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 274 pp., $72.00 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-42588-9). From Windfall to Curse? Oil and Industrialization in Venezuela, 1920 to the Present. By Jonathan Di John. University Park, PA: Penn State Press, 2009. 339 pp., $52.00 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0-271-03553-6). In the global competition to secure energy sources, oil fields attract lucrative foreign investment. Yet the promise of prosperity from oil wealth is rarely actualized in underdeveloped countries. Many countries with valuable oil deposits remain poverty stricken and poorly governed. This is a function, in part, of the corruption, consolidation of wealth, lack of democratic accountability, failure to diversify the economy, and violent conflict that are often associated with rent-seeking behavior in oil-producing countries. It is also a function of volatility in international energy markets and investment environments. With peak oil looming and an inexhaustible demand for energy, it is crucial to examine the characteristics and implications of the resource curse, in the interest of finding ways to escape it. The main indicators of the resource curse are economic decline and democratic deficit in resource-rich countries. The three books reviewed here address the resource curse through two central questions: What explains variation in the economic and political performance of oil-producing countries? What strategies can be mobilized to avoid the resource curse? The resounding answer is to establish institutional accountability, but the intricacies of the arguments vary widely. In Oil, Dollars, Debt, and Crises: The Global Curse of Black Gold , Mahmoud A. El-Gamal and Amy Myers Jaffe argue that institutional weakness, debt crises, and regional instability make it difficult to translate oil revenue into long-term economic development. Business cycles and energy-price fluctuation confound the relationship between oil revenue and economic growth. Jaffe and El-Gamal examine the confluence of numerous cycles—business cycle, investment cycle, energy-price cycle, geopolitical cycle—to demonstrate that “the resource curse of the Middle East has been globalized” (p. 52). International economic integration has facilitated the financial contagion of the resource curse. Oil windfalls can promote growth if the international investment environment and domestic institutions are designed to harness …
Concept mapping for learners of all ages

Concept mapping is an inquiry technique that provides students at all ages with opportunities to demonstrate learning through performance. A concept map refers to a graphic/visual representation of concepts with linking connections that show various relationships between concepts (Novak & Gowin, 1984). Assessment is an ongoing process integrated with instruction across subject areas. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) emphasizes that assessment should focus on both the enhancement of student learning as well as serve as a valuable tool for making instructional decisions (NCTM, 2000). Assessment activities can take on a variety of forms, one being performance tasks. In this manuscript, an explanation of concept mapping is provided for learners ages 3 â€“ 12 along with several examples of concept maps for young learners, including examples from an assessment project in the subject area of mathematics. Also presented are the numerous benefits of the concept mapping technique for both students and teachers.
Post-buckling of a non-uniform ring subjected to uniform external pressure

Abstract Rigid plastic analysis is used to find the post-buckling response of a non-uniform circular ring subjected to uniform external pressure. The non-uniform ring has a section of reduced thickness over part of its circumference. A five plastic hinge model is used to describe the non-axisymmetric post-buckling collapse. The principle of virtual work and upper bound theorem are applied to find the collapse pressure and mode of collapse. Depending on the non-uniformity, two modes of collapse can occur: global and snap-through buckling. Global buckling occurs when the angular extent is greater than 90 degrees. When the angular extent is less than 90 degrees and the thickness reduction is large, snap-through buckling takes place. Closed-form expressions for the variation of the collapse load with respect to non-uniformity of the ring are derived.
Recent progress in the empirical analysis of multi-unit auctions

Abstract I discuss some recent progress in the empirical analysis of multi-unit auctions, through which a number of important commodities (Treasury bills and bonds, electricity, emission permits, monetary infusions by some central banks) are allocated.
Discrete basis set approach to nonspherical scattering

A method of calculating scattering amplitudes for nonspherical potentials is proposed. The Lippmann-Schwinger equation for the scattering amplitude is solved in a discrete basis of gaussian functions. Application of the method is made to a model two-center potential. The method is also directly applicable to low energy electron-diatomic molecule scattering.
Influence of vein size (diameter) on infrapopliteal reversed vein graft patency

We reviewed 239 infrapopliteal reversed greater saphenous vein graft bypasses placed for critical ischemia over a 7-year period to determine the influence of vein diameter on graft patency and limb salvage. Grafts were assigned to four groups based on the minimum external diameter measured during operation: less than 3.0 mm, n = 18; 3.0 mm, n = 59; 3.5 mm, n = 67; and greater than or equal to 4.0 mm, n = 145. A pattern of increasing graft patency and limb salvage among the four groups was noted as the minimum external diameter increased from less than 3.0 mm to greater than or equal to 4.0 mm. When compared to the larger grafts greater than or equal to 4.0 mm, primary graft patency was significantly lower both for less than 3.0 mm grafts (0% for less than 3.0 mm vs 65% for greater than or equal to 4.0 mm at 3 years, p less than 0.001) and for long (greater than 45 cm) 3.0 mm grafts (38% for long 3.0 mm vs 75% for greater than or equal to 4.0 mm at 2 years, p less than 0.005). All 3.5 mm and short (less than 45 cm) 3.0 mm grafts had patency rates similar to greater than or equal to 4.0 mm veins. Thus long 3.0 mm and all less than 3.0 mm reversed saphenous vein grafts should be considered at high risk for failure. Veins with fibrotic, thick-walled segments identified during operation (n = 19) had patency rates significantly lower than nonfibrotic veins (n = 270; p less than 0.01), and this may play a role in the failure of some less than 3.0 mm minimum external diameter vein grafts.
Comparison of the structural and functional effects of monomeric and dimeric human apolipoprotein A-II in high density lipoprotein particles

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is throught to play a significant role in the process of reverse cholesterol transport. It has become clear that the apolipoprotein (apo) composition of HDL is important in determining the metabolic fate of this particle. The major proteins of human HDL are apoAI and APOAII; the latter protein is a disulfide-linked dimer in humans and higher primates but monomeric in the other species. The consequences of the apo Cys6-Cys6 disulfide bridge in apoAII for human HDL structure and function are not known. To address this issue, the influence of the Cys6-Cys6 disulfide bridge on the interaction of human apoAII with palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine has been studied. The size and valence of a series of homogeneous discoidal complexes containing either monomeric (reduced and carboxymethylated) or dimeric apoAII have been determined, and their ability to remove cholesterol from rat Fu5AH hepatoma cells grown in culture has been compared. The apoAII dimer and monomer form discoidal complexes of similar size, with twice as many of the latter molecule required per disc. Removal of the disulfide bond influences the stability of the helical segments around the edge of the disc as seen by a decrease in α-helix content of the monomeric protein. The discoidal particles containing the monomeric form of apoAII are somewhat more effective than particles containing either dimeric apoAII or apoAI in removing cellular cholesterol. Overall, reduction of the disulfide bridge of apoAII probably does not have a major effect in the determination of HDL particle sizein vivo. It follows that the evolution of the Cys6-Cys6 disulfide bond in higher primates probably has not had a major effect on the function of the apoAII molecule.
Two-step processes in intermediate energy hadron-nucleus scattering

We obtain closed form approximate expressions for two-step hadron nucleus excitations. These are cast in the form of data-to-data relations of elastic and inelastic scattering, which in turn allow prediction of one- versus two-step dominance given prior knowledge of the electromagnetic rates. The data-to-data relations also lead to a simple envelope test for determining what number of steps is dominant in a given region of momentum transfer. Besides giving these qualitative results, the data-to-data forms give an excellent quantitative description of the data.
Determination of stoichiometry and site disorder in the complex intermetallics

Abstract A combination of characterization methods (SEM, X-ray diffraction, DTA, neutron diffraction and phase diagram analyses) has been used to determine the actual composition of a complex intermetallic compound of nominal composition Pr 6 Ni 2 Si 3 where neither X-ray nor neutron diffraction alone are capable of differentiating between vacancies or Si substitution on one of the Ni sites due to the scattering factor of two Si substitutions being equivalent to one Ni atom plus a vacancy. Using a combination of quantitative phase analysis of the diffraction data based on Reitveld refinement, metallography and mass balance calculations, the correct stoichiometry was found to necessarily contain excess Si, and is close to the stoichiometry, Pr 6 Ni 1.6 Si 3.2. Nonetheless this composition still contains around 1% second phase following long term anneal. Due to the close proximity of neighboring phases, this corresponds to an error in stoichiometry of approximately 0.02%. Assuming similar occupancies of Si and Ni on the Ni sites for other members of the homologous series R ( n +2)( n +1) Ni n ( n −1)+2 Si n ( n +1) , compositions of Pr 5 Ni 1.85 Si 3.1 and Pr 15 Ni 6.7 Si 10.2 were predicted for n = 3 and n = 4 alloys, respectively, and verified experimentally. The approach present in this paper is applicable to many other systems.
Abstract B06: Development of novel thiobarbituric acid derivative compounds for treatment of lung cancers.

Previously, we reported the identification of a cytotoxic chemotype compound CC-I (a derivative of thiobarbituric acid) that is effective against chemotherapy resistant glioblastomas (GBMs) and neuroblastoma in an in vitro cell culture and in vivo mouse tumor models. In this study, we determined the cytotoxicity of CC-I and structurally similar compounds along in lung cancers to determine whether CC-I is toxic to lung cancers and to identify additional analog compounds that could be more toxic than CC-I. We designed several CC-I analog compounds by manipulating functional substitutions at N1-, N3- and C5-positions (either furan ring or benzene ring) of CC-I. For example, the novel compounds were synthesized starting from substituted thioureas, key precursors for the synthesis of substituted thiobarbituric acids, and finally by condensing cinnamaldehyde (CMC-2 series: benzene ring compound) or trans-3-(2-furyl)-acrolein (CC-I series: furan ring compound) with appropriately substituted thiobarbituric acids in the presence of catalytic amounts of pyridine. We used MTS cell proliferation or SRB cytotoxicity assay to determine the toxic level of compounds on the human lung cancer cell lines (e.g., A549, H520, H460, H69). The data suggest that the functional group at N1-, N3- and C5 sites is important for toxicity. Among the compounds with similar structures, CC-I-v3 and CC-I-v4 are the two most cytotoxic compounds to lung cancer cells and also the cisplatin resistant lung cancer cell lines such as H1993 and H520. In some of the cell lines we investigated, CC-I-v1 and CMC-2 compounds showed greater toxicity than CC-I compound. Currently, we are studying the anti-tumor effect of these compounds in an in vivo nude mouse tumor model. In summary, this structure-activity study clearly indicates that we can develop more efficacious compounds compared to our original compounds by rational modifications of the chemotype compounds. [This project is supported by the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation] Citation Format: Sang Y. Lee, Srinivasa Ramisetti, Becky Slagle-Webb, Arun K. Sharma, James R. Connor. Development of novel thiobarbituric acid derivative compounds for treatment of lung cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr B06.
A comparison of predatory behavior between prey-naive and prey-experienced adult coyotes ( Canis la trans )

Three adult prey-naive and three adult prey-experienced coyotes were individually presented adult rats to determine the relative roles of prey experience and maturation in prey killing and consumption. The prey-naive coyotes individually played with and eventually “accidentally” killed the rats but did not consume them. When paired, the prey-naive coyotes competed for the rats, killed them, and tore them open, exposing flesh and stimulating consummatory responses. All three prey-naive coyotes learned to kill and consume rats in the social context and later performed the behavior as individuals. The experienced coyotes quickly killed and consumed rats in a species-typical manner as individuals during their initial and subsequent two trials. It was demonstrated that play with prey is necessary for speciestypical prey killing to develop, even in mature coyotes.
Three-dimensional self-consistent modelling of spin-qubit quantum dot devices

The electronic properties of devices based on double and triple quantum dots are studied numerically with an emphasis on their application for quantum computation. Simulations were conducted within the self-consistent multiscale approach where electrons in quantum dots are treated within the density-functional theory, while the semi-classical Thomas–Fermi model is used for outside regions. This approach allows fundamental description of quantum dot properties without any a priori assumptions, and at the same time, it provides new computer-aided design (CAD) methodologies suitable for optimisation of device performance. The authors apply this method to obtain stability diagrams for two laterally coupled quantum dots. Preliminary analysis of the singlet–triplet energy separation in a two-electron system is also given. The effect of different designs on the sensitivity of quantum point contacts is then considered. The charging diagram of the novel triple vertically coupled quantum dot structure with up to four electrons is also investigated.
Young Infants' Long-Term Auditory Memory: Evidence for Changes in Preference as a Function of Delay

Infants’ preferences for a novel or familiar nursery rhyme were examined as an index of long-term memory. One- to 2-month-old infants’ preferences were tested, using a nonnutritive sucking, discriminationlearning procedure, at 1, 2, or 3 days after the last of multiple familiarization sessions. A consistent novelty preference was observed at the 1-day retention interval, no consistent preference occurred at the 2-day interval, and a familiarity preference was found following the 3-day interval. This pattern of results is consistent with attentional preference models which interpret novelty and familiarity preferences as reflecting the discrepancy between an external stimulus and the infant’s representation of the stimulus. The findings also reveal that infants as young as 1 month of age encoded and subsequently recognized a repeatedly experienced nursery rhyme after a 3-day retention interval.
Provably Safe Evasive Maneuvers against Blunders in Closely Spaced Parallel Approaches

Presently, closely spaced parallel approaches (CSPA) of commercial aircraft into airports are not permitted in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Much research is focused in developing procedures and algorithms for enabling such operations. In previous research, the blunder zone computation is based on simulation.^ Our approach applies concepts from differential game and optimal control theories to derive worst-case trajectories for obtaining provably safe evasive maneuvers against blunders in CSPA. Our method provides analytic solutions for the blunder zone boundary, and hence may be used in real-time. It guarantees safety of the maneuver, to within the limits of the mathematical models used. In our previous paper, we presented results based on a simple kinematic model which approximates the dynamics of commercial aircraft. In the current paper, we extend our analysis to prolong the duration of safety guarantee in the maneuver, and include lateral motion and imperfections in the aircraft model and maneuver to more fully capture the actual aircraft dynamics. To handle the complexity introduced, the present work uses a special reference frame. We first explain the problem formulation and then the technique. Next, we present the blunder zones computed for some representative cases, and some sample worst-case trajectories to provide insights derived from the analysis. As future work, we will validate the results by simulation and conduct flight test experiments with our unmanned airplanes to demonstrate the feasibility of computing the blunder zone in real-time. Keyword: closely spaced parallel approach, air traffic control, collision avoidance, differential games, pursuit evasion games, optimal control.
Liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index

Controversies exist regarding the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index (BMI). A review of the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 1987 through 2007 revealed 73,538 adult liver transplants. Patients were stratified into 6 BMI categories established by the World Health Organization: underweight, or =40 kg/m(2). Survival rates were compared among these 6 categories via Kaplan-Meier survival curves with the log-rank test. The underweight and very severely obese groups had significantly lower survival. There were 1827 patients in the underweight group, 1447 patients in the very severely obese group, and 68,172 patients in the other groups, which became the control. Groups with extreme BMI ( or =40) were compared to the control to assess significant differences. Underweight patients were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications (P < 0.002) and cerebrovascular accidents (P < 0.04). When compared with the control, the very severely obese patients had a higher number of infectious complications and cancer events (P = 0.02) leading to death. In 3 different eras of liver transplantation, multivariable analysis showed that underweight and very severe obesity were significant predictors of death. In conclusion, liver transplantation holds increased risk for patients at the extremes of BMI. Identifying these patients and instituting aggressive new policies may improve outcomes. Liver Transpl 15:968-977, 2009. (c) 2009 AASLD.
The Validity of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales

This introductory article addresses the question,'Are the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales valid?' The initial evidence for the validity of the family of MHLC scales is reviewed, followed by a discussion of the empirical evidence for the hypothesis linking MHLC scale scores to measures of health behavior. There is ample evidence in the literature that the MHLC scales validly assess health locus of control beliefs. Nevertheless, caution should be used when making generalizations regarding the validity of the MHLC scales to new theoretical or situational contexts. The theoretical relationships between these beliefs and other constructs are complex, making it necessary to thoughtfully consider the valid application of the MHLC scales in each new study.
Experiences of AIDS-related bereavement in the USA and South Africa A comparative study

EnglishIn-depth interviews were conducted with two samples of individuals (one in the US and one in South Africa) to explore their experiences with AIDS-related bereavement. Coping was influenced by similar factors though in different degrees. Thus, it is important that interventions be tailored to address these factors within each context. FrenchCe projet s'appuie sur des entrevues en profondeur qui ont ete menees aupres de deux groupes de personnes aux Etats-Unis et en Afrique du Sud, et qui visaient a explorer leur experience respective de deuil liee au Sida. Il en resulte que des facteurs similaires ont influence leur facon de surmonter cette epreuve, dans une mesure toutefois differente. C'est pourquoi il est important que les interventions soient modulees afin de tenir compte de ces facteurs dans chacun des milieux. SpanishSe realizaron entrevistas en profundidad con dos muestras de individuos (una en los Estados Unidos y una en Sud Africa) para explorar sus experiencias con el sufrimiento relaciona...
Impacts of flexible exchange rates and government debt on output

Based on the IS-LM model and applying the GARCH(m, n) process, the author finds that the depreciation of the Thai baht, more government taxes, or higher domestic debt are expected to reduce real GDP and that an increase in government spending, real quantity of money, world output or foreign debt are expected to raise real output. Therefore, the positive benefits of baht depreciation are outweighed by negative impacts. The negative impact of domestic debt suggests that the government should pursue a responsible fiscal policy in the long run. The VAR model is applied to estimate impulse response functions to trace the shocks of these variables on real GDP.
The Colors of Globular Clusters

A compilation has been made of available data on the ratio of the number of metal‐rich ([Fe/H ]> - 1.0) to metal‐poor ([Fe/H ]< - 1.0) clusters in various globular cluster systems. Among early‐type galaxies of types E, E/S0, and S0, the ratio of blue to red globular clusters is found to vary by almost 2 orders of magnitude. The data suggest that cD galaxies have the widest range of evolutionary histories. The fraction of metal‐rich red clusters is largest among early‐type galaxies and appears to decrease toward later Hubble types.
TH-C-I-611-04: Experimental Validation of An Angiographic Method for Determining Coronary Fractional Flow Reserve

Purpose: To investigate an angiographic technique for determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) for assessing anatomic and physiologic significance of intermediate coronary stenoses from routine coronary arteriography. Method and Materials: A swine animal model was used to investigate an angiographic method for determining FFR for different severity stenoses. The proximal portion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was dissected free from the epicardium. An ultrasonic transit-time flow probe was implanted distal to the left main coronary artery bifurcation. A vascular occluder was positioned distal to the flow probe to apply different levels of stenoses. Acquired angiograms were corrected for scatter-veiling glare and pincushion distortion. Coronary arterial flow and lumen volume were determined angiographically from a first-pass distribution analysis. A computer simulation utilizing a fully reconstructed swine coronary arterial system was used to study the coronary arterial flow-volume relation. Results from this simulation study were used to determine hypothetical normal flows from measured arterial lumen volumes. Angiographic FFR was calculated from the ratio of the measured hyperemic flow to the hypothetic normal flow derived from the arterial lumen volume and compared to FFR measured directly with the flow probe. Results: Simulation studies showed that coronary flow (Q) was related to cumulative lumen volume (V) through a power-law relation. For vessels detectable by coronary angiography (>0.1 cm3), a linear relationship was observed between coronary flow and lumen volume (Q= 5.2+45V; R=0.992). Experimental validation of this flow-volume relation showed similar results (Q= −0.503+52.4V, R=0.997). A comparison between FFR measured with angiography and with the flow probe showed good correlation (r>0.9). Conclusion: Regional coronary flow can be determined with angiography, and normal regional flow without the presence of stenosis can be calculated using flow normalized to arterial lumen volume. Thus FFR can be calculated from the same images obtained from routine coronary arteriography.
The yeast La protein is required for the 3' endonucleolytic cleavage that matures tRNA precursors.

Abstract Although the La autoantigen binds to the 3′ ends of all nascent polymerase III transcripts, its function in vivo has long been unclear. Although S. cerevisiae cells lacking the La protein homolog Lhp1p are viable, cells containing a mutation that disrupts the anticodon stem of tRNA Ser CGA require Lhp1p for growth. We demonstrate that for the wild-type pre-tRNA Ser CGA and other pre-tRNAs, Lhp1p is required for the normal endonucleolytic removal of the 3′ trailer sequence. In cells lacking Lhp1p, the 3′ trailer is removed by exonuclease(s). Although maturation of the mutant pre-tRNA Ser CGA requires Lhp1p, introduction of a second mutation that restores base pairing eliminates the requirement. We propose that binding by Lhp1p stabilizes pre-tRNAs in conformations that allow the 3′ endonucleolytic cleavage to occur.
Draft climate plan issued

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program issued a draft strategic plan for the Climate Change Science Program on 11 November. The plan, which provides a synthesis and update on the Bush Administration's thinking and direction on dealing with climate change, includes sections on the administration's Climate Change Research Initiative and the U.S. Global Change Research Program, as well as dozens of lists of climate science research needs and potential research products. The plan was released in advance of a major Washington, D.C. workshop for scientists and stakeholders on 3–5 December, which will examine the draft plan.
The Immature Stages of Some Minnesota Trichoptera

The economic importance of the Order Trichoptera is confined almost entirely to the immature stages. The bulk of the literature on these insects has in the past dealt mainly with the adult forms. According to Imms (1930) about 1,600 species of the order are known. Betten (1934) in his recent monograph lists 568 species for North America of which number he believes about 55 have had the immature stages described.
Natural themes in Soviet school history textbooks

This article reports on a computer analysis of 3,281 exercises in the eleven textbooks required for history instruction in grades 4–10 of Soviet general-education schools circa 1970. Basic and composite natural themes are defined by the clusters resulting from a hierarchical cluster analysis, initially of individual words and subsequently of next-lower-level clusters. The natural themes are described and interpreted; the relationship of natural themes and imposed analytic ones is examined with respect to the political education of Soviet young people in their schools.
Heat transfer characteristics of a constant heat flux vertical plate in water

Experimental examination of the heat transfer characteristics of a vertical plate in water is presented. Results are given as the variation of local Nusselt number with Rayleigh number for different heat fluxes. The experiments included temperature measurements and flow visualization by the use of the simple and precise method of electrochemical formation of dye technique. Arrangements were made so that color changes occured both at the surface of the vertical plate and within the boundary layer. The free convection heat transfer in water, as expressed by the power-law relationship between the Nusselt number and Rayleigh number, Nu = 0.89 Ra0.2, is shown to be adequate for the range of Rayleigh numbers 104 < Ra < 1013 for a constant heat flux boundary condition. There appear to be similarities in the mechanisms of transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer flow between those for natural convection and those for the Blasius-type forced flow over a flat plate. The Emmons spot source band for natural convection flow is large when compared to the narrow band for Blasius flow.
Long-term impact of exposure to suicide : A three-year controlled follow-up

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the long-term impact of exposure to suicide on the friends of adolescent suicide victims. Method One hundred sixty-six friends of suicide victims and unexposed community controls were followed up at periodic intervals up to 3 years after the suicide, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Epidemiologic and Present Episode versions, to assess current and incident psychopathology. Results The incidence of suicide attempts was comparable between groups over the entire follow-up period, despite higher rates of baseline and incident psychopathology in the exposed group. An increased incidence of depression and anxiety was found in friends that was most marked in the first 6 months of follow-up. An increased incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in those exposed was seen in the early as well as the later periods of follow-up. Those exposed youths who knew the suicide plans of the suicide victim were at the greatest risk for incident depression and PTSD over the entire course of follow-up. Conclusion Exposure to suicide does not result in an increased risk of suicidal behavior among friends and acquaintances, but it has a relatively long impact in terms of increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Scleroderma-like cutaneous syndromes.

Several distinct entities associated with dermal fibrosis can mimic scleroderma/systemic sclerosis. The list of sclerodermalike conditions or scleroderma variants includes eosinophilic fasciitis, localized forms of scleroderma, scleredema and scleromyxedema, keloids, and environmental exposure-associated conditions including eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and pseudosclerodermas induced by various drugs. Although these conditions are relatively uncommon, their accurate recognition is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapy. The pathogenesis of these scleroderma variants appears to share similarities with each other and with that of scleroderma. Better understanding of scleroderma-like disorders is emerging through epidemiologic investigations, and in vivo and in vitro experimental research. Activation of eosinophils and disordered regulation of fibroblast collagen synthesis, apoptosis, and proliferation are recurrent findings in these disorders. The etiologic role of infection with Borrelia species or other microorganisms remains controversial. Cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and connective tissue growth factor contribute to fibrosis in these disorders by inducing an accentuated and persistent fibrogenic response to tissue injury. The role of genetic factors in susceptibility and clinical expression of scleroderma-like conditions remains to be systematically addressed. Because of the relative rarity of these conditions, few well-controlled clinical treatment trials have been performed. In addition, there is no consensus on optimal management. Much anecdotal information and small clinical series indicate that phototherapy may have a role in the treatment of scleroderma-like conditions.
RING CHROMOSOME NINE: VARIABLE PHENOTYPIC EXPRESSION

Ring chromosome abnormalities are rare in comparison with other cytogenetic anomalies. They have been described in all groups except group F, mainly in the D group and in the X chromosome. It has been proposed that patients with ring chromosome aberrations involving the same chromosome should have similar phenotypes, and attempts have been made to establish the existence of definite ring syndromes. We have studied a nine-year-old female patient who presented with coarse facial features, microcephaly, mental retardation, hirsuitism, and tapering fingers. Quinacrine-banded karyotypes derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed a 46, XX, r(9) (p24→q34) pattern. Many of the facial and somatic features of our patients are distinctly different from those of other reported patients with ring-9, of which only five cases have been described. There is also little similarity to cases of 9p-, and we are unable to find reports of cases of 9q-. These studies support the theory, suggested by others, of variable phenotypic expression of ring chromosomes. In patients with ring chromosomes showing deletions at similar regions, phenotypic variability is the probable result of a combination of factors, including moaaicism (due to the tendency of ring chromosomes to missegregate during mitosis), variable ring structure (simple and polycentric rings, presumably containing duplications and deficiencies), and resulting instability of the ring chromosome.
Humans, Deer, and Sea Dragons: How Evolutionary Psychology Has Misconstrued Human Sex Differences

Evolutionary psychology (EP), as currently practiced, often relies on a model of human mating that likens us to peacocks and deer, in which males compete for access to females and females choose (M...
Heavy ion acceleration at parallel shocks

Abstract. A study of alpha particle acceleration at parallel shock due to an interaction with Alfven waves self-consistently excited in both upstream and downstream regions was conducted using a scale-separation model (Galinsky and Shevchenko, 2000, 2007). The model uses conservation laws and resonance conditions to find where waves will be generated or damped and hence where particles will be pitch-angle scattered. It considers the total distribution function (for the bulk plasma and high energy tail), so no standard assumptions (e.g. seed populations, or some ad-hoc escape rate of accelerated particles) are required. The heavy ion scattering on hydromagnetic turbulence generated by both protons and ions themselves is considered. The contribution of alpha particles to turbulence generation is important because of their relatively large mass-loading parameter Pα=nαmα/npmp (mp, np and mα, nα are proton and alpha particle mass and density) that defines efficiency of wave excitation. The energy spectra of alpha particles are found and compared with those obtained in test particle approximation.
An excessively high Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculation level in yogurt lowers product quality during storage

Abstract The effect of manufacturing yogurt with a wide variation in Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculation level while holding the yogurt culture inoculation level constant on the properties of the resulting yogurt was determined to find out if any problems can occur if an excessively high level of L. acidophilus is used in yogurt production. Four batches of plain, set-style yogurt were manufactured with skim milk, nonfat dry milk, yogurt cultures, and with or without L. acidophilus (0, 0.0239, 0.238, or 2.33 g/100 g). After homogenization, pasteurization, and cooling, yogurt mixes were inoculated, poured into containers, incubated to pH 4.5, and cooled. Lactobacilli and L. acidophilus counts, pH, amount of syneresis, color, apparent viscosities, and sensory scores were determined during storage. The yogurt inoculated with 0.238 g/100 g L. acidophilus had the highest L. acidophilus counts from 4 to 7 wk. Yogurts inoculated with 2.33 g/100 g L. acidophilus generally had lower lactobacilli counts, L * values, apparent viscosities, and sensory scores but more syneresis and higher a * and b * values than the remaining yogurts. An excessively high inoculated level of L. acidophilus (2.33 g/100 g) resulted in an inferior quality yogurt.
Shaping the Marketing Curriculum: The CEO Perspective

Marketing educators must ensure that the university marketing curriculum is in tune with the needs of business. This article reports the results of a study in which 236 chief executive officers of U.S. industrial corporations were asked to evaluate the importance of various marketing activities in their firm. Their responses provide valuable insight relative to the structuring of the marketing curriculum.
Maya Zapatistas Move to the Ancient Future

This essay assesses recent events pertaining to the Maya Zapatista movement in light of the Mesoamerican past and present. Persistent patterns of Maya world construction, group and personal identity, and political legitimacy form the conceptual core of the movement, expressing themes that have been well documented for some 2,000 years in Maya cultural history. The essay concludes with suggestions as to the new forms that pan-Maya ethnic affirmation may assume in the multiethnic configuration of Mexico and Guatemala in the 21st century.
Integrating Contemplative Education and Contemporary Performance.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theater: Contemporary Performance is a graduate program at Naropa University that integrates contemplative education with interdisciplinary conservatory-level performing arts training. This chapter discusses how MFA faculty and students characterize contemplative education and how students view the impact of contemplative education on their personal and professional development.
Evaluation of DTI property maps as basis of DTI atlas building

Compared to region of interest based DTI analysis, voxel-based analysis gives higher degree of localization and avoids the procedure of manual delineation with the resulting intra and inter-rater variability. One of the major challenges in voxel-wise DTI analysis is to get high quality voxel-level correspondence. For that purpose, current DTI analysis tools are building on nonlinear registration algorithms that deform individual datasets into a template image that is either precomputed or computed as part of the analysis. A variety of matching criteria and deformation schemes have been proposed, but often comparative evaluation is missing. In our opinion, the use of consistent and unbiased measures to evaluate current DTI procedures is of great importance and our work presents two possible measures. Specifically, we propose the evaluation criteria generalization and specificity, originally introduced by the shape modeling community, to evaluate and compare different DTI nonlinear warping results. These measures are of indirect nature and have a population wise view. Both measures incorporate information of the variability of the registration results in the template space via a voxel-wise PCA model. Thus far, we have used these measures to evaluate our own DTI analysis procedure employing fluid-based registration on scalar DTI maps. Generalization and specificity from tensor images in the template space were computed for 8 scalar property maps. We found that for our procedure an intensity-normalized FA feature outperformed the other scalar measurements. Also, using the tensor images rather than the FA maps as a comparison frame seemed to produce more robust results.
From Workers to Owners: Latino Entrepreneurs in Harrisonburg, Virginia

In the vast literature on immigrant and ethnic entrepreneurship in the United States, relatively little attention has been paid to Latino entrepreneurship, perhaps because Latinos (except Cubans) tend to be perceived as labor migrants. For the same reason, even less attention has been given to the Latino small businesses that have quickly become a ubiquitous part of new Latino settlements in the rural South over the past two decades. Based on structured interviews with over 30 Latino business owners, this paper describes the growth of Latino-owned businesses in Harrisonburg, Virginia (population 40,468 in 2000) that has occurred since 1990 in tandem with the ever-increasing size and complexity of the local Latino community. In particular, the paper examines both the "structure of opportunity" for Latino entrepreneurship outside traditional gateway cities and the social and cultural characteristics of the entrepreneurs and their businesses. The paper highlights the role of local poultry processing plants i...