cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety factors in bone strength

Functional in vivo strain data are examined in relation to bone material properties in an attempt to evaluate the relative importance of osteoporotic bone loss versus fatigue damage accumulation as factors underlying clinical bone fragility. Specifically, does the skeleton have a sufficiently large safety factor (ratio of bone failure strain to maximum functional strain) to require that fatigue damage accumulation is the main factor contributing to increased risk of fracture in the elderly? Existing methods limit in vivo strain measurements to the surfaces of cortical bone. Peak principal compressive strains measured at cortical sites during strenuous activity in various mammalian and avian species range from -1700 to -5200 mu epsilon, averaging -2500 mu epsilon (-0.0025 strain). Much of this threefold variation reflects differences in the intensity of physical activity, as well as differences among species and bones that have been studied. Peak strains can also vary as much as tenfold at different cortical sites within the same bone. No data exist for cortical bone strain during strenuous activity in humans, but it is likely that human bones experience a similar range of peak strain levels. Compact bone fails in longitudinal compression at strains as high as -14,000 to -21,000 mu epsilon, but begins to yield at strains between -6000 and -8000 mu epsilon. Given that yielding involves rapid accumulation of microdamage within the bone, it seems prudent to base skeletal safety factors on the yield strain, rather than the ultimate failure strain of bone tissue. Safety factors to yield failure therefore range from 1.4 to 4.1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Results on neutrino oscillations from Super-Kamiokande

Abstract Super-Kamiokande (Super-K) is the world's most massive (50 kTon) underground neutrino observatory. In June, 1998, Super-K had the pleasure of announcing striking results: observation of what would become the first widely-accepted evidence for neutrino mass. These results came from studies of atmospheric neutrino events, including interactions contained in the detector as well as those observed as upward-going muons from the rock beneath. This paper has been updated to reflect results on these topics as of July, 1999. In March, 1999, the K2K (KEK to Kamioka) long-baseline neutrino beam experiment began directing a high-purity muon neutrino beam onto the Super-K detector. Results from K2K are expected to refine our estimates of neutrino oscillation parameters.
Enantiomeric Separation of Rotenone and Rotenolone on Chiral Stationary Phases

Abstract Analytical and preparative high-performance liquid chromatoqraphic procedures have been developed for separation of optical antipodes of rotenone and rotenolone on three chiral stationary phases. Rotenone enantiomers were resolved on (+)-poly (triphenylmethylmethacrylate)-bonded silica, whereas optical resolution of rotenolone enantiomers was accomplished by using a (R)-N-3,5-dinitrobenzoylphenylglycine silica column (DNBPG). In experiments where resolution of enantiomers was achieved, each antipodal pair in both rotenone and rotenolone series was sufficiently resolved, although simultaneous resolution of all four isomers of rotenone and rotenolone was not accomplished. In all cases, the elution of (-)-(6aβ, 12aβ)-enantiomers preceded that of their antipodes. Separation factors (α) obtained with the covalent DNBPG stationary phase were slightly higher than those observed with the ionic valiant. The method has been applied to the resolution of racemates of deguelin and tephrosin.
Analysis of first recurrence and survival in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer treated with surgical resection or stereotactic radiation therapy.

Objectives Comparative studies of survival between stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and surgery have been limited by lack of comparisons of recurrence patterns between matched cohorts in non−small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods All patients undergoing treatment with surgery or SBRT for clinical stage I NSCLC between June 2004 and December 2010 were reviewed. Age, tumor characteristics, comorbidity score, pulmonary function, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence data were collected and propensity matching performed. Results The mean age for surgery (n = 458) was 65.8 ± 10.5 versus 74.4 ± 9.4 for SBRT (n = 151) ( P P = .05); DFS was 47% versus 65% ( P = .01). At 3 years, local recurrence-free survival was 90% versus 92% for SBRT and surgery ( P = .07). Conclusions Although surgical resection seems to result in better OS and DFS versus SBRT, matching these disparate cohorts of patients remains challenging. Participation in clinical trials is essential to define the indications and relative efficacy of surgery and radiation therapy in a high-risk population with stage I NSCLC.
Site-selective laser spectroscopy and four-wave mixing spectroscopy of fullerenes and Er endohedral fullerenes

Abstract The linear and nonlinear spectroscopy of representative fullerenes and metallofullerenes has been studied using fluorescence line narrowing and resonant, nondegenerate, four-wave mixing spectroscopy.
Degradation of the Gluconeogenic Enzymes Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and Malate Dehydrogenase Is Mediated by Distinct Proteolytic Pathways and Signaling Events *

The key gluconeogenic enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) is subjected to catabolite inactivation and degradation when glucose-starved cells are replenished with fresh glucose. In various studies, the proteasome and the vacuole have each been reported to be the major site of FBPase degradation. Because different growth conditions were used in these studies, we examined whether variations in growth conditions could alter the site of FBPase degradation. Here, we demonstrated that FBPase was degraded outside the vacuole (most likely in the proteasome), when glucose was added to cells that were grown in low glucose media for a short period of time. By contrast, cells that were grown in the same low glucose media for longer periods of time degraded FBPase in the vacuole in response to glucose. Another gluconeogenic enzyme malate dehydrogenase (MDH2) showed the same degradation characteristics as FBPase in that the short term starvation of cells led to a non-vacuolar degradation, whereas long term starvation resulted in the vacuolar degradation of this protein. The N-terminal proline is required for the degradation of FBPase and MDH2 for both the vacuolar and non-vacuolar proteolytic pathways. The cAMP signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of glucose were needed for the vacuolar-dependent degradation of FBPase and MDH2. By contrast, the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway was not involved in the non-vacuolar degradation of these proteins, although the phosphorylation of glucose was required.
Impression Management with Graphs: Effects on Choices

Graphs are frequently used as decision aids. When properly designed, graphs facilitate decision making by highlighting important trends and relationships in the data. It is all too easy, however, to design graphs so that they do not accurately portray the underlying data (Tufte 1983). Indeed, there is considerable evidence that annual reports contain such improperly designed graphs (Beattie and Jones 1992a, 1992b; Courtis 1997; Johnson et al. 1980; Jones and Beattie 1997; Steinbart 1989). This paper reports the results of three experiments that investigated the effects of such improperly designed graphs on subjects' choices. The results of all three experiments show that improperly designed graphs can alter subjects' choices. These findings not only have important implications for the design and use of graphs as decision aids, but also raise potential policy issues.
Multiscale Intensity Estimation for Marked Poisson Processes

Inference on severely data-starved Poisson processes can be dramatically improved by using auxiliary information about measured discrete events in the form of "marks". Marks are widely available in many applications, and can take the form of photon energy, time delay information, packet size, or other forms of characterizations. Effectively using marks results in innovative signal processing methods and dramatic error reductions for Poisson intensity estimation. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated in the context of photon-limited spatio-spectral intensity estimation.
Efficient rule-based haplotyping algorithms for pedigree data

We study haplotype reconstruction under the Mendelian law of inheritance and the minimum recombination principleon pedigree data. We prove that the problem of finding a mini-mum-recombinant haplotype configuration (MRHC) is in general NP-hard. This is the first complexity result concerning the problem to our knowledge. An iterative algorithm based on blocks of consecutive resolved marker loci (called block-extension) is proposed. It is very efficient and can be used for large pedigrees with a large number of markers, especially for those data sets requiring few recombinants (or recombination events). A polynomial-time exact algorithm for haplotype reconstruction without recombinants is also presented. This algorithm first identifies all the necessary constraints based on the Mendelian law and the zero recombinant assumption, and represents them using a system of linear equations over the cyclic group Z2. By using a simple method based on Gaussian elimination, we could obtain all possible feasible haplotype configurations. We have tested the block-extension algorithm on simulated data generated on three pedigree structures. The results show that the algorithm performs very well on both multi-allelic and biallelic data, especially when the number of recombinants is small.
Structural determinants of the calpain inhibitory activity of calpastatin peptide B27-WT.

Abstract Calpastatin is the natural specific inhibitor of calpain. Recent research has linked uncontrolled calpain activation to tissue damage after neuronal and cardiac ischemias, traumatic spine and brain injuries, as well as Alzheimer's disease and cataract formation. An imbalance between the activities of calpain and calpastatin is believed to be responsible for the pathological role of calpain. An important key to understanding calpain regulation by calpastatin is to determine, at the molecular level, how calpastatin interacts with calpain to inhibit its enzymatic activity. A 27-residue peptide (DPMSSTYIEELGKREVTIPPKYRELLA) derived from subdomain 1B of the repetitive domains of calpain, named peptide B27-WT, was previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of μ- and m-calpain. In this report, a combination of β-alanine scanning mutagenesis and kinetic measurements was used to probe, in a quantitative, systematic, and simultaneous fashion, the relative contribution of the amino acid side chain and backbone functionalities to the overall calpain-inhibitory activity of B27-WT. The study identified two “hot spots,” Leu11-Gly12 and Thr17-Ile18-Pro19, in B27-WT within which the residues critical for inhibitory function are clustered. Mutation of any one of the key residues in either of the two hot spots resulted in a dramatic loss of inhibitory activity. Furthermore, it was shown that a restricted conformation of the Leu11-Gly12 and Thr17-Ile18-Pro19 backbones is required for the peptide inhibitory function. These results suggest a plausible model in which the two hot spots are situated at or near the interface(s) of the calpain-calpastatin complex and act in a concerted fashion to inhibit calpain. The information on the specific contribution of the amide bond and side chain of each key residue to the bioactivity of B27-WT will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of calpain inhibition and lead to novel and effective therapies based on the specific inhibition of dysregulated or overactivated calpain.
EFFECT OF RIPPLE LOAD ON THE STRESS-CORROSION CRACKING IN STRUCTURAL STEELS

The presence of small ripple loading can, under certain circumstances, significantly reduce time-to-failure and threshold stress intensity for stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) of steels. A predictive framework for such ripple-loading effects (RLE) is developed from concepts and descriptors used in SCC and corrosion fatigue characterisation. The proposed framework is capable of defining critical conditions required for the occurrence of RLE and predicting time-to-failure curves. The agreement between the predicted and laboratory data is excellent.
Rational Design of Nonlinear Optical Materials Based on 2D Coordination Networks

Zinc(II) and cadmium(II) coordination networks with m-pyridinecarboxylate bridging ligands, Zn(nicotinate)2, 1, Cd(nicotinate)2, 2, Cd{3-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzoate}2, 3, Zn4{3-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzoate}8·{3-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid}·(H2O), 4, Zn{4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzoate}2·H2O, 5, and Zn{5-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]thiophene-2-carboxylate}2, 6, have been synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. With the exception of 5, these compounds adopt 2D grid structures. The use of unsymmetrical bent m-pyridinecarboxylate ligands leads to the formation of intrinsically acentric 2D grids which provide an interesting structural motif for the rational synthesis of polar solids. Compounds 1 and 3−5 are non-centrosymmetric and show significant powder second harmonic generation efficiencies. Compound 2 adopts a centrosymmetric structure due to the presence of a μ2,η3-carboxylate bridge, while compound 6 adopts a centrosymmetric structure due to the presence of 2-fold interpenetration. The pr...
The effect of caregiving on preventive care for people with disabilities

Abstract Background Overall, disparities exist in preventive health care services for people with disabilities compared with other Americans. Little is known about the effects of caregiving on preventive services use. This study examines caregiver characteristics and influence on the use of preventive services for people with disabilities. Methods The 2000-2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of 25 states included 5486 self-reported respondents with disabilities who were surveyed for preventive care use. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for demographic and functional status of these respondents. Results Among the subset of the respondents with caregivers, those with paid caregivers were significantly more likely to receive an influenza vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.93). Among those with a caregiver, those with a spouse/partner caregiver were also significantly more likely to receive an influenza vaccination (adjusted OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05-1.69) or PPV (adjusted OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.41-2.38) compared with those with “other” as their caregiver. Women with disabilities with a spouse/partner caregiver were significantly more likely to have ever had a Pap test (adjusted OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.41-6.67) or mammogram (adjusted OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.23-2.70) than those with “other” relative caregiver. Those respondents who reported “rarely adequate” caregiver satisfaction were significantly more likely to have self-reported ever having colon cancer screening compared with those with a usually adequate caregiver. The majority of results did not show consistent evidence of caregiver benefit, and a fair number of the associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion The findings suggest that having a caregiver is not consistently associated with self-report of ever using preventive services. However, this study suggests that caregiver characteristics are associated with preventive care for people with disabilities. For influenza vaccination, our results showed that paid caregivers were more likely to provide preventive care to individuals with disability than a spouse or partner, which were more likely to provide more preventive care than those with “other” caregiver. Given the number of comparisons, we consider these results to be preliminary and require more confirmation in other population data.
CO2 mineral sequestration: physically activated dissolution of serpentine and pH swing process

The effect of the physical activation on the dissolution of serpentine was investigated and a pH swing scheme was developed to improve the overall conversion of the CO2CO2 mineral sequestration process. Various methods of the surface agitation such as ultrasound, acoustic, and internal (in-situ) grinding were examined for their effectiveness in removing the diffusion limiting SiO2SiO2 layer in order to promote further dissolution of the inner MgO layer of serpentine. It was found that the fluidization of the serpentine slurry with 2 mm glass beads was most effective in refreshing the surface of the serpentine particles during the dissolution process. Unlike the external attrition grinding, this method could be much less energy intensive. It was also found that the mechanical agitation via the internal grinding alone did not enhance the dissolution of serpentine, while the combination of the internal grinding and Mg leaching solvent resulted in rapid serpentine dissolution. Using the proposed pH swing scheme, the overall conversion of the mineral carbonation radically improved. By controlling the pH of the system, three solid products were generated from the mineral carbonation process: SiO2SiO2-rich solids, iron oxide and MgCO3*3H2O. Since the iron oxide and MgCO3MgCO3 produced were highly pure, these value-added products could eventually reduce the overall cost of the carbon sequestration process.
A paper like structure formed by binding self-assembled glass microballoons using random CNF networks

Abstract A paper like structure formed from hollow glass microballoons and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is reported. A layer of Ni coated glass microballoons was first formed on a silicon wafer substrate by a process similar to dip coating. This technique comprised of immersing the wafer in ethanol suspension of Ni coated microballoons and lowering the level of suspension by draining from the bottom. Random networks of CNFs were then generated by growing them on the surfaces of the self-assembled microballoons using thermal chemical vapor deposition of acetylene at 570 °C. The self-assembled microballoons were bonded together with the CNF networks to form a paper like structure in approximately 20 min of growth time. The dimension of the structure was as big as the dimension of the wafer (~ 60 × 18 mm). The electrical conductivity of the structure was measured as 7.46 S/m. The structure could potentially be used to fabricate conductive nanofoam films and directly as a sensing element.
External Fixation Techniques for the Foot and Ankle

This is a wonderful compilation of interesting articles, and Dr. Christopher DiGiovanni is to be congratulated on amassing this variety of current and future fixation techniques from this superb international faculty. These represent the mainstay of current techniques in addition to reflecting the innovative styles of many of the contributors. It is with this innovation in mind that I reflect on the advances we have made not only in the past decade, but perhaps the past 25 years with respect to concepts of fixation. When I began practicing orthopedic surgery, the scientific principles for the use of internal fixation were in their infancy, and the external fixation devices available were bulky, heavy, and without much biomechanical advantage. Today we put much thought into the use of rigid internal fixation constructs, and it will surprise the reader to learn that during my fellowship in foot and ankle surgery with Dr. Melvin Jahss in 1983, we used no fixation for performing most midfoot and hindfoot reconstructive procedures, including triple arthrodesis. The foot was positioned following joint debridement and held in a molded plaster cast. The result was no internal fixation and a good rate of union. Consider this in light of the incredibly sophisticated methods of internal and external fixation at our disposal today. Lighter, lower profile, cannulated, and absorbable products are the mainstay of our fixation armamentarium. These products are not necessarily ‘‘better,’’ but they do give us treatment alternatives and the ability to maximize the outcome.
Development, characterization, and application of a double-waveguide evanescent sensor

A double-waveguide evanescent sensor has been developed and characterized. A fraction of the evanescent field (λe = 488 nm) generated at the core (nc = 1.48)/cladding (ncl = 1.45) interface of a glass optical fiber penetrates into the cladding and the polymeric jacket (nj = 1.54) coated onto the cladding. Fluorescence is excited within the jacket and, due to the higher refractive index of the jacket, the emission is totally internally reflected within it. The emission (λem = 605 nm) has been collected with the use of lateral and front-end geometries. The sensor has been used to determine iodine in gas and liquid phases using an indirect approach. Iodine reacts with unsaturated sites of the polymer and absorbs the fluorescence, causing a reduction in the fluorescence background. The rate of fluorescence reduction is proportional to the concentration or partial pressure of iodine in the sample.
An Extension of Romberg Integration Procedures to N-Variables

The Romberg method of numerical integration is extended to multidimensional integration. The elements of the mth column of the Romberg array are shown to approximate up to 0(h2m+2) provided the integrand has 2m+2 bounded partial derivatives in each variable.
Phylogenetic placement of Marasmiellus juniperinus

Recent collections and the type specimen of Marasmiellus juniperinus, the type species of the genus, were examined. Phylogenetic placement, based on ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and internally transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, is within the lentinuloid clade, nested among Gymnopus taxa. This placement dictates genus name usage and phylogenetic position of other putative species of Marasmiellus. The mating system is tetrapolar.
Free energy distributions in proteins

Protein molecules in solution have a broad distribution of enthalpy states. A good approximation to the distribution function for enthalpy states can be calculated, using the maximum-entropy method, from the moments of the distribution that, in turn, are obtained from the experimental temperature dependence of the heat capacity. In the present paper, we show that the enthalpy probability distribution can then be formulated in terms of a free energy function that gives the free energy of the protein corresponding to a particular value of the enthalpy. By the location of the minima in this function, the free energy distribution graphically indicates the most probable values of the enthalpy for the protein. We find that the behavior of the free energy functions for proteins falls somewhere between two different cases: a two-state like function with two minima, the relative levels of the two states changing with temperature; and, a single-minimum function where the position of the minimum shifts to higher enthalpy values as the temperature is increased. We show that the temperature dependence of the free energy function can be expressed in terms of a central free energy distribution for a given, fixed temperature (which is most conveniently chosen as the temperature of the maximum in the heat capacity). The nature of this central free energy function for a given protein thus yields all of the thermodynamic behavior of that protein over the temperature range of the denaturation process.
External forces and torques generated by the brachiating white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar)

We compared the kinetics of brachiation to bipedal walking and running. Gibbons use pectoral limbs in continuous contact with their overhead support at slow speeds, but exhibit aerial phases (or ricochetal brachiation) at faster speeds. This basic interaction between limb and support suggests some analogy to walking and running. We quantified the forces in three axes and torque about the vertical axis generated by a brachiating White-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) and compared them with bipedal locomotion. Handholds oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel (as in ladder rungs) were spaced 0.80, 1.20, 1.60, 1.72, 1.95, and 2.25 m apart. The gibbon proportionally matched forward velocity to stride length. Handhold reaction forces resembled ground reaction forces of running humans except that the order of horizontal braking and propulsion were reversed. Peak vertical forces in brachiation increased with speed as in bipedal locomotion. In contrast to bipedalism, however, peak horizontal forces changed little with speed. Gait transition occurred within the same relative velocity range as the walk-run transition in bipeds (Froude number = 0.3-0.6). We oriented handholds parallel to the direction of travel (as in a continuous pole) at 0.80 and 1.60 m spacings. In ricochetal brachiation, the gibbon generated greater torque with handholds oriented perpendicular as opposed to parallel to the direction of travel. Handhold orientation did not affect peak forces. The similarities and differences between brachiation and bipedalism offer insight into the ubiquity of mechanical principles guiding all limbed locomotion and the distinctiveness of brachiation as a unique mode of locomotion.
Transcutaneous measurement of blood velocity profiles and flow

A comprehensive report is presented of the application of a pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meter for transcutaneous measurement of time varying velocity, velocity profiles, and instantaneous flow in arteries of anaesthetized dogs. The procedure used to provide direct velocity and flow calibration using the Doppler equation is outlined. Typical transcutaneous recordings obtained from the femoral artery, abdominal aorta, and carotid artery are illustrated. The results compare favourably with data obtained by invasive means such as electromagnetic cuff flowmeters. The possibility of high resolution, non-invasive haemodynamic measurements on dogs is demonstrated and the application to conscious human subjects suggested.
Addressing uncertainty in implicit preferences

The increasing amount of content available via digital television has made TV program recommenders valuable tools. In order to provide personalized recommendations, recommender systems need to collect information about user preferences. Since users are reluctant to invest much time in explicitly expressing their interests, preferences often need to be implicitly inferred through data gathered by monitoring user behavior. Which is, alas, less reliable.This article addresses the problem of learning TV preferences based on tracking the programs users have watched, whilst dealing with the varying degrees of reliability in such information. Three approaches to the problem are discussed: use all information equally; weight information by its reliability or simply discard the most unreliable information.Experimental results for these three approaches are presented and compared using a content-based filtering recommender built on a Naive Bayes classifier.
THE K-THEORY LOCALIZATIONS AND v1-PERIODIC HOMOTOPY GROUPS OF H-SPACES

Abstract We determine the mod p K -theory localizations and v 1 -periodic homotopy groups of finite H -spaces and of other spaces with torsion-free exterior p -adic K -cohomology algebras at an odd prime p . Our localization results generalize those of Mahowald and Thompson (Topology 1992, 31 , 133–141) for odd-dimensional spheres. We construct our mod p K -theory localizations as homotopy fibers of unstable maps between infinite loop spaces, and similarly construct a wide array of new spaces having torsion-free exterior p -adic K -cohomology algebras with prescribed Adams operations. This leads, for example, to a classification of the odd mod p K -homology spheres.
Toward a Typology of Activities: Understanding Internal Contradictions in Multiperspectival Activities

Professional writing scholars have often turned to activity theory (AT) as a rich framework for describing and theorizing human activity. But AT-based studies typically emphasize the uniqueness of ...
Cyberinfrastructure for collaborative geologic carbon sequestration research a conceptual model

This paper describes the design and development of a conceptual framework for creating and implementing a cyberinfrastructure model to support interdisciplinary science associated with geologic carbon sequestration at the University of Wyoming. “Cyberinfrastructure” is a term increasingly used within the scientific community to represent information infrastructure networks connecting technology, data, and people to support research activities and the dissemination of its results. In this study, a cyberinfrastructure was designed for a multi-team, multi-task project case study centered on carbon sequestration research in the Moxa Arch, Wyoming. The design was based on a needs assessment conducted to identify information technology practices and requirements for each science team, resulting in a prototype carbon capture and storage knowledgebase workflow model. Major components of the workflow model include social networking functionality and geographic information system–based data management and visualization. The long-term goal of the effort is to build a cyberinfrastructure that fosters and enhances collaboration across research involved with geologic characterization, reservoir modeling, and long-term monitoring of geologic sequestration activities in Wyoming and throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.
Optimal processes governed by integral equation equations with unilateral constraint

Abstract An optimal process with unilateral constraint is considered using relaxed controls. Existence of optimal control is automatic. Further, problems with linear and certain quadratic cost functions with linear integral and state constraints are such that the controls are actually ordinary, i.e., bounded measurable functions. In addition, if the control set is a convex polyhedron, the optimal controls take their values in the vertices of the polyhedron. Control processes governed by integral equations have been considered by V. R. Vinokurov (SIAM 7 (1969), 324–355). However, there existence is not shown for the general problem and optimality conditions are not available for the problem when state constraints are present. Furthermore, the above work has some errors as pointed out by L. W. Neustadt and J. Warga (SIAM 8 (1970), 572). Finally, we point out that the basic idea in our approach here is the same as in a forthcoming, paper (J. Optim. Theory Appl., in press).
Advanced laser optics for laser material processing

The demand for uniform intensity distribution is rising rapidly in the field of thermal processing. In this study we propose beam homogenizers with aspheric lenses or diffractive optical elements (DOE) that can convert a non-uniform Gaussian distribution into a top-hat-shaped uniform intensity distribution. The circular beam homogenizer consists of two aspheric lenses. And we propose several types of beam homogenizer, namely, rectangular and linear using DOE technology. Especially, we present a spot array generation homogenizer that can anneal several points simultaneously. This paper suggests possibilities of advance laser optics for new types of laser material processing.
The Functional Analysis Checklist: Inter-rater and Test–Retest Reliability

The inter-rater and test–retest reliability of the Functional Analysis Checklist (FAC) was evaluated for a random sample of target behaviours from a random sample of individuals in behaviour therapy programmes in a state school population. The reliability of the FAC was uniformly poor. This poor reliability was ascribed to the low frequency with which most items on the FAC were endorsed, the lack of training in functional assessment that most raters had, and the very variable forms and rates of behaviour problems rated.
Analyses of ITS and LSU gene regions provide congruent results on fungal community responses

The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions and the Large Subunit (LSU) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene complex are commonly used to elucidate questions in fungal community ecology. Here, we compared the congruence across these gene regions using two ecological experiments (primary successional dynamics at a receding glacier forefront and community dynamics in stored Sorghum biomass), in which both ITS1 and LSU were sequenced from the same DNA extracts. We analyzed richness, diversity and evenness estimators along with community shifts inferred from ordination analyses. Our analyses show that ITS and LSU provide similar results and consistent conclusions. Taken together, we conclude that either gene region is appropriate for testing ecological hypotheses as long as there are no a priori hypotheses that preclude the use of one gene region over the other.
Case Study of Management Internships: Eastern Europeans in America

Abstract A great Eastern European shortfall is in trained managers for free market operations. While many management training programs have been offered for former communist countries, some of the most effective have been internships that immerse managers in the business environments of free market countries. This article examines the effects of an internship program on fifty-three managers from Romania who were interns in the United States and compares their experience with undergraduate student interns from Bulgaria who had a somewhat similar internship.
An open-label trial of L-glucose as a colon-cleansing agent before colonoscopy

Background: The high volume and poor palatability of standard colon cleansers remain obstacles to colonoscopy for many patients. Significant electrolyte disturbances and fluid balance alterations may occur with available agents. L-glucose, the stereoisomer of D-glucose, has laxative effects that make it potentially useful as a colon-cleansing agent. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of L-glucose as a bowel cleanser before colonoscopy. Methods: Thirty healthy individuals (age range 34-70 years) scheduled to undergo outpatient colonoscopy were given 24 g of L-glucose in 8 ounces of water to cleanse the colon. Nonblinded endoscopists rated the quality of the preparation based on established criteria. Laboratory studies were monitored before and after administration of the L-glucose and on the day after colonoscopy; adverse clinical events were also monitored. Results: L-glucose administration resulted in excellent or good preparations in 80% (24/30) of the patients and fair or poor preparations in 20%. Average water consumption was 48 ounces. No adverse event occurred, and no significant laboratory test abnormalities were identified. Conclusions: Eighty percent of patients who prepared for colonoscopy by ingestion of L-glucose had good or excellent preparations. The L-glucose preparation was palatable, and its efficacy and safety appear equivalent to currently available colon-cleansing agents. (Gastrointest Endosc 2003;58:30-5.)
Director field model of the primary visual cortex for contour detection.

We aim to build the simplest possible model capable of detecting long, noisy contours in a cluttered visual scene. For this, we model the neural dynamics in the primate primary visual cortex in terms of a continuous director field that describes the average rate and the average orientational preference of active neurons at a particular point in the cortex. We then use a linear-nonlinear dynamical model with long range connectivity patterns to enforce long-range statistical context present in the analyzed images. The resulting model has substantially fewer degrees of freedom than traditional models, and yet it can distinguish large contiguous objects from the background clutter by suppressing the clutter and by filling-in occluded elements of object contours. This results in high-precision, high-recall detection of large objects in cluttered scenes. Parenthetically, our model has a direct correspondence with the Landau - de Gennes theory of nematic liquid crystal in two dimensions.
Sinus complications in mucopolysaccharidosis I H/S (Hurler-Scheie syndrome)

Abstract Hurler-Scheie syndrome is a genetic compound of two mucopolysaccharidoses, the Hurler and Scheie syndromes. The genetic error of metabolism caused by this syndrome produces intermediary systemic effects in the affected individuals. Lacking the enzyme α- l -iduronidase, glycosaminoglycans are deposited in the tissues, causing multiple systemic effects and creating many problems for the otolaryngologist. Although early bone marrow transplantation is currently being performed to prevent or reverse many of the systemic manifestations of this disorder, there remains a large population of children past the age at which bone marrow transplantation can be effective. Sinus complications have not previously been reported in the mucopolysaccharidoses and may be more frequently recognized as these patients' longevity increases. We present a patient with Hurler-Scheie syndrome who developed severe nasal polyposis requiring sinus endoscopic removal.
A role for Hox A5 in regulating angiogenesis and vascular patterning.

Background: Homeobox (Hox) genes are transcriptional regulators which modulate embryonic morphogenesis and pathological tissue remodeling in adults via regulation of genes associated with cell-cell...
The approach-dependent, time-dependent, label-constrained shortest path problem

In this article, we consider an approach-dependent, time-dependent, label-constrained shortest path problem. This is a variant of the shortest path problem defined on a transportation network comprised of a set of nodes and a set of directed arcs such that each arc has an associated label designating a mode of transportation, and an associated travel-time function that depends on the time of arrival at the tail node, as well as on the link via which this node was approached. A label constraint is specified that controls the admissible sequence of transportation modes, and the approach-dependent travel-time feature models turn-penalties and prohibitions in transportation networks, whereby the time spent at an intersection before entering the next link depends on whether we travel straight through the intersection, or make a right turn at it, or make a left turn at it, as permissible. We propose two effective algorithms to solve this problem and present related theoretical complexity results. In addition, we also explore various heuristic delay estimation and network curtailment schemes that can be used to confine the search to only the more promising subsets of the network to reduce computational effort while preserving near-optimality. Extensive empirical results using available data for the Portland, OR, and Blacksburg, VA, transportation networks are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the developed procedures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 48(2), 57–67 2006
Insights from Meta-Analysis of Recent Exercises

ABSTRACT Oil terminals maintain and assess their oil spill response readiness by conducting drills and exercises in general accordance with the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) gui...
The control of information systems developments after implementation

Cet article etudie un des aspects des dernieres etapes dans le cycle de vie d'un systeme d'information a base d'ordinateur (CBIS's). On examine 4 metaphores de l'implementation d'un CBIS qui traitent des differentes esperances sur les developpements de calcul et les resultats probables: l'evolution technologique, la rationalite economique, le mouvement de structure et la politique d'organisation
Testing the limits of optimality: the effect of base rates in the Monty Hall dilemma

The Monty Hall dilemma is a probability puzzle in which a player tries to guess which of three doors conceals a desirable prize. After an initial selection, one of the nonchosen doors is opened, revealing that it is not a winner, and the player is given the choice of staying with the initial selection or switching to the other remaining door. Pigeons and humans were tested on two variants of the Monty Hall dilemma, in which one of the three doors had either a higher or a lower chance of containing the prize than did the other two options. The optimal strategy in both cases was to initially choose the lowest-probability door available and then switch away from it. Whereas pigeons learned to approximate the optimal strategy, humans failed to do so on both accounts: They did not show a preference for low-probability options, and they did not consistently switch. An analysis of performance over the course of training indicated that pigeons learned to perform a sequence of responses on each trial, and that sequence was one that yielded the highest possible rate of reinforcement. Humans, in contrast, continued to vary their responses throughout the experiment, possibly in search of a more complex strategy that would exceed the maximum possible win rate.
Factors in the degradation of ceramic coatings for turbine alloys

Abstract Internal stresses introduced during the processing of ceramic coatings for turbine components can lead to coating failure. The sources of such stresses include not only the thermal expansion mismatch between ceramics and metals but also elastic anisotropy and thermal gradients introduced within the ceramic during plasma spraying or phase transformations (e.g. in ZrO2). However, the ceramic coatings can be made more resistant to fracture (or spalling) by control of their microstructure. The ability of ceramic coatings both to resist corrosion and to protect the metallic components presents additional challenges to the development of coatings.
Quantum fiber-optics: some recent experimental and theoretical developments

Convenient methods of generating amplitude-squeezed (sub-Poissonian) light have recently been discovered, which rely on the use of soliton-like pulses in fibers. The idea of squeezing solitons in fibers is; what is new, however, is the use of femtosecond pulses in conjunction with asymmetric Sagnac loops. Since femtosecond solitons have a correspondingly high peak power, much shorter fiber lengths are required to obtain a given amount of squeezing, which directly translates into lowering of the guided acoustic-wave Brillouin scattering noise in the system. The use of an asymmetric Sagnac loop leads to a robust, practically very stable configuration for generating amplitude squeezing. In a related development, spectral filtering of femtosecond solitons emerging from a straight piece of fiber has also been shown to generate sub-Poissonian light.
Conservation Status of Freshwater Mussels of the United States and Canada

Abstract The American Fisheries Society (AFS) herein provides a list of all native freshwater mussels (families Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) in the United States and Canada. This report also provides state and provincial distributions; a comprehensive review of the conservation status of all taxa; and references on biology, conservation, and distribution of freshwater mussels. The list includes 297 native freshwater mussels, of which 213 taxa (71.7%) are considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Twenty-one taxa (7.1%) are listed as endangered but possibly extinct, 77 (20.6%) as endangered but extant, 43 (14.5%) as threatened, 72 (24.2%) as of special concern, 14 (4.7%) as undetermined, and only 70 (23.6%) as currently stable. The primary reasons for the decline of freshwater mussels are habitat destruction from dams, channel modification, siltation, and the introduction of nonindigenous mollusks. The high numbers of imperiled freshwater mussels in the United States and Canada, which har...
Integrity of the Radiation Oncology National Resident Matching Program: Applicant Perspectives

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) aka: “The Match”, outlines strict professional rules of behavior addressing the following areas • Respect of applicants right to privacy and confidentiality • Acceptance of responsibility for actions of recruitment team • Refraining from illegal or coercive questions • Not requiring second visits or visiting rotations • Discouraging post-interview communication
Recursive kernel density estimators under a weak dependence condition

Let Xt, t= ..., \s-1,0,1,... be a strietly stationary sequence of random variables (r.v.'s) defined on a probability space (Ω,P) and taking values in Rd.Let X1,...,Xnbe n consecutive observations of Xt.Let f be the density of X1.As an estimator of f(x), we shall consider % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXafv3ySLgzGmvETj2BSbqefm0B1jxALjhiov2D% aebbfv3ySLgzGueE0jxyaibaiGc9yrFr0xXdbba91rFfpec8Eeeu0x% Xdbba9frFj0-OqFfea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs% 0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaaiaacaqabeaadaqaaqGaaO% qaaiqadAgagaqcamaaBaaaleaacaWGUbaabeaakiaacIcacaWG4bGa% aiykaiabg2da9iaad6gadaahaaWcbeqaaiabgkHiTiaaigdaaaGcda% aeWbqaaiaadkgadaWgaaWcbaGaamOAaaqabaGcdaahaaWcbeqaaiab% gkHiTiaadsgaaaGccaWGlbGaaiikaiaacIcacaWG4bGaeyOeI0Iaam% iwamaaBaaaleaacaWGQbaabeaakiaacMcacaGGVaGaamOyamaaBaaa% leaacaWGQbaabeaakiaacMcaaSqaaiaadQgacqGH9aqpcaaIXaaaba% GaamOBaaqdcqGHris5aaaa!58A9!\[\hat f_n (x) = n^{ - 1} \sum\limits_{j = 1}^n {b_j ^{ - d} K((x - X_j )/b_j )} \]. Here K is a kernel function and bnis a esquence of bandwidths tending to zero as n → ∞. The asymptotic distribution and uniform convergence of fn are obtained under general conditions. Appropriate bandwidths are given explicitly. The process Xtis assumed to satisfy a weak dependence condition defined in terms of joint densities. The results are applicable to a large class of time series models.
pH-Dependent stability and reactivity of a thiol-quinone methide adduct

Abstract 10-Acetyl-1-(butanethio)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9,10-anthracenediol 2a , a quinone methide-butane-thiol adduct has been prepared in 63% yield. The pH-dependent stability and reaction with 2′-deoxyadenosine showed that the nucleoside can be exchanged for the thiol at pH 7.
Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on Motor Development and Stereotyped Behavior of Developmentally Delayed Children.

Four developmentally delayed babies were given semicircular canal stimulation in an effort to facilitate their motor and reflex development. Each of the children also exhibited abnormal stereotyped movements. The theory was advanced that these movements are related to motor development and that significant improvements in motor abilities will produce changes in the intensity and/or form of stereotypic responding. Semicircular canal stimulation was provided by rotating the children in a motor-driven chair at a velocity of about 17 rpm for 10 minutes daily over a period of 2 weeks. Standard motor and reflex measures were taken before, during, and after the rotation treatment period. Daily observations were made of the children's stereotyped movements. Over the course of the study all of the children showed motor and/or reflex changes that were attributable to the vestibular stimulation. In addition, some evidence was obtained linking changes in stereotypic responding to the vestibular stimulation.
Fluorogen-activating single-chain antibodies for imaging cell surface proteins

Imaging of live cells has been revolutionized by genetically encoded fluorescent probes, most famously green and other fluorescent proteins, but also peptide tags that bind exogenous fluorophores. We report here the development of protein reporters that generate fluorescence from otherwise dark molecules (fluorogens). Eight unique fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs) have been isolated by screening a library of human single-chain antibodies (scFvs) using derivatives of thiazole orange and malachite green. When displayed on yeast or mammalian cell surfaces, these FAPs bind fluorogens with nanomolar affinity, increasing green or red fluorescence thousands-fold to brightness levels typical of fluorescent proteins. Spectral variation can be generated by combining different FAPs and fluorogen derivatives. Visualization of FAPs on the cell surface or within the secretory apparatus of mammalian cells can be achieved by choosing membrane permeant or impermeant fluorogens. The FAP technique is extensible to a wide variety of nonfluorescent dyes.