cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eccentricity Mapping of the Human Visual Cortex to Evaluate Temporal Dynamics of Functional T1ρ Mapping

Recent experiments suggest that T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ) is sensitive to metabolism and can detect localized activity-dependent changes in the human visual cortex. Current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods have poor temporal resolution due to delays in the hemodynamic response resulting from neurovascular coupling. Because T1ρ is sensitive to factors that can be derived from tissue metabolism, such as pH and glucose concentration via proton exchange, we hypothesized that activity-evoked T1ρ changes in visual cortex may occur before the hemodynamic response measured by blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) contrast. To test this hypothesis, functional imaging was performed using T1ρ, BOLD, and ASL in human participants viewing an expanding ring stimulus. We calculated eccentricity phase maps across the occipital cortex for each functional signal and compared the temporal dynamics of T1ρ versus BOLD and ASL. The results suggest that T1ρ changes precede changes in the two blood flow-dependent measures. These observations indicate that T1ρ detects a signal distinct from traditional fMRI contrast methods. In addition, these findings support previous evidence that T1ρ is sensitive to factors other than blood flow, volume, or oxygenation. Furthermore, they suggest that tissue metabolism may be driving activity-evoked T1ρ changes.
Practical Aspects of NMR-Based Fragment Screening

NMR spectroscopy is a popular and highly versatile screening method for fragment-based drug discovery. NMR methods are capable of robustly detecting the binding of fragments to macromolecular targets over an extraordinarily broad affinity range (from covalent to millimolar). This chapter provides a stepwise process for creating an NMR-based fragment screening program. The construction of fragment libraries is described, including compound selection, plating of stocks, and preparation of mixtures. Guidance is given for designing fragment screens, such as choosing the appropriate NMR screening format and method, and optimizing the sample conditions and experimental parameters. The identification and validation of screening hits is described, and a number of potential pitfalls are discussed. Rather than detailing one specific screening protocol, this chapter outlines the available options and provides information to enable users to design their own customized fragment screening programs.
Interpolation of discrete periodic nonuniform decimation using alias unraveling

We consider the problem of signal restoration when P of every N samples in a discrete time system are uniformly decimated. The degraded signal is an aliased form of the original signal. The aliasing can, in certain cases, be unraveled by application of multiplicative discrete time trigonometric polynomials followed by filtering. The filter output is the restored discrete time signal. Conditions required for this restoration are presented. The condition - and thus the noise sensitivity - of the restoration process is also analyzed.
A role of thyroid hormones in differentiation of mouse mammary gland in vitro

Abstract Addition of thyroxine or triiodothyronine to cultures of mammary gland explants in the presence of insulin, hydrocortisone and prolactin, results in a selective enhancement of the activity of the milk protein, α-lactalbumin. This effect, which is specific for the L-isomer of the thyroid hormones, is not mediated through diffusible activators of the enzyme activity.
Laboratory Evaluation of Sand Underdrains

Constant-head hydraulic conductivity tests are performed on layered heterogeneous porous media to evaluate the use of underdrains to calculate the hydraulic conductivity of an overlying, less permeable medium. The layered profiles consist of a barrier layer comprising sand mixed with 10% kaolin, overlying a foundation layer comprising sand mixed with only 5% kaolin. Underdrains are evaluated by replacing excavated portions of the foundation layer with only sand. The results indicate that preferential flow of water occurs around, rather than through, the sand underdrains resulting in an underestimate of the measured hydraulic conductivity of the barrier layer assuming 1D, saturated flow in accordance with standard practice. The observed preferential flow effect is consistent with previously published numerical simulations of unsaturated flow through similarly layered heterogeneous soil profiles that indicate lateral flow around underdrains due to the contrast in unsaturated properties of the soils. The results of this study have important ramifications with respect to the use of underdrains to measure in \Isitu\N hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay liners for waste containment.
Surfactant adsorption on several homoionic forms of kaolin

Abstract Adsorption from aqueous solution of three relatively non-biodegradable surfactants, ABS, Triton X-100, and Hyamine 1622 by several homoionic forms of kaolin was studied. Rates and isotherms of adsorption were determined at 20°C. Equilibrium adsorption was observed in all clay-surfactant systems after 7 hr at high rate of stirring. The adsorption process was found to follow the Langmuir equation. Values for the constants of this equation were evaluated and indicated maximum adsorption in the cationic surfactant systems. Desorption data indicated that more stable clay-organo-complexes were formed with the cationic surfactant.
Femtosecond Time-Resolved X-ray-Induced Isomerization

We investigated rapid proton migration in acetylene induced by 10 fs 400 eV x-rays, and probed with a second delayed x-ray pulse. Dynamics are revealed through delay-dependent fragmentation momenta.
Fragmentation and energy conservation in the eikonal-Regge model

We have studied the effect of fragmentation and energy conservation in the eikonal-Regge model. A generalized eikonal representation involving multi-impact parameters is given for the elastic and inelastic amplitudes when fragmentation takes place. The generalized eikonal function which describes a many-body potential depends on more than one impact parameter. In the strong-absorption model and at high energy, however, the elastic amplitude can be approximated by a single-impact-parameter representation with an effective eikonal function. As a result of the fragmentation, we find that although ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{E}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}$ still increase as ${\mathrm{ln}}^{2}s$, their ratio is no longer \textonehalf{}. Instead, it is the sum of the elastic and diffractive cross sections which remains to be one half of the total cross section. To enforce the energy conservation, we propose a thermodynamic approach by introducing an impact-parameter-dependent temperature. Using well-known thermodynamics relations, we obtain various corrections to the naive eikonal-Regge model predictions due to energy conservation. Experimental consequences are discussed.
Managerial Skills Teaching: Ten Questions and Twelve Answers:

This article describes and illustrates how to effectively answer 10 questions that experts in the field have raised concerning the content and process of teaching managerial skills. In addition, it demonstrates how to deal with two other issues that have been largely neglected in the literature: culture and course evaluation. The author describes how to incorporate culture into a course designed to enhance managerial skills and how to measure results achieved against multiple learning criteria sought. The article offers a set of 12 creative, practical, and pretested ideas that both neophyte and experienced instructors can apply either separately or packaged together to meet the skill-building needs of their students.
Causation in the Presence of Weak Associations

Despite their observational nature, epidemiologic studies have been used to make inductive inferences about the causes of human diseases. In this context, I mainly consider the term “cause” in its cognitive (explanatory) meaning, that is, by detecting causal factors and identifying mechanisms of diseases. The development of a theoretical framework for the establishment of causation in the absence of experimental evidence represents an important conceptual development in the interpretation and explanation of biological phenomena. The framework is based on a combination of convergent lines of evidence, none of which is sufficient per se to establish a cause-effect relationship. The criteria proposed by Hill (1965), which he derived from the list prepared in the US Surgeon General's report Smoking and Health (1964), to interpret the epidemiologic results on lung cancer risk from tobacco smoking, have been used as a paradigm for causation in observational epidemiology. Despite the fact that Hill emphasized th...
Callogenesis and Carbohydrate Utilization in Lemna minor

Summary Callus of Lemna minor L. was generated by fracturing whole plants which had been pre-conditioned to auxin containing callogenesis medium. Chlorophyll accumulation during callus growth and growth rate itself were sucrose-dependent. I have attempted to identify among common carbon-supplements those which support plant growth in vivo but not callus growth in vitro , and vice versa, with a view to recognizing «differentiated functions» for carbohydrate metabolism. Plant growth was not supported by galactose or sorbitol, whereas callus utilized each rather well. Obversely, plants utilized glucose, fructose, melibiose, starch, and mannitol, whereas callus growth was poorly supported by these in comparison to sucrose. Thus, there seem to be a number of differences between in vivo and in vitro gene expression in carbohydrate metabolism.
Proteoglycans in human coronary arteriosclerotic lesions.

Proteoglycans in human coronary arteries were characterized immunohistochemically, using specific monoclonal antibodies to distinct proteoglycan types. In addition, apoB, macrophage, and arterial smooth muscle cell α-actin markers were localized. The expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and apoB was observed in healthy areas (operationally defined by morphology) as well as in lesions in the intima, but with greater expression in the atheromatous lesions. In healthy intima heparan sulfate proteoglycan was cell associated, but in lesions it was found also in the extracellular space. A dermatan sulfate proteoglycan of decorin type was not observed in the healthy intima but was observed in the intima with adaptive thickening especially in zones with reduced staining for smooth muscle cell α-actin. In atheroma (fibrous plaque with necrotic core) decorin along with α-actin and macrophage marker stained brightly in the extracellular regions in fibrous cap (actively progressing lesion) but was sparse in fibrous base (quiescent lesion). The observations suggest that decorin along with extracellular α-actin and macrophage marker may be useful for differentiating lesions that tend to progress with disease.
Assembly of Lamina-Specific Neuronal Connections by Slit Bound to Type IV Collagen

The mechanisms that generate specific neuronal connections in the brain are under intense investigation. In zebrafish, retinal ganglion cells project their axons into at least six layers within the neuropil of the midbrain tectum. Each axon elaborates a single, planar arbor in one of the target layers and forms synapses onto the dendrites of tectal neurons. We show that the laminar specificity of retinotectal connections does not depend on self-sorting interactions among RGC axons. Rather, tectum-derived Slit1, signaling through axonal Robo2, guides neurites to their target layer. Genetic and biochemical studies indicate that Slit binds to Dragnet (Col4a5), a type IV Collagen, which forms the basement membrane on the surface of the tectum. We further show that radial glial endfeet are required for the basement-membrane anchoring of Slit. We propose that Slit1 signaling, perhaps in the form of a superficial-to-deep gradient, presents laminar positional cues to ingrowing retinal axons.
Barriers to the Promotion of Higher-Order Thinking in Social Studies

Based on interviews with teachers, department chairs, principals and staff developers, observations of hundreds of lessons, and a perusal of the social studies and broader, school change literature, dominant barriers to the promotion of thinking were identified. Six barriers emerged: instruction as knowledge transmission, a curriculum of coverage, teachers' low expectations of students, large numbers of students, lack of planning time, and a culture of teacher isolation. The way in which each barrier negatively impacts the promotion of students' higher order thinking is explained, combining analytic arguments with quantitative and qualitative research findings.
Asthma in respiratory therapists

Abstract Study Objective:To test the hypothesis that work as a respiratory therapist is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Design:Cross-sectional questionnaire study comparing ...
Maintenance of Normal in situ Chromosomal Features in Long-Term Tissue Cultures

Clonal isolates from a rapidly proliferating fibroblast-like derivative have retained the classic diploid chromosome relationship over a period of many transplant generations. The readily identified members of the 11 pairs of chromosomes, including the sex chromosomes (X(1) and X(2)), have aided in localizing minute structural alterations within recloned diploid and aneuploid sublines.
Impact of Bromocriptine-QR Therapy on Glycemic Control and Daily Insulin Requirement in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects Whose Dysglycemia Is Poorly Controlled on High-Dose Insulin: A Pilot Study

Background. The concurrent use of a postprandial insulin sensitizing agent, such as bromocriptine-QR, a quick release formulation of bromocriptine, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, may offer a strategy to improve glycemic control and limit/reduce insulin requirement in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients on high-dose insulin. This open label pilot study evaluated this potential utility of bromocriptine-QR. Methods. Ten T2DM subjects on metformin (1-2&#x2009;gm/day) and high-dose (TDID &#x2265; 65&#x2009;U/day) basal-bolus insulin were enrolled to receive once daily (morning) bromocriptine-QR (1.6&#x2013;4.8&#x2009;mg/day) for 24 weeks. Subjects with at least one postbaseline measurement () were analyzed for change from baseline , TDID, and postprandial glucose area under the curve of a four-hour mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT). Results. Compared to the baseline, average decreased 1.76&#x25; ( to , ), average TDID decreased 27&#x25; ( to , ), and MMTT AUC60&#x2013;240 decreased 32&#x25; () over the treatment period. The decline in and TDID was observed at 8 weeks and sustained over the remaining 16-week study duration. Conclusion. In this study, bromocriptine-QR therapy improved glycemic control and meal tolerance while reducing insulin requirement in T2DM subjects poorly controlled on high-dose insulin therapy.
A study of the scattered-light technique in two-dimensional problems: Two-dimensional scattered-light fringe patterns are studied with the object of providing a better understanding of fringe-pattern characteristics

The scattered-light method is applied to plane-stress problems. The study gives significance to the fringe spacing perpendicular as well as parallel to the direction of light propagation. The results show that one full-field photograph is sufficient to determine the state of stress in the model as well as to calibrate the model material. Results for the case of a ring in diametrical compression are presented.
PENILE NODULE IN A YOUNG ADULT

A 20 year old male presented with a nodule, 1.25 cm × 1 cm, on the ventral aspect of the foreskin of his penis. The nodule was excised by circumcision. On histology it was found to be a multiloculated cyst located in the dermis of the prepuce. It contained eosinophilic material and was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. There was no evidence of inflammation or malignancy in any of the sections of this median raphe cyst. The aetiology of such cysts is discussed in addition to a review of the literature.
Parametric effects of bubble-microcantilever impacts in a confined channel

In this study, we have investigated the impact of bubbles with microcantilever obstacles in a confined channel. Static cantilevers of thickness 100μm were considered. Cantilevers were mounted perpendicular to the mean flow in a vertically oriented channel with width of 2mm, span of 10mm, and length of 585mm. Steady, fully developed upward flows with channel Reynolds numbers based on mean fluid velocity and hydraulic diameter of 800–2400 were considered. Bubbles of diameter of 400–2000μm were introduced upstream of the test section, and impacts were observed by using a microscope equipped with a high frame rate camera. Observations were made in planes normal to the length of cantilevers backlit by using white light. Liquid density (ρ), interfacial surface tension (σ), bubble velocity immediately prior to impact (Ububble), bubble diameter (D), obstacle thickness (t), impact offset distance (d), channel width (w), and beam location are all potential influences on the result of bubble-beam impacts. Five dimen...
Environmental contaminants in breast milk from the central asian republics

Concern has been widespread about possible high levels of environmental contamination in areas of the former Soviet Union. Some of this concern has focussed on toxicants in human milk and their potential adverse effects on the breastfeeding child, but published data have been virtually unavailable. This study collected previously unpublished analyses of breast milk, water, cow's milk, and dairy product samples from several of the Republics during the last decade, providing an opportunity for comparing the level of contamination to similar data from other countries. The general levels of contamination are similar to those observed in other countries. Social and economic conditions as well as the contamination of water and substitute foods in the Republics make alternative methods of infant feeding demonstrably less desirable for the child than the measured levels of breast milk contamination.
An Adaptive Finite Element Model for Simulating Natural Convective Effects of Multiple Obstructions

The investigation of laminar natural convection in vertical channels with multiple obstructions on opposite walls is conducted using an h-adaptive FEM algorithm. The adaptive model uses an L2 norm based a posteriori error estimator with a semi-implicit, time-stepping projection technique. The advection terms are treated using an explicit Adams Bashforth method while the diffusion terms are advanced by an implicit Euler scheme. By using the adaptive algorithm, mesh independent studies can be avoided. Results are obtained for thermal and flow patterns including average Nusselt numbers for different parameters (Rayleigh number, aspect ratio and locations of obstructions).Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Strain Rate Sensitivity of Epoxy Resin in Tensile and Shear Loading

The mechanical response of E-862 and PR-520 resins is investigated in tensile and shear loadings. At both types of loading the resins are tested at strain rates of about 5x10(exp 5), 2, and 450 to 700 /s. In addition, dynamic shear modulus tests are carried out at various frequencies and temperatures, and tensile stress relaxation tests are conducted at room temperature. The results show that the toughened PR-520 resin can carry higher stresses than the untoughened E-862 resin. Strain rate has a significant effect on the response of both resins. In shear both resins show a ductile response with maximum stress that is increasing with strain rate. In tension a ductile response is observed at low strain rate (approx. 5x10(exp 5) /s), and brittle response is observed at the medium and high strain rates (2, and 700 /s). The hydrostatic component of the stress in the tensile tests causes premature failure in the E-862 resin. Localized deformation develops in the PR-520 resin when loaded in shear. An internal state variable constitutive model is proposed for modeling the response of the resins. The model includes a state variable that accounts for the effect of the hydrostatic component of the stress on the deformation.
Antibody-resistant mutations in cross-reactive and type-specific epitopes of herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein B map in separate domains.

Abstract To characterize the domains of HSV-1 glycoprotein B (gB), we isolated mutants resistant to monoclonal antibodies with potent neutralizing activity. Partial nucleotide sequencing of the mutations revealed that gB contains two domains comprising discontinuous and continuous amino acids that bind cross-reactive and type-specific neutralizing antibodies. Four mutations in a discontinuous domain, R1435, R233, R1375, and R126, contained substitutions of Tyr 278 for His 278 , His 298 for Arg 298 , Gln 274 for Arg 274 , and Asn 273 for Tyr 273 , respectively. Two mutations in a continuous domain, R1392 and R1397, contained substitutions of Thr 32 for Ala 32 and Thr 47 for Asn 47 , respectively, and overlapped two other type-specific epitopes. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of strain KOS showed differences from strain F at four residues proximal to the R1392 mutation and one residue proximal to the R1397 mutation, which explains the failure of HSV-1 (F)-specific antibodies to these epitopes to react with KOS. One target site for proteolytic cleavage of gB by cellular enzymes maps at the amino terminus, partially overlapping four HSV-1-specific epitopes.
Laser-Driven Plasma Loader for Shockless Compression and Acceleration of Samples in the Solid State

A new method for shockless compression and acceleration of solid materials is presented. A plasma reservoir pressurized by a laser-driven shock unloads across a vacuum gap and piles up against an Al sample thus providing the drive. The rear surface velocity of the Al was measured with a line VISAR, and used to infer load histories. These peaked between approximately 0.14 and 0.5 Mbar with strain rates approximately 10(6)-10(8) s(-1). Detailed simulations suggest that apart from surface layers the samples can remain close to the room temperature isentrope. The experiments, analysis, and future prospects are discussed.
Evaluating efficacy and feasibility of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized pilot trial.

Abstract Background Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been applied for pain relief after surgical procedures. This study evaluated whether TENS after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), in addition to opioid administration, decreased postoperative pain and pain medication use. Methods In a controlled trial, 56 patients scheduled to undergo VATS were randomly assigned to TENS plus opioids (Group 1) or opioids alone (Group 2) for 48 h. Results Forty patients completed the study. Pain scores and use of oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were not significantly different between the groups during the first and second 24 h. A decreased use of OMEs between the first and second 24 h was significant for Group 1 (P = .005) but not for Group 2 (P = .11); a decreased use of OMEs between groups was not significant (P = .35). Conclusions A larger, well-powered clinical trial is indicated to evaluate the effects of TENS for pain control after a VATS procedure. Clinical Trial No.: NCT01046695 .
System Noise Assessment and the Potential for a Low Noise Hybrid Wing Body Aircraft with Open Rotor Propulsion

An aircraft system noise assessment was conducted for a hybrid wing body freighter aircraft concept configured with three open rotor engines. The primary objective of the study was to determine the aircraft system level noise given the significant impact of installation effects including shielding the open rotor noise by the airframe. The aircraft was designed to carry a payload of 100,000 lbs on a 6,500 nautical mile mission. An experimental database was used to establish the propulsion airframe aeroacoustic installation effects including those from shielding by the airframe planform, interactions with the control surfaces, and additional noise reduction technologies. A second objective of the study applied the impacts of projected low noise airframe technology and a projection of advanced low noise rotors appropriate for the NASA N+2 2025 timeframe. With the projection of low noise rotors and installation effects, the aircraft system level was 26.0 EPNLdB below Stage 4 level with the engine installed at 1.0 rotor diameters upstream of the trailing edge. Moving the engine to 1.5 rotor diameters brought the system level noise to 30.8 EPNLdB below Stage 4. At these locations on the airframe, the integrated level of installation effects including shielding can be as much as 20 EPNLdB cumulative in addition to lower engine source noise from advanced low noise rotors. And finally, an additional set of technology effects were identified and the potential impact at the system level was estimated for noise only without assessing the impact on aircraft performance. If these additional effects were to be included it is estimated that the potential aircraft system noise could reach as low as 38.0 EPNLdB cumulative below Stage 4.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Microcellular Plastics Using the Variational Asymptotic Method for Unit Cell Homogenization (VAMUCH) Method

This work presents the application of the micromechanical variational asymptotic method for unit cell homogenization (VAMUCH) with a three-dimensional unit cell (UC) structure and a coupled, macroscale finite element analysis for analyzing and predicting the effective elastic properties of microcellular injection molded plastics. A series of injection molded plastic samples — which included polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) — with microcellular foamed structures were produced and their mechanical properties were compared with predicted values. The results showed that for most material samples, the numerical prediction was in fairly good agreement with experimental results, which demonstrates the applicability and reliability of VAMUCH in analyzing the mechanical properties of porous materials. The study also found that material characteristics such as brittleness or ductility could influence the predicted results and that the VAMUCH prediction could be improved when the UC structure was more representative of the real composition.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Groundwater nutrient concentrations during prairie reconstruction on an Iowa landscape

One anticipated benefit of ecosystem restoration is water quality improvement. This study evaluated NO3-N and phosphorus in subsurface waters during prairie establishment following decades of row-crop agriculture. A prairie seeding in late 2003 became established in 2006. Wells and suction cup samplers were monitored for NO3-N and phosphorus. Nitrate-N varied with time and landscape position. Nondetectable NO3-N concentrations became modal along ephemeral drainageways in 2006, when average concentrations in uplands first became <10 mg NO3-N L−1. This decline continued and upland ground
Subcutaneous forearm transplantation of autologous parathyroid tissue in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Background: Parathyroidectomy is required in up to 5% of patients with chronic renal failure. Intramuscular transplantation of autologous parathyroid tissue in the forearm has been the traditional method of transplantation at the time of total parathyroidectomy. The removal of an intramuscular transplantation can be technically difficult should graft-dependent hyperparathyroidism (GRH) occur. This problem resulted in our initiating a study of subcutaneous transplantation with total parathyroidectomy in patients with renal failure. Methods: Twenty-six patients who were receiving dialysis therapy underwent total parathyroidectomy and subcutaneous transplantation. Parathyroid tissue was diced into 1- to 2-mm pieces, and 6 pieces were grafted into 6 subcutaneous pockets of the forearm. Intact parathyroid hormone was measured within 48 hours of operation and in the bilateral antecubital veins 1 to 24 months after the operation to assess completeness of resection and graft function, respectively. Results: No major surgical complications occurred. Symptoms improved in 24 patients (85%). Graft failure rate was 4.3%. No GRH was observed. Follow-up was 4 to 55 months (mean, 27 months). Conclusions: This study indicates that the subcutaneous transplantation function is comparable to intramuscular transplantation and suggests a decreased incidence of GRH. Subcutaneous transplantation is technically easier than intramuscular transplantation and has the additional advantage of easy removal should GRH occur. (Surgery 1999:126:1152-9.)
Influence of dielectric profile and fluxes on stationary state membrane potentials

Summary On the basis of an assumed form of dielectric profile, expressions for Taylor expansion coefficients of electric potential profile in a diffusion barrier, under stationary state, in the absence of chemical reactions, as functions of bulk solution properties and fluxes of permeant species are presented. It is shown that the magnitude of the extent of lack of electroneutrality is determined in a self-consistent manner by the system itself. Calculated values of resting potentials for different axon systems are shown to be in good agreement with observed values, when the positional dependence of the dielectric coefficient is ignored.
Data mining techniques for improved WSR-88D rainfall estimation

The main objective of this paper is to utilize data mining and an intelligent system, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), to facilitate rainfall estimation. Ground truth rainfall data are necessary to apply intelligent systems techniques. A unique source of such data is the Oklahoma Mesonet. Recently, with the advent of a national network of advanced radars (i.e. WSR-88D), massive archived data sets have been created generating terabytes of data. Data mining can draw attention to meaningful structures in the archives of such radar data, particularly if guided by knowledge of how the atmosphere operates in rain producing systems.The WSR-88D records digital database contains three native variables: velocity, reflectivity, and spectrum width. However, current rainfall detection algorithms make use of only the reflectivity variable, leaving the other two to be exploited. The primary focus of the research is to capitalize on these additional radar variables at multiple elevation angles and multiple bins in the horizontal for precipitation prediction. Linear regression models and feedforward ANNs are used for precipitation prediction. Rainfall totals from the Oklahoma Mesonet are utilized for the training and verification data. Results for the linear modeling suggest that, taken separately, reflectivity and spectrum width models are highly significant. However, when the two are combined in one linear model, they are not significantly more accurate than reflectivity alone. All linear models are prone to underprediction when heavy rainfall occurred. The ANN results of reflectivity and spectrum width inputs show that a 250-5-1 architecture is least prone to underprediction of heavy rainfall amounts. When a three-part ANN was applied to reflectivity based on light, moderate to heavy rainfall, in addition to spectrum width, it estimated rainfall amounts most accurately of all methods examined.
Conventional P-values fail to assure reproducibility for genetic association tests.

Trends in Genetics recently published a timely article on meta-analysis of genetic association studies, a method that promises to remove some of the confusion generated by conflicting association results [1]. However, the review did not identify the cause of much of the conflict; namely, standard significance tests do not, in general, assure that a result will be reproducible. Scientists generally evaluate reproducibility by repeating an experiment – an expensive strategy for association studies.
The clinical microscopy laboratory system

This paper deals with the simulation of hospital laboratories --- in particular the clinical microscopy laboratory system. This system is representative of those that deal with the patient indirectly. While analyses are made of samples drawn from patients, the patients' presence is not required for test performance.The nature of the simulator which has been developed is discussed. Special reference is made to five particular aspects whose treatment defines the basic characteristics of any such simulator: event definitions and timing; demand characterization; decision variables; output data management; measures of effectiveness. Emphasis is on the approaches taken rather than the programming details used.
Pathology of high-dose intraarterial BCNU.

Abstract Current radiotherapy and chemotherapy for high-grade and/or recurrent astrocytomas result in only moderate increases in survival time. In an attempt to improve this, high-dose intraarterial 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-l-nitrosurea (BCNU) was utilized on 41 patients with these neoplasms over a 4-year period at our institution. Eight of the 41 patients came to biopsy or autopsy at times sufficiently following intraarterial BCNU infusion and with adequate tissue samples to evaluate the histological changes induced by the drug. Two of the eight patients received no additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The other five received conventional whole brain irradiation, and one additionally received 50 mg of intravenous 2-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (FUdR). The eight patients showed mild to severe amounts of bland coagulative necrosis, vascular hyalinization, perithelial fibroblastic proliferation, and endothelial atypia. One of these patients had a recognized severe clinical leukoencephalopathy, and the pathological changes were maximal in this individual. Six patients had radiological evidence of increased necrosis and clinical deterioration prebiopsy or preautopsy, but, within this group, there were no distinguishing clinical features. Microscopic changes were severe in two of these patients. A final patient died of unrelated septic shock 5 days after a single infusion of intraarterial BCNU, and the microscopic changes were least extensive in her. This study suggests that high-dose intraarterial BCNU can cause a leukoencephalopathy, sometimes severe, either alone or in synergistic fashion with cranial irradiation. Occurrence of such leukoen-cephalopathy is not always predictable based on BCNU dosage and cannot always be reliably distinguished from tumor regrowth or tumor necrosis by radiological and clinical evaluation. Hence, caution most be exercised in continuation of high-dose intraarterial BCNU protocols.
Risk-resistance-adaptation model for pediatric chronic illness: Sickle cell syndrome as an example

Abstract A brief discussion of sickle cell syndrome is presented, with particular attention to disease presentation in children and adolescents. This is followed by a discussion of a risk-resistance-adaptation model described by Wallander, Varni, Babani, Banis, and Wilcox (1989). This model is utilized as an organizational framework to review empirical findings relevant to the physical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial functioning of youth in whom sickle cell syndrome has been diagnosed. Based upon this model, attention is paid to individual child variables and social-ecological variables as they impact the child's adaptation to the disease process. A comprehensive evaluation and intervention program for children with pediatric chronic illnesses is recommended that emphasizes those risk and resistance factors specifically associated with effective adaptation to a given disease.
One- and two-electron processes in collisions of heavy ions with H2 and He

Abstract In this paper we present a description of the apparatus and results for experiments involving one- and two-electron processes in collisions of heavy ions with H2 and He. The experiments were performed using one-electron and bare projectiles. In the first section we describe the measurement of pure ionization of one-electron projectiles by H2 targets and compare with previous results for He targets. We also present the results for one-electron capture by the projectiles from H2 targets. The energy dependence of the cross sections is compared to theoretical predictions for atomic and molecular hydrogen targets. Both experiments were performed by measuring only the final charge state of the projectile. In the second section we describe the measurement of partial cross sections for the same collisions by measuring the target recoil charge state in coincidence with the projectile charge state. By this method we can measure pure single- and double-ionization of the target, pure single-electron transfer and transfer ionization, and pure double-electron transfer. This experiment is presently being performed for bare fluorine on He; however, absolute cross sections are not available at the time of this conference.
EELS as a probe of d-band occupancy in magnetic alloys

Abstract It is shown that L-edge electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) can be used as a direct probe of the number of unoccupied d-states in amorphous transition metal alloys. Since L III and L II “white lines” arise predominantly from p-d transitions, these spectra can be used to measure changes in d-band occupancy with composition. This information is necessary in order to understand magnetic behavior of amorphous alloy systems.
Core Practical Objectives: A Means to Standardize the 4th-Year Emergency Medicine Clerkship

Background: Core Practical Objectives (CPOs) are clinical emergency medicine (EM) experiences (including suggested number of patient encounters) that students use to self-direct clerkship progress. Purpose: This study investigates feasibility of implementing EM clerkship CPOs, describes characteristics of students fulfilling CPO guidelines, and relates CPO completion to outcome measures (exam scores and grades). Methods: Cross-sectional research was conducted comparing students completing and not completing CPOs by gender, month of rotation, total patients evaluated, clerkship exam score, and final grade. Results: Over 4 years, 117 students completed an EM clerkship utilizing CPO guidelines. Gender and clerkship month were not associated with fulfilling CPOs. Total CPOs completed correlated positively with percent score on written exam and grade for rotation. Completion of specific CPOs was associated with exam scores and final grade. Conclusions: CPOs were successfully integrated into an EM clerkship. Pr...
Plasmid cloning vectors resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline which can replicate in both E. coli and Haemophilus cells

Abstract We have constructed two plasmid vectors, pHCV5 and pHVT1, which will replicate both in Haemophilus and in Escherichia coli . Both contain the ampicillin-resistance gene and the replication origin from a Haemophilus plasmid, pRSF0885. Both also contain the pBR322 origin and therefore can be amplified in E. coli by chloramphenicol treatment. The plasmid pHCVS contains the tetracycline-resistance gene of pBR322, and pHVTl contains the analogous region from the transposon Tn 10 .
Health services utilization by injection drug users participating in a needle exchange program.

Objective: To determine the characteristics associated with health care and drug treatment utilization among a distinctly high-risk sub-population of injectors participating in a needle exchange program (NEP). Methods: Between June 1998 and May 1999, study staff collected demographic and health services utilization data on participants of the Baltimore NEP. Odds ratios and logistic regression were used to identify the participant characteristics associateds with utilizing primary health care and drug treatment during the prior 3 years. Results: Among 269 participants, 81% were African–American and 66% were male. Over half (56%) had not graduated from high school, 89% were unemployed, 70% did not have health insurance, and the median age was 39 years. Fifty-eight percent of the participants reported utilizing primary care (i.e., visited a physician or other health care provider) and 44% had utilized drug treatment during the prior 3 years. Primary care utilization was associated with age≥39 [adjusted odds ...
Treasures of children: Collections then and now or Treasures of children revisited

This paper reports on a comparative study of children's collections and reflects on the role of collections in nurturing talents and interests of children. In 1900, eminent psychologist, G. Stanley Hall and his colleagues surveyed childrens’ collections in selected schools in California. Recently, the author and her graduate students embarked on a similar investigation of present‐day childrens’ collections. Results indicate that nine and ten continue to be the ages when children make the largest number of collections. Also, fewer items are collected today that relate to nature. Results are discussed in relation to curriculum for the gifted.
Radiance distribution measurements in coastal water

A new instrument for measuring the underwater spectral radiance distribution has been built. This instrument, an electro-optic radiance distribution camera system (RADS), allows a complete spectral radiance distribution to be measured in a short period of time and the reduction of these data to absolute radiometric values as a routine procedure. Data taken with the RADS system at various depths will be presented. These data will be reduced to obtain various apparent optical properties such as scalar irradiance, vector irradiance, and average cosine. Also, the radiance attenuation coefficient will be discussed as derived from the radiance distribution data.
Impact of recent total ozone changes on tropospheric ozone photodissociation, hydroxyl radicals, and methane trends

Trends in total atmospheric ozone from 1979–1989 were analyzed to derive the corresponding changes in the tropospheric photodissociation rate coefficient J1 for the reaction O3 + hv (λ < 330 nm) → O2 + O(1D). Zonally and annually integrated trends in J1 are +3.8±2.9 % per decade in the Northern hemisphere and +4.1±2.7 % per decade in the Southern hemisphere. Changes in [OH] due to the J1 trends may have contributed to the slowing of atmospheric methane increases observed in recent years.
Diabetic ketoacidosis and cerebral oedema in Sweden--a 2-year paediatric population study.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and cerebral oedema in the Swedish paediatric diabetes population, and to measure laboratory parameters during treatment. Methods The Swedish National Paediatric Diabetes Registry (SWEDIABKIDS) indicates that 16% of patients < 18 years during 2000 to 2004 had DKA at onset of diabetes. Data from 1999 and 2000 was collected retrospectively from all of Sweden by questionnaire. Results We identified 292 cases of DKA (pH < 7.30) in 265 children (149 at diabetes onset), aged 0.8–19.9 years. The incidence of DKA in patients with previously diagnosed diabetes was 1.4/100 patient years in 1999 and 1.7/100 in 2000. Two patients, both 11 years old with newly diagnosed diabetes, had overt symptoms of cerebral oedema and one developed neurological sequelae. This corresponds to an incidence of 0.68% (2/292) with no mortality. Symptoms of subclinical cerebral oedema after admission (headache, vomiting, lethargy) were recorded in a further 16 cases. In two of these mannitol was given, and both recovered within 1–2 h. Laboratory data was available from 253/292 episodes. During treatment for DKA, hypokalaemia (< 3.5 mmol/l) was significantly more common at onset of diabetes than in patients with established diabetes (65 vs. 28%, P < 0.001; initial prescription of potassium was 20 mmol/l). Conclusions We conclude that 16% of children with new-onset diabetes presented with DKA at diagnosis and that the incidence of DKA in children with established diabetes was 1.6/100 patient years. Cerebral oedema occurred in 0.68% of the DKA episodes.
Understanding and the facts

If understanding is factive, the propositions that express an understanding are true. I argue that a factive conception of understanding is unduly restrictive. It neither reflects our practices in ascribing understanding nor does justice to contemporary science. For science uses idealizations and models that do not mirror the facts. Strictly speaking, they are false. By appeal to exemplification, I devise a more generous, flexible conception of understanding that accommodates science, reflects our practices, and shows a sufficient but not slavish sensitivity to the facts.
Retroactive inhibition and the simultaneous acquisition retention phenomenon

The primary purpose of the experiment was to determine if simultaneous learning of A-B in the A-B,A-D paradigm reduced retroactive interferfence. Simultaneous learning was given on A-B, on A-D, or on neither list. Parallel conditions were used for the A-B, C-D paradigm. Simultaneous learning consisted of learning the paired associate list along with two free recall lists. The results showed that the magnitude of retroactive interference was not influenced by the simultaneous learning of either A-B or A-D. How simultaneous learning enhances long-term retention remains a puzzle.
A method for the determination of "free" acetaldehyde in plasma.

A new method for measuring “free” acetaldehyde in plasma, the authors' procedure avoids the precipitation of protein and almost completely eliminates the spontaneous formation of acetaldehyde from ethanol.
Detection of fungal organisms in eosinophilic mucin using a fluorescein-labeled chitin-specific binding protein.

Background: The ability to identify fungal hyphae in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been inconsistent. A new fluorescein-labeled staining method targets chitin found in fungal cell walls. Objective: We hypothesize that this method would be able to more consistently detect fungi within the mucin of CRS patients. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive CRS surgical patients were evaluated. After ensuring sensitivity and specificity of this new method, all specimens were stained with either fluorescein-labeled chitinase or Grocott methanamine silver stain for comparison. Results: All 54 specimens contained eosinophilic mucin on hematoxylin and eosin staining. One or more fungal hyphae could be visualized within the mucin of 54 (100%) of 54 specimens stained using the fluorescein-labeled chitinase. Only 41 (76%) of 54 of the specimens stained with the Grocott methanamine silver stain technique demonstrated fungi. Conclusion: The fluorescein-labeled chitinase-staining technique has greater sensitivity in detecting fungal organisms within eosinophilic mucin. Fungal organisms are present in the mucin of CRS patients. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;127:377-83.)
Application of prompt gamma activation analysis and neutron activation analysis to the use of samarium as an intestinal marker

The use of prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) as a method for detection of the intestinal rare earth marker, samarium, has been evaluated by comparison with thermal neutron activation analysis (NAA). PGAA detection has significant advantages with respect to its higher reaction cross section and possible rapid experimental turnaround time. Serious disadvantages are lower neutron fluxes available to the target and nonavailability of numerous PGAA facilities. Results of the technique comparisons are generally very good. Pony fecal concentrations of samarium in samples obtained at various times after administration of a marked meal were measured by both techniques. In only one sample did results of the methods differ by more than the experimental errors involved.