cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and magnetic diversity in tetraalkylammonium salts of anionic M[N(CN)2]3(-) (M = Mn and Ni) three-dimensional coordination polymers.

Tetraalkylammonium cations, (NR4)+ (R = C3H7, C4H9, and C5H11), have been used as templates to form a new family of [M(dca)3]- [M = Mn and Ni; dca = dicyanamide or N(CN)2-] salts. The tetrapropylammonium (TPrA) salts possess a perovskite-type anion structure. (TPrA)[Mn(dca)3] (1) crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P421c, with a = 16.2945(8) A, c = 17.4321(8) A, and V = 4628.4(6) A3 at T = 298 K. At room temperature, (TPrA)[Ni(dca)3] (2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnna, with a = 17.171(2) A, b = 22.992(2) A, c = 22.750(2) A, and V = 8981(2) A3, but undergoes a first-order phase transition within the temperature range 150−220 K to the tetragonal space group P421c, with a = 16.0985(7) A, c = 17.0287(8) A, and V = 4413.2(5) A3 at T = 160 K. At 110 K, 2 returns to the Pnna space group with a = 17.116(2) A, b = 22.800(3) A, c = 22.641(3) A, and V = 8835(3) A3. The tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salts possess a triple rutile structure. (TBA)[Mn(dca)3] (3) crystallizes in the orthorhombic sp...
Urinary free cortisol in psychotic depression

Abstract Major depression with psychotic features may be associated with higher cortisol secretion and a greater probability of dexamethasone nonsuppression of serum cortisol than is found in major depression without psychotic features. In this study, urinary free cortisol (UFC), a sensitive parameter of 24-hr cortisol production, was examined both before and after dexamethasone administration in 32 patients with major depression, 18 with psychotic features (MDPF), and 14 without psychotic features (MDD). A significantly larger number of MDPF patients had UFC excretion greater than 90 μg/24 hr before dexamethasone administration and greater than 20 μ/24 hr after dexamethasone administration. Although some clinical variables other than psychotic features differed between the two groups, these could not account for the UFC differences. However, the older patients (>55 years) in the MDPF group accounted for the high UFC excretion, suggesting an interaction between age and diagnosis.
Sign language and pantomime production differentially engage frontal and parietal cortices

We investigated the functional organization of neural systems supporting language production when the primary language articulators are also used for meaningful, but non-linguistic, expression such as pantomime. Fourteen hearing non-signers and 10 deaf native users of American Sign Language (ASL) participated in an H(2) (15)O-PET study in which they generated action pantomimes or ASL verbs in response to pictures of tools and manipulable objects. For pantomime generation, participants were instructed to "show how you would use the object." For verb generation, signers were asked to "generate a verb related to the object." The objects for this condition were selected to elicit handling verbs that resemble pantomime (e.g., TO-HAMMER (hand configuration and movement mimic the act of hammering) and non-handling verbs that do not (e.g., POUR-SYRUP, produced with a "Y" handshape). For the baseline task, participants viewed pictures of manipulable objects and an occasional non-manipulable object and decided whether the objects could be handled, gesturing "yes" (thumbs up) or "no" (hand wave). Relative to baseline, generation of ASL verbs engaged left inferior frontal cortex, but when non-signers produced pantomimes for the same objects, no frontal activation was observed. Both groups recruited left parietal cortex during pantomime production. However, for deaf signers the activation was more extensive and bilateral, which may reflect a more complex and integrated neural representation of hand actions. We conclude that the production of pantomime versus ASL verbs (even those that resemble pantomime) engage partially segregated neural systems that support praxic versus linguistic functions.
Contribution of pleasure boats to fecal bacteria concentrations in the Rhode River estuary, Maryland, U.S.A.

Abstract Fecal coliform (FC) and fecal streptococci (FS) contributions from pleasure boats in a shallow estuarine area of Rhode River, a tidal subestuary of the Chesapeake Bay, were estimated over a holiday weekend. Concentrations of bacteria increased from 3 to 28 FC cells/100 ml and from 7 to 68 FS cells/100 ml soon after the arrival of the boats, persisted during the weekend, and decreased soon after the boats departed the area. From FC bacterial survival data, and from estimated FC production of humans, the contribution of boats to FC pollution of the water was estimated. The observed levels of FC were sufficiently close to the estimated levels to conclude that the increased concentration of FC in the river was due to the boating activity. It was calculated that between 10–20 × 104 m3 of water volume is required perboat to keep FC pollution levels below that recommended for safe shellfish harvesting (14 FC/100 ml) in the Chesapeake Bay.
Effects of hypothyroidism on rat circadian activity and temperature rhythms and their response to light

Male rats made hypothyroid by administration of propylthiouracil plus sodium ipodate in drinking water were compared to controls in terms of period of circadian activity and temperature rhythms, amount of gross motor activity, and mean temperature. Animals were studied under entrainment, constant darkness (DD), and constant dim light (LL). There was no difference in the period of the circadian activity rhythm between groups in DD. However, hypothyroid rats showed significant blunting of the period-lengthening response to increasing ambient illumination. As expected, the period of the circadian temperature rhythm increased in controls with increasing ambient illumination. In contrast, the period of the circadian temperature rhythm in hypothyroid animals actually shortened under LL compared to DD. This blunting of the period-lengthening response to increasing ambient illumination of both activity and temperature rhythms in hypothyroid animals could not be explained by differences in activity level or mean temperature between the groups.
A Model of the Planetary Boundary Layer Over a Snow Surface

A model of the planetary boundary layer over a snow surface has been developed. It contains the vertical heat exchange processes due to radiation, conduction, and atmospheric turbulence. Parametrization of the boundary layer is based on similarity functions developed by Hoffert and Sud (1976), which involve a dimensionless variable, ζ, dependent on boundary-layer height and a localized Monin-Obukhov length. The model also contains the atmospheric surface layer and the snowpack itself, where snowmelt and snow evaporation are calculated. The results indicate a strong dependence of surface temperatures, especially at night, on the bursts of turbulence which result from the frictional damping of surface-layer winds during periods of high stability, as described by Businger (1973). The model also shows the cooling and drying effect of the snow on the atmosphere, which may be the mechanism for air mass transformation in sub-Arctic regions.
The impact of bank consolidation on small business credit availability

Abstract This paper examines how banking consolidation has affected small businesses credit. Using the Survey of Small Business Finances, the empirical model examines how credit supply to small firms responds to larger banks, and whether the non-bank supply of credit has offset decreases in credit from banks. Using an empirical model to correct for sample selection, large banks are found to lower the probability of obtaining credit for small businesses, and this lower probability is not offset by increased total loans. Non-bank institutions are found to make up much, but not all, of the decrease.
Does treatment modality affect career counseling effectiveness

Abstract This meta-analysis involved the direct comparison of treatment modalities used in career interventions. In general, interventions that did not involve a counselor were found to be less effective than other modalities. Results also indicated that workshops or structured groups tended to produce better outcomes than non-structured career counseling groups. Furthermore, participants who used a career computer system supplemented by counseling had better outcomes than those who just used a computer system. Many of the comparisons involved comparing counselor-free interventions to other counselor-free interventions; however, this analysis did not find any significant moderators to effect size variation. There was also significant variation in workshops/structured groups and additional research is needed to analyze workshop content and client attributes.
Intergovernmental relations in German federalism: Cooperative federalism, party politics and territorial conflicts

Since the late 1970s, but especially since Unification in 1990, the German federal system has come under considerable stress. On the one hand, party competition is increasingly played out through the Bundesrat, the body representing the Lander governments at the federal level, making intergovernmental coordination more difficult and leading to accusations of ‘Reformstau’ (reform log jam). On the other hand, Unification not only added five new Lander to the system, but also led to economic disparities between the Lander at a hitherto unknown level, and deepened territorial conflicts over Lander competencies and the allocation of finances. Both developments have led to demands for a reform of the federal structure aimed at disentangling joint policymaking structures to ensure greater autonomy for both the federal level and the Lander. However, as the article will argue, the developments have resulted in a triangular constellation of interests between the federal level, the richer and the poorer Lander that makes reforming the system almost impossible.
Calvin and the Canons of Dordt (1619)

Despite the fact that the so-called “Five Points of Calvinism” are based on the five main points of the Canons of Dordt, it is misleading to assume that these five points are drawn directly from Calvin. The documents of the Synod of Dordt rarely refer to any theological source, including Calvin. However, a comparison of Calvin and the Canons suggests that Calvin was a probable influence on the Canons on the issue of double predestination and a possible influence on the themes of the universal call of the gospel, human depravity, efficacious grace, and perseverance. But Calvin was an unlikely influence on the Canons’ infralapsarian stance and on its formulations regarding negative-positive reprobation, particular grace, and the sufficient-efficient distinction. These latter issues became formulated in a more precise manner after Calvin, so later Reformed theologians were more likely influences. In sum, Calvin’s influence on the Canons could only have been moderate.
Power efficiency and consumption factor analysis for broadband millimeter-wave cellular networks

The growing demand for bandwidth intensive wireless applications and devices portend a future where millimeter-wave and sub-THz carrier frequencies will be used to provide massively broadband® bandwidths and many Giga-bits-per-second (Gbps) data rates in mobile environments [1]. Concurrently, the importance of energy efficiency for communication systems incentivizes discovery of new routing and access techniques that work in conjunction with power saving protocols to maximize battery life and improve power consumption. Wireless channels, as well as the wireless devices themselves, play a major role in determining both achievable data rates and power requirements. In this paper, we use the consumption factor [2] framework to quantify the impact of channel characteristics on both data rate performance and power consumption in a wireless link. Based on recent 38 GHz cellular propagation measurements [3], we demonstrate how future (5G) millimeter-wave cellular channels will impact the data rates and power requirements for future millimeter-wave cellular systems having cell radii less than a km. Analysis results presented here show how to include frequency-domain representations of the channel for use in the consumption factor analysis. A key result from the analysis is that, as massively broadband systems become more prevalent, it will be important to assess the ideal cell size to achieve the lowest energy consumption per pit. Higher bandwidth systems generally benefit form shorter transmission distances. As futuristic cellular standards contemplate the use of millimeter-wave frequencies for greater bandwidths, the work here may offer insight into how to analyze energy efficiency and performance.
Immediate pigment darkening thresholds of human skin to monochromatic (362 nm) ultraviolet A radiation are fluence rate dependent.

When human skin is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation (340 400 nm) there is an immediate pigment response, termed Immediate Pigment Darkening (IPD). This reaction is thought to be due to photooxidation of preexisting melanin, precursors and/or melanin metabolites because it appears during exposure. It has been demonstrated that UVA-induced skin reactions, including erythema and pigmentation, are oxygen dependent. Therefore, these reactions should also be irradiance (fluence rate) dependent. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the dependence of the IPD threshold on fluence rate. We exposed the forearm of 12 volunteers (skin type II-V) to monochromatic UVA radiation (362 nm) at a range of fluence rates of 6 115 mW/cm 2 and determined the fluence at which pigment was perceptible. The threshold fluence for the IPD reaction increased by a factor of 2.7 as the fluence rate increased by a factor of 18. Therefore, we conclude that the IPD reaction following exposure to 362 nm radiation is dependent on fluence rate, and independent of skin type.
Instrumented thermoforming of advanced thermoplastic composites. II: Dynamics of double curvature part formation and structure development from PEEK/carbon fiber prepreg tapes

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) carbon fiber prepreg tapes (APC-2) have been thermoformed into a hemispherical double curvature part under a variety of processing conditions. Conventional matched die molding using aluminum molds (at 200°C) were not successful in thermoforming acceptable parts. Parts with severe wrinkling and folding were obtained. A novel three-piece (steel) mold with built-in sheet clamping arrangement was, therefore, designed and fabricated. This mold was used at 400°C temperature to thermoform parts from preheated preconsolidated laminates. More interestingly, using the above conditions, 8- and 16-ply unconsolidated laminates could be directly thermoformed into parts that were microstructurally sound and exhibited good shape conformity. Results suggest a cycle time of 15 min, with scope for further reduction, if mold cooling is employed. Notwithstanding the simplicity of the thermoforming process, such a short cycle time compares quite favorably with cycle times of several hours for conventional thermosetting resin based composites.
A Bookless Library, Part II: Managing Access Services With No In-House Collections

In the spring of 2011, the Penrose Library at the University of Denver began the process of storing all materials, services, and staff to temporary locations in preparation for a building renovation project. The library was faced with the challenge of delivering all materials from an off-site storage facility within two hours of request. A new paging service was introduced to the campus, and other services were enhanced. This article explores the challenges of such library service enhancements.
Synthesis and characterization of a new type of chemically bonded liquid crystal stationary phase for HPLC

Two commercially available liquid crystals, 4-cyano-4′-n-pentyl-1,1′-bipheny and 4-cyano-4′-n-pentoxy-1,1′-bipheny, are bonded to a silica hydride surface via hydrosilation in the presence of a free radical iniator, t-butyl peroxide. Elemental analysis, diffuse reflectance Fourier trans-form infrared spectroscopy, and13C and29Si CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy are used to confirm the success of the bonding reaction. The13C CP-MAS spectra suggest a difference in the bonded phase morphology of the two materials. Static hydrolytic stability tests indicate these materials do not degrade significantly in both acidic and basic solutions. Chromatographic tests confirm that these two bonded phase behave differently with respect to their retention of PAHs, alkyl-substituted benzenes and benzodiazepines.
Phenomenological Psychology: A Brief History and Its Challenges

The phenomenology-psychology dialogue has been taking place for over 100 years now and it is still not clear how the two disciplines relate to each other. Part of the problem is that both disciplines have developed complexly with competing, not easily integratable perspectives. In this article the Husserlian phenomenological perspective is adopted and Husserl’s understanding of how phenomenology can help psychology is clarified. Then the usage of phenomenology within the historical scientific tradition of psychology is examined to see the senses of phenomenology that were employed in that tradition. The German literature of psychology between the founding of the discipline and the beginning of the Nazi regime indicates quite clearly that the phenomenological perspective was part of the mainstream psychology of that era. The article ends by listing four difficult challenges that have to be met if a viable psychology based upon Husserlian phenomenology is to be possible.
Bilaterally Symmetric Alopecia Associated with an Adrenocortical Adenoma in a Pet Ferret

— Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia in association with an adrenocortical adenoma was diagnosed in a 5-year-old, spayed female ferret. The only other clinical abnormality was vulvar enlargement. Hematologic, serum biochemical, urologic, and basal serum Cortisol values were all within normal limits. Ultrasonography revealed a mass in the area of the right adrenal gland. Surgical removal of the right adrenal gland resulted in complete recovery. Histologic examination of the excised adrenal gland revealed an adrenocortical adenoma. Resume— Une alopecie bilaterale symetrique associee a un adenome surrenalien eete diagnostiquee chez un furret femelle castree de 5 ans. La seule autre manifestation clinique etait une hypertrophie vulvaire. Les resultats des examens hematologiques, urinaires, biochimiques et la concentration de cortisol basal etaient dans les limites des valeurs usuelles. L'examen echographique a revele la presence d'une masse en region surrenale droite. L'excision chirurgicale de la surrenale droite a provoque la remission complete des symptomes. L'examen histologique da la glande excisee a revele l'existence d'un adenome. Zusammenfassung— Bei einem 5 Jahre alten, weiblichen, kastrierten Frettchen wurde eine bilateral symmetrische Alopezie in Verbindung mit einem Nebennierenrindenadenom diagnostiziert. Das einzige zusatzliche Symptom bestand in der Vergroserung der Vulva. Die Laborergebnisse der Hamatologie, Serumbiochemie und Urinuntersuchung sowie der Serumkortisolwert bewegten sich innerhalb physiologischer Grenzen. Mittels Ultraschalluntersuchung konnte ein Gebilde in der Gegend der rechten Nebenniere festgestellt werden. Die chirurgische Entfernung der rechten Nebenniere fuhrte zur einer vollstandigen Wiederherstellung. Bei der histologischen Untersuchung der entfernten Nebenniere wurde ein adrenokortikales Adenom festgestellt. Resumen En un hembra huron castrada de 5 anos se diagnostico alopecia simetrica bilateral asociada con un adenoma adrenocortical. Clinicamente, solo se observo abnormalidad, la vulva aumentada de tamano. El examen hematologico, bioquimico, urologico y el valor del cortisol basal, estaban dentro del rango normal. Por medio de la ultrasongrafia se detecto una masa en el area de la glandula adrenal derecha. La extirpacion quirurgica de la glandula afectada produjo una recuperacion completa. La examinacion histologica de la glandula demostro la presencia de un adenoma.
Integrative approaches for finding modular structure in biological networks

A central goal of systems biology is to elucidate the structural and functional architecture of the cell. To this end, large and complex networks of molecular interactions are being rapidly generated for humans and model organisms. A recent focus of bioinformatics research has been to integrate these networks with each other and with diverse molecular profiles to identify sets of molecules and interactions that participate in a common biological function - that is, 'modules'. Here, we classify such integrative approaches into four broad categories, describe their bioinformatic principles and review their applications.
Effects of explicit credibility statements by more credible and less credible sources

This study investigated the relationship of prior credibility (more; less) and credibility statements in a message (explicit self‐and prestige‐reference; no explicit self‐ and prestige‐reference) to overt behavior, post attitude, and terminal credibility of the source. Results indicated that (1) explicit references produced significantly higher terminal character; and (2) that the message condition lacking explicit references was more effective in producing desired behavior for the less credible source.
Taxonomic revision of the Onchidiidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific

The diversity of air-breathing onchidiid marine slugs is revised for the Tropical Eastern Pacific, or TEP, which extends from the northernmost end of the Gulf of California to the Gulf of Guayaquil, Peru, including nearby oceanic islands such as the Galapagos. Six nominal species exist in the literature for the TEP. Four names are regarded as valid: Onchidella binneyi Stearns, 1894, from Ecuador to the Gulf of California; Onchidella steindachneri (Semper, 1885) and Hoffmannola lesliei (Stearns, 1892), endemic to the Galapagos; Hoffmannola hansi Marcus and Marcus, 1967, endemic to the Gulf of California. Onchidella hildae Hoffmann, 1928 is regarded as a new synonym. Onchidella carpenteri (Binney, 1861) is regarded as a nomen dubium. Our data confirm previous results indicating that the highest rate of endemism in the TEP is found in the Galapagos. The anatomy of valid species is described and compared to other onchidiids.
Working Class Culture, Occupational Recruitment, and Union Politics

Variations in working class political consciousness and behavior are normally ascribed to structural differences between industries. This study, focusing on a single industry, employs a more historical and culturally sensitive approach to explain the emergence of radical and conservative longshore unions on opposite coasts of the United States. Drawing on original oral histories, government and union documents, archival sources and secondary materials, we locate the source of these distinctive political cultures in the differing ideological communities out of which longshoremen on both coasts were recruited prior to World War L. The implications of this finding are briefly discussed.
LibGuides in Political Science: A Gateway to Information Literacy and Improved Student Research

This paper discusses the use of LibGuides as an effective tool for teaching Information Literacy and specifically enhancing student research in Political Science and International Affairs. With myriad evidentiary sources available for course papers, LibGuides provide a framed gateway for library research which reduces student apprehension and enables faculty to guide inquiry to a variety of sources and a multitude of perspectives. Flexible and personal, LibGuides enhance teaching effectiveness by expanding faculty guidance while still leaving the challenges of Information Literacy such as efficient acquisition, evidentiary choice, and ethical use up to the student. Experience and adaptation of LibGuides at North Georgia College & State University provide the evidence in this paper by which Information Literacy is promoted, enhanced, and an improved product in student research.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Gene Knockout Ameliorates Hyperhomocysteinemic Glomerular Injury in Mice Lacking Cystathionine-β-Synthase

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) has been implicated in the development of hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys)-induced glomerular oxidative stress and injury. However, it remains unknown whether genetically engineering of ASM gene produces beneficial or detrimental action on hHcys-induced glomerular injury. The present study generated and characterized the mice lacking cystathionine β-synthase (Cbs) and Asm mouse gene by cross breeding Cbs+/− and Asm+/− mice. Given that the homozygotes of Cbs−/−/Asm−/− mice could not survive for 3 weeks. Cbs+/−/Asm+/+, Cbs+/−/Asm+/− and Cbs+/−/Asm−/− as well as their Cbs wild type littermates were used to study the role of Asm−/− under a background of Cbs+/− with hHcys. HPLC analysis revealed that plasma Hcys level was significantly elevated in Cbs heterozygous (Cbs+/−) mice with different copies of Asm gene compared to Cbs+/+ mice with different Asm gene copies. Cbs+/−/Asm+/+ mice had significantly increased renal Asm activity, ceramide production and O2.− level compared to Cbs+/+/Asm+/+, while Cbs+/−/Asm−/− mice showed significantly reduced renal Asm activity, ceramide production and O2.− level due to increased plasma Hcys levels. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that colocalization of podocin with ceramide was much lower in Cbs+/−/Asm−/− mice compared to Cbs+/−/Asm+/+ mice, which was accompanied by a reduced glomerular damage index, albuminuria and proteinuria in Cbs+/−/Asm−/− mice. Immunofluorescent analyses of the podocin, nephrin and desmin expression also illustrated less podocyte damages in the glomeruli from Cbs+/−/Asm−/− mice compared to Cbs+/−/Asm+/+ mice. In in vitro studies of podocytes, hHcys-enhanced O2.− production, desmin expression, and ceramide production as well as decreases in VEGF level and podocin expression in podocytes were substantially attenuated by prior treatment with amitriptyline, an Asm inhibitor. In conclusion, Asm gene knockout or corresponding enzyme inhibition protects the podocytes and glomeruli from hHcys-induced oxidative stress and injury.
T cells or active epstein-barr virus infection in the development of lymphoproliferative disease in human B cell-injected severe combined immunodeficient mice

Background: Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice develop Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) containing human lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) tumors when reconstituted with human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) from EBV-seropositive donors, but LPD tumors do not develop in the presence of immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporine A or corticosteroids.
Age Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Mental Illness

In this study, we examine newspaper coverage of mental illness in children and adults taken from 6 weeks during a 1-year period. Articles were coded for (1) type of article; (2) types of disorders named or described; (3) themes related to crime, attributions of the disorder, treatments, and critiques of the mental health system; and (4) “elements of responsible journalism,” including inclusion of perspectives from mental health experts, statistics related to mental illness, referrals to additional sources of information, and avoidance of slang terminology. We examine how these variables differ by the age of the group discussed in the article: children/adolescents and adults/older adults. One thousand two hundred fifty-two articles were coded for these four clusters as well as age of group discussed in the article. Inter-rater correlations of two independent judges were satisfactory for 10% of the stories. Age group comparisons revealed that the child articles contained a significantly higher proportion of...
Importance of combined periodontal and acid-etch composite treatment in restoration of anterior teeth and periodontal health

A gingivectomy, eliminating the hyperplastic tissue, exposed sufficient healthy tooth structure to permit use of restorative and plaque control procedures. Composite resin was used to restore severe carious defects in teeth of a 17-year-old patient.
Sub-retinal drusenoid deposits in human retina: Organization and composition

We demonstrate histologically sub-retinal drusenoid debris in three aged human eyes, two of them affected by age-related maculopathy. By postmortem fundus examination, the lesions were drusen-like, i.e., they were pale spots apparently at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Light and electron microscopy revealed aggregations of membranous debris, the principal constituent of soft drusen, in the sub-retinal space. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of molecules typically associated with drusen (positive for unesterified cholesterol, apoE, complement factor H, and vitronectin) without evidence for molecules associated with photoreceptors (lectin-binding disaccharide bridges and opsins), Muller cells (glial fibrillary acid protein and cellular retinal binding protein, CRALPB), or RPE (CRALPB). The fact that a drusenoid material, sharing some markers with conventional drusen, can occur on opposite faces of the RPE, suggests deranged polarity of normally highly vectorial processes for basolateral secretion from RPE, and that overproduction of secreted materials and direction of secretion are independently specified processes. In the future, drusenoid sub-retinal debris might be more frequently revealed by emerging high-resolution imaging techniques.
Tetrahedral Scan for Tri-Doppler Radar and Other Remote Sensing Applications

Abstract A method of radar scan is proposed to efficiently acquire scalar velocity components and generate a natural coordinate system which simplifies and minimizes spatial filtering requirements for certain applications. Tetrahedral scan is shown to permit direct computation of horizontal divergence from the sampled grid points and subsequently estimate vertical air motion. Existing radar systems can perform tetrahedral scan provided they have computerized scan control with suitable software.
delta-Aminolevulinic acid and blue light photodynamic therapy for treatment of multiple basal cell carcinomas in two patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

Background Patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome suffer from multiple basal cell carcinomas, requiring numerous surgical procedures that over time leave them with multiple disfiguring scars. Photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid using red light (approximately 630 nm) sources has been reported as effective in treatment of superficial and small nodular basal cell carcinomas. To our knowledge, the blue light source (417 nm peak irradiance) approved by the FDA for treatment of actinic keratoses has not been used for photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid of basal cell carcinoma. Objective We report treatment of two nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome patients, women aged 21 and 47, with 20%delta-aminolevulinic acid solution and 417-nm blue light source (irradiance 10 mW/cm(2)). Methods delta-Aminolevulinic acid was applied topically on lesions 1 to 5 hr before light treatment. Lesions were illuminated with 417+/-5-nm blue light for 1000 sec (10 J/cm(2)). Two consecutive treatments 1 week apart were administered as a therapeutic course. Each patient underwent two courses of photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid 2 to 4 months apart. The reported assessment was made 8 months after initial treatment. In most sessions the entire face, rather than visible basal cell carcinomas only, was treated. The treated basal cell carcinomas were clinically subdivided to superficial or nodular type guided by their morphologic features. A total of 9 superficial and 16 nodular basal cell carcinomas on the face and 27 superficial basal cell carcinomas on the lower extremities were treated. Results Complete clinical response was observed in 8 of 9 (89%) superficial basal cell carcinomas and 5 of 16 (31%) nodular basal cell carcinomas on the face and in 18 of 27 (67%) of superficial basal cell carcinomas on the lower extremities. The remaining 21 lesions showed partial clinical resolution. No new basal cell carcinomas were observed during the 8-month follow-up period in areas treated with a broad application technique. Resolution of the lesions was accompanied by an excellent cosmetic outcome and decreased prominence of old surgical scars in the more severely affected patient. Treatments were well tolerated, but associated with moderate to severe stinging during illumination. Conclusion To our knowledge this is the first use of photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid with 417-nm blue light for treatment of multiple basal cell carcinomas in patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Our clinical results demonstrate that the blue light reduces cutaneous tumor burden in such patients. Further studies are needed to confirm that broad-area photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid may eradicate subclinical tumors in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome sufferers, as suggested by a strikingly decreased incidence of new basal cell carcinomas in our patients.
Guest editorial: Smart grid communications

As the society increasingly emphasizes the need of clean and renewable energy systems, the electric power industry is undergoing profound changes to transform a passive, hierarchical grid into an active and open-access smart grid. Enabled by advances in sensing, communication, and actuation, future smart grids offer much broader opportunities for cross-fertilization between the traditional power engineering community and the communication community. This special issue presents a glimpse of what is possible under this historical transition.
Anxiety and unrecognized high blood pressure in U.S. ambulatory care settings: an analysis of the 2005 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Objective:To determine for U.S. ambulatory visits for anxiety how often high blood pressure is unrecognized and the factors associated with being unrecognized.Methods:Analyzed data from the 2005 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey looking at visits for anxiety by patient complaint or provider diagnosis and determined if a hypertension diagnosis was included for visits in which measured blood pressure was in the hypertensive range. This was compared to total visits in the NAMCS and NHAMCS. Logistic regression determined predictors of high blood pressure going unrecognized for visits for anxiety.Results:Of visits for anxiety in 2005 with elevated blood pressure, 32.5% were unrecognized. This compares to 24.6% unrecognized for all visits with hypertension/elevated blood pressure. At visits in which anxiety medications were prescribed (OR 2.44 95%CI 1.01–5.89) and for Hispanic ethnicity (OR 13.9 95%CI 1.46–132.03), high blood pressure was more likely to...
Imaging the epileptic brain with positron emission tomography.

In the field of neurologic disorders, the most common clinical application of positron emission tomography (PET) is in the diagnostic evaluation of patients who have epilepsy, with special emphasis on those who have medically intractable partial seizures who are undergoing presurgical evaluation. In the past two decades, the clinical use of PET has led to significantly improved management of epileptic patients, and PET studies have also provided novel data that lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ictal and interictal phenomena in the epileptic human brain. The most widely available and clinically-used PET tracer is 2-deoxy-2[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). This tracer enables us to measure regional glucose metabolism, which is strongly related to the integrity of brain function. The use of FDG PET in clinical epilepsy emerged from initial observations that showed localized glucose metabolic changes (interictal hypo- and ictal hypermetabolism) in patients who had partial epilepsy[1–3].Subsequentstudiesconfirmedthehigh incidenceoflocalizedinterictalhypometabolisminthe general region of the epileptic focus, and increasingly clarified the electrophysiologic and neuropsychologic correlates of observed FDG PET abnormalities. In parallel with these studies, several additional PET tracers have been introduced to measure other brain processes (eg, regional cerebral blood flow, oxygen extraction, central benzodiazepine receptor binding, opiate receptor binding, histamine receptor binding, and serotonin synthesis). In this article, we summarize the most important clinical applications of PET in epilepsy, with special emphasis on FDG PET, and compare its clinical value to that of other neuroimaging methods. We also discuss the role of [ 11 C]flumazenil (FMZ) PET in the
Hydrostatic pressure study of pure and doped La 1 − x R x Ag Sb 2 ( R = Ce , Nd ) charge-density-wave compounds

The intermetallic compound $\mathrm{La}\mathrm{Ag}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$ displays two charge-density-wave (CDW) transitions, which were detected with measurements of electrical resistivity $(\ensuremath{\rho})$, magnetic susceptibility, and x-ray scattering; the upper transition takes place at ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}210\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, and it is accompanied by a large anomaly in $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$, whereas the lower transition is marked by a much more subtle anomaly at ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}185\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. We studied the effect of hydrostatic pressure $(P)$ on the formation of the upper CDW state in pure and doped ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{R}_{x}\mathrm{Ag}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$ $(R=\mathrm{Ce},\mathrm{Nd})$ compounds by means of measurements of $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ for $P\ensuremath{\leqslant}23\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{kbar}$. We found that the hydrostatic pressure, as well as the chemical pressure introduced by the partial substitution of the smaller Ce and Nd ions for La, results in the suppression of the CDW ground state---e.g., the reduction of the ordering temperature ${T}_{1}$. The values of $d{T}_{1}∕dP$ are $\ensuremath{\approx}2--4$ times higher for the Ce-doped samples as compared to pure $\mathrm{La}\mathrm{Ag}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$, or even ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.75}{\mathrm{Nd}}_{0.25}\mathrm{Ag}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$ with a comparable ${T}_{1}$ $(P=0)$. This increased sensitivity to pressure may be due to increasing Ce hybridization under pressure. The magnetic-ordering temperature of the cerium-doped compounds is also reduced by pressure, and the high-pressure behavior of the Ce-doped samples is dominated by Kondo impurity scattering.
Relationship of time spent on masturbation assignments with orgasmic outcome in preorgasmic women's groups

Abstract Based on the observation by Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, and Gebhard (1953) that most women who make more than desultory attempts at masturbation achieve orgasm, it was hypothesized that in preorgasmic women's groups, time spent on masturbatory homework assignments would be positively related to orgasmic outcome. For 14 participants in preorgasmic women's groups, time spent practicing assignments was compared with orgasmic status at the end of therapy. Correlations among time records made at time of therapy, therapists' recollections at time of follow‐up, and subjects' recollections at follow‐up ranged from .85 to .93. A point‐biserial r of .88 (p < .001) was found between time spent on homework assignments and orgasmic status at the end of therapy. Results are consistent with those of Kinsey et al. (1953) and McMullen and Rosen (1979). Equivalence of the latters' two experimental groups is speculatively reinterpreted as due to similarity of videotape and written instructions in motivating performanc...
A Systematic Review: Treatment and Prognosis of Patients with Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) is a rare primary liver tumor presenting earlier in life than nonfibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (NFL-HCC), with distinct epidemiologic and clinical characteristics. Although FLC is believed to have a better prognosis than NFL-HCC, data on treatment and prognosis are scarce. We performed a systematic review to investigate treatment options and clinical outcomes of patients with FLC. Study Design The study is a systematic review of the literature and pooled analysis of individual patient data. Results A total of 35 series were analyzed, reporting on 575 patients (52% female, elevated alpha-fetoprotein in 10%, cirrhosis in 3%, hepatitis B in 2%), most of whom were treated with partial hepatectomy (55%) or orthotopic liver transplantation (23%). Nineteen studies provided data on 206 individual patients with a median age of 21 years and tumor size of 12 cm. Median overall survival (OS) was 39 months; 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates were 85%, 53%, and 44%, respectively. For patients treated with liver resection, median OS was 18.5 years and 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS were 93%, 80%, and 70%, respectively. Based on data from 15 studies, FLC appeared to follow a relatively indolent course compared with NFL-HCC. Conclusions Patients with FLC treated with partial hepatectomy have excellent long-term survival, with 5-year overall survival reaching 70%. Patients fared worse with the use of other therapeutic options including chemotherapy, intra-arterial therapy, and transplantation, although data directly comparing resection vs transplantation were limited.
Brown and Black in White: The Social Adjustment and Academic Performance of Chicano and Black Students in a Predominately White University

This article explores the academic and social experiences of Chicago and black students at UCLA. The analysis proceeds by examining differences in social backgrounds, high school and college experiences, and explores the relationship between these factors and college adjustment and achievement (GPA). Drawing upon recent theory on class reproduction and schooling we show particular concern with the role of social class in explaining differential outcomes. The findings indicate that blacks are more likely than Chicanos to feel alienated and perform poorly, and that social class makes no difference in these outcomes for blacks. However, middle class Chicanos perform better and are better adjusted than working class Chicanos. We discuss our findings in the light of theories of class reproduction, cultural capital, and racial signaling, suggesting that theories of reproduction must acknowledge the role of race in unequal school outcomes.
Structural behaviou of neutron irradiated quartz

Abstract X-ray and density studies have been made on single crystals of quartz irradiated with fast pile neutrons at approximately 100°C. The structural effects of the irradiation follow at least two processes with doses up to 1·2 × 1020 neutrons/cm2. Crystals irradiated with less than 3 × 1019 neutrons/cm2 expand anisotropically in a manner that is similar to the thermal expansion of unirradiated quartz. In this dosage range the volume increase is the same, as determined by x-ray and hydrostatic methods, and little or no distortion is observed in x-ray diffraction patterns. The model which seems to fit these results, best consists of point defects and slightly disordered regions which result in an elastic distention of the lattice. After doses in excess of 3 × 1019 neutrona/cm2 the damaging prom is more complex since the volume change indicated by x-ray measurements of the host lattice becomes larger than the bulk volume change determined hydrostatically. After irradiation with 8 × 1019 neutrona/cm2 an i...
An online integral reinforcement learning algorithm to solve N-player Nash games

In this paper we introduce an online algorithm that uses integral reinforcement knowledge for learning the continuous-time Nash game (zero-sum and non-zero-sum) solution for nonlinear systems with infinite horizon costs and partial knowledge of the system dynamics. This algorithm is a data based approach to the solution of the coupled Hamilton-Jacobi equations and it does not require explicit knowledge on the system's drift dynamics. A novel adaptive control algorithm is given that is based on policy iteration and implemented using an actor/critic structure for every player in the game having 2N adaptive approximator structures. All 2N approximation networks are adapted simultaneously. Novel adaptive control tuning algorithms are given for the critic and actor networks. The convergence to the Nash solution of the game is proven, and stability of the system is also guaranteed. Simulation examples support the theoretical result.
Reports of the sources of self-knowledge1

College students reported about the sources of their self-knowledge in questionnaire (N=118) and interview N= 42) sessions by generating self-descriptive adjectives, specifying ad libitum how they knew they fit the chosen descriptors (reports the investigator later rated as mentioning self-observation, social feedback, and social comparison processes), and formally ranking the importance of the three sources of self-knowledge. Self-observation appeared in subjects' reports more frequently than feedback from others or social comparison by a proportion of about 7:2:1; average rankings of importance followed the same order. Results were quite similar for both sets of subjects. Two mechanisms that could account for the observed results receive consideration: motivational bias involving self-presentation, and information-processing errors due to focus of attention and the underuse of consensus information.
Endometriosis in para-aortic lymph nodes during pregnancy: case report and review of literature

Objective To report a case of endometriosis in para-aortic lymph nodes during pregnancy. Design Case report. Setting Tertiary care center. Patient(s) A 25-year-old multipara pregnant woman with a history of chronic pelvic pain and ovarian cystectomies for bilateral endometriomas. Intervention(s) The patient was admitted with a placenta previa and a subchorionic hemorrhage at 24 weeks 5 days' gestation, and subsequently developed uterine contractions. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large complex adnexal mass adherent to the uterus and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Tocolysis could not be achieved and the patient underwent cesarean delivery at 26 weeks 3 days. An implant on the uterus and an enlarged para-aortic lymph node were removed surgically at that time. Main Outcome Measure(s) Involvement of lymph node by endometriosis and presence of a recurrent endometrioma. Result(s) Endometriosis was confirmed pathologically in para-aortic lymph nodes. Uterine serosal biopsy demonstrated endometriosis, and the large adnexal cyst was grossly consistent with endometrioma. The patient delivered a viable male infant at 26 weeks 3 days. Conclusion(s) To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of endometriosis in para-aortic lymph nodes. Its presence supports the hypothesis that endometriosis travels lymphatically, and not simply via locoregional spread. Lymphatic spread also further supports the theory that endometriosis is an aggressive chronic systemic disease.