cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mock Counseling Interviews as Learning Experience for Dietetics Students

Abstract The purpose of this learning activity was to provide dietetics students enrolled in a nutrition counseling course an opportunity for hands-on experience with client counseling. ‘Clients' were actual outpatients from a local hospital nutrition clinic who volunteered for mock counseling sessions. Each ‘Client' was provided verbal and written instructions regarding the set-up of the interview process prior to the interview date. The counseling setting was a room uniquely designed for observation of student counseling sessions, equipped with a two-way mirror and sound system. Each session was observed and video-taped by the course instructor through the 2-way mirror. Each of the fifteen students enrolled in the course was required to conduct a 15-minute counseling session. Guidelines for the session were reviewed in class prior to the assignment and outlined on a mock interview evaluation form. The intent of the activity was not to substitute for actual in-depth client counseling, but to allow students an opportunity to practice basic interviewing and counseling skills learned in class and to gain exposure to a ‘real-life' counseling situation. Students were expected to practice basic counseling techniques and skills, such as rapport-building, questioning techniques, listening responses and teaching. Video-taped sessions were edited and highlighted by the instructor for later review in class to provide additional learning and critique of basic counseling skills. Students were asked to submit a self-evaluation of their performance in the counseling session in addition to instructor evaluation. Overall, the activity received high ratings from students and was rated as an excellent learning experience. Many stated the activity was an ‘eye-opener' in that the challenges of effective nutrition counseling became more apparent with the actual ‘hands-on' experience, as opposed to perceptions previously held based on didactic knowledge alone.
Effect of nicotine on serum secretin and exocrine pancreatic secretion.

The effect of nicotine (100 μg/kg hr−1) on serum secretin and pancreatic secretions was studied in dogs with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Release of immunoreactive secretin (IRS) was stimulated by intraduodenal infusion of HCl (9.6 mEq/30 min). Pancreatic flow rate and bicarbonate and protein secretions were stimulated either by intestinal acidification or infusion of exogenous secretin (1.0 IU/kg hr−1). It was found that nicotine delayed the appearance of peak IRS concentrations in response to intraduodenal HCl by about 20 min. However, nicotine had no effect on the total amount of IRS released nor was this delay accompanied by a similar delay in the appearance of peak bicarbonate output. Furthermore, nicotine did not affect pancreatic secretory function stimulated by either HCl or exogenous secretin. These data do not support the thesis that nicotine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers in smokers by inhibiting the pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate.
Nonvestibulocochlear Cranial Nerve Schwannomas

Nonvestibulocochlear cranial nerve schwannomas traditionally have been managed by surgical excision. Although debulking surgery is still considered the first treatment option for larger tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery is now preferred for smaller tumors because of its high tumor control rate and low treatment-related morbidity. Furthermore, an initial period of radiologic and clinical observation following the diagnosis should be strongly considered for smaller tumors because some may not grow or may grow at a slow rate. Medical management of tumor-associated symptoms (when present) should not be ignored. Most importantly, the time has come to embark on the first randomized controlled trials comparing clinical and radiologic observation, surgery, and radiosurgery in the management of cranial nerve schwannomas.
A G1-Minimax Estimator for a Linear Combination of Binomial Probabilities

Abstract A G1-minimax estimator for an arbitrary linear combination of binomial probabilities {θi } is derived. Only the mean of each prior distribution is specified. The resulting G1-minimax estimator is shown to be formed by estimating each θi by a weighted average of its prior mean and its maximum likelihood estimate.
Test methods for RF-based electronic safety equipment: Part 2 — Development of laboratory-based tests

We describe the development of free-field test methods for wireless electronic safety equipment that replicate field-test conditions in a laboratory environment. The test methods can be used to verify the performance of wireless devices, such as those used by emergency responders, in the presence of known attenuation and under RF interference conditions. The test methods presented here were developed to support the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the revision of NFPA 1982: Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), but would be applicable to other types of RF-based equipment as well. In Part 1, we illustrated methods for extracting performance metrics from a series of field tests conducted by NIST researchers. In Part 2, we replicate the key field test conditions in the laboratory and verify device performance under those conditions.
ZonePAC: Zonal Power Estimation and Control via HVAC Metering and Occupant Feedback

Heating Ventillation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for nearly 40% of primary energy consumption by commercial buildings. Yet, these systems by and large operate in an open-loop with the building occupants. While the monitoring and feedback of comfort conditions is by (much smaller) zones, the HVAC control systems operate on energy metering and monitoring at the scale of entire buildings. ZonePAC attempts to bridge this gap between metering, monitoring and control by providing an embedded sensing and information management architecture that provides for effective participation by the building occupants in zonal HVAC settings that directly affect the building scale HVAC control system. Our results from a deployment of 65 users spread across 51 zones in a 145,000 square feet commercial building demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of ZonePAC.
The synergy between research and practice: listening to the perspectives of key stakeholders about the development of an inclusive early years service

This paper analyses part of a consultation project a northern Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) engaged with in the process of developing a charter for inclusion. This consultation included parents, families, service providers and service managers. Three main research strategies were employed including questionnaires, interviews and discussion groups. This project highlights the importance of listening to the various stakeholders and of allowing the voices of people at the sharp end of inclusive practice to be instrumental in the development of such services. Issues related to shared understandings of terminology and concepts, different perceptions of the drives for greater inclusive services, and the problematic nature of translating inclusive theory into practice in early years services for disabled children developed as important elements of this project. Although stakeholders enjoy some agreement regarding the philosophical notions of inclusion, there was some diversity in the perceptions of why inclusive services are being developed at all and also about how concepts of inclusion are translated into practice. Themes emerged about the organisation of an inclusive early years service relating to the ‘adult factor’ and the efficacy of a charter for inclusion. The partnership concluded that a pilot project following principles highlighted in this project was the next natural stage of developing a charter for inclusion: a charter of promises, rights and standards that is not rhetoric but realistic and, most importantly, is actually driven by the users and front-line service providers in the partnership.
Lost and Found Crops: Agrobiodiversity, Indigenous Knowledge, and a Feminist Political Ecology of Sorghum and Finger Millet in Northern Malawi

This article tells the story of two indigenous, drought-tolerant grains, finger millet and sorghum, once grown in northern Malawi. Sorghum essentially disappeared from the landscape, replaced by maize. Finger millet persisted, despite being discouraged by colonial and postcolonial governments, but is now in decline. This case study of these two crops in northern Malawi uses data from in-depth interviews, focus groups, archival documents, and observations. I suggest that sorghum almost disappeared due to a combination of maize promotion, male migration, and pest problems. An upsurge of tobacco production, in part due to neoliberal policies, combined with gender dynamics that favor maize are reducing finger millet production. Drawing on theories of feminist political ecology, resilience, and indigenous knowledge, I argue that agrobiodiversity and related indigenous knowledge are situated in material and gendered practices. Efforts to improve social resilience in these vulnerable regions need to pay attentio...
Kairomones of Heliothis armigera and Corcyra cephalonica and their influence on the parasitic potential of Trichogramma chilonis (Trichogrammatidae: Hymenoptera)

Kairomones from moth scales tend to influence the parasitic potential byTrichogramma chilonis Ishii. Hexatriacontane, pentacosane, heptadecane, docosane and 2, 6, l0-dodecatrienal-3, 7, 11-trimethyl were identified from the active moth scale extract ofHeliothis armigera Hubner (its natural host) andCorcyra cephalonica Stainton (a laboratory host). The significance of an array of compounds from moth scales with kairomonal activity for manipulating entomophagous insects in biological control programmes is discussed.
Effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on vegetation

The increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration probably will have significant direct effects on vegetation whether predicted changes in climate occur or not. Averaging over many prior greenhouse and growth chamber studies, plant growth and yield have typically increased more than 30% with a doubling of CO2 concentration. Such a doubling also causes stomatal conductance to decrease about 37%, which typically increases leaf temperatures more than 1 °C, and which may decrease evapotranspiration, although increases in leaf area counteract the latter effect. Interactions between CO2 and climate variables also appear important. In one study the growth increase from near-doubled CO2 ranged from minus 60% at 12 °C to 0% at 19 °C to plus 130% at 34 °C, suggesting that if the climate warms, the average growth response to doubled CO2 could be consistently higher than the 30% mentioned above. Even when growing in nutrient-poor soil, the growth response to elevated CO2 has been large, in contrast to nutrient solution studies which showed little response. Several studies have suggested that under water-stress, the CO2 growth stimulation is as large or large than under wellwatered conditions. Therefore, the direct CO2 effect will compensate somewhat, if not completely, for a hotter drier climate. And if any climate change is small, then plant growth and crop yields will probably be significantly higher in the future high-CO2 world.
Design, Synthesis, and Conformational Analysis of Compounds Tailored for the Study of Sulfur-Centered Reactive Intermediates

Neighboring group participation in the oxidation of thioethers provides anchimeric assistance, renders the oxidation potential of thioethers less positive, and stabilizes novelly-bonded reactive intermediates. The nature of the neighboring group has been varied and the participating atom has been nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. The effect of the size of the ring formed on participation has been ascertained and formation of five-membered rings is preferable to six-membered rings which, in turn, are favored over other sized rings, in general. Additional geometric constraints have been built into the thioethers studied. Two additional constrained systems that have yielded especially interesting results on oxidation are 2-endo-substituted-6-endo-methylthiobicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes and medium-sized ring thioethers. This review will survey design features in such systems and the synthesis and conformations of such compounds. As will be elaborated upon in this review S-S lone pair-lone pair interactions will also be highlighted.
Construction and characterization of a novel two-plasmid system for accomplishing temperature-regulated, amplified expression of cloned adventitious genes in Escherichia coli

Abstract We describe a two-plasmid system that utilizes the lacZ gene promoter and temperature-responsive plasmid replicons to accomplish closely regulated high-level expression of heterologous genes in Escherichia coli. One of the plasmids fails to replicate at 42°C and contains a gene encoding the lac represser; the second plasmid, which undergoes multicopy “runaway” replication at elevated temperatures, contains an adventitious gene under control of the operator-promoter system of the lacZ gene. Concurrent derepression of lac promoter function and amplification of copy number of the lac-controlled gene occurs when the temperature is elevated. We have used a structural gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase to demonstrate that the gene product under control of the lacZ promoter represents a major fraction of the total protein synthesized at 43°C, whereas only minimal quantities of this enzyme are made at 30°C. The system described allows the controlled expression of gene products that may have detrimental effects on cell growth, and provides a simple method for identifying radioactivity-labeled protein products of cloned genes in bacterial whole-cell extracts. The system also offers an alternative to intragenic temperature-sensitive mutations for studying the function of various enzymatic or regulatory proteins.
A Maximum Entropy Approach to Estimating Emissions

A maximum information entropy method of calculating probabilistic estimates of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by the wood furniture and fixture coating industry is presented. The maximum entropy approach is used to produce minimally biased probability distributions for number of firms, coating use, and coating emission factors from existing summary statistics. These distributions are combined to estimate VOC emissions. The maximum entropy emissions estimate provides information to support probabilistic modeling of regional air quality, probabilistic assessment of emission reduction strategies, and risk assessments. Accurate estimation of emission distributions produces more informed regulatory decisionmaking, risk comparisons, and regulatory and scientific priority setting.
Oxalate-bridged dinuclear M2 units : Dimers of dimers, cyclotetramers, and extended sheets (M = Mo, W, Tc, Ru, and Rh)

The electronic structures of D4h-M2(O2CH)4 and the oxalate-bridged complexes D2h-[(HCO2)3M2]2(μ-O2CCO2) and D4h-[(HCO2)2M2]4(μ-O2CCO2)4 have been investigated by a symmetry analysis of their MM and oxalate-based frontier orbitals, as well as by electronic structure calculations on the model formate complexes (M = Mo and W {d4-d4}, Tc, Ru {d6-d6}, and Rh {d7-d7}). Significant changes in the ordering, interactions, and electronic occupation of the molecular orbitals (MOs) arise through both the progression from d4 to d7 metals and the change from second to third row transition metals. For M = Mo and W, the highest-occupied orbitals are δ based, while the lowest-unoccupied orbitals are oxalate π* based; for M = Tc, the highest-occupied orbitals are an energetically tight δ*-based set of MOs, while the lowest-unoccupied orbitals are MM-based π*. For both Ru and Rh, the highest-occupied MOs are the MM π* and δ*, respectively, while the lowest-unoccupied MOs, in both instances, are MM-based σ*. With the excepti...
Effect of anions on the germination of Nosema algerae (Microspora: Nosematidae) spores

Abstract Solutions of many monovalent salts induce optimal Nosema algerae spore germination at p H 9.5. The order of anion efficacy is Br − > Cl − > I − > F − , suggesting that the anion, as well as the cation, is important to germination. Percentage germination is correlated with the concentration of sodium fluoride under acidic conditions. This small, neutral molecule enters the spore instead of F − , but within the spore, equilibrium favors the fluoride ion which, along with the cation, stimulates germination.
Developing a Web-Based Supplement for Teaching Medical Nutrition Therapy to Dietetic Interns

Abstract When the omputerized dietetic registration exam is implemented this year, interest in computer-based instructional methods is likely to increase among internship faculty and students. The World Wide Web is becoming a major provider of educational materials to learners who need or prefer to learn outside of the traditional classroom. The project purpose was to develop a Web-based supplement to a graduate advanced clinical nutrition course. We used the Web Course Tools (WebCT) software package to create the supplement. WebCT provides assistance with course design and contains educational tools to facilitate learning and administrative tools to aid instructors with course management. Our supplement is password-protected and includes the course syllabus, with lecture outlines, glossaries, slides and links to pertinent websites. The discussion forum, a calendar, email and student homepages serve as communication tools. One key feature is the on-line quiz and survey function. Instructors found it convenient to use the built-in capability for grading quizzes and students appreciated the immediate constructive feedback on their performance. Another helpful administrative tool is tracking the number of visits to the site's instructional materials. To successfully create and use supplemental Web-based materials instructors and students should be adequately prepared and motivated. We continue to add to the content of the supplement and will use an expanded version in Fall, 1999.
Identification of Patients With Headache at Risk of Psychological Distress

Objective.–To test the hypothesis that anxiety and depression are associated with headache frequency, severity, and disability. Background.–There is significant comorbidity between chronic headache and psychological distress. Headache associated with anxiety or depression tends to be more severe and often requires supplementary psychological treatment in addition to headache therapy. Therefore, the identification of patients with headache who are at risk of psychological distress is important. Methods.–One hundred twenty-seven consecutive patients with headache attending a university headache clinic were evaluated. Questionnaires about headache symptoms and psychological distress were completed. Comparisons were made between psychological distress and headache frequency, severity, and disability. Results.–Depression and anxiety were significantly greater in the subjects of this study who had frequent headache (>4 days per week) and frequent headache-associated disability (activities reduced or prohibited because of headache >3 days per week). Subjects who reported their headache severity as typically severe were no more likely to report depression or anxiety than those with mild or moderate headache severity. Quality-of-life measures of physical and social functioning, emotional distress, and general health and vitality were reduced in subjects with frequent episodes of headache-associated disability. All areas, with the exception of general health perception, were reduced in subjects with frequent headache. Severe headache was associated with reductions in role and social functioning. Conclusions.–Frequent headache and frequent disability are associated with depression, anxiety, and impaired quality of life. Reports of typical headache severity are less likely to correlate with psychological distress. Therefore, patients with headache who report frequent headache or frequent periods of headache-related disability should be further evaluated for the presence of psychological disturbance.
Wide Field Camera 3: science capabilities and plans for flight operation

Wide Field Camera 3 is the next generation of Hubble Space Telescope imaging instruments. Designed to complement and extend the existing capabilities of the HST, WFC3 will provide large increases in scientific performance in the near ultraviolet and near infrared wavelength regions. This paper describes the scientific capabilities of WFC3, provides a projection of its anticipated scientific performance, and discusses the plans for on-orbit testing and calibration during the Servicing Mission Orbital Verification period.
Fuzzy rule-based seizure prediction based on correlation dimension changes in intracranial EEG

In this paper, we present a method for epileptic seizure prediction from intracranial EEG recordings. We applied correlation dimension, a nonlinear dynamics based univariate characteristic measure for extracting features from EEG segments. Finally, we designed a fuzzy rule-based system for seizure prediction. The system is primarily designed based on expert's knowledge and reasoning. A spatial-temporal filtering method was used in accordance with the fuzzy rule-based inference system for issuing forecasting alarms. The system was evaluated on EEG data from 10 patients having 15 seizures.
Verifying data integrity of electronically scanned pressure systems at the NASA Glenn Research Center

The proper operation of the Electronically Scanned Pressure (ESP) Systems at the NASA Glenn Research Center is critical to accomplish the following goals; acquisition of highly accurate pressure data for the development of future aerospace and commercial aviation systems and continuous confirmation of data quality to avoid costly, unplanned, repeat wind tunnel or turbine testing. Standard automated setup and checkout routines are necessary to accomplish these goals. Data verification and integrity checks occur at three distinct stages, pre-test pressure tubing and system checkouts, daily system validation and in-test confirmation of critical system parameters. This paper will give an overview of the existing hardware, software and methods used to validate data integrity.
Bright and dark solitons for a generalized Korteweg-de Vries–modified Korteweg-de Vries equation with high-order nonlinear terms and time-dependent coefficients

We consider a generalized Korteweg-de Vries–modified Korteweg-de Vries (KdV–mKdV) equation with high-order nonlinear terms and time-dependent coefficients. Bright and dark soliton solutions are obtained by means of the solitary wave ansatz method. The physical parameters in the soliton solutions are obtained as functions of the varying model coefficients. Parametric conditions for the existence of envelope solitons are given. In view of the analysis, we see that the method used is an efficient way to construct exact soliton solutions for such a generalized version of the KdV–mKdV equation with time-dependent coefficients and high-order nonlinear terms.
Side-channel vulnerability factor: a metric for measuring information leakage

There have been many attacks that exploit side-effects of program execution to expose secret information and many proposed countermeasures to protect against these attacks. However there is currently no systematic, holistic methodology for understanding information leakage. As a result, it is not well known how design decisions affect information leakage or the vulnerability of systems to side-channel attacks. In this paper, we propose a metric for measuring information leakage called the Side-channel Vulnerability Factor (SVF). SVF is based on our observation that all side-channel attacks ranging from physical to microarchitectural to software rely on recognizing leaked execution patterns. SVF quantifies patterns in attackers' observations and measures their correlation to the victim's actual execution patterns and in doing so captures systems' vulnerability to side-channel attacks. In a detailed case study of on-chip memory systems, SVF measurements help expose unexpected vulnerabilities in whole-system designs and shows how designers can make performance-security trade-offs. Thus, SVF provides a quantitative approach to secure computer architecture.
The diabetogenic and growth-promoting activities of growth hormone (somatotropin) in the developing chick embryo.

THE experiments reported here were designed to determine whether or not growth hormone normally produced by adult mammals influences embryonal growth. Fetal gigantism occurring in human diabetic or potentially diabetic mothers (Krist and Futcher, 1948) has been suggested as due to excessive maternal growth hormone production. Several investigators have demonstrated a diabetogenic effect of growth hormone in intact (Cotes et al., 1949; Campbell et al., 1950; and Milman and De Moor, 1950) as well as partially depancreatectomized adult mammals (Milman and Russell, 1949, and Houssay and Anderson, 1949). However, such a response could not be elicited in growing puppies and kittens (Young, 1941, 1944, 1949), or in pregnant or lactating cats and dogs (Young, 1938, 1946). Evans, Simpson and Li (1948) have reported that growth hormone produces a continuous growth in normal adult female rats. Recently, Reid (1952) has shown that the ratio of diabetogenic to growth-promoting activity is approximately a constant, thu...
An Experimental Analysis of Accommodation Decisions on Large-Scale Mathematics Tests

This article reports on an investigation of teachers and students within special education to determine the accuracy with which teachers recommend read-aloud accommodations for mathematics tests, and develop a profile of students who benefit from this type of accommodation. Students in both general (n = 973) and special education (n = 245) in elementary and middle schools from eight states were administered an accommodated and standard mathematics achievement test. Teachers were no more successful than chance at predicting which students would benefit from the accommodation. Supplementary analyses used pretest reading and mathematics achievement scores in an attempt to develop a profile of students who favored one or the other formats. The outcomes from accommodations did not necessarily match student profiles.
Small-scale spatial and temporal variations in mid-ocean ridge crest magmatic processes

Data from a suite of closely spaced lava flows recovered within the axial summit caldera and on the crestal plateau of the East Pacific Rise around lat 9°31′N indicate that eruptions on this fast-spreading part of the mid-ocean ridge occur throughout the crestal region and are not restricted to the axis. These eruptions contribute to a complex distribution of basalts of various ages and a significant thickening of seismic layer 2A away from the axis in our study area. Small-scale (<600 m) diversity and nonsystematic distribution of lava types may reflect rapid changes in magma chemistry that occur during crystallization and replenishment in small magma lenses, coupled with the effects of frequent low-volume eruptions both within and outside of the axial summit caldera.
Probability of cure as a function of dose and prognosis category for patients with localized prostate cancer treated with fractionated radiotherapy :an analysis with a novel model of tumor recurrence

Results: 46 of 98 (47%) patients 60 years of age and younger failed biochemically whereas 261 of 866 (30%) greater than 60 years of age failed biochemically. 1-, 5-, and 10year biochemical disease free survival in patients 60 years of age and younger and 61 years of age and older were 86% and 55%, 32% and 94%, and 65% and 62%, respectively. Only 1 and 10 year biochemical disease free survival were statistically lower in patients less than 60 (p 0.017 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate regression demonstrated that in men less than 60 years of age initial PSA, PSA nadir, and Gleason score were predictive of biochemical failure.
Brain: Gadolinium-enhanced Fast Fluid-attenuated Inversion-Recovery MR Imaging

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical utility of gadolinium-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain by comparing results with those at gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging with magnetization transfer (MT) saturation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 105 consecutive patients referred for gadolinium-enhanced brain imaging, FLAIR and T1-weighted MR imaging with MT saturation were performed before and after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol per kilogram of body weight). Pre- and postcontrast images were evaluated to determine the presence of abnormal contrast enhancement and whether enhancement was more conspicuous with the FLAIR or T1-weighted sequences. RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies showed intracranial contrast enhancement. Postcontrast T1-weighted images with MT saturation showed superior enhancement in 14 studies, whereas postcontrast fast FLAIR images showed superior enhancement in 15 studies. Four cases demonstrated approximately e...
Mobilizing Collective Identity: Frames & Rational Individuals

Mobilization of collective identities is a common tool in election campaigns and policy debates. Frames that target group identity can mobilize groups; however it is unclear when these group frames are likely to be successful. This project explores whether moderators, or factors that limit framing effects, can help predict whether individuals will respond to group mobilization attempts. Drawing on the rational choice approach, I assess whether the presence of thresholds (i.e. rules that determines how far the group is from attaining its goal) works as a moderator of framing effects. Using a voting game laboratory experiment, I analyze the impact of group frames when distance from a fixed threshold varies and when we account for differences in group identity strength. The findings indicate that the interaction of group identity strength, group frames, and moderators of frames has an important impact on participation, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in group mobilization.
Comparing passive network monitoring of grid application traffic with active probes

Distributed applications require timely network measurements so that they can adapt to changing network conditions and make efficient use of grid resources. One of the key issues in obtaining network measurements is the intrusiveness of the measurements themselves - how much network performance is "wasted" taking the measurements? Our goal is to combine active and passive monitoring techniques to reduce the need for intrusive measurements without sacrificing the accuracy of the measurements. We are developing a bandwidth monitoring tool as part of the Wren network measurement system that will reduce the burden on the network by passively obtaining measurements from existing application traffic whenever possible, instead of actively probing the network. By using passive measurements when an application is running and active measurements when none are running, we can offer accurate, timely available bandwidth measurements while limiting the invasiveness of active probes. We have completed a prototype of the Wren bandwidth monitoring tool and present our preliminary analysis of its performance. We provide results from passive implementations of several available bandwidth techniques and demonstrate the close quantitative relationship between the results of both active and passive techniques. We have tested our implementation in a cluster, across a campus, and across the Internet using bulk data transfers as well as an adaptive eigenvalue application. Our results with this diverse set of environments and traffic types show promise toward implementing these techniques as measurement services in production environments.
Community Coauthoring: Whose Voice Remains?

This article examines how texts are collaboratively produced in community development work when coauthors come from multiple racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds as well as business and other work experiences. We found that the term wordsmithing became a discursive tool that limited resident input and shaped the Plan toward an external audience. We argue that pressure faced by the initiative members are similar to pressures felt by teachers in an atmosphere of increased standardization and accountability. [coauthoring, cross-cultural writing, collaborative writing, community development]
Riemannian wavefield extrapolation

Riemannian spaces are described by nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinates. We generalize one-way wavefield extrapolation to semiorthogonal Riemannian coordinate systems that include, but are not limited to, ray coordinate systems. We obtain a one-way wavefield extrapolation method that can be used for waves propagating in arbitrary directions, in contrast to downward continuation, which is used for waves propagating mainly in the vertical direction. Ray coordinate systems can be initiated in many different ways; for example, from point sources or from plane waves incident at various angles. Since wavefield propagation happens mostly along the extrapolation direction, we can use inexpensive finite-difference or mixed-domain extrapolators to achieve high angle accuracy. The main applications of our method include imaging of steeply dipping or overturning reflections.
Formation of a diazonium cation intermediate in the metabolism of sulphamethazine to desaminosulphamethazine in the rat

14C-Sulphamethazinediazonium tetrafluoroborate (14C-SDTFB) when orally administered to rats was converted primarily to 14C-labelled desaminosulphamethazine (desaminosulmet) and methanol-insoluble residues in the gastrointestinal tract (gut). 14C-labelled sulphamethazine (sulmet), N4-acetylsulmet, the N4-glucose conjugate of sulmet and other unidentified products were also observed in the tissues and urine of rats given 14C-SDTFB.2. When 14C-sulmet, nitrite and dimethylaniline were simultaneously administered to a rat by the oral route, one of the 14C-labelled products formed in the stomach was isolated and identified as 4-dimethylaminophenyl[4-(N-4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)sulphamidophenyl]diazene, providing evidence that 14C-sulmet was diazotized in the stomach of the animal.3. SDTFB was weakly mutagenic when evaluated by the Ames test.4. The methanol-insoluble 14C-labelled residues in the gut of rats dosed orally with 14C-SDTFB and 14C-sulmet + nitrite were partially converted to 14C-labelled desaminosu...
Distribution of ecosystem C and N within contrasting vegetation types in a semiarid rangeland in the Great Basin, USA

Semiarid sagebrush ecosystems are being transformed by wildfire, rangeland improvement techniques, and exotic plant invasions, but the effects on ecosystem C and N dynamics are poorly understood. We compared ecosystem C and N pools to 1 m depth among historically grazed Wyoming big sagebrush, introduced perennial crested wheatgrass, and invasive annual cheatgrass communities, to examine whether the quantity and quality of plant inputs to soil differs among vegetation types. Natural abundance δ15N isotope ratios were used to examine differences in ecosystem N balance. Sagebrush-dominated sites had greater C and N storage in plant biomass compared to perennial or annual grass systems, but this was predominantly due to woody biomass accumulation. Plant C and N inputs to soil were greatest for cheatgrass compared to sagebrush and crested wheatgrass systems, largely because of slower root turnover in perennial plants. The organic matter quality of roots and leaf litter (as C:N ratios) was similar among vegetation types, but lignin:N ratios were greater for sagebrush than grasses. While cheatgrass invasion has been predicted to result in net C loss and ecosystem degradation, we observed that surface soil organic C and N pools were greater in cheatgrass and crested wheatgrass than sagebrush-dominated sites. Greater biomass turnover in cheatgrass and crested wheatgrass versus sagebrush stands may result in faster rates of soil C and N cycling, with redistribution of actively cycled N towards the soil surface. Plant biomass and surface soil δ15N ratios were enriched in cheatgrass and crested wheatgrass relative to sagebrush-dominated sites. Source pools of plant available N could become 15N enriched if faster soil N cycling rates lead to greater N trace gas losses. In the absence of wildfire, if cheatgrass invasion does lead to degradation of ecosystem function, this may be due to faster nutrient cycling and greater nutrient losses, rather than reduced organic matter inputs.
Findings on MR Sleep Studies as Biomarkers to Predict Outcome of Genioglossus Advancement in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Young Adults

OBJECTIVE. Genioglossus advancement, an operation to pull the tongue anteriorly, is a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to glossoptosis. MRI predictors to identify which children will benefit from genioglossus advancement would be helpful for planning. We reviewed imaging findings on MR sleep studies as biomarkers to predict success or failure of genioglossus advancement in the treatment of OSA in children and young adults.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty-eight patients who had undergone genioglossus advancement and preoperative MRI were identified. For each subject, genioglossus advancement, which was performed to treat OSA, was categorized as a success or failure on the basis of polysomnography and clinical criteria. Static and dynamic cine MR sequences were retrospectively evaluated for multiple parameters including measurements of the size of the tongue and of the bony confines of the supraglottic airway, the ratio of tongue size to bony confines size, static size and dynamic changes o...
Estimation of frequency-delay of arrival (FDOA) using fourth-order statistics in unknown correlated Gaussian noise sources

A new family of nonparametric and parametric methods based on fourth-order statistics for the estimation of the frequency-delay of arrival (FDOA) between two sensor signal measurements, corrupted by correlated Gaussian noise sources in an unknown way, is presented. The new family of FDOA estimation methods utilizes the fourth-order cumulants or 1-D Fourier transforms of sliced fourth-order cumulants of the two signal measurements. It is demonstrated that the new family of FDOA estimation methods suppresses the effect due to correlated Gaussian measurement noises and outperforms existing second-order statistics-based FDOA estimation methods using either cross-ambiguity function or MUSIC algorithm. Various simulation results are presented for different types of signals, different lengths of data, and different signal-to-noise ratios. >
Bioaerosol mass spectrometry for rapid detection of individual airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra particles

Single-particle laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, in the form of bioaerosol mass spectrometry (BAMS), was evaluated as a rapid detector for individual airborne, micron-sized, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra particles, comprised of a single cell or a small number of clumped cells. The BAMS mass spectral signatures for aerosolized M. tuberculosis H37Ra particles were found to be distinct from M. smegmatis, Bacillus atrophaeus, and B. cereus particles, using a distinct biomarker. This is the first time a potentially unique biomarker was measured in M. tuberculosis H37Ra on a single-cell level. In addition, M. tuberculosis H37Ra and M. smegmatis were aerosolized into a bioaerosol chamber and were sampled and analyzed using BAMS, an aerodynamic particle sizer, a viable Anderson six-stage sampler, and filter cassette samplers that permitted direct counts of cells. In a background-free environment, BAMS was able to sample and detect M. tuberculosis H37Ra at airborne concentrations of >1 M. tuberculosis H37Ra-containing particles/liter of air in 20 min as determined by direct counts of filter cassette-sampled particles, and concentrations of >40 M. tuberculosis H37Ra CFU/liter of air in 1 min as determined by using viable Andersen six-stage samplers. This is a first step toward the development of a rapid, stand-alone airborne M. tuberculosis particle detector for the direct detection of M. tuberculosis bioaerosols generated by an infectious patient. Additional instrumental development is currently under way to make BAMS useful in realistic environmental and respiratory particle backgrounds expected in tuberculosis diagnostic scenarios.
Metabolism and cometabolism of cyclic ethers by a filamentous fungus, a Graphium sp.

The filamentous fungus Graphium sp. (ATCC 58400) grows on gaseous n-alkanes and diethyl ether. n-Alkane-grown mycelia of this strain also cometabolically oxidize the gasoline oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). In this study, we characterized the ability of this fungus to metabolize and cometabolize a range of cyclic ethers, including tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,4-dioxane (14D). This strain grew on THF and other cyclic ethers, including tetrahydropyran and hexamethylene oxide. However, more vigorous growth was consistently observed on the lactones and terminal diols potentially derived from these ethers. Unlike the case in all previous studies of microbial THF oxidation, a metabolite, γ-butyrolactone, was observed during growth of this fungus on THF. Growth on THF was inhibited by the same n-alkenes and n-alkynes that inhibit growth of this fungus on n-alkanes, while growth on γ-butyrolactone or succinate was unaffected by these inhibitors. Propane and THF also behaved as mutually competitive substrates, and propane-grown mycelia immediately oxidized THF, without a lag phase. Mycelia grown on propane or THF exhibited comparable high levels of hemiacetal-oxidizing activity that generated methyl formate from mixtures of formaldehyde and methanol. Collectively, these observations suggest that THF and n-alkanes may initially be oxidized by the same monooxygenase and that further transformation of THF-derived metabolites involves the activity of one or more alcohol dehydrogenases. Both propane- and THF-grown mycelia also slowly cometabolically oxidized 14D, although unlike THF oxidation, this reaction was not sustainable. Specific rates of THF, 14D, and MTBE degradation were very similar in THF- and propane-grown mycelia.
Salvage whole brain radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery after initial stereotactic radiosurgery for 1-4 brain metastases.

Patients with limited brain metastases are often candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Among patients who receive SRS, the likelihood and timing of salvage WBRT or SRS remains unclear. We examined rates of salvage WBRT or SRS among 180 patients with 1–4 newly diagnosed brain metastases who received index SRS from 2008–2013. Competing risks multivariable analysis was used to examine factors associated with time to WBRT. Patients had non-small cell lung (53 %), melanoma (23 %), breast (10 %), renal (6 %), or other (8 %) cancers. Median age was 62 years. Patients received index SRS to 1 (60 %), 2 (21 %), 3 (13 %), or 4 (7 %) brain metastases. Median survival after SRS was 9.7 months (range, 0.3–67.6 months). No further brain-directed radiotherapy was delivered after index SRS in 55 % of patients. Twenty-seven percent of patients ever received salvage WBRT, and 30 % ever received salvage SRS; 12 % of patients received both salvage WBRT and salvage SRS. Median time to salvage WBRT or salvage SRS were 5.6 and 6.1 months, respectively. Age ≤60 years (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 2.80; 95 % CI 1.05–7.51; P = 0.04) and controlled/absent extracranial disease (AHR = 6.76; 95 % CI 1.60–28.7; P = 0.01) were associated with shorter time to salvage WBRT. Isolated brain progression caused death in only 11 % of decedents. In summary, most patients with 1–4 brain metastases receiving SRS never require salvage WBRT or SRS, and the remainder do not require salvage treatment for a median of 6 months.
Leptin-Deficient Mice Backcrossed to the BALB/cJ Genetic Background Have Reduced Adiposity, Enhanced Fertility, Normal Body Temperature, and Severe Diabetes

A deficiency of leptin synthesis in mice results in a complex phenotype characterized by morbid obesity, diabetes, sterility, and defective thermogenesis. To determine whether the genetic background could alter the pleiotropic effects of leptin deficiency, we backcrossed the ob mutation for 10 generations from the C57BL/6J to the BALB/cJ genetic background. Compared with C57BL/6J ob/ob mice, BALB/cJ ob/ob mice showed at 27 wk of age a 35‐ 40% reduction in body weight attributed to a 60% decrease in white adipose tissue mass. Food intake was not significantly different between the two obese strains, suggesting distinct utilization of energy intake. In the fed state, BALB/cJ ob/ob mice had elevated insulin and triglycerides levels, demonstrating a worsening effect on diabetes. At the reproductive level and in contrast to sterile C57BL/6J ob/ob mice, male and female BALB/cJ ob/ob mice were capable of reproducing after a mating period of 16 and 32 wk, respectively. At thermoneutrality, the body temperature of BALB/cJ ob/ob mice was 2.9 C higher than that of C57BL/6J ob/ob mice, whereas exposure of both groups to 4 C demonstrated a prolonged cold tolerance of BALB/cJ ob/ob mice. These studies show that the abnormalities caused by leptin deficiency can be genetically dissected and separated from each other, suggesting discrete pathways controlled by leptin modifier genes. (Endocrinology 142: 3421‐3425, 2001)
Effect of Water Washing on Hydrocarbon Compositions of Petroleum Sandstone Reservoir Rocks in Tarim Basin, NW China

Gross compositions and distribution of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in Carboniferous sandstone reservoir rocks in oil and water zones for Tazhong-10 well of the Zhongyang Uplift in the Tarim Basin were studied in detail by means of Rock-Eval pyrolysis, thin-Chromatograph-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results suggest that the gross composition of reservoir hydrocarbons between the oil zone and the water zone show significant differences. Water washing has a dramatic effect on saturated hydrocarbon biomarkers, especially drimane series compounds. Drimane series compounds in the water zone have been depleted completely. However, the contents of tricyclic diterpanes and pentacyclic triterpanes tend to decrease slightly, but the water-zone reservoir hydrocarbons contain a large amount of gammacerane. This suggests that gammacerane be more resistant to water washing than diterpanes and homohopanes. The contents of pregnane, homopregrane, diasteranes relatively decrease as a result of water washing. Water washing has a noticeable effect on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, especially aromatic sulfur compounds, and the contents of dibenzothiophene series compounds and benzonaphiothiophene decrease significantly as a result of water washing. However, the contents of bicyclic and tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbons decrease slightly and those of tetracyclic and pentacyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, especially benzofluoranthene and benzopyrenes, increase markedly owing to a decrease in light aromatic hydrocarbons as a result of water washing.
Geometric segmentation of perspective images based on symmetry groups

Symmetry is an effective geometric cue to facilitate conventional segmentation techniques on images of man-made environment. Based on three fundamental principles that summarize the relations between symmetry and perspective imaging, namely, structure from symmetry, symmetry hypothesis testing, and global symmetry testing, we develop a prototype system which is able to automatically segment symmetric objects in space from single 2D perspective images. The result of such a segmentation is a hierarchy of geometric primitives, called symmetry cells and complexes, whose 3D structure and pose are fully recovered. Such a geometrically meaningful segmentation may greatly facilitate applications such as feature matching and robot navigation.