cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boolean algebra approximations

Knight and Stob proved that every low4 Boolean algebra is 0 (6) -isomorphic to a computable one. Furthermore, for n = 1; 2; 3; 4, every lown Boolean algebra is 0 (n+2) -isomorphic to a computable one. We show that this is not true for n = 5: there is a low5 Boolean algebra that is not 0 (7) -isomorphic to any computable Boolean algebra. It is worth remarking that, because of the machinery developed, the proof uses at most a 0 00 -priority argument. The technique used to construct this Boolean algebra is new and might be useful in other applications, such as to solve the lown Boolean algebra problem either positively or negatively.
Hexagonal sampling techniques applied to Fourier and Fresnel digital holograms

Hexagonal sampling offers substantial computational efficiency in processing circularly band-limited and/or circularly symmetric functions and also offers a significant reduction of required data storage compared with rectangular sampling. Both Fraunhofer and Fresnel computer-generated holograms utilizing hexagonal sampling are capable of exploiting these properties. Hexagonal fast Fourier transform (FFT) and inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) algorithms have been developed along with efficient algorithms for generating the lens transmittance and free-space-transfer matrices that comprise software packages designed to accept hexagonally sampled input arrays and generate hexagonally sampled output arrays suitable for direct encoding into digital holograms.
Effects of rate and pitch variations on the intelligibility of synthesized speech

The present study investigated the effect of pitch and rate variations on the intelligibility of Echo-II produced speech. The results show that slowing down the rate of text-to-speech synthesized speech from the default value of about 201 syllables per minute to 139 syllables per minute enhances word intelligibility by more than 10 percent and message intelligibility by about 14 percent. High (194 Hz), medium (111 Hz), and low (82 Hz) pitch levels produced roughly equivalent intelligibility scores. Augmentative and alternative communication and educational applications of text-tospeech synthesis need to permit users the flexibility of varying rate of speech to enhance intelligibility. Clinicians and teachers also need to note that message intelligibility is still only 58 percent with a slow rate of speech.
Optimal and approximate approaches for selecting proxy agents in mobile IP based network backbones

In a mobile environment, each mobile host should have a home agent on its home network that maintains a registry of the current location of the mobile host. This registry is normally updated every time a mobile host moves from one subnet to another. We study the tradeoff between the cost of updating the registry and the cost of searching for a mobile host while it is away from home. Using a set of special agents, called proxy agents, which implement a two-tier update process, the cost of updates could be reduced; however, the search cost might increase. We study different approaches to identify a set of proxy agents that minimizes the cost of search. In this paper, we use mathematical programming to obtain optimal solutions to the problem. We consider two situations: the cost of search measured by the sum of all search message costs, and the cost of search measured by the maximum cost of such messages. For these two respective cases we formulate the minimization of the cost of search as Min-Sum and Min-Max problems. For large networks in which the optimization problem may be intractable, we study three different approximate approaches: (1) clustering, (2) genetic algorithms, and (3) simulated annealing. Results of a large set of experiments are presented.
Proton-channel analog resonances and weak coupling in the 206Tl(d, p)206Tl reaction☆

Abstract Proton resonance structure was observed in the 205Tl(d, p) reaction at single-particle energies for out-going protons leading to all strongly excited states below 3 MeV excitation in 206Tl. Decay of the isobaric analog of the 207Tl ground state was not observed.
Sample Selection and Treatment Effect Estimation of Lender of Last Resort Policies

This article develops a framework for estimating multivariate treatment effect models in the presence of sample selection. The methodology deals with several important issues prevalent in policy and program evaluation, including application and approval stages, nonrandom treatment assignment, endogeneity, and discrete outcomes. This article presents a computationally efficient estimation algorithm and techniques for model comparison and treatment effects. The framework is applied to evaluate the effectiveness of bank recapitalization programs and their ability to resuscitate the financial system. The analysis of lender of last resort (LOLR) policies is not only complicated due to econometric challenges, but also because regulator data are not easily obtainable. Motivated by these difficulties, this article constructs a novel bank-level dataset and employs the new methodology to jointly model a bank’s decision to apply for assistance, the LOLR’s decision to approve or decline the assistance, and the bank’s...
Dynamic intramuscular pressure measurement during gait

Abstract Intramuscular pressure is useful for quantifying muscle function during dynamic activities. Currently, theintegrated electromyogram (EMG) is used to indicate the timing and intensity of muscle contraction in gait.However, the relationship between EMG and muscle tension is unclear. There is a need for a reliable measure of muscle tension under dynamic conditions. This need may be filled through the measurement of intramuscular pressure.Intramuscular pressure can be measured with either fluid-filled or fiber optic transducers. The fluid-filled transducers can be used only when the limb position does not change relative to the horizontal plane. This type of transducer is not suitable for gait studies. In contrast, fiber optic transducers are not sensitive to hydrostatic artifacts and can be used effectively during gait. Current fiber optic transducers for measurement of intramuscular pressure are large (1.35-mm diameter) and thus the procedure is not typically used for clinical applications. However, a microsensor is being designed that is small (0.18-mm diameter) and will have direct clinical applications. The intramuscular pressure during walking parallels the electromyographic activity, but also accounts for passive stretch of the muscle. Interpretation of the intramuscular pressure does not require integration, which is necessary for EMG. The information gained from the measurement of intramuscular pressure can be used to treat patients who suffer from neuromuscular disorders.
Development of a unique phantom to assess the geometric accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for stereotactic localization.

Objective To test the spatial accuracy of coordinates generated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, using the Brown-Roberts-Wells head frame and localizer system (Radionics, Inc., Burlington, MA). Methods An anthropomorphic head phantom, consisting of a two-dimensional lattice of acrylic spheres (4-mm diameter) spaced 10 mm apart and embedded in a brain tissue-mimicking gelatin-agar gel, was constructed. The intersphere distances for the target lattice positions in MRI and computed tomographic scan sets were compared. The data sets were fused, and differences in fiducial marker and intraphantom target positions were measured. Results Intersphere distances were identical for the MRI and computed tomographic scan sets (10 +/- 0.1 mm). Differences in fiducial marker positions [maximal lateral difference, 0.97 mm; mean absolute lateral difference, 0.69 +/- 0.22 mm; maximal anteroposterior (AP) difference, 1.99 mm; mean absolute AP difference, 1.29 +/- 0.67 mm] were correlated with differences in intraphantom target positions (maximal lateral difference, 0.83 mm; mean absolute lateral difference, 0.28 +/- 0.24 mm; maximal AP difference, -1.97 mm; mean absolute AP difference, 1.63 +/- 25 mm; maximal vertical difference, -0.73 mm; mean absolute vertical difference, 0.34 +/- 0.21 mm). This suggested that improper fiducial rod identification and the subsequent transformation to stereotactic coordinate space were the greatest sources of spatial uncertainty. Conclusion With computed tomographic data as the standard, these differences resulted in maximal and minimal composite uncertainties of 2.06 and 1.17 mm, respectively. The measured uncertainties exceed recommended standards for radiosurgery but allow the possible use of MRI-based stereotactic treatment planning for certain intracranial lesions, if the errors are corrected using appropriate software. Clinicians must recognize that error magnitudes vary for different systems, and they should perform systematic, scheduled, institutional error analyses as part of their ongoing quality assurance processes. This phantom provides one tool for measuring such variances.
Thoughtful Decision Makingin Physical Education: A Modest Proposal

A number of research agendas including teaching games for understanding, invasion games tactics, cooperative learning, seeking solutions to ill-defined problems, and examining learner's use of domain specific knowledge share thoughtful decision making as a common denominator. For the most part, each of these research strands have been investigated individually with little effort to link findings to a larger construct addressing thoughtful classrooms. This paper discusses the agendas and proposes a schema whereby thoughtful decision making represents a common conduit that might well lead to a more inclusive and informative theoretical model in physical education.
BIOGENESIS OF CHROMOMYCIN A3 BY STREPTOMYCES GRISEUS

The biosynthesis of chromomycin A3 was investigated using 13C-labeled acetates, methionine and glucose, and 13C, 18O-labeled acetate. 13C NMR spectral analysis demonstrated that: Aglycone assembly occurs by combining at least two polyketide chains; three of nine oxygen atoms of the aglycone originate from acetate precursor oxygen atoms; carbon methylations on the aromatic ring at C-7, on the chromose B sugar, and two O-methylations appear to be carried out by S-adenosyl-methionine requiring methyl transferases; and glucose is the precursor for all of the sugars.
The persistence of visual or auditory percepts as symptoms of irritative lesions of the cerebrum of man.

In this series of patients the persisting visual or auditory percepts were re-experienced immediately or were “replayed” many hours or even up to a day or more following the original stimulus. The persisting percepts were almost always experienced in the defective visual or auditory space contralateral to the responsible cerebral lesion. These patients usually had clinical evidence of cerebral irritation and seizures. When clinical seizures were controlled medically and stopped, so then did the persistent visual and auditory sensations. These spontaneous phenomena which we observed clinically were similar to the experiences elicited when the cerebrum of conscious man was stimulated through implanted electrodes. It seems that either spontaneous irritation of the brain or electrical excitation of the cerebrum of conscious man may induce “replays” of previous visual or auditory percepts which then appear as reality.
Echocardiographic myocardial deformation evaluation of right ventricular function in comparison with CMRI in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a cross-sectional and longitudinal validation study.

Background Decreased right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) increases morbidity in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the accepted reference standard for RV EF measurement. There are no established color Doppler tissue imaging (cDTI) values that identify decreased RV EF in rToF. We sought to assess accuracy of cDTI myocardial deformation and velocity indices in predicting CMR-derived RV EF. Methods Retrospective evaluation of CMR and echocardiography studies performed on the same day. cDTI-derived peak systolic velocity (pkS), isovolumic acceleration (IVA) of the tricuspid valve annulus, strain (e) and strain rate (SR) of the RV free wall, adjusted for age, volume and pressure overload were used to compute RV EF. The probability of correctly classifying CMR measured RV EF <45% was estimated by logistic regression analysis. The accuracy of the model was tested on 10 prospective patients. Results Sixty matched echocardiographic and CMR studies were analyzed. None of the individual cDTI parameters could reliably identify patients with CMR-derived decreased RV EF. However, when adjusted for age in a logistic model: Y = −0.5 − 0.07 × age + 0.016 × e + 0.46 × pkS, where Y is the logit (log odds), patients with RV EF <45% were identified with 86% sensitivity, 93.5% specificity. Prospective application of this model correctly identified all subjects with RV EF <45%. Conclusion The age-adjusted logistic model and not individual parameters, derived from cDTI-derived pkS, and e can reliably identify patients with decreased RV EF <45%.
Lessons learned from a pilot study on the health status of children from itinerant populations.

Abstract The pilot study is used to guide development of a research design or to test an already developed plan; however, results of pilot work often are not reported. Pilot work can yield many valuable lessons and provide investigative training to the principal investigator and as well as evidence to funding agencies that the research is feasible and worthwhile. The pilot study described here is preliminary work on health disparities in two itinerant populations: carnival and migrant farmworker children. This pilot study had three aims: (a) identify the most productive methods to recruit subjects from these two “invisible” populations; (b) test feasibility of the research protocol; and (c) collect preliminary data on the children’s health status for future research proposals.
Stability of Isolated Chloroplast Preparations and its Effect on Hill Reaction Measurements.

Since the time of the discovery and the first characterization of the Hill reaction (13, 14) there have been many subsequent studies of this process. As might have been expected, the results obtained in these different studies are rather contradictory, so much so that it is not clear what the characteristics of the Hill reaction are. This point is well illustrated in the complete review of the older Hill reaction work found in Rabinowitch (30). From a preliminary consideration of this problem (26) it seemed possible that the contradictions in the literature were due to the use of intact chloroplasts by some workers and fragmented chloroplasts by others. The results obtained in this study have made it clear, however, that the observed properties of a chloroplast preparation are strongly influenced by a number of factors such as the stability of the material, the species plant from which the chloroplasts were isolated and its physiological condition, and the time needed to make a measurement, to name but a few. Additional complications have been introduced by the recent finding that phosphorylation can be an integral part of the Hill reaction (2). The purpose of this paper is to fit together the pieces of this puzzle, insofar as possible, and show that one description of the Hill reaction will suffice to explain the results obtained in different studies.
Criteria that discriminate between native proteins and incorrectly folded models.

Various theoretical concepts, such as free energy potentials, electrostatic interaction potentials, atomic packing, solvent-exposed surface, and surface charge distribution, were tested for their ability to discriminate between native proteins and misfolded protein models. Misfolded models were constructed by introducing incorrect side chains onto polypeptide backbones: side chains of the alpha-helical hemerythrin were modeled on the beta-sheeted backbone of immunoglobulin VL domain, whereas those of the VL domain were similarly modeled on the hemerythrin backbone. CONGEN, a conformational space sampling program, was used to construct the side chains, in contrast to the previous work, where incorrect side chains were modeled in all trans conformations. Capability of the conformational search procedure to reproduce native conformations was gauged first by rebuilding (the correct) side chains in hemerythrin and the VL domain: constructs with r.m.s. differences from the x-ray side chains 2.2-2.4 A were produced, and many calculated conformations matched the native ones quite well. Incorrectly folded models were then constructed by the same conformational protocol applied to incorrect amino acid sequences. All CONGEN constructs, both correctly and incorrectly folded, were characterized by exceptionally small molecular surfaces and low potential energies. Surface charge density, atomic packing, and Coulomb formula-based electrostatic interactions of the misfolded structures and the correctly folded proteins were similar, and therefore of little interest for diagnosing incorrect folds. The following criteria clearly favored the native structures over the misfolded ones: 1) solvent-exposed side-chain nonpolar surface, 2) number of buried ionizable groups, and 3) empirical free energy functions that incorporate solvent effects.
Sexual Subjectivity: A Semiotic Analysis of Girlhood, Sex, and Sexuality in the Film Juno

Historical approaches to girlhood provide a basis for understanding changing cultural ideologies of sex, sexuality, and youth. While situating sexual desire, biological possibilities, and social responses to girls’ engagement in sexual intercourse at the center of its plot, the film Juno depicts the transgressive sexual agency of a young girl without substantially disrupting longstanding discourses of femininity. Through an analysis of the semiotics of girlhood within the film, I argue that the girl figure in this representation signifies an amalgam of two traditionally dichotomized conceptions of “femininity.” Juno serves as a particularly intriguing example of the ways in which adolescent female sexuality is conceptualized within popular western culture during the early part of the 21st century.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTELLIGENT PRODUCT DESIGN SYSTEM: INTEGRATION STRATEGIES

Conventional computer-aided design (CAD) packages have drastically reduced the workload of the human designer and shortened the product design cycle. However, the degree of effort and volume of information required to use these tools limit their use to the later stages of design. Intelligent computer-aided design (ICAD) systems have sought to provide a more complete design tool to assist the designer in all phases of design. ICAD systems incorporate conventional CAD elements as well as knowledge engineering constructs. The level of integration between different components of an ICAD system determines its usefulness. Most commercial intelligent CAD packages are tied to a specific set of CAD tools, restricting their application domains. This dependence on specific software tools can be reduced by using general purpose modules to interface with available CAD packages. This paper discusses a method of introducing knowledge engineering technology to help develop an advanced intelligent product design system by...
Synthesis and electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide/maghemite composite anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) tethered with maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) was synthesized using a novel modified sol–gel process, where sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was introduced into the suspension to prevent the undesirable formation of an iron oxide 3D network. Thus, nearly monodispersed and homogeneously distributed γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles could be obtained on surface of graphene sheets. The utilized thermal treatment process did not require a reducing agent for reduction of graphene oxide. The morphology and structure of the composites were investigated using various characterization techniques. As-prepared rGO/Fe2O3 composites were utilized as anodes for half lithium ion cells. The 40 wt.%-rGO/Fe2O3 composite exhibited high reversible capacity of 690 mA h g−1 at current density of 500 mA g−1 and good stability for over 100 cycles, in contrast with that of the pure-Fe2O3 nanoparticles which demonstrated rapid degradation to 224 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles. Furthermore, the composite showed good rate capability of 280 mA h g−1 at 10C (∼10,000 mA g−1). These characteristics could be mainly attributed to both the use of an effective binder, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and the specific hybrid structures that prevent agglomeration of nanoparticles and provide buffering spaces needed for volume changes of nanoparticles during insertion/extraction of Li ions.
Production of live offspring with predicted genotypes using PCR-RFLP analysis of polar bodies from mouse oocytes

Accurate identification of genotypes in gametes and early embryos could facilitate the efficient production of offspring with desirable traits. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing offspring with predictable genotypes from micromanipulated mouse oocytes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify genes in the IA subregion of the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse. The validity of the approach was demonstrated in experiment 1 with IA haplo-types of unfertilized mouse ova amplified via PCR and distinguished by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. In experiment 2, fertilized oocytes were micromanipulated to remove the first and second polar bodies, which were then genotyped by validated PCR-RFLP procedures. Primary oocytes of heterozygous females contain two copies of each of the different alleles. Following meiosis I and II, the genotype of the ovum was predicted by subtracting the alleles observed in micromanipulated polar body samples. Sixty-two fertilized ova were micromanipulated and transferred to recipient females resulting in 27 live offspring (44%). The correct maternal contribution to the embryonic genotype was predicted in 19 of 27 (71%) offspring as confirmed by PCR-RFLP analysis of DNA from pup tails. Predicted genotypes of two pups were not confirmed (7%), whereas no prediction could be made in six cases (22%). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Curricular factors associated with medical students' practice of the skin cancer examination: An educational enhancement initiative by the integrated skin exam consortium

Importance As medical school curricula become progressively integrated, a need exists to optimize education related to the skin cancer examination (SCE) for melanoma, a relevant competency gap that influences secondary prevention efforts. Objectives To identify curricular factors associated with medical students’ confidence, intent, and performance regarding the SCE. Design, Setting, and Participants Survey-based cross-sectional study from the Integrated Skin Exam Consortium at accredited US medical schools among a volunteer sample of second-year students representing 8 geographically varied public and private institutions. Students were administered a questionnaire to assess characteristics, curricular exposures, and educational and practical experiences related to skin cancer, as well as knowledge of melanoma risk and a detection method. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were confidence in performing the SCE, intent to perform an integrated skin examination, and actual performance of the SCE. Results Physical diagnosis session and clinical encounter were most predictive of confidence in performance of the SCE (odds ratios [ORs], 15.35 and 11.48, respectively). Other curricular factors associated with confidence included instruction time of at least 60 minutes on skin cancer (OR, 6.35), lecture on the SCE (OR, 7.54), knowledge of melanoma risk (OR, 3.71), and at least 1 opportunity to observe the SCE (OR, 2.70). Physical diagnosis session and at least 4 opportunities to observe the SCE were most predictive of intent to perform an integrated skin examination (ORs, 4.84 and 4.72, respectively). Other curricular factors associated with intent included knowledge of melanoma risk (OR, 1.83), clinical encounter (OR, 2.39), and at least 1 opportunity to observe the SCE (OR, 1.95). Clinical encounter, physical diagnosis session, and at least 1 opportunity to observe the SCE were most predictive of performance of the SCE (ORs, 21.67, 15.48, and 9.92, respectively). Other curricular factors associated with performance included instruction time of at least 60 minutes on skin cancer (OR, 2.42) and lecture on the SCE (OR, 5.04). Conclusions and Relevance To augment the practice of the SCE among medical students, course directors may design an integrated curriculum that includes at least 60 minutes of instruction related to melanoma and the SCE, a description of the integrated skin examination as part of the physical diagnosis course, and education on high-risk demographic groups and anatomic sites specific to men and women and on the ABCDEs of melanoma, and at least 1 opportunity to observe the SCE.
Effect of Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on the Geotropic and Phototropic Responses of the Oat Coleoptile

OUR interest in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is in its influence on growth inhibition as a ‘weed killer’, rather than its role directly in growth promotion or stimulation at the more physiological concentrations. Also, it should be pointed out that at high concentrations 2,4-D does not inhibit the growth of the coleoptiles of whole, intact Avena seedling1, such as is the case for coleoptile sections2.
Quantification of Bubbles Formed in Animals and Man During Decompression

Bubbles that form in the tissues and bloodstreams of animals and humans undergoing a compression/decompression sequence are considered precursors to symptoms of decompression sickness. A prevalent method used to monitor these bubbles is to ensonify the pulmonary artery or inferior vena cava with ultrasound and listen for Doppler shifted signals in the reflected and scattered sound.
In Situ Optical Studies of Flow-Induced Orientation in a Two-Dimensional Polymer Solution

The orientation dynamics of polymers in constrained geometries is considered through studies of monolayer films at the air−water interface. Here, in situ optical techniques are employed to probe flow orientation in monolayers of phthalocyaninatopolysiloxane dispersed in either docosanoic acid, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine, or arachidyl alcohol. Compression of the polymer monolayer creates alignment perpendicular to the compression direction. A well-defined extensional flow is imposed in the monolayer to study the dynamics of flow-induced anisotropy. The orientation process obeys a strain-scaling law, indicating the absence of relaxation on the time scale of the flow.
Simultaneous quantification of cyclosporin A and its major metabolites by time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry utilizing data analysis techniques: Comparison with high‐performance liquid chromatography

Simultaneous quantification of cyclosporin A (CsA) and its major metabolite (AM1) in blood has been achieved using time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS). Previous investigations indicated that spectral interferences exist in the analysis of CsA blood samples by the above methods. In TOF-SIMS, interference is caused by overlap of the Ag-cationized internal standard, cyclosporin D (CsD), with the Ag-cationized metabolite, AM1. To resolve this interference and obtain quantitative information, cross-correlation analysis was applied to the TOF-SIMS data. Application of damped non-linear least squares curve-fitting was carried out to resolve an interference in the MALDI/TOF-MS data due to multiple cationization products (i.e. Na and K). Measurement of standard samples indicates that the minimum accuracy (95% confidence level) of the TOF-SIMS method was better than 9% for CsA and 13% for AM1 using only one standard curve'. Similarly, the minimum accuracy of the MALDI/TOF-MS method was determined to be 14% for CsA and better than 25% for AM1. Blood samples obtained from transplant patients receiving CsA were analyzed by polyclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and by both TOF-MS methods. Both TOF-MS results for CsA and mono-hydroxylated CsA are in good agreement with the HPLC results.
Sowing date and nitrogen rate effects on dry matter and nitrogen partitioning in bread and durum wheat

Abstract Grain yield and protein in bread and durum wheat are determined by the plant efficiencies in partitioning dry matter (harvest index, HI) and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) to the grain. Responses of HI and NHI to two rates of preplant N supply (105 and 170 kg N ha −1 ) were characterized for nine bread and five durum wheat genotypes along with a triticale genotype in three sowing dates. Genotype×N input interaction was significant for several characters in early sowing (26 October 1993), for shoot biomass at anthesis, grain yield, and straw yield in optimum sowing (6 December 1993), and for grain yield in late sowing (5 February 1993). Although plants removed more N from the soil in early than in optimum sowing, mean HI and NHI in the former, 38.5 and 66.3%, were lower than those in the latter, 45.5 and 71.2, respectively. On average, plants lost more N from anthesis to maturity at early (16 kg ha −1 ) than at optimum sowing date (6 kg ha −1 ). Mean HI and NHI in optimum and late sowing dates were similar, but mean grain yield in the former (4.9 t ha −1 ) was greater than that in the latter (4.0 t ha −1 ). The high rate of N supply reduced mean HI and NHI at all sowing dates. Mean HI and NHI were highly positively correlated ( r =0.89). Depending upon sowing date and N input, negative significant correlation was found between grain yield and N concentration ranging from −0.59 to −0.66. Grain yield and shoot biomass at anthesis were highly correlated ( r =0.74), indicating the importance of preanthesis assimilated carbohydrates in grain filling in most genotypes. Mean postanthesis N accumulation by plants was relatively small, indicating that most of grain N was translocated from preanthesis assimilated N. A substantial amount of N remained in the straw. Despite substantial genotypic variation, only a few genotypes had mean grain yield, grain N concentration, HI, and NHI greater than the overall mean. Wheat germplasm is needed that can easily accumulate N before and after anthesis and efficiently translocate it to the grain with a minimum of N loss from plants after anthesis. Further improvement in N uptake and partitioning should be undertaken in wheat under low N input.
Patient Decision Aids for Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature†‡§

Treatment decision-making can be difficult and complex for patients with low-risk prostate cancer. To the authors' knowledge, there is no consensus regarding an optimal treatment strategy and the choice of therapy involves tradeoffs between differing harms and benefits that are sensitive to patient values. In such situations, patients are often asked to participate actively in the decision-making process, and high-quality decisions require a well-informed patient whose values and preferences have been taken into consideration. Prior studies have indicated that patients have poor knowledge and unrealistic expectations regarding treatment, and physician judgments concerning patient preferences are often inaccurate. Decision aids (DAs) have been developed to help inform patients with low-risk prostate cancer about treatment options and assist in the decision-making process; however, little is currently known regarding the effects of such programs in this population. Thirteen studies of DAs for patients with prostate cancer were reviewed and it was found that the use of DAs can improve knowledge, encourage more active patient involvement in decision-making, and decrease levels of anxiety and distress. The effect of DAs on treatment choice was less clear, although fewer patients chose surgery compared with historical controls, particularly in Europe. Further studies are needed to determine how best to implement DAs into practice, and whether they improve the consistency between patient preferences and treatment choice.
Methylazoxymethanol-induced micrencephaly in the brown Norway strain : behavior and brain weight

A single injection of 20 mg/kg methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) on gestational day 14 in Brown Norway rats produced micrencephalic offspring (whole brain approximately equal to 65% of control). Despite the micrencephaly, MAM-induced alterations in behavior assessed here were relatively mild. The MAM-treated rats exhibited increased activity under darkened conditions in a complex maze and marginally increased activity after a challenge of methamphetamine. Open field activity, running wheel activity, and emergence behavior using a light/dark apparatus were not significantly affected. Compared with a similar study of Sprague-Dawley micrencephalics [Ferguson S.A., Racey F.D., Paule M.G. and Holson R.R. (1993) Behavioral effects of methyloxymethanol-induced microencephaly. Behav. Neurosci. 107, 1-101], frontal cortex and striatum weights were more reduced in Brown Norway micrencephalics. The MAM-induced behavioral alterations in the Brown Norway strain may have appeared attenuated compared to alterations shown by MAM-treated Sprague-Dawley rats due to differences in baseline between these two strains. Compared to control Sprague-Dawley rats in the previous study, control Brown Norway rats were more active in the open field and running wheels, but less active in the complex maze, exhibiting little to no learning. Emergence tests indicated increased dark preference in Brown Norway rats. Baseline behavior (increased activity and light shyness) of control Brown Norway rats was similar to that of MAM-treated Sprague-Dawley rats; a potential confound in the detection of behavioral effects of a compound. These findings emphasize the effects that strain selection may have on the outcome and interpretation of toxicological/teratological studies.
VAUCHERIAE OF NORTH CAROLINA. I. MARINE AND BRACKISH WATER SPECIES1

SUMMARY Marine Vaucheriae of North Carolina were investigated in the field and in culture for 4 years. Of the 11 species collected, 4 are new records for North Carolina and 2 are previously unreported species. A new section is established, Acrandrae, to contain Vaucheria acrandra sp. nov. and Vaucheria adela sp. nov. The diagnostic character of the new section is the production of androphores directly from the terminal portion of the main filament rather than from a special cell produced laterally on the filament as in the section Androphorae.
Error Analysis Of Phase Resolution Methods For Elimination Of Quenching Effects In Luminescence Spectroscopy

Earlier we described two methods of reducing quenching effects in analytical luminescence measurements based on phase resolved spectroscopy (PRS). These methods are a form of time resolution based on the amplitudes and the phase shifts of modulated signals. In Method 1 the signal is modulated at a high frequency, and the ac signal is essentially independent of the degree of sample quenching. Method 2 simultaneously measures the modulated amplitude and the phase shift between the emission and the excitation; from these data one can correct the signal to that of the unquenched sample. A procedure is given for calculating the precision and accuracy of both methods for different noise levels and degrees of sample quenching. The merits of both methods are discussed. Method 1 is shown to have a lower noise level than Method 2, but suffers from systematic errors especially at low modulation frequencies. Method 2 is superior if lower modulation frequencies must be used and computational complexity and speed of response are less critical.
HITIQA: towards analytical question answering

In this paper we describe the analytic question answering system HITIQA (High-Quality Interactive Question Answering) which has been developed over the last 2 years as an advanced research tool for information analysts. HITIQA is an interactive open-domain question answering technology designed to allow analysts to pose complex exploratory questions in natural language and obtain relevant information units to prepare their briefing reports. The system uses novel data-driven semantics to conduct a clarification dialogue with the user that explores the scope and the context of the desired answer space. The system has undergone extensive hands-on evaluations by a group of intelligence analysts. This evaluation validated the overall approach in HITIQA but also exposed limitations of the current prototype.
Determination of the Piezospectroscopic Coefficients for Chromium‐Doped Sapphire

The coefficients of the piezospectroscopic tensor for a 0.05 wt% ruby are evaluated by direct measurement of the frequency shift for uniaxial compression along the three principal crystallographic directions and for loading in the three principal shear directions. Although the numerical value of the trace of the tensor is the same as previously reported, the piezospectroscopic coefficients along the c and m directions are slightly different. Contrary to expectation from the rotational symmetry of sapphire about the c axis, the coefficient along the a direction was found to be different from that along the m direction. It also varies nonlinearly with strain in the a direction. The difference is attributed to the applied stress breaking the rotational symmetry about the c axis and is interpreted in terms of the relative motion of the Cr 3+ ion with respect to the nearest-neighbor oxygen ions. An additional finding is that there is a significant difference in the piezospectroscopic tensor for the RI and R2 lines. This will facilitate a more complete determination of the stress tensor from fluorescence measurements than has hitherto been possible
Order at the Edge of Chaos: Meanings from Netdom Switchings Across Functional Systems*

The great German theorist Niklas Luhmann argued long ago that meaning is the central construct of sociology. We agree, but our scheme of stochastic processes—evolved over many years as identity and control—argues for switchings of intercalated bits of social network and interpretive domain (i.e., netdom switchings) as the core of meaning processes. We thus challenge Luhmann's central claim that modern society's subsystems are based on communicative self-closure. We assert that there is refuting evidence from sociolinguistics, from how languages are put together and how languages' indexical and reflexive devices (e.g., metapragmatics, heteroglossia, genres) are used in social action. Communication is about managing indexicalities, which entail great ambiguity and openness as they are anchored in myriad netdom switchings across social times and spreads. In contrast, Luhmann's concept of communication revolves around binary codes governed recursively and algorithmically within systems in efforts to reduce co...
Discrimination of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other upper respiratory tract streptococci by arbitrarily primed PCR.

Abstract Objectives: In the clinical laboratory, identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae can be confused with other streptococci. Conventional biochemical tests such as optochin sensitivity and bile solubility can give inconsistent results. This report presents a method to distinguish true S. pneumoniae from other upper respiratory tract streptococci when conventional tests fail. Design and Methods: We used arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction with the single primer M13 universal as a method to distinguish S. pneumoniae from other upper respiratory tract streptococci. Results: The fingerprint pattern of S. pneumoniae was established by amplifying DNA of S. pneumoniae type strains 1–48 and of other common upper respiratory tract streptococci at three different DNA concentrations with the single primer M13 universal. From these type strains, a common arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction pattern was identified characterized by two predominant bands of equal intensity at 800 base pairs and at 1100 base pairs. Fingerprint patterns of viridans streptococci were easily distinguishable from those of S. pneumoniae . Many of the clinical isolates used in this study were equivocal by conventional tests but were distinguishable by their fingerprint patterns. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the fingerprint pattern of S. pneumoniae is species specific and distinguishes true S. pneumoniae of clinical isolates from other streptococci when conventional biochemical tests are unclear.
Commuting and Congestion: A Simulation Model of a Decentralized Metropolitan Area

In this paper, a simulation model of commuting behavior in a metropolitan area with decentralized employment and congestion is developed. The model is used to explore the linkage between the dispersed land use patterns in U.S. cities and long commuting journeys which cause congestion and air pollution. The results show that increasing the number of suburban subcenters in a metropolitan area could reduce commuting by 15% to 50%. However, only about one quarter of total urban travel is for commuting. Therefore the reduction in total urban travel that could be expected to result from even drastic policy measures to decentralize employment would probably be low—perhaps as small as 5%. Data are also presented giving private versus social costs of commuting per mile in central cities and suburbs.
Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics for a New Hole-Pattern Annular Gas Seal Design Incorporating Larger Diameter Holes

To reduce manufacturing cost and time, a new larger-diameter hole-pattern seal incorporating hole diameters of 12.27 mm, versus prior hole diameters of 3.175 mm has been proposed. The 12.27 mm hole-diameter seal had substantially better stability performance with higher effective damping and a markedly lower cross-over frequency. It had negative direct stiffness coefficients at low frequency, while the 3.175 mm hole-diameter seal did not.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Acculturating to the Role of Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: A Family Systems Approach to Joining the Academy

The trajectory toward tenure is complex and arduous, and it requires one to balance attention among diverse and competing demands. It is not surprising that many newly appointed assistant professors report struggling with this process. Borrowing from family and ecological systems theories, we proffer a framework that may help junior faculty members—defined in this article as tenure-earning assistant professors—learn about the tenure-earning process as they navigate through the university system and beyond. We also describe and clarify the many parts of the tenure-earning process, including the roles, responsibilities, and multiple contexts that must be considered concurrently by junior faculty members as they progress through the stages of their tenure-earning appointment in the academy.
Early diagnosis of orthopedic implant failure using macromolecular imaging agents.

Purpose To develop and evaluate diagnostic tools for early detection of wear particle-induced orthopaedic implant loosening.
Ignition of co-axial turbulent diffusion oxy-coal jet flames: Experiments and simulations collaboration

Abstract The primary purpose of the study is to obtain physical insight into the stability of an oxy-coal flame as a function of changing primary gas composition ( CO 2 and O 2 ). Flame stability was measured by Zhang et al. using optical measurements of the flame stand-off distance in a 40 kW pilot facility. Large Eddy Simulations (LESs) of the facility were performed using a multi-scale simulation tool and provide additional insight into the experimentally observed data. The importance of factors such as heterogeneous reactions, radiation or wall temperature can be better understood thanks to simulations. The effects of three parameters on the flame stand-off distance were studied. Simulation predictions were compared to experimental data using the data collaboration method. Overall, this study shows that high-fidelity LES simulations combined with experimental data can yield a deeper understanding of very complex coal flames, indicate where experimental uncertainties lie and be a valuable tool for design, retrofit and scale-up of oxy-coal burners.
Vulnerability of cerebellar development in malnutrition-I. Quantitation of layer volume and neuron numbers.

Abstract The volumes of the cerebellar layers and numerical relationships, between granule cells and Purkinje cells, were analyzed following developmental malnutrition for differences in cerebellar changes between male and female rats. Control and protein-deficient diets were administered during pregestation, gestation, lactation and to offspring from weaning until death at 60 days of age. Volume of the granular, molecular and myelinated layers and the area of the Purkinje cell layer were determined from area and length measurements on serial sections. Density of granule and Purkinje cells was quantitated and used with granular layer volume and area of the Purkinje cell layer, respectively, for defining total cell numbers of each cell type. Although the wet weight of the cerebellum was not different between male or female deficient groups, the volume of the entire cerebellum, as well as its layers, was reduced more in the deficient female group than the deficient males. This difference between the two types of preparations was attributed to larger interfolial spaces in the deficient female group, presumably due to overall brain volume displacement within a cranial cavity space having the same size. The most striking difference between sexes was seen in the volume of the molecular layer where deprived females had a nearly 30% reduction as compared to their controls. The granular layer was decreased twice as much in the deficient females as in the deficient males. The largest volume change but least difference between sexes was in the myelinated layer. The reduction in granule cell number was reflected in a decreased granular layer volume rather than granular cell density. Granule cells were reduced by 20% in deficient females and 10% in deficient males but the number of Purkinje cells was constant between all groups. The result was a major shift in the ratio of granule cells to Purkinje cells for the deficient female group and a small change in ratio for the deficient male group. The reason for the more marked effect of malnutrition on the female could not be determined from this experimental paradigm, although much of the difference may be the result of behavior in competitive feeding during lactation.