cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sharks and rays of Virginia’s seaside bays

Seven sharks (Carcharias taurus, Mustelus canis, Negaprion brevirostris, Carchar hinus milberti, Sphyrna zygaena, Squalus acanthias, andSquatina dumerili) and six batoids (Raja eglanteria, Dasyatis centroura, D. sayi, Gymnura altavela, G. micrura, andRhinoptera bonasus) are reported from the Seaside of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.Mustelus canis may be the most common Seaside shark, but youngCarchar hinus milberti are common enough to support a small commercial fishery, and the remainder of the species are not uncommon.Negaprion brevirostris is reported for the first time from Virginia; four males taken from the Wachapreague area in 1961. Deep channels and lack of a salinity barrier may explain what seems to be a rich Seaside elasmobranch fauna. The shark fauna seems more closely related to the outer coasts of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey than to Chesapeake Bay, although more collections in the lower bay are needed.
Long‐living collective optical excitations in a linear chain of microspheres

We consider propagation of optical modes in the chain of identical spheres. Optical coupling between whispering gallery modes of individual spheres result in formation of bands supporting propagation of optical excitations along the chain. Most of these bands, however, overlap resulting in strong inter-band mixing effects, which significantly influence both dispersions and radiative losses of the respective modes. We develop a general theory of these effects for the cases of weak inter-band mixing, and discuss its results in the context of recent experiments. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphological integration of fluctuating asymmetry in the mouse mandible

Morphological integration of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was assessed for nine mandibular characters in random-bred house mice to test the hypothesis that there should be a significant integration or concordance of FAs at the population level, but not at the individual level. FA estimates for each of the nine characters were made for each of 16 subpopulations (two replicates each for mice varying in sex and age) and their correlations indicated a moderate level of integration (index of integration = 0.42). A matrix permutation test of the differences of the correlations within two (‘incisor’ and ‘muscle’) developmentally different character groups versus correlations between groups was significant, indicating the presence of morphological integration.Kendall’s coefficient of concordance also indicated a significant population asymmetry parameter for FAs within the two character groups. Correlations among individual FA estimates were generally lower than those calculated from subpopulations, the index of integration being 0.21. The matrix permutation test failed to show significant morphological integration among individual FAs, but Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was significant, indicating the presence of an ’individual asymmetry parameter’ among the nine characters. Principal components analysis and canonical correlation analysis confirmed the overall higher level of integration of FAs among the subpopulations and within the two character groupings.
Structure, 5'-flanking sequence, and chromosome location of the human N-formyl peptide receptor gene. A single-copy gene comprised of two exons on chromosome 19q.13.3 that yields two distinct transcripts by alternative polyadenylation

The N-formyl peptide chemoattractant receptor (fMLF-R) is a cell-surface, G-protein-coupled glycoprotein that mediates the directed locomotion of neutrophils upon binding N-formylated peptides. The fMLF-R is encoded primarily by a 1.6-kb mRNA in differentiated HL-60 and U937 cells, although larger less abundant transcripts are present. To study the origin of different fMLF-R transcripts, the genetic linkage of chemotactic receptor genes, and the regulation of fMLF-R gene expression, we determined the copy number, chromosomal location, structural organization, and 5'-flanking sequence of the human fMLF-R gene. BamHI restriction fragments derived from a human fMLF-R genomic cosmid clone were isolated, subcloned, and sequenced. These data indicate that the fMLF-R structural gene is approximately 7.5 kb in length and is comprised of two exons separated by an approximately 5.0-kb intron. The first exon encodes 66 bp of the 5'-untranslated sequence, while exon 2 encodes the coding and 3'-untranslated sequences. The genomic organization of the fMLF-R gene is similar to that of the adrenergic beta-1 and beta-2 G-protein-coupled receptor genes in that the coding sequence is contained in a single exon. The different 3'-untranslated sequences observed in fMLF-R cDNA clones are contiguous in the genomic structure, thereby indicating that these clones are derived in part by alternative polyadenylation. Southern blot analysis using human X hamster somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization indicated that the h-fMLF-R gene is located on chromosome 19q13.3. Primer extension experiments using dbcAMP-differentiated U937 RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site. Sequence analysis 5' of the transcriptional initiation site indicated possible cis-acting motifs that may regulate fMLF-R gene expression. These included AP-1 and CK-2 consensus sequences that bind nuclear factors of the Fos/Jun family and NF-GMb, respectively.
Nonobstructive renal causes of flank pain: findings on noncontrast helical CT (CT KUB).

Depending on the experience and clinical acumen of the referring physician, 25-60% of patients with flank pain who are referred for noncontrast helical computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen (CT KUB) prove to have an obstructing stone. In our institution, with many different emergency physicians and house staff requesting imaging examinations, the yield of obstructing ureteral stones is approximately one in four patients. Of the remainder, 20-35% have a nonurinary cause of pain, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, unsuspected bowel obstruction, or twisted ovarian cyst, demonstrated on the CT KUB. In approximately 50% of our patients, CT KUB does not furnish an explanation for the patients' symptoms. In this article, we present a spectrum of genitourinary tract surprises discovered in patients presenting to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Clinic with flank pain, with or without hematuria. These masquerades of stone colic are based on one institution's experience from January 1995, when we abandoned intravenous urography for flank pain, to September 2001. Practical lessons learned along the way may help the reader get it right when unexpected imaging findings are encountered. For almost all such cases, contrast-enhanced CT should be performed to pursue the diagnosis.
Asian flus in ethnographic and political context: A biosocial approach

This collection highlights some of the social, cultural, political and economic factors that must be considered in developing a biosocial approach to pandemic influenza control and prevention. To date, most discussions of the current spread of avian influenza and a predicted human influenza pandemic have lacked rigorous analysis of the local contexts in which flus arise and in which the effects of a pandemic would most strongly be felt. Such local engagement is necessary to the development of an effective and ethical programme of epidemic control. The papers in this special issue take a step towards filling this gap by exploring the local moral worlds associated with avian influenza in China, Indonesia and Thailand.
The 1st Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference: A Supplemental Report

Purpose – To report on the 1st Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference held in March 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.Findings – The ER&L conference is the first step to building an shared understanding about the unique medium of electronic resources and management and developing a supportive community for dissemination of basic practices and latest developments in the field.Originality/value – A conference report of interest to information management professionals, especially those involved with electronic resources.
Absolute Quantitation of Diffusion Constants in Human Stroke

Background and Purpose Animal studies have shown that MR diffusion imaging can outline acute ischemic regions before irreversible damage (infarction) occurs. To study evolution of ischemic lesions in humans, it is therefore important to quantify absolute diffusion constants ( D values), but quantitation has not been reproducible among different clinics. These problems are explained, and a method for reproducible quantitation is suggested. Methods Diffusion-weighted and absolute diffusion images were acquired, and the absolute apparent diffusion constants in three orthogonal spatial directions ( D xx , D yy , and D zz ) were measured. These were combined to calculate images of the orientation-independent apparent diffusion parameter D av =1/3 Trace{D}=1/3( D xx + D yy + D zz ). Values of the individual diffusion constants and D av were evaluated in 6 patients and 6 normal volunteers. Results Patient data show that comparison of diffusion constants between contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres after ischemia may give results varying by more than 100% depending on orientation. Findings in normal-appearing regions containing a mixture of gray and white matter in patients (n=5) and in normal volunteers (n=6) show that D av =(0.92±0.11)×10–3 mm2/s, with a small intersubject variation, whereas D xx , D yy , and D zz vary strongly. Hemispheric ratios (ipsilateral/contralateral [I/C]) in these subjects were (I/C) D av =1.00±0.05, (I/C) D xx =1.02±0.15, (I/C) D yy =1.07±0.24, and (I/C) D zz =0.96±0.28. The individual subjects in this group all had an (I/C) D av within 10% of unity, while the other three ratios showed intersubject variations as large as 100%. Conclusions (I/C) D av ratios are a reliable means to quantitate changes in absolute diffusion constants for the study of stroke evolution independent of tissue orientation, gradient orientation, and diffusion time. The use of these ratios will enable reproducible intersubject and interclinic quantitation.
Composition and structure of boron nitride films deposited by chemical vapor deposition from borazine

The composition and structure of boron nitride films prepared by thermal and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using borazine as a precursor have been studied. Thermal CVD at temperatures between 475 and 550 °C using either a hot‐wall or cold‐wall reactor results in amorphous boron‐rich films of approximate composition BN0.67. Plasma enhanced CVD consistently gives films of 1:1 boron to nitrogen stoichiometry, but the hydrogen content of films deposited below 300 °C is so high that the films react with atmospheric moisture. Optimum conditions for the growth of stoichiometric BN with relatively low hydrogen content were found to be low plasma power, hydrogen–borazine gas mixtures, and a substrate temperature of 550 °C. Films deposited under these conditions are mixtures of poorly crystalline hexagonal and cubic boron nitride.
Neuroimaging-genetic paradigms: a new approach to investigate the pathophysiology and treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.

Cognitive impairment is a prominent and debilitating feature of schizophrenia. Genetic predisposition likely accounts for a large proportion of these cognitive deficits. Direct associations between candidate genes and cognitive dysfunction have been difficult to establish, however, largely due to the subtle effects of these genes on observable behavior. Neuroimaging techniques can provide a sensitive means to bridge the neurobiology of genes and behavior. Here we illustrate the use of neuroimaging-genetics paradigms to elaborate the relationship between genes and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. After reviewing principles important for the selection of genes, neuroimaging techniques, and subjects, we describe how imaging-genetics investigations have helped clarify the contribution of five candidate genes (COMT, GRM3, G72, DISC1, and BDNF) to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The potential of this approach for improving patient care will depend on its ability to predict outcomes with greater accu...
Exploring design concepts for sharing experiences through digital photography

In this research, we aim to explore meaningful design directions for future photography applications with a focus on the experiences around sharing. We review a wide-rage of photo-related applications, extracting emerging patterns of different photo-related interactions to inform a framework for their discussion. We extract two themes from the first stage of our analysis: contextual annotation and tangible representation, and then examine interesting application ideas around those themes. We categorize design ideas into four groups: augmentation of photo taking, editing as creating new memories, building new social networks through photo sharing, and tangible representation to mediate intimacy. Finally, we present user reactions to our design ideas. In addition to providing a framework for describing different photography applications, this work provides an example of an integrative approach to designing new sharing experiences through digital photography.
Pharmacological characterization of α1-adrenoceptors in porcine uterine artery

Abstract This study was undertaken to ascertain if changes in the affinity to α 1 -adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists could explain the increase in uterine artery vasoconstriction to adrenergic stimuli during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in pigs. We also sought to determine the subtype(s) of adrenoceptor ( α 1A and α 1B ) in the porcine uterine artery. When phenylephrine was the agonist, uterine artery p A 2 values for prazosin were 8.98, 9.04 and 9.10 in the luteal and follicular phases and in early pregnancy, respectively. The K A (dissociation constant) values for phenylephrine were 6.5, 3.7 and 4.4 (μM) in the luteal and follicular phases and in early pregnancy, respectively. The use of the putative α 1A -adrenoceptor WB4101 (2-[[[2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]methyl]-1,4-benzodioxane) and the α 1B -adrenoceptor antagonist chloroethylclonidine indicated that both α 1A - and α 1B -adrenoceptors are present in the porcine uterine artery and that a similar magnitude of inhibition of responses to noradrenaline by each of the antagonists occurred in arteries from the luteal and follicular phases and in early pregnancy. This suggests that the α 1A : α 1B adrenoceptor ratio does not vary significantly during the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy. This study indicates that porcine uterine artery α 1 -adrenoceptor affinity is similar in the luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle and in early pregnancy.
On politics and aesthetics: A case study of ‘Public Secrets’ and ‘Blood Sugar’

ABSTRACTThis article presents an in-depth, theorized discussion of two database-driven new media documentaries, ‘Public Secrets’ (https://publicsecret.net) and ‘Blood Sugar’ (https://bloodandsugar.net) as case studies of hybrid forms of art, scholarship and activism. ‘Public Secrets’ and ‘Blood Sugar’ represent the first half of a series of works that are the result of a sustained collaboration with human rights organization, Justice Now, HEPPAC (the HIV Education and Prevention Program of Alameda County), eighteen homeless injection drug users, and twenty women incarcerated at the largest female correctional facility in the United States. For both of these groups, injection drug users living outside the norms of society in the shadow of the criminal justice system and women trapped inside the prison system, their recorded statements are acts of juridical and political testimony. ‘Public Secrets’ and ‘Blood Sugar’ bring their voices into dialogue with other, legal, political and social theorists. The arti...
First-order perturbation calculations for transition-metal atoms and ions.

We have calculated the total energy and s-d promotion energies of 3d-transition-metal atoms using a common set of orbitals but various expressions for the energy. These include Hartree-Fock (HF), local-spin-density-approximation (LSDA), and self-interaction-corrected (SIC) LSDA expressions. The orbitals were generated from a self-consistent, spherically averaged, local-density calculation. The results using the HF expression are in remarkably good agreement with self-consistent Hartree-Fock calculations both for the total energy and for the HF eigenvalues. Further, the LSDA underestimates the total correlation energy by roughly 30 eV, while the SIC calculation overestimates the correlation energy in calcium by \ensuremath{\sim}15 eV.
Plant effects on prey choice by a vespid wasp, Polistes arizonensis

. 1 The effects of sunflower, Helianthus annuus, and groundcherry, Physalis pubescens, eaten by the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), on predation by paper wasps (Polistes arizonensis) were examined. 2 Polistes arizonensis foragers took more caterpillars from H. annuus plants than P. pubescens in paired-choice tests. 3 They took longer to locate prey and apparently gave up searching faster on artificial plants mimicking P. pubescens than on artificial plants mimicking H. annuus. 4 In paired-choice tests for chemical effects, wasps chose more caterpillars within H. annuus odour than in P. pubescens odour. 5 They also chose more H. annuus-reared larvae than P. pubescens-reared larvae when they were presented without plants. Handling time was not affected.
Synthesis of 5‐deuteromethyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (thymidine‐α,α,α‐d3) and related compounds

Thymine-α,α,α-d3 (4) was synthesized from perdeuterated methyl iodide and pyrimidine-lithium. Thymidine-α,α,α-d3 (8) was then synthesized by coupling compound 4 with 1α-chloro-2-deoxy-3,5-bis(p-toluoyl)-α-D-ribofuranosyl chloride in the presence of Friedal-Crafts catalyst. Thymidine-α,α,α-d3 (8), a metabolic precursor of deoxyribonucleic acid, has potential application for study of human tissue growth kinetics in vivo using a sensitive deuterium micromapping technique.
First-Order Transition in Chromium at the Néel Temperature

A latent heat, hysteresis, and superheating and supercooling have been observed in a Cr single crystal by means of an extension of the ac calorimetric method.
Alcohol use and T-lymphocyte subsets among injection drug users with HIV-1 infection : A prospective analysis

Objectives. Alcohol use is known to alter immune function and has immunosuppressive effects that may modify T-lymphocyte subpopulations. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the relationship of alcohol use with the progression of immunodeficiency in human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1)-seropositive individuals, particularly injection drug users (IDUs). Methods. Using prospective data from a cohort of IDUs in a study of the natural history of HIV infection, we examined the relationship of alcohol use and changes in T-lymphocyte subsets. Among the 2921 IDUs followed semiannually in outpatient clinics, 188 were documented HIV-1 seroconverters with known time of seroconversion. At each visit, all study participants were interviewed, underwent physical examinations, and had blood drawn for laboratory studies. Alcohol use was measured by reported frequency and quantity of alcoholic beverages. Longitudinal analyses included data for up to 5 years postseroconversion. To formally test the association of alcohol use with change in levels of CD4 + and CD8 + cells subsequent to HIV seroconversion, regression models incorporating autocorrelation structure were applied. Results : Alcohol use was not appreciably related to age, gender, marital status, income, education, or the duration of intravenous drug use. CD4% decreased for all IDUs within the first 5 years after seroconversion, with no significant differences between alcohol categories. CD8% increased for all IDUs, with no significant differences by alcohol category within the first 2 years after seroconversion. However, between 2 to 5 years postseroconversion, there was a statistically significant increase among the heaviest drinkers : CD8% increased 6.9%/year [95% confidence interval (CI) : 4.7, 8.0] for the IDUs who reported >21 drinks/week, 24%/year (95% CI : 0.8, 4.0) for IDUs who drank 21 drinks/week or less, and 0.4% (95% CI : -2.1, 2.9) for abstainers. Similar results were obtained for CD4 and CD8 absolute counts. Conclusions : In this study population of IDUs, CD8% (but not CD4%) is associated with alcohol consumption early after HiV seroconversion. This is the first prospective study to date to assess the relationship of alcohol use with HIV progression from the time of HIV seroconversion among a cohort of IDUs. If confirmed in future investigations, the findings may have significant implications for prevention and early intervention programs aimed at inhibiting disease progression among HIV-positive IDUs.
A method for differentiating proteins from nucleic acids in intermediate-resolution density maps: cryo-electron microscopy defines the quaternary structure of the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome.

Abstract Background: This study addresses the general problem of dividing a density map of a nucleic-acid–protein complex obtained by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) or X-ray crystallography into its two components. When the resolution of the density map approaches ∼3 A it is generally possible to interpret its shape (i.e., the envelope obtained for a standard choice of threshold) in terms of molecular structure, and assign protein and nucleic acid elements on the basis of their known sequences. The interpretation of low-resolution maps in terms of proteins and nucleic acid elements of known structure is of increasing importance in the study of large macromolecular complexes, but such analyses are difficult. Results: Here we show that it is possible to separate proteins from nucleic acids in a cryo-EM density map, even at 11.5 A resolution. This is achieved by analysing the (continuous-valued) densities using the difference in scattering density between protein and nucleic acids, the contiguity constraints that the image of any nucleic acid molecule must obey, and the knowledge of the molecular volumes of all proteins. Conclusions: The new method, when applied to an 11.5 A cryo-EM map of the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome, reproduces boundary assignments between rRNA and proteins made from higher-resolution X-ray maps of the ribosomal subunits with a high degree of accuracy. Plausible predictions for the positions of as yet unassigned proteins and RNA components are also possible. One of the conclusions derived from this separation is that 23S rRNA is solely responsible for the catalysis of peptide bond formation. Application of the separation method to any nucleoprotein complex appears feasible.
Development and Evaluation of Soil Moisture-Based Seepage Irrigation Management for Water Use and Quality

A 2-year study was conducted at a seepage-irrigated vegetable farm in south Florida to develop and evaluate an improved, soil moisture-based irrigation management practice that could potentially re...
Gas expanded polymer process to anneal nanoparticle dispersion in thin films

Abstract Organic photovoltaic (OPV) active layers made by spin-coating a solution comprising poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) nanoparticles have been shown to adopt a non-uniform concentration profile across the thin film dimension. This inhomogeneous distribution can reduce the efficiency of the device. In the present work a new process, gas expanded polymer (GXP) annealing, is applied to P3HT/PCBM thin film blends, enabling the distribution of the PCBM nanoparticles to be manipulated by varying the GXP processing conditions. Films of 50 nm thickness (nominally) created by spin casting a blend of P3HT mixed with PCBM were annealed by oscillatory GXP and GXP at constant pressure using high pressure CO2. An increase in P3HT crystallinity (detected by X-ray diffraction and UV–vis spectroscopy) along with a more uniform distribution of PCBM nanoparticles in the thickness dimension, as interpreted from neutron reflectivity measurements, were observed after oscillatory GXP annealing. In addition, static water contact angles suggest that the film/air interface is enriched in PCBM relative to the as-cast film. These results demonstrate that GXP annealing, which is commercially scalable, can be successfully used to create a uniform distribution of PCBM nanoparticles across the thickness dimension in a P3HT thin film.
Enhanced cytotoxicity with methotrexate in conjunction with hypoxanthine in L1210 cells in culture.

By inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, methotrexate (MTX) depletes cellular stores of reduced folates, resulting in the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis. Inhibition of RNA synthesis arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, preventing these cells from entering S phase and rendering them insensitive to MTX. Because MTX cytotoxicity can be enhanced by concurrent administration of hypoxanthine (HX), we examined the hypothesis that this modulation can allow normal rates of RNA synthesis and cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. For L1210 cells exposed to MTX for 12 h or 24 h, the addition of HX enhanced the cytotoxicity of MTX; however, no enhancement was observed with a 6-h exposure. Inhibition of RNA synthesis by MTX was prevented by concurrent administration of HX. The effect of HX on cell cycle progression was first examined using flow cytometry, which indicated that MTX treatment alone or with concurrent HX caused a buildup of cells with aG1 content of DNA. Because this technique may fail to distinguish between cells in late G1 phase, the G1/S border, or early S, the method of premature chromosome condensation was used to determine cell cycle position based on chromatin morphology. A shift to a higher degree of chromatin decondensation was observed when HX was coadministered with MTX during a 12-h exposure, suggesting progression from G1 towards S. This correlated with the enhancement of MTX cytotoxicity by HX after 12 h exposure. The results of these studies suggest that HX potentiates MTX cytotoxicity by maintaining RNA synthesis, allowing cells that mightordinarily be arrested in G1 to progress into the cytotoxic S phase.
Resting-State Glutamate and GABA Concentrations Predict Task-Induced Deactivation in the Default Mode Network

Deactivation of the human brain's default mode network (DMN) is regarded as suppression of endogenous activity to support exogenous task-related processes. This phenomenon has important functional relevance and insufficient DMN deactivation has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the neurochemical mechanism of the DMN′s deactivation remains largely unknown. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that the major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA, respectively, are associated with DMN deactivation. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure neurotransmitter concentrations in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu), a key component of the DMN, and functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate DMN deactivation induced by an n-back working memory task. Our results demonstrate significant associations of glutamate and GABA with DMN deactivation. Specifically, high regional GABA concentration in the PCC/PCu area is associated with enhanced deactivation induced by the task in the same region, whereas high glutamate concentration is associated with reduced deactivation. Furthermore, the association between GABA and DMN deactivation increases with the cognitive loads. These neurochemical characteristics of DMN deactivation may provide novel insights toward better understanding of the DMN′s functions under normal physiological conditions and dysfunctions in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Accurate and efficient methods for the evaluation of vacuum-polarization potentials of order Z α and Z α 2

Rational approximations are presented for the second-order (Uehling) and fourth-order (K\"all\'en-Sabry) vacuum-polarization potentials in configuration space. These approximations may be applied to point-charge or finite-inducing-charge distributions. For the second-order potential, two approximations are given, with nominal accuracies of nine and four figures for the range $0\ensuremath{\le}r\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\infty}$. For the fourth-order potential, one approximation of about three-figure accuracy is given for the range $0\ensuremath{\le}r\ensuremath{\le}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{e}$.
Impact of Moving Scatterers on Vehicle-to-Vehicle Narrow-Band Channel Characteristics

A 3-D geometrical propagation model that includes both stationary and moving scatterers around the transmitter and the receiver for narrow-band multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) vehicle-to-vehicle (V-to-V) communications is proposed. Based on the geometrical model, a 3-D parametric reference model for narrow-band MIMO V-to-V multipath fading channels is developed. From the reference model, the corresponding space-time correlation function (ST-CF) and space-Doppler power spectral density (SD-PSD) are derived for a 3-D nonisotropic scattering environment. Finally, the theoretical results are compared with measured data in an urban surface street and Interstate highway road surfaces. The close agreement between the analytically and empirically obtained channel statistics confirms the utility of the proposed model and shows the importance of including moving scatterers in propagation models.
Local Scale Effects of Disease on Biodiversity

To date, ecologists and conservation biologists have focused much of their attention on the population and ecosystem effects of disease at regional scales and the role that diseases play in global species extinction. Far less research has been dedicated to identifying the effects that diseases can have on local scale species assemblages. We examined the role of infectious disease in structuring local biodiversity. Our intention was to illustrate how variable outcomes can occur by focusing on three case studies: the influence of chestnut blight on forest communities dominated by chestnut trees, the influence of red-spot disease on urchin barrens and kelp forests, and the influence of sylvatic plague on grassland communities inhabited by prairie dogs. Our findings reveal that at local scales infectious disease seems to play an important, though unpredictable, role in structuring species diversity. Through our case studies, we have shown that diseases can cause drastic population declines or local extirpations in keystone species, ecosystem engineers, and otherwise abundant species. These changes in local diversity may be very important, particularly when considered alongside potentially corresponding changes in community structure and function, and we believe that future efforts to understand the importance of disease to species diversity should have an increased focus on these local scales.
An automated procedure for the analysis of ammonia in blood.

Abstract An automated colorimetric method for the analysis of blood ammonia is described. A blood dialysate is allowed to react with sodium hypochlorite and sodium phenate in the presence of sodium ferrous nitritopentacyanide. Some possible sources of error have been investigated.
Interdependence as a Goal for Survival and Growth

Our separate journeys have been competitive, lonely, and long. With increased awareness, support groups, and alternatives, we can move toward interdependence, survival, and growth.
Outcomes research in surgical oncology.

Background: There have been significant developments and advances in the area of outcomes research in the past 25 years. Unfortunately, many surgical oncologists may not have a clear concept of outcomes research and the methodology involved.
Orientation of a hemipteran predator to vibrations produced by feeding caterpillars

Observations of search behavior in the predatory stinkbugPodisus maculiventris (Say) suggested that vibrations produced by prey as they chew on leaves may be an important cue used by this predator to locate prey. To test this hypothesis, studies were conducted to determine ifP. maculiventris search and make directional choices in response to vibrational stimuli produced by feeding green cloverworms,Plathypena scabra (F.), and to recordings of chewing vibrations. Modified soybean plants [Glycine max (L.)] were used in Y-choice tests. Individuals exposed to vibrational signals finished trials significantly more often on branches through which vibrations entered the plants than on no-stimulus branches. Also, a significantly higher proportion of individuals that initially moved onto branches with no stimulus reversed course than did those moving up branches with vibrational stimuli. The response ofP. maculiventris individuals to vibrational signals produced by a common prey species demonstrates that these predators are capable of using substrate-borne vibrations as cues for prey location.
Experiments and simulations of directionally annealed ODS MA 754

Abstract Both directional and isothermal annealing experiments have been performed on the hot-rolled ODS nickel-based superalloy MA 754. Directional annealing of MA 754 produced an elongated, coarse grain structure with a {1 1 0}〈1 0 0〉 texture for all hot-zone velocities examined, with the grain aspect ratio and twin boundary density decreasing with increasing hot-zone velocity. Isothermal annealing also produced elongated structures, but with larger grain aspect ratios and a stronger {1 1 0}〈1 0 0〉 texture. In order to elucidate the results of the experimental studies, a front-tracking computer-based model [H.J. Frost, C.V. Thompson, C.L. Howe, J.H. Whang, Scripta Metall. 22 (1988) 65–70] was modified to simulate the directional/isothermal annealing processes for materials with particles. Simulations of directional annealing with particles aligned in the direction of hot-zone movement could produce (at the appropriate hot-zone velocities) columnar grain structures with some finer grains clustered around the particles. Contrary to experimental observations, simulations of isothermal annealing in similar particle-containing material did not produce columnar grain structures, but equi-axed grains whose size was defined by the spacing between the lines of particles. Thus, the simulation results suggest that it is the texture, and not the particles, of the hot-rolled MA 754 that leads to a columnar grain structure.
A local-spectrum correlated model for radiative transfer in non-uniform gas media

A new local-spectrum correlated model is developed for the solution of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) in non-uniform gas media at high temperature. The spectral integration of the RTE is performed with the help of a new gas absorption spectrum distribution function termed the cumulative wavenumber. The new approach features local-spectrum correlation, rather than the global-spectrum correlation used traditionally. A local correction factor introduced to account for spatial variations in species concentrations and gas temperature is performed independently in each spectral interval under the assumption of local-spectrum correlation. Hence, the dependence of predictions on the selection of a reference temperature is nearly eliminated. The method is shown to be capable of treating non-gray particulates and boundaries.
The treatment of gastric mucosal prolapse syndrome with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Gastric mucosal prolapse occurs when a portion of the mucosa of the stomach herniates into the esophagus, resulting in massive hemorrhage. A 19-year-old man presented on two occasions with an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage as a result of this syndrome. He was definitively treated with a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This case report outlines his presentation, defines and details gastric mucosal prolapse, and discusses the treatment of this syndrome with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Two-resonance step ionization spectroscopy of CO

Transitions between the A 1 п and B 1 ∑ + states of CO are studied by first exciting A 1 п by a two-photon excitation. A second laser scans the various vibrational transitions between the A 1 п and B 1 ∑ + states. Signals arising from the subsequent ionization of the B 1 ∑ + population provide rovibrational assignments for the two excited states. Additionally, a two-photon rate of 5 × 10 −11 I 2 cm 4 W −2 5 −1 and a photoionization cross section of 1.4 × 10 −20 cm 2 were measured for this process.
An application of health literacy research.

Abstract Finding methods to improve the delivery of educational materials by the practicing nurse is imperative in the current health care arena. Time, energy, and effectiveness are all aspects that are critical as the health care provider attempts to meet the growing needs of the compromised client. Low functional health literacy is one public health problem that impacts the nurse’s ability to effectively provide health instruction in a timely, organized manner. This article presents a pilot research project used to investigate the mastery of educational information by clients in a West Texas area. The research project is used as the foundation for discussion of several interesting facets resulting from the initial research. Ideas are presented as a direction for implementation for practice within the health care community. Low health literacy is a grave challenge, which currently is not understood nor considered by the nurse at the bedside. Practicing health care providers need the opportunity to carefully and specifically investigate the role of health care literacy in producing positive client outcomes.
The reactions of calcium and barium carbides with 0–16 M nitric acid

Abstract The reactions of calcium carbide with 0–16 M HNO 3 and barium carbide with 0–8 M HNO 3 yield acetylene as the only carbon-containing product. With 10–16 M HNO 3 , partial oxidation of the carbon in BaC 2 to free carbon and carbon oxides occurs, although there is still some hydrolysis to acetylene.
Calculation of Complex Radiant Heat Load From Surrounding Radiator Surface Temperatures

Abstract A method for calculating the radiant heat exchange between an absorber and individual radiating components in its surroundings is reported. Radiator surface temperatures, ambient and absorber temperatures, and configuration factors for radiating components in the surroundings are used in the customary radiant heat exchange formulae. Simplified methods for calculating or estimating configuration factors for radiators of various shapes solely from angles, subtended at the absorber by the radiators are presented. The method has been verified in the laboratory under controlled conditions and has been used to advantage in the field studies. The method has advantages over the globe therometer method in certain applications.
Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Upper endoscopy to assess the risk of rebleeding in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding may be used for triage, allowing outpatient care of selected patients and leading to significant cost savings. Over the last 10 years, hospitalization days required for upper gastrointestinal bleeding have decreased significantly and the majority of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergo endoscopy within 24 hours of admission. Twenty percent to 35% of these endoscopies include endoscopic hemostatic therapy. Endoscopic treatment is recommended for actively bleeding (ie, spurting or oozing) visible vessels and nonbleeding visible vessels that are raised and cannot be washed off. Endoscopic methods can be divided into thermal (multipolar coagulation, heater probe, argon plasma coagulator, Nd:YAG laser) and nonthermal (eg, injection therapy); both types are effective. A combination of injection and thermal therapy with initial injection to slow the bleeding or ”clear the field” followed by coagulation of the identified vessel is popular. Bleeding recurs in 15% of patients. A recent randomized controlled trial of repeat endoscopic treatment versus surgery for patients with recurrent ulcer bleeding concluded that endoscopic retreatment is superior to surgery. Most peptic ulcer rebleeding occurs within the first 3 days of presentation. A comparison of omeprazole and placebo therapy in high-risk ulcer patients with bleeding stigmata at endoscopy who were not treated endoscopically found that highdosage omeprazole (40 mg twice a day) significantly lowered the rates of further bleeding and surgical intervention. Although unlikely to replace endoscopic therapy, this study demonstrated the efficacy of potent acid suppression, perhaps due to stabilization of clotting activity. A recent placebo-controlled trial of high-dosage parenteral omeprazole after endoscopic treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers demonstrated a substantial reduction in the risk of rebleeding.
The bound leading the bound: target-derived receptors act as guidance cues.

Abstract Developing axons are guided to their targets by chemoattractive and chemorepulsive ligands. Ledda et al., in this issue of Neuron , demonstrate that the target-derived receptor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (GFRα1) can also act in trans as an axon guidance molecule for neurons.
Electron diffraction and computer modeling studies of the crystal structure of poly(butylene terephthalate) α-form single crystals

Abstract Lamellar α-form single crystals of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) have been prepared by our confined thin film melt polymerization method at polymerization temperatures of 190° to 210°C. These lamellar PBT single crystals have a thickness of ca. 100 A, with (010) twinned crystals frequently observed. Six different zonal electron diffraction patterns were obtained, from which the lattice parameters are determined as a = 4.94 A, b = 5.98 A, c = 11.56 A, α= 99.8°, β = 116.5°, and γ = 111.15° with a volume of 261.86 A3, corresponding to a calculated density of 1.397 g/cm3 for this “perfect” PBT single crystal. Chain packing and molecular conformation in the triclinic unit cell (space group P1) were simulated by the Cerius2 modeling software.
Behavioral effects on juvenile rats from perinatal exposure to low levels of toxaphene, and its toxic components, toxicant A, and toxicant B

Behavioral effects of toxaphene, and its toxic components, toxicant A and toxicant B, were studied by perinatally exposing juvenile rats. Toxaphene was given daily to pregnant rats (and their offspring) at 50μg/kg body weight via their diet. The daily dietary levels of toxicants A and B were 2.0μg/kg body weight. Behavioral tests were performed on the off-spring. All rats fed toxaphene, as well as toxicants A and B, showed retarded maturation as judged by the swimming test during their early development. However, the treated rats eventually attained normal swimming ability. The maze retention test demonstrated significant differences between the toxicant A group and all other groups. The toxicant A animals had no difficulty in learning the test problems but were inferior to the other groups in retaining that knowledge.
Handling perceptual clutter for robot vision with partial model-based interpretations

For a robot to act in the world, it needs to build and maintain a simple and concise model of that world, from which it can derive safe opportunities for action and hazards to avoid. Unfortunately, the world itself is infinitely complex, containing aspects (“clutter”) that are not well described, or even well approximated, by the simple model. An adequate explanatory model must therefore explicitly delineate the clutter that it does not attempt to explain. As the robot searches for the best model to explain its observations, it faces a threeway trade-off among the coverage of the model, the degree of accuracy with which the model explains the observations, and the simplicity of the model. We present a likelihood function that addresses this trade-off. We demonstrate and evaluate this likelihood function in the context of a mobile robot doing visual scene understanding. Our experimental results on a corpus of RGB-D videos of cluttered indoor environments demonstrate that this method is capable of creating a simple and concise planar model of the major structures (ground plane and walls) in the environment, while separating out for later analysis segments of clutter represented by 3D point clouds.
MNDO Calculation on Molecular Clusters Chosen to Model the Bonding of Oxygen in Silicon

MNDO (Modified Neglect of Diatomic Overlap) method cluster computations are carried out in studies of the bonding state and behavior of oxygen in a silicon lattice. These studies are compared with similar ab-initio work. The MNDO studies find the most stable bonding state for oxygen to be a pyramidal ylid structure. The mixing of 3s with 3p orbitals in the lone pair of the trivalent silicon in the pyramidal ylid is believed to stabilize this structure. This point remains to be explored in ab-initio computations where C2v symmetry is assumed. Since these MNDO calculations find the observed puckered bond-centered interstitial oxygen configuration to be less stable than the pyramidal ylid structure, it is concluded that the present MNDO parameters may not be optimum for silicon. Clusterberechnungen mit der MNDO (modifizierte Vernachlassigung von diatomarer Uberlappung)-Methode werden fur die Untersuchung des Bindungszustands und das Verhalten von Sauerstoff in einem Siliziumgitter durchgefuhrt. Diese Untersuchungen werden mit ahnlichen ab-initio-Arbeiten verglichen. Die MNDO-Untersuchungen ergeben als stabilsten Bindungszustand fur Sauerstoff eine pyramidale “ylid”-Struktur. Es wird angenommen, das die Mischung von 3s- und 3p-Orbitalen im nichtbindenden Paar des dreiwertigen Silizium im pyramidalen “ylid” diese Struktur stabilisiert. Dieser Punkt bleibt in ab-initio-Rechnungen, wo C2v-Symmetrie angenommen wird, zu erklaren. Da diese MNDO-Rechnungen die beobachtete runzlige bindungszentrierte Zwischengittersauerstoffkonfiguration als weniger stabil ergeben als die pyramidale “ylid”-Struktur, wird angenommen, das die dargestellten MNDO-Parameter fur Silizium nicht optimal sind.
Relation between Serum Albumin Concentration and Stroke Incidence and Death: The NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study

Abstract Relatively high serum albumin levels have been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and coronary heart disease incidence. No prospective studies have examined serum albumin and stroke mortality and incidence. Therefore, data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) Epidemiologic Follow-up Study were examined to assess serum albumin level as a risk factor for stroke. White men aged 65-74 years with serum albumin concentrations of > 4.4 g/dl had a risk of stroke incidence over a follow-up period of 9-16 years of only about two-thirds that of men with serum albumin concentrations of 4.4 g/dl were associated with a risk of stroke incidence only one-half and a risk of stroke death only one-fourth that seen at levels < 4.2 g/dl after controlling other risk variables. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate mechanisms for the effect of serum albumin on stroke incidence and death.