cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elastic-inelastic connection in electron scattering and the choice of scaling variable

The intimate relationship between the approach to Bjorken scaling, the choice of scaling variable, and the connection between the threshold behavior of deep-inelastic electroproduction and the asymptotic behavior of the elastic form factors is explored. We show that, contrary to a superficial reading of the data, recent results appear consistent with such a relationship for both the proton and the deuteron.
Ion channels in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a hemodynamic abnormality that ultimately results in mortality due to right heart failure. Although the clinical manifestations of primary and secondary PAH are diverse, medial hypertrophy and arterial vasoconstriction are key components in the vascular remodeling leading to PAH. Abnormalities in the homeostasis of intracellular Ca(2+), transmembrane flux of ions, and membrane potential may play significant roles in the processes leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling. Decreased activity of K(+) channels causes membrane depolarization, leading to Ca(2+) influx. The elevated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction and an important stimulus for vascular smooth muscle proliferation. Dysfunctional K(+) channels have also been linked to inhibition of apoptosis and contribute further to the medial hypertrophy. This review focuses on the relative role of K(+) and Ca(2+) ions and channels in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in the development of PAH.
A Three-Dimensional Sharp Interface Cartesian Grid Method for Solving High Speed Multi-Material Impact Problems

*** § Large-scale computations are required to simulate physical phenomena involving detonation and shock waves in supernova formation, explosions and hypervelocity impact and penetration. The interaction of these waves with multi materials can result in complex wave structures in two and three dimensions. In addition, the embedded materials may experience large motions and deformation under the influence of the high-speed flows. In this paper, the main focus is on parallel implementation of a fixed Cartesian grid flow solver with moving boundaries. A higher order conservation scheme such as ENO is used for calculating the numerical fluxes and level sets are used to define the objects immersed in flow field. A Riemann solver based Ghost fluid method is used for interface treatment of embedded objects. The issues involved in parallelization of the moving boundary solver are presented with emphasis on strong shocks interacting with embedded interfaces (solid-solid) in three-dimensional compressible flow framework. The handling of moving boundaries, tracked using narrow-band levelsets leads to issues peculiar to the multi-processor environment; the solution to object passage between subdomains and treatment of ghost regions for inter-processor communication are also addressed. Example calculations for three-dimensional impact/penetration problems are presented. I. INTRODUCTION The levelset[22] based sharp interface methods have been developed for solution of moving boundary problems on fixed Cartesian grids. This treatment reduces the complexity involved in grid generation while defining complicate shapes implicitly using level set fields. In previous papers, a simple and a unified Cartesian grid approach were developed for accurate representation of embedded solid and fluid objects in high-speed compressible multiphase flows[20, 21].
Semiclassical quantization via adiabatic invariance of classical action variables

The semiclassical method based on the Einstein-Brillouin-Keller quantization of invariant phase-space tori and the hypothesis of adiabatic invariance of classical action variables is applied in the calculation of highly excited energy levels of two-dimensional coupled oscillator systems. The results obtained are in good agreement with quantum-mechanical calculations even in the regions where the corresponding classical dynamics becomes apparently irregular. General limitations of the method are discussed.
The UCSD Statin Study: a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of statins on selected noncardiac outcomes

There has been persistent controversy regarding possible favorable or adverse effects of statins or of cholesterol reduction on cognition, mood and behavior (including aggressive or violent behavior), muscle function, and quality of life. The UCSD Statin Study seeks to ascertain the beneficial or adverse effects of statin cholesterol-lowering drugs on a set of noncardiac endpoints, including cognition, behavior, and serotonin biochemistry. The study will enroll 1000 subjects (minimum 20% female) of mixed ethnicity from San Diego. Subjects must be age 20 and older, postmenopausal if female, without known cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and with LDL-cholesterol between 115 and 190 mg/dl. Subjects will be randomized to a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with assignment 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 to placebo, simvastatin 20 mg, or pravastatin 40 mg (equipotent LDL-cholesterol-lowering doses for drug arms with simvastatin and pravastatin chosen to represent the extremes of the lipophilicity spectrum) for 6 months of treatment followed by 2 months postcessation follow-up. Primary outcomes are cognition (cognitive battery), irritability/aggression (behavior measure), and serotonin (gauged by whole blood serotonin), assessed as the difference between baseline and 6 months, judging combined statin groups vs. placebo. Secondary outcomes include mood (CES-D and Wakefield depression inventory), quality of life (SF-12V), sleep (Leeds sleep scale, modified), and secondary aggression measures (Conflict Tactics Scale; Overt Aggression Scale, Modified). Cardiovascular reactivity will be examined in a 10% subset. As additional secondary endpoints, primary and selected secondary outcomes will be assessed by statin assignment (lipophilic simvastatin vs. hydrophilic pravastatin). “Reversibility” of changes, if any, at 2 months postcessation will be determined. If effects (favorable or unfavorable) are identified, we will seek to ascertain whether there are baseline variables that predict who will be most susceptible to these favorable or adverse noncardiac effects (i.e., effect modification).
Determination of methylisoborneol in channel catfish pond water by solid phase extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract Several compounds exist which are responsible for unwanted taste and odor characteristics that have been found in the edible tissue of the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Methylisoborneol (MIB), one compound responsible for these off-flavors, is produced through the metabolism of cyanobacteria in aqueous systems such as reservoirs and ponds. The channel catfish accumulates MIB in its tissues from the intake of its culture-pond water. Current methods of analysis for MIB, such as closed- and open-loop stripping, and liquid-liquid extraction, are time-consuming and labor-intensive. A method for the analysis of MIB in catfish culture-pond water is described which, unlike other methods, is rapid, inexpensive, and does not require specialized sample preparation equipment. This method utilizes C18 solid-phase extraction followed by capillary gas chromatography with detection by mass spectrometry. Standard MIB and the internal standard, butylisoborneol (BIB), were prepared from the reaction of d -camphor with methylmagnesium chloride and n-butyllithium, respectively. Extraction efficiencies for MIB in channel catfish pond water averaged 89% at 101 parts per trillion (ppt) and 84% at 202 parts per billion (ppb). The detection limit of the method was calculated to be 11.5 ppt.
A comparison of several hypertonic solutions for resuscitation of bled sheep

Small volumes (4 ml/kg) of 2400 mOsm NaCl restore cardiac output and mean arterial pressure to 80% of baseline after hemorrhage (65% of blood volume) in unanesthetized sheep. An equal volume of normal saline is less effective. To identify an optimal hypertonic solution, we screened six 2400 mOsm solutions in 18 randomized experiments in 8 sheep: NaCl, NaHCO3, NaCl/sodium acetate, NaCl/mannitol, NaCl/6% Dextran 70, and glucose. Cardiovascular function, as determined by cardiac output and mean arterial pressure, was restored best with NaCl, NaCl/NaAc, and NaCl/Dex. These three solutions were then evaluated using 18 sheep in 36 experiments. Following a 1-hr baseline period, the sheep were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg for 2 hr. One of the solutions was then given in a volume of 4 ml/kg over 2 min and the sheep were monitored for 3 hr. Within 3 min of the infusion, cardiac output increased to greater than 100% of baseline for all three solutions. The NaCl-Dex solution sustained a significantly higher cardiac output over the 3-hr observation period than the other solutions. Plasma volume increased for all solutions following infusion. NaCl-Dex maintained plasma volume significantly better than the other solutions. As a further control, an isotonic solution of 6% Dextran 70 in normal saline was studied. It was not as effective as the hypertonic NaCl-Dex in maintaining cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, or plasma volume. Osmolality increased 10% (309 to 326 mOsm/kg H2O), plasma [NA] increased 7% (151 to 161 meq/liter), and plasma [K] decreased from 3.9 to 2.6 meq/liter following the hypertonic infusions. The sheep appeared to tolerate these electrolyte changes well. We conclude that a single bolus infusion of 2400 mOsm NaCl with 6% Dextran 70 best resuscitates sheep that have been subjected to a moderate degree of hemorrhagic shock compared to several other solutions. Its beneficial effects are caused in part by a sustained reestablishment of plasma volume. More studies are needed to document the safety of dextran in the clinical setting of hemorrhagic shock. Small volumes of hypertonic solutions may be valuable in the initial fluid resuscitation of patients in hemorrhagic shock.
Submarine magma degassing and explosive magmatism at Macdonald (Tamarii) seamount

MACDONALD seamount is an active volcanic centre located at 29°98′ S, 140°25′ W in the south-central Pacific. Since its discovery1 in 1968, a number of expeditions have surveyed and dredged rocks from the seamount. During a Scripps Institution of Oceanography expedition in October 1987, the first direct observation of volcanic activity at Macdonald was made when a small eruption occurred spewing forth scoriaceous basaltic rocks which briefly floated to the sea surface. The rocks were accompanied by huge bubbles of volcanic gas that created large sea surface slicks (H. Craig, personal communication). Similar activity at Macdonald was observed by a joint French-German team in January 1989 using the submersible Cyana2. Here we look at the radio-geochemical features of the lone rock recovered from the October 1987 eruption. We present analyses of U-series nuclides from the first observed eruption of Macdonald (also known as Tamarii) seamount with interpretations focusing on the timescales of mag-matic events and the implications of uranium-series data for magma degassing. This highly gas-charged magma lost all of its volatile 210Po upon eruption. Based on this, estimates of the fluxes of other volatile elements to sea water, which may contribute significantly to their oceanic budget, are calculated. High (230Th/232Th) and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, common signatures of altered crust, suggest that the explosive nature of the Macdonald volcan-ism results partly from the sealing of magma conduits by seawater circulation.
Skills and selves in the new workplace

In the neoliberal imaginary of contemporary capitalism, workers' employment value depends on their skills. Skills terms, especially communication, team, and leadership, formulate aspects of personhood and modes of sociality as productive labor. The key semiotic properties of skills terms are strategic indexicality (expressing alignment with corporate values) and denotational indeterminacy (knowledge and practices referred to as skills are quite disparate). Yet all skills are assumed to be commensurable and readily available for inculcation into workers. Drawing from Internet sites marketing skills-related services, I explore the semiotic properties of discourses that facilitate skills' commensurability and commodification. [neoliberalism, discourse analysis, corporate culture, labor history, communication, commodification]
Isolation, purification, and characterization of a maltotetraose-producing amylase from Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Abstract An extracellular amylase from Pseudomonas stutzeri was purified over 1000-fold by ammonium sulfate and acetone precipitations. The resulting specific activity was 2500 μmole of glycosidic bond cleaved/min/mg of protein. Large quantities of maltotetraose were produced from linear and branched substrates. The fourth bond from the nonreducing ends of maltohexaose and maltoheptaose were specifically hydrolyzed. The enzyme has a broad pH-activity curve with an optimum at 8; it was stable between 20 and 40 °, but rapidly lost activity above 40 °. An Arrhenius plot indicated two energies of activation (13,400 and 5200 cal/mole) with a transition at 30 °. The enzyme has a unit molecular weight of 12,500 daltons, but it exhibited concentration-dependent, quaternary association to give active dimers, tetramers, hexamers, octamers, and decamers. The mechanism of substrate encounter was exo, which was responsible for the exclusive production of maltotetraose and a high molecular-weight limit dextrin from amylopectin and glycogen.
Game Reasoning and Interactional Morality

Abstract Sport is a world set apart from the world of everyday life. We contend that entering sport involves a moral transformation in which egocentricity is redefined as appropriate. The result is a form of “bracketed morality.” Reflection on this bracketed morality is called game reasoning. In the first section of the paper, Haan's model of interaction morality is employed to structure a theoretical elaboration of game reasoning, the dynamics of which are illustrated by basketball players' reasoning about athletic aggression. Empirical evidence obtained from 100 high school and college basketball players and nonathletes complements the qualitative section. Through paired t tests and repeated-measures Analyses of Variance, we demonstrated that moral reasoning about sport is more egocentric than moral reasoning about everyday life and that males, in particular, diverge in their life-sport reasoning patterns.
Technical principles and neurosurgical applications of fluorescein fluorescence using a microscope-integrated fluorescence module

Fluorescent technology has recently become a valuable tool in the surgical management of neoplastic and vascular lesions. The availability of microscope-integrated fluorescent modules has facilitated incorporation of this technology within the microsurgical workflow. The currently available microscope integrated modules use 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and indocyanine green (ICG) as fluorophores. Fluorescein sodium is a fluorescent molecule that has been used specifically in ophthalmology for the treatment of retinal angiography. A new microscope-integrated fluorescent module has been recently developed for fluorescein. We employed this technology to maximize resection of tumors and perform intraoperative angiography to guide microsurgical management of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Fluorescein fluorescence allows the surgeon to appreciate fluorescent structures through the oculars while visualizing non-fluorescent tissues in near natural colors. Therefore, the operator can proceed with microsurgery under the fluorescent mode. We present three representative cases in which the use of fluorescein fluorescence was found useful in the surgeon’s decision making during surgery. The applications of this new microscope-integrated fluorescent module are multiple, and include vascular and oncologic neurosurgery. Further clinical investigations with large patient cohorts are needed to fully establish the role of this new technology.
Aquatic gas exchange: theory.

Abstract The gas exchange of water-breathing animals is described in terms of the O2 and CO2 tensions. Equations are developed which describe the gill ventilation requirements in terms of gill O2 and CO2 tensions, exchange ratio, metabolic rate, and inspired gas tensions. When these are plotted on an O2CO2 tension diagram, they allow one to predict the various limitations of gas exchange in water and to compare these directly with the limitations imposed when gas or air is breathed.
Comparative study of flurbiprofen and morphine for postsurgical gynecologic pain

Abstract This single-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and safety of 50 mg of flurbiprofen (Ansaid, Upjohn) in the relief of postoperative pain following cesarean section, at well as vaginal or abdominal hysterectomies. Results show that both 50 mg of oral flurbiprofen and 10 mg of intramuscular morphine sulfate were Significantly superior to placebo in 161 patients with respect to pain intensity after medication, pain relief scores, need for additional analgesia, and overall clinical evaluation of pain relief. By two hours after treatment, there were no significant differences between morphine sulfate and flurbiprofen in terms of pain intensity or degree of pain relief. According to investigators' global evaluations of efficacy, both active treatments were statistically superior to placebo. The only adverse reaction occurred in the morphine treatment group. Flurbiprofen administered orally for the relief of moderate to severe pain following major gynecologic surgery appears to be equal to morphine sulfate and superior to placebo in efficacy arid safety. Unlike morphine, flurbiprofen is a non-parenteral, uncontrolled substance, and thus patient acceptance is improved while nursing time is decreased.
Potential distribution model for rechargeable sulphur electrodes in sodium-sulphur cells

The efficiency of laboratory type sodium-sulphur cells, especially the utilization of reactants, is critically dependent upon the design of the sulphur electrode. The satisfactory rechargeability of a new design, based on a graduated electronic resistance inside the carbon fibre matrix is analysed in terms of two models: (a) predominant influence of potential distribution, (b) predominant influence of free flow in open spaces. Experimental results in favour of model (a) are discussed. The potential distribution of the new design is computed using appropriate assumptions for the one-phase region and compared with that in the absence of a graduated electronic resistance. It appears that the improved rechargeability can be explained by the different potential distribution.
On the Stokes resistance of multiparticle systems in a linear shear field

Abstract A general theory is presented for determining the quasistatic Stokes resistance of a particle or an aggregate of particles of arbitrary shape which move with arbitrary translational and rotational velocities in an infinite viscous fluid subjected to a general linear shear flow in the absence of the particles. It is shown that the hydrodynamic resistance of the particles may be characterized by two intrinsic matrices-the grand resistance matrix and the shear resistance matrix, the elements of each matrix being dependent only upon the instantaneous geometrical configuration of the multiparticle system. Explicit expressions for these matrix elements are given for a single ellipsoidal particle and for two spheres. Analytical, closed-form expressions are given for the case where the spheres are widely spaced compared with their radii. When the separation between the spheres is arbitrary, the matrix elements are only determinate numerically for specified ratios of sphere radii and center-to-center separation distances. These numerical values are derived from available bipolar-coordinate system solutions for two spheres. Besides providing a compact and systematic representation of the intrinsic Stokes resistance of multiparticle systems subjected to shear, which does not depend upon the precise velocities of the particles or on the nature of the shear flow, it is demonstrated (by way of example) that the matrix representation permits an immediate determination of the translational and rotational velocities of the individual particles in a neutrally buoyant multiparticle system.
Report on the 2015 career network conference (CNC)

SIGAI organized the first Career Network Conference (CNC) for students and postdocs to publicize their work and interact with leaders from academia, industry, government, and other roles. The event was held in conjunction with AAAI 2015 and included a panel discussion and a Best Student Abstract award.
Differential regulation of the superoxide dismutase family in the rodent aneurysm model and rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Abstract Objective. Oxidative stress has been implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis. This study sought to characterize the relevance of specific superoxide dismutases (SOD) within a family of reactive oxygen catalyzing metalloenzymes, in the rodent aneurysm model and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RA-SMCs), including Manganese SOD (Mn-SOD), Copper-zinc SOD (Cu, Zn-SOD), and Extracellular SOD (ecSOD). Methods. Male rat infrarenal abdominal aortas were measured and perfused with either porcine pancreatic elastase (6 U/mL) or saline (control). Subsequently, aortic diameters were measured and harvested on postperfusion days 1, 2, 4,∗∗ and 7 ( N = 5–6 per treatment group per day). Male RA-SMCs were incubated for 24 and 72 h in the presence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β, 2 ng/mL). MnSOD, Cu,ZnSOD, and ecSOD, and β-actin expression in aortic tissue and in RA-SMCs was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Data were analyzed by t -test. Results. Elastase perfused aortic diameters were significantly increased compared to control aortas at postperfusion days 2 (76% versus 39%, P = 0.004), 4 (86% versus 50%, P = 0.04), and 7 (263% versus 46%, P = 0.016). MnSOD mRNA levels in elastase perfused aortas were 6.0 ( P = 0.005), 7.4 ( P P = 0.005) greater than control aortas at postperfusion days 1, 2, and 4, respectively. In RA-SMCs, MnSOD mRNA expression in IL-1β stimulated male were 152.2 ( P = 0.029) and 15.3 times ( P = 0.037) greater than control cells at 24 and 72 h, respectively. No significant differences were observed in Cu, Zn-SOD, and ecSOD expression at any time point studied in elastase perfused aortas; however, there was a slight increase in ecSOD and Cu, Zn-SOD expression in RA-SMCs. Conclusion. Elastase perfused aortic aneurysm formation is associated with early increases in MnSOD expression, which primarily occurs in the mitochondria. Strategies aimed at inhibiting oxidative stress during aneurysm formation should focus on this specific SOD isoform.
Theoretical Studies To Understand Surface Chemistry on Carbon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Reduction Mechanisms of Ethylene Carbonate

Reductive decomposition mechanisms for ethylene carbonate (EC) molecule in electrolyte solutions for lithium-ion batteries are comprehensively investigated using density functional theory. In gas phase the reduction of EC is thermodynamically forbidden, whereas in bulk solvent it is likely to undergo one- as well as two-electron reduction processes. The presence of Li cation considerably stabilizes the EC reduction intermediates. The adiabatic electron affinities of the supermolecule Li+(EC)n (n = 1−4) successively decrease with the number of EC molecules, independently of EC or Li+ being reduced. Regarding the reductive decomposition mechanism, Li+(EC)n is initially reduced to an ion-pair intermediate that will undergo homolytic C−O bond cleavage via an approximately 11.0 kcal/mol barrier, bringing up a radical anion coordinated with Li+. Among the possible termination pathways of the radical anion, thermodynamically the most favorable is the formation of lithium butylene dicarbonate, (CH2CH2OCO2Li)2, fo...
Is the education on digital libraries adequate

This study investigates the state of education for digital libraries. For this study, a Web survey was conducted of syllabi of courses on the subject of digital libraries (DL). Similarities and differences on such subjects as teaching emphases, course outlines, textbooks and assignments were compared. The majority of classes now contain a “hands‐on” element, a practical component of the course that requires that the students interact with digital libraries. Not all of the course contents are up‐to‐date in the field of library and information technology. While the quality of DL education seems to have advanced at those schools and institutions that offer classes with “hands‐on” requirements, the educational approach at many of the “hands‐off” universities seems somewhat technophobic and overly dependent on outdated pedagogical methods. Those students who have received practical experience with digital libraries, like those provided in the “hands‐on” courses, appear to be best served for future practice in the field of librarianship.
Methylene Blue as an Agent for Reducing Red Blood Cell Count

Over a period of a week or 10 days following intravenous injection of methylene blue into dogs poisoned with cyanide there occurs a decrease in the oxygen capacity of the blood and a corresponding decrease in red blood cell count. The same effect is observed when the dye alone is given. Results of a typical experiment are reported in this preliminary note.Table I shows the changes in red blood cell count, oxyhemoglobin (by O2 capacity method), and reticulocytes in a 17 kilogram dog following intravenous injection of 30 mg. of methylene blue per kilo body weight.Each of 5 dogs which received methylene blue (in quantities ranging from 15 to 40 mg. per kilo body weight) developed an anemia the severity of which was greatest with the larger doses. In 2 experiments, otherwise less complete than that reported, the oxyhemoglobin (O2 capacity) of the blood was determined on the first and second days following methylene blue injection and was found to be only slightly below the preinjection level, although several...
Incoherent scatter radar observations of spread-F producing ionospheric structures at arecibo

Abstract Range spreading type spread- F observed during the night of 7–8 January 1971 at Arecibo, Puerto Rico is shown to be associated with tilts in the ionosphere which occurred when a region of increased total electron content drifted by in a southerly direction. This conclusion is reached by using the incoherent scatter radar to measure electron densities, vertical and horizontal ion velocities, and total content. Also used for analysis of ionogram data is a spread- F intensity index and a method of applying the time development of spread- F to estimate the vertical and horizontal velocity of the reflector producing the spread- F trace. It is also suggested that frequency spreading at Arecibo is due for the most part to overlapping of four or more range spreading type ionogram traces having different critical frequencies since each trace comes from different regions of the ionosphere.
Neuronal ciliary signaling in homeostasis and disease

Primary cilia are a class of cilia that are typically solitary, immotile appendages present on nearly every mammalian cell type. Primary cilia are believed to perform specialized sensory and signaling functions that are important for normal development and cellular homeostasis. Indeed, primary cilia dysfunction is now linked to numerous human diseases and genetic disorders. Collectively, primary cilia disorders are termed as ciliopathies and present with a wide range of clinical features, including cystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, obesity, polydactyly, anosmia, intellectual disability, and brain malformations. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the functions of primary cilia on some cell types, the precise functions of most primary cilia remain unknown. This is particularly true for primary cilia on neurons throughout the mammalian brain. This review will introduce primary cilia and ciliary signaling pathways with a focus on neuronal cilia and their putative functions and roles in human diseases.
Targeted Expression of Catalase to Mitochondria Prevents Age-Associated Reductions in Mitochondrial Function and Insulin Resistance

Aging-associated muscle insulin resistance has been hypothesized to be due to decreased mitochondrial function, secondary to cumulative free radical damage, leading to increased intramyocellular lipid content. To directly test this hypothesis, we examined both in vivo and in vitro mitochondrial function, intramyocellular lipid content, and insulin action in lean healthy mice with targeted overexpression of the human catalase gene to mitochondria (MCAT mice). Here, we show that MCAT mice are protected from age-induced decrease in muscle mitochondrial function (∼30%), energy metabolism (∼7%), and lipid-induced muscle insulin resistance. This protection from age-induced reduction in mitochondrial function was associated with reduced mitochondrial oxidative damage, preserved mitochondrial respiration and muscle ATP synthesis, and AMP-activated protein kinase-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Taken together, these data suggest that the preserved mitochondrial function maintained by reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage may prevent age-associated whole-body energy imbalance and muscle insulin resistance.
The Ropes and Challenge Course: A Quasi-Experimental Examination

In answering the call for empirical documentation of the effect of ropes and challenge course participation on the psychosocial function and sport performance of athletes and teams, exploratory studies have identified postcourse changes in group cohesion and approaches to sport competition. The purpose of the current study was to utilize a pretest-posttest comparison group design to expand knowledge in this area. 35 members of a girls' high school tennis team participated. The 16 individuals who participated in a preseason program and the 19 individuals who did not comprised the treatment and comparison groups, respectively. Team members completed the Group Environment Questionnaire and the Sport Orientation Questionnaire four days prior to and two days after the course experience. A series of 2 x 2 analyses of variance, (group x time) run on each of the scales, gave a significant group x time interaction on one social cohesion scale but none for scores on the Sport Orientation Questionnaire. The findings are discussed in relation to research and the implementation of these programs with athletes.
Geotechnical Properties of Cemented Sands in Steep Slopes

An investigation into the geotechnical properties specific to assessing the stability of weakly and moderately cemented sand cliffs is presented. A case study from eroding coastal cliffs located in central California provides both the data and impetus for this study. Herein, weakly cemented sand is defined as having an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of less than 100 kPa, and moderately cemented sand is defined as having UCS between 100 and 400 kPa. Testing shows that both materials fail in a brittle fashion and can be modeled effectively using linear Mohr-Coulomb strength parameters, although for weakly cemented sands, curvature of the failure envelope is more evident with decreasing friction and increasing cohesion at higher confinement. Triaxial tests performed to simulate the evolving stress state of an eroding cliff, using a reduction in confinement-type stress path, result in an order of magnitude decrease in strain at failure and a more brittle response. Tests aimed at examining the influence of wetting on steep slopes show that a 60% decrease in UCS, a 50% drop in cohesion, and 80% decrease in the tensile strength occurs in moderately cemented sand upon introduction to water. In weakly cemented sands, all compressive, cohesive, and tensile strength is lost upon wetting and saturation. The results indicate that particular attention must be given to the relative level of cementation, the effects of groundwater or surficial seepage, and the small-scale strain response when performing geotechnical slope stability analyses on these materials.
Correlation of health outcomes with physician and chiropractor ratios in the United States.

Objective There is controversy as to whether increased doctor-patient ratios result in a commensurate benefit to the health care consumer. This study assesses doctor (allopathic/osteopathic physician and chiropractor) ratios in the 50 states in the United States and correlates these ratios with various health outcomes to determine if one doctor type has stronger correlations in certain outcomes compared with the other doctor type by geographic region.
Health-Related Quality of Life in College Undergraduates with Learning Disabilities: The Mediational Roles of Anxiety and Sadness

Little research has examined health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with learning disabilities in post-secondary settings and the potential relationship between a learning disability and anxiety or sadness. This study examined HRQoL in 68 undergraduate students: 34 students who reported having been diagnosed with a “learning disability” were compared to 34 students who indicated they had not been diagnosed with a learning disability. Participants completed an online survey of anxiety, sadness, and HRQoL, including the SF-36. ANCOVAs on the Emotional Well-Being and Role Limitations Due to Emotional Problems scales from the SF-36 revealed that students reporting a diagnosis of a learning disability were significantly more impaired in Emotional Well-Being. Regression analyses suggested that impairment in Emotional Well-Being was mediated by separate ratings of both anxiety and sadness. Results indicated that those undergraduates reporting learning disabilities suffered from an impaired sense of well-being associated with anxious and sad feelings.
The patient's part in analytic process: the influence of the analyst's expectations.

The psychoanalyst's expectations of the patient are complex and crucial to the work of analysis. These expectations, operating at a level generally outside the consciousness of patient and analyst, are part of the `microstructure` of analysis, the interactional give-and-take that brings about change. The view taken here is that analytic process is necessarily interactive, as well as intrapsychic. In addition to transference-countertransference motivations, both parties to an analysis operate in a social context that prescribes a range of desired and undesired behavior. The analyst brings to the interaction professional analytic attitudes about how to listen and act, and a set of expectations of the patient. These attitudes and expectations modulate subjective reactions to the patient's transferentially driven actions, and influence the expression of countertransference. The mutative process of psychoanalysis involves the action of these attitudes and expectations on the patient, both in ways specific to i...
East-West Stationkeeping Requirements of 24-h Satellites Due to Earth's Triaxiality and Luni-Solar Effects

Ignoring luni-solar perturbations, analytical solution for longitude deviation of the ‘stroboscopic’ mean center of 24-h satellites ground trace in the neighborhood of a prespecified station is obtained. The initial semimajor axis for two-maneuver east-west stationkeeping is then deduced. Finally, the luni-solar long and short period effects on this initial semimajor axis are discussed.
Mild and efficient synthesis of carbazates and dithiocarbazates via a three-component coupling using Cs2CO3 and TBAI

Efficient methods for the synthesis of carbazates and dithiocarbazates have been developed. In the presence of cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) a hydrazine, CO2 or CS2, and an alkyl halide underwent a three-component coupling at room temperature. Various unprotected hydrazines and alkyl halides were examined and the results demonstrated this methodology was highly chemoselective. Applications toward the synthesis of azadepsipeptides and other pseudopeptides are described.
Histograms of Oriented Gradients for Landmine Detection in Ground-Penetrating Radar Data

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful and rapidly maturing technology for subsurface threat identification. However, sophisticated processing of GPR data is necessary to reduce false alarms due to naturally occurring subsurface clutter and soil distortions. Most currently fielded GPR-based landmine detection algorithms utilize feature extraction and statistical learning to develop robust classifiers capable of discriminating buried threats from inert subsurface structures. Analysis of these techniques indicates strong underlying similarities between efficient landmine detection algorithms and modern techniques for feature extraction in the computer vision literature. This paper explores the relationship between and application of one modern computer vision feature extraction technique, namely histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), to landmine detection in GPR data. The results presented indicate that HOG features provide a robust tool for target identification for both classification and prescreening and suggest that other techniques from computer vision might also be successfully applied to target detection in GPR data.
Optimal sensor locations for structures with multiple loading conditions

Smart structures can be subdivided into two general categories. The first is structures that would perform 'smartly' during a specific event, e.g. earthquake events. The second category is the structures that would perform 'smartly' during any normal and/or abnormal event. The second category includes structures sensitive to vibration levels, structures which are exposed to wind, since wind can affect the structure from numerous directions and bridges, since loads on a bridge can have an arbitrary location at a given time. the distinction between the two structural types will have an important effect on both the optimal sensor number and locations. Recently, researchers have presented several methods for optimal number and location of sensors. These methods are based on different optimization techniques. In most of these published studies, many variable shave been investigated. These include the number and location of sensors, number of structural degrees of freedom, number of tests, and number of structural modes. All these studies assume that the location and the magnitude of damage are known a priori, before locating the sensors. In addition, in most of the published studies, the variability of the location of the loading source has not been well studied. This paper present a simple approach, which address the above issues. First, the stress ratio concept is used to logically estimate the expected location and magnitude of structural damage. Second, the load factor approach in combination with the goal programming algorithm will be presented as a means to find the optimal sensor location when dealing with structures with multiple loading conditions. The examples in this study demonstrate these techniques.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Corticosteroids Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Lung Lymph Neutrophil Stimulating Activity in Sheep

The Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) most frequently is the result of sepsis. Accumulation of neutrophils in lung interstitium is a well-documented phenomenon, but the nature of their presence remains obscure. We hypothesized that endotoxin causes the release of substances into lung lymph that activate neutrophils and that methylprednisolone may prevent sequestration and activation of neutrophils. We used the sheep lung lymph fistula-endotoxin model of ARDS to test this hypothesis. Unanesthetized animals were given either 0.5 microgram/kg of E. coli endotoxin intravenously alone or, on a different experimental day, an identical dose of endotoxin preceded by a 1 gm bolus of methylprednisolone plus a 1 gm/hr continuous infusion. Endotoxin infusion caused the release of substances into lung lymph that were capable of stimulating normal sheep neutrophils to aggregate, migrate, and release superoxide. This activity appeared within 1 hour of endotoxin and persisted for at least 4 hours. Pretreatment by methylprednisolone did not prevent the early activity but did significantly reduce such activity 3-4 hours after endotoxin, when the permeability defects caused by endotoxin are most pronounced. We speculate that endotoxin-stimulated production of humoral neutrophil-activating substances in the lung may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury.
Unsteady diffusion in barrier membranes

Etude de la permeabilite d'une membrane de polycarbonate contenant 30% de mica. Application au transport du dioxyde de carbone
Dpp and Hedgehog mediate neuron-glia interactions in Drosophila eye development by promoting the proliferation and motility of subretinal glia.

Abstract Neuron–glia interactions are crucial for the establishment of normal connectivity in the nervous system during development, but the molecular signals involved in these interactions are largely unknown. Here we show that differentiating photoreceptors in the developing Drosophila eye influence the proliferative and migratory behavior of the subretinal glia through the diffusible factors Decapentaplegic (Dpp) and Hedgehog (Hh). We demonstrate that proliferation and migration of the glia are separable processes, and that Dpp promotes both the proliferation and motility of the glia, whereas Hh appears to promote only their motility; neither specifies the direction of migration. We present evidence that Dpp and Hh act on the glia in parallel and through the regulation of transcription. Finally, we show that ectopic migration of subretinal glia can result in the ectopic projection of photoreceptor axons. Our study suggests a novel function for Hh in regulating migratory behavior and provides further evidence for a complex mutual dependence between glial and neuronal cells during development.
The effect of biomass characteristics on the partitioning and sorption hysteresis of 17α-ethinylestradiol

Abstract A membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a conventional bioreactor (CBR) were operated under various conditions to manipulate the biomass characteristics and evaluate the ensuing effects on the partitioning and sorption hysteresis of 17 α -ethinylestradiol (EE2). When the biomass was grown without nitrogen limitation, the biomass mean particle size had a dramatic effect on the observed partitioning coefficient ( K d ) and on sorption hysteresis index (HI). MBR K d (0.33–0.57 L/g) values were equal to or larger than those of the CBR (0.25–0.33 L/g). Under nitrogen-deficient conditions, the correlations between the biomass particle size and K d and HI were poor, likely because of extracellular polymeric substances. The K d and HI were determined for initial EE2 concentrations between 100 and 1000 μ g / L . Changing the SRT did not manipulate particle size, and the effects on K d and HI were not dramatic. This study also numerically explored the impacts of sorption hysteresis on the removal of pharmaceutical compounds.
Manipulation of the Cervical Spine: Risks and Benefits

Manipulation of the cervical spine (MCS) is used in the treatment of people with neck pain and muscle-tension headache. The purposes of this article are to review previously reported cases in which injuries were attributed to MCS, to identify cases of injury involving treatment by physical therapists, and to describe the risks and benefits of MCS. One hundred seventy-seven published cases of injury reported in 116 articles were reviewed. The cases were published between 1925 and 1997. The most frequently reported injuries involved arterial dissection or spasm, and lesions of the brain stem. Death occurred in 32 (18%) of the cases. Physical therapists were involved in less than 2% of the cases, and no deaths have been attributed to MCS provided by physical therapists. Although the risk of injury associated with MCS appears to be small, this type of therapy has the potential to expose patients to vertebral artery damage that can be avoided with the use of mobilization (nonthrust passive movements). The literature does not demonstrate that the benefits of MCS outweigh the risks. Several recommendations for future studies and for the practice of MCS are discussed.
Associations Between Cognitive and Gait Performance During Single- and Dual-Task Walking in People With Parkinson Disease

Background Cognitive impairments in Parkinson disease (PD) manifest as deficits in speed of processing, working memory, and executive function and attention abilities. The gait impairment in PD is well documented to include reduced speed, shortened step lengths, and increased step-to-step variability. However, there is a paucity of research examining the relationship between overground walking and cognitive performance in people with PD. Objective This study sought to examine the relationship between both the mean and variability of gait spatiotemporal parameters and cognitive performance across a broad range of cognitive domains. Design A cross-sectional design was used. Methods Thirty-five participants with no dementia and diagnosed with idiopathic PD completed a battery of 12 cognitive tests that yielded 3 orthogonal factors: processing speed, working memory, and executive function and attention. Participants completed 10 trials of overground walking (single-task walking) and 5 trials of overground walking while counting backward by 3's (dual-task walking). Results All gait measures were impaired by the dual task. Cognitive processing speed correlated with stride length and walking speed. Executive function correlated with step width variability. There were no significant associations with working memory. Regression models relating speed of processing to gait spatiotemporal variables revealed that including dual-task costs in the model significantly improved the fit of the model. Limitations Participants with PD were tested only in the on-medication state. Conclusions Different characteristics of gait are related to distinct types of cognitive processing, which may be differentially affected by dual-task walking due to the pathology of PD.
A lower bound on the undetected error probability and strictly optimal codes

Error detection is a simple technique used in various communication and memory systems to enhance reliability. We study the probability that a q-ary (linear or nonlinear) block code of length n and size M fails to detect an error. A lower bound on this undetected error probability is derived in terms of q, n, and M. The new bound improves upon other bounds mentioned in the literature, even those that hold only for linear codes. Block codes whose undetected error probability equals the new lower bound are investigated. We call these codes strictly optimal codes and give a combinatorial characterization of them. We also present necessary and sufficient conditions for their existence. In particular, we find all values of n and M for which strictly optimal binary codes exist, and determine the structure of all of them. For example, we construct strictly optimal binary-coded decimal codes of length four and five, and we show that these are the only possible lengths of such codes.