cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a composite state of an F'his, gnd element and a cryptic plasmid in a derivative of Salmonella typhimurium LT2.

A method designed to select mutants constitutive for expression of the histidine operon has been applied to a Salmonella typhimurium LT2 strain containing an F′his,gnd element and a cryptic plasmid. One of the mutants isolated, strain AA0019, has not only increased levels of histidinol phosphate phosphatase (hisB), but also increased levels of gluconate-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (gnd). Ultracentrifugation studies of extrachromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from strain AA0019 revealed the presence of a single species of covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA that sedimented more rapidly through neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients than any of its possible plasmid precursors. From neutral sucrose gradients, sedimentation coefficients of 130, 100, and 86S were derived, corresponding to the CCC DNA of the large plasmid in strain AA0019, the F′his,gnd element and the cryptic LT2 plasmid, respectively. An Escherichia coli plasmid-free strain that upon mating had received the large 130S plasmid also contained 86S and 100S CCC DNA components. A histidine-requiring derivative of strain AA0019 obtained after acridine orange treatment retained the cryptic plasmid DNA. Apparently, the large plasmid in strain AA0019 consists of the F′his,gnd element and the cryptic LT2 plasmid of the parental strain.
Assessing capacity and measuring performance in maternal and child health.

Objectives: To understand the similarities, differences, and relationships between three tools for performance and capacity assessment currently available for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs and for state and local health agencies. Methods: Three tools for performance and capacity assessment currently available for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs and for state and local health agencies, the Title V MCH Block Grant Performance and Outcome Measures (Title V “24”), CAST-5, and the National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP) were compared using two metrics, a conceptual model of the public health system, and a set of attributes related to the use of the instruments. Results: Both CAST-5 and the NPHPSP are focused on the capacity and key processes (10 Essential Public Health Services) of the public health system, although CAST-5 is intended for capacity assessment and the NPHPSP is intended for performance measurement. The Title V “24” tool is also intended for performance measurement; however, its focus is on the outputs and outcomes of the health system. The Title V “24” tool is the only one of the three that is mandatory, and the only one whose results at the current time can be used to compare across entities. In addition, both the Title V “24” and the NPHPSP include explicit standards, while CAST-5 does not specify explicit standards against which to compare findings. Conclusions: While there are various tools available to MCH practitioners for capacity assessment and performance measurement, knowing how the tools relate to each other, and their defining characteristics, should lead to more effective and productive use.
Testing the AdS/CFT Correspondence

This lecture begins with some history and basic facts about string theory and its connections with strong interactions. Comparisons of stacks of Dirichlet branes with curved backgrounds produced by them are used to motivate the AdS/CFT correspondence between superconformal gauge theory and string theory on a product of Anti‐de Sitter space and a compact manifold. The ensuing duality between semi‐classical spinning strings and long gauge theory operators is briefly reviewed. We go on to describe a recent test of the AdS/CFT correspondence using the Wilson loop cusp anomaly as a function of the coupling, which also enters dimensions of high‐spin operators. Finally, strongly coupled thermal SYM theory is explored via a black hole in 5‐dimensional AdS space, which leads to explicit results for its entropy and shear viscosity.
Characteristics of patients with placenta previa and results of "expectant management"

To determine the differences between pregnancies complicated by placenta previa and those without placenta previa, the characteristics of 31,070 consecutive deliveries at one institution were analyzed. The philosophy of "expectant management" of the premature fetus and frequent use of cesarean section was utilized in the 185 patients with placenta previa. A higher proportion of these patients were multiparous, were older, had had previous abortions, and were carrying a male fetus or twins. The fetal and placental weights in these patients were similar to those in other patients throughout pregnancy. Rates of prematurity, antepartum and intrapartum fetal death, neonatal death, congenital abnormality, and low Apgar scores were higher among patients with placenta previa. Data were compiled in a manner that allows the obstetrician to: (1) evaluate the fetal weight and expected fetal growth; (2) estimate the probability that his patient will deliver prematurely and will deliver within the next one-, two-, or four-week interval; (3) determine the relative risks to the fetus prior to labor, during labor, and in the neonatal period at each stage of gestation.
A VLSI architecture for rate-distortion optimized motion compensation using variable size blocks

The authors propose an application specific architecture for motion estimation using variable block matching scheme. It is based on recent advances in rate allocation theory, developed for computing rate-distortion optimized movement compensation. The optimum motion vector and the best quadtree decomposition are determined in a closed loop optimization procedure. Only the quadtree and the motion vector, which are considered to provide the absolute minimum update information, are coded and transmitted. The proposed tree architecture supports pipelined operations. The architecture is suitable for VLSI implementation, owing to modular properties. The Processing Elements (PEs) also support pipelining. An Application Specific circuit prototype has been designed for 4 /spl times/ 4 image blocks. The proposed architecture is scalable and can be easily be adopted for large image blocks. >
Modeling the cost effectiveness of injury interventions in lower and middle income countries: opportunities and challenges

This paper estimates the cost-effectiveness of five interventions that could counter injuries in lower and middle income countries(LMICs): better traffic enforcement, erecting speed bumps, promoting helmets for bicycles, promoting helmets for motorcycles, and storing kerosene in child proof containers. We adopt an ingredients based approach to form models of what each intervention would cost in 6 world regions over a 10 year period discounted at both 3% and 6% from both the governmental and societal perspectives. Costs are expressed in local currency converted into US $2001. Each of these interventions has been assessed for effectiveness in a LMIC in limited region, these effectiveness estimates have been used to form models of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) averted for various regions, taking account of regional differences in the baseline burden of injury. The interventions modeled in this paper have cost effectiveness ratios ranging from US $5 to $ 556 per DALY averted depending on region. Depending on local acceptability thresholds many of them could be judged cost-effective relative to interventions that are already adopted. Enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations is the most cost-effective interventions with an average cost per DALY of $64 Injury counter measures appear to be cost-effective based on models. More evaluations of real interventions will help to strengthen the evidence basis.
Precision estimates for epa test method 8—SO2 and H2SO4 emissions from sulfuric acid plants

Abstract The results from a collaborative test of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Test Method 8 are presented. In the collaborative test six laboratories simultaneously sampled the same stack at a sulfuric acid plant using two Method 8 sampling trains per laboratory. The collaborative test determined that the repeatability of the method was 7.61 mg sulfuric acid per m3 and 22.30 mg sulfur dioxide per m3. Similarly, the reproducibility of the method was 8.43 mg sulfuric acid per m3 and 31.10 mg sulfur dioxide per m3. The estimates of precision were determined to be independent of the pollutant concentration over the concentration range measured.
The Influence of the Solar Radiation Pressure on the Motion of an Artificial Satellite

This article reports an investigation of the effect of solar radiation pressure on the motion of an artificial satellite. The theory has been applied to the orbit of the Vanguard I satellite, and is found to produce significant perturbations in the perigee height of that satellite. In the case of a satellite with a large ratio of area to mass the major terms introduced by solar radiation pressure can reduce the perigee distance at the rate of 1 to 2 km per day, so that the lifetime of the satellite will become considerably shorter than it would be without this effect.
Optimum Restoration Of Coded And Transmitted Images

A restoration technique is derived that can simultaneously reduce the degrading effects of a digital image coding operation and mitigate the effects of channel errors that arise when the encoded information is transmitted. The technique optimally reduces these degradations with respect to a mean-square-error criterion and is applied entirely a posteriori to a received visual signal. The restoration is based upon four factors--the multidimensional probability density function of a typical undegraded image, parameters of the encoding operation, the structure of the channel and its error probabilities, and the received visual signal. The technique is applied to the restoration of DPCM coded images which have been transmitted over a binary symmetric channel. The restored images which result exhibit a decrease in mean-square error and a subjective improvement in visual quality.
Recurrent cervical cancer presenting as small bowel obstruction

A case report of a patient with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is presented in whom the recurrence was confined to the gastrointestinal tract and omentum in the upper abdomen. No evidence of recurrent disease was present in the pelvis or paraaortic lymph node bearing areas. Possible mechanisms for this unusual location of recurrence are discussed.
The Privatization Of Punishment: Justification, Expectations, And Experience

Interest in the privatization of the American correctional system has increased dramatically during the current decade. A number of arguments have been advanced to justify the transfer of correctional responsibilities from the public to the private sector. As with any reform movement, the reasons adduced in support of the movement should be reflected by the policies and practices that are adopted to operationalize the reform. This paper briefly describes the major rationales adduced to justify privatization, then projects the kinds of policies and practices that would be anticipated in view of these rationales. These projections are compared to the actual experience of the privatization movement during the 1980s. The analysis suggests the existence of a considerable lack of fit between expected and actual policies and practices adopted in the process of privatization. Several explanations for this lack of fit are considered.
Economic restructuring and spatial changes in manufacturing in Taiwan, 1971–1986

Abstract The precise impact of economic growth and restructuring on the spatial distribution of manufacturing in Taiwan has been subject to debate. Data at a small enough level of enumeration have not been available to permit and resolution of the question of whether or not manufacturing in Taiwan has been diffused to rural areas as a result of the macro-economic restructuring process. Data from the 1971 and 1986 Industrial and Commercial Census for Taiwan—Fukien Area, Republic of China , contain measures of manufacturing at the lowest administrative level (rural and urban townships). Maps, indices of dissimilarity from Lorenz curves, locational quotients, and net shifts based on these data indicate that the five major cities of Taiwan are still the major centres of manufacturing. The areas experiencing the greatest growth in manufacturing are the suburban townships adjacent to the major cities, townships along the Sun Yat-sen north-south freeway, or in proximity to special infrastructure projects. Future economic development in rural areas will be best served by enhancing opportunities to finance service activities rather than manufacturing
Unfractionated heparin dosing and risk of major bleeding in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Background Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS), but the practice of weight-adjusted bolus and infusion dosing has not been carefully evaluated. Methods Using data from 31,445 high-risk patients with NSTE ACS enrolled at 420 hospitals in the CRUSADE initiative, we evaluated initial UFH dosing relative to guideline recommendations and determined factors associated with excess weight–adjusted dosing and major bleeding, overall and among subgroups. Excess dose was defined as >70 U/kg for bolus or >15 U/kg per hour for infusion. Results The most frequent bolus dose was 5,000 U (42.7%) and infusion dose was 1,000 U/h (46%). An excess weight–adjusted UFH bolus or infusion dose was administered 35% of the time. Factors strongly associated with excess weight–adjusted dosing were age (per 10-year increase) (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.08-1.15) and female sex (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.33-1.59). Rate of major bleeding increased proportionally in relation to dose of UFH for both bolus and infusion, specifically when dose was above the recommended weight-adjusted range (>70 U/kg for bolus or >15 U/kg per hour for infusion). Both excess bolus (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06) and infusion (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28) were individually associated with increased bleeding. The relationship between weight-adjusted UFH dose and major bleeding did not vary independently by sex or age. Conclusions In high-risk patients with NSTE ACS, initial UFH bolus and infusion dosing were frequently higher than recommended weight-adjusted ranges, particularly in patients with lower body weight. Excess bolus and infusion rate dosing was associated with more bleeding and was common among elderly and females. Attention to dosing by weight rather than standard bolus and infusion dosing should lead to improved safety in the use of UFH.
Abstract 5602: Cyclin D2- mediated cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity reverses doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent which also induces acute and chronic cardiotoxicities. We have generated a juvenile mouse model to study DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in children. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis with an ensuing loss of myocardial function is observed in this model. Here, we hypothesize that activation of cardiomyocyte cell cycle protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: Two week old MHC-cylin D2 (D2) mice and their non-transgenic (NON-TXG) littermates were given weekly DOX injections for 5 weeks (25 mg/kg total dose). Animals were studied 1 week (acute stage) or 13 weeks (late stage) after the last DOX injection. Cardiac function was measured with echocardiography and cardiomyocyte (CM) cell cycle was quantified using a tritiated thymidine incorporation assay. Results: Our results showed that CM cell cycle was increased in D2 mice as compared to NON-TXG mice (thymidine positive CM nuclei, 0.03±0.01% vs. 0.002±0.002 in acute stage, p 0.05), whereas in the presence of CM cell cycle activity, cardiac function improved in late stage vs. acute stage (FS = 60.1±1.3% vs. 47.1±3.3%, p<0.01). CM apoptosis (0.02±0.01/mm2 vs. 0.05±0.01/mm2, p<0.01) and fibrosis (6.2±0.9% vs. 12.0±1.7%, p<0.01) was reduced in D2 mice as compared to NON-TXG mice in late stage. Conclusion: For the first time, our data suggest activation of CM cell cycle in adult mice reverses DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Citation Format: Wuqiang Zhu, Mark H. Soonpaa, Wenjun Zhang, Weinian Shou, Mark Payne, Loren J. Field. Cyclin D2- mediated cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity reverses doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5602. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5602
Wanting and willing

Is EyERY reasoned voluntary act done because the agent wants to do it? There is no more pressing question for the explanation of human behavior. In SS33-37 of Intention (second edition, 1963), G. E. M. Anscombe suggests that the answer is "yes." I shall argue that one of the most familiar and widely accepted arguments for this view is fallacious, and in the course of doing so show why the correct answer to the question must be "no." Miss Anscombe defends the following theses: TI. All practical reasoning is a matter of deliberatively allowing one's wants to guide one's action. "Isn't it desire in some sense i.e. wanting that prompts the action in all the cases? And 'all cases,' of course, includes ones that have as large an apparatus as one pleases of generalisations about morals, or medicine, or cookery, or methods of study, or methods of getting votes or securing law and order, together with the identification of cases." (S34) T2. Practical problems (what to do?) usually arise in a context in which the agent's alternatives are limited. "This question 'What do you want?' was not a question out of the blue, like 'What are the things you want out of life?' asked in a general way at the fireside. In context, it is the question 'With a view to what you are doing X, Y, and Z?' which are what he is doing." (S34) T3. One can want only what he seriously trys to get, and has some reasonable chance of getting. This is the difference between 'want' and 'wish.' (S36)
Does economic self-interest translate into educational improvement?

Business/higher education partnerships are proliferating. The motivation behind these partnerships is economic self interest on the part of both the corporation and the university. Partnerships hold out the opportunity for universities to maintain or improve their research and graduate training programs while corporations can utilize the university facilities to minimize their capital investment. The challenge for the university is to make sure that academic credibility is not foresaken for economic gain.
Enhancing the product development process through a sequential approach part III: manufacturing

This is the final and concluding part of this series dedicated to presenting a comprehensive approach to consumer product design using DfX principles. This paper focuses on dealing with design principles that enhance the usability of a product in general. In this context, it deals with factors such as designing for maintainability and designing for ease of use. It also addresses the all important concept of design review, by means of which quality can be engineered into the product at the design stage itself. Finally, the paper also addresses the issue of paramount importance: cost in order to maximize profits. The issue of demand forecasting in order to enable product managers to predict future product demand is also addressed at some length towards the end of this paper. This paper serves to act as an all important link between product design, demand forecasting and facilities design.
Nanowires by solution-phase synthesis

ABSTRACT We have demonstrated a variety of solution-phase approaches for the synthesis of dimensionally confined nanostructures of a wide range of materials. These materials include metals (Ag and Au) and semiconductors (Te, Se, and Ag 2 Se) with interesting properties such as high electric, thermal, and ionic conductivities, piezoelectricity, and photoconductivity. Direct and indirect routes for the solution-phase synthesis of 1-dimensional nanostructures are presented. Control over morphology, chemical purity, and crystallinity are well maintained. We show that by using solution-phase methods, it is possible to generate not only high yields of nanowires but also more complex structures such as tubes and co-axial nanocables. These nanostructures are ideal for the study of size-confinement effects on electrical and optical properties, and also as the future interconnects and active components in nanoscale electronic and electromechanical devices. 1. INTRODUCTION One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as wires, rods, and tubes are expected to play a critical role in the fabrication nanoscale devices. Many possible applications have been envisioned to exploit their unique properties including nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, superstrong and tough composites, and novel scanning probes.
Isolation and identification of two isomeric forms of malonyl-coenzyme A in commercial malonyl-coenzyme A.

Abstract Two isomers of malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) were detected in a commercial preparation of malonyl-CoA. These compounds were separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by HPLC/ultraviolet (UV)/mass spectrometry. Both compounds had a UV absorbance maximum at 259–260 nm. Both compounds underwent negative electrospray ionization to produce a [M-H]−quasi-molecular ion at m/z 852 and both compounds underwent collision-induced dissociation to produce a characteristic fragment at m/z 808, all consistent with the structure of malonyl-CoA. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry showed that the two chromatographically distinguishable malonyl-CoAs are structural isomers: the major component is the naturally occurring malonyl-CoA and the contaminant is 3′-dephospho-2′-phospho-coenzyme A.
Task analysis of transit bus drivers' left-turn maneuver: potential countermeasures for the reduction of collisions with pedestrians

Left-turn maneuvers by transit buses are associated with a particularly high rate of collisions with pedestrians. The primary objective of the current study was, through task analysis, to gather a detailed outline of all mental and perceptual tasks that transit bus drivers complete when making a left turn at a signalized intersection. As a secondary objective, based on the task analysis examination, we proposed several countermeasures for the reduction of collision between transit buses and pedestrians. The task analysis revealed that transit bus drivers engage in various tasks during all stages of a left-turn maneuver. The results also showed that the task demand is at a peak during the performance of one of the most critical tasks - detecting pedestrians. Non-driving tasks that transit bus drivers are required to perform (e.g., collecting fares, providing directions to passengers) further increase the tasks demands. Based on the results of the task analysis, we proposed several potential solutions for the reduction of collisions between transit buses and pedestrians. The proposed countermeasures included a technology-based (collision warning system for both drivers and the pedestrians) and infrastructure-based (protected left turn signal for buses only) solutions, as well as examination of individual factors (e.g., stress coping ability) and the relationship with different aspects of driving performance.
Society's choice: The tradeoff between efficacy and equity and the lives at stake

Society understands that racial and ethnic minorities experience inferior medical care and health status, but may not appreciate the seriousness of the problem. Each year the nation spends billions of dollars to perfect the "technology" of health care (e.g., development of new drugs) and modernize delivery systems, thereby saving thousands of lives. Correcting disparities in care, however, would avert five times as many deaths. If policymakers adhered to the goal of optimizing population health, greater priority would go to resolving disparities than to refining technology, but reverse priorities prevail. Adverse socioeconomic conditions-chief among the many causes of disparities-could be eased through bold socioeconomic reforms. Society has the resources to enable the disadvantaged to attain better health but pursues other priorities.
Generalized flux phases for the t-J model: A variational Monte Carlo study.

We calculate the energy of flux states described by Slater determinants of single-particle levels in a uniform magnetic field with {ital p}/{ital q} flux quanta per plaquette and with no double occupancy. We find the exchange energy of flux states is lower than that of the Gutzwiller wave function by 10%--20%. The minimum kinetic energy is obtained by introducing phases associated with the holes. The phases are calculated by mapping onto a classical frustrated {ital XY} model. At 10% doping, the 1/2 flux state ({pi} phase) is stabilized for the parameter regime {ital J}/{ital t}{approx gt}0.2. At about 20% doping, the time-reversal-breaking 1/3 flux state has the lowest energy for {ital J}/{ital t}{approx gt}1.0.
Premature birth and its later effects: Towards preventive intervention

Premature birth is associated with a substantially increased incidence of cognitive-developmental disorders as well as elevated rates of failure-to-thrive syndrome, child abuse, and sudden infant death syndrome. The research supportive of these relationships is reviewed and summarized. This data base strongly suggests that premature birth serves as an early "red flag" which signals risk for later dysfunction. Two types of preventive intervention are discussed: a) prevention of the sequelae of premature birth and b) prevention of premature birth itself. Intervention programs of both types which have been conducted are reviewed. The results of these programs, together with the data base on prematurity, are used as the basis for a set of parameters to guide future intervention efforts.
Genetic algorithms for integrated preventive maintenance planning and production scheduling for a single machine

Despite the inter-dependent relationship between them, production scheduling and preventive maintenance planning decisions are generally analyzed and executed independently in real manufacturing systems. This practice is also found in the majority of the studies found in the relevant literature. In this paper, heuristics based on genetic algorithms are developed to solve an integrated optimization model for production scheduling and preventive maintenance planning. The numerical results on several problem sizes indicate that the proposed genetic algorithms are very efficient for optimizing the integrated problem.
Self-assembly of patchy particles into diamond structures through molecular mimicry.

Fabrication of diamond structures by self-assembly is a fundamental challenge in making three-dimensional photonic crystals. We simulate a system of model hard particles with attractive patches and show that they can self-assemble into a diamond structure from an initially disordered state. We quantify the extent to which the formation of the diamond structure can be facilitated by “seeding” the system with small diamond crystallites or by introducing a rotation interaction to mimic a carbon−carbon antibonding interaction. Our results suggest patchy particles may serve as colloidal “atoms” and “molecules” for the bottom-up self-assembly of three-dimensional crystals.
Neuron tolerance during hydrocephalus

Whether or not neuron death plays a major role in pathophysiology during hydrocephalus is not well known. The goals of this study were to determine if neural degeneration occurred during hydrocephalus, and to determine if neuron tolerance developed during this pathophysiologic procedure.Neural damage as visualized by a sensitive staining technique, silver impregnation, was observed in three experimental groups: (1) adult hydrocephalic rats induced by kaolin injection into the cisterna magna, (2) adult rats with chronic hydrocephalus for 10 weeks subjected to acute forebrain ischemia induced by four-vessel occlusion, and (3) adult rats without hydrocephalus subjected to acute forebrain ischemia. The magnitude of hydrocephalus was also evaluated during this time. In mild or moderate hydrocephalus, little cell death was found. In severe hydrocephalus, axon and neuropil degeneration was extensively distributed, but cell death was still rarely observed. Although some neuron degeneration was found after acute forebrain ischemia in hydrocephalic rats, the extensive cell death in cortical layers III and V, and in hippocampal areas CA1 and CA4 that is commonly observed in the ischemic brain without hydrocephalus, was not seen. This study suggests that neuron death was not a major pathological change in the brain during hydrocephalus, with cerebral ventricles being enlarged during the development of hydrocephalus. Less neuron death in hydrocephalic rats after acute forebrain ischemia suggests that neuronal tolerance to ischemia occurs during hydrocephalus.
Lens designs for page-based holographic storage systems

An aspherical-meniscus and air-spaced-spherics are identified as minimum aberration configurations for page-based holographic recordings. Air-spaced-apsherics attain imaging NA’s of 0.7 for holographic recording only, and of 0.45 for a combination of holographic and surface recording.
Reconstructing brain magnetic susceptibility distributions from T2* phase images by TV- regularized 2-subproblem split Bregman iterations

The underlying source of brain imaging by T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2*MRI) is mainly due to the intracranial inhomogeneous magnetic susceptibility distribution (denoted by χ). We can reconstruct the source χ by two computational steps: first, calculate a fieldmap from a T2* phase image and then second, calculate a χ map from the fieldmap. The internal χ distribution reconstruction from observed T2* phase images is termed χ tomography, which connotes the digital source reproduction with spatial conformance by solving inverse problems in the context of medical imaging. In the small phase angle regime, the T2* phase image remains unwrapped (−π ,phase angle ,π) and it is linearly related to the fieldmap by a scaling factor. However, the second inverse step (calculating a χ map from a fieldmap) is a severely ill-posed 3D deconvolution problem due to an unusual bipolar-valued kernel (dipole field kernel). We have reported on a 3-subproblem split Bregman iteration algorithm for total variation-regularized 3D χ reconstruction; in this paper, we report on a 2-subproblem split Bregman iteration algorithm with easy implementation. We validate the 3D χ tomography algo- rithms by numerical simulations and phantom experiments. We also demonstrate the feasibility of 3D χ tomography for obtaining in vivo brain χ states at 2 mm spatial resolution. Keywords: T2*-weighted MRI (T2*MRI), magnetic susceptibility tomography (χ tomography), dipole effect, 3D deconvolution, filter truncation, total variation (TV), split Bregman iteration, computed inverse magnetic resonance imaging (CIMRI)
New T ⩾ 1 Di-pion at 965 MeV

Abstract Evidence is presented for a di-pion enhancement of mass 965 MeV having T ⩾ 1, from negative pion-proton interactions at 1.7 GeV/c with single pion production. Compared with rho production this enhancement is produced very weakly at low four momentum transfer but appears to become comparable in production probability for Δ42 > 0.5 (GeV/c)2.
Occurrence of Multiple Steady States in the Catalytic Combustion of Propane

Abstract This paper reports experimental results on the existence of multiple steady states in a catalytic combustor for various inlet temperatures (Tin), velocities (Vin), and equivalence ratios (φin). The catalyst was comprised of binary transition metal oxides (CO3O4, Cr2O3) supported on alumina wash-coated ceramic honeycomb substrates. Only oxidation of lean propane-air mixtures (equivalence ratios ⩽0.2) were studied. Multiple steady states were detected only over a narrow range of inlet temperatures (600-670°K). For temperatures outside this range only one steady state exists, while for temperatures in this range at least two steady states, corresponding to heating up and cooling down, exist. In a few cases, when these two steady states were widely separated, one and sometimes two additional steady states (intermediate steady states) were detected. These intermediate steady states, in general, lie close to the heating up or cooling down steady states. For a fixed set of inlet conditions, different st...
Response to intervention and the identification of specific learning disabilities: Why we need comprehensive evaluations as part of the process

The purpose of this article is to underscore why we need to maintain the presence of comprehensive evaluations in the identification of students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs). Response to intervention (RTI) models hold great hope for early instruction, and the reduction of the overrepresentation of students in special education who are minorities or who are culturally and linguistically diverse; however, new regulations under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA; 2004) allow for the identification of individuals with SLDs based on an individual's response to instruction. The regulations provide states the option to include standardized testing as part of the RTI model. This approach was proposed as a solution to the widely criticized aptitude–achievement discrepancy formula; however, the unfortunate result could be to simultaneously remove the comprehensive evaluation, an important part of SLD identification. Eliminating the aptitude–achievement discrepancy formula from the identification of SLDs should not be construed as negating the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation (i.e., the need to identify problems in one or more basic psychological processes). Response to intervention models without a comprehensive evaluation cannot provide the evidence needed to identify students with SLDs or to provide protections to appropriately transition students with SLDs from high school to postsecondary services. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 883–888, 2006.
Reply to “Comparison of Detection Methods for Clostridium difficile”

We thank Monica Ianosi-Irimie et al. for their interest in our publication. In their letter, the authors questioned if the enhanced sensitivity of the Illumigene Clostridium difficile loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP; Meridian Bioscience, Inc.) assay in the frozen (retrospective) arm of
The Ethics of Strategic Fouling: A Reply to Fraleigh

(2005). The Ethics of Strategic Fouling:A Reply to Fraleigh. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 87-95.
Irrigation during seedfill and germinability of soybean with impermeable seed coat character

The impermeable seed coat (ISC) trait in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is valuable because impermeable seed retain viability longer than permeable seed under adverse conditions such as delayed harvest or lengthy storage. The objective of this study was to determine how drought stress during seedfilling affected the ISC trait. «Forrest», a maturity group (MG) V determinate cultivar with normal seed coat, and D86-4565, an ISC MG V determinate line, were grown in the field in 1991 (hot, dry season) and 1992 (cool, wet season) at Stoneville, MS. No irrigation or furrow irrigation between beginning seedfill (R5) and full seed (R6) growth stages were used to vary soil water content during seed development. Seed was harvested by hand and machine both years. In 1991, germination of machine-harvested, unscarified D86-4565 was increased by irrigation, but the percentage of impermeable seed was not affected. In 1992, irrigation that was started at R5 and continued through R6 increased germination of machine-harvested, unscarified seed from both genotypes, and significantly decreased impermeability of unscarified seed of D86-4565. Unscarified seed from D86-4565 grown in 1992 had greater germination and higher permeability than seed from 1991. Unscarified seed from all treatments of D86-4565 germinated well below the standard of 80%. These results indicate that irrigation of soybean during the seedfilling period can influence the ISC trait and germination of unscarified seed with this trait, but the effect of diverse weather is much greater. Furthermore, adequate moisture during seedfill will not preclude preplant scarification to enhance germination of seed with the ISC trait
Design Of Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) Primary

Abstract. The design of an operational mount to rigidly secure the primary mirror to its baseplate without the introduction of figure error always proves to be a major task on diffraction limited optical systems. A summary of the design of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (RAS) primary mirror mount is given. The mirror was designed to be aligned and tested at room temperature and operated in a zero "g"field at temperatures of 2 Kbo minimize overstressing, a stiffness requirement of greater than 150 Hz was required for cold launch and room temperature vibration acceptance testing. Additional isolation was required to minimize strains, introduced via the mounting base, due to thermal and mechanical distortions.
Injuries of the Fingers and Thumb in the Athlete

Injuries of the fingers and thumb in the athlete are common. Mallet finger, jersey finger, boutonniere deformity, Bennett and Rolando fractures, and gamekeeper's thumb are just a few of the injuries that can occur in athletes. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of injury, osseous and soft tissue abnormalities, imaging features, and treatment is important in the care of athletes. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is important and may help minimize outcomes of malunion, posttraumatic arthritis, and debility.
Structure of the human chromosomal gene for the 25 kilodalton insulin-like growth factor binding protein.

We have characterized the structure of the human chromosomal gene for the 25 kilodalton insulin-like growth factor binding protein (BP-25) as a first step toward understanding both the factors which regulate BP-25 transcription and also the evolution of the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. The BP-25 gene is present in the human genome as a single copy which spans 5.2 kilobases and contains four exons. Primer extension localizes the mRNA cap site 165 base pairs (bp) upstream of the ATG translational start codon. Preliminary analysis of the putative promoter region for BP-25 demonstrates characteristics consistent with those of many eukaryotic promoters; these include a consensus TATA box beginning 28 bp 5′ to the cap site and a consensus CCAAT promoter element beginning 72 bp upstream from the cap site.
Summary of Findings Tables: Presenting the Main Findings of Cochrane Complementary and Alternative Medicine–related Reviews in a Transparent and Simple Tabular Format

The systematic review is widely accepted as the most reliable and objective method for evaluating the effects of healthcare interventions, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Systematic reviews use explicit, transparent, and well-documented methods to find, evaluate, and synthesize the best available research studies related to a specific research question. Systematic reviews of healthcare treatment typically have focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) because RCTs are widely regarded as the study design providing the most reliable estimates of a healthcare treatment's effects. Systematic reviewers aim to evaluate and appraise relevant RCTs using objective and reproducible methods to provide an unbiased assessment of the evidence for a given therapy. Systematic reviews sometimes include a meta-analysis, the quantitative combining (pooling) of results from similar but separate RCTs to obtain an overall effect estimate.
The random force theory applied to regional scale tropospheric diffusion

Abstract Twelve examples of long-duration (1- to 50-h) diffusing clouds and plumes, culled from archived data on early nuclear rocket and Plowshare experiments and satellite-observed volcano plumes, are compared individually with a ‘random-force’ theory (Gifford, 1982a, Atmospheric Environment16, 505–512) of long-range atmospheric diffusion. The resulting fitted curves yield sets of 12 estimates of each of the dynamical parameters of the theory, the Lagrangian integral time-scale of atmospheric turbulence, tL, and the large-scale atmospheric eddy-diffusivity, K, and of other quantities that can be formed from these, such as the lateral turbulent velocity, \ gu 2 1 2 the turbulence intensity, i, and the average atmospheric eddy-energy dissipation rate, e.The Lagrangian time-scale values are all within a factor of about two of the value 104 s, confirming the suggestion (Gifford, 1984, Boundary-Layer Met. 30, 159–175) that tL equals the reciprocal of the geostrophic frequency. Stratospheric values of K and e are an order of magnitude greater than those observed within the troposphere. Values of other quantities are more scattered but yield, in each instance, reasonable averages.
Association between valsalva and cough leak point pressures and pelvic organ prolapse quantification in women with stress incontinence.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Women with urodynamically documented stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urethral hypermobility may have a higher pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) stage according to anterior POP-Q measurements. In this study we determined if POP-Q system anterior components representing the urethrovesical junction (anterior wall point Aa/Ba) and/or POP-Q stage has a relationship with leak point pressure testing. Materials and Methods: Of the 1,511 women who underwent video fluoro-urodynamics during 1997 to 2003 at our institution 88 with only evidence of SUI with negative Valsalva leak point pressure and positive cough leak point pressure (CLPP) were selected. Results: Average patient age was 58.6 years (range 32 to 89). Of the 88 women 82 had complete POP-Q examinations available, which revealed stages 0 to III in 21 (25.61%), 20 (24.39%), 40 (48.78%) and 1 (1.22%), respectively. The association between POP-Q stage/components and positive CLPP showed no significant difference in mean positive CLPP among POP-Q stages (p = 0.178) or components (p = 0.42 to 0.97). The test for linear trend was not significant (p = 0.636) for POP-Q stages/components (p = 0.40 to 0.93). No significant difference in volume at which positive CLPP occurred was observed among POP-Q stages (p = 0.283) or components (p = 0.13 to 0.75). The proportion of patients with leakage at 200 cc did not differ significantly among POP-Q stages (p = 0.119) or components (p = 0.15 to 0.60). Conclusions: Analysis of women with urodynamic evidence of SUI with negative Valsalva leak point pressure and positive CLPP did not show any significant association with components of the POP-Q system or with POP-Q stages. Findings support that POP-Q measurements should not be interpreted as indicators of urethral hypermobility when evaluating women with SUI.
Variations of Oxygen-18/Oxygen-16 and Carbon-13/Carbon-12 in the Calcium Carbonate Pleistocene Varved Clays from Toronto, Canada

EXTENSION of isotope techniques for the determination of environmental conditions of ancient limestone deposition to fresh-water carbonates requires some knowledge of seasonal variation of 13C/12C and 18O/16O ratios. If the limestone unit under investigation is varved, seasonal change in isotopic composition will be superimposed on compositional trends extending over longer periods of time. In an examination of varved sediments deposited in Rita Blanca Lake in Blancan time near Channing, Texas, the lighter-coloured, summer portion of the varves was shown to be relatively enriched in carbon-13 and oxygen-18 (ref. 1). The isotopic composition of both summer and winter layers was that of fresh-water carbonate and not marine carbonate2. In this sequence of sediments, time trends of δ18O and δ13C were not masked by seasonal variations, and hence were considered to indicate significant climatic changes which took place over about 1,400 years spanned by varved deposition. Since Rita Blanca Lake was located very much south of the Pleistocene ice sheets, a 20.4-in. sequence of varved clays from the proglacial lake sediments of the Don Beds of probable Sangamon age, now exposed in central Toronto, Canada, was collected for comparison.
Traffic of leukocytes in microfluidic channels with rectangular and rounded cross-sections

Traffic of leukocytes in microvascular networks (particularly through arteriolar bifurcations and venular convergences) affects the dynamics of capillary blood flow, initiation of leukocyte adhesion during inflammation, and localization and development of atherosclerotic plaques in vivo. Recently, a growing research effort has been focused on fabricating microvascular networks comprising artificial vessels with more realistic, rounded cross-sections. This paper investigated the impact of the cross-sectional geometry of microchannels on the traffic of leukocytes flowing with human whole blood through a non-symmetrical bifurcation that consisted of a 50 μm mother channel bifurcating into 30 μm and 50 μm daughter branches. Two versions of the same bifurcation comprising microchannels with rectangular and rounded cross-sections were fabricated using conventional multi-layer photolithography to produce rectangular microchannles that were then rounded in situ using a recently developed method of liquid PDMS/air bubble injection. For microchannels with rounded cross-sections, about two-thirds of marginated leukocytes traveling along a path in the top plane of the bifurcation entered the smallest 30 μm daughter branch. This distribution was reversed in microchannels with rectangular cross-sections – the majority of leukocytes traveling along a similar path continued to follow the 50 μm microchannels after the bifurcation. This dramatic difference in the distribution of leukocyte traffic among the branches of the bifurcation can be explained by preferential margination of leukocytes towards the corners of the 50 μm mother microchannels with rectangular cross-sections, and by the additional hindrance to leukocyte entry created by the sharp transition from the 50 μm mother microchannel to the 30 μm daughter branch at the intersection. The results of this study suggest that the trajectories of marginated leukocytes passing through non-symmetrical bifurcations are significantly affected by the cross-sectional geometry of microchannels and emphasize the importance of using microfludic systems with geometrical configurations closely matching physiological configurations when modeling the dynamics of whole blood flow in the microcirculation.