cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate nonparametric techniques for astigmatism analysis

Purpose To describe the application of nonparametric multivariate statistical methods to the analysis of astigmatism treatment outcomes. Setting Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods Nonparametric methods were applied to a published data set and to 12 test data sets created for test purposes. Results of 3 multivariate nonparametric tests were compared with those obtained using the Hotelling T 2 , a multivariate parametric test. The nonparametric tests were the rank-based multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), sign-based MANOVA, and bootstrapping based on the Hotelling T 2 statistic. Results Reanalysis of the published data set using the 3 nonparametric tests detected statistically significant treatment effects at all postoperative examinations. The Hotelling T 2 and 3 nonparametric tests detected differences in astigmatism outcomes for multiple test data sets that simulated normal distributions. For test data sets simulating non-normal distributions, the Hotelling T 2 test and bootstrapping based on Hotelling T 2 detected a difference in 1 test data set while rank-based and sign-based MANOVA detected differences in outcomes for multiple data sets. Conclusions Rank-based and sign-based MANOVA had comparable or slightly lower power than the Hotelling T 2 test in detecting differences in normally distributed data. For data sets in which the rectangular components of astigmatism vectors do not distribute normally in both dimensions, only the nonparametric statistical methods were valid. The sign-based MANOVA was the most sensitive in detecting differences in non-normally distributed astigmatism outcomes in the data sets. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Temperature rise after peginterferon alfa-2a injection in patients with chronic hepatitis C is associated with virological response and is modulated by IL28B genotype.

Background & Aims Interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C is associated with non-specific symptoms including fever. We aimed to determine the association of temperature changes with interferon antiviral activity. Methods 60 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C (67% genotype 1/4/6, 33% genotype 2/3) were admitted to start peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in a clinical trial. Temperature was measured at baseline and 3 times daily for the first 24h and the maximal increase from baseline during that time (ΔT max ) was determined. Serum HCV-RNA, interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs – CD274 , ISG15 , RSAD2 , IRF7 , CXCL10 ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured at very early time points, and response kinetics calculated. The IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism, rs12979860, was genotyped. Results Temperatures rose by 1.2±0.8°C, peaking after 12.5h. ΔT max was strongly associated with 1st phase virological decline (r=0.59, p p p =0.53) and patients with CC genotype had a higher ΔT max (1.4±0.8°C vs. 0.8±0.6°C, p =0.001). ΔT max was associated with 6- and 24-h induction of serum IP-10 and of PBMC ISG expression, but only in patients with rs12989760CC. ΔT max weakly predicted early virological response (AUC=0.68, CI 0.49–0.88). Conclusions Temperature rise following peginterferon injection is closely associated with virological response and is modulated by IL28B polymorphism, reflecting host interferon-responsiveness.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumors: an immunohistochemical study of 47 cases, with histogenetic considerations and clinical correlation.

Forty-seven cases of malignant mixed mullerian tumors were reviewed histologically and studied immunohistochemically with three major objectives: to analyze the histogenetic relationship between the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components of these neoplasms, to ascertain the practical role of immunohistochemical studies in diagnosis and classification, and to determine the prognostic significance of immunohistochemically verified rhabdomyoblastic and neuroendocrine differentiation. Epithelial differentiation (cytokeratin and/or epithelial membrane antigen expression) was confirmed in all carcinomatous components; within the sarcomatous areas, it was identified among individual cells (60% of cases) and within poorly formed clusters of cells (57% of cases). There was a statistically significant tendency for concordant expression of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, Leu-M1, S-100, Leu-7, and neuron-specific enolase between the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components of individual cases. These two findings provide evidence of common origin for the sarcomatous and carcinomatous components of these neoplasms. Histologic review of metastases in 21 cases revealed a biphasic composition in the majority of metastatic lesions (62%), another feature that further supports a common origin for the two components. From a practical standpoint, immunohistochemistry may be helpful in accentuating the biphasic pattern of these neoplasms and in verifying the presence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. In most cases, however, careful morphologic examination and thorough sampling will suffice for correct diagnosis and subclassification. The presence of heterologous, rhabdomyoblastic, or neuroendocrine differentiation did not have a statistically significant influence on survival; the last of these was associated with a tendency for a more rapidly fatal course.
Assessment of natural attenuation of aromatic hydrocarbons in groundwater near a former manufactured-gas plant, South Carolina, USA

Shallow, anaerobic groundwater near a former manufactured-gas plant (MGP) in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, contains mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs and PAHs, respectively). Between 1994 and 1997, a combination of field, laboratory, and numerical-flow and transport-model investigations were made to assess natural attenuation processes affecting MAH and PAH distributions. This assessment included determination of adsorption coefficients (K ad ) and first-order biodegradation rate constants (K bio ) using aquifer material from the MGP site and adjacent properties. Naphthalene adsorption (K ad =1.35×10–7 m3/mg) to aquifer sediments was higher than toluene adsorption (K ad =9.34×10–10 m3/mg), suggesting preferential toluene transport relative to naphthalene. However, toluene and benzene distributions measured in January 1994 were smaller than the naphthalene distribution. This scenario can be explained, in part, by the differences between biodegradation rates of the compounds. Aerobic first-order rate constants of 14C-toluene, 14C-benzene, and 14C-naphthalene degradation were similar (–0.84, –0.03, and 0.88 day–1, respectively), but anaerobic rate constants were higher for toluene and benzene (–0.002 and –0.00014 day–1, respectively) than for naphthalene (–0.000046 day–1). Both areal and cross-sectional numerical simulations were used to test the hypothesis suggested by these rate differences that MAH compounds will be contained relative to PAHs. Predictive simulations indicated that the distributions of toluene and benzene reach steady-state conditions before groundwater flow lines discharge to an adjacent surface-water body, but do discharge low concentrations of naphthalene. Numerical predictions were "audited" by measuring concentrations of naphthalene, toluene, and benzene at the site in early 1997. Measured naphthalene and toluene concentrations were substantially reduced and the areal extent of contamination smaller than was both observed in January 1994 and predicted for 1997. Measured 1997 benzene concentrations and distribution were shown to be relatively unchanged from those measured in 1994, and similar to predictions for 1997.
Novel FAD3 Mutant Allele Combinations Produce Soybeans Containing 1% Linolenic Acid in the Seed Oil

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) oil typically contains about 7% of linolenic acid, an oxida- tively unstable fatty acid that is undesirable for many food applications. For cooking oil, reduc- tion of the linolenic acid content by partial hydro- genation produces trans fatty acids, which are now known to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Genetic reduction of linolenic acid was achieved decades ago, and recently the molecu- lar genetic basis for both 3% and 1% linolenic acid soybean germplasm was revealed to be combinations of mutations in three independent members of the soybean omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD3) genes that corresponded to the fan1, fan2, and fan3 loci. When the mutant GmFAD3A and GmFAD3C genes are found in combination in the breeding line CX1512-44, the linolenic acid content is reduced to approxi- mately 3% of the of the seed oil. When the mutant GmFAD3A and GmFAD3B genes are in combination in the breeding line RG-10, a similar fatty acid profi le is produced with approximately 3% linolenic acid. The objective of this work was to determine the ability of different combinations of mutant FAD3 alleles from CX1512-44 and an RG-10-derived soybean line to produce less than 3% linolenic acid in the seed oil. The results indicated that novel combinations of mutations in the three FAD3 genes are capable of produc- ing soybean seeds containing only 1% linolenic acid in the seed oil.
A Biofidelic Testing Platform and Protocol for Evaluating and Classifying Spinal Orthoses

The process of selecting an appropriate spinal orthosis for treating specific low back pain symptoms largely remains subjective. A more scientific method of evaluating back orthoses by their biomechanical impacts on the spine is needed. Responsive to that need, a novel physiologic analogue of a human upper torso, lumbar spine, and pelvic girdle assembly was developed that attached to a multi-axis research robot programmed to simulate upper body load and movement patterns. The combination of the human analogue and robotic testing platform was used to determine the biomechanical effects of a commercially available spinal orthosis on lower back mechanics. Outcomes from this study provide the basis for developing a technical standard for ranking and classifying spinal orthotic devices.
Covalent binding of lipids to cytoskeletal proteins of mouse mammary epithelial cells.

Abstract Cytoskeletal proteins obtained from mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) were found to be modified by covalent attachment of lipids. Primary cultures of MMEC were incubated in the presence of 3 H-palmitate for 4 h. A cytoskeletal (CS) fraction was prepared by treatment of the cells with 1.5M KCl and 1% Triton X-100. The residual material, consisting primarily of keratin and actin filaments was exhaustively (10–20 rounds, including sonications) extracted with chloroform/methanol to remove non-covalently bound labeled lipids. The CS protein was then acid-hydrolyzed and the chloroform-soluble products subjected to thin layer chromatography (TLC). Two-thirds of the covalently bound radiolabel appeared as a very hydrophobic peak on a TLC system optimized for separation of neutral lipids. Ten percent separated into 4–5 peaks on a polar lipid TLC system. A small amount of label was traced to fatty acid-like components. Autoradiography of two-dimensional gels indicated that all the CS proteins resolvable by Coomassie blue staining were also radiolabeled. The results are discussed in terms of CS-lipid-membrane interactions.
Ovarian Steroids Differentially Modulate the Gene Expression of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuronal Subtypes in the Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkey

In the present study, we compared the morphology and distribution of neurons expressing GnRH gene transcripts in the hypothalamus and forebrain of the cynomolgus monkey to that of the human. As in the human, three subtypes of GnRH neurons were identified. Type I GnRH neurons were small, oval cells with high levels of gene expression and were located within the basal hypothalamus. Type II GnRH neurons were small and sparsely labeled and were widely scattered in the hypothalamus, midline nuclei of the thalamus, and extended amygdala. Type III neurons displayed magnocellular morphology and intermediate labeling intensity and were located in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, caudate, and amygdala. In a second experiment, we determined the effect of estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone on the gene expression of GnRH neurons in the brains of young, ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys. We report that hormone treatment resulted in a significant decrease in GnRH mRNA in type I neurons within the basal hypothalamus of ovariectomized monkeys. In contrast, there was no effect of hormone treatment on the gene expression of type III GnRH neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. The present findings provide evidence that the increase in gene expression of type I GnRH neurons in postmenopausal women is secondary to the ovarian failure of menopause. The differential responses of type I and III GnRH neurons to hormone treatment provide additional evidence that distinct subpopulations of neurons expressing GnRH mRNA exist in the primate hypothalamus.
Scattering of elastic waves from simple defects in solids, a review

This paper presents a review of recent work by us and others on the scattering of elastic waves from simple defects in solids. The emphasis in the report is on the representation in the time-domain as contrasted to that in the frequency-domain, although both aspects are discussed. The defects are principally small voids ranging in shape from spherical voids to simulated flat cracks with combinations of these, such as a double void and a void surrounded by a flat crack. The defects were produced in Ti-alloy by the diffusion bonding process and were typically about 1 mm in extent. The scattered radiation pattern was probed in the 1<ka<4 range using conventional transducers and electronics. Upon capture, the scattered waveforms were digitized and processed in a Data General M 600 laboratory computer in which the usual Fourier transform and deconvolution processes were executed. An additional feature, emphasizing the time-domain aspect, was the capability to determine the impulse response function from the experimental data. The results show that careful evaluation of the time-domain results, even before extensive signal processing, form an invaluable guide to the characterization of a simple flaw, which is the object of advanced techniques in NDE.
Impact of intercurrent respiratory infections on lung health in infants born <29 weeks with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Impact of intercurrent respiratory infections on lung health in infants born <29 weeks with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Nephrotoxicity of contrast media.

A 64-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of progressive dyspnea and increasing angina. The medical history was significant for coronary artery disease with an uncomplicated myocardial infarction 8 years ago. Diabetes was diagnosed 10 years ago and was controlled currently with diet alone. Peripheral vascular disease necessitated a left below-the-knee amputation 2 years ago. Although previously a "heavy" smoker, he had stopped smoking 5 years ago. Current medications included furosemide, persantine, and digoxin. Physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 120/76 mm Hg; pulse, 82 beats/mm and regular; and respirations, 24/mm. No jugular venous distension was present. The chest had bibasilar rales. Cardiac examination was unremarkable. There was no abdominal organomegaly. External genitalia and rectal examination were unremarkable, A sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy was present. Laboratory data on admission included: sodium, 138 mEq/liter; potassium, 5.5 mEq/liter; chloride, 109 mEq/Iiter; and carbon dioxide, 22 mEq/liter. The BUN was 68 mg/dl and the creatinine 3.8 mgldl. Glucose was 123 mg/dl. Urinalysis revealed 3+ albumin, trace glucose, 6—9 white blood cells/high-power field, and no casts. An electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm and evidence of an old, anteroseptal myocardial infarction. A plain chest film disclosed small bilateral pleural effusions and changes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Renal ultrasound examination was normal. The 24-hour creatinine clearance was 26 mI/mm. Urine protein excretion was 5.8 g/24 hours. The patient was scheduled for coronary angiography. Prior to angiography he received 1000 ml of 0.45% saline over 10 hours, which was
Suspiciousness, Mental Simulation, and Norm Theory

Seven studies were conducted to replicate the work of Miller, Turnbull, and McFarland (1989), who tested predictions from norm theory (Kahneman & Miller, 1986). The first three studies with stimulus materials identical to those used by Miller et al. failed to confirm that the ease with which the event might be mentally simulated affected the degree of suspiciousness. In Studies 4, 5, and 6, the improbable events were made objectively more probable, but this did not produce significant results. In the 7th study, the objective probability and attitude toward the target were varied. Although there was a main effect for ease of mental simulation, this effect was produced by only 1 of the 3 vignettes.
Infrared Image Real-Time Enlargement System Design Based on FPGA

Low contrast and shortage of gray levels are two main characteristics of infrared image. According to the characteristics of infrared image, a simple and practical video format MHIVF (Mitthogskolans Interlaced Video Format) and conversion technique are introduced. This kind of video format can simplify the infrared image processing. Infrared image real-time enlargement system based on FPGA is designed and the bilinear interpolation algorithm is selected for image enlargement. The experiment results show that the designed system has a lower complexity and image processing speed is obviously increased
Embedded elliptic curves and the Yang-Baxter equations

Abstract The completely Z n symmetric S-matrix defined by Belavin is shown to satisfy the Yang-Baxter equations. In the projective space of Boltzmann weights, the curves on which there exist commuting transfer matrices are shown to be embedded elliptic curves. Explicit polynomial equations for these curves are given. For n=2 these results reduce to the results of Baxter for the symmetric eight-vertex model.
High Resolution Study of Micrometer Particle Detachment on Different Surfaces

In an effort to identify particle initial motion prior liftoff interactions of micrometer glass beads (10–100 μm) on glass, ceramic, and hardwood substrates were investigated experimentally. Particles were deposited on the lower surface of a 10 cm2 wind tunnel by gravitational settling. Air flows were imposed from an open entrance at average velocities up to 16 m/s. Individual particle trajectories obtained by high-speed imaging reveal three different types of motion: rolling/bouncing (saltation caused by the movement of hard particles over an uneven surface in a turbulent flow of air), immediate liftoff (particles completely leave the surface with no or minimal initial rolling/bouncing) and complex motion (particles travel with rolling/bouncing motion on the surface for a certain distance before final liftoff). Surface roughness significantly affects the particle initial motion prior to liftoff. The majority of particle trajectories from the glass substrate were parallel to the surface with complex motio...
How do we empathize with someone who is not like us? a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Previous research on the neural underpinnings of empathy has been limited to affective situations experienced in a similar way by an observer and a target individual. In daily life we also interact with people whose responses to affective stimuli can be very different from our own. How do we understand the affective states of these individuals? We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess how participants empathize with the feelings of patients who reacted with no pain to surgical procedures but with pain to a soft touch. Empathy for pain of these patients activated the same areas (insula, medial/anterior cingulate cortex) as empathy for persons who responded to painful stimuli in the same way as the observer. Empathy in a situation that was aversive only for the observer but neutral for the patient recruited areas involved in self-other distinction (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex) and cognitive control (right inferior frontal cortex). In addition, effective connectivity between the latter and areas implicated in affective processing was enhanced. This suggests that inferring the affective state of someone who is not like us can rely upon the same neural structures as empathy for someone who is similar to us. When strong emotional response tendencies exist though, these tendencies have to be overcome by executive functions. Our results demonstrate that the fronto-cortical attention network is crucially involved in this process, corroborating that empathy is a flexible phenomenon which involves both automatic and controlled cognitive mechanisms. Our findings have important implications for the understanding and promotion of empathy, demonstrating that regulation of one's egocentric perspective is crucial for understanding others.
Transdermal Delivery of Molecules is Limited by Full Epidermis, Not Just Stratum Corneum

Most methods to increase transdermal drug delivery focus on increasing stratum corneum permeability, without addressing the need to increase permeability of viable epidermis. Here, we assess the hypothesis that viable epidermis offers a significant permeability barrier that becomes rate limiting upon sufficient permeabilization of stratum corneum. We tested this hypothesis by using calibrated microdermabrasion to selectively remove stratum corneum or full epidermis in pig and human skin, and then measuring skin permeability to a small molecule (sulforhodamine) and macromolecules (bovine serum albumin, insulin, inactivated influenza vaccine) in vitro. We found that removal of stratum corneum dramatically increased skin permeability to all compounds tested. However, removal of full epidermis increased skin permeability by another 1–2 orders of magnitude. We also studied the effects of removing skin tissue only from localized spots on the skin surface by covering skin with a mask containing 125-μm holes during tissue removal. Skin permeabilized in this less-invasive way showed similar results. This suggests that microdermabrasion of skin using a mask may provide an effective way to increase skin permeability. We conclude that viable epidermis offers a significant permeability barrier that becomes rate limiting upon removal of stratum corneum.
Prevalence of Parental Misconceptions About Antibiotic Use.

BACKGROUND: Differences in antibiotic knowledge and attitudes between parents of Medicaid-insured and commercially insured children have been previously reported. It is unknown whether understanding has improved and whether previously identified differences persist. METHODS: A total of 1500 Massachusetts parents with a child RESULTS: Medicaid-insured parents in 2013 (n = 345) were younger, were less likely to be white, and had less education than those commercially insured (n = 353), P CONCLUSIONS: Misconceptions about antibiotic use persist and continue to be more prevalent among parents of Medicaid-insured children. Improvement in understanding has been more pronounced in more advantaged populations. Tailored efforts for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations remain warranted to decrease parental drivers of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
Double-covered broadcast (DCB): a simple reliable broadcast algorithm in MANETs

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) suffer from high transmission error rate because of the nature of radio communications. The broadcast operation, as a fundamental service in MANETs, is prone to the broadcast storm problem if forward nodes are not carefully designated. The objective of reducing the broadcast redundancy while still providing high delivery ratio for each broadcast packet is a major challenge in a dynamic environment. In this paper, we propose a simple, reliable broadcast algorithm, called double-covered broadcast (DCB), that takes advantage of broadcast redundancy to improve the delivery ratio in the environment that has rather high transmission error rate. Among 1-hop neighbors of the sender, only selected forward nodes retransmit the broadcast message. Forward nodes are selected in such a way that (1) the sender's 2-hop neighbors are covered and (2) the sender's 1-hop neighbors are either a forward node, or a nonforward node but covered by at least two forwarding neighbors. The retransmissions of the forward nodes are received by the sender as confirmation of their receiving the packet. The nonforward 1-hop neighbors of the sender do not acknowledge the reception of the broadcast. If the sender does not detect all its forward nodes' retransmissions, it will resend the packet until the maximum times of retry is reached. Simulation results show that the algorithm provides good performance for a broadcast operation under high transmission error rate environment
Role of Central and Peripheral Adrenergic Mechanisms in Neurogenic Hypertension Produced by Brainstem Lesions in Rat

Bilateral lesions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in rats result in acute fulminating hypertension (NTS hypertension) as a consequence of central deafferentation of baroreceptors. The hypertension is due to increased peripheral resistance and decreased cardiac output. The hypertension is blocked and cardiac output is increased by phentolamine, trimethaphan (Arfonad), and reserpine but not by propranolol. In the present experiment, systemically administered 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA) did not alter NTS hypertension if the adrenal glands were intact. Adrenalectomy, however, blocked the lesion-induced rise in blood pressure in 6-OH-DA-treated rats. Intracisternally administered 6-OH-DA (600 µg) lowered the concentration of norepinephrine only in the spinal cord and blocked the development of NTS hypertension. Local injection of 6-OH-DA into the lateral hypothalamus did not affect the hypertension. Injection of 6-OH-DA into the NTS resulted in a mild, transient elevation in blood pressure. The results...
The impact of peripheral arterial disease on health-related quality of life in the Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness, Risk, and Treatment: New Resources for Survival (PARTNERS) Program

This study tested the hypothesis that patients with PAD have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to a degree similar to that of patients with other types of cardiovascular disease (other-CVD), and also evaluated the clinical features of PAD associated with impaired HRQoL. This was a cross-sectional study in 350 primary care practice sites nationwide with 6,499 participants. The reference group had no clinical or hemodynamic evidence of PAD or other-CVD; the PAD group had an ankle-brachial index < 0.90 or a prior history of PAD; the other-CVD group had a clinical history of cardiac or cerebral vascular disease (but no PAD), and the combined PAD-other-CVD group included both diagnoses. Individuals were assessed using four HRQoL questionnaires including the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 (SF-36), Cantril Ladder of Life and the PAD Quality of Life questionnaire. PAD patients had lower WIQ distance scores than the other-CVD group. Both the PAD and other-CVD groups had significantly lower SF-36 Physical Function scores compared with the reference group. The WIQ revealed that PAD patients were more limited by calf pain, whereas other-CVD patients were more limited by chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations. In conclusion, in this nationwide study, one of the first to directly compare the HRQoL burden of CVD with that of PAD, the evaluation of PAD in office practice revealed a HRQoL burden as great in magnitude as in patients with other forms of CVD.
The Stroop effect in English-Japanese bilinguals: the effect of phonological similarity.

Abstract. English-Japanese bilinguals performed a Stroop color-word interference task with both English and Japanese stimuli and responded in both English and Japanese. The Japanese stimuli were either the traditional color terms (TCTs) written in Hiragana or loanwords (LWs) from English written in Katakana. Both within-language and between-language interference were found for all combinations of stimuli and responses. The between-language interference was larger for Katakana LWs (phonologically similar to English) than for Hiragana TCTs, especially with Japanese responses. The magnitude of this phonological effect increased with self-rated reading fluency in Japanese. Overall responding was slower and the Stroop effect larger with English than with Japanese stimuli. These results suggest that unintentional lexical access elicits automatic phonological processing even with intermediate-level reading proficiency.
Effect of Inorganic Additives on Solutions of Nonionic Surfactants V: Emulsion Stability

Abstract □ Electrolytes often break emulsions to which they were added as active ingredients, adjuvants, or impurities. The stability of oil-in-water emulsions containing octoxynol 9 NF as the emulsifier and various added electrolytes was investigated by measuring droplet size, turbidity, and oil separation on storage at various temperatures and in a centrifugal field at 25°. Electrolytes were added to hexadecane emulsions after emulsification (direct addition); alternatively, hexadecane was emulsified in octoxynol 9–electrolyte mixtures (reverse addition). Xylene emulsions were prepared by direct addition only. Hexadecane emulsions containing 0.10% octoxynol 9 were considerably more stable than xylene emulsions containing 0.60% because the surfactant is practically insoluble in hexadecane, but miscible in all proportions with xylene. An emulsifier soluble in the disperse phase as well as the continuous phase evidently forms less stable interfacial films. The electrolytes investigated were sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, magnesium nitrate, and aluminum nitrate, which salt octoxynol 9 in by complexation between its ether groups and their cations; sodium thiocyanate, which salts the surfactant in by destructuring water; and sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, which salt octoxynol 9 out. The addition of these electrolytes at concentrations up to 2 or 3 m to hexadecane emulsions produced fast and extensive creaming, little or no flocculation, no coalescence, and only minor changes in droplet size or turbidity on storage at room temperature. The extent of coalescence during centrifugation was actually reduced by the additives. Such stability is unusual. Droplet size and turbidity depended mainly on octoxynol 9 concentration. The greatest decrease in the former and increase in the latter occurred when the concentration was increased from 0.10 to ~ 0.4%. All emulsions became slightly coarser on storage at 25°. Stability at 50° was impaired by aluminum nitrate and magnesium nitrate and to a lesser extent by sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. Reverse-addition emulsions differentiated better between the electrolytes than direct-addition emulsions. Electrolytes salting octoxynol 9 in, especially by complexation, generally produced the finest and most stable emulsions. Similarly, xylene emulsions were destabilized more by the electrolytes which salted the emulsifier out than by those salting it in. Centrifugation of hexadecane emulsions at 7800 × g compressed the creamed emulsion layer into a plug of clear, transparent, isotropic gel from which coalesced hexadecane separated slowly on further centrifugation. These semisolid gels contained the hexadecane as discrete, uncoalesced droplets because, on immersion in water or octoxynol 9 solutions with or without electrolytes, they turned opaque, liquefied, and redispersed spontaneously into emulsions of nearly the same average droplet size as the original emulsions.
Efficient polarimetric detection of man-made targets

The purpose of this study is to explore the polarimetric phenomenology of 2-D signals in a variety of experimental scenarios. Polarimetric imaging offers unique advantages for a wide range of detection and classification problems. It relies on the preservation of polarization of backscattered light, while offering distinct signatures related to surface smoothness, orientation, and target composition. The line spread function (LSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) of different targets have been studied under back scattered and polarimetric conditions. The images were analyzed with Adobe Photoshop and MATLAB 7.0. The results consistently show the improvement that polarimetric imaging provides.
FORWARD AND BACKWARD MODAL STATISTICS FOR ROUGH SEABED SURFACE SCATTERING IN SHALLOW WATER

Addressed is the physics of sound propagation through a shallow water waveguide whose seabed has a random rough surface. The basic coupled integral equations for the modal amplitudes can be split into forward and backward going coupled integral equations. Numerical solutions of the coupled equations are obtained for multiple roughness realizations from which ensemble averages can be obtained for the modal intensities and cross-mode coherence as a function of range. Sample calculations illustrate some of the basic characteristics of the average cross-mode coherence and intensity with and without seabed attenuation and for different source depths on range scales of 1500 acoustic wavelengths.
Marketing Agencies Between Manufacturer and Jobber

I. Introductory. Reasons why manufacturers employ intermediaries to reach jobbers, 571. — Distinguishing features of commission houses, manufacturers' agents, and brokers, 574. — II. Commission houses in the textile trades, 576. — III. Manufacturers' agents and purchasing agents in the hardware trade, 580. — IV. Manufacturers' agents in the grocery trade, 586. — V. Brokers in the grocery trade, 589: flour brokers, 591; canned goods brokers, 594; sugar brokers, 596; coffee brokers, 598. — Conclusion. 599.
Natural Product Synthesis via the Rhodium Carbenoid-Mediated Cyclization of α-Diazo Carbonyl Compounds

The chemistry of metal carbene complexes has provided chemists with exceptionally fertile ground for designing and developing new stereoselective bond construction for application towards the synthesis of various natural products. In particular, the RhII-catalyzed reaction of 2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates bearing tethered π-bonds represents a synthetically useful protocol for the construction of a variety of novel polycyclic skeletons. The related RhII-catalyzed reaction of the 2-diazo-2-(1H-indol-2-yl)acetate system has recently been examined as a potential route towards scandine, a member of the melodinus family of alkaloids.
Statistical trade-offs in modern time-frequency kernel design

In random processes, reduced spectrum estimate variance becomes an important property which augments the list of desired time-frequency properties of modern distributions. The degrees of freedom left in the two-dimensional kernel after satisfying the support, the marginal, and the instantaneous frequency requirements are used to yield a kernel of minimum variance. The average variance over the Nyquist interval of the spectrum estimate of a white noise process is used as the measure to be minimized. It is proved that the Born-Jordan kernel has the lowest possible average variance. It is also shown that the cone-shape of the modern time-frequency kernels is primarily responsible for their high variance. A comparison of the statistical performance of different shapes of kernels is provided. >
Exploring the relationship between knowledge and algorithm performance in discrete optimization

Knowledge about the characteristics of a discrete optimization problem can often be leveraged for improved algorithm performance. Having an understanding of the relationship between knowledge and performance can provide us useful hints and better prediction of algorithm behavior when we choose or design algorithms. Previously, we developed a directional tree (DT) model [X. Zhong et al., (2003)], which concurrently describes algorithm behavior and represents knowledge explicitly, and thus provided us with a tool to analyze the impact of knowledge on algorithm performance. By using DT, we analyzed the performance of an algorithm when that algorithm is used for solving problems from a problem space P. In our previous analysis, we only considered the situation where there is only one optimal solution in the solution space. Furthermore, our DT model assumes that knowledge about the problem is obtained prior to the execution of any probabilistic or deterministic algorithm. However, such prior knowledge may not be readily or immediately available. In this paper, we extend our DT results to cover multiple optimal solutions and then generalize our DT model to take into account acquisition of problem knowledge during execution. Our generalized directional tree (GDT) model provides a framework for incorporating knowledge obtained online into algorithms, and thus enables us to develop online optimization algorithms that dynamically updates their search decisions in response to obtained knowledge so far.
A big fat wedding: association of adiponectin with coronary vascular lesions.

Increasing obesity rates and a sedentary lifestyle worldwide have led to a marked increase in rates of type 2 diabetes as well as the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterized by a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors ([1][1]). The two main etiologic factors for the MetS, obesity and
Effects of Community Versus Single Strain Inoculants on the Biocontrol of Salmonella and Microbial Community Dynamics in Alfalfa Sprouts

Potential biological control inoculants, Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79 and microbial communities derived from market sprouts or laboratory-grown alfalfa sprouts, were introduced into alfalfa seeds with and without a Salmonella inoculum. We examined their ability to inhibit the growth of this foodborne pathogen and assess the relative effects of the inoculants on the alfalfa microbial community structure and function. Alfalfa seeds contaminated with a Salmonella cocktail were soaked for 2 h in bacterial suspensions from each inoculant tested. Inoculated alfalfa seeds were grown for 7 days and sampled during days 1, 3, and 7. At each sampling, alfalfa sprouts were sonicated for 7 min to recover microflora from the surface, and the resulting suspensions were diluted and plated on selective and nonselective media. Total bacterial counts were obtained using acridine orange staining, and the percentage culturability was calculated. Phenotypic potential of sprout-associated microbial communities inoculated with biocontrol treatments was assessed using community-level physiological profiles based on patterns of use of 95 separate carbon sources in Biolog plates. Community-level physiological profiles were also determined using oxygen-sensitive fluorophore in BD microtiter plates to examine functional patterns in these communities. No significant differences in total and mesophilic aerobe microbial cell density or microbial richness resulting from the introduction of inoculants on alfalfa seeds with and without Salmonella were observed. P. fluorescens 2-79 exhibited the greatest reduction in the growth of Salmonella early during alfalfa growth (4.22 log at day 1), while the market sprout inoculum had the reverse effect, resulting in a maximum log reduction (5.48) of Salmonella on day 7. Community-level physiological profiles analyses revealed that market sprout communities peaked higher and faster compared with the other inoculants tested. These results suggest that different modes of actions of single versus microbial consortia biocontrol treatments may be involved.
The Pure Braid Groups and Their Relatives

In this mostly survey paper, we investigate the resonance varieties, the lower central series ranks, and the Chen ranks, as well as the residual and formality properties of several families of braid-like groups: the pure braid groups P n , the welded pure braid groups wP n , the virtual pure braid groups vP n , as well as their ‘upper’ variants, wP n + and vP n +. We also discuss several natural homomorphisms between these groups, and various ways to distinguish among the pure braid groups and their relatives.
Courts as therapeutic agents: thinking past the novelty of mental health courts.

Persons who have mental illness are over-represented among jail and prison inmates. Efforts have been advancing to stem the flow of offenders who have mental illness into the criminal justice system. The best known initiatives are diversion programs situated within the police department or jail. 4 The mental health court is the newest of these approaches. Although there are currently fewer than a score of mental health courts in the country, the numbers are expected to mushroom with passage of Public Law Number 107-77, which earmarked $4 million for mental health courts in 2002. Mental health courts are analogous to drug courts. Their intent is to reduce criminal behavior and recidivism by treating the illness that is causing illegal behavior. In following the legal theory of therapeutic jurisprudence, these courts are attempting to improve justice by considering the therapeutic and antitherapeutic consequences that “flow from substantive rules, legal procedures, or the behavior of legal actors (lawyers and judges).” Mental health courts, by embracing the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence, become dual agents, representing both treatment and justice concerns. Because of their nascence, there is scant empirical evidence on the performance of mental health courts. Available evidence suggests that recruitment is feasible and engagement in treatment is possible. In advance of the evidence, however, it is important to examine the mental health court model in the context of its likely therapeutic and antitherapeutic consequences and to consider whether there are other ways to engage the court as a therapeutic agent that will yield a better portfolio of consequences.
TURBINATES IN THERAPSIDS: EVIDENCE FOR LATE PERMIAN ORIGINS OF MAMMALIAN ENDOTHERMY.

The structure and function of the nasal conchae of extant reptiles, birds, and mammals are reviewed, and the relationships to endothermy of the mammalian elements are examined. Reptilian conchae are relatively simple, recurved structures, which bear primarily sensory (olfactory) epithelium. Conversely, the conchae, or turbinates, of birds and mammals are considerably more extensive and complex, and bear, in addition, nonsensory (respiratory) epithelium. Of the mammalian turbinates, only the exclusively respiratory maxilloturbinal has a clear functional relationship with endothermy, as it reduces desiccation associated with rapid and continuous pulmonary ventilation. The other mammalian turbinates principally retain the primitive, olfactory function of the nasal conchae. The maxilloturbinates are the first reliable morphological indicator of endothermy that can be used in the fossil record. In fossil mammals and mammallike reptiles, the presence and function of turbinates are most readily revealed by the ridges by which they attach to the walls of the nasal cavity. Ridges for olfactory turbinals are located posterodorsally, away from the main flow of respiratory air, whereas those of the respiratory maxilloturbinals are situated in the anterolateral portion of the nasal passage, directly in the path of respired air. The maxilloturbinal is also characterized by its proximity to the opening of the nasolacrimal canal. Posterodorsal ridges, for olfactory turbinals, have long been recognized in many mammallike reptiles, including early forms such as pelycosaurs. However, ridges for respiratory turbinals have not been identified previously in this group. In this paper, the presence of anterolateral ridges, which most likely supported respiratory turbinals, is reported in the primitive therocephalian Glanosuchus and in several cynodonts. The presence of respiratory turbinals in these advanced mammallike reptiles suggests that the evolution of "mammalian" oxygen consumption rates may have begun as early as the Late Permian and developed in parallel in therocephalians and cynodonts. Full mammalian endothermy may have taken as much as 40 to 50 million yr to develop.
Three-dimensional CFD analysis and validation of liquid rocket propulsion components

The objective of this ongoing work is to evaluate, validate, and improve Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) prediction methods for rccket propulsion applications. Particular emphasis has been placed upon geomeuy definition and grid generation in a timely manner. A liquid rocket engine feedlme component has been chosen for study. This component is an 80 degree pipe bend with internal guide vanes designed to lessen the secondary flow smctures. The entire process, from geometry definition using a CAD system through the actual analysis of the CFD results, has been performed. The capability to generate grids of reasonable quality directly from CAD system output has been demonstrated, Flow simulations have been performed with and without turbulence modelhg. In addition several topologies and block interface treatments have been evaluated for the coniiguration without vanes.
In-stent restenosis.

Abstract The decrease in restenosis rates compared with conventional angioplasty, stable angiographic results with a subsequent decreased need for urgent or emergency coronary bypass graft surgery, and reliable treatment of acute or threatened closure resulting from conventional angioplasty have all made stents the treatment of choice for many patients undergoing percutaneous intervention. In-stent restenosis (ISR), however, has become a significant problem. Neointimal hyperplasia with vascular smooth muscle cells is even more exaggerated with stent placement than with conventional angioplasty. In addition, failure to deploy the stent optimally at the time of the initial placement may result in increased restenosis. Symptoms of ISR typically occur within 6 to 9 months following intervention, and range from asymptomatic angiographic narrowing, or even occlusion, to recurrent angina/ischemia or myocardial infarction. Evaluation is by repeat angiography. Treatment with balloon angioplasty is effective for focal in-stent restenotic lesions; for other lesions excimer laser, rotational atherectomy, and directional coronary atherectomy are associated with excellent initial outcome, but long-term outcome of these procedures is unclear. Brachytherapy with both gamma and beta sources has been found to result in improved outcome with less angiographic restenosis and decreased target vessel revascularization. Late thrombosis has been documented in up to 10% of patients treated with vascular gamma brachytherapy, and increased stenosis at the edges of the treated segment is also seen. Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy and avoidance of a new stent has been shown to reduce late thrombosis in patients treated with vascular brachytherapy.
Mediation of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance through Dietary Disinhibition and Restraint

Understanding the degree to which eating behaviors, such as disinhibition and restraint, are associated with weight loss and weight loss maintenance could contribute to further refinement of effective weight management intervention strategies. The purpose of this analysis was to examine if these factors mediate weight loss or weight loss maintenance using data from a randomized controlled trial testing a commercial weight loss program that delivered behavioral counseling and structured meal plans including prepackaged foods. Mediation analyses were used to examine whether changes in disinhibition and restraint mediated the relationship between intervention and weight change during initial weight loss (0-6 months), continued weight loss (6-12 months), or weight loss maintenance (12-24 months) phases. Only decreases in disinhibition between baseline and 6 months mediated the intervention effect on initial weight loss. Our results suggest the mediation effects of these eating behaviors are modest and other factors contribute to a larger, more complex long-term weight loss prognosis.