cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Koul's minimum distance estimators in the regression models with long memory moving averages

This paper discusses the asymptotic behavior of Koul's minimum distance estimators of the regression parameter vector in linear regression models with long memory moving average errors, when the design variables are known constants. It is observed that all these estimators are asymptotically equivalent to the least-squares estimator in the first order.
Muscle geometry affects accuracy of forearm volume determination by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Upper extremity musculoskeletal modeling is becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating a growing need for subject-specific muscle size parameters. One method for determining subject-specific muscle volume is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of MRI-derived muscle volumes in the human forearm across a variety of muscle sizes and shapes. Seventeen cadaveric forearms were scanned using a fast-spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence with high isotropic spatial resolution (1mm(3) voxels) on a 3T MR system. Pronator teres (PT), extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor pollicis longus (EPL), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and brachioradialis (BR) muscles were manually segmented allowing volume to be calculated. Forearms were then dissected, muscles isolated, and muscle masses obtained, which allowed computation of muscle volume. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(2,1)) and absolute volume differences were used to compare measurement methods. There was excellent agreement between the anatomical and MRI-derived muscle volumes (ICC = 0.97, relative error = 12.8%) when all 43 muscles were considered together. When individual muscles were considered, there was excellent agreement between measurement methods for PT (ICC = 0.97, relative error = 8.4%), ECRB (ICC = 0.93, relative error = 7.7%), and FCU (ICC = 0.91, relative error = 9.8%), and fair agreement for EPL (ICC = 0.68, relative error = 21.6%) and BR (ICC = 0.93, relative error = 17.2%). Thus, while MRI-based measurements of muscle volume produce relatively small errors in some muscles, muscles with high surface area-to-volume ratios may predispose them to segmentation error, and, therefore, the accuracy of these measurements may be unacceptable.
On the estimation of topological entropy

We study a method for estimating the topological entropy of a smooth dynamical system. Our method is based on estimating the logarithmic growth rates of suitably chosen curves in the system. We present two algorithms for this purpose and we analyze each according to its strengths and pitfalls. We also contrast these with a method based on the definition of topological entropy, using(n, ɛ)-spanning sets.
The Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers on Prairie Biomass Yield, Ethanol Yield, and Nutrient Harvest

Native prairie plants can be managed to provide biomass for cellulosic ethanol production; however, there is inadequate information in northern latitudes regarding the effects of fertilizers on biomass and ethanol yields. We evaluated biomass yield, land ethanol yield (theoretical ethanol production per unit area), and nutrient harvest in grasslands managed across a gradient of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers at three locations in MN, USA, from 2008 to 2009. The Austin and Lamberton locations were planted with a mixture of prairie plants, while the Rosemount location was solely switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Model-based estimations of agronomically optimum nitrogen rates (AONRs) for land ethanol yield were determined for five of six site-year environments. Five response functions were modeled for land ethanol yield, each predicting a unique AONR with varying degrees of confidence. The linear plateau function was best-supported for four of six environments. Agronomically optimum nitrogen rates ranged from 61 to 87 kg N ha−1 and, on average, yielded 3,160, 2,090, and 3,180 L ethanol ha−1 at Austin, Lamberton, and Rosemount, respectively. On average, predicted ethanol yields increased 52 % when fertilized at AONRs compared to yields without fertilizer. Phosphorus and K fertilizers did not affect land ethanol yield. Nitrogen, P, and K removed during biomass harvest increased with N fertilization and averaged 31, 6, and 20 kg ha−1 at the AONRs. Nitrogen use efficiency declined with N fertilization during drier years. Modest rates of N fertilizer (between 60 and 90 kg N ha−1) can maximize cellulosic ethanol production in established northern latitude grasslands. Soil P and K should be monitored as nutrients are removed during repeated biomass harvests.
Beneficial effects of histone deacetylase inhibition with severe hemorrhage and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract Background Valproic acid (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that may decrease cellular metabolic needs following traumatic injury. We hypothesized that VPA may have beneficial effects in preventing or reducing the cellular and metabolic sequelae of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Twenty-eight Yorkshire swine underwent 35% blood volume hemorrhage, followed by a lethal truncal ischemia-reperfusion injury and 6 h of resuscitation. Physiologic and laboratory parameters were closely measured and the pigs divided into four groups: sham, control (injury protocol), VPA dosing before cross-clamp (VPA-B), and VPA dosing after cross-clamp (VPA-A). Results All animals developed significant coagulopathy, acidosis, and anemia. Animals receiving VPA-A had decreased acidosis and coagulopathy as measured by pH (P = 0.016) and international normalized ratio (P = 0.013) over the resuscitation. VPA-A pigs had a decreased requirement for crystalloid (P = 0.007) and epinephrine (P Conclusions Valproic acid conferred a significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and pathologic protective effect in a model of severe injury. Earlier administration (VPA-B) was significantly less effective compared with dosing after initial hemorrhage control.
An Investigation of the Professional Travel Environment

In this study the authors compared women's and men's reactions to various professional travel situations. A multivariate analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of sex, professional role, and years traveling on the perceptions of these travel situations.
Empirical approach to multispecies stock assessment

Abstract We developed a method for the analysis of observed changes in catch rates of similar species or groups of fish from southeastern Asia and the northwestern Atlantic region. Aggregated time series of catches per standard tow from research vessel surveys were examined as Markov chain models after transition probability matrices were derived from them by quadratic programming. The matrices were projected to provide some insight about stability and changes in the multispecies assemblages. Results from these analyses generally support inferences previously made from the data and provide some additional information regarding stability.
Pollen dispersal and optimal outcrossing in Delphinium nelsoni

NATURAL SELECTION, in sexually reproducing plants, should often favour matings between individuals of intermediate genetic similarity. Matings between very similar individuals may lead to inbreeding depression because segregational load is revealed1,2, while matings between very dissimilar individuals may disrupt favourable gene combinations and lead to outbreeding depression3–5. Outbreeding depression in plants has been documented in crosses between species, varieties and isolated populations6–9, and reports of inbreeding depression date back at least a century10 We suggest that outbreeding depression will often occur on a much finer scale than previously recognised, especially in plants subject to restricted pollen and seed dispersal. Such plants are likely to show pronounced microgeographic genetic differentiation resulting from drift in subpopulations isolated by distance or from adaptation to local edaphic and biotic conditions11,12 Under these circumstances, a short outcrossing distance may be optimal not only because of intragenotypic effects, but also because it produces offspring sufficiently similar to the female parent to grow successfully near her, yet sufficiently genotypically diverse to maximise success of the total progeny in the face of coarse-grained temporal environmental variation13–15, frequency-dependent sibling competition16–18 or predation19–20. Here we present evidence that a short outcrossing distance is optimal for Delphinium nelsoni Greene and discuss the relationship between the optimal outcrossing distance for D. nelsoni and actual pollen dispersal by its main pollinators.
Novel Electrode Barriers for High Density Ferroelectric Nonvolatile Memories

In this paper, we propose a new electrode-barrier structure for direct integration of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based capacitors onto polysilicon plug for high density FRAM applications. The electrode-barrier structure is based on noble metal alloys (e.g. Pt–Rh, Pt–Ir, Pt–Ru) and their oxides (e.g. PtRhOx) which satisfy the needs for an excellent diffusion barrier as well as a high conducting electrode. It has been found that the PtRhOx/PtRh/PtRhOx electrode-barrier structure acts as a very good bottom electrode on poly-silicon plug. The bottom PtRhOx layer has shown excellent diffusion barrier properties for lead, oxygen and silicon up to processing temperatures of 700 °C as established by Auger electron spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy studies. The electrode barriers showed no hillock formation and PZT films deposited on this structure crystallized predominantly in the perovskite phase. The capacitors exhibited very good hysteresis properties with remnant polarization (Pr) of 16 μC/cm2, a coercive field (Ec) of 32 kV/cm, extremely low fatigue (after 1×1010 cycles) of 3–4%, imprint (after 3.3×109 cycles) of 8–12%, retention (after 1×105 s) of 2–3% and leakage current density (at 100 kV/cm) less than 10—8 A/cm2. These electrode barriers hold excellent promise for application in high density FRAM capacitor over bit line (COB) structure.
Chromatin Modifications as Determinants of Muscle Stem Cell Quiescence and Chronological Aging

The ability to maintain quiescence is critical for the long-term maintenance of a functional stem cell pool. To date, the epigenetic and transcriptional characteristics of quiescent stem cells and how they change with age remain largely unknown. In this study, we explore the chromatin features of adult skeletal muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), which reside predominantly in a quiescent state in fully developed limb muscles of both young and aged mice. Using a ChIP-seq approach to obtain global epigenetic profiles of quiescent SCs (QSCs), we show that QSCs possess a permissive chromatin state in which few genes are epigenetically repressed by Polycomb group (PcG)-mediated histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), and a large number of genes encoding regulators that specify nonmyogenic lineages are demarcated by bivalent domains at their transcription start sites (TSSs). By comparing epigenetic profiles of QSCs from young and old mice, we also provide direct evidence that, with age, epigenetic changes accumulate and may lead to a functional decline in quiescent stem cells. These findings highlight the importance of chromatin mapping in understanding unique features of stem cell identity and stem cell aging.
Psychophysiological and Neuropsychological Characteristics of Non-Incarcerated Adult Males with Higher Levels of Psychopathic Personality Traits

Although much research on psychopathic individuals has been conducted in incarcerated settings, there is increasing interest in studying adults with higher levels of psychopathic traits in the general population. The present study investigated differences in psychophysiological response and neuropsychological functioning between undergraduate males with higher levels of psychopathic traits (higher-p) and undergraduate males with lower levels of psychopathic traits (lower-p). Participants completed self-report measures and neuropsychological measures, and skin conductance response was measured during a risk-taking and affective-picture viewing task. Consistent with previous findings among samples of incarcerated psychopaths, higher-p adults exhibited diminished responses to aversive and positive affective stimuli and were more disinhibited on a motoric response inhibition task. Contrary to expectations, higher-p adults made marginally better decisions on a risky decision making task. Findings were discussed in relation to Gao and Raines’ (Behavioral Sciences & the Law 28(2) 194–210, 2010) model of the neurobiological underpinnings of adults with higher levels of psychopathic traits in non-incarcerated settings, and offer evidence that higher-p adults have both adaptive and non-adaptive traits.
On the splitting of the 3s core levels in x-ray photoelectron spectra of transition metal compounds

Abstract The influence of the chemical surroundings of a transition metal ion on the splitting of the 3s binding energy as observed in photoelectron spectra has been studied theoretically. It is found that both the exchange splitting and the correlation reduction of this splitting is proportional to the spin density in the 3d shell. Multiple scattering calculations with local exchange have been performed. The results follow the experimentally observed trend of decreasing splitting with increasing covalency of the metal—ligand bond for the manganese halides, but show the opposite behavior for the chromium halides. The absence of any splitting in the spectrum of Cr(CN) 6 3− can be explained on the basis of our results.
Effects of proton bombardment on self-diffusion in silver: A preliminary report☆

Abstract The radiation-enhanced self-diffusion coefficient D rad in silver under 270 keV proton bombardment has been measured over the temperature range from 240° to -60 °C. The flux dependence of D rad has also been studied at 106° and 179 °C with the flux varying from 2.5 × 10 12 to 6.3 × 10 13 protons/cm 2 sec. The experimental data are analyzed in the framework of the classical model involving single vacancies and interstitials as mobile defects.
Method for Internal Standard Introduction for Quantitative Analysis Using On-Line Solid-Phase Extraction LC−MS/MS

A novel approach for on-line introduction of internal standard (IS) for quantitative analysis using LC-MS/MS has been developed. In this approach, analyte and IS are introduced into the sample injection loop in different steps. Analyte is introduced into the injection loop using a conventional autosampler (injector) needle pickup from a sample vial. IS is introduced into the sample injection loop on-line from a microreservoir containing the IS solution using the autosampler. As a result, both analyte and IS are contained in the sample loop prior to the injection into the column. Methodology allowed to reliably introduce IS and demonstrated injection accuracy and precision comparable to those obtained using off-line IS introduction (i.e., IS and analyte are premixed before injection) while maintaining chromatographic parameters (i.e., analyte and IS elution time and peak width). This new technique was applied for direct analysis of model compounds in rat plasma using on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) LC-MS/MS quantification. In combination with on-line SPE, IS serves as a surrogate IS and compensates for signal variations attributed to sample preparation and instrumentation factors including signal suppression. The assays yielded accuracy (85-119%), precision (2-16%), and analyte recovery comparable to those obtained using off-line IS introduction. Furthermore, on-line IS introduction allows for nonvolumetric sample (plasma) collection and direct analysis without the need of measuring and aliquoting a fixed sample volume prior to the on-line SPE LC-MS/MS analysis. Therefore, this methodology enables direct sample (plasma) analysis without any sample manipulation and preparation.
Seismic stratigraphy of the flexural moat flanking the Hawaiian Islands

The elastic thickness of oceanic lithosphere, based on flexure studies in the region of surface loads, is two to three times smaller than its seismic thickness1. Thus, as a load ages, the thickness of the mechanically supportive part of the lithosphere must decrease from its short-term (seismic?) thickness to its long-term mechanical thickness. Extrapolation of data from experimental rock mechanics suggests that thinning occurs by brittle failure in the uppermost part of the lithosphere and thermally activated creep in its lower part2. Modelling shows that for load ages less than about 1 Myr, flexural moats change shape and the peripheral bulges migrate in towards the load3. These transient changes in flexure are best manifest, we believe, in the stratigraphical sequences that infill flexural moats. The largest thicknesses of sediments occur in moats flanking orogenic belts4,5. However, the stratigraphical record in these basins is complicated by the effects of compaction, sub-aerial erosion and sea-level changes, and by the fact that the loading history extends over very long periods of time. Here we describe a multichannel seismic reflection profile across a flexural moat flanking the volcanic load of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. The advantages of Oahu are that it is located in the interior of a plate, the load is 2.7 Myr old and formed within 1 Myr6, and the flexural moat was not significantly affected by sea-level changes and erosion. We show that the observed stratigraphical patterns cannot be explained by changes in material influx, load distribution, and rapid relaxation of the lithosphere to its long-term mechanical thickness. Rather, the observed patterns suggest a prolonged relaxation (>1 Myr) due to either local or regional re-heating of the lithosphere. This re-heating has important implications for the relationship between elastic thickness and age of the lithosphere at the time of loadings.
The Nature of Communication Work During Cancer: Advancing the Theory of Illness Trajectories

More theory development about interpersonal communication during cancer is needed so that scholarship can be advanced and practical applications of findings can be best disseminated and applied. We proposed an evidence-based extension to the theory of illness trajectories based on findings from a qualitative study of cancer survivors' (n = 40) experiences with communication. Grounding our analysis in respondents' descriptions of the demands, obligations, and preparatory activities involved in discussing their cancer, we theorized the construct of communication work, which focuses on the labor and resources devoted to managing talk during cancer and living with illness. Findings are discussed in terms of how this conceptualization presents new opportunities for research and practice.
N-[1-(Benzotriazol-1-yl)alkyl]amides, versatile amidoalkylation reagents. Part 4. A New Synthetic Route to 4H-1,3-Oxazines†

A variety of 2,4,6-tri- and 2,4,5,6-tetrasubstituted 4H-1,3-oxazines (7a – i) were synthesized in excellent yields by the reaction of acetylens (5) in the presence of aluminum chloride with N-[1-(benzotriazol-1-yl)alkyl]amides 4, themselves readily prepared from benzotriazole (1) with amides (2) and aldehydes (3).
Surgical Management of Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms with Associated Fistula

Giant coronary artery aneurysms with fistulas are rare and associated with risk of rupture.1 Fistulas with large left-to-right shunting can be complicated by congestive heart failure, aneurysms, endocarditis, or embolization with myocardial infarction. Because of these significant complications, surgery or intervention with transcatheter closure is recommended in symptomatic patients. From July 1963 to 2007, Dr. Howell performed 30,000 cardiac or vascular operations at The Methodist Hospital. Among these, three patients who had giant coronary artery aneurysms with fistulas underwent surgical correction. Surgical strategies for correction included aneurysm resection and fistula closure, coronary reconstruction, coronary artery bypass, primary ligation, and hybrid therapy involving aneurysm ligation and transcatheter embolization.
Upwind techniques for flows with multiple translational temperatures

The numerical simulation of high-speed flows out of chemical and thermodynamic equilibrium is considered. A general model for the species internal energy is utilized, which allows for multiple translational temperatures. A study of the characteristic wave speeds for the case of two translational temperatures, one associated with the average thermal speed of the heavy particles and the other associated with the translational temperature of free electrons, yields some very interesting results, with acoustic wave speeds of the symmetric form u + or - a no longer appearing. An asymptotic analysis in terms of small electron mass fractions yields approximate wave speed which recover the symmetric form, with the addition of a new wave speed associated with the electron energy equation.
A generalized maximum neural network for the module orientation problem

Several neuron models and artificial neural networks have been intensively studied since McCulloch and Pitts proposed the simplified neuron model in 1943. In this paper a generalized maximum neural network for parallel computing is introduced to solve the module orientation problem which belongs to the class of NP-complete problems. The goal of the module orientation problem in VLSI circuits or printed circuit boards is to minimize the total wire length by flipping each module with respect to its vertical and/or horizontal axes of symmetry. The circuit diagram of the generalized maximum neural network is shown and compared with the best known algorithm proposed by Libeskind-Hadas and Liu. The theoretical/empirical convergence analysis is discussed where a massive number of simulation runs were performed using more than one thousand instances. As far as we have observed the behavior of the proposed system, it converges within O(1) time regardless of the problem size and it performs better than the best kno...
Evaluation of antibody immobilization technqiues for fiber optic-based fluoroimmunosensing

Abstract Fiber optic chemical sensors have been developed that employ immunochemicals to perform fluoroimmunoassays. A regenerable fiber optic sensor was developed with a capillary delivery system to perform repetitive assays using antibodies immobilized to beads, “immunobeads”. The sensitivity of these sensors is directly proportional to the amount of antibody present. For the immunobeads, the amount immobilized (loaded) and the ability of the immobilized antibody to maintain antibody recognition (activity) are two criteria which will affect the sensitivity of the sensors. Four reagents, [1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), Protein A, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPS) and 2-fluoro-1-methylpyridium toluene-4-sulfonate (FMP)], were evaluated using these two criteria. Two antibody—antigen systems were employed to investigate the four procedures. The first combination is a polyclonal rabbit anti-human IgG with a F(ab) ′ 2 fragment human IgG as the antigen. The second combination is a monoclonal mouse anti-benzo[ a ]pyrene tetraol (BPT) IgG with BPT as the hapten. In the case of the BPT, CDI demonstrated superior performance, combining high loading and high retention of antibody activity. In the case of the large antigen, CDI again immobilized the most antibody but suffered activity losses of about 40%. The large amount of inactive antibody may make this procedure less attractive than the Protein A beads, which maintained the activity of the anti-human IgG but exhibited less loading than the CDI. However, in terms of active antibody there are similar amounts. FMP yielded similar results to CDI for the large antigen case but the sample preparation is more labor intensive. GOPS yielded losses of up to 70% of the antibody activity, which makes it unattractive as a reagent. The two systems tested give an indication of antibody—antigen interactions but may not be representative of all cases. The ideal immobilization reagent and conditions will probably change from system to system.
A survey of commercial laundry detergents ‐ how effective are they?: Part III: powders, liquids and hard water

The effectiveness of 42 detergents, 11 non-phosphate containing powdered detergents, 12 phosphate containing powdered detergents, 11 unbuilt liquid detergents and eight built liquid detergents, of varying formulations, in cleaning a standard soiled fabric in water of varying hardness was evaluated. Powdered detergents were found to be significantly affected only at very high water hardness levels. There was no significant difference between washing in warm and hot water for the liquid detergents, except for a melaleucaoil based detergent which performed significantly better in hot water. Increasing water hardness had no significant effect on liquid detergents. Powdered detergents performed better than liquid detergents in cleaning the standard soiled fabric. While no one detergent was significantly better than the others, in general, washing with detergents that contained phosphates did give somewhat better results in warm water. Detergents that contained bleach as an additive did not result in whiter fabric.
Loss of Gq/11 Genes Does Not Abolish Melanopsin Phototransduction

In mammals, a subset of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) expresses the photopigment melanopsin, which renders them intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). These ipRGCs mediate various non-image-forming visual functions such as circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex (PLR). Melanopsin phototransduction begins with activation of a heterotrimeric G protein of unknown identity. Several studies of melanopsin phototransduction have implicated a G-protein of the Gq/11 family, which consists of Gna11, Gna14, Gnaq and Gna15, in melanopsin-evoked depolarization. However, the exact identity of the Gq/11 gene involved in this process has remained elusive. Additionally, whether Gq/11 G-proteins are necessary for melanopsin phototransduction in vivo has not yet been examined. We show here that the majority of ipRGCs express both Gna11 and Gna14, but neither Gnaq nor Gna15. Animals lacking the melanopsin protein have well-characterized deficits in the PLR and circadian behaviors, and we therefore examined these non-imaging forming visual functions in a variety of single and double mutants for Gq/11 family members. All Gq/11 mutant animals exhibited PLR and circadian behaviors indistinguishable from WT. In addition, we show persistence of ipRGC light-evoked responses in Gna11−/−; Gna14−/− retinas using multielectrode array recordings. These results demonstrate that Gq, G11, G14, or G15 alone or in combination are not necessary for melanopsin-based phototransduction, and suggest that ipRGCs may be able to utilize a Gq/11-independent phototransduction cascade in vivo.
Shot overlap model-based fracturing of curvilinear OPC layouts

The semiconductor manufacturing industry has been continuously shrinking the critical dimension of integrated circuits. An important step in manufacturing integrated circuits is transforming the photomasks into constituent shots, a process referred to as fracturing. A major problem with fracturing is the explosion of shots which leads to long mask write times and costly masks. In this paper, we develop fracturing algorithms that are tailored towards curvilinear layouts, such as those optimized by pixel based OPC. Our proposed fracturing algorithms generate the location, size, and dosage of shots given the mask layout and mask manufacturing parameters. We propose two classes of algorithms that both allow for shot overlap. The first manhattanizes a curvilinear mask and applies our previously developed rectilinear fracturing algorithm upon the resulting rectilinear mask. The second one directly generates the shots by matching the boundary of the input polygon with a dictionary of possible shot corners that are associated with a shot dosage. This is followed by the same rectilinear fracturing algorithm to refine the shot edges. An important feature of all our algorithms is that they can readily trade off between mask error and shot count by adjusting input parameters. Compared to a commercially available non- overlapping shot software package, our algorithm results in up to a 50% reduction in shot count with comparable mask error.
Experimental Studies of the d-d Exchange Interactions in Dilute Magnetic Semiconductors

Dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) are compound semiconductors in which a fraction of the cations are magnetic. For many purposes one may regard a DMS as being composed of two subsystems: 1) the magnetic subsystem consisting of the 3d magnetic ions, and 2) the electronic subsystem consisting of the s-like electrons and p-like holes near the conduction and valence band edges. The most striking phenomena observed in DMSs are those which arise from the sp-d interaction between the magnetic and electronic subsystems. Because of this interaction, a perturbation of the magnetic subsystem, e.g. by applying a magnetic field H or changing the temperature T, affects the electronic susbsystem. This leads to a host of interesting magneto-optical and magneto-transport phenomena, such as a giant Faraday rotation, bound magnetic polarons, and giant magnetoresistance anomalies.1–3
Modeling musical instrument tones as dynamic textures

In this work we introduce the concept of modeling musical instrument tones as dynamic textures. Dynamic textures are multidimensional signals, which exhibit certain temporal-stationary characteristics such that they can be modeled as observations from a linear dynamical system (LDS). Previous work in dynamic textures research has shown that sequences exhibiting such characteristics can in many cases be re-synthesized by an LDS with high accuracy. In this work we demonstrate that short-time Fourier transform (STFT) coefficients of certain instrument tones (e.g. piano, guitar) can be well-modeled under this requirement. We show that these instruments can be re-synthesized using an LDS model with high fidelity, even using low-dimensional models. In looking to ultimately develop models which can be altered to provide control of pitch and articulation, we analyze the connections between such musical qualities as articulation with linear dynamical system model parameters. Finally, we provide preliminary experiments in the alteration of such musical qualities through model re-parameterization.
Elliptical flow in relativistic ion collisions at \sqrt{s}= 200 GeV

A consistent picture of the Au + Au and D + Au, A GeV measurements at RHIC obtained with the PHENIX, STAR, PHOBOS and BRAHMS detectors including both the rapidity and transverse momentum spectra was previously developed with the simulation LUCIFER. The approach was modelled on the early production of a fluid of pre-hadrons after the completion of an initial phase of high-energy interactions. The formation of pre-hadrons is discussed here, in a perturbative QCD approach as advocated by Kopeliovich, Nemchik and Schmidt. In the second phase of LUCIFER, a considerably lower energy hadron-like cascade ensues. Since the dominant collisions occurring in this latter phase are meson?meson in character while the initial collisions are between baryons, i.e. both involve hadron-sized interaction cross-sections, there is good reason to suspect that the observed elliptical flow will be produced naturally, and this is indeed found to be the case.
Assessing Diabetes Dietary Goals and Self-Management Based on In-Depth Interviews With Latino and Caucasian Clients With Type 2 Diabetes

Latino (n = 10) and Caucasian (n = 8) clients with type 2 diabetes receiving care at a community health clinic participated in individual in-depth interviews assessing diabetes dietary self-management goal behaviors. Themes from interviews were identified using content analysis, which revealed current and future goals, influencing factors, and motivators and barriers to dietary modification for diabetes management. Implications for practice include simplifying goal setting to those goals with the greatest potential clinical impact or the greatest significance to the patient, in a socially supportive environment. Results contribute to future survey development and understanding how to optimize diabetes education for these populations.
A temporally expressed gene from Schwanniomyces alluvius and detection of homologous sequences in other yeasts.

Abstract The boundaries of a temporally expressed gene ( EG 1) located on a 6.5-kb Hin dIII chromosomal DNA fragment of the yeast Schwanniomyces alluvius have been defmed by cDNA hybridization and S1 nuclease mapping. The sequence of this gene reveals a 474-bp open reading frame (158 aa) and a TATA-like sequence 100 bp upstream from the first start codon. The encoded protein bears little resemblance with other known yeast structural proteins, including histones. A portion of the 3' untranslated region shows 50% identity with a consensus repetitive sequence (B2) found in the mouse genome. Repetitive sequences are also located in both 5' and 3' untranslated regions. Genomic DNA analysis indicated that related sequences were detected at two loci in Schw. alluvius and one locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . In contrast to the continuous transcription pattern of the ADE 1 genes of Schw. alluvius and S. cerevisiae , the 0.8-kb transcripts of EG 1 in these yeasts were most abundant in cells in early-log phase of growth and absent in cells of late-log phase, suggesting discontinuous synthesis.
Outcomes After Periodic Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Children

Background. Many children with persistent asthma use inhaled corticosteroids on a periodic basis. Clinical trials in adults suggest that periodic use of inhaled corticosteroids may be effective for patients with mild persistent asthma. However, scant information exists on the clinical outcomes of children with asthma who are using inhaled corticosteroids on a periodic basis in real-world settings. Objective. This prospective cohort study compared clinical outcomes during a 12-month follow-up period between children with persistent asthma whose parents believed that they were supposed to use inhaled steroids either (a) periodically or (b) daily year-round at the start of the period. The clinical outcomes studied were (1) asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations, (2) uncontrolled asthma based on health care and medication use, and (3) outpatient visits for asthma. Patients and methods. The study population included children with persistent asthma from two health plans whose parent...
Contra-directional Two-beam Coupling Simulation in a Photorefractive Material Using Beam Propagation

By using split-step beam propagation method, self-pumped contra-directional two-beam coupling is simulated in a photorefractive medium for arbitrary shaped beams. The role of diffusion, photovoltaic effect and dark conductivity is investigated for a LiNbO3:Fe crystal.
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE AND MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH: A PATH ANALYTIC MODEL.

Objective This observational study explores pathways towards any past year use of child mental health services.
Bioenergetics Model for Larval and Juvenile Walleyes: An in Situ Approach with Experimental Ponds

Abstract We used an in situ approach to redefine allometric parameters of consumption and metabolism in a percid bioenergetics model for young-of-year (age-0) walleyes Stizostedion vitreum (0.0021–0.8237 g wet weight; 8–49 mm total length) in ponds across a range of densities (10–50 fish·m–3). Of three methods used to estimate evacuation rates, only the one based on whole-gut fullness of larvae and stomach fullness of juveniles in food-free enclosures proved reliable, The intercepts for allometry of maximum consumption and resting metabolism for age-0 walleyes were higher than the intercepts for adults; however, slopes of age-0 and adult allometry were similar. Activity costs (ACT = ratio of active metabolism to resting metabolism) for age-0 walleyes varied across body weights and with fish density; patterns of activity costs at different fish densities reflected patterns of food availability. Activity and p-values (proportion of maximum consumption realized) were correlated with powers of zooplankton bio...
Effect of intrauterine exposure to cocaine on acetylcholinesterase in primary cultures of fetal mouse brain cells

The effect of in utero exposure to cocaine on the developmental pattern of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a major regulator of the central nervous system neurotransmitter acetylcholine, was studied in fetal brain cell cultures collected from mice on gestational day 15 after maternal exposure to cocaine from gestational days 6–14. A significant decrease in total and specific activity (expressed per mg of protein) of acetylcholinesterase was seen throughout the culture period in the cells grown from the cocaine-exposed animals as compared to controls (p < .002). Similarly, the total protein content of the brain cells grown from the cocaine-exposed animals was significantly decreased as compared to controls (p < .03). Utilizing AChE as a biochemical marker, these studies have shown that in utero exposure to cocaine has an adverse effect on the normal developmental pattern of the production of acetylcholinesterase in cholinergic neurons in the fetal mouse brain.
Perturbation theory for molecular fluids using a nonspherical reference potential

Abstract A new perturbation expansion is proposed for fluids composed of nonspherical molecules. The reference fluid is one of rigid but nonspherical molecules, and the expansion procedure is similar to that used by Weeks, Chandler and Andersen for monatomic fluids. Calculated internal energies are compared with Monte Carlo results for liquids with dipolar, quadrupolar, and anisotropic overlap forces. The range of validity of the first-order theory appears to be considerably greater than that for the corresponding approximation in the Pople expansion.
Developmental Programming of Hypertension and Kidney Disease

A growing body of evidence supports the concept that changes in the intrauterine milieu during “sensitive” periods of embryonic development or in infant diet after birth affect the developing individual, resulting in general health alterations later in life. This phenomenon is referred to as “developmental programming” or “developmental origins of health and disease.” The risk of developing late-onset diseases such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity or type 2 diabetes is increased in infants born prematurely at <37 weeks of gestation or in low birth weight (LBW) infants weighing <2,500 g at birth. Both genetic and environmental events contribute to the programming of subsequent risks of CKD and hypertension in premature or LBW individuals. A number of observations suggest that susceptibility to subsequent CKD and hypertension in premature or LBW infants is mediated, at least in part, by reduced nephron endowment. The major factors influencing in utero environment that are associated with a low final nephron number include uteroplacental insufficiency, maternal low-protein diet, hyperglycemia, vitamin A deficiency, exposure to or interruption of endogenous glucocorticoids, and ethanol exposure. This paper discusses the effect of premature birth, LBW, intrauterine milieu, and infant feeding on the development of hypertension and renal disease in later life as well as examines the role of the kidney in developmental programming of hypertension and CKD.
Multi-class object localization by combining local contextual interactions

Recent work in object localization has shown that the use of contextual cues can greatly improve accuracy over models that use appearance features alone. Although many of these models have successfully explored different types of contextual sources, they only consider one type of contextual interaction (e.g., pixel, region or object level interactions), leaving open questions about the true potential contribution of context. Furthermore, contributions across object classes and over appearance features still remain unknown. In this work, we introduce a novel model for multi-class object localization that incorporates different levels of contextual interactions. We study contextual interactions at pixel, region and object level by using three different sources of context: semantic, boundary support and contextual neighborhoods. Our framework learns a single similarity metric from multiple kernels, combining pixel and region interactions with appearance features, and then uses a conditional random field to incorporate object level interactions. We perform experiments on two challenging image databases: MSRC and PASCAL VOC 2007. Experimental results show that our model outperforms current state-of-the-art contextual frameworks and reveals individual contributions for each contextual interaction level, as well as the importance of each type of feature in object localization.
Ketorolac inhibits choroidal neovascularization by suppression of retinal VEGF

We assessed the effect of topical ketorolac on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), measured retinal PGE2 and VEGF levels after laser treatment, and determined the effect of ketorolac on PGE2 and VEGF production. Six laser burns were placed in eyes of rats which then received topical ketorolac 0.4% or artificial tears four times daily until sacrifice. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed at 2 and 3 weeks and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera flat mounts were prepared. The retina and vitreous were isolated at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after laser treatment and tested for VEGF and PGE2. Additional animals were lasered and treated with topical ketorolac or artificial tears and tested at 3 and 7 days for retinal and vitreous VEGF and PGE2. Ketorolac reduced CNV on FA by 27% at 2 weeks (P < 0.001) and 25% at 3 weeks (P < 0.001). Baseline retina and vitreous PGE2 levels were 29.4 μg/g and 16.5 μg/g respectively, and reached 51.2 μg/g and 26.9 μg/g respectively, 24 h after laser treatment (P < 0.05). Retinal VEGF level was 781 pg/g 24 h after laser treatment and reached 931 pg/g by 7 days (P < 0.01). Ketorolac reduced retinal PGE2 by 35% at 3 days (P < 0.05) and 29% at 7 days (P < 0.001) and retinal VEGF by 31% at 3 days (P = 0.10) and 19% at 7 days (P < 0.001). Topical ketorolac inhibited CNV and suppressed retinal PGE2 and VEGF production.
Cardiac Tumors and Associated Arrhythmias in Pediatric Patients, With Observations on Surgical Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe a large experience with primary cardiac tumors in pediatric patients, characterize associated arrhythmias, and expand knowledge of natural history and treatment options. Background Primary cardiac tumors in children are rare. The incidence of arrhythmias is not well-defined, and management plans vary widely. Methods We employed a retrospective single-center review of patients ≤21 years of age diagnosed with a primary cardiac tumor between 1968 and 2010. Clinically significant arrhythmias were defined as: 1) sudden cardiac arrest; 2) nonsustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT); 3) pre-excitation; and 4) sustained supraventricular tachycardia of any mechanism. Results A total of 173 patients were identified: 106 rhabdomyoma, 25 fibroma, 14 myxoma, 6 vascular, 4 teratoma, 3 lipoma, and 15 other. Median age at diagnosis was 7 months (prenatal to 21 years). Of these, 42 (24%) had clinically significant arrhythmias. Patients with large fibromas were the highest-risk group, with VT occurring in 64%. Among rhabdomyoma patients, 10% had pre-excitation, and 6% had VT. Over a mean follow-up of 6 years (1 day to 34 years, median 4 years), surgical excision was performed in 62 cases, with rhythm treatment being 1 of the indications in 20. Post-operatively, clinically significant arrhythmias were eliminated in 18 of these 20, including all 13 fibroma patients. Conclusions Clinically significant arrhythmias occurred in 24% of pediatric patients with cardiac tumors, VT being the most common type. Surgical excision for VT associated with rhabdomyomas and fibromas in selected patients is an important and effective management strategy in these patients.
EFFECTS OF HYPOXIA ON BASAL AND INSULIN AND IGF-1 STIMULATED GLUCOSE UPTAKE IN NEWBORN CANINE HEART CELL CULTURES. ▴ 1866

Hypoxia produces a greater dependence on glucose metabolism and anaerobic respiration for ATP production. Increases in glucose uptake can be mediated by insulin or IGF-I. The effect of combining these parameters on glucose uptake was studied in newborn canine ventricular heart cell cultures grown in DMEM with 10% calf serum. Tissue was obtained from fed pups within 12 hours of birth. Hypoxia (5% O2) and insulin or IGF-I increased basal 2-deoxyglucose uptake by 25-40% and the effects of low oxygen and hormones were additive. Insulin resistance did not exist in the heart cell cultures as it does in newborn animals. Western immunoblots showed that only GLUT-1 was present, unlike the donor tissue which had GLUT-1 and GLUT-4. A 24 hr treatment with low oxygen, 10 nM insulin or 10 nM IGF-I increased GLUT-1 protein by 47%, 22% and 96% respectively and did not cause expression of GLUT-4. Expression levels of insulin receptor subunits decreased by 0.5 fold in low oxygen but the decrease was inhibited by the presence of insulin or IGF-I. The hormones did not increase expression levels in normoxic cultures. Low oxygen (24 hr) had no effect on insulin binding but decreased IGF-I binding to high affinity sites by 50%. The data suggest: 1) that two pathways exist for glucose uptake regulation through GLUT-1 and 2) hypoxia perturbs the insulin and IGF-I action pathways.
Manganese deficiency alters arterial glycosaminoglycan structure in the Sprague-Dawley rat☆

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary manganese on rat arterial glycosaminoglycan structure. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups and were fed either a manganese-deficient or a manganese-sufficient diet. After 15 weeks, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans were extracted from the aorta and isolated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. The disaccharide composition of glycosaminoglycans was determined by high performance liquid chromatography following chondroitinase ABC digestion. Manganese deficiency significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced the total amount of arterial proteoglycans. The molecular size of chondroitin sulfate in both the manganese-deficient and the manganese-sufficient group ranged between 3×104 and 6×104. The size of chondroitin sulfate of the manganese-deficient groups was slightly smaller than that of the manganese-sufficient group as analyzed by Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. Results on the disaccharide composition of glycosaminoglycans showed that ΔDi-OS, ΔDi-4S, and ΔDi-6S accounted for 90% of the disaccharides. There was a significant increase in the ratio of ΔDi-6S to ΔDi-4S disaccharides in chondroitin sulfate in the manganese-deficient group (ΔDi-6S:ΔDi-4S, 2.0) compared with the manganese-sufficient group (1.2). Our results demonstrate for the first time that dietary manganese deficiency not only reduces the total proteoglycan content of the aorta, but also alters the molecular weight and sulfation pattern of chondroitin sulfate in that tissue. This alteration may change the composition of the extracellular matrix and consequently affect the structural properties of the vascular wall.
The influence of oxygen activity on T, T′, and T∗ phase stabilities in (La,RE)2CuO4 systems

Abstract The effect of oxygen activity on the formation of (La,RE) 2 CuO 4 (RE = rare earth) solid-solutions has been investigated. Compositions from the (La,Nd) 2 CuO 4 and (La,Dy, M ) 2 CuO 4 ( M = Ce, Th) systems, for example, can be prepared in either the T and T ′ or T∗ and T ′ structure types, respectively, at different oxygen contents but identical cation stoichiometries, thereby considerably extending the stability field of each structure. These results in part explain some of the differences in several published “equilibrium” phase diagrams for the (La,Nd) 2 CuO 4 system.