cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decompositional hierarchical self-organizing networks applied to time series forecasting

The Decompositional Hierarchical Self-Organizing Network (DHSON) is derived from earlier research which developed the Hierarchical Self-Organizing Network. DHSON decomposes input vectors and creates a separate multi-layer 1D self-organized mapping for each component. This approach eliminates the scaling problems typical of Kohonen-like architectures. The end objective is for DHSON to prepare input data for presentation to recurrent networks developed through evolutionary strategies by reducing dimensionality, deriving an effective data encoding for parallel processing, and/or reducing complexity within a data set.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hay-Wells syndrome.

: Hay-Wells syndrome is an autosomal dominant constellation of facial clefting, ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (fused eyelids), and ectodermal defects. Our patient, a child who had these unusual features at birth, led us to consider possible differential diagnoses based on clinical features and review of the literature.
REMOVAL OF THE DOUBLE ADIABATIC APPROXIMATION FOR PROTON-COUPLED ELECTRON TRANSFER REACTIONS IN SOLUTION

Abstract A dynamical theory that removes the double adiabatic approximation for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions in solution is presented. In this formulation mixed electronic/proton vibrational adiabatic states are expressed as linear combinations of double adiabatic states that each correspond to the product of an electronic and a proton vibrational state. This methodology includes all nonadiabatic coupling terms in a computationally practical way. The electron–proton nonadiabatic coupling is incorporated into the adiabatic states, while the electron–solvent and proton–solvent nonadiabatic couplings are incorporated through nonadiabatic transitions among these states. Two model proton-coupled electron transfer reactions are investigated.
Is the information about a test important? Applying the methods of evidence-based medicine to the clinical examination of swallowing.

A hotly debated topic in oropharyngeal dysphagia is the Clinical Swallowing Examination’s (CSE) importance in clinical practice. That debate can profit from the application of evidence-based medicine’s (EBM) principles and procedures. These can guide both appropriate data collection and interpretation as will be demonstrated in the present report. The study’s purpose from which data for this report are drawn was to determine the relationship among signs elicited by a CSE and aspiration on a subsequent videofluoroscopic swallowing examination (VFSE). Sensitivity, specificity; positive and negative predictive values (NPV); likelihood ratios; and post-test probabilities for a variety of signs in isolation and in combinations are reported. These data, if judiciously selected and interpreted contribute to the clinician’s knowledge about whether to follow a CSE with a VFSE and about what to expect if the VFSE is completed. Learning outcomes: (1) Clinicians will learn how to use EBM principles in conjunction with clinical assessments of swallowing to enhance patient care. (2) Clinicians will learn how to identify combinations of patient signs during he CSE to predict VFSE performance.
A RE(I) COMPLEX OF THE PHOSPHINE OBTAINED BY REACTING DIPHENYLPHOSPHINE WITH TERT-BUTYL ACRYLATE: A PHOSPHINE-ESTER COMPLEX THAT CAN BE CONVERTED TO THE PHOSPHINE-ACID COMPLEX UNDER MILD CONDITIONS

Abstract The base-catalyzed reaction between diphenylphosphine and tert-butyl acrylate results in the formation of Ph2PCH2CH2CO2C(CH3)3 (I). This ligand readily forms a Re(I) complex of the type fac-Re(CO)3Cl(I)2 that can be converted to the corresponding Ph2PCH2CH2CO2H complex under mild conditions by using hydrogen chloride in dioxane. Refluxing this carboxylic-acid-containing complex in acidified methanol provides the methyl ester analog of I. In contrast, this methyl ester-containing complex is stable to the ester cleavage reaction conditions used for I. Molecular mechanics calculations on I and the related methyl ester ligand provide data that are consistent with the conclusion that these phosphine-esters have cone angles that are ca. 10° smaller than that of Ph3P.
viking: identification and characterization of a second type IV collagen in Drosophila

We have taken an enhancer trap approach to identify genes that are expressed in hematopoietic cells and tissues of Drosophila. We conducted a molecular analysis of two P-element insertion strains that have reporter gene expression in embryonic hemocytes, strain 197 and vikingICO. This analysis has determined that viking encodes a collagen type IV gene, alpha2(IV). The viking locus is located adjacent to the previously described DCg1, which encodes collagen alpha1(IV), and in the opposite orientation. The alpha2(IV) and alpha1(IV) collagens are structurally very similar to one another, and to vertebrate type IV collagens. In early development, viking and DCg1 are transcribed in the same tissue-specific pattern, primarily in the hemocytes and fat body cells. Our results suggest that both the alpha1 and alpha2 collagen IV chains may contribute to basement membranes in Drosophila. This work also provides the foundation for a more complete genetic dissection of collagen type IV molecules and their developmental function in Drosophila.
Tests of kinematic models for deposit-feeders' guts: patterns of sediment processing by Parastichopus californicus (Stimpson) (Holothuroidea) and Amphicteis scaphobranchiata Moore (Polychaeta)

Abstract Gut-reactor models are used to describe patterns of particle movement within the guts of two deposit-feeders, the holothuroid Parastichopus californicus (Stimpson) and the polychaete Amphicteis scaphobranchiata Moore. The plug-flow model, with modifications, is confirmed for P. californicus and can be generalized to all deposit-feeders with simple tubular guts. The modified plug-flow model, in contrast with the ideal plug-flow model first proposed by Penry and Jumars (1986, 1987) is characterized by the absence of radial as well as axial mixing of particles. The degree of particle mixing observed in the gut of A. scaphobranchiata is too great to be incorporated in a modified plug-flow model. Its gut and the guts of other terebellimorph polychaetes must be modeled as a mixing reactor/plug-flow reactor series with a ventral bypass stream that shunts particles from the mixing region through the plug-flow region for elimination in fecal material. Mixing and bypass may be components of an internal sorting process that results in rapid removal of relatively indigestible particles from the gut and increases the proportion of gut volume available for digesting particles of relatively higher qualities.
Nonlocal bacterial electron transfer to hematite surfaces

Mechanisms by which dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria utilize iron and manganese oxide minerals as terminal electron acceptors for respiration are poorly understood. In the absence of exogenous electron shuttle compounds, extracellular electron transfer is generally thought to occur through the interfacial contact area between mineral surfaces and attached cells. Possible alternative reduction pathways have been proposed based on the discovery of a link between an excreted quinone and dissimilatory reduction. In this study, we utilize a novel experimental approach to demonstrate that Shewanella putrefaciens reduces the surface of crystalline iron oxides at spatial locations that are distinct from points of attachment.
Karl Rawer: space research and international cooperation – Laudation on the occasion of the 100 th birthday of Professor Karl Rawer

Abstract. This laudation is given in honor of the 100th birthday of Prof. Karl Rawer which happens to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). The ionosphere was discovered during Karl Rawer's lifetime, and he has dedicated his professional life to its exploration. World Wars I and II shaped his early life, but they also launched his career as one of the eminent geophysical scientists of the twentieth century. The paper looks back at Karl Rawer's life and his pioneering work and leadership in advancing and shaping the exploration of the ionosphere.
Importance of Collegiate Training for Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers with Psychiatric Disabilities

Lacking sufficient evidence on the effectiveness of VR's college and university training service, this study sought to determine if college and university training was related to competitive employment for VR consumers with psychiatric disabilities. When controlling for gender, race and ethnicity, and level of education; validating the results with comparison data; and holding the analysis to stringent power considerations, the results indicated that VR consumers with psychiatric disabilities are more likely to become employed after receiving college and university training. Consumers with psychiatric disabilities were 33% more likely to become competitively employed following the reception of college and university training than other consumers with psychiatric disabilities who did not receive this service.
The conservation of oxidative energy in phosphate-free systems. Formation of acyl anhydrides via the oxidation of hydroquinone monocarboxylic esters

Abstract 1. The free energy released by the oxidation of hydroquinone monoesters or of 6-hydroxychroman-2-ones, using N-bromosuccinimide in glacial acetic acid as oxidant, is trapped and conserved by the formation of acyl anhydrides. For example, by oxidation of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone-1-acetate, acetic anhydride is formed in at least 98% yield. 2. Such observations with model compounds suggest a cyclic scheme for energy conservation in mitochondria, in which ubihydroquinone is postulated to esterify with a protein carboxyl group (without prior carboxyl activation); the resulting ester is oxidized and a labile acid anhydride (or isoenergetic acyl function) is generated within the protein matrix. Reaction of the acid anhydride with inorganic phosphate and, subsequently, with ADP, provides a pathway for the oxidative generation of ATP, by way of a nonphosphorylated high energy intermediate. 3. That the proposed esterification step is feasible in a protein matrix is supported by the demonstration of a facile and complete conversion of coumarinic acid to coumarin at pH 4.
Total-ionizing-dose effects on isolation oxides in modern CMOS technologies

This paper presents experimental data on the total dose response of deep sub-micron bulk CMOS devices and integrated circuits. Ionizing radiation experiments on shallow trench isolation (STI) field oxide MOS capacitors (FOXCAP) indicate a characteristic build-up of radiation-induced defects in the dielectric. In this paper, capacitors fabricated with STI, thermal, SIMOX and bipolar base oxides of similar thickness are compared and show the STI oxide to be most susceptible to radiation effects. Experimental data on irradiated shift registers and n-channel MOSFETs are also presented. These data indicate that radiation damage to the STI can increase the off-state current of n-channel devices and the standby current of CMOS integrated circuits.
Organizational Structure and Application of Supply Market Intelligence: Current Trends and Best Practice

The intent of this study is to explore the concept of supply market intelligence (SMI), and how it can be extended to business decision-making beyond supply.
Do carbonate liquids become denser than silicate liquids at pressure? Constraints from the fusion curve of K2CO3 to 3.2 GPa

Brackets on the melting temperature of K2CO3 were experimentally determined at 1.86 ± 0.02 GPa (1,163–1,167°C), 2.79 ± 0.03 GPa (1,187–1,195°C), and 3.16 ± 0.04 GPa (1,183–1,189°C) in a piston-cylinder apparatus. These new data, in combination with published experiments at low pressure (<0.5 GPa), establish the K2CO3 fusion curve to 3.2 GPa. On the basis of these experiments and published thermodynamic data for crystalline and liquid K2CO3, the high-pressure density and compressibility of K2CO3 liquid were derived from the fusion curve. The pressure dependence of the liquid compressibility (K′0 = dK 0/dP, where K 0 = 1/β0) is between 16.2 and 11.6, with a best estimate of 13.7, in a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state (EOS). This liquid K′0 leads to a density of 2,175 ± 36 kg/m3 at 4 GPa and 1,500°C, which is ∼30% lower than that reported in the literature on the basis of the falling-sphere method at the same conditions. The uncertainty in the liquid K′0 leads to an error in melt density of ± 2% at 4 GPa; the error decreases with decreasing pressure. With a K′0 of 13.7, the compressibility of K2CO3 at 1,500°C and 1 bar (K 0 = 3.8 GPa) drops rapidly with increasing pressure ( $${K}_{4\,{\rm GPa}}=33\,\hbox{GPa}$$ ), which prevents a density crossover with silicate melts, such as CaAlSi2O8 and CaMgSi2O6, at upper mantle depths.
Bifurcations of fuzzy nonlinear dynamical systems

Abstract We present some recent developments of the fuzzy generalized cell mapping method (FGCM) in this paper. The topological property of the FGCM and its finite convergence of membership distribution vector are discussed. Powerful algorithms of digraphs are adopted for the analysis of topological properties of the FGCM systems. Bifurcations of fuzzy nonlinear dynamical systems are studied by using the FGCM method. A backward algorithm is introduced to study the unstable equilibrium solutions and their bifurcation. We have found that near the deterministic bifurcation point, the fuzzy system undergoes a complex transition as the control parameter varies. In this transition region, the steady state membership distribution is dependent on the initial condition. If we use the measure and topology of the α-cut (α = 1) of the steady state membership function of the persistent group representing the stable fuzzy equilibrium solution to characterize the fuzzy bifurcation, assuming the uniform initial condition within the persistent group, the bifurcation of the fuzzy dynamical system is then completed within an interval of the control parameter, rather than at a point as is the case of deterministic systems.
The use of expectancy theory in the explanation of turnover in ROTC

A questionnaire was administered to 142 mate students who were enrolled in ROTC and 18 male students who had dropped out of ROTC. Several months later seven of the above 142 subjects dropped out of ROTC. A ratio expectancy theory model was developed from the questionnaire as an operational definition of motivation to remain in ROTC. The results indicated that the 25 dropouts had a significantly lower (p < .001) score on this motivational measure than the 135 subjects who were still enrolled in ROTC, and also that these latter subjects were as strongly attracted to a civilian job as they were to an Army job. The implications of these findings relative to the ability of the Army to attract career officers were discussed.
A Review and Reconceptualization of Social Aggression: Adaptive and Maladaptive Correlates

The emergence of a research literature exploring parallels between physical and nonphysical (i.e., social, relational, indirect) forms of aggression has raised many questions about the developmental effects of aggressive behavior on psychological functioning, peer relationships, and social status. Although both forms of aggression have been linked to problematic outcomes in childhood and adolescence, more recent findings have highlighted the importance of considering the possible social rewards conferred by socially aggressive behavior. This paper examines relevant theory and empirical research investigating the adaptive and maladaptive correlates specific to nonphysical forms of aggression. Findings are explored at the level of group (e.g., peer rejection), dyadic (e.g., friendship quality), and individual (e.g., depressive symptoms) variables. Key developmental considerations and methodological issues are addressed, and recommendations for future research integrating current theoretical conceptualizations and empirical findings on social aggression are advanced.
Is there a unique consistent theory of quantum gravity

Superstrings have been proposed as a quantum-theoretical framework for unifying all the fundamental forces, including gravity. We consider the question of whether there might be more general supersymmetric possibilities, based on higher extended objects such as membranes, jellies, etc. We argue that all the possible extended objects in all possible spacetime dimensions are quantummechanically inconsistent except for the 10-dimensional superstring and the 11-dimensional supermembrane. These are also the only two such theories that contain massless gravitons and, thus, that can describe gravity at low energies. It is remarkable that the range of possibilities can be narrowed down to this extent. Whether these can be further narrowed down to just one consistent theory remains open to further research.
Does Civil Society Stop the Downward Spiral of Bad Government or Speed It Up

This article examines the nonprofit sector’s impact on good government. Through a brief synthesis of several literatures, the author constructs two competing hypotheses. In the first, nonprofit activity acts as a self-correcting force for the public sector; in the second, the third sector accelerates bad government’s downward spiral. The author shows that the key element in deciding between these hypotheses is the relationship between confidence in government and participation in civil society. Beliefs about the relationship between the nonprofit sector and “good government” tend to form along ideological lines. For many conservatives, the nonprofit sector represents a necessary bulwark against government hegemony in the provision of public goods and services, because, in the famous words of Thomas Jefferson, “that government is best which governs least.” For many liberals, on the other hand—especially in the European social democracies— nonprofit activity can leave public goods in unreliable hands. The purpose of this article is to further the theory of the third sector’s impact on good government without such ideological baggage. Through a brief synthesis of several disparate literatures, I will construct two competing hypotheses. In the first, an active third sector acts as a self-correcting force for dysfunctional government. In the second, the third sector accelerates bad government’s downward spiral. I will show that the key element in deciding between these hypotheses is the relationship between confidence in government and participation in “civil society.” 1 I will make suggestions on how future research can help settle the question as to which hypothesis is correct, and leverage the results for both policy and management.
Evaluating segmentation algorithms for diffusion-weighted MR images: a task-based approach

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) of lesions obtained from Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an emerging biomarker for evaluating anti-cancer therapy response. To compute the lesion’s ADC, accurate lesion segmentation must be performed. To quantitatively compare these lesion segmentation algorithms, standard methods are used currently. However, the end task from these images is accurate ADC estimation, and these standard methods don’t evaluate the segmentation algorithms on this task-based measure. Moreover, standard methods rely on the highly unlikely scenario of there being perfectly manually segmented lesions. In this paper, we present two methods for quantitatively comparing segmentation algorithms on the above task-based measure; the first method compares them given good manual segmentations from a radiologist, the second compares them even in absence of good manual segmentations.
Design, fabrication and characterization of miniature passive wireless force sensors

The majority of the population will have low back pain in their lifetime. Low back pain correlates to degenerative pain disease (DDD) which has been linked to exposure to mechanical loads. Certain occupations involving heavy lifting also correlate with DDD. Analytical models of the spine provide estimates of loading in the spine. However, data is lacking explicitly measuring mechanical forces in the spine. This data is necessary to truly characterize the translation from overload to onset of DDD. There is a need for an implantable device that is better able to characterize the in vivo mechanical environment present in the spine.
Learning to see, seeing to learn: visual aspects of sensemaking

When one says “I see,” what is usually meant is “I understand.” But what does it mean to create a sense of understanding a large, complex, problem, one with many interlocking pieces, sometimes ill-fitting data and the occasional bit of contradictory information? The traditional computer science perspective on helping people towards understanding is to provide an armamentarium of tools and techniques - databases, query tools and a variety of graphing methods. As a field, we have an overly simple perspective on what it means to grapple with real information. In practice, people who try to make sense of some thing (say, the life sciences, the Middle East, the large scale structure of the universe, their taxes) are faced with a complex collection of information, some in easy-to-digest structured forms, but with many relevant parts scattered hither and yon, in forms and shapes too difficult to manage. To create an understanding, we find that people create representations of complex information. Yet using representations relies on fairly sophisticated perceptual practices. These practices are in no way preordained, but subject to the kinds of perceptual and cognitive phenomena we see in every day life. In order to understand our information environments, we need to learn to perceive these perceptual elements, and understand when they do, and do not, work to our advantage. A more powerful approach to the problem of supporting realistic sensemaking practice is to design information environments that accommodate both the world’s information realities and people’s cognitive characteristics. This paper argues that visual aspects of representation use often dominate sensemaking behavior, and illustrates this by showing three sensemaking tools we have built that take advantage of this property.
List-mode maximum-likelihood reconstruction applied to positron emission mammography (PEM) with irregular sampling

Presents a preliminary study of list-mode likelihood reconstruction of images for a rectangular positron emission tomograph (PET) specifically designed to image the human breast. The prospective device consists of small arrays of scintillation crystals for which depth of interaction is estimated. Except in very rare instances, the number of annihilation events detected is expected to be far less than the number of distinguishable events. If one were to histogram the acquired data, most histogram bins would remain vacant. Therefore, it seems natural to investigate the efficacy of processing events one at a time rather than processing the data in histogram format. From a reconstruction perspective, the new tomograph presents a challenge in that the rectangular geometry leads to irregular radial and angular sampling, and the field of view extends completely to the detector faces. Simulations are presented that indicate that the proposed tomograph can detect 8-mm-diameter spherical tumors with a tumor-to-background tracer density ratio of 3:1 using realistic image acquisition parameters. Spherical tumors of 4-mm diameter are near the limit of detectability with the image acquisition parameters used. Expressions are presented to estimate the loss of image contrast due to Compton scattering.
Flexural Behavior of Brittle RC Members Rehabilitated with Concrete Jacketing

The composite flexural action of prismatic reinforced concrete (RC) members repaired/strengthened by RC jacketing was modeled with a dual-section approach. The model considers the relative slip at the interface between the existing member and the jacket and establishes the mechanisms that are mobilized to resist this action, thereby supporting composite behavior. An iterative step-by-step incremental algorithm was developed for calculating the overall flexural response curve. Consideration of frictional interlock and dowel action associated with sliding at the interfaces as well as the spacing and penetration of flexure-shear cracks are key aspects of the algorithm. The proposed procedure was verified through comparison with published experimental data on RC jacketed members. The sensitivity of the upgraded member’s flexural response to jacket design variables was investigated parametrically. Monolithic response modification factors related to strength and deformation indices were evaluated and the sensit...
Genetic diseases in adults

Genetic diseases that do not primarily affect the genitourinary tract may have urologic manifestations. These urologic manifestations range from benign and malignant renal disease to infertility. Thus, the practicing urologist may be involved in the care of these patients and should have knowledge of these diseases. Continued improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of these genetic diseases will likely result in improved survival and will increase the number of patients who may develop urologic manifestations of these diseases.
The Molecular Basis of Self‐Assembly of Dendron–Rod–Coils into One‐Dimensional Nanostructures

We describe here a compre- hensive study of solution and solid- state properties of self-assembling tri- block molecules composed of a hydro- philic dendron covalently linked to an aromatic rigid rod segment, which is in turn connected to a hydrophobic flexi- ble coil. These dendron-rod-coil (DRC) molecules form well-defined supramolecular structures that possess a ribbonlike morphology as revealed by transmission-electron and atomic- force microscopy. In a large variety of aprotic solvents, the DRC ribbons create stable networks that form gels at concentrations as low as 0.2 % by weight DRC. The gels are thermally ir- reversible and do not melt at elevated temperatures, indicating high stability as a result of strong noncovalent inter- actions among DRC molecules. NMR experiments show that the strong inter- actions leading to aggregation involve mainly the dendron and rodlike blocks, whereas oligoisoprene coil segments remain solvated after gelation. Small- angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) profiles of different DRC molecules demon- strate an excellent correlation between the degree-of-order in the solid-state and the stability of gels. Studies on two series of analogous molecules suggest that self-assembly is very sensitive to subtle structural changes and requires the presence of at least four hydroxyl groups in the dendron, two biphenyl units in the rod, and a coil segment with a size comparable to that of the rodlike block. A detailed analysis of crystal structures of model compounds revealed the formation of stable one- dimensional structures that involve two types of noncovalent interactions, aro- matic p-p stacking and hydrogen bonding. Most importantly, the crystal structure of the rod-dendron com- pound shows that hydrogen bonding not only drives the formation of head- to-head cyclic structures, but also gen- erates multiple linkages between them along the stacking direction. The cyclic structures are tetrameric in nature and stack into ribbonlike objects. We be- lieve that DRC molecules utilize the same arrangement of hydrogen bonds and stacking of aromatic blocks ob- served in the crystals, explaining the exceptional stability of the nanostruc- tures in extremely dilute solutions as well the thermal stability of the gels they form. This study provides mecha- nistic insights on self-assembly of tri- block molecules, and unveils general strategies to create well-defined one-di- mensional supramolecular objects.
Techniques for non-linear magnification transformations

This paper presents efficient methods for implementing general non-linear magnification transformations. Techniques are provided for: combining linear and non-linear magnifications, constraining the domain of magnifications, combining multiple transformations, and smoothly interpolating between magnified and normal views. In addition, piecewise linear methods are introduced which allow greater efficiency and expressiveness than their continuous counterparts.
Varying Fat and Protein in Diets of Growing Large White Turkeys

Abstract Two series of three consecutive 4-week experiments with a total of 1,370 Large White turkeys between 8 and 20 weeks of age were conducted to determine the effects of varying levels of dietary fat and protein on body weight gain and feed efficiency. Diets containing 0, 5, and 10% added fat and 18, 20, 22, and 24% protein in a 3 × 4 factorial were each fed to a total of three pens of males and three pens of females. At the end of each 4-week period, the turkeys were rerandomized to form 12 new equivalent groups, and similar diets with 2% less protein were fed. As part of this study, two fats, varying in fatty acid composition, were also compared but found not to affect significantly body weight gain or feed efficiency. Interaction effects of fat and protein on body weight gain, feed consumption, or feed efficiency were not significant. Body weight gain increased .5, .6, and 1.1%, feed consumption decreased 1.1, 1.0, and .9%, and feed efficiency increased 1.7, 1.8, and 2.2% for each 1% added fat during the 8 to 12-, 12 to 16-, and 16 to 20-week periods, respectively. The greater-than-expected increase in feed efficiency from added fat to diets of older turkeys is postulated to be due to stimulated feed consumption and body weight gain rather than to an extra caloric content of fat per se.
Support for embryonic stem cell research among infertility patients

Objective To determine the opinions among infertility patients regarding embryonic stem cell research and to investigate the relationship between patients' choice and their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Design Cross-sectional, self-administered survey. Setting University hospital–based fertility center. Patient(s) A total of 1,350 consecutive women who presented for infertility care. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Patient opinion regarding embryonic stem cell research, and correlations to their demographic and socioeconomic background. Result(s) Of respondents with a definitive opinion, 73% felt that the use of left-over embryos for stem cell research should be allowed. After adjustment for observed predictors favoring embryonic stem cell research, we found significantly lower support for such research among patients who were younger, African American, Hispanic, less wealthy, Protestant, single, or trying to conceive for a longer duration. Those who in the past had or were currently undergoing assisted reproductive techniques were significantly more likely to approve, whereas reproductive history was not associated with the opinions about the use of spare embryos for stem cell research. Conclusion(s) The majority of infertility patients studied favor use of left-over embryos for stem cell research. Several demographic and socioeconomic factors, however, are significantly associated with patient opinion.
Application of Image Processing Techniques to the Identification of Phases in Steel Metallographic Specimens

Metallographic image processing focuses primarily on image segmentation, edge detection, and approximating grain size. This paper presents the results of applying a radial basis function neural network to the image texture data obtained from steel metallographic specimens to determine the feasibility of the automated recognition of steel phases.
Effects of Azole Antifungal Drugs on the Transition from Yeast Cells to Hyphae in Susceptible and Resistant Isolates of the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans

Oral infections caused by the yeast Candida albicans are some of the most frequent and earliest opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The widespread use of azole antifungal drugs has led to the development of drug resistance, creating a major problem in the treatment of yeast infections in AIDS patients and other immunocompromised individuals. Several molecular mechanisms that contribute to drug resistance have been identified. In C. albicans, the ability to morphologically switch from yeast cells (blastospores) to filamentous forms (hyphae) is an important virulence factor which contributes to the dissemination of Candida in host tissues and which promotes infection and invasion. A positive correlation between the level of antifungal drug resistance and the ability to form hyphae in the presence of azole drugs has been identified. Under hypha-inducing conditions in the presence of an azole drug, resistant clinical isolates form hyphae, while susceptible yeast isolates do not. This correlation is observed in a random sample from a population of susceptible and resistant isolates and is independent of the mechanisms of resistance. 35S-methionine incorporation suggests that growth inhibition is not sufficient to explain the inhibition of hyphal formation, but it may contribute to this inhibition.
Exploring metaphoric language use to assess collaboration between educational institutions

ABSTRACTIn this single case study of a school and university collaborative project, positioning theory was used to deconstruct the metaphors expressed in descriptions of roles of 23 participants. Present in the metaphors were discrepancies in understandings of collaboration that revealed ways that collaboration was inhibited as participants positioned themselves and others. Differences in expectations that emerged in metaphor suggested passive compliance, division in power, and reinforcement of limiting roles. These findings suggest that the examination of metaphors in interview data might be used as a formative assessment in collaborative endeavours, leading to productive dialogue for clarification and resolving potential conflict.
Providing Quality of Science in Volunteer Computing

We propose an application-centric approach for tuning, at runtime, parameters in volunteer computing (VC). Our approach defines Quality of Science (QSc) as the ability of a system to meet application-specific goals within time constraints. We first estimate the impact of different application parameters on both QSc metrics and resource usage from empirical information gathered at runtime and then reconfigure the parameters accordingly. Our approach results in more accurate solutions in shorter times and lower resource consumption than other, more traditional approaches.
The role of cytoreductive surgery for colon cancer metastatic to the ovary

Abstract Objective. We sought to further elucidate the survival impact of cytoreductive surgery among patients with colon cancer metastatic to the ovary. Methods. All women diagnosed with primary colon cancer metastatic to the ovary at a single institution from 1980 to 2005 were retrospectively identified. Survival analyses and comparisons were performed using Kaplan–Meier plots and the log rank test. Results. A total of 39 patients with 40 cases of colon cancer metastatic to the ovary were identified. Patients with metastatic disease confined to the ovaries (n = 11) had a median overall survival (OS) time of 61 months (range 15–120) compared to 17 months (range 0.5–73) for those with more extensive metastases (n = 24) (p = 0.0428). Patients undergoing optimal cytoreduction (residual ≤ 1 cm) had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11 months (range 0.5–120, n = 26) compared to 2.5 months (range 0.5–12, n = 9) for those receiving suboptimal cytoreduction (p = 0.0001). Optimal cytoreduction was also associated with a significantly longer median OS (35 months, range 0.5–120) compared to suboptimal cytoreduction (median OS = 7 months, range = 0.5–17) (p Conclusions. The observation that optimal cytoreduction was associated with prolonged PFS and OS in both patients with localized ovarian and widespread metastases of colon cancer suggests a role for surgical management of metastatic colon cancer in women.
Tunable coupling cavity QED with a superconducting artificial atom

We present a tunable coupling qubit (TCQ), which has independent and fast control over the qubit energy and the coupling strength to a superconducting microwave cavity in a circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture.
Scope and Mechanism of the PdII‐Catalyzed Arylation/Carboalkoxylation of Unactivated Olefins with Indoles

Treatment of 1-methyl-2-(4-pentenyl)indole (5) with a catalytic amount of [PdCl 2 (MeCN) 2 ] (2; 5 mol %) and a stoichiometric amount of CuCl 2 (3 equiv) in methanol. under CO (1 atm) at room temperature for 30 min gives methyl (9-methyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-4-carbazolyl)acetate (6), which was isolated in 83% yield. A number of 2- and 3-alkenyl indoles undergo a similar palladium-catalyzed cyclization/carboalkoxylation to give the corresponding polycyclic indole derivatives in moderate to excellent yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Under similar conditions, vinyl arenes undergo intermolecular arylation/carboalkoxylation with indoles to give 3-(1-aryl-2-carbomethoxyethyl) indoles in moderate yield with high regioselectivity. Stereochemical analyses of the palladium-catalyzed cyclization/ carboalkoxylation of both 2- and 3-alkenyl indoles are in agreement with mechanisms involving outer-sphere attack of the indole on a palladiumolefin complex followed by α-migratory insertion of CO and methanolysis of the resulting acyl palladium intermediate. CuCl 2 functions as the terminal oxidant in this palladium-catalyzed cyclization/carboalkoxylation of alkenyl indoles and also significantly increases the rate of reaction of 2 with the alkenyl indole to form the corresponding acyl palladium complex. Spectroscopic studies are in agreement with the intermediacy of a heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complex as the active catalyst in this reaction.
A terminal operated production program (TOPP) system

Many organizations have an IBM 7090 (or 7094) computing system at a centralized location. Functions performed include many repetitive, well-defined activities amenable to 7090 processing. These jobs might originate in Engineering, Research, Personnel, Financial or Administrative areas of the organization. Unfortunately, many tasks are not transferred from manual to computer form because: The turnaround time is too great. The computer is remote from the functional areas and is, therefore, not easily accessible. The general job submission procedures are too involved or technical for occasional users in these functional areas to keep up-to-date with, or to be trained in computer use.
Consumer Involvement in Retail Store Positioning

The concept of consumer involvement in products and issues and its theoretical importance in attitude change strategy have been discussed in the past. This paper reports empirical findings relating to retail store perceptions and preferences, using involvement as a moderator variable.
Active learning in the classroom: a muscle identification game in a kinesiology course.

It is often difficult for educators to teach a kinesiology and applied anatomy (KAA) course due to the vast amount of information that students are required to learn. In this study, a convenient sa...
Analytical Methodology for Predicting Widespread Fatigue Damage Onset in Fuselage Structure

A comprehensive analytical methodology has been developed for predicting the onset of widespread fatigue damage (WFD) in fuselage structure. The determination of the number of e ights and operational hours of aircraft service life that are related to the onset of WFD includes analyses for crack initiation, fatigue crack growth, and residual strength. Therefore, the computational capability required to predict analytically the onset of WFD must be able to represent a wide range of crack sizes, from the material (microscale) level to the global (structural-scale ) level. The results of carefully conducted teardown examinations of aircraft components indicate that fatigue crack behavior can be represented conveniently by the following three analysis scales: 1 ) small three-dimensional cracks at the microscale level, 2 ) through-the-thickness two-dimensional cracks at the local structural level, and 3 ) long cracks at the global structural level. The computational requirements for each of these three analysis scales are described in this paper.
Source characteristics of hypothetical subduction earthquakes in the northwestern United States

Historic earthquake sequences on subduction zones that are similar to the Cascadia subduction zone are used to hypothesize the nature of shallow subduction earthquakes that might occur in the northwestern United States. Based on systematic comparisons of several physical characteristics, including physiography and seismicity, subduction zones that are deemed most similar to the Cascadia subduction zone are those in southern Chile, southwestern Japan, and Colombia. These zones have all experienced very large earthquake sequences, and if the Cascadia subduction zone is also capable of storing elastic strain energy along its greater than 1000 km length, then earthquakes of very large size (M_w > 8 1/2) must be considered. Circumstantial evidence is presented that suggests (but does not prove) that large subduction earthquakes along the Cascadia subduction zone may have an average repeat time of 400 to 500 yr.
Missing Market in Labor Quality: The Role of Quality Markets in Transition

This paper characterizes a key feature of the classic socialist economy and state-owned enterprise, namely that of missing markets in labor quality. Under the socialist regime in which students and workers were assigned to work units, the rights of managers to monitor and reward workers were limited. The exchange of labor services was based more on measures of quantity rather than quality. Workers who performed functions broadly consistent with that of their assigned occupations for the duration of the designated workweek received the standard wage. With the reassignment of property rights, this situation has changed. Students and workers have resumed control over the accumulation of their human capital the trade of skill and effort. Managers have acquired greater authority to monitor labor - to discriminate in setting wages and bonuses and to hire and fire - as well as stronger incentives to use this authority to raise efficiency and profits. The result is an emerging market in labor quality.A 1995 cross section of enterprise data spanning 10 ownership types is used to test the hypothesis of an emerging labor quality market. The results show that certain non-state forms of ownership, in which the rights of managers to monitor and reward skill and effort are presumed to be relatively well developed, encourage labor quality, most notably training, which raises productivity. The relative inability of state enterprises to monitor and reward high quality labor is likely to create an adverse selection problem in which the most skilled and motivated workers exit from the state sector, so as to cause a "hollowing" of skilled workers and weakened enterprise performance. The theoretical contribution of this paper is to generalize Coase's analysis of the critical role of property rights in creating resource markets to the creation and exchange of quality in all goods. Analytically, the conditions for a missing market in labor quality are equivalent to those for a missing market in pollution abatement and water quality. The analysis underscores the importance of property rights in creating the conditions for the accumulation and efficient exchange of human capital.
Attitudes about electronic monitoring: Minority and majority racial group differences

Abstract Past public opinion research routinely uncovered significant variation in attitudes toward justice system policies among different racial groups. The bulk of punishment attitudinal research, for the most part, focused on more severe sanctions, namely, incarceration and the death penalty. More recent research investigated the perspectives and experiences associated with intermediate sanctions. There are few intermediate sanctions receiving more attention than the use of electronic monitoring, especially with sex offenders. In this article, it is demonstrated that non-White college students have significantly different attitudes about the punitiveness and inequality of electronic monitoring. These findings were uncovered through 599 completed surveys from two universities, and using factor analysis and least-squares regression analysis. Theoretical and practical implications for continued use of this sanction are discussed.
An Ecological-Needs-Based Perspective of Adolescent and Youth Emotional Development in the Context of Disaster: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina

This chapter reviews studies on the impact of natural disasters on childhood and adolescent emotional development with an emphasis on studies conducted with Hurricane Katrina samples. Special consideration is given to the role of exposure to disasters on adolescent emotional development. The findings are reviewed and presented within an integrative perspective (i.e., an ecological needs-based perspective) drawn from broad contextual theories of human development. The perspective emphasizes multiple levels of influence on emotional development through the interference of multiple human needs.
Virtual Power Plays: Social Movements, Internet Communication Technology, and Political Parties

Drawing on interview data, participant observation, and archival research of the progressive group MoveOn.org and the conservative Tea Party Movement groups in Tallahassee, FL, this research examines how social movements use Internet Communication Technology (ICT) to affect political parties and political change in the United States. The paper consists of two analytical sections. In the first section, we examine how these groups use ICT to effectively market issues, mobilize consensus, and get citizens involved in the political process. In the second section, we outline how activist groups' use of ICT changes the relationship between social movement groups and political parties. While we do not suggest that ICT equalizes the relationship between social movements and political parties, we do show that savvy movement groups can use ICT in ways that can help activists transform a party. Additionally, we illustrate the potential for synergy between social movement and political parties in the digital age. We conclude the chapter with a discussion of how scholars might further assess the changing relationship between social movements and political parties.
New Developments in Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Pharmacology is a major bridge between the information that is discovered or created in biomedical research and its application to treat diseases in the clinical setting. Over the past decade, our knowledge about new pharmacologic agents for the treatment of eye diseases has literally exploded into brand new areas made possible by genomics and proteomics. We now have new categories of drugs to treat macular degeneration, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative diseases that did not exist before. Also, there have been many incremental improvements of existing drugs to enhance patient tolerance and compliance. In this issue, we have attempted the challenging task of summarizing the progress to date in the pharmacologic treatment of eye diseases. Accomplishing this ambitious goal would not have been possible without the contributions of our outstanding panel of nationally and internationally renowned experts in ophthalmology, pharmacology, basic science, and clinical research. Each author has comprehensively organized the newest developments in his or her area of specialty explaining pharmacologic mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety with a clinical orientation for practical applications. Each topical review is intended to be complete and selfcontained. The different topics are roughly organized around the anatomic location of the various eye