cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unstable triplet repeat diseases

Seven inherited human disorders are now associated with the intragenic expansion of triplet repeat DNA sequences. These repeats demonstrate extreme instability in both germline and somatic tissue, accounting for the unusual genetic inheritance patterns and symptom variability associated with these diseases.
cis ‐ and trans‐N ‐nitroso‐2,4‐diphenylazetidines

The synthesis of cis- and trans-2,4-diphenylazetidines as well as that of their N-nitroso derivatives is described. The “abnormal” reduction of the N-nitrosamines gives a cis-trans mixture of the expected 1,2-diphenylcyclopropanes. However, no stereochemical correlations could be made owing to the base-induced isomerization of the starting N-nitrosamines during the course of the reaction.
Hostility and adiposity mediate disparities in insulin resistance among adolescents and young adults.

Objective This study explores whether the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and insulin resistance in adolescents is mediated by both physiological and psychological factors associated with increased cardiometabolic risk Study design School-based longitudinal cohort study of 1222 healthy, non-Hispanic black and white teens. Parent education (PE), youth-specific Cook-Medley hostility scale, waist circumference, height, weight, pubertal status, and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) were measured and FPI reassessed 1 year later. Regression analyses utilizing bootstrapping (n = 2000) were used to estimate the direct and indirect effects of PE on FPI and assess the role of hostility and adiposity while adjusting for covariates. Results Lower PE predicted higher FPI (B = -1.52, P = .003), as did hostility (B = .19, P = .002) and adiposity (waist circumference B=.44, P P P = .04); the total indirect estimate was -.485 (95% CI, -.652, -.041). Hostility accounted for 36% of the meditational effect. Conclusions Lower PE influences insulin resistance through adiposity and hostility. Thus, interventions to reduce health disparities associated with insulin resistance should consider both physiological and psychological approaches.
Accuracy and significance of pretransplant liver volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging

Measurement of liver volume in patients with advanced liver disease is used to gauge the appropriate size of donor organs and may have prognostic value. We sought to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in measuring liver volume in 19 adult patients under consideration for liver transplantation. We also correlated the liver volume determination to the clinical severity of disease. Liver volume was measured at MRI by averaging the calculated volumes from coronal and transverse breath-hold T1-weighted images. These results were compared to the explanted liver volume measured by fluid displacement and the explant mass. The correlation coefficient for MRI liver volume and the explant displacement volume was 0.90. The mean liver volume for Child-Pugh class AB by MRI was 1986 +/- 568 mL (1002-2470 mL) compared to 1433 +/- 379 mL (540-1889 mL) in Child-Pugh class C patients (p = .02). We conclude that MRI offers an anatomically accurate means of determining adult liver volume in vivo. Lower mean liver volumes were observed in Child-Pugh class C patients. In addition to its ability to provide tumor screening and vascular assessment, MRI is able to provide accurate determinations of liver volume in patients undergoing liver transplant evaluations.
Orthogonal collocation on finite elements

The effectiveness factor problem for heat and mass transfer with chemical reaction in a catalyst pellet is solved with a new technique especially suited to situations corresponding to high Thiele modulus when the solution is confined to a thin boundary region near the catalyst surface. The method of orthogonal collocation on finite elements combines the rapid convergence of the orthogonal collocation method with the convenience associated with finite difference methods of locating grid points or elements where the solution is important or has large gradients. The efficiency of the method results from block LU decompositions employed in the iterative schemes devised. The method is applied to two problems to illustrate the rate of convergence, the efficiency (as expressed by error versus computation time curves), and the use of the residual for optimum location of the finite elements. Comparisons are also made to usual orthogonal collocation and finite difference methods.
Role of Thymic Output in Regulating CD8 T-Cell Homeostasis during Acute and Chronic Viral Infection

Although it is well documented that CD8 T cells play a critical role in controlling chronic viral infections, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of CD8 T-cell responses are not well understood. Using the mouse model of an acute and chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, we have examined the relative importance of peripheral T cells and thymic emigrants in the elicitation and maintenance of CD8 T-cell responses. Virus-specific CD8 T-cell responses were compared between mice that were either sham thymectomized or thymectomized (Thx) at ∼6 weeks of age. In an acute LCMV infection, thymic deficiency did not affect either the primary expansion of CD8 T cells or the proliferative renewal and maintenance of virus-specific lymphoid and nonlymphoid memory CD8 T cells. Following a chronic LCMV infection, in Thx mice, although the initial expansion of CD8 T cells was normal, the contraction phase of the CD8 T-cell response was exaggerated, which led to a transient but striking CD8 T-cell deficit on day 30 postinfection. However, the virus-specific CD8 T-cell response in Thx mice rebounded quickly and was maintained at normal levels thereafter, which indicated that the peripheral T-cell repertoire is quite robust and capable of sustaining an effective CD8 T-cell response in the absence of thymic output during a chronic LCMV infection. Taken together, these findings should further our understanding of the regulation of CD8 T-cell homeostasis in acute and chronic viral infections and might have implications in the development of immunotherapy.
Search for pressure-induced superconductivity in CeFeAsO and CeFePO iron pnictides

The CeFeAsO and CeFePO iron pnictide compounds were studied via electrical transport measurements under high pressure. In CeFeAsO polycrystals, the magnetic phases involving the Fe and Ce ions coexist for hydrostatically applied pressures up to 15 GPa, and with no signs of pressure-induced superconductivity up to 50 GPa for the less hydrostatic pressure techniques. For the CeFePO single crystals, pressure further stabilizes the Kondo screening of the Ce 4$f$-electron magnetic moments.
Passing the baton: a grounded practical theory of handoff communication between multidisciplinary providers in two Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient settings.

Handoffs are communication processes that enact the transfer of responsibility between providers across clinical settings. Prior research on handoff communication has focused on inpatient settings between provider teams and has emphasized patient safety. This study examines handoff communication within multidisciplinary provider teams in two outpatient settings. To conduct an exploratory study that describes handoff communication among multidisciplinary providers, to develop a theory-driven descriptive framework for outpatient handoffs, and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different handoff types. Qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 31 primary care, mental health, and social work providers in two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center outpatient clinics. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Grounded Practical Theory to develop a theoretical model of and a descriptive framework for handoff communication among multidisciplinary providers. Multidisciplinary providers reported that handoff decisions across settings were made spontaneously and without clear guidelines. Two situated values, clinic efficiency and patient-centeredness, shaped multidisciplinary providers’ handoff decisions. Providers reported three handoff techniques along a continuum: the electronic handoff, which was the most clinically efficient; the provider-to-provider handoff, which balanced clinic efficiency and patient-centeredness; and the collaborative handoff, which was the most patient-centered. Providers described handoff choice as a practical response to manage constituent features of clinic efficiency (time, space, medium of communication) and patient-centeredness (information continuity, management continuity, relational continuity, and social interaction). We present a theoretical and descriptive framework to help providers evaluate differential handoff use, reflect on situated values guiding clinic communication, and guide future research. Handoff communication reflected multidisciplinary providers’ efforts to balance clinic efficiency with patient-centeredness within the constraints of day-to-day clinical practice. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses among alternative handoff options may enhance multidisciplinary provider handoff decision-making and may contribute to increased coordination and continuity of care across outpatient settings.
Transcranial focal stimulation via concentric ring electrodes reduced power of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure activity in rat electroencephalogram

As epilepsy affects approximately one percent of the world population, electrical stimulation of the brain has recently shown potential for additive seizure control therapy. In this study we applied noninvasive transcranial focal stimulation (TFS) via concentric ring electrodes on the scalp of rats after inducing seizures with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to assess the effect of TFS on the electrographic activity. Grand average power spectral densities were calculated to compare different stages of seizure development. They showed a significant difference between the TFS treated group and the control group. In case of the TFS treated group, after TFS, the power spectral density was reduced further towards a pre-seizure “baseline” than it was for the control group. The difference is the most drastic in delta, theta and alpha frequency bands. Application of general likelihood ratio test showed that TFS significantly (p<0.001) reduced the power of electrographic seizure activity in the TFS treated group compared to controls in more than 86% of the cases. These results suggest that TFS may have an anticonvulsant effect.
The hidden costs of relocating sand and gravel mines

Abstract Mining of construction aggregate is often unwelcome near communities because of its disamenities or because it can destroy prime farmland and displace other desirable land uses. Such conflicts have led to prohibitions against mining near cities or on high-value farmland, causing these operations to be relocated to more distant locations. The cost of this relocation may go unnoticed if they are indirect, diffused and rise gradually over time, but they may be significant due to the high transportation cost of moving these materials long distances. This study evaluates the economic cost of a proposed ban on new aggregate mines on high-value farmland in Oregon, USA. The analysis here finds that the cumulative cost would be $40,000 per acre of “saved farmland,” compared to the current market value of $2000 per acre. Moreover, the policy would “save” less than 1% of high-value farmland over the next 45 years.
Inhibition of wild-type p66ShcA in mesangial cells prevents glycooxidant-dependent FOXO3a regulation and promotes the survival phenotype.

Hyperglycemia triggers an exponential increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular level. Here, we demonstrate induction of the oxidant-resistant phenotype in mesangial cells by silenc...
Cerebral amobarbital sodium distribution during Wada testing: utility of digital subtraction angiography and single-photon emission tomography

We aimed to determine if the cerebral distribution of anesthetic during Wada testing is reflected by findings on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and if the findings on these studies are relevant to the outcome of the Wada test. We carried out selective internal carotid artery (ICA) DSA on 29 patients underwent studies prior to a Wada test. In patients without angiographic cross-filling, amobarbital and a radiotracer were injected into each ICA, beginning with the epileptogenic side. In patients with cross-filling, the ICA ipsilateral to the epileptogenic focus was injected with amobarbital and radiotracer while other was injected with amobarbital alone. We analyzed the DSA studies for cross-filling and filling of the posterior cerebral arteries (PCA). We reviewed the SPECT for activity in the territories of the anterior, middle cerebral, and posterior cerebral arteries. We compared the results of both studies with the success or failure of the neuropsychological portion of the Wada test. In 20 patients without cross-filling, the results of DSA and SPECT were comparable: symmetrical hemisphere activity was seen. In nine patients with cross-filling, SPECT showed bilateral, almost symmetrical activity. Filling or nonfilling of the PCA correlated with activity (or lack of it) in the medial temporal and occipital regions in all patients. The Wada test was considered successful in all patients. The findings on SPECT did not alter interpretation of the Wada test and we suggest that it may not be needed in all patients undergoing Wada testing.
Relationships between children and teachers: Associations with classroom and home behavior☆

Abstract This article reports the results of a study using a measure of the relationship between teachers and students: the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS). In a sample of 72 kindergarten children the STRS was found to have three factors: Secure, Improved, and Dependent. The total scale as well as subscales based on the factor analysis all had alpha reliabilities exceeding .60. Boys and girls did not differ on STRS scores. Relationships characterized by security were related to child affection toward mothers, and competence behaviors in the home and in kindergarten and first grade. Dependent relationships between teachers and children were related to child negativity with mothers, acting-out behaviors in the home, and behavior problems in school. Relationships showing improvement in kindergarten were related to positive adjustment in first grade. The results are discussed in terms of research on adult-child relationships and implications for applied questions.
A New Sequential Algorithm for Hyperspectral Endmember Extraction

Endmember extraction is an important step in spectral mixture analysis when endmembers are unknown. Endmembers are usually assumed to be pure pixels present in an image scene. Under this circumstance, endmember extraction is to find the most distinctive pixels. To make the searching process more efficient, the sequential forward search (SFS) method is generally used, where the next endmember is determined with a certain criterion based on the currently extracted endmember set. This letter proposes a new criterion which is related to the estimated endmember abundances. Compared to other sequential endmember extraction algorithms, the proposed method can find all the different endmembers faster. This letter also proposes to use the sequential forward floating search method as the substitute of SFS, which can improve the performance of all the sequential endmember extraction algorithms.
Memory-miser: a performance-constrained runtime system for power-scalable clusters

Main memory in clusters may dominate total system power. The resulting energy consumption increases system operating cost and the heat produced reduces reliability. Emergent memory technology will provide servers with the ability to dynamically turn-on (online) and turn-off (offline) memory devices at runtime. This technology, coupled with slack in memory demand, offers the potential for significant energy savings in clusters of servers. Enabling power-aware memory and conserving energy in clusters are non-trivial. First, power-aware memory techniques must be scalable to thousands of devices. Second, techniques must not negatively impact the performance of parallel scientific applications. Third, techniques must be transparent to the user to be practical. We propose a Memory Management Infra-Structure for Energy Reduction (Memory MISER). Memory MISER is transparent, performance-neutral, and scalable. It consists of a prototype Linux kernel that manages memory at device granularity and a userspace daemon that monitors memory demand systemically to control devices and implement energy- and performance-constrained policies. Experiments on an 8-node cluster show our control daemon reduces memory energy up to 56.8% with
The effect of long-term lithium treatment on reserpine-induced supersensitivity in dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission.

Abstract The effect of chronic lithium treatment on reserpine-induced supersensitivity in dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission was examined. Dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor activities were investigated employing apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior in rats and 5-methoxy DMT-induced head twitches in mice, respectively. Reserpine increased the responsiveness to both dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor stimulations. Chronic lithium pretreatment enhanced the reserpine-elicited sensitization of both transmitter systems.
A simplified technique for screening utility DSM options for their capacity and operational benefits

Demand-side management (DSM) is becoming a universally accepted means for reducing utility-capacity needs and improving system operational performance. A technique is presented which utilizes an inverted load-duration curve (ILDC) in an efficient way to integrate utility DSM effects properly without using the chronological load-modification process. Such a simplified method will provide the opportunity to screen a large number of DSM scenarios and obtain a reliable estimate of their potential capacity and operational benefits. A few select cost-effective DSM programs may then be chosen and evaluated with supply-side options in integrated utility-resource planning.
Divacancy annealing in crystalline silicon using e-beam and pulsed ruby laser excitation

Annealing of divacancies which were produced by /sup 11/B ion implantation was investigated under furnace, pulsed e-beam and pulsed ruby laser exposures. Despite orders of magnitude shorter exposure times for annealing and the concomitant expected high levels of electronic excitation and layer stress, we find that the thermal annealing mechanism observed for furnace annealing is an adequate description for divacancy annealing under e-beam exposure. The observed need for melting to remove divacancies by Q-switched laser annealing is also consistent with predictions based upon extrapolations from furnace annealing.
Oral findings in ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome.

This article outlines the dental conditions and treatment findings of individuals ranging in age from 4 months to 30 years of age diagnosed with ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome. The average number of permanent teeth present is 4.75 with a range of 0–12 teeth. The most frequently present permanent teeth are first molars, canines and maxillary incisors. The dentition of AEC-affected individuals in our study is similar to reports in other ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The dental treatment findings, including those necessitated by the cleft palate defect seen in the syndrome, are also similar to age appropriate treatment seen in other cases of ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. Only 22% of subjects had prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. History indicated that issues related to treatment of the palatal cleft and lack of recognition of the oral defects as a part of the underlying medical problem were factors in receiving comprehensive tooth replacement care. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Crystal-containing bodies associated with peristome ontogeny in a moss.

Microbodies with crystalline inclusions, heretofore undescribed in bryophytes, were found in the tissue involved in peristome formation in the moss Fissidens limbatus Sullivant.
The political economy of health care for elderly blacks.

The author analyzes the influences of race and class on the life chances of blacks by focusing on the health care of black elderly. Theories based on cultural, class, and racial forces are explained in the context of how each would be used to analyze the health care of older blacks. The lower health and socioeconomic statuses of older blacks compared with older whites are documented. The author argues that cultural factors are unable to explain those differences adequately, and that class factors such as the profit orientation of the medical care system, and race factors such as residential segregation and racial discrimination in the medical care system, both contribute to the disparities in medical care. Since proposals for a U.S. national health insurance or national health service fail to include race-conscious measures, the proposals will fail to eliminate existing racial disparities in the health and health care of the elderly.
Correction to a Correction Factor and Identification of Hypotheses for One-Way Anova from Summary Statistics

Computation of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) F ratio from descriptive statistics in the absence of raw data is corrected from two sources. Means associated with inferential statistical hypotheses are identified as estimable population parameters.
Existence and blow up of solutions to certain classes of two-dimensional nonlinear Neumann problems

In this paper we study, analytically and numerically, the existence and blow up of solutions to two-dimensional boundary value problems of the form Δuλ=0 in Ω, ∂uλ/∂n=Duλ+λf(uλ) on ∂Ω. We place particular emphasis on f(u)=sinh(u)=(eu−e−u)2, in which case the nonlinear flux boundary condition is frequently associated with the names of Butler and Volmer.
Effect of temperature on adsorption of mixtures in porous materials

The effect of temperature on the adsorption of a simple mixture (Ar/Kr) in disordered porous materials is investigated by means of molecular simulation. In the larger mesopores of porous silica gla...
Factors affecting the size of aqueous poly(vinylphenol-co-potassium styrenesulfonate)/poly(ethylene oxide) complexes

The diffusion properties of complexes formed between poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(vinylphenol-co-styrenesulfonate) (PKS) in aqueous medium were investigated by diffusion ordered NMR (DOSY), fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR), and viscosity measurements. All three techniques showed that PEO/PKS complexes range from single PEO coils with bound PKS molecules to large complex species containing many PEO chains. For a given PKS structure, there are two important transitional PEO molecular weights. The lowest one, ∼8000 Da, corresponds to the onset of PEO/PKS complex formation. The second transitional PEO molecular weight is between 105 and 106 Da and corresponds to the onset of multi-PEO chain complex species which are important for flocculation. PKS functions as a physical cross-linking agent for PEO. If there is too little PKS, multiple PEO chains are not bound together. Similarly, high concentrations of PKS give small complexes because there are few opportunities for connecting multiple PEO c...
Schedule Induction Conditions Not Only Exaggerate Intake But Also Enhance Drug Solution Choice

In previous research, rats exposed to daily, 3 h sessions of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) self-administered high doses of cocaine orally. However, a strong and durable preference for cocaine solution to water requires training in addition to mere oral self-administration exposure. If cocaine is dissolved in a preferred vehicle solution, and the vehicle is subsequently faded to water, then a strong preference for cocaine remains. A similar preference can be instituted for lidocaine solution. Such preferences may develop because the gustatory property of a drug becomes associated with the preferred vehicle and remains to function as a durable conditioned reinforcer after vehicle fading. To determine if drug preference is solely a function of this posited conditioning mechanism, or whether it also depends upon the SIP condition, rats were exposed to daily, 3 h sessions of single-ration feeding, rather than the SIP condition. A preferred vehicle (glucose/saccharin solution) was slowly faded from a 0.19 mg/ml lidocaine solution, which was presented concurrently with a choice for water. Although a preference for lidocaine solution to water could be generated, it occurred for only 5 out of 9 rats, and the preference was relatively unstable. By contrast, in two previous studies using SIP, 26 out of 27 rats maintained a preference for lidocaine solution. Thus, SIP not only exaggerates the amount of drug solution ingested but also contributes to the fixation of the associative drug solution choice.
Sediment choice by settling larvae of the bivalve, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn), in flow and still water

The surfclam, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn), is a common species in many sandy locales off the east coast of North America from Labrador to North Carolina, yet it rarely occurs in muddy areas. In order to determine if this distribution may result, at least in part, from larval habitat selection, 24-h laboratory still-water and flume-flow experiments were conducted using a sediment-filled array. Sediment treatments included low-organic sand typical of adult habitat and a contrasting organic-rich mud. In flow experiments, larvae consistently chose sand over mud. In still water, however, results were variable, with higher settlement sometimes observed in mud. Measurements of settled individuals from four pairs of still-water/flow experiments indicated that mean shell lengths of clams in sand treatments were generally similar to those in mud for flow experiments, but in three of the corresponding still-water experiments clams in mud treatments were significantly smaller than those in sand. This difference may be a result of a deleterious effect of the mud on the larvae, resulting in a disproportionate representation of small, precompetent individuals in the mud treatments. These flow and still-water experiments indicate that larval habitat selection may contribute to the sediment-specific adult field distributions of the surfclam.
Viking on Mars: The carbon assimilation experiments

A fixation of atmospheric carbon, presumably into organic form, occurs in Martian surface material under conditions approximating the actual Martian ones. The reaction showed the following characteristics: The amount of carbon fixed is small by terrestrial standards; highest yields were observed in the light, but some dark activity was also detected; and heating the surface material to 90°C for nearly 2 hours had no effect on the reaction, but heating to 175°C for 3 hours reduced it by nearly 90%. New data from Mars do not support an earlier suggestion that the reaction is inhibited by traces of water. There is evidence of considerable heterogeneity among different samples, but different aliquots from the same sample are remarkably uniform in their carbon-fixing capacity. In view of its thermostability it is unlikely that the reaction is biological.
How Vocabulary Interventions Affect Young Children at Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract This meta-analytic review examines how word-learning interventions affect young children, at risk for reading difficulties, on vocabulary outcomes. We quantitatively reviewed 51 studies with 138 effect sizes (N = 7,403) to assess the association between vocabulary training and word learning. Using a random-effects model, we found a mean effect size of nearly 1 standard deviation indicating a strong training effect overall. Moderator analyses indicated that children from low-socioeconomic-status (SES) families experienced significantly lower word-learning gains than those from middle- and upper-SES families who had one or more risk factor (e.g., English Language Learner, language delays). This was true regardless of the total number of risk factors present. However, risk factors in addition to poverty did compound this SES disadvantage. Further, multivariate meta-regression analyses indicated that the sole risk factor associated with lower effect sizes was poverty controlling for all other risk fa...
JOINT IDENTIFICATION OF IMAGING AND PROTEOMICS BIOMARKERS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE USING NETWORK-GUIDED SPARSE LEARNING.

Identification of biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important research topic. Prior work has shown that multimodal imaging and biomarker data could provide complementary information for prediction of cognitive or AD status. However, the relationship among multiple data modalities are often ignored or oversimplified in prior studies. To address this issue, we propose a network-guided sparse learning model to embrace the complementary information and inter-relationships between modalities. We apply this model to predict cognitive outcome from imaging and proteomic data, and show that the proposed model not only outperforms traditional ones, but also yields stable multimodal biomarkers across cross-validation trials.
Competition, differential mortality, and their effect on the spatial pattern of a desert perennial, Eriogonum inflatum Torr and Frem (Polygonaceae).

Eriogonum inflatum Torr and Frem. (Polygonaceae) experiences unusually high population turnover for a desert perennial. For example, 20% of the individuals in the study population were dead but still rooted. Pairs of nearest neighbors which included one dead individual tended to be closer to one another than pairs of live nearest neighbors. Thus, deaths are nonrandom. Individuals which are too close to one another are most vulnerable. Nevertheless, the deaths of 20% of the individuals had no effect on the intensity of the spatial pattern of the population; survivors were just as highly aggregated as survivors and dead individuals together. I conclude that competitor-induced mortality will not have predictable effects on the spatial pattern of plant populations which consist of a mosaic of individuals of different ages and sizes.
Multidimensional Visualization Techniques for Microarray Data

Analysis of high-dimensional micro array expression data is based mostly on the statistical approaches that are indispensable for the study of biological systems. To aid the analysis and exploration of such data, the process of analyzing such data is often enhanced with visual, data mining and other computational techniques. We utilize a set of tools for the visual analysis of data aimed at generating the hypotheses. We show the usability of classic and novel multi-dimensional visualization tools in life sciences. Additionally, we survey and show several multidimensional visualization tools applied to the process of data exploration using a urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder time course. These tools have the potential of uncovering non-trivial relationships and structures in the data.
On Appreciation and Successful Publishing

Every 2 years, three editorial review board members of Journal of Music Teacher Education (JMTE) retire after a 6-year term. As a profession, we owe the following reviewers a huge debt of gratitude: Christian Bernhard, State University of New York– Fredonia; Daryl Kinney, Ohio State University; and Nathan Kruse, Case Western Reserve University (completing an unexpired term). They have rigorously perused, evaluated, and provided wisdom regarding a myriad of manuscripts. Because the manuscript submission rate for JMTE continues to climb, they have evaluated dozens of complex manuscripts. Thank you from all of us. Our profession is better because of your work. Note the names of the current reviewers on the JMTE masthead; we appreciate their continued efforts. For details about the rigorous reviewer-selection process, see “On Gratitude, Service, and Peer Review” (Killian, 2012).
Post-beamforming third-order Volterra filter (ThOVF) for pulse-echo ultrasonic imaging

A ThOVF is applied to separate linear, quadratic, and cubic components from beamformed ultrasonic pulse-echo imaging data from nonlinear media. In the context of imaging ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) infused in tissue media, the ThOVF offers the advantage of essentially complete separation of the nonlinear responses of the UCAs and tissues (since the latter rarely produces higher than a quadratic nonlinear response). We describe an SVD-based robust algorithm for estimating the coefficients of the ThOVF from beamformed data. In addition, experimental results from imaging of UCA in flow channels through tissue-mimicking phantoms demonstrate the advantage of this approach. We show imaging results with computed contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR), histograms of UCA and tissue regions, and average spectra from UCA and tissue region. These results individually and collectively support the hypothesis that ThOVF is the appropriate model for complete separation of the nonlinear echoes from UCA and tissue.
Attack and Flee: Game-Theory-Based Analysis on Interactions Among Nodes in MANETs

In mobile ad hoc networks, nodes have the inherent ability to move. Aside from conducting attacks to maximize their utility and cooperating with regular nodes to deceive them, malicious nodes get better payoffs with the ability to move. In this paper, we propose a game theoretic framework to analyze the strategy profiles for regular and malicious nodes. We model the situation as a dynamic Bayesian signaling game and analyze and present the underlining connection between nodes' best combination of actions and the cost and gain of the individual strategy. Regular nodes consistently update their beliefs based on the opponents' behavior, while malicious nodes evaluate their risk of being caught to decide when to flee. Some possible countermeasures for regular nodes that can impact malicious nodes' decisions are presented as well. An extensive analysis and simulation study shows that the proposed equilibrium strategy profile outperforms other pure or mixed strategies and proves the importance of restricting malicious nodes' advantages brought by the flee option.
Light scattering by polydispersions of randomly oriented spheroids with sizes comparable to wavelengths of observation

We report the results of an extensive study of the scattering of light by size and size–shape distributions of randomly oriented prolate and oblate spheroids with the index of refraction 1.5 + 0.02i typical of some mineral terrestrial aerosols. The scattering calculations have been carried out with Waterman’s T-matrix approach, as developed recently by Mishchenko [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 8, 871 (1991); Appl. Opt. 32, 4562 (1993)]. Our main interest is in light scattering by polydisperse models of nonspherical particles because averaging over sizes provides more realistic modeling of natural ensembles of scattering particles and washes out the interference structure and ripple typical of monodisperse scattering patterns, thus enabling us to derive meaningful conclusions about the effects of particle nonsphericity on light scattering. Following Hansen and Travis [Space Sci. Rev. 16, 527 (1974)], we show that scattering properties of most physically plausible size distributions of randomly oriented nonspherical particles depend primarily on the effective equivalent-sphere radius and effective variance of the distribution, the actual shape of the distribution having a minor influence. To minimize the computational burden, we have adopted a computationally convenient power law distribution of particle equivalent-sphere radii n(r) ∝ r−3, r1 ≤ r ≤ r2. The effective variance of the size distribution is fixed at 0.1, and the effective size parameter continuously varies from 0 to 15. We present results of computer calculations for 24 prolate and oblate spheroidal shapes with aspect ratios from 1.1 to 2.2. The elements of the scattering matrix for the whole range of size parameters and scattering angles are displayed in the form of contour plots. Computational results are compared with analogous calculations for surface-equivalent spheres, and the effects of particle shape on light scattering are discussed in detail.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Tracazolate and Its Major Metabolite in Plasma

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is reported that provides for either separate or simultaneous plasma determination of tracazolate and its major metabolite, the free carboxylic acid. Tracazolate is extracted from plasma with hexane and is quantitated by reverse-phase HPLC using an internal standard. The metabolite is extracted in an additional step, methylated, and either quantitated using the same HPLC conditions in a separate determination or combined with the hexane extract for the simultaneous HPLC determination of drug and metabolite. The plasma concentrations of metabolite were as much as 60 times greater than free drug in some animal species, therefore requiring the use of separate determinations for the two compounds. The analyses have limits of reproducible quantitation of 20 ng/mL for tracazolate and 50 ng/mL for the metabolite in plasma. The simultaneous analysis for tracazolate and the metabolite was used to evaluate plasma levels of both compounds versus time and dose. Data generated in conjunction with a toxicology study are reported to demonstrate the applicability of the procedure.
DtiStudio: Resource program for diffusion tensor computation and fiber bundle tracking

A versatile resource program was developed for diffusion tensor image (DTI) computation and fiber tracking. The software can read data formats from a variety of MR scanners. Tensor calculation is performed by solving an over-determined linear equation system using least square fitting. Various types of map data, such as tensor elements, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diffusion anisotropy, diffusion constants, and color-coded orientations can be calculated. The results are visualized interactively in orthogonal views and in three-dimensional mode. Three-dimensional tract reconstruction is based on the Fiber Assignment by Continuous Tracking (FACT) algorithm and a brute-force reconstruction approach. To improve the time and memory efficiency, a rapid algorithm to perform the FACT is adopted. An index matrix for the fiber data is introduced to facilitate various types of fiber bundles selection based on approaches employing multiple regions of interest (ROIs). The program is developed using C++ and OpenGL on a Windows platform.
A Comparison Of Unenhanced Helical Computerized Tomography Findings And Renal Obstruction Determined By Furosemide 99mTechnetium Mercaptoacetyltriglycine Diuretic Scintirenography For Patients With Acute Renal Colic

Purpose: We assessed unenhanced helical computerized tomography (CT) secondary findings as predictors of renal obstruction as determined by diuretic scintirenography, and determined their reproducibility.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the records of 77 consecutive patients with unenhanced helical CT findings (stones and secondary findings, including renal parenchymal edema, hydronephrosis, hydroureter, perinephric fat stranding, periureteral fat stranding and extravasation) of urinary lithiasis who had also undergone concomitant diuretic scintirenography during the initial emergency room evaluation during a 1-year period. Unenhanced helical CT films were independently reviewed by 2 attending radiologists (blinded to clinical outcome) to determine interobserver variability. The results were compared to those of diuretic scintirenography.Results: Considerable interobserver variability, as evidenced by κ values ranging from 0.26 to 0.60, existed for the diagnosis of secondary f...
The "millipede" - nanotechnology entering data storage

Present a new scanning-probe-based data-storage concept called the "millipede" that combines ultrahigh density, terabit capacity, small form factor, and high data rate. Ultrahigh storage density has been demonstrated by a new thermomechanical local-probe technique to store, read back, and erase data in very thin polymer films. With this new technique, nanometer-sized bit indentations and pitch sizes have been made by a single cantilever/tip into thin polymer layers, resulting in a data storage densities of up to 1 Tb/in/sup 2/. High data rates are achieved by parallel operation of large two-dimensional (2-D) atomic force microscope (AFM) arrays that have been batch-fabricated by silicon surface-micromachining techniques. The very large-scale integration (VLSI) of micro/nanomechanical devices (cantilevers/tips) on a single chip leads to the largest and densest 2-D array of 32/spl times/32 (1024) AFM cantilevers with integrated write/read/erase storage functionality ever built. Time-multiplexed electronics control the functional storage cycles for parallel operation of the millipede array chip. Initial areal densities of 100-200 Gb/in/sup 2/ have been achieved with the 32/spl times/32 array chip.
Lactate: valuable for physical performance and maintenance of brain function during exercise

Lactate accumulation has long been associated with impaired sports performance, with many supporting the lactate acidosis hypothesis. However, due to advances in experimental design and research, numerous beneficial roles of lactate have been established that may impact upon sports performance. Recent studies highlight lactate as a biomarker of fatigue rather than as a direct cause. The lactate-shuttle mechanism facilitates the utilization of lactate as an energy substrate in both type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres, promoting energy sufficiency during exercise. Recent literature also supports a role for lactate in enhancing human oxidative capacity by up-regulating skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, lactate-neuron and lactate-astrocyte shuttles enable lactate to supply energy to support cognitive function, during periods of low blood glucose such as prolonged aerobic exercise. This review aims to clarify the role of lactate in modulating aerobic performance and critically investigates the mechanisms responsible.
Fuzzy spatial queries in digital spatial data libraries

Three forms of uncertainty have been discussed in the context of geographic information systems: in positions of features, in attributes, and due to generalization. A fourth type occurs with uncertain footprints in digital spatial data libraries, when location is used as the primary key to drive search and retrieval. The concept of a geolibrary is defined. Fuzzy footprints are encountered frequently when the area covered by the query or the information object is defined by a vernacular place-name. Three models are proposed for representing fuzzy footprints. Cartographic display imposes limitations on the visualization of fuzzy footprints. A measure of goodness of fit is proposed and generalized to fuzzy footprints.
Direction of Hurricane Beta Drift in Horizontally Sheared Flows

Abstract The impacts of linear environmental shears on beta drift direction are assessed through numerical experiments with a single-layer, primitive equation model. It is found that cyclonic (anticyclonic) shears turn the beta drift more westward (northward) in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, the longitudinal shear of meridional flows (∂V/∂x) is much more effective than the meridional shear of zonal flows (∂U/∂y) in deflection of the beta drift. A theoretical model, the beta gyre dynamic system, describing evolution of the beta gyre amplitude and phase angle is advanced to interpret the numerical model results. In this model, the nonlinear energy transfer from the beta gyres to the primary vortex and higher asymmetric modes was partially parameterized by linear damping. The semi-empirical theory predicts that 1) beta drift direction is independent of the planetary vorticity gradient; 2) in a quiescent environment, the drift angle is primarily determined by the outer azimuthal flows of the vortex; a...
Closed-Form Formulas for Predicting the Nonlinear Behavior of All-Pole Bandpass Filters

The nonlinear behavior of the all-pole passive bandpass filters close to their center frequency is studied using first-order approximations. The focus of this study is on approximate calculation of third-order intermodulations through an iterative process, and it is shown that it can be generalized to higher order effects. Nonlinearities in both resonators and inverters are considered. Simple formulas are given to calculate the effect of individual elements in the overall response in lossless and lossy filters. It is shown that the presence of loss will increase the third-order intermodulation intercept point of the filter, while it usually decreases the output third-order intercept point. In comparison to the nonlinear resonators, the relative effect of nonlinear inverters is larger; however, the losses of the inverters are found to have a smaller effect on the nonlinear response. Finally, simple formulas are given to predict the changes in the center frequency due to the reactive effects of the nonlinearities. In all cases, the analytical results are verified through comparison with harmonic balance simulations.
Constrained animation of flocks

Group behaviors are widely used in animation, yet it is difficult to impose hard constraints on their behavior. We describe a new technique for the generation of constrained group animations that improves on existing approaches in two ways: the agents in our simulations meet exact constraints at specific times, and our simulations retain the global properties present in unconstrained motion. Users can position constraints on agents' positions at any time in the animation, or constrain the entire group to meet center of mass or shape constraints. Animations are generated in a two stage process. The first step finds an initial set of trajectories that exactly meet the constraints, but which may violate the behavior rules. The second stage samples new animations that maintain the constraints while improving the motion with respect to the underlying behavioral model. We present a range of animations created with our system.
THE RACIAL UNCONSCIOUS OF ASSIMILATION THEORY1

In the past two decades, migration scholars have revised and revitalized assimilation theory to study the large and growing numbers of migrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean and their offspring in the United States. Neoclassical and segmented assimilation theories seek to make sense of the current wave of migration that differs in important ways from the last great wave at the turn of the twentieth century and to overcome the conceptual shortcomings of earlier theories of assimilation that it inspired. This article examines some of the central assumptions and arguments of the new theories. In particular, it undertakes a detailed critique of their treatment of race and finds that they variously engage in suspect comparisons to past migration from Europe; read out or misread the qualitatively different historical trajectories of European and non-European migrants; exclude native-born Blacks from the analysis; fail to conceptually account for the key changes that are purported to facilitate “assimilation”; import the dubious concept of the “underclass” to characterize poor urban Blacks and others; laud uncritically the “culture” of migrants; explicitly or implicitly advocate the “assimilation” of migrants; and discount the political potential of “oppositional culture.” Shifting the focus from difference to inequality and domination, the article concludes with a brief proposal for reorienting our theoretical approach, from assimilation to the politics of national belonging.