cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of SLR to Earth Rotation and Terrestrial Reference Frames

Since the launch of Lageos in 1976, satellite laser ranging (SLR) data have been collected from about 100 globally distributed sites, located on most major tectonic plates. These data have been used in a variety of geodetic and geophysical applications, especially to enable improvements in the models for the Earth’s gravity field as well as to study temporal variations in the field. Since 1980, the Lageos data have been used regularly to determine changes in the rotational components of the Earth. More recently, a series of measurements with mobile SLR and mobile VLBI systems have enabled comparisons between the terrestrial reference frames of the VLBI and SLR systems. This paper reviews the past and anticipated use of SLR in defining the terrestrial reference system and in determining rotation parameters. The potential contribution of new satellites is also considered.
Parallel I/O from the user's perspective

Parallel I/O systems are gaining popularity as a means for providing scalable high bandwidth I/O. In this paper we develop abstract models of parallel I/O systems and provide empirical results that shout how I/O intensive applications interact with the elements of parallel I/O systems. The abstract models are useful for explaining parallel I/O performance to developers of applications requiring high performance I/O and the experimental results provide insight into the I/O performance of present generation parallel machines. We also identify optimizations for improving I/O performance, which should be useful for developers of applications and I/O libraries. >
Iterative algorithms for optimal signal reconstruction and parameter identification given noisy and incomplete data

We present a new approach to the problem of estimating multiple signal and parameter unknowns given noisy and incomplete data. Using cross-entropy, we fit a separable density to the given model density, then use this separable density to estimate each unknown independently. Not only does this method include all the various MAP methods as degenerate cases, but it also directly leads to a simple iterative algorithm which can solve either the cross-entropy method or any of the MAP methods. This algorithm is particularly effective for exponential families of densities. Applications include estimation using grouped or quantized data, and a wide variety of reconstruction, smoothing, interpolation, extrapolation and modeling problems involving linear Gaussian systems.
Noninvasive carotid artery evaluation following endarterectomy.

Abstract There has been recent interest in carotid restenosis following endarterectomy. To evaluate the significance of this complication, 2549 consecutive patients who were evaluated for suspected carotid artery occlusive disease by carotid phonoangiography, ocular plethysmography, and B-mode scanning techniques over a 21-month period were reviewed. Within this group a total of 155 patients had previously undergone a carotid endarterectomy. Of these, only four patients manifested clinically significant restenosis. In the majority of patients the carotid bifurcation was free of significant disease. The "carotid shelf" that represents the superior aspect of residual intimal plaque following endarterectomy could be clearly identified in the early postoperative period; however, it later blended to become less distinct. In a few instances, however, the amount of residual plaque at the lower extent of the endarterectomy was very prominent and remained so during follow-up studies, suggesting the possibility that this might represent a focus for future thrombosis. We conclude that noninvasive testing as used herein is an accurate method of assessing the carotid artery following endarterectomy. The accuracy of these techniques has been of such high degree that 16 carefully selected patients have subsequently undergone carotid endarterectomy without preoperative angiography. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:403-8.)
Plate tectonic models of geosynclines

Abstract Identification of the sites of miogeosynclinal and eugeosynclinal assemblages of various kinds in terms of plate tectonic theory permits interpretation of previously studied orogenic belts in terms of the new global tectonics. The most important sites are elements of arc-trench systems at convergent plate junctures and miogeoclinal settings at stable continental margins in plate interiors. Orogenic events mainly include crustal subduction and crustal collision related to plate consumption. Successions of orogenic events can be understood within the logic of plate tectonic theory. Orogenic belts record a variety of events controlled by both plate divergence and convergence. The progression of events is likely to be dissimilar in different belts even though the rock assemblages present all belong to a limited catalogue of principal types.
Evidence for the nonparticipation of DNA in viral RNA synthesis

Abstract The question whether a DNA intermediate is a prerequisite to the replication of the RNA of animal viruses has been considered. Two methods were used to investigate this problem. In the first, aminopterin and 5-fluorouracil were used to stop DNA synthesis in Hela cells. In the second, 5-bromouracil was incorporated into the DNA of the cells, thus ensuring that any DNA made during the growth of the virus was abnormal. Neither of these treatments affected the yield, or latent period of the RNA-containing poliovirus or Newcastle disease virus. Both treatments markedly reduced the yield of the DNA-containing vaccinia virus. It is suggested that no interaction with DNA is necessary for the growth of the RNA-containing viruses.
Tethered cord, corpus callosum abnormalities, and periventricular cysts in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (4p-) is a rare disorder with characteristic physical findings. Neuroimaging findings are relatively scarce. We performed a literature search and found 22 reports of neuroimaging findings. We present findings in our two cases, each with the previously unreported finding of a tethered cord. The most common abnormalities were of the corpus callosum, occurring in 71% of all cases. There appears to be a high association in the syndrome between corpus callosal abnormalities and periventricular cysts formation in the first year of life. These cysts eventually fuse with the frontal horns during late infancy with enlargement of the frontal horns. Absence of other causes for periventricular cyst formation, such as perinatal distress, prematurity, or cytomegalovirus infection, appears to strengthen the association. With further studies, neuroimaging findings may eventually assist in the diagnosis of patients with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prominent Causal Paths in a Simple Self-Organizing System

The dynamic interactions of interdependent components in complex, adaptive, self-organizing systems CASOS often seem to sequester system entropy or uncertainty through distributed, as opposed to central, control. This article presents a system dynamics SD simulation model that not only replicates self-organizing system uncertainty results, but also looks at self-organization causally. The model analysis articulates how circular causal pathways or feedback loops in CASOS produce nonlinear dynamics spontaneously out of local interactions. The SD simulation and model analysis results show exactly how distributed control leads positive feedback to explosive growth, which ends when all dynamics have been absorbed into an attractor, leaving the system in a stable, negative feedback state. Cast as a methodological contribution, the article's SD model analysis explains why phenomena of interest emerge in agent-based models, a topic crucial in understanding and designing CASOS. Moreover, CASOS concepts inspired by nature and biology can motivate biologically-inspired IS research.
Impact of the Western Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Buds, Developing Cones, and Seeds of Douglas-fir in West Central Idaho

Epidemic levels of the western spruce budworm (WSB), Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, caused average tree defoliation in west central Idaho to increase from 35% in 1984 to 83% in 1985. Associated with this increase in defoliation was a change in relative stand ranking of defoliation between the 2 yr. WSB was found to damage all types and developmental stages of reproductive structures of Douglas-fir. Differential selection of feeding sites was observed, with a significantly higher proportion of larvae found in seed-cone buds than in pollen-cone buds. Of cones examined, 76% were infested with larvae, with the average percentage of destroyed seeds per tree exponentially related to the average current defoliation of the tree. However, even in heavily defoliated trees, some potentially viable seed remained.
Pioglitazone attenuates basal and postprandial insulin concentrations and blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Subjects with hypertension are hyperinsulinemic and resistant to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. A similar paradigm is found in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). These findings suggest the possibility that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may play an important role in blood pressure regulation. Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione derivative, sensitizes target tissues to insulin and decreases hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in various insulin-resistant animals. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of pioglitazone administration on pre- and postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations and determine whether changes in β-cell secretion resulted in any change in blood pressure measurements. Twelve SHR were fed custom diets ad libitum, six with and six without pioglitazone (20 mg/kg chow). Fasting and postprandial glucose levels were unaltered by pioglitazone treatment. Fasting insulin concentrations were similar at week 1, but were significantly lower (P < .01) in the pioglitazone group at weeks 3 (1.89 ± 0.3 v7.94 ± 1.5 ng/mL) and 4 (4.5 ± 1.4 v9.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL), compared with the control group. Pioglitazone also significantly (P < .01) lowered postprandial insulin concentrations after an oral glucose challenge. Systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower (P < .01), 177 ± 3 v190 ± 4.7 mm Hg, 162 ± 2.1 v175 ± 5.9 mm Hg, and 156 ± 2.1 v168 ± 6.2 mm Hg, respectively, in the animals receiving pioglitazone versus the control group. Heart rate, body weight, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, pioglitazone significantly decreased fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations and effectively lowered blood pressure in the SHR.
Neck Down and Thermally Induced Defects in High-Speed Optical Fiber Drawing

The drawing speeds employed in the manufacturing of optical fibers have been rising in recent years due to growing worldwide demand. However, increasing speeds have placed stringent demands on the manufacturing process, mainly because of large temperature gradients that can generate thermally induced defects and undesirable variations in fiber characteristics. Heat transfer and glass flow that arise in drawing fibers of diameters 100-125 microns from cylindrical silica preforms of diameters 5-10 cm play a critical role in the success of the process and in the maintenance of fiber quality. This paper presents an analytical and numerical study of the optical fiber drawing process for relatively large diameter preforms and draw speeds as high as 20 m/s. The free surface, which defines the neck-down profile, is not assumed but is determined by using a balance of forces. An iterative numerical scheme is employed to obtain the profile under steady conditions. The transport in the glass is calculated to obtain the temperature, velocity and defect distributions. A zone radiation model, developed earlier, is used for calculating radiative transport within the glass. Because of the large reduction in the diameter of the preform/fiber, the velocity level increases dramatically and the geometry becomes complicated. A coordinate transformation is used to convert the computational domains to cylindrical ones. The numerical results are compared with experimental and numerical results in the literature for smaller draw speeds for validation. The effects of high draw speeds and of other physical variables on defects generated in the fiber, on the neck-down profile, and on the feasible domain for the process are determined.
Asymptotic expansion of ship capsizing in random sea waves. I: First-order approximation

Abstract The first passage problem of ship non-linear roll oscillations in random sea waves is examined. The ship roll dynamics are described by a non-linear stochastic differential equation which includes non-linear wave drag force and non-linear restoring moment. The non-linear restoring moment is divided into a sine function plus a correction function. The unperturbed motion of the ship is studied as a classical pendulum problem in terms of elliptic functions. The mean exit time of the perturbed ship motion is described by Pontryagin's partial differential equation. The method of asymptotic expansion is employed to solve this equation. Within the framework of first-order approximation, the analysis reduces the Pontryagin equation into a second-order linear differential equation with variable coefficients. These coefficients are functions of the energy level of the ship. The solution of this equation is obtained in a closed form and is found to be well behaved, with resolvable singularities. The dependence of the mean exit time on the initial energy level, non-linear drag coefficient, and excitation spectral density is graphically plotted. Second-order approximation is treated in Part II of this two-part paper.
Assessment of the possibility of discovering the asymptotic hadron spectrum through ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions

The asymptotic form of the hadronic mass spectrum, beyond the region where individual resonances can be identified, is a fundamental property of matter, interesting in both particle physics and cosmology. We investigate the possibility of discovering its form through the properties of hot hadronic matter such as might be produced in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions. We find that at collision energies in the tens of GeV per nucleon in the c.m., a sensitivity of certain measurements to the underlying hadronic spectrum can be expected.
N-representability of the electron pair density

Abstract Scaling a one-electron density for M electrons to the correct normalization for N electrons is known to give an N-representable density. Here we show that a similar scaling for the electron pair distribution is generally not N-representable.
Two-Dimensional Measurements of the Time Development of a Turbulent Premixed Flame

The fuel-air mixture concentration has been measured as a function of time in the central plane of a turbulent premixed jet flame. A stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture was uniformly seeded with submicron-sized aerosols. The aerosols were consumed at the reaction front, and their presence was used to map the concentration of the fuel-air mixture. A sheet of laser light was formed with an Ar- laser and the elastically-scattered light from the flame was recorded in two dimensions at 48 kHz using a framing camera to record 20 frames. The interface between the unburned fuel-air mixture and reaction products was clearly visible in the scattered intensity distribution. From the sequence of images, the motion of the flame front and the convective motion of the flow structures are evident. Information on the local burning velocity was obtained by observing the change in the size of structures in a convective frame of reference.
The molecular mechanics of valinomycin. II: Comparative studies of alkali ion binding

We have carried out a series of molecular mechanics calculations on the alkali ion complexes of valinomycin. For the ions Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+ we have found three-fold rotationally symmetric conformations as the lowest energy structures, while for Li+ a markedly asymmetric configuration is preferred. The relative free energies of the complexes show that Li+ is by far the poorest binding partner in solution, followed by Na+, which is in turn far poorer than any of the three larger ions. The binding selectivity derives from the slower variation of the complexation free energy with ionic size than the ionic solvation free energy, so that the ionophore is unable to compete with the solvent for the smaller ions. Our calculated strain energies suggest that valinomycin's failure to form complexes with the smaller ions in solution is due partially to the rigidity of the ionophore structure, which prevents the central cavity from contracting to accommodate them. Certain geometric criteria indicate that K+ provides the best fit to the binding site, although there is some inconsistency between the energetic and geometric criteria of binding ability.
Thermal Activation of Molecularly-Wired Gold Nanoparticles on a Substrate as Catalyst

The ability to prepare nanostructured metal catalysts requires the ability to control size and interparticle spatial and surface access properties. In this work, we report novel findings of an atomic force microscopic investigation of a controlled thermal activation strategy of gold catalysts nanostructured via molecular wiring or linking on a substrate surface. Gold nanocrystals of ∼2 nm diameter capped by decanethiolate and wired by 1,9-nonanedithiolate on mica substrates were studied as a model system. By manipulating the activation temperature (200−250 °C), the capping/wiring molecules can be removed to produce controllable particle size and interparticle spatial morphology. The electrocatalytic activity of the activated nanostructures toward methanol oxidation, which is of fundamental importance to fuel cell catalysis, has been demonstrated. The novelty of the findings is the viability of a thermal activation strategy of core−shell nanostructured catalysts based on molecularly predefined interparticl...
Evidence for a role of estrogen in the ovarian augmentation reaction.

A specific anti—estradiol serum (A/S) was utilized to investigate the role of endogenous estrogen in ovarian responses to exogenous gonadotropins. The antiserum inhibited the expected uterine wt increment following treatment with hCG, FSH, or hCG and FSH in combination. In addition, ovarian weight increase and follicular development were significantly inhibited by the anti—estradiol serum. We conclude that endogenous estrogen has a role in mediating the stimulatory effects of hCG and FSH on the ovary. (Endocrinology 91: 1518, 1972)
Technology, deregulation, and the public interest: preserving universal telephone service

The intertwining influences on the telecommunications industry of regulatory initiatives and technological advancement are discussed. It is argued that the combined effect of this simultaneous change has been to undermine the traditional support structure enforcing an important social goal of telecommunications policy. By focusing on this particular goal-universal telephone service-one can better understand the complex and often unappreciated impacts of technology on society. However, although technological progress has undermined the traditional method for supporting low local rates, it has provided an opportunity to maximize subscription to telephone service. The author's suggestion is to use the new market for information services, which has resulted from numerous innovations, to support universal service. Thus, while still part of the problem, technology can simultaneously be part of the solution. >
Characteristic energy spectra of 1‐ to 500‐eV electrons observed in the high‐latitude ionosphere from Atmosphere Explorer C

Energy spectra of electrons between 1 and 500 eV have been obtained at altitudes mainly below 300 km over both north and south high-latitude regions with the photoelectron spectrometer experiment on the Atmosphere Explorer C satellite. Although the high-latitude fluxes of 1- to 500-eV electrons are highly variable, it has been possible to organize the observed events into four major classes: (1) fluxes of electrons having a peak in energy below 100 eV, approximately isotropic over the upper 2π hemisphere, and located at high invariant latitudes on the dayside which apparently gain access to the ionosphere through the dayside magnetospheric cusps; (2) structured fluxes of electrons showing one or more discrete but variable peaks in energy, reminiscent of ‘inverted V’ phenomena at higher energies, observed at all magnetic local times; (3) fluxes which show a monotonically decreasing differential flux versus energy dependence proportional to E−α, where E > 30 eV and 1 < α < 2, characteristic of auroral secondary electrons; (4) intense fluxes of electrons with rapidly changing and random energy spectra, characteristic of passage through auroral arcs or breakup regions. Fluxes of types 3 and 4 depend on precipitation of high-energy auroral primary particles, while those of types 1 and 2 appear to be a consequence of fundamental processes which couple the magnetosphere and the ionosphere. Detailed data are presented on classes 1 and 2, including occurrence and location as a function of magnetic activity.
FIRST ISOLATION OF A CALICIVIRUS FROM THE STELLER SEA LION (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS)

A calicivirus was isolated from the rectum of a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pup on Rogue Reef, off the southern Oregon coast. Based on the results of neutralization tests I with specific typing antisera, the isolate was identified as San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 6 (SMSV-6). Blood obtained from nine of 37 pups (24%) during virus sample collection procedures had specific neutralizing antibodies to SMSV-6. The isolation of SMSV-6 from a Steller sea lion represents, to our knowledge, the first isolation of any virus from this widely distributed marine mammal species, and serves to reconfirm the host-nonspecificity of yet another calicivirus of marine origin.
Determination of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and their major metabolic products in rat brain by reverse-phase ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A method is described for the separation and quantitation of catecholamines, serotonin, and their major metabolites with use of reverse-phase, ion-pair liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. This method employs columns packed with a microparticulate C-18 resin, octyl sodium sulfate as the ion-pairing agent, and isocratic elution with a citrate-phosphate buffer containing methanol. Conditions are described for the separation of norepinephrine, normetanephrine, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, epinephrine, metanephrine, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid and for their quantitation in extracts of rat brain tissue.
THE STRUCTURED-OBJECTIVE RORSCHACH TEST: A QUESTION OF CHOICE FREQUENCY'

Summary.-Ss at Utah State University were administered the SORT in a free- (as many or as few responses per blot) and forced- (one response per triacl for a total of 10 responses per blot) choice counterbalanced design. Findings indicated: (1) the internal consistency of the test was strengthened by the freechoice method and (2) there was an order-of-testing effect, with women making more responses on the free-choice which preceded the forced-choice administration. The Suuctured-Objective Rorschach Test, commonly called the SORT (Stone, 1958) is one of several multiple-choice group Rorschachs now available for mass screening (Harrower 8: Steiner, 1954; O'Reilly, 1956). These multiple-choice Rorschachs differ from the traditional (Rorschach, 1942) in two ways. First of all, S responds to the blot stimuli by choosing a response from a list of available pre-scored responses instead of responding in an ad lib. manner. Second, chere is no inquiry phase. Hence, and this is critical, Ss are assumed to be using the assigned blot characteristics as in the trad~t~onnl Rorschach. A brief description of the SORT should illusrrare chis more clearly. E presents the blot scimuli either in slide form or in specially prepared booklets. S has 30 responses for each of the blots. These 30 responses are grouped into 10 triads. S selects one response per triad, for a total of 10 responses per blot or 100 responses for the entire test. These responses have been pre-scored, using variations of the Klopfer, Beck, and Harrower Systems. The 1 0 factors scored (and their test-retest reliabilities) are as follows: W (.77), 0 (.75), Dd (.67), S (.62), F (.64), 1;- (.71), M (.80), FM (.7S), FC (.90), CF (.63), Fch (.77), A (.72), H (.68), P (.92), and 0 (.77) (Stone, 1958). Stone has employed chese factors singly or in signs (combinations) to yield traits relevant to personality. He acknowledges that he has leaned quite heavily upon traditional Rorschach for interpretation, although he insists the test is a marked departure from the traditional Rorschach (Stone, 1958). Thus, the SORT uses the traditional Rorschach stimuli to elicit responses taken from traditional Rorschach sources and scored in a somewhat traditional Rorschach manner. In previous research wich the SORT, our findings have not been clearly consistent either wich the uadicional Rorschach or with Stone's interpretation of the Rorschach (Langer, Carlisle, & Hayes, 1963; Langer, Hayes, 'Based in part on a paper given at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association meeting in Denver, Colorado, May, 1965. -Research supported by Utah State Universiry Grant USF-196.
Key features of a unique community psychiatry fellowship: the emory university fellowship in community psychiatry/public health.

The Emory University Fellowship in Community Psychiatry/Public Health is a unique training opportunity whose mission is to train future leaders in the arena of community psychiatry. To complement the recent description of the Public Psychiatry Fellowship of New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, this report describes the key features of Emory’s fellowship—its academic curriculum, practicum experiences, site visits and other opportunities for collaboration, and ongoing mentoring and career development. Congruencies between these four key features and the seven core elements of Columbia’s fellowship are highlighted, as are several important differences. Such descriptions of innovative training programs in community and public psychiatry are essential in promoting excellence in education, which will translate into vital enhancements in programs, policy, and community-based approaches to mental health services.
Comparison of PY 108-068, a New Calcium Antagonist, with Nifedipine in Exercise-Induced Asthma

Several calcium antagonists, each with significantly different chemical structures, have demonstrated variable attenuation of exercise-induced asthma. Quantitative comparisons have been hampered by differences in the intensity of challenge and the severity of the underlying disease between groups of patients. In 12 asthmatic adults with relatively severe exercise-induced asthma, we compared the effect of a new calcium antagonist, PY 108-068, in doses of 75 mg and 150 mg with nifedipine (30 mg) and placebo on resting flow rates and flow rates after exercise. Over a three-week period, each patient completed a four-day, randomized, double-blind Latin-square study. After receiving one of four oral drugs, spirometry was repeated every 30 minutes for two hours, followed by a six-minute treadmill exercise test breathing dry air. The exercise tests were well matched for work rate, ventilation, heart rate, and oxygen uptake. Spirometry was then repeated seven times over the next 30 minutes after exercise. Though both 150 mg of PY 108-068 and nifedipine were associated with mild bronchodilation before exercise, only the latter was significant (p
DNA AMPLIFICATION USING TABLETED PCR REAGENTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 ISOLATED FROM FOODS1

A DNA amplification method using tableted multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents was developed for identification of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O157:H7 isolated from food samples. A suspect colony from MacConkey sorbitol agar containing 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-6-D-glucuronide (MSA-BCIG) was used to perform the PCR. Three different DNA sequences of E. coli O157:H7 were amplified simultaneously in the PCR: a specific fragment of an attaching and effacing gene (eae gene), conserved sequences of Shiga-like toxins (SLT) I and II, and a fragment of the 60-MDa plasmid. This method detected all reference strains of EHEC serogroup O157, including serotypes O157:H7, O157:NM, and O157:H, and negative results were obtained with all strains of nontoxigenic E. coli serogroup O157, other serotypes of E. coli, and other bacterial species. The detection limit of the method was 950 colony forming units (CFU) of E. coli O157:H7. All 29 cultures of EHEC O157:H7 isolated from meat samples and identified by biochemical and serological tests were positive in the PCR. After a 6-h enrichment, EHEC O157:H7 was identified from all experimentally inoculated ground beef and milk samples which had initial inocula of 4 to 9 CFU/g (mL). This method offers significant advantages in terms of technical simplicity and reproducibility of test results over conventional PCR and other assays for detecting E. coli serotype O157 and should be suitable for use in routine examination of food and other samples for the presence of the pathogen.
Locus of Control and Achievement Motivation in the Active Aged (65 Years and Over)

The motivational components of continued participation in expressive social situations are thought to be related to each individual's locus of control and achievement motivation. The present study ...
Epidemiology of Spondyloarthritis in North America

Many challenges have made it difficult to determine the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in North America. They include the ethnic heterogeneity of the population, the lack of feasibility of applying current criteria (such as requirements for human leukocyte antigen-B27 testing and imaging studies such as pelvic radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scanning) and the transient nature of some SpA symptoms (ie, peripheral arthritis and enthesitis). Current estimates of the prevalence of SpA in the United States range between 0.2% and 0.5% for ankylosing spondylitis, 0.1% for psoriatic arthritis, 0.065% for enteropathic peripheral arthritis, between 0.05% and 0.25% for enteropathic axial arthritis and an overall prevalence of SpA as high as >1%. With newer population-based instruments becoming available, the availability of the widely validated European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria and the lower cost and greater feasibility of genetic testing, opportunities for true population-based studies of SpA are possible and will likely soon ensue.
Rejoinder to Tomislav V. Kovandzic's Comment on Our Article “The Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws: Multivariate Statistical Analysis”

. In Professor Tomislav V. Kovandzic's “Comment on the Recent Work of Kwon, Scott, Safranski, and Bae: No, Your Evidence Doesn't Prove What You Think it Does!,” he makes several blanket and ill-informed statements about our article appearing in the January 1997 issue of The American Journal of Economics and Sociology (pp. 41–50). We conclude that his comments have failed to generate any new revelations about our research and we stand by the published results.
Pillcam ESO: A Primer

Capsule endoscopy has recently expanded beyond study of the small bowel. A modified capsule with dual cameras and a faster frame rate has been developed specifically to assess the esophagus. This esophageal capsule has been studied as a possible screening tool for 2 patient groups: 1) those with chronic reflux symptoms—to assess for possible esophagitis and/or Barrett’s esophagus and; 2) those with chronic liver disease and suspected esophageal varices. The esophageal capsule may prove to be a useful alternative to traditional upper endoscopy given its ease of use, short study duration and performance without sedation. This chapter describes the techniques for performing this procedure, as well as advice on achieving optimal visualization and interpretation of the images. In addition, the current literature on its use is summarized and evaluated.
The Integration of a Family Systems Approach for Understanding Youth Obesity, Physical Activity, and Dietary Programs

Rates of overweight in youth have reached epidemic proportions and are associated with adverse health outcomes. Family-based programs have been widely used to treat overweight in youth. However, few programs incorporate a theoretical framework for studying a family systems approach in relation to youth health behavior change. Therefore, this review provides a family systems theory framework for evaluating family-level variables in weight loss, physical activity, and dietary approaches in youth. Studies were reviewed and effect sizes were calculated for interventions that manipulated the family system, including components that targeted parenting styles, parenting skills, or family functioning, or which had novel approaches for including the family. Twenty-one weight loss interventions were identified, and 25 interventions related to physical activity and/or diet were identified. Overall, family-based treatment programs that incorporated training for authoritative parenting styles, parenting skills, or child management, and family functioning had positive effects on youth weight loss. Programs to improve physical activity and dietary behaviors that targeted the family system also demonstrated improvements in youth health behaviors; however, direct effects of parent-targeted programming is not clear. Both treatment and prevention programs would benefit from evaluating family functioning and parenting styles as possible mediators of intervention outcomes. Recommendations are provided to guide the development of future family-based obesity prevention and treatment programs for youth.
Electron emission from foils and biological materials after proton impact

Electron emission spectra from thin metal foils with thin layers of water frozen on them (amorphous solid water) after fast proton impact have been measured and have been simulated in liquid water using the event-by-event track structure code PARTRAC. The electron transport model of PARTRAC has been extended to simulate electron transport down to 1 eV by including low-energy phonon vibrational and electronic excitations as measured by Michaud et al. (Radiat. Res. 159 3â€“22 2003) for amorphous ice. Simulated liquid water yields follow in general the amorphous solid water measurements at higher energies but overestimate them significantly at energies below 50 eV. Originally published Radiation Physics and Chemistry Vol. 77 No. 10-12 Oct-Dec 2008
Urinary α-ketoglutarate is elevated in patients with hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome

Abstract Background : Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most frequent cause of recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia in infancy and results from different underlying genetic defects. The hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome (HHS) has been shown to result from dominant germ line mutations within the glutamate dehydrogenase gene ( GLUD1 , OMIM *138130). Diagnosis of this entity is of clinical importance since invasive diagnostic procedures which are performed to identify focal pancreatic lesions are not necessary in HHS. Therefore, we investigated whether urinary concentration of alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) is elevated in patients with hyperinsulinism. Methods : Excretion of α-KG was measured by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in eight patients with an activating GLUD1 mutation and 90 controls. Results : Urinary α-KG was significantly elevated in seven of eight patients when compared to controls. Hyperammonemia was found in six of the eight patients with HHS. No relation was found between the underlying GLUD1 mutation and the level of urinary α-KG as well as the presence or absence of hyperammonemia. Conclusion : Urinary α-KG is elevated in most patients with HHS and should be included in the work-up of patients with hyperinsulinism.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and nosocomial infection in trauma.

BACKGROUND: Admission systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score has been previously reported to be an accurate predictor of infection and outcome in trauma. However, the data were limited to the first 7 days of admission. Our objective in this follow-up study was to prospectively evaluate the utility of daily SIRS scores in the second and third week of admission as compared with the first week in prediction of nosocomial infection and outcome in high-risk trauma patients. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on 1,277 consecutive trauma patients admitted during a 28-month period to the intensive care unit. SIRS scores were calculated daily for the first week and every other day for the following 2 weeks. Patients were categorized into SIRS occurring "early" (week 1), "middle" (week 2), and "late" (week 3). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines were used for the diagnosis of infection. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were utilized for statistical analyses, controlling for the covariates of age, Injury Severity Score, and admission Glasgow Coma Scale score. RESULTS: The trauma cohort included patients with blunt injuries (84%) and penetrating injuries (16%). The mean age was 43 +/- 21 years with an overall mortality of 14.7%. Nosocomial infection developed in 580 (45.4%) of the study patients (respiratory site most common) with a total of 1,001 infections (some patients with multiple infections). SIRS (defined as SIRS score >/=2) was common, with 92.4% of patients manifesting SIRS at admission. SIRS was most prevalent during the first week postinjury (91% of patients manifesting SIRS), decreasing to 69% and 50% during postinjury weeks 2 and 3. SIRS was more common in patients who acquired nosocomial infections compared with noninfected patients. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that patients with "middle" SIRS during week 2 (odds ratio [OR] 17.62, confidence interval [CI] 12.95-23.97, p < 0.0001, receiver operating characteristic [ROC] 0.83) and "late" SIRS during week 3 (OR18.12, CI 12.71-25.84, p < 0.0001, ROC 0.81) had significantly greater risk for nosocomial infection compared with patients with "early" SIRS during week 1 (OR 4.55, CI 2.57-8.06, p < 0.0001, ROC 0.65) postinjury. CONCLUSION: SIRS is predictive of nosocomial infection in trauma through postinjury day 21. Nosocomial infection should be considered as a treatable cause of SIRS in trauma patients, and early diagnostic interventions should be initiated to evaluate for potential causes.
Quantifying fractured crystalline-rock properties using well tests, earth tides and barometric effects

Summary Characterization of fractured rock aquifers often requires the acquisition and analysis of diverse datasets obtained from various instrumentation configurations. In this investigation at the fractured rock research site in Floyd County, Virginia, a high-precision borehole extensometer and tiltmeter were used during pumping to monitor deformation in the vicinity of fractures identified from borehole logging. Strain data obtained from earth tide analyses were used with the extensometer and tiltmeter data to quantify hydromechanical properties, including fracture volumetric specific storage, porosity, Poisson’s ratio, the drained formation elastic modulus, and the effective dip direction of the fracture. Borehole tiltmeter data were used to estimate deformation caused by an aquifer test consisting of three pumping and recovery periods performed in well EX-1. During each period of the aquifer test the extensometer, located in W-03 and 27.7 m from the pumping well, was anchored over 2-m-long sections of (1) a fracture in hydraulic communication with EX-1, (2) a fracture that is not hydraulically connected with EX-1, and (3) an unfractured portion of bedrock directly above the hydraulically connected fracture. Results from the pumping tests yielded compressibilities of 1.3 × 10 −11 Pa −1 , and 1.7 × 10 −11 Pa −1 for the lower and upper fractures, respectively. When coupled with areal strain calculated from earth tide analyses the volumetric specific storage values are 3.2 × 10 −11 Pa −1 , and 2.8 × 10 −11 Pa −1 and the Poisson’s ratios are 0.26 and 0.31, respectively. Using this with a calculated barometric efficiency of 0.45 allows for porosity calculations of 0.02 and 0.03, respectively for the vicinity of fractures in well W-03.
Optimizing total system cost by balancing unit cost against real cost

Both pump manufacturers and chemical processors are reporting significant long-term savings from making initial investment in perfluoroelastomer seals, the most fluid resistant of elastomeric sealing materials, due to benefits in greatly reduced downtime and longer seal life. This can lead to increased productivity and lower environmental risk. This feature discusses how this may be approached and provides some examples of user experience.
Windblown sand on Venus - Preliminary results of laboratory simulations

Small particles and winds of sufficient strength to move them have been detected from Venera and Pioneer-Venus data and suggest the existence of aeolian processes on Venus. The Venus wind tunnel (VWT) was fabricated in order to investigate the behavior of windblown particles in a simulated Venusian environment. Preliminary results show that sand-size material is readily entrained at the wind speeds detected on Venus and that saltating grains achieve velocities closely matching those of the wind. Measurements of saltation threshold and particle flux for various particle sizes have been compared with theoretical models which were developed by extrapolation of findings from Martian and terrestrial simulations. Results are in general agreement with theory, although certain discrepancies are apparent which may be attributed to experimental and/or theoretical-modeling procedures. Present findings enable a better understanding of Venusian surface processes and suggest that aeolian processes are important in the geological evolution of Venus.
Infrared Spectra of Nickel Octaethylporphyrin and Its Isotopomers Computed via Density Functional Theory−Scaled Quantum Mechanical (DFT−SQM) Method

Gradient-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to develop a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field for nickel octaethylporphyrin (NiOEP). Frequencies for all vibrations were calculated for several conformers and isotopomers of NiOEP. Assignments of infrared active vibrations were made upon the basis of normal coordinate analysis of the resulting DFT−SQM force field. The spectra and vibrational assignments agree well with previously reported experimental infrared data for NiOEP, with only eight of the peaks in the simulated natural abundance spectrum being more than 10 cm-1 apart from their counterparts on the experimental natural abundance spectrum. Theoretically calculated isotopic shifts on simulated spectra resemble isotopic shifts observed experimentally. All but four shifts in the simulated meso-deuterated spectrum are within the same order of magnitude and in the same direction as those reported for experimental meso-deuteration, and none of the simulated 15N s...
Homing efficiency and early cell cycle kinetics of human CD34+ cells transplanted into conditioned nod/scid recipients

Abstract Differences in the engraftment potential of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) in distinct phases of cell cycle may result from the inability of cycling cells to home to the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Alternatively, the rate of entry of HPC homing to the BM into active phases of cell cycle may influence their lodgement in the microenvironment and subsequent ability to repopulate the marrow. We examined homing efficiency, cell cycle progression and phenotypic makeup of human HPC trafficking to the BM and spleen of NOD/SCID mice 40 hr post-transplantation (PT). BM CD34+ cells or mobilized peripheral blood (MPB) CD34+ cells, or their G0 (G0CD34+) or G1 (G1CD34+) subfractions, were stained with CFSE and transplanted into sub-lethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice. At 40 hr PT, CFSE+ cells detected in the BM or spleen represented
Infrastructure for model-based OPC development in the deep submicron era

In recent years, optical proximity correction (OPC) has become major technology to compensate the undesirable pattern distortions caused by systematic photolithography and etch variations. Model based OPC usually utilizes a scalar method to model diffraction limitations and coherence of optical system and empirical models to include etch variations. By calibrating the simulator to the experimental data from the focus exposure matrix (FEM) wafers, the lithography and etch errors can be predicted to some extent for one-dimensional structures such as long lines and gaps. However, it has been difficult to predict the printability of such two- dimensional patterns as line-ends, islands and small features with the simplified simulator. Furthermore, since the numerical aperture (NA) tends to increase in the state-of-the-art lithography and the wafer and mask topographies are becoming more complex, the optical simulator can no longer calculate aerial image correctly. To achieve sufficient simulation accuracy, we have developed an efficient and numerically stable vector lithography simulator METROPOLE-3D at Carnegie Mellon University. Based on rigorous waveguide modeling of mask and wafer scattering, and a fast marching module for simulating photoresist development and etch, the simulator is able to simulate DUV lithography process of chemical amplified photoresist with high numerical aperture and complex wafer topography. After calibrating the simulator to measurement data from one dimensional long line structures on the focus exposure matrix wafers, the simulator has proved to be very accurate in predicting the printability of the two dimensional structures (line-ends, comers and metal islands). We have proposed an OPC model development infrastructure that combines the efficiency of traditional OPC tools and the accuracy of the rigorous METROPOLE-3D. We will use the measurement data from one-dimensional structure to calibrate the process parameters of METROPOLE-2D and feed the process parameters to METROPOLE-3D. The simulated CD (Critical Dimension) error vs. design variables ( pitch, line width, gap width) and defocus show good matching to experimental data of both dense and isolated structures. Then we use METROPOLE-3D to calibrate an OPC simulator. In this framework, we are able to analyze the printability of many complex two-dimensional layouts for any stepper and Resolution Enhancement Techniques employed. We are also able to provide the data for OPC calibration with higher confidence and less noise than from the CD-SEM measurements. In this paper, we will present the calibration flow of the full-chip OPC simulator. Printability of several complex two-dimensional patterns will be verified with this calibrated 3-D simulator.
Direct L2 Support Vector Machine classifier and performances of its two implementations

We introduce a Direct L2 Support Vector Machine (DL2 SVM) classifier and present the performances of its different implementation algorithms on 12 real binary and multi-class datasets. DL2 SVM algorithm is based on solving the Nonnegative Least Squares (NNLS) problem which finds a desired solution in much less CPU time than it is required by other SVM methods based on solving quadratic programming (QP) problem. Two techniques for solving NNLS problem originating in DL2 SVM algorithm are the Cholesky decomposition with an update, and Conjugate Gradient method. Both of them produce high and similar classification accuracy within the very strict nested cross-validation (a.k.a. double re-sampling) experimental environment. Similarities and differences of the two NNLS problem solving techniques variants are pointed at. Their performances are compared in terms of accuracy, percentage of support vectors and CPU time used.