cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of baseline results for the TI-4100 and Trimble 4000SDT geodetic GPS receivers

Many GPS networks which were initially surveyed with Texas Instruments TI-4100 receivers have now been resurveyed with mixtures of TI-4100 and Trimble 4000 receivers or exclusively with Trimble receivers. In order to make confident tectonic interpretation of displacements observed between such surveys, it is necessary to understand any biases which may be introduced by using different receiver types or by mixing receivers within a network. Therefore, one of the primary objectives of the Ecuador 1990 GPS campaign (February 1990) was to provide a direct long baseline comparison between the TI-4100 and Trimble 4000SDT GPS receivers. p ]During this campaign, TI and Trimble receivers were co-located at each end of a 1323 kilometer baseline (Jerusalen to Baltra). Solutions for this baseline show no variation with receiver type. Zero-length baseline solutions showed no evidence for any intrinsic bias caused by mixing the two receiver types. Short baseline solutions indicate a bias of -34±10 mm in the baseline vertical component; the sign of the bias indicates that either the assumed phase center location for the TI is too low or the assumed location for the Trimble is too high. The bias is explainable if the phase centers of the Trimble SDT and SST antennas are similarly located. p ]Solutions for baselines measured with codeless receivers (such as the Trimble) should be as precise as those for baselines measured with P-code receivers (such as the TI) as long as it is possible to resolve ambiguities. Resolution of the widelane ambiguity is the limiting factor in ambiguity resolution with any codeless receiver, and in the February 1990 campaigns it was not successful fore baselines longer than 100 km. Without explicit modeling of the ionospheric effect on the widelane, ambiguity resolution with codeless receivers will not be successful for baselines longer than about 100 km, depending on the local ionospheric conditions.
Inorganic Anions and Copper Pitting

Abstract Copper (Cu) pitting was examined in oxygenated solutions containing bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), nitrate (NO3−), perchlorate (ClO4−), or sulfate (SO42−) ions at pH values of 5.5, 7.0, 8.5, and 10.0. While short-term (a few hours) cyclic polarization experiments at anion concentrations (or ionic strengths) typical of drinking waters were inconclusive, potentiostatic testing provided insight into Cu pitting behavior. Cl− exhibited a time-dependent dual nature, accelerating anodic reactions in the short term and causing passivation over longer periods. Passivation occurred only at pH 10.0 in the systems containing NO3− and ClO4− and did not occur in the presence of SO42−. Results supported the notion that SO42− or NO3− and not Cl−, (as commonly believed), are key to Cu pitting in potable water distribution systems.
Outlier-resistant methods for estimation and model fitting

Abstract Least squares is perhaps the most widely used technique for model fitting. In this article, we illustrate the poor performance of least squares when there are spurious values, or outliers, in a sequence of measurements. A brief overview of three well-known classes of robust alternatives to the least-squares mean is presented. For robust regression, a recent proposal called least median squares (LMS) is decribed. LMS regression is compared to least-squares regression in an example involving the estimation of optical fiber geometry. References are provided for software that is available for robust estimation techniques surveyed in this article.
Non-ablative hyperthermic mesenchymal regeneration:a proposed mechanism of action based on the Vivev model

Novel non-ablative hyperthermic medical devices are currently being developed, in association with cryogen surface cooling, to rejuvenate tissues without collagen scarring. These devices have been designed to remodel skin, manage urinary stress incontinence, and more recently, treat vaginal laxity. In contrast to the thermal injury and reparative healing associated with higher energy ablation systems, these lower energy non-ablative systems are designed to subtly modify the collagen, stimulate the fibroblasts, and maintain a functional tissue architecture that subsequently promotes tissue rejuvenation and restoration. While these devices have primarily relied on clinical outcome questionnaires and satisfaction surveys to establish efficacy, a physiologic explanation for the induced tissue changes and tightening has not been well documented. Recent histology studies, using the Viveve ovine vaginal treatment model, have identified changes that propose both a mechanism of action and a tissue remodeling timeline for such non-ablative hyperthermic devices. The Viveve model results are consistent with subtle connective tissue changes leading to fibroblast stimulation and subsequent collagen replacement and augmentation. Unlike tissue ablation devices that cause thermal necrosis, these non-ablative devices renew the targeted tissue without dense collagenous scarring over a period of 3 or more months. The spectrum of histologic findings, as illustrated in the Viveve ovine vaginal model, further support the previously documented safety and efficacy profiles for low-dose non-ablative hyperthermic devices that rejuvenate and tighten submucosal tissues.
Experimental Investigation of Stratified, Buoyant Wakes

The development of a buoyant plane wake has been investigated experimentally. A water channel has been used as a statistically steady experiment to investigate the plane wakes. Parallel streams of hot and cold water are initially separated by a splitter plate. The streams are oriented such that the cold fluid is above the hot fluid, resulting in an unstable stratification. At the end of the splitter plate, the two streams are allowed to mix and a buoyancy driven mixing layer develops. Downstream of the splitter plate, growth of the turbulent buoyancy-driven mix is disrupted by a cylinder. The cylinder is located at the centerline of the mixing layer and associated wake. As a result the dynamic flows of the plane wake and buoyancy driven mixing layer interact. Particle image velocimetry (PIV), and a high-resolution thermocouple system are used to measure the response of the plane wake to buoyancy driven turbulence. Velocity and density measurements are used as a basis from which we describe the transition, and return to equilibrium, of the buoyancy driven mixing layer. We found for wakes where buoyancy is driving the motion, a remarkably fast recovery of a Rayleigh-Taylor mix in the wake region.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of Passive Smoke Exposure on General Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Patients

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that children with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (also known as passive smoke exposure) do not demonstrate an increased likelihood of adverse respiratory events during or while recovering from general anesthesia administered for treatment of early childhood caries. Parents of children (ages 19 months–12 years) preparing to receive general anesthesia for the purpose of dental restorative procedures were interviewed regarding the child's risk for ETS. Children were observed during and after the procedure by a standardized dentist anesthesiologist and postanesthesia care unit nurse who independently recorded severity of 6 types of adverse respiratory events—coughing, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, breath holding, hypersecretion, and airway obstruction. Data from 99 children were analyzed. The children for whom ETS was reported were significantly older than their ETS-free counterparts (P = .03). If the primary caregiver smoked, there...
Diagnosis of obesity by primary care physicians and impact on obesity management

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether primary care physicians document obesity as a diagnosis and formulate a management plan. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Mayo Clinic primary care database was used to identify general medical examinations performed from November 1, 2004, to October 31, 2005, in a primary care clinic for obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥30). Data on demographic variables, BMI, comorbidities, documentation of obesity, and obesity management strategy were obtained through the database. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A total of 9827 patients were seen for a general medical examination. Of the 2543 obese patients, 505 (19.9%) had a diagnosis of obesity documented, and 574 (22.6%) had an obesity management plan documented. Older patients (OR, 0.97 per year; 95% CI, 0.96-0.98) and men (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.76) were significantly less likely to be diagnosed as having obesity, whereas those with a BMI greater than 35 (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.10-3.16), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.78), and obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.79-3.07) were significantly more likely to have the diagnosis made. Staff physicians were less likely than residents to document obesity as a diagnosis (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44-0.69). Diagnosis of obesity was the strongest predictor of formulation of an obesity plan (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.90-3.02). CONCLUSION Most obese patients did not have a diagnosis of obesity or an obesity management plan made by their primary care physician. Diagnosis of obesity results in a higher chance of formulation of an obesity plan.
GABA and glutamate uptake by subcellular fractions enriched in synaptosomes: Critical evaluation of some methodological aspects

Summary Some methodological controls, believed to be necessary in any study dealing with metabolite (or neurotransmitter) transport by synaptosomes, were performed. The results obtained with [3H]GABA and [14C]glutamic acid are discussed in some detail. The following main conclusions were drawn. (1) The conditions of incubation in which the metabolism of [3H]GABA and [14C]glutamate can be kept within reasonable limits are restricted. For incubation at 37°C and with amino acid concentrations of20 μM or below, the crude mitochondrial fraction (CMF) or synaptosomal protein concentration in the incubation medium should be kept below 0.2–0.4 mg/ml, and the incubation time should not exceed 10 min. (2) The most widely used methods of subcellular particle collection after incubation (Millipore filtration and washing with cold medium or rapid cooling, centrifugation, washing of the pellet and recentrifugation) allow a large ( > 50%) loss of the radioactivity accumulated by the subcellular particles. The results presented suggest that this loss is due to the effect of a sudden lowering of the temperature on the passive permeability of synaptosomal membranes. Alternative methods of particle collection are suggested: (a) a rapid centrifugation procedure by a microcentrifuge; (b) Millipore filtration without filter washing; or (c) Millipore filtration followed by filter washing with warm medium or sucrose. (3) Synaptosomes can be satisfactorily purified from previously incubated CMFs. This permits one to measure the uptake capacity of synaptosomes which suffer no major loss of activity due to the long preparation procedure. When incubated CMFs are pelleted, resuspended in sucrose and subjected to density gradient centrifugation, some leakage of accumulated radioactivity occurs. In spite of this, subcellular particles (synaptosomes or mitochondria) always show a greater uptake of GABA and glutamate when they are isolated from incubated CMFs the when they are first purified and then incubated. (4) GABA/glutamate uptake ratios are different in synaptosomal and mitochondrial fractions, and CMFs show intermediate values of these ratios. The results obtained with CMFs or homogenates cannot be ascribed only to the activity of synaptosomes.
Upgrade Plans for VERITAS

Abstract The VERITAS array, consisting of four 12m diameter Cherenkov telescopes, has been observing the northern sky in VHE gamma rays (E > 100 GeV) for four years with high sensitivity (1% Crab Nebula flux in ∼25 hours), with excellent energy and angular resolution. Exciting new results on a variety of VHE gamma-ray sources, both galactic and extra-galactic, have been obtained. Technical developments and Monte Carlo simulation results suggest that substantial further improvements to the array performance are possible. Here we present details of the planned upgrade of the VERITAS camera and trigger electronics.
Structure of the covalent adduct formed between Mycobacterium tuberculosis beta-lactamase and clavulanate.

The intrinsic resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the β-lactam class of antibiotics arises from a chromosomally encoded, extended spectrum, class A β-lactamase, BlaC. Herein, we report the X-ray crystallographic structure of BlaC inhibited with clavulanate at a resolution of 1.7 A with an R-factor value of 0.180 and R-free value of 0.212 for the m/z +154 clavulanate-derived fragment observed in the active site. Structural evidence reveals the presence of hydrogen bonds to the C1 carbonyl along with a coplanar arrangement of C1, C2, C3, and N4, which favors enolization to generate a trans-α,β-eneamine, stabilizing the +154 adduct from hydrolysis. The irreversible inhibition of BlaC suggests that treatment of M. tuberculosis with a combination of a β-lactam antibiotic and clavulanate may lead to rapid bactericidal activity.
Simulation of non-equilibrium fission gas behaviour during fast thermal transients

A code for predicting the behavior of non-equilibrium fission gas in oxide fuel elements undergoing fast thermal transients is developed. A new variable, the equilibrium variable (EV), is introduced which, together with bubble radius r, completely specifies a fission gas bubble with respect to its size and equilibrium condition. The code is used to simulate the measurements in two TREAT transients with peak temperatures of 2477 and 2000 K. The computations are in fair agreement with the observations for bubbles smaller than 964 A in diameter, but not for the larger bubbles. In all simulations, bubbles that grew during the heat-up phase of the transient were found to be “frozen” at a larger than equilibrium size during the cooldown phase of the transient. This phenomenon can significantly affect posttransient swelling and gas release. It is also found that the assumption of equilibrium can introduce considerable error in the computed bubble distribution, swelling and gas release at the end of as well as at post fast thermal transients; for example, the non-equilibrium model releases more gas. The code is also used to simulate the H3 TREAT transient as analyzed by Stahl and Patrician (initial temperature equal to 785 K with a maximum of 2393 K attained in 4.2 seconds, maximum thermal gradient of 10 000 K/cm and grain diameter of 4 to 10 μm) using the ideal gas as well as the Van der Waal's equations of states. The gas inventory at the start of the transient is assumed to be at equilibrium in the smallest radius group (6.2 A), and the initial bubble concentration is assumed to be 1.2 × 1019/cc. Release rate is found to be strongly dependent upon grain size and initial bubble concentration; a 4 micron diameter grain releases about 95% of the gas retained at the start of the transient, while 6 and 10 micron grains release 68% and 20% respectively. When the initial bubble concentration is reduced by a factor of 16 for the 10 micron grain, fractional release increases to 62%. Gas release is found to result primarily from small bubbles (r < 20 A).
Monitor-to-monitor temporal correlation of air pollution in the contiguous US

Numerous studies have reported short-term associations between ambient air pollution concentrations and mortality and morbidity. Particulate matter (PM) was often implicated as the most significant predictor of the health outcomes among the various air pollutants. However, a question remains as to the potential role played by the relative error of exposure estimation associated with each pollutant in defining their relative strengths of association. While most of the recent studies on PM exposure measurements have focused on the temporal correlation between personal exposures and the concentrations observed at ambient air quality monitors (within a few miles from the subjects), there have been few studies that systematically evaluated spatial uniformity of temporal correlation of air pollution within the scale of a city (several tens of miles) for which mortality or morbidity outcomes are aggregated in time-series studies. In this study, spatial uniformity of temporal correlation was examined by computing monitor-to-monitor correlation using available multiple monitors for PM(10) and gaseous criteria pollutants (NO(2), SO(2), CO, and O(3)) in the nationwide data between 1988 and 1997. For each monitor, the median of temporal correlation with other monitors within the Air Quality Control Region (AQCR) was computed. The resulting median monitor-to-monitor correlation was modeled as a function of qualitative site characteristics (i.e., land-use, location-setting, and monitoring-objective) and quantitative information (median separation distance, longitude/latitude or regional indicators) for each pollutant. Generalized additive models (GAM) were used to fit the smooth function of the separation distance and regional variation. The intercepts of the models across pollutants showed the overall rankings in monitor-to-monitor correlation on the average to be: O(3), NO(2), and PM(10), (r approximately 0.6 to 0.8)>CO (r SO(2) (r<0.5). Both the separation distance and regional variation were important predictors of the correlation. For PM(10), for example, the correlation for the monitors along the East Coast was higher by approximately 0.2 than western regions. The qualitative monitor characteristics were often significant predictors of the variation in correlation, but their impacts were not substantial in magnitude for most categories. These results suggest that the apparent regional heterogeneity in PM effect estimates, as well as the differences in the significance of health outcome associations across pollutants, may in part be contributed to by the differences in monitor-to-monitor correlations by region and across pollutants.
Guinea pig cell-mediated tumor immunity: the chromium release assay detects both cytolysis and serum blocking for syngeneic chemically-induced tumors.

The chromium release test (CRT) was used to assess cell-mediated immunity to syngeneic, chemically-induced tumors in guinea pigs. The animal models were Sewall Wright strain 13 guinea pigs with 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) -induced fibrosarcomas and strain 2 guinea pigs with diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinomas. Regional lymph node cells were significantly cytolytic for the immunizing tumors, specifically so for three of the four tumors, and tumor-bearer sera could significantly block cytolysis. The two DEN-induced strain 2 hepatomas, line 1 and line 10, are antigenically distinct by the CRT but the two MCA-induced tumors have tumor specific antigens as well as a common, cross-reactive antigen.
Studies on a possible pituitary effect of monoamines on luteinizing hormone release in ovariectomized rats.

Abstract Incubation of anterior pituitaries from ovariectomized rats with LHRH and various concentrations of dopamine, norepinephrine or serotonin indicated that none of these neurotransmitters could decrease pituitary LH secretion in response to the releasing hormone. This indicated that the inhibitions of pulsatile LH release previously observed in our laboratory in ovariectomized rats in response to intraventricularly administered catecholamines or stimulation of brain serotoninergic neurons are due to central rather than pituitary effects of these transmitters.
Reciprocal influences of nigral cells and striatal patch neurons in dissociated co-cultures.

Our previous work has shown that the functional efficacy of nigral tissue transplants into dopamine (DA)-depleted rats is increased when embryonic striatal tissue is included (Costantini et al.: Exp Neurol 127:219–231, 1994). To examine further the influence of striatal patch neurons in this regard, we employed co-cultures of dissociated nigral and striatal cells taken from embryos at different ages. Striatal patch neurons were labeled by in vivo bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) on embryonic day (E)13 and E14. The percentage of striatal cells that were BrdU labeled was greater in E14 striatal cultures (51.0%) compared with E16 (33.9%) and E20 (3.5%) striatal cultures at 1 day in vitro (DIV). The proportion of surviving BrdU-labeled cells in striatal cultures decreased over time. The inclusion of E14 nigral cells attenuated this decline. Similarly, the number of dopaminergic [tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive] neurons in pure nigral cultures decreased with time in vitro (8.2% at 1 DIV to 3.5% at 12–15 DIV). The inclusion of E14 striatal tissue increased the number of TH-immunoreactive neurons at all time points, whereas E16 and E20 striatal tissue was somewhat less effective. Thus, the survival of nigral DA neurons and striatal patch neurons in culture appears to be enhanced in the presence of the other. These reciprocal influences on neuronal survival may be relevant to the in vivo development of the nigrostriatal system as well as the enhanced function of cells in co-transplants. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sensor systems for the digital battlefield

The concept of the U.S. Army's digital battlefield is presented. Also, newly proposed concepts for leading edge strike forces that are needed to cope with modern conflicts are described. The implictions on sensors due to these new concepts are discussed, especially in light of new, unique applications, such as the individual soldier system, combat identification and military operations in urban terrain. The special consideration of image transmission from sensor to shooter or commander is addressed. Sensor trade-offs for the digital battlefield are being made and prototype sensor system demonstrators are being fabricated for testing and operational evaluation.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Human erythrocyte thiopurine methyltransferase: Radiochemical microassay and biochemical properties

A radiochemical microassay for the measurement of thiol methyltransferase (TMT) activity in human red blood cell (RBC) membranes has been developed. Both 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol were used as substrates for the enzyme. The pH optimum of the reaction was approximately 9.0 when glycine NaOH was used as a buffer. The apparent Michaelis-Menten (KM) value for the methyl donor for the reaction, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, was 43 mumol/l. Human RBC TMT activity was neither activated nor inhibited by Ca2+, Mg2+, or tropolone, but the enzyme was inhibited by SKF 525A and by reagents that react with sulfhydryl groups. The mean TMT activity in blood from 289 randomly selected adult white subjects was 10.93 +/- 3.22 units per mg protein (mean +/- S.D.). The activity was the same in samples from men and women. The results of experiments in which TMT activity was measured in mextures of RBC membranes with relatively "low" and relatively "high" activities provided no evidence that individual variations in the enzyme activity were due to variations in endogenous TMT activators or inhibitors.
Positional information in imaginal discs transformed by homoeotic mutations : Fate map and regulative behavior of fragments of haltere discs transformed byBithorax 3 andPostbithorax.

Mutations of the bithorax complex result in segmental transformations in the thorax and abdomen ofDrosophila. The haltere discs from larvae homozygous forbx 3 orpbx are transformed so that the discs contain cells that will produce wing cuticle as well as cells that produce haltere cuticle. The pattern regulation behavior of these discs has been examined. The fate maps of the two discs were established, and then the regulative behavior of a number of fragments from both types of mutant discs was established by culturing the fragments in vivo prior to metamorphosis. The most important conclusion from this work is that the cells producing, haltere cuticle and wing cuticle within the same disc share the same positional information and that they communicate during pattern regulation.
Two-parameter Turan inequalities for ultraspherical and Laguerre polynomials

Abstract It is known that the classical orthogonal polynomials satisfy inequalities of the form Un2(x) − Un + 1(x) Un − 1(x) > 0 when x lies in the spectral interval. These are called Turan inequalities. In this paper we will prove a generalized Turan inequality for ultraspherical and Laguerre polynomials. Specifically if Pnλ(x) and Lnα(x) are the ultraspherical and Laguerre polynomials and F n λ (x) = P n λ (x) P n λ (1) , G n α (x) = L n α (x) L n α (0) , then F n α (x) F n β (x) − F n + 1 α (x) F n − 1 β (x) > 0, − 1 1 2 and G n α (x) G n β (x) − G n + 1 α (x) G n − 1 β (x) > 0, x > 0, 0 . We also prove the inequality (n + 1) F n α (x) F n β (x) − nF n + 1 α (x) F n − 1 β (x) > A n [F n α (x)] 2 , −1 1 2 where A n is a positive constant depending on α and β.
Application of a tissue receptor assay to measurement of serum follitropin (FSH).

A rat testes tubule receptor assay, employing 125I-hFSH as the radioligand, has been applied to measurement of human serum follitropin (FSH). Highly purified hFSH LER-1575C was used as the reference preparation. Problems related to interference with uptake of radioligand by receptor, presumably due to non-hormonal serum factors, were minimized by dialysis of the serum prior to TRA. Results obtained by TRA were compared with those obtained by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The mean index of discrimination (TRA/RIA) for a series of 11 postmenopausal sera (PM) was 5.4 and the mean index of precision was 0.063. Sensitivity of the TRA was 9 ng hFSH/ml. Postmenopausal serum averaged 81 ng/ml, PM on estrogen therapy averaged <9 ng/ml, Turners Syndrome was 40 ng/ml. No FSH was detected in hypophysectomized serum, in normal male serum or in blood bank serum. PM levels by TRA were similar to those obtained by others with RIA after multiplying by the conversion factor of 5.4.
Continuity of strong solutions of the Reaction–Diffusion equation in initial data

Abstract This paper is concerned with the continuity of strong solutions of the Reaction–Diffusion equation with respect to initial conditions. It is proved that the solutions of the equation are continuous in H 1 with respect to initial data provided the nonlinearity satisfies a dissipative condition with polynomial growth order p ≥ 2 .
Developmental aspects and the effect of carbon dioxide tension on fetal cephalic metabolism and electroencephalogram.

Abstract The relationships between the development of fetal cortical activity in terms of the electroencephalogram (EEG), fetal brain growth, and cephalic metabolic rate (CMR) was studied in vivo in 21 sheep experiments. During the last third of gestation (100–145 days), the weight of the brain increased by 100% and the EEG developed a mature, adult dominant rhythm. There was no difference in CMRO2 or CMRglucose during this period. The arterial minus venous (A − V) difference of O2 and glucose was inversely related to blood flow. There was no significant A-V difference of lactate and pyruvate or a relation to blood flow. The A-V difference of amino acid increased significantly with advancing gestational age so that CMRamino acid increased. The uptake or release of amino acid was related to the concentration of amino acid in the carotid artery. Below 17 mg/100 ml the A-V difference was most often negative while above that figure the A-V difference was most often positive. There was no significant effect of a change in PCO2 on the CMR for any substrate or on the characteristics of the EEG. The results suggest that aerobic metabolism of glucose provides an adequate energy source for growth and functional development of the fetal brain. The increase in uptake of amino acid is consistent with the increase in proteosynthesis that must be occurring during this perod of rapid growth.
Children's Language and Multilingualism: Indigenous Language Use at Home and School. edited by SIMPSON, JANE, & GILLIAN WIGGLESWORTH

The article reviews the book "Children's Language and Multilingualism: Indigenous Language Use at Home and School," edited by Jane Simpson and Gillian Wigglesworth.
The ‘F’ factor:feminism forsaken?

This article discusses the link betweenfeminist theory and midwifery practice. By incorporating concepts of feminist theory within this article, it is appropriate therefore that it should be written in the first person. I hope to illustrate why feminist theory is especially relevant to midwifery education and practice, and shall briefly highlight some of the feminist ideologies which may best fit the midwifery model. I also discuss a system of nursing education based upon feminist principles and values, devised by Hedin & Donovan in 1989, and its potential for adaptation to midwifery education.
The synthesis of conformationally/rotationally restricted analogs of the neurotransmitter serotonin

The syntheses of two novel conformationally/rotationally restricted analogs of the neurotransmitter serotonin which are modeled after the 5-HT2 receptor selective agonist CP-132,484 [a dihydropyrano[3,2-e]indole] are described.
National center for airborne laser mapping proposed

Researchers from universities, U.S. government agencies, U.S. national laboratories, and private industry met in the spring to learn about the current capabilities of Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM), share their experiences in using the technology for a wide variety of research applications, outline research that would be made possible by research-grade ALSM data, and discuss the proposed operation and management of the brand new National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM). The workshop successfully identified a community of researchers with common interests in the advancement and use of ALSM—a community which strongly supports the immediate establishment of the NCALM.
Applying parallel computer systems to solve symmetric tridiagonal eigenvalue problems

Abstract A block parallel partitioning method for computing the eigenvalues of symmetric tridiagonal matrix is presented. The algorithm is based on partitioning, in a way that ensures load balance during computation. This method is applicable to both shared memory- and distributed memory-MIMD systems. Compared with other parallel tridiagonal eigenvalue algorithms existing in the literature, the proposed algorithm achieves a higher speedup of O( p ) on a parallel computer with p -fold parallelism, which is linear, and the data communication between processors is less than that required for other methods. The results were tested and evaluated on an MIMD machine, and were within 62% to 98% of the predicted performance.
Vein of Galen arteriovenous malformation with PAPVR and use of serial B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the management: a case report and review of the literature

Background: Arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return can lead to a critically challenging condition associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Case report: We report a case of a full term infant born with a vein of Gallen arteriovenous malformation complicated by partial anomalous pulmonary venous return and congestive heart failure where B-type natriuretic peptide was used as a vital tool in clinical assessment and treatment management.
Pinnacle: a fast, automatic and accurate method for detecting and quantifying protein spots in 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis data

Motivation: One of the key limitations for proteomic studies using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) is the lack of rapid, robust and reproducible methods for detecting, matching and quantifying protein spots. The most commonly used approaches involve first detecting spots and drawing spot boundaries on individual gels, then matching spots across gels and finally quantifying each spot by calculating normalized spot volumes. This approach is time consuming, error-prone and frequently requires extensive manual editing, which can unintentionally introduce bias into the results. Results: We introduce a new method for spot detection and quantification called Pinnacle that is automatic, quick, sensitive and specific and yields spot quantifications that are reliable and precise. This method incorporates a spot definition that is based on simple, straightforward criteria rather than complex arbitrary definitions, and results in no missing data. Using dilution series for validation, we demonstrate Pinnacle outperformed two well-established 2DE analysis packages, proving to be more accurate and yielding smaller coefficiant of variations (CVs). More accurate quantifications may lead to increased power for detecting differentially expressed spots, an idea supported by the results of our group comparison experiment. Our fast, automatic analysis method makes it feasible to conduct very large 2DE-based proteomic studies that are adequately powered to find important protein expression differences. Availability: Matlab code to implement Pinnacle is available from the authors upon request for non-commercial use. Contact: jefmorris@mdanderson.org Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Initial characterization of the Siemens E.CAM/sup +/: a dual-detector camera with coincidence imaging capability

This study characterizes the performance of the new E.CAM/sup +/ dual-gamma camera imaging system with coincidence imaging capability. This device utilizes 20.25"/spl times/14.75"/spl times/5/8" thick NaI[Tl] scintillators and slat collimators for coincidence imaging. The intrinsic spatial resolution, scatter fraction, sensitivity, count-rate capability, energy resolution and clinical image quality are evaluated. Transaxial resolution is 4.9 mm at center and does not change significantly in the radial direction and degrades to 11.4 mm tangential at source position of 20 cm for maximum detector separation of 56.8 cm. Axial resolution degrades from 4.9 mm at center to 12.2 mm at R=20 cm. Similar resolutions were measured at smaller detector separations. Scatter fraction (NEMA NU-2) was measured as 11.7%, 14.8% and 16.1% for 20%, 30% and 30%+Compton energy windows. System sensitivity, in units of cps/[/spl mu/Ci/mL] was measured as 8102, 8772 and 9740 for a 20%, 30% and 30%+Compton energy windows with a 20 cm diameter cylindrical water phantom at an activity concentration of 46 nCi/mL. Dead time losses in this phantom of 50% occur at a radioactivity concentration of 0.16 /spl mu/Ci/mL with a corresponding trues count rate of 911 cps. The true coincidence count rate peaks at 966, 1129 and 1364 cps at activity concentration of 0.24, 0.27 and 0.30 /spl mu/Ci/mL for 20%, 30% and 30%+Compton energy windows, respectively. Noise-equivalent count rate (NEC) shows a peak rate of 762, 820 and 851 cps at activity concentrations of 0.20, 0.21 and 0.19 /spl mu/Ci/mL with 20%, 30% and 30%+Compton energy windows, respectively. The system percent energy resolution degrades from 7.1% at low dead time to approximately 10% at 85% dead time. The peak center shift is less than 3% over the same dead time range. The results show that this dual-headed NaI[T1]-based gamma camera will be suitable for FDG imaging in oncologic applications with superior energy resolution but inferior sensitivity as compared to traditional cylindrical PET tomographs. Further study is required to determine optimal imaging parameters for the E.CAM/sup +/.
Evaluation of the Usefulness of Consensus Definitions of Sarcopenia in Older Men: Results from the Observational Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Cohort Study.

© 2015, The American Geriatrics Society. Objective To evaluate the associations between definitions of sarcopenia and clinical outcomes and the ability of the definitions to discriminate those with a high likelihood of having these outcomes from those with a low likelihood. Design Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Setting Six clinical centers. Participants Community-dwelling men aged 65 and older (N = 5,934). Measurements Sarcopenia definitions from the International Working Group, European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project, Baumgartner, and Newman were evaluated. Recurrent falls were defined as two or more self-reported falls in the year after baseline (n = 694, 11.9%). Incident hip fractures (n = 207, 3.5%) and deaths (n = 2,003, 34.1%) were confirmed according to central review of medical records over 9.8 years. Self-reported functional limitations were assessed at baseline and 4.6 years later. Logistic regression or proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between sarcopenia and falls, hip fractures, and death. The discriminative ability of the sarcopenia definitions (vs reference models) for these outcomes was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve or C-statistics. Referent models included age alone for falls, functional limitations and mortality, and age and bone mineral density for hip fractures. Results The association between sarcopenia according to the various definitions and risk of falls, functional limitations, and hip fractures was variable; all definitions were associated with greater risk of death, but none of the definitions materially changed discrimination based on the AUC and C-statistic when compared with reference models (change ≤1% in all models). Conclusion Sarcopenia definitions as currently constructed did not consistently improve prediction of clinical outcomes in relatively healthy older men.
Redox-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Actions of Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids are metabolized to reactive products that can act as pro- or anti-inflammatory signaling mediators. Electrophilic fatty acid species, including nitro- and oxo-containing fatty acids, display salutary anti-inflammatory and metabolic actions. Electrophilicity can be conferred by both enzymatic and oxidative reactions, via the homolytic addition of nitrogen dioxide to a double bond or via the formation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl and epoxide substituents. The endogenous formation of electrophilic fatty acids is significant and influenced by diet, metabolic, and inflammatory reactions. Transcriptional regulatory proteins and enzymes can sense the redox status of the surrounding environment upon electrophilic fatty acid adduction of functionally significant, nucleophilic cysteines. Through this covalent and often reversible posttranslational modification, gene expression and metabolic responses are induced. At low concentrations, the pleiotropic signaling actions that are regulated by these protein targets suggest that some classes of electrophilic lipids may be useful for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
Can the hexamethylhydrazinium dication [Me3N–NMe3]2+ be prepared?

The long sought hexamethylhydrazinium(2+) dication, Me3N–NMe32+, calculationally unstable towards “coulombic explosion” because of formal positive charges on adjacent N atoms, can be synthesized and isolated as a CHB11Cl11−carborane salt.
A Theory of the Consumption Function, With and Without Liquidity Constraints

Fifteen years ago, Milton Friedman’s 1957 treatise A Theory of the Consumption Function seemed badly dated. Dynamic optimization theory had not been employed much in economics when Friedman wrote, and utility theory was still comparatively primitive, so his statement of the “permanent income hypothesis” never actually specified a formal mathematical model of behavior derived explicitly from utility maximization. Instead, Friedman relied at crucial points on intuition and verbal descriptions of behavior. Although these descriptions sounded plausible, when other economists subsequently found multiperiod maximizing models that could be solved explicitly, the implications of those models differed sharply from Friedman’s intuitive description of his “model.” Furthermore, empirical tests in the 1970s and 1980s often rejected these rigorous versions of the permanent income hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis that many households simply spent all of their current income. Today, with the benefit of a further round of mathematical (and computational) advances, Friedman’s (1957) original analysis looks more prescient than primitive. It turns out that when there is meaningful uncertainty in future labor income, the optimal behavior of moderately impatient consumers is much better described by Friedman’s original statement of the permanent income hypothesis than by the later explicit maximizing versions. Furthermore, in a remarkable irony, much of the empirical evidence that rejected the permanent income hypothesis as specified in tests of the 1970s and 1980s is actually consistent both with Friedman’s original description of the model and with the new version with serious uncertainty. There are four key differences between the explicit maximizing models
Individual, Social, and Seasonal Behavior of the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate qualitatively individual and social behavior in free-living populations of thirteen-lined ground squirrels ( Spermophilus tridecemlineatus ) in north-central Texas and south-central Oklahoma. Seasonal behavioral differences were also noted. The primary study area was the Fairview Cemetery, Gainesville, Texas. Ground squirrels were captured, marked with fur dye, and released. An analysis was made of individual behaviors including investigation, ingestion, grooming, comfort movements, burrow construction, nest-building, locomotion, and tail-flicking, as well as social encounters, both agonistic and sexual. Patterns of behavior varied at different periods of the nonhibernating year, especially after emergence in the spring and just prior to entrance into hibernation in the fall. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is not a highly social animal, although a temporary social hierarchy appeared during courtship. The squirrels exhibited no territorial defense of a definite area, but only the area around an individual at any place in its home range.
Optimal Sampling Design for IRT Linking with Bimodal Data

Optimal sampling designs for an IRT linking with improved efficiency are often sought in analyzing assessment data. In practice, the skill distribution of an assessment sample may be bimodal, and this warrants special consideration when trying to create these designs. In this study we explore optimal sampling designs for IRT linking of bimodal data. Our design paradigm is modeled and presents a formal setup for optimal IRT linking. In an optimal sampling design, the sample structure of bimodal data is treated as being drawn from a stratified population. The optimum search algorithm proposed is used to adjust the stratum weights and form a weighted compound sample that minimizes linking errors. The initial focus of the current study is the robust mean–mean transformation method, though the model of IRT linking under consideration is adaptable to generic methods.
Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Select Nest Sites and Brood Sites Away from Avian Predators

ABSTRACT. Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined in distribution and abundance in western North America over the past century. Depredation of nests and predation of chicks can be two of the most influential factors limiting their productivity. Prey species utilize antipredation behaviors, such as predator avoidance, to reduce the risk of predation. Birds in general balance the dual necessity of selecting cover to hide from visual and olfactory predators to enhance prospects of survival and reproductive success, which may also be achieved by selecting habitat with relatively fewer predators. We compared avian predator densities at Greater Sage-Grouse nests and brood locations with those at random locations within available sage-grouse habitat in Wyoming. This comparison allowed us to assess the species' ability to avoid avian predators during nesting and early brood rearing. During 2008–2010, we conducted 10-min point-count surveys at 218 nests, 249 brood locations from 83 broods, an...
Who’s Who and What’s What? Special Education Services for Foster Care Students

This case describes the educational experiences of a foster care student named Chad. His foster parents and teacher notice educational deficits and express concern about gaps in the student’s cumulative educational record. The principal and special education director must guide all constituents to adhere to special education mandates and at the same time promote an ethical disposition toward the newly enrolled student. The case provides an opportunity for preservice and inservice administrators to analyze a situation (foster care) for which they may not have any professional or personal experiences to inform their leadership. The use of Bronstein’s theoretical model of interdisciplinary collaboration informs relevant discussion and analysis.
In vivo expression of myosin essential light chain using plasmid expression vectors in regenerating frog skeletal muscle.

In vivo expression of myosin essential light chain using plasmid expression vectors in regenerating frog skeletal muscle
The “Essential Domino” of Military Operations: American Public Opinion and the Use of Force

It is a commonly held belief that the foreign policy issue to which the American public is most sensitive is the use of military force. Because American public opinion regarding the use of force is highly palpable, salient, and organized, and because decisions regarding the use of force are some of the most important decisions the nation ever has to consider, the analysis of public opinion regarding military involvement is academically significant and policy relevant. The indication from policymakers is that American military operations require public support. As a result, scholars and analysts have come to realize that public opinion is the “essential domino” of military operations. The relationship between mass American public opinion and the use of military force has become, therefore, the focus of numerous studies and surveys. There are currently several competing explanations—schools of thought—in the literature on why the mass public supports the use of force. This article is an attempt to identify the most prominent schools of thought on public opinion and the use of force, and the central factors associated with each school. Such a review is important to generating policy–relevant guidance pertaining to public opinion and the use of force—an objective made more pressing by the current war against terrorism.