cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seamounts at the continental margin of California: A different kind of oceanic intraplate volcanism

Davidson, Guide, Pioneer, Gumdrop, and Rodriguez Seamounts, located at the continental margin offshore California between latitudes 37.5°N and 34.0°N, may represent a previously unrecognized type of intraplate oceanic volcanism. Morphologically unlike typical oceanic-island volcanoes or near-ridge seamounts, they are complex, northeast-trending ridges that reflect the ridge-parallel structure of the underlying oceanic crust. 40Ar/39Ar laser fusion ages of mineral separates indicate at least two episodes of volcanism at ca. 16 and ca. 12 Ma, younger by 7–11 m.y. than the underlying ocean crust. Volcanic rocks are predominantly differentiated alkalic basalt, hawaiite, and mugearite. The lack of coherent liquid- lines-of-descent is consistent with small batches of magma forming, fractionally crystallizing, and erupting in isolation from the previous and subsequent batches. The presence of mantle xenoliths suggests that magmas originated in the upper mantle. Xenoliths of alkalic cumulates and xenocrysts of feldspar, amphibole, and titanomagnetite are consistent with fractionation in the upper mantle as well. Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios of some samples are from depleted-mantle sources like those of MORB (mid-oceanic-ridge basalt); others indicate more variably enriched mantle sources. Magmas formed by small- percentage partial melting of variably enriched MORB-source-type mantle, according to the samples' high abundances of incompatible elements such as Nb, Ta, and Th. Coeval middle Miocene basalts in onshore coastal California have a similar isotopic range, but their trace elements show a subduction-related signature. If the coeval volcanic rocks offshore originated in a slab window, as proposed for those onshore, they were not influenced by a slab component. Although a slab-window origin is plausible for the middle Miocene volcanism, later episodes of small, sporadic eruptions on- and offshore probably resulted from decompression melting of mantle rising along existing zones of weakness undergoing extension related to continued movement along transform-fault systems.
Analysis of T cell subpopulations by laser Doppler spectroscopy and the association of electrophoretic mobility differences with differences in rosette-forming affinity.

Abstract Rosetting procedures were used to identify and isolate human T lymphocytes having different affinities for sheep red blood cells (SRBC). High-affinity E rosette-forming cells (E-RFC) were obtained by rosetting at 29°C with limited numbers of SRBC. Low-affinity and total E-RFC were obtained by rosetting at 4°C with an excess of SRBC. The E-RFC isolated from these fractions on Ficoll-Hypaque gradients exhibited different electrophoretic mobilities as measured by laser Doppler spectroscopy. The high-affinity E-RFC mobility was centered at 2.35 μm/sec/V/cm (for 25°C, 0.28 M sucrose medium of 0.005 ionic strength), whereas the low-affinity E-RFC mobility was centered at 2.15 μm/ sec/V/cm. The total E-RFC fractions consisted of cells of both mobilities. When IgG-sensitized E monolayers were used to remove cells bearing Fc receptors from mononuclear cell preparations, the non-adherent and the adherent fraction were each found to contain a different subpopulation of T cells having mobilities centered at 2.35 and 2.15 μm/sec V/cm, respectively. Rosetting assays and mobility measurements were performed simultaneously with the mononuclear cell preparations and the non-adherent fraction from IgG-sensitized E monolayers. In both cases, there was quantitative agreement between the number of high-affinity E-RFC and the number of high-mobility cells. In contrast, there were consistently more low-mobility cells than could be accounted for by low-affinity E-RFC. The determination of cell electrophoretic mobility is a direct physical measurement and its association with such surface markers as different affinity receptors for SRBC and Fc receptors for IgG shows that it should be useful parameter in the characterization of lymphocytes.
Localization of C-type natriuretic peptide mRNA in rat hypothalamus

Central or peripheral administration of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) affects numerous neuroendocrine systems, including the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical and hypothalamo-neurohypophysial axes. The present report characterizes the distribution of CNP mRNA in hypothalamus, providing the first definition of CNP-containing neuroendocrine circuits. In situ hybridization histochemical analysis revealed high expression of CNP mRNA in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv) and in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Hybridization signals of significantly lower intensity were seen in the medial, median and periventricular preoptic area, the supraoptic, dorsomedial, ventral premammillary and lateral mammillary nuclei and in the posterior hypothalamic area. A few scattered CNP mRNA containing cells were visualized in the medial parvocellular paraventricular nucleus, posterior magnocellular paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area. In the AVPv and ARC th...
Design of Plate Surface Displacement Sensors

The present work uses PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF) film to develop surface displacement sensors for vibrating plates with various boundary conditions. Two constant shape PVDF films are bonded together and to the surface of the plate covering the entire plate. The films are arranged such that the piezoelectric axis 1 of the top film is perpendicular to the piezoelectric axis 2 of the bottom axis. Right angle quadrilaterals patches are etched on the films to create multiple separate sections of the sensors. The output charges of sensor patches covering the same subarea are processed to compute the slopes of the lateral displacement surface of that subarea. The actual plate lateral displacement elevations are calculated from these slopes using forward difference equations. Theoretical analysis and numerical verification show that the proposed sensor can be used to effectively measure the lateral vibration displacements of plates with various boundary conditions. However the accuracy of the measurement is closely related to the number of sensor sections and thus, relatively large number of channels is required for accurate measurements. Furthermore, for non-zero slop conditions at the boundaries, additional point sensors are required.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Remapping the journey of lesbian youth through strength and "truth telling".

The psychological literature provides ample explanations that map out the direction of adolescent development and facilitate the tracking of their progress into adulthood. The “normal” steps or tasks that adolescents need to master in order to become healthy adults are traced within this construct. But lesbian youth end up charting their course without such maps or outlines to guide them. They—whether supported or not by those around them—negotiate development through an alternate route. Their “difference” sets them apart from the adolescent norm and their very existence challenges the heterosexist constructs that misguide, render them marginal, and pose potential risks to their healthy growth and development. This article proposes alternatives to understanding the experience of lesbian youth and emphasizes the need for strength-based interventions that promote understanding, social justice, advocacy, and empowerment.
Kinetic characterization of sequencing grade modified trypsin

Prior to analysis by mass spectrometry, protein samples are often digested. Maximizing the peptide yield from digestion can increase the number of peptides detected and the confidence in protein identification. To determine the optimal conditions for digestion, the Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters for Promega sequencing grade modified trypsin were measured over a range of temperatures and pHs. The results indicate that an increase in digestion temperature above 37°C, the temperature traditionally used in digestion methods, could offer an increase in peptides detected.
A-heterojunction and dielectrically insulated gate InP field effect transistors

Experimental data are presented on d.c. drain current instabilities in depletion mode insulated gate InP field effect transistors (D-MISFETs). d.c. drain current decay with time exhibited by InP MISFETs represents impediment to their use. New data presented here suggest that the models proposed to account for this instability may have to be revised. The construction and properties of a different type of device employing semi-insulating InxAl1−xAs as the gate insulator is described. It is shown that such heterojunction insulated gate field effect transistors have none of the d.c. instabilities associated with MISFETs and that they provide good prospects for applications which require high frequency and high power performance.
Modulation of lipoxygenase activity by bacterial hopanoids.

Tetrahydroxybacteriohopane (1), a bacterial hopanoid, inhibited soybean 15-lipoxygenase with an IC50 of about 10 μM. After per-O-acetylation of 1 no inhibition of the 15-lipoxygenase was observed. ...
Optimal boundary control of nonsteady incompressible flow with an application to viscous drag reduction

The objective of this study is to characterize the boundary velocity distribution that in some sense gives the lowest viscous drag for viscous, incompressible flows. The case is considered where the control is explicitly constrained. Necessary conditions are presented for optimal controls for the Navier-Stokes equations in a bounded region. An application to reducing viscous drag by blowing and suction is discussed. The first part of the study considers static control; the second part is concerned with time-varying optimal controls. >
THE DESIGN OF AN ADAPTIVE MULTIPLE AGENT FUZZY CONSTRAINT-BASED CONTROLLER (MAFCC) FOR A COMPLEX HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

In this paper, we present a complete design framework for an adaptive multiple agent fuzzy constraint-based controller (MAFCC) based on fuzzy penumbra constraint processing in each fuzzy constraint subnetwork collaborating with a connected constraint network and its corresponding semantic modeling in a first-order predicate calculus (FOPC) language, with application to a complex hydraulic system. The concept of “multiple agent” and “fuzzy constraint subnetwork” in a complex control system is introduced and some basic definitions of penumbra fuzzy constraint processing in a constraint subnetwork and the collaboration with an overall connected constraint network and its semantic modeling are addressed. As a result, a human agent interacts with system agents and allows the constraints to be added or deleted on-line according to the constraints imposed from the outside environment. Near-optimal system performance is accomplished by restricting all the penumbra constraints to be satisfied in each constraint subnetwork simultaneously which are interconnected as a result of constraints that exist between each of them. Following the principle of constraint satisfaction and fuzzy local propagation reasoning, each individual system agent is now constrained to behave in a certain fashion as dictated by the overall constraint network. In addition, the constraint network in MAFCC system provides an update strategy which makes a real time adaptive hydraulic control for all 20 cities possible.
When magnetism can stabilize the crystal structure of metals

The crystal structure of some metals is caused by magnetism, meaning spin polarization dictates atomic geometry. We show that the determining factors for magnetic stabilization of metallic crystal structures is the proximity of the border between superconducting and magnetic valence electron behavior and the energy difference between competing crystals. Recently, a high-pressure monoclinic Cm phase was found, which is stabilized by magnetism. We put these results into a broader context, showing how magnetic stabilization of metals occurs throughout the periodic table.
Will the Real Sex Difference Please Stand Up

Scholarship about women and gender in the US is marked by controversies about sex differences; and there is little rapprochement between groups of researchers with different epistemological assumptions. It is argued that empirical investigation of personal epistemology has important implications for feminist scholarship. Following findings of no reliable sex differences in personal epistemology, cross-cultural research showed important interactions between sex and religiosity. This suggests that in order to be able to make statements about the relative importance of sex/gender in predicting behavior, feminist researchers need to subject a wider range of variables to multiple comparisons.
Gene transcription: basal and regulated transcription by RNA polymerase II.

There has recently been a shift in the general emphasis of research on RNA polymerase II transcription regulation. For several years, there had been a strong focus on sequence-specilic transcription factors that bind to promoter and enhancer elements. As a result, many of these factors have now been purified, characterized, and cloned (for recent reviews, see [1,2] >. However, a better understanding of these factors has been limited by our knowledge of the basic mechanism by which RNA polymerase II transcription occurs. Hence, research on the so-called ‘general’ RNA polymerase II transcription factors has increased, with impressive results. Nevertheless, many of the fundamental questions regarding RNA polymerase II transcription have yet to be answered, including the questions of how the general factors function to initiate transcription, what the biochemical mechanism is by which sequence-specilic factors regulate transcription, and how enhancers work. In this short review, I will briefly describe recent progress on both the sequencespecific and general RNA polymerase II transcription factors.
Non-homoeologous wheat-rye chromosomal translocations conferring resistance to greenbug

C-banding andin situ hybridization were used to determine the chromosomal constitution of the greenbug-resistant germplasm GRS 1204. The results showed that this line had the radiation-induced non-homoeologous wheat-rye translocation chromosomes T2AS-1RS·1RL and T2AL·2AS-1RS. C-banding analysis further revealed the presence of a wheat-Agropyron elongatum translocation chromosome T1BL·1BS-3Ae#1L in line GRS 1204, that was derived from ‘Teewon’. The greenbug resistance of line GRS 1204 is similar to that of line GRS 1201 that was earlier shown to have the greenbug resistance geneGb6 located on the 1RS arm of the wheat-rye translocation chromosome T1AL·1RS. BecauseGb6 in line GRS 1204 is present on one of the non-homoeologous translocation chromosomes, agronomically line GRS 1201 should be the better adapted source ofGb6 resistance and be used in cultivar improvement.
Real-time integrated photoacoustic and ultrasound (PAUS) imaging system to guide interventional procedures: ex vivo study

Because of depth-dependent light attenuation, bulky, low-repetition-rate lasers are usually used in most photoacoustic (PA) systems to provide sufficient pulse energies to image at depth within the body. However, integrating these lasers with real-time clinical ultrasound (US) scanners has been problematic because of their size and cost. In this paper, an integrated PA/US (PAUS) imaging system is presented operating at frame rates >30 Hz. By employing a portable, low-cost, low-pulse-energy (~2 mJ/pulse), high-repetition-rate (~1 kHz), 1053-nm laser, and a rotating galvo-mirror system enabling rapid laser beam scanning over the imaging area, the approach is demonstrated for potential applications requiring a few centimeters of penetration. In particular, we demonstrate here real-time (30 Hz frame rate) imaging (by combining multiple single-shot sub-images covering the scan region) of an 18-gauge needle inserted into a piece of chicken breast with subsequent delivery of an absorptive agent at more than 1-cm depth to mimic PAUS guidance of an interventional procedure. A signal-to-noise ratio of more than 35 dB is obtained for the needle in an imaging area 2.8 × 2.8 cm (depth × lateral). Higher frame rate operation is envisioned with an optimized scanning scheme.
Locus of control and symptoms of psychological distress among Chinese-Americans.

A sample of Chinese-Americans in the District of Columbia was drawn to examine the relationship between the locus of control, the personality factor, and two indices of symptoms of psychological distress. The findings indicated that the externals scored higher on symptomatology than did the internals. A multivariate analysis further compared the predictive utility of locus of control with other determinants of psychiatric symptoms, i.e., sex, marital status, SES, kinship and friendship tie, and amount of life change. The evidence showed that locus of control is an important determinant of Chinese-Americans' symptomatology. It accounted for a greater proportion of the variance in the two indices of psychological distress than did the other independent variables.
Overexpression, purification, and characterization of third component of complement

The third component of complement (C3) plays a critical role in both pathways of complement activation by interacting with numerous other complement proteins. To elucidate the molecular features of C3 that relate to the functional activities of the molecule, we expressed the cDNA of human complement component C3 in cultured insect cells using a baculovirus expression vector system derived from the baculovirus Autographa california nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). The expression of C3 was controlled by the promoter of the polyhedrin gene and, when recombinant baculovirus infected insect cells were cultured in serum-free medium, C3 was detected at a level of 10 micrograms/ml of culture medium. Characterization of the recombinant C3 (rC3) by SDS-PAGE revealed that the C3 gene product was translated as a 188 kDa protein comprised of two chains of 115 kDa and 73 kDa analogous to the alpha and beta chains of serum-derived human C3 (sC3). An analysis of the glycosylation pattern of purified rC3 revealed that, whereas both the alpha and beta chains were glycosylated as in sC3, the proC3 moiety of rC3 also was glycosylated. When rC3 was produced in the High Five cell line of insect cells and evaluated for reactivity with a panel of anti-C3 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb), the results suggested that the conformation of the baculovirus expressed C3 was similar to that of native C3. When the rC3 was purified by anion exchange column chromatography, it was able to react with several C3-binding proteins (CR1, P and H), reconstitute C3-deficient serum and support the activation of both complement pathways thus demonstrating that a baculovirus-expressed C3 can participate in the formation of and can be cleaved by both the classical and alternative pathway convertases. Incubation of rC3 with factor I and H revealed that both C3 and proC3 are susceptible to cleavage by factor I.
Notes on a Psychodynamic Theory of Terrorist Behavior

Abstract Because of the diversity of terrorist groups and causes, there is no one terrorist “mindset.” Within this diversity it is useful to distinguish two major categories: the “anarchic‐ideologues,” such as the Red Army Faction, committed to destroying the world of their fathers; and the “nationalist‐secessionists,” such as ETA of the Basques, who carry on the mission of their fathers. There is a tendency for marginal, isolated, and inadequate individuals from troubled family backgrounds to be attracted to the path of terrorism, so that for many, belonging to the terrorist group is the first time they truly belonged, and the group comes to represent family. This creates powerful pressures to conform within the group, for to disagree is to be seen as disloyal, and to risk losing the group. Organized against society, the group is seen as all good, and the outside society as all bad, this being the rationale for committing violent anti‐society acts.
Cyclic strain of adult stem cells modulates matrix metalloproteinase activity: Mechanism for promoting cell-based cardiac remodeling

within six weeks of transplantation and given in addition to systemic immunosuppression. A total of 56 patients received either 300 mg of CyIS (n 26) or aerosol placebo (n 30) three days a week for up to 2 years. Analysis of survival duration through study completion (August 21, 2003) has been previously presented, showing a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in mortality on the CyIS arm relative to the placebo (Hazard Ratio 0.213). To evaluate the persistence of the survival benefit observed with CyIS, post-study follow-up data has been collected through June 2004 on all randomized subjects. At the time of the August 2003 cut-off date, median survival was 39.9 months for the Placebo group, but was not estimable for the CyIS group since too few deaths had occurred. With the inclusion of the follow-up data through June 2004, median survival for the Placebo group was 51.4 months, while median survival was still not estimable for the CyIS group. The 51.4-month survival rate of 77% for the CyIS group demonstrates a clinically meaningful effect of CyIS that persists more than two years after the cessation of dosing. This study was funded by NIH Grant HL05949001. Data analyses were performed by Chiron Corporation.
AGE STRUCTURE AND GROWTH OF THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) FROM STRANDINGS IN THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND REGION OF THE NORTH‐CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO FROM 1986 TO 2003

Despite their high abundance and wide distribution, little is known about the historical or current growth and age structure of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus )i nthe north-central Gulf of Mexico. Between 1986 and 2003, teeth were collected from bottlenose dolphins stranded on the mainland coast of Mississippi and the adjacent barrier islands. Bottlenose dolphin strandings occurred year round, peaking in March and April. Neonate strandings also peaked during these 2 mo. Age estimates were obtained from 111 animals by reading the growth layer groups in the dentine layer of the teeth. The ages ranged from < 1y rt o3 0y ro fage. The two-stage Laird‐Gompertz growth model was fitted to the total length and age data. On the basis of this model, the asymptotic lengths were estimated at 250 cm for females and 255 cm for males. The length at birth estimates were 98‐103 cm for females and 100‐107 cm for males. These lengths are similar to those of bottlenose dolphin populations from other Gulf of Mexico areas and from the North Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern United States.
Conserved T Cell Receptor Repertoire in Primary and Memory CD8 T Cell Responses to an Acute Viral Infection

Viral infections often induce potent CD8 T cell responses that play a key role in antiviral immunity. After viral clearance, the vast majority of the expanded CD8 T cells undergo apoptosis, leaving behind a stable number of memory cells. The relationship between the CD8 T cells that clear the acute viral infection and the long-lived CD8 memory pool remaining in the individual is not fully understood. To address this issue, we examined the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of virus-specific CD8 T cells in the mouse model of infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) using three approaches: ( a ) in vivo quantitative TCR β chain V segment and complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) length repertoire analysis by spectratyping (immunoscope); ( b ) identification of LCMV-specific CD8 T cells with MHC class I tetramers containing viral peptide and costaining with TCR Vβ–specific antibodies; and ( c ) functional TCR fingerprinting based on recognition of variant peptides. We compared the repertoire of CD8 T cells responding to acute primary and secondary LCMV infections, together with that of virus-specific memory T cells in immune mice. Our analysis showed that CD8 T cells from several Vβ families participated in the anti-LCMV response directed to the dominant cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope (NP118–126). However, the bulk (∼70%) of this CTL response was due to three privileged T cell populations systematically expanding during LCMV infection. Approximately 30% of the response consisted of Vβ10+ CD8 T cells with a β chain CDR3 length of nine amino acids, and 40% consisted of Vβ8.1+ (β CDR3 = eight amino acids) and Vβ8.2+ cells (β CDR3 = six amino acids). Finally, we showed that the TCR repertoire of the primary antiviral CD8 T cell response was similar both structurally and functionally to that of the memory pool and the secondary CD8 T cell effectors. These results suggest a stochastic selection of memory cells from the pool of CD8 T cells activated during primary infection.
Some issues of power MOSFETs

Several recent studies of power MOSFETs are discussed in this paper: (a) The second-breakdown of power MOSFETs is shown to be triggered by the turn-on of the parasitic bipolar transistor, (b) The I-V characteristics of power MOSFETs operating in reverse mode (such as when used as a synchronous rectifier) are studied, (c) A H5°-spreadingangle model for the calculation of epi-resistance is shown to be more accurate than any previously published model for linear source geometry. More importantly, this model has been extended to cellular source geometries.
Investigation of germline PTEN, p53, p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF), and CDK4 alterations in familial glioma.

Epidemiological studies suggest that some familial aggregations of glioma may be due to inherited predisposition. Many genes involved in familial cancers are frequently altered in the corresponding sporadic forms. We have investigated several genes known to be altered in sporadic gliomas for their potential contribution to familial glioma. Fifteen glioma patients with a family history of brain tumors were identified through the Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology (nine diffuse astrocytomas, two oligodendrogliomas, two mixed oligoastrocytomas, one pilocytic astrocytoma, and one pineal glioma). Eleven of the propositi had one or more first degree relative with a glioma. Lymphocyte DNA was derived from each of the patients and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing of the PTEN, p53, p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF), and CDK4 genes. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on EBV-transformed lymphocytes from each affected individual to detect germline copy number of the p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF) tumor suppressor region. A p53 germline point mutation was identified in one family with some findings of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and a hemizygous germline deletion of the p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF) tumor suppressor region was demonstrated by FISH in a family with history of both astrocytoma and melanoma. Thus, whereas germ-line mutations of PTEN, p53, p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF), and CDK4 are not common events in familial glioma, outside of familial cancer syndromes, point mutations of p53 and hemizygous deletions and other rearrangements of the p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF) tumor suppressor region may account for a subset of familial glioma cases. Collectively, these data lend genetic support to the heritable nature of some cases of glioma.
Process engineering in the evolving chemical industry

This communication discusses the changing role of chemical process engineering (CPE) in the ongoing efforts to maintain profitability in the maturing traditional sectors of the chemical process industries, and in shaping the future of emerging sectors. We highlight some of the progress made by CPE and identify some areas that require increased attention as the industry continues to evolve.
Inhibition of Nocardia asteroides by Neutrophils

Neutrophils are found in lesions of Nocardia asteroides infection, but neutrophils kill few nocardiae in vitro. For determination of neutrophil inhibition of nocardiae, neutrophils and nocardiae were incubated together. Filament formation and amino acid uptake by nocardiae were inhibited for 7.5 hr. Thereafter, nocardiae extended long filaments from within neutrophils to the outside and increased their rate of amino acid uptake. Addition of freshly isolated neutrophils at 7.5 hr of incubation prolonged the inhibition. Electron micrographs revealed that neutrophils phagocytosed nocardiae but that most nocardiae did not appear damaged. Formalin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose abrogated the inhibition by neutrophils. Lysozyme and granule-cationic proteins inhibited amino acid uptake under some conditions. Lactoferrin and lactic acid had no effect, and the oxidative metabolic burst was not required. These findings and clinical observations suggest that inhibition of N. asteroides by neutrophils may be important in vivo.
IP-QAT: in-product questions, answers, & tips

We present IP-QAT, a new community-based question and answer system for software users. Unlike most community forums, IP-QAT is integrated into the actual software application, allowing users to easily post questions, answers and tips without having to leave the application. Our in-product implementation is context-aware and shows relevant posts based on a user's recent activity. It is also designed with minimal transaction costs to encourage users to easily post, include annotated images and file attachments, as well as tag their posts with relevant UI components. We describe a robust cloud-based system implementation, which allowed us to release IP-QAT to 37 users for a 2 week field study. Our study showed that IP-QAT increased user contributions, and subjectively, users found our system more useful and easier to use, in comparison to the existing commercial discussion board.
A practical algorithm for static analysis of parallel programs

Abstract One approach to analyzing the behavior of a concurrent program requires determining the reachable program states. A program state consists of a set of task states, the values of shared variables used for synchronization, and local variables that derive the values directly from synchronization operations. However, the number of reachable states rises exponentially with the number of tasks and becomes intractable for many concurrent programs. A variation of this approach merges a set of related states into a single virtual state . Using this approach, the analysis of concurrent programs becomes feasible as the number of virtual states is often orders of magnitude less than the number of reachable states. This paper presents a method for determining the virtual states that describe the reachable program states, and the reduction in the number of states is analyzed. The algorithms given have been implemented in a static program analyzer for multitasking Fortran, and the results obtained are discussed.
Geographic distribution of major crops across the world

[1] Humans have transformed the surface of the planet through agricultural activities, and today, ∼12% of the land surface is used for cultivation and another 22% is used for pastures and rangelands. In this paper, we have synthesized satellite-derived land cover data and agricultural census data to produce global data sets of the distribution of 18 major crops across the world. The resulting data are representative of the early 1990s, have a spatial resolution of 5 min. (∼10 km), and describe the fraction of a grid cell occupied by each of the 18 crops. The global crop data are consistent with our knowledge of agricultural geography, and compares favorably to another existing data set that partially overlaps with our product. We have also analyzed how different crops are grown in combination to form major crop belts throughout the world. Further, we analyzed the patterns of crop diversification across the world. While these data are not sufficiently accurate at local scales, they can be used to analyze crop geography in a regional-to-global context. They can also be used to understand the global patterns of farming systems, in analyses of food security, and within global ecosystem and climate models to understand the environmental consequences of cultivation.
Simultaneous imaging of myocardial motion and chamber blood flow with SPAMM n' EGGS (Spatial Modulation of Magnetization With Encoded Gradients for Gauging Speed).

Correlated Measurements of myocardial motion and chamber blood flow may provide useful diagnostic information and procedural feedback in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) (1), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (2), LV dilatative cardiomyopathy (3), and LV dyssynchrony (4), at rest and under stress. Although ultrasound-based imaging methods are the current state of the art, MR imaging has become well established as an important modality for imaging myocardial strain and trans-valvular blood flow. Methods such as MR tagging (5,6), phase contrast (7-10), or stimulated echo imaging (11-13) provide precise measurements of regional and global wall motion, while phase contrast methods have also demonstrated the capability to measure intracardiac flows (14-16), and compute regurgitant flow volumes (17,18). In this study, we present a new MR imaging method, called SPAMM n' EGGS (spatial modulation of magnetization acquisitions with encoded gradients for gauging speed), that combines tagging and phase-contrast imaging principles to provide simultaneous, correlated, spatially and temporally registered measurements of one-dimensional (1-D) tissue motion and 1-D chamber blood flow in any desired slice orientation in the heart in a single breath-held acquisition using a unified imaging protocol. This is achieved by playing a velocity encoded bipolar gradient sensitive to chamber blood flow before the readout gradient in a 1-1 SPAMM-tagged MR imaging pulse sequence. The sequence of images obtained is later postprocessed to separate the motion and flow terms. On a four-chamber slice, for example, the data acquired permits the simultaneous time-resolved examination of the left-ventricular myocardial strain patterns and blood flow patterns across the mitral valve and the aortic valve. This technique may provide valuable feedback on the interplay between tissue dynamics and chamber blood flow before, during, and after surgical procedures (e.g., mitral valve repair) in multiple representative slice orientations. Any physiologic transient events (for example, stress) that occur during the acquisition will be manifested in a correlated manner on both the motion and the flow data sets as they are acquired simultaneously. Visualization tools provide the simultaneous display of this motion and flow data in a semiautomated manner offline. Results obtained in normal volunteers (n = 7) and two pigs with moderate induced IMR are presented in this study. The synchronicity of the computed longitudinal shortening curves in the septum and the free wall and the flow curves across the mitral valve and the aortic valve is examined. A comparison of these measurements against those obtained using conventional tagging and phase-contrast pulse sequences is also presented. In the following section, we first describe the 1-1 SPAMM tagging equation and later extend it to derive the image equations for SPAMM n' EGGS.
Purification of Murine Pulmonary Type II Cells for Flow Cytometric Cell Cycle Analysis

Mice are widely used as animal models for in vivo lung disease. Despite this fact, few methods exist for isolation of type II pneumocytes from mouse lung, limiting the study of alveolar epithelial characteristics in these models. This study investigated several methods for labeling murine lung cell suspensions for flow cytometric identification and sorting of type II pneumocytes. Crude lung cell suspensions were prepared after intratracheal instillation of Dispose and were labeled using phosphine alone or in combination with Helix pomatia lectin, Madura pomifera lectin, or anti-murine-CD32. Crude cell suspensions yielded 17.4 million cells per animal with 19.5% type II pneumocytes by Pap staining. Ultrastructural evaluation of the sorted cell pellets (1—1.5 million cells each) demonstrated optimal type II cell purity in preparations labeled with phosphine and anti-CD32 (94.3% type II cells, 0.4% macrophages, 2.8% Clara cells, and 2.5% other). Nuclear suspensions appropriate for cell cycle analysis were pr...
Differential associations between maternal scaffolding and toddler emotion regulation in toddlers born preterm and full term

Background Parental “scaffolding” behavior has been associated with developmental outcomes in at-risk children.
Demonstration of the dual-tripler scheme for increased-bandwidth third-harmonic generation.

The dual-tripler scheme for enhancing the bandwidth of third-harmonic generation proposed by Eimerl ??[Opt.??Lett.??22, 1208 (1997)] is experimentally demonstrated for the conversion of 1054-nm radiation to 351??nm. It is shown that the spacing between the triplers must be carefully controlled. The results are in excellent agreement with theory and indicate that fusion lasers can be frequency tripled with a threefold increase in bandwidth.
Development of an emission factor for ammonia emissions from US swine farms based on field tests and application of a mass balance method

This paper discusses and summarizes post-1994 US and European information on ammonia ðNH3Þ emissions from swine farms and assesses the applicability for general use in the United States. The emission rates for the houses calculated by various methods show good agreement and suggest that the houses are a more significant source than previously thought. A general emission factor for houses of 3:771: 0k g NH 3=year=finisher pig or 59710 g NH3=kg live weight/year is recommended. For lagoons, it was found that there is good similarity between the field test results and the number calculated by a mass balance method. The suggested annual NH3 emission factor for lagoons based on field tests at one swine farm lagoon in North Carolina is 2: 4k g=year=pig: Emission rates from sprayfields were estimated using a total mass balance approach, while subtracting the house and lagoon emissions. The total emission rates for finishing pigs at the test farm compared well to the total rate established by a mass balance approach based on nitrogen intake and volatilization. Therefore, it was concluded that a mass balance approach can be helpful in estimating NH3 emissions from swine farms. A general emission factor of 77 2k g NH3=pig=year could be developed, which is comparable to general European emission factors, which varied from 4.8 to 6: 4k g NH 3=pig=year: r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Use of GHB Compounds by HIV-Positive Individuals

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been used by body-builders to enhance performance and by young adults in rave parties. Warnings have been posted about its addictive potential. The use of these dietary compounds is currently banned by the Food and Drug Administration, but they are widely available through the Internet and in certain communities. The purpose of the study was to examine the use of these compounds by HIV-positive individuals and to investigate their knowledge of the addictive potential of GHB and its related dietary compounds. One hundred HIV-positive individuals from the UCSD outpatient HIV clinic responded to an anonymous survey that inquired about their knowledge, use, and effects produced by GHB containing dietary compounds. The most common reported dietary compound beside GHB was Growth Hormone Release Extract (GHRE). Fifty-two percent of individuals reported using at least one GHB containing dietary compound. Gay subjects reported the highest use of GHB compounds (76.9%; p < or = 0.001). The most common effect reported by users was increased energy (71%). Only 24% of the total responders knew about GHB's addictive potential. Among reported users of GHB containing compounds, fourteen (27%) knew about its addictive potential and nine (17%) knew that the compound is illegal. This study shows that HIV-positive gay individuals attending our clinic are using GHB compounds. Reported GHB users have limited knowledge about its addictive potential and serious adverse effects. More controlled studies are needed to evaluate long-term effects of dietary compounds containing GHB, especially among HIV-positive individuals who are actively receiving antiretroviral treatment.
HARVEST PARAMETERS OF URBAN AND RURAL MOURNING DOVES IN OHIO

Abstract Few if any studies have examined the influence of a recently implemented hunting season on harvest characteristics of mourning doves (Zenaida macroura). We conducted a reward banding study in Ohio, USA, during 1996–1998 to compare harvest rates in urban and rural areas and to estimate overall harvest rate and band-reporting rate. Estimates from band-recovery models provided strong evidence for site- and year-specific variation in harvest rates of doves captured at urban and rural sites. Annual harvest-rate estimates ranged from 0.006 (95% CI: 0.001 to 0.011) to 0.011 (95% CI: 0.005 to 0.018) for birds captured at urban sites, and from 0.034 (95% CI: 0.022 to 0.045) to 0.054 (95% CI: 0.039 to 0.069) for birds captured at rural sites. The estimated reporting rate of 0.208 (95% CI: 0.142 to 0.274) was less than previously published estimates, probably because of a lack of familiarity of hunters with dove bands. In our study, >80% of the harvest of banded birds occurred in Ohio, suggesting that hunti...
A TRITYLODONT POSTCANINE FROM THE HANSON FORMATION OF ANTARCTICA

Department of Geology, The Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake ShoreDrive, Chicago, Illinois, 60605, U.S.A.Since the discovery of the first Triassic terrestrial vertebratefossil from Antarctica in 1967 (Barrett et al., 1968), three signifi-cant Mesozoic faunas have been identified and described fromthe central Transantarctic Mountains (Colbert, 1982; Hammer,1990; Hammer and Hickerson, 1994; Fig. 1). Lower Triassic ver-tebrates occur at numerous localities in exposures of the lowerFremouw Formation near the Beardmore and Shackleton Gla-ciers. A lower Middle Triassic assemblage has been described inthe Beardmore Glacier region from upper Fremouw localities inthe Gordon Valley and on Fremouw Peak. Finally, a LowerJurassic fauna from the Hanson Formation was discovered dur-ing the 1990–1991 field season on Mt. Kirkpatrick, near theBeardmore Glacier (Fig. 1). During the 2003–2004 field season,this locality was revisited, and additional vertebrate remainswere collected.To date, Jurassic tetrapod fossils from Antarctica include theskull and associated postcranium of the crested theropod dino-saur,
Normal pregnancies in a juvenile hypothyroid patient.

Abstract Survival of children with hypothyroidism, congenital or acquired, until the childbearing age is not unusual. A successful pregnancy in such an individual, however, is unusual, if she has not received thyroid replacement therapy. We have been able to find in the literature reports of pregnancies occurring in 6 untreated cretins. In 1897, Townsend 1 presented a case of a typical cretin who became pregnant; no mention of therapy was made in this report. Five years later, Herrgott 2 reported a pregnancy in a juvenile hypothyroid patient; once again this article did not mention therapy. Burk and Kerr 3 referred to Merguet's cretinous patient who became pregnant without any thyroid hormone treatment. In 1943, in a review of the subject, Parkin and Greene 4 reported the coincidence of pregnancy and hypothyroidism in one juvenile hypothyroid patient and in one cretin. Finally, Zondek, 5 in the fourth edition of his "Diseases of the Endocrine Glands", mentioned another untreated cretin who became pregnant. The purpose of this report is to record the observations of a patient who was delivered of two normal children despite untreated prepubertal hypothyroidism and who subsequently developed the typical picture of severe myxedema.
Relation of QRS Duration to Clinical Benefit of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Mild Heart Failure Patients Without Left Bundle Branch Block The Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Substudy

Background— There are conflicting data regarding the efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) and without left bundle branch block. Methods and Results— We evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of 537 non–left bundle branch block patients with mild HF enrolled in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT) study by QRS duration or morphology further stratified by PR interval. At 7 years of follow-up, the cumulative probability of HF hospitalization or death was 45% versus 56% among patients randomized to implantable cardioverter–defibrillator and CRT with defibrillator (CRT-D), respectively ( P =0.209). Multivariable-adjusted subgroup analysis by QRS duration showed that patients from the lower quartile QRS duration group (≤134 ms) experienced 2.4-fold ( P =0.015) increased risk for HF hospitalization or death with CRT-D versus implantable cardioverter–defibrillator only therapy, whereas the effect of CRT-D in patients from the upper quartiles group (QRS>134 ms) was neutral (hazard ratio [HR] =0.97, P =0.86; P value for interaction =0.024). In a second analysis incorporating PR interval, patients with prolonged QRS (>134 ms) and prolonged PR (>230 ms) were protected with CRT-D (HR=0.31, P =0.003), whereas the association was neutral with prolonged QRS (>134 ms) and shorter PR (≤230 ms;, HR=1.19, P =0.386; P value for interaction =0.002). The effect was neutral, regardless of morphology, right bundle branch block (HR=1.01, P =0.975), and intraventricular conduction delay (HR=1.31, P =0.172). Conclusions— Overall, patients with mild HF but without left bundle branch block morphology did not derive clinical benefit with CRT-D during long-term follow-up. Relatively shorter QRS was associated with a significantly increased risk with CRT-D relative to implantable cardioverter–defibrillator -only. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: . Unique identifiers: [NCT00180271][1], [NCT01294449][2], and [NCT02060110][3]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00180271&atom=%2Fcirchf%2F9%2F2%2Fe002667.atom [2]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01294449&atom=%2Fcirchf%2F9%2F2%2Fe002667.atom [3]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT02060110&atom=%2Fcirchf%2F9%2F2%2Fe002667.atom
Return on Investment in Dental Education: Is It Worth It?

The cost of higher education has been in the national headlines like never before. The economic downturn, decreases in state and federal higher education funding, and plummeting university and college endowments have all contributed to financial burdens and budget cuts that have forced college and
Examining the Impact of Video Modeling Techniques on the Efficacy of Clinical Voice Assessment.

Summary Objectives The purpose of the current study was to determine whether or not presenting patients with a video model improves efficacy of the assessment as defined by efficiency and decreased variability in trials during the acoustic component of voice evaluations. Methods Twenty pediatric participants with a mean age of 7.6 years (SD = 1.50; range = 6–11 years), 32 college-age participants with a mean age of 21.32 years (SD = 1.61; range = 18–30 years), and 17 adult participants with a mean age of 54.29 years (SD = 2.78; range = 50–70 years) were included in the study and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group viewed a training video prior to receiving verbal instructions and performing acoustic assessment tasks, whereas the control group received verbal instruction only prior to completing the acoustic assessment. Primary measures included the number of clinician cues required and instructional time. Standard deviations of acoustic measurements (eg, minimum and maximum frequency) were also examined to determine effects on stability. Results Individuals in the experimental group required significantly less cues, P = 0.012, compared to the control group. Although some trends were observed in instructional time and stability of measurements, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions The findings of this study may be useful for speech-language pathologists in regard to improving assessment of patients' voice disorders with the use of video modeling.