cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Interference Cancellation Method Using Fixed Beamformer and Adaptive Filter in Car Environment

In-car speech interactive system usually requires to selectively be controlled by one or more person in the vehicle. Beamforming is often introduced to deal with this case by using microphone array. However, most of the beamforming methods like fixed beamformer, Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) and Generalized Sidelobe Canceller (GSC) show limited performance when two or more passengers speak simultaneously. Speech recognition pass rate will be severely degraded by the residual interference. And in car environment, speaker's location is previously known and relatively fixed, so an optimized interference cancellation method is proposed to separate desired signal from interferences. The proposed method consists of two parts, beamforming by using multiple fixed beamformer and optimized joint adaptive filter. The proposed beamforming method can provide better reference signal with less desired signal component compared with conventional beamforming method. Thus, by utilizing a powerful adaptive filter, residual noise and interference can be further suppressed with acceptable speech distortion. Simulation and real car experimental results show significant improvement on signal to noise plus interference ratio (SINR) and character error rate (CER).
Near Term Computer Management Strategy For Hospitality Managers and Computer System Vendors

In his dialogue Near Term Computer Management Strategy For Hospitality Managers and Computer System Vendors by William O'Brien, Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, Associate Professor O’Brien initially states: “The computer revolution has only just begun. Rapid improvement in hardware will continue into the foreseeable future; over the last five years it has set the stage for more significant improvements in software technology still to come. John Naisbitt's information electronics economy1 based on the creation and distribution of information has already arrived and as computer devices improve, hospitality managers will increasingly do at least a portion of their work with software tools.” At the time of this writing Assistant Professor O’Brien will have you know, contrary to what some people might think, the computer revolution is not over, it’s just beginning; it’s just an embryo. Computer technology will only continue to develop and expand, says O’Brien with citation. “A complacent few of us who feel “we have survived the computer revolution” will miss opportunities as a new wave of technology moves through the hospitality industry,” says ‘Professor O’Brien. “Both managers who buy technology and vendors who sell it can profit from strategy based on understanding the wave of technological innovation,” is his informed opinion. Property managers who embrace rather than eschew innovation, in this case computer technology, will benefit greatly from this new science in hospitality management, O’Brien says. “The manager who is not alert to or misunderstands the nature of this wave of innovation will be the constant victim of technology,” he
Associations of Dietary Patterns and Nutrients with Glycated Hemoglobin in Participants with and without Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: Diet has been associated with poor glycemic control in diabetes. Few studies have examined this association in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. Methods: We report data from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses from a coronary artery calcification in type 1 diabetes (CACTI) study (n = 1257; T1D: n = 568; non-diabetic controls: n = 689) collected between the years 2000 and 2002. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, a physical examination, and biochemical analyses. Dietary patterns based on variations in food group intake were created with principal components analysis. Linear regression was used to examine the associations of dietary patterns, macronutrients, and food groups with HbA1c in a model adjusted for relevant covariates and stratified by diabetes status. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified: “fruits, veggies, meats, cereal”, “baked desserts” and “convenience foods and alcohol” patterns. At baseline, a higher intake of the “baked dessert” pattern was significantly associated with higher HbA1c in T1D at baseline as well at year 6 of the study when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, total calories, and diabetes duration. No such associations were observed in the case of non-diabetic controls. Dietary saturated fats and animal fats were also positively associated with HbA1c in adults with T1D at baseline and/or at year 6. Conclusions: The habitual intake of a dietary pattern that is characterized by an increased intake of added sugar and saturated fats, such as in baked desserts, may increase risks of poor glycemic control in T1D.
Membangun Solidaritas Kemanusiaan: Kritik Nabi Amos Terhadap Praktik Pelanggaran Hak Asasi Manusia

This research aims to explore the implementation of human rights in the 8th century BC. The prophet Amos's criticism was aimed at the failure of nations to build human solidarity which was shown in various human rights violations. The approach method used is a form criticism approach, a synchronic and diachronic approach that seeks to examine the historical context of the book of Amos. The results obtained from the research show that violations of human rights during the Amos era include: deprivation of one's right to life and property, trafficking and human slavery, loss of fraternal solidarity, anger, and revenge, intimidation, terror and fear, the humiliation of human beings, refusal. rule of law. Israel's crimes against humanity are driven by a materialistic spirit so that it carries out the sale of the righteous, the poor, the weak, the exploitation of women, fines, and debts. Building humanitarianism through law enforcement so that truth and justice are created in society.
SUMO paralogue-specific functions revealed through systematic analysis of human knockout cell lines and gene expression data.

Analysis of SUMO1 and SUMO2 knockout cells reveals unique functions for SUMO paralogues in regulating cellular morphology, PML nuclear body structure, responses to proteotoxic and genotoxic stress,...
Why Do We Need To Diversify the Microbial Sciences

We can learn from the diversity of microbial communities, represented by the thriving of different species. Failure to build inclusive microbial sciences only perpetuates an imbalance that is damaging to the scientific community. As microbiologists, are we ready to lead the way on diversity and inclusion initiatives and set an example for the rest of the professions and scientific fields?
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND CAPACITY

In this chapter, exercise performance and physiology in the patient with a univentricular heart will be discussed. While almost all of the material will be relevant to children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), very little of the data will be derived from studies whose subjects are limited to children with HLHS. There are two primary reasons for this approach. First, the low number of children with HLHS is such that, except for rare institutions, there are insufficient numbers to allow studies on exercise performance in just these children. Second, these children are only now coming to an age where exercise testing is feasible in sufficient numbers to assess their exercise capabilities, and to compare them with other types of patients with single ventricle physiology.
Increased insulin sensitivity in iron-deficient rats.

Iron deficient (ID) and control (C) rats were studied to determine if severe iron deficiency alters insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps were conducted by infusing insulin (2 m mu.kg-1.min-1, constant rate) for 120 min while maintaining euglycemia. In a 12-h fasted state, ID rats were hyperglycemic (109.4 +/- 4.0 mg.dL-1 arterial plasma glucose, x +/- SEM) when compared with C rats (86.9 +/- 3.4 mg.dL-1) (P less than 0.05). Even though insulin was infused identically on a per kilogram body weight basis for both groups, the resulting hyperinsulinemia was higher in ID rats (3.1 +/- 0.27 ng.mL-1) compared with C rats (2.3 +/- 0.4 ng.mL-1) at the end of the clamp. Glucose infusion rates required to maintain euglycemia were twofold higher in ID rats (27.0 +/- 5.4 mg.kg-1.min-1) versus C rats (13.1 +/- 3.3 mg.kg-1.min-1) (P less than 0.05). Circulating lactic acid increased in both groups, and the concentrations in ID rats (3.2 +/- 0.4 mmol.L-1) were significantly higher than those in C rats (1.8 +/- 0.5 mmol.L-1) at the end of the clamp. When the efficiency of insulin to dispose glucose was evaluated by calculating the glucose disposal divided by the prevailing insulinemia, ID rats could dispose of almost twice the glucose per unit of insulin [9.0 +/- 0.6 (mg.kg-1.min-1)/(ng.mL-1)] when compared with C rats [5.6 +/- 0.9 (mg.kg-1.min-1)/(ng.mL-1)] (P less than 0.05). The data indicate that insulin sensitivity is increased in ID rats and that ID rats cannot metabolize exogenous insulin as well as C rats.
Fundamental Linear Algebra Computations on High- Performance Computers

This paper presents an overview of the LAPACK library, a portable, public domain library to solve the most common linear algebra problems. This library provides a uniformly designed set of subroutines for solving systems of simultaneous linear equations, least-squares problems, and eigenvalue problems for dense and banded matrices. We elaborate on the design methodologies incorporated to make the LAPACK codes efficient on today’s high-performance architectures. In particular, we discuss the use of block algorithms, and the reliance on the Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS). We present performance results which show the suitability of the LAPACK approach for vector uniprocessors and shared-memory multiprocessors. We also discuss some issues that have to be addressed in implementing such a library on other types of parallel architectures. This involves efficient implementations of the BLAS on parallel machines, the proper choice of blocking parameters, and the use of parallelism outside of the BLAS.
Algae — resource or scourge?

In the quest for new sources of energy, renewed interest and consideration has been given to seaweed. Their biomass is large, and development of marine farms could conceivably be economically advantageous and environmentally tolerable. Large seaweeds are dominant in most shallow coastal waters; various species have been gathered and/or cultivated. Emphasis in Part I is placed on kelp. Marine farms could be more productive than natural ecosystems. Artificial upwellings can enhance productivity. Methane and other gases, electrical power, but also food, feed, and fertilizer can be produced from seaweed through physico‐chemical processes, or by direct use. Large ocean farms, however, pose environmental problems ranging from pollution to cluttering. Part 2 (Economies and Environment) will appear in the next issue of this journal.
Flexible Pavement Design: State-of-the-Art—1975

This paper presents a state-of-the-art of asphalt concrete pavement design. It includes a summary of a few of the widely used existing design procedures for both highway and airfield pavements as well as a summary of some of the research of the past 10 yr considered to be implementable. In the first portion of the paper, a framework of pavement design concepts is established and the current design procedures are viewed within this framework. The second section of the paper summarizes recent research that can be used to extend the bounds of pavement design to consider increased loadings beyond those associated with existing procedures and more effective use of stabilized and marginal materials and provide improved reliability in design. This implementable research includes improved methods for determining useful material properties, predicting pavement response to both load and environmental effects, and distress prediction including fatigue, rutting and thermal cracking.
Microprocessor-based adaptive thermal control for an air-cooled computer CPU module

This paper summarizes an exploration of design strategies for a microprocessor-based adaptive thermal control system for heat-dissipating computer CPU modules. The thermal control system contains a cold plate with an air-cooled base mode and a thermo-electric heat pump element that can boost cooling performance when needed. The microprocessor programming includes models of the heat transfer in the cold plate and the thermal performance of the thermo-electric heat pump and the fan coolers. The microprocessor is programmed to compare the thermal control system model predictions to the existing operating conditions. The results of this comparison are used to facilitate control of the cooling system and to provide fault detection during its operation. This paper reports the progress of an ongoing study that will explore different ways that the computational capability of the processor can be used to minimize power consumption while maintaining adequate processor temperature control over broadly varying operating conditions. The investigation also explores the merits of different strategies for incorporating fault detection features into the microprocessor programming to enhance the reliability and robustness of the system.
Acidic precursor revealed in human eosinophil granule major basic protein cDNA

Eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP), a potent toxin for helminths and various cell types, is a 13.8-kD single polypeptide rich in arginine with a calculated isoelectric point (pI) of 10.9. A cDNA for human MBP was isolated from a gamma GT10 HL-60 cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence of the MBP cDNA indicates that MBP is translated as a 25.2-kD preproprotein. The 9.9-kD pro-portion of proMBP is rich in glutamic and aspartic acids and has a calculated pI of 3.9, while proMBP itself has a calculated pI of 6.2. We suggest that MBP is translated as a nontoxic precursor that protects the eosinophil from damage while the protein is processed through the endoplasmic reticulum to its sequestered site in the granule core toxic MBP, and we present results from the literature suggesting that other cationic toxins, which damage cell membranes, may also be processed from nontoxic precursors containing distinct anionic and cationic regions.
Kneallhazia (=Thelohania) Solenopsae Infection Rate of Pseudacteon curvatus Flies Determined by Multiplex PCR

A multiplex PCR method was developed and used to determine the infection rate of Kneallhazia solenopsae in individual Pseudacteon curvatus flies in north-central Florida. Among P. curvatus flies infected with K. solenopsae, 2 amplicons were produced, one of 800 nucleotides from the P. curvatus 18S rRNA gene, and one of 318 nucleotides from the K. solenopsae 16S rRNA gene. Multiplex PCR of DNA extracted from P. curvatus flies was capable of detecting 117.5 ± 82.7 K. solenopsae spore equivalents. The mean K. solenopsae infection rate of P. curvatus from 4 sites in Gainesville and Williston, Florida, was 12.3 ± 5.0%. The K. solenopsae infection rate for P. curvatus was independent of the K. solenopsae infection rate observed among S. invicta nests from where the fly collections took place. Not all P. curvatus flies that developed in K. solenopsae-infected fire ants were positive for K. solenopsae upon eclosion. Among 50 P. curvatus flies known to develop in K. solenopsae-infected S. invicta workers, 12 (24%) were positive for K. solenopsae at eclosion.
Vicarious perception of postural discomfort and exertion.

Perceived exertion and discomfort have been used extensively in ergonomics practice. Job incumbents typically rate their exertion on scales such as Borg's rated perceived effort (RPE) and their discomfort on scales such as Corlett and Bishop's body part discomfort scales (BPD). This study asks whether exertion and discomfort can be perceived by an external observer, i.e. is vicarious perception possible? Four participants (targets) performed 20 postural holding tasks selected from Ovako Working Posture Analysing System postures and gave RPE and BPD scores for each posture. Video clips of each target in each posture were shown to four expert ergonomists and 23 novices, who also gave RPE and BPD scores. Correlations between targets and observers scores were high, with significance exceeding p = 0.01. Observers were generally conservative, rating easy postures too high and difficult postures too low. All observers rated female targets higher than male targets. Female observers rated all targets higher then m...
Solvent extraction studies with carbon paste electrodes

Abstract Trends and changes in the accumulation behavior of organic compounds at carbon paste electrodes have been investigated in a systematic manner as a function of the electrode composition. The correlation between distribution experiments and analogous voltammetric measurements have been explored, and solvent extraction principles have been used for understanding the resulting voltammetric response. The dynamic behavior of the accumulation was evaluated for a variety of pasting liquids, graphites, and liquid-to-graphite ratios. As a result, a new knowledge of the accumulation behavoir has been obtained. Both extraction and adsorption proceed simultaneously at different extents. The relative contribution of extraction decrease in the direction of the “dry” graphite limit. Chlorpromazine and butylated hydroxyanisole have been used as model compounds. The role of solute has been evaluated using various dimethylanilines.
Isl1 Identifies a Cardiac Progenitor Population that Proliferates Prior to Differentiation and Contributes a Majority of Cells to the Heart

Hearts of mice lacking Isl1, a LIM homeodomain transcription factor, are completely missing the outflow tract, right ventricle, and much of the atria. isl1 expression and lineage tracing of isl1-expressing progenitors demonstrate that Isl1 is a marker for a distinct population of undifferentiated cardiac progenitors that give rise to the cardiac segments missing in isl1 mutants. Isl1 function is required for these progenitors to contribute to the heart. In isl1 mutants, isl1-expressing progenitors are progressively reduced in number, and FGF and BMP growth factors are downregulated. Our studies define two sets of cardiogenic precursors, one of which expresses and requires Isl1 and the other of which does not. Our results have implications for the development of specific cardiac lineages, left-right asymmetry, cardiac evolution, and isolation of cardiac progenitor cells.
Patient-centered communication strategies for patients with aphasia: Discrepancies between what patients want and what physicians do

Abstract Background Communication during clinical encounters can be challenging with patients with communication disabilities. Physicians have the potential to positively affect the encounter by using communication strategies that engage the patient in patient-centered communication. Objective We engaged patients and their physicians in defining their preferences for patient-centered communication strategies, then evaluated the use of the identified strategies during observed clinical encounters. Methods We video-recorded 25 clinical encounters with persons with aphasia. All encounters were previously scheduled with community physicians and a companion was present. Following each encounter, physicians completed a brief questionnaire and the person with aphasia and his or her companion participated in a video elicitation interview. Results While many of the communication strategies identified and described by physicians, patients and companions were similar, patients and companions identified three additional key communication strategies. These strategies included (1) using visual aids, (2) writing down key words while speaking, and (3) using gestures. In the video recorded clinical encounters, no physicians wrote down key words while speaking and only one used a visual aid during the clinical encounter. The frequency with which physicians used gestures varied greatly, even within the same patient, suggesting the use of gestures was independent of patient or companion characteristics. Conclusions To maximize patient-centered communication with patients with communication disabilities, physicians should use “disability-specific” communication strategies. Our study suggests that physicians should routinely ask patients and companions about communication preferences and then incorporate identified communication strategies into their communication style.
Universal newborn hearing screening follow-up in two Georgia populations: Newborn, mother and system correlates

Summary Background Nearly half of babies who “fail” their newborn hearing screening do not receive appropriate follow-up. Various explanations have been suggested. Objective To investigate, in two contrasting populations of newborns in Georgia, contemporaneous medical, socio-demographic and screening correlates of follow-up after newborn hearing screening. Three hypotheses were addressed: (1) follow-up correlated with particular medical, social and demographic features; (2) screening performance indicators correlated with follow-up; and (3) screening policies and procedures correlated with follow-up. Methods The studied babies, born July 2001 through June 2003 at Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital and Waycross Health District, had failed screening in both ears. Each site had about 4000 births per year, and a plan for outpatient follow-up of in-patient “fail” babies. Results At Piedmont, where Medicaid funded less than 7% of the births, 57% (130/230) had known follow-up to outpatient screening. In contrast, at Waycross, where Medicaid funded 89.6% of the births, 100% (38/38) had follow-up. The first study hypothesis was only partially supported by the data—from Piedmont, but not Waycross. White race and maternal age 30 years or older correlated with following-up: odds ratios 2.07 (95% CI 1.17, 3.68) and 1.83 (1.05, 3.17), respectively. Private health insurance and marriage trended with following-up. Follow-up rates did not correlate with the rates of screening refusal, missed screening and “fail” rates. Follow-up was unrelated to mothers witnessing the screening, receiving in-person explanations and having appointments arranged for them. The Piedmont and Waycross programs were quite different. Piedmont's began in 2001, mothers typically learned about screening when it was done and “fail” babies were reported to many public health entities. In contrast, the Waycross program was more than 20 years old, prenatal care included teaching about screening and reporting was to one public health entity. Conclusions Though maternal socio-demographic features (poor, non-white, young) and access problems have been considered factors for non-follow-up, this study found two program characteristics most important: the lack of prenatal education about newborn hearing screening, and the lack of functionally integrated hospital hearing information with Public Health.
Lipolysis in Homogenates of Adipose Tissue: An Inhibitor Found in Fat from Obese Rats

The presence of a lipidbound inhibitor in adipose tissue of rats with hypothalamic obesity may explain the failure of the tissue to release fatty acids on epinephrine stinmulation. Aqueous extracts of tissue from obese animals showed no deficiency of lipase activity, but when whole homogenates of epididymal fat from lean and obese animals were mixed, 25 percent tissue from obese animals reduced by 73 percent the release expected from tissue of lean controls.
Improved method for preparing 3-azabicyclo(3.2.1)octane hydrochloride and the synthesis of its phenothiazine derivatives.

Hydrazoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid and phosphorus pent-oxide has improved the yield of the lactam in the Schmidt reaction of norcamphor. Reduction of the lactam with lithium aluminum hydride gives 3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-octane in good yields. The synthesis of two new phenothiazine derivatives of this complex amine is reported.
Influence of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 Signaling on Thyroid Morphology and Function

Interferon (IFN)-γ has been involved in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis. It is a cytokine released by infiltrating mononuclear cells that mediates its actions mainly through signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) but also through other transcription factors. To dissect the effect of IFNγ on thyroid morphology and function, we crossed transgenic mice that express IFNγ specifically in the thyroid gland to mice deficient in STAT1. Lack of STAT1 ameliorated the abnormal thyroid morphology and the primary hypothyroidism typical of IFNγ transgenic mice but not the suppressed iodine accumulation. Interestingly, lack of STAT1 alone decreased iodine accumulation, seemingly through expression of TGFβ. These results indicate that STAT1 is required to mediate some but not all of the phenotypic changes induced by IFNγ and that it also regulates iodine accumulation via TGFβ signaling.
Validity of Brownian-motion theory of activated processes: Sublimation

A method is presented for calculating the rates of activated processes when the preconditions for the use of Brownian-motion theory are not met. Use of this theory requires the existence of a separation of time scales of bath and reactant motions: That of the bath must be much more rapid than that of the reactants. This results in quasiequilibrium. In the absence of such a time-scale separation, it is argued that rates are more correctly obtained by examination of the frequency at which instabilities are produced in the normal-mode spectrum of the system. Instabilities are the result of random modulation of certain parameters in the problem which is made manifest by retention of selected anharmonic terms in the potential energy of the system under investigation. Here, a calculation is made of the rate at which a particle leaves a self-adsorbed position on the surface of a solid, which is the rate-limiting step for the process of sublimation. This rate has the form of an Arrhenius law and the effective activation energy may be compared to that obtained by the use of absolute rate theory (ART). If the linear coupling at the surface is large compared to that in the bulk (or if the adsorbed particle's mass is smaller than that of the substrate particles) the effect of the adsorbed particle, in the harmonic approximation, is to induce a local mode. In this case, the result of the method presented here differs greatly from that of ART, which predicts a rate which is far too high. However, when the coupling at the surface is comparable to or less than that in the bulk, there is close agreement between the two methods. It is thus concluded that absolute rate theory should work well for processes involved in sublimation.
Substrate response to atomic scattering from solid surfaces

Abstract A technique for calculating the response of the substrate to atomic scattering from solid surfaces is presented. It utilizes a time-dependent phonon Green's function approach to calculate the propagation into the substrate of a disturbance induced by an atom-surface collision and it can, in principle, be incorporated into a recently introduced subspace Hamiltonian technique for calculating atomic forces from electronic energies. It therefore promises to be useful in conjunction with computer simulations of atomic motion at solid surfaces. The method is illustrated in the case of a simple model where the propagation of the disturbance from the collision can be calculated in terms of simple functions.
Ab externo scleral fixation of intraocular lens.

We describe an ab externo technique that facilitates IOL scleral fixation and reduces the risk associated with previous ab externo scleral fixation techniques. This technique uses a microvitreoretinal blade and an internal limiting membrane forceps to create sclerotomies and retrieve the suture, respectively. Financial Disclosure Dr. Cionni is a consultant to Morcher GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany. Dr. Crandall is a consultant to Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Ft. Worth, Texas, USA. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Brownian motion: a theoretical explanation for the movement of vesicles across the endothelium.

Brownian Motion: A Theoretical Explanation for the Movement of Vesicles across the Endothelium
Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect

A series of four patients who died following rupture of the ventricular septum due to myocardial infarction has been reported. One of these died of hemorrhage due to a defective clotting mechanism 8 hours after successful surgical repair. The 13 cases of surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal defect reported by other authors are reviewed. The time interval is important and preferably 3 to 6 months should elapse following myocardial infarction before surgery is undertaken. Surgery should be considered in every patient diagnosed as having an acute septal rupture following myocardial infarction who fails to respond to vigorous medical treatment.
A SUM-PRODUCT ESTIMATE IN ALGEBRAIC DIVISION ALGEBRAS

LetA be a finite subset of some normed division algebra over ℝ with cardinality ⋎A⋎. We prove that either the sum set or the product set ofA has cardinality ⋎A⋎1+δ for some δ>0.
Twenty-five years of leadership: a look at trends in tenure and appointments of chairs of ophthalmology.

Objective To assess trends in tenure for chairs of academic departments of ophthalmology and to assess characteristics that may be correlated with longevity. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Current chairs from 136 institutions were surveyed. Methods Questionnaires mailed to ophthalmology chairs. Main Outcome Measures Questionnaires assessed demographics along with duration of tenure for current and previous chairs. Results From 1983 through 2007, 415 individuals (404 men and 11 women) held the position of chair at the 127 responding institutions. The mean duration of tenure for chairs whose tenure included 1980 was 20.3 years, and the mean duration decreased to 14.7 years for chairs whose tenure included 2000. Mean annual turnover changed from 4.8% during the first 5 years of the study to 6.7% during the last 5 years of the study. Departments had an average of 3.3 chairs during this period, with 25 departments having 5 or more new chairs. The number of female chairs increased from 4 in 1983 to 6 in 2007. Length of tenure was not found to correlate with a department's national ranking. Conclusions The average turnover rate for chairs of departments of ophthalmology has shown a slight upward trend over the last 25 years with a corresponding decrease in mean tenure length. Although this trend is not particularly alarming compared with those of other disciplines, academic leaders must be aware of this trend to estimate future leadership needs and to take steps to ensure tenure length does not decrease in such a way that it hinders the field. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Striatal and cortical midline circuits in major depression: implications for suicide and symptom expression.

Abstract Background In major depression, the neural mechanisms underlying suicide related thoughts and behaviors as well as the expression of other depressive symptoms are incompletely characterized. Evidence indicates that both the striatum and cortical midline structures (CMS) may be involved with both suicide and emotional dysregulation in unipolar illness. The aim of this study was to identify striatal–CMS circuits associated with current depression severity and suicidal ideation (SI) as well as a history of self-harm. Methods Twenty-two male subjects with recurrent unipolar depression were studied using functional MRI. All subjects were unmedicated and without current psychiatric comorbidity. Correlational analyses were used to determine whether striatal–CMS functional connectivity was associated with any of the three clinical variables. Results A network involving the bilateral striatum and anterior CMS was found to be associated with depressive symptom severity. Current SI was associated with a similar but less extensive circuit in the left hemisphere. A distinct striatal motor/sensory network was associated with self-harm behaviors, but not current SI or depression severity. Conclusions The striatal–anterior CMS circuit likely plays a significant role in the expression of depressive symptoms and SI. In contrast, a striatum–motor/sensory cortex network may be a trait marker of suicide-related behaviors. If replicated, this result might eventually lead to the development of a biomarker that would be useful for studies of pharmacologic and/or psychotherapeutic suicide prevention interventions.
THEORETICAL STUDIES OF THE SUPRAMOLECULAR SYNTHON BENZENE · · · HEXAFLUOROBENZENE

The benzene · · · hexafluorobenzene stacking interaction was evaluated at several levels of theory. At the MP2/6–31G** level, it is estimated that the interaction is stabilizing by approximately 3.7 kcal mol−1. Lower levels of theory perform poorly on this system. This is a fairly strong non-covalent interaction, suggesting this motif may be a valuable supramolecular synthon. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of normal fault interaction based on observations and theory

Recent earthquakes have shown that fault interaction can affect rupture sequences. However, few criteria are currently available to determine which fault segments are strongly interacting. Here we develop a simple, elastic-plastic model of fault interaction that can assess degrees of interaction within a population of faults using only map traces or displacement profiles. In this model, faults interact through their stress fields. Examination of map traces and displacement profiles from 65 pairs of small (L < 1 m) interacting faults shows that faults respond to reductions in shear stress around other nearby faults by accumulating anomalous displacement. There is a positive linear relationship between the amount of stress reduction felt at a tip and anomalous displacement accumulation near this tip. In addition, there is a stress reduction region around faults into which other faults do not propagate and nucleate. The linear relationship and limit to propagation may be used to estimate degrees of interaction within a population of faults. We check for model consistency with observations of separation and overlap, displacement–length ratios, and rift-basin scale fault growth.
Silurian fungal remains: probable records of the Class Ascomycetes

Among the abundant plant microfossils obtained from the late Silurian Burgsvik Sandstone are spores and filaments whose morphology suggests a fungal origin. These include large multiseptate spores resembling conidia of present-day Fungi Imperfecti; ovate, reniform, rugulately ornamented unicellular spores; branched filaments with perforate septa; and filaments with flask-shaped appendages resembling phialides. We suggest that these microfossils represent the remains of the imperfect stages of terrestrial Ascomycetes, and provide evidence for an origin of this group at least contemporaneous with the earliest land plants. Larger, ovoid and cylindrical heterogeneous bodies composed of hyphal fragments resemble the fecal pellets of mycophagous microarthropods. The implications of these in terms of early terrestrial ecosystems are discussed.
Comparison of discrete element method and traditional modeling methods for steady-state wheel-terrain interaction of small vehicles

Abstract A simulation study was conducted to evaluate three terramechanics methods for predicting single wheel performance of small vehicles on granular terrain. Traditional Bekker-type terramechanics methods do not consider the soil profile, soil dynamics, or transient wheel dynamics, which can be important factors in vehicle performance. The ‘dynamic Bekker’ method treats the wheel as a free body and discretizes the soil into grid regions, which allows for multibody dynamics simulations on more complex soil profiles. Another option is to use the discrete element method (DEM), which makes fewer assumptions but requires significantly more computation time. Before these methods can be evaluated in dynamic conditions, they must first be tested in steady-state conditions. Single-wheel experiments were performed on Mojave Martian Simulant to evaluate performance at various slip ratios. Similar tests were simulated using traditional Bekker, dynamic Bekker, and DEM. Each method was tuned to match direct shear and pressure-sinkage tests performed on the same soil. While Bekker-type methods only require curve-fitting to determine soil parameters, the discrete element method was tuned by simulating the soil tests with varying parameters. The results from this study show DEM can better predict wheel performance both qualitatively and quantitatively, though at a considerably higher computation cost.
Diffusion model validation and interpretation of stable isotopes in river and lake ice

The stable isotope stratigraphy of river- and lake-ice archives winter hydroclimatic conditions, and can potentially be used to identify changing water sources or to provide important insights into ice formation processes and growth rates. However, accurate interpretations rely on known isotopic fractionation during ice growth. A one-dimensional diffusion model of the liquid boundary layer adjacent to an advancing solid interface, originally developed to simulate solute rejection by growing crystals, has been used without verification to describe non-equilibrium fractionation during congelation ice growth. Results are not in agreement, suggesting the presence of important uncertainties. In this paper we seek validation of the diffusion model for this application using large-scale laboratory experiments with controlled freezing rates and frequent sampling. We obtained consistent, almost constant, isotopic boundary layer thicknesses over a representative range of ice growth rates on both quiescent and well-mixed water. With the 18O boundary layer thickness from the laboratory, the model successfully quantified reduced river-ice growth rates relative to those of a nearby lake. These results were more representative and easier to obtain than those of a conventional thermal ice-growth model. This diffusion model validation and boundary layer thickness determination provide a powerful tool for interpreting the stable isotope stratigraphy of floating ice. The laboratory experiment also replicated successive fractionation events in response to a freeze–thaw–refreeze cycle, providing a mechanism for apparent ice fractionation that exceeds equilibrium. Analysis of the composition of snow ice and frazil ice in river and lake cores indicated surprising similarities between these ice forms. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IMPAIRED MITOCHONDRIAL RESPIRATION AND PROTEIN NITRATION IN THE RAT HIPPOCAMPUS AFTER ACUTE INHALATION OF COMBUSTION SMOKE

Survivors of massive inhalation of combustion smoke endure critical injuries, including lasting neurological complications. We have previously reported that acute inhalation of combustion smoke disrupts the nitric oxide homeostasis in the rat brain. In this study, we extend our findings and report that exposure to smoke induces protein nitration in the rat hippocampus and that mitochondrial proteins are a sensitive nitration target in this setting. Mitochondria have central roles in energy metabolism and cellular signaling and are critical to proper cell function. Here, analyses of the mitochondrial proteome showed elevated protein nitration in the course of a 24-h recovery following exposure to smoke. Mass spectrometry identification of several significantly nitrated mitochondrial proteins revealed diverse functions and involvement in central aspects of mitochondrial physiology. The nitrated proteins include the ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase, F1-ATP synthase α subunit, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3), succinate dehydrogenase Fp subunit, and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1) protein. Furthermore, acute exposure to combustion smoke significantly compromised the respiratory capacity of hippocampal mitochondria. Interestingly, elevated protein nitration and reduced mitochondrial respiration in the hippocampus persisted beyond the time required for restoration of normal oxygen and carboxyhemoglobin blood levels after the cessation of exposure to smoke. Thus, the data indicate that timing of the different smoke inhalation-induced effects varies among tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that nitration of essential mitochondrial proteins may contribute to the reduction in mitochondrial respiratory capacity and underlie, in part, the brain pathophysiology after acute inhalation of combustion smoke.
Experimental and Analytical Investigations of the Dynamic Response of Adhesively Bonded Single Lap Joints

Dynamic response of single lap joints, subjected to a harmonic peeling load is studied theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical part, dynamic response of a single lap joint clamped at one end and subjected to a harmonic peeling load at the other end is investigated. Adherents are modeled as Euler-Bernouli beams joined in the lap area by a viscoelastic adhesive layer. Both axial and transverse deformations of adherents are considered in deriving the equations of motion. The effects of adhesive layer thickness, mechanical properties and its loss factor on the dynamic response of the joint are investigated. Furthermore, effects of defects such as a void in the lap area on the dynamic response of the joints are studied. The results showed that frequencies where peak amplitudes occurred were little dependent on the adhesive loss factor. However, peak amplitudes reduced for joints with a higher adhesive loss factor. Furthermore, the results indicated that for the joint geometries and properties investigated the system resonant frequencies were not affected by the presence of a central void covering up to 80% of the overlap length. In the experimental part, single lap joints were fabricated using 6061-T6 Aluminum. Adherents were joined together using Hysol EA 9689 adhesive film. Joints with various central voids were manufacture by removing adhesive film from the desired area of lap joints prior to bonding adherents. Dynamic responses of the joints were investigated using the hammer test technique. The system response was measured using both an accelerometer and a non-contact laser vibrometer. The natural frequencies of the joints obtained by using the laser vibrometer were very close to those obtained theoretically. However, natural frequencies obtained by using an accelerometer depended on the accelerometer location in the system, which was attributed to its mass contribution to the over all system mass. A central void covering less than 80% of the overlap length had little effect on the system resonance frequencies. This was in agreement with the theoretical results. In contrast, total system-damping ratios were a function of the void size. Joints without a void exhibited higher damping.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Succession Patterns of Zooplankton in Fertilized Culture Ponds without Fish

(1985). Succession Patterns of Zooplankton in Fertilized Culture Ponds without Fish. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 183-186.
Change in the cycle of circadian strabismus.

Purpose/Methods We observed a change in the typical circadian, 24-hour pattern of strabismus (esotropia) in a 2-year-old patient. Methods used include study of the history of the deviation pattern, observation, and measurement of the deviation on the day after travel and six weeks later. Results/Conclusions The patient responded to standard recession-resection surgery with a straight eye position daily, through three months of follow-up. Rapid travel over six time zones probably caused the change in the circadian pattern of strabismus.
Nephrotoxicity of high-dose intracavitary cisplatin with intravenous thiosulfate protection

Abstract Sodium thiosulfate has been shown experimenally to protect against cisplatin-induced renal insufficiency by inactivating the nephrotoxic as well as cytotoxic properties of the agent. However, significant plasma levels of ‘active’ cisplatin have been demonstrated following high-dose intracavitary cisplatin administration with simultaneous intravenous thiosulfate delivery. At the UCSD Cancer Center 131 patients have been treated with a total of 485 courses (median per patient, 3; range 1–18) of intrapleural or intraperitoneal cisplatin with intravenous thiosulfate protection. Seventy-six patiens (58%) had previously been treated with intravenous cisplatin. A total of 14 courses (2.9%) of intracavitary therapy were complicated by a serum creatinine rise to >1.5 mg % which, in all but three cases, returned to the normal range within 1 month following treatment. All but one patient demonstrating clinical evidence of nephrotoxicity had been heavily pretreated with cisplatin. We conclude that thiosulfate can protect against clinically significant cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by cisplatin delivered in high doses via the intracavitary route.
Predicting methylphenidate response in children with ADHD: theoretical, empirical, and conceptual models.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the theoretical merit and empirical validity of models designed to predict response to methylphenidate (MPH) among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Seventy-six children with ADHD received each of 4 counterbalanced doses of MPH (5,10,15, and 20 mg) in the context of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject (crossover) experimental design. Logical and conceptual foundations of 3 models of MPH response were subjected to critical scrutiny, and patterns of relationship anticipated on the basis of these models were subjected to empirical analysis. Results The conceptual foundations of all reviewed models were found to be substantially flawed, and none provided an adequate empirical basis for predicting response to MPH among children with ADHD. Conclusions The observed pattern of relationships suggests that magnitudes of response to MPH in domains of classroom attention and behavioral disinhibition are correlated and differentially predictive of response on measures of academic performance and teacher-rated behavior. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1999, 38(4):393–401.
Neuroscience: The inside story on place cells.

Neurons known as place cells encode spatial information that is needed to guide an animal's movement. Nearly 40 years after these cells were discovered, neuroscience gets a look at their internal dynamics.