cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WHEELCHAIR-MODIFIED SENSORY BOOTHS DO NOT INFLUENCE EVALUATION OF CHOCOLATE PUDDING

The objective of this study was to demonstrate that the dimensions of a sensory booth modified to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) guidelines have no impact on consumer evaluations of chocolate pudding. One set of booths each were constructed per ASTM and ADA guidelines. Control pudding was prepared according to package directions with 2% fat milk; other treatments were modified with red food coloring, sugar or nonfat milk. Twenty-four panelists evaluated instant chocolate puddings in directional difference and hedonic tests in each type of booth. Booth type and test date had no effect on judgments.
In vivo microcartography and subcellular imaging of tumor angiogenesis: A novel platform for translational angiogenesis research

Purpose To eliminate the variable of tumor heterogeneity from a novel in vivo model of tumor angiogenesis.
Coexistence of Acute Calcific Periarthritis and Infection

ABSTRACT: Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystal deposition around the joints may sometimes lead to an acute inflammatory condition called calcific periarthritis. In this article, the authors describe a 62-year-old man with BCP crystal-induced periarthritis coexisting with an infection. Rheumatoid arthritis and crystal-induced synovitis complicated by infection has been described in the literature. To date, this is the first report of coexistent calcific periarthritis and an infection.
An assessment of the optimal scale for monitoring of MODIS and FIA NPP across the eastern USA

Robust monitoring of carbon sequestration by forests requires the use of multiple data sources analyzed at a common scale. To that end, model-based Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and field-based Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data of net primary productivity (NPP) were compared at increasing levels of spatial aggregation across the eastern USA. A total of 52,167 FIA plots and colocated MODIS forest cover NPP pixels were analyzed using a hexagonal tiling system. A protocol was developed to assess the optimal scale as an optimal size of landscape patches at which to map spatially explicit estimates of MODIS and FIA NPP. The optimal mapping resolution (hereafter referred to as optimal scale) is determined using spatially scaled z-statistics as the tradeoff between increased spatial agreement as measured by Pearson’s correlation coefficient and decreased details of coverage as measured by the number of hexagons. Spatial sensitivity was also assessed using land cover assessment and forest homogeneity using spatially scaled z-statistics. Pearson correlations indicate that MODIS and FIA NPP are most highly correlated when using large hexagons, while z-statistics indicate an optimal scale at an intermediate hexagon size of 390 km2. This optimal scale had more spatial detail than was obtained for larger hexagons and greater spatial agreement than was obtained for smaller hexagons. The z-statistics for land cover assessment and forest homogeneity also indicated an optimal scale of 390 km2.
Smoothing based model for images of buried EUV multilayer defects near absorber features

ABSTRACT A modification has been made to the fast simulator RADICAL which allows it to simulate the reflected field from an EUV mask with a buried defect 15,000 times faster than the finite difference time domain method (FDTD). This new version uses an advanced single surface approximation (SSA) instead of ray tracing to model the defective multilayer stack. RADICAL with SSA can simulate a 32nm line space pattern with a buried de fect in 4.0s. The accuracy of this method is verified with comparisons to FDTD simulations an d good agreement is shown. The ability of this method to simulate large layouts with arbitrary defects is demonstrated. A 1.5µm x 1.5µm layout with an arbitrary buried defect and multilayer surface roughness is simulated in 75s. An alternative algebraic fast model for buried defects near absorber lines is also investigated based on the linear relationship between the surface height of isolated buried defects and the aerial image dip strength. However, the interaction is shown to be too complicated for accurate represen tation with the model proposed. Keywords: EUV mask, buried defect, defective multilayer, defect feature interaction, fast simulation, ray tracing, single surface approximation.
El amor y el derecho en Cervantes

The convergence of the history of the law and the emergence of novelistic realism in the West, especially in the Spain of the Catholic Kings where the creati...
Closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with aneurysmal tissue using the amplazter duct occluder I: Lessons learned and medium term follow up

Objectives: The aim of this report is to describe our experience with closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSD) with aneurysm using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder I (ADO I). Background: Atrio-ventricular block (AVB) remains the most troublesome complication of device closure of PMVSDs. Many PMVSDs are associated with an aneurysm that protrudes into the right ventricle. We believe that devices implanted entirely within the VSD aneurysm avoid the risk of AVB. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with PMVSD and aneurysm who underwent attempted ADO I device closure between 3/2004 and 8/2010 [Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego (n = 16), Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA (n = 4), and Straub Hospital in Honolulu (n = 1)]. Results: Twenty-one patients (16 male) with PMVSD and aneurysm underwent cardiac catheterization for the purpose of VSD closure using an ADO I. Nineteen patients had successful ADO I implantation with the following devices: 10/8 (n = 8), 8/6 (n = 7), 6/4 (n = 3) and 12/10 (n = 2). The procedure was aborted in 2 cases due to temporary AVB and ventricular ectopy during catheterization. One patient developed hemolysis due device malposition and had surgical device retrieval and VSD closure. One patient had new trivial tricuspid regurgitation and in 5/19 the tricuspid regurgitation improved post device closure. Transient accelerated junctional rhythm occurred within 24 hr in 4 patients and nonsustained slow ventricular tachycardia occurred in one patient. At latest follow-up (up to 6 years, median 1.9 years) 11/18 had no residual shunt, 4/18 had trivial and 3/18 small residual shunt. No AVB has been observed. Conclusions: Percutaneous closure of PMVSD with aneurysm using the ADO I appears to have acceptable efficacy and risk. Atrio-ventricular block in up to mid-term follow up was not encountered. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An increase in high-molecular weight renin substrate associated with estrogenic hypertension

We have previously reported that estrogens have the potential to induce new forms of renin substrate in addition to elevating the major circulating form of this protein. One of these estrogen-induced forms had a molecular weight in excess of 150,000. In this study we have compared the plasma concentration of the high-molecular-weight renin substrate in normotensive women receiving estrogen therapy and women with estrogenic hypertension. A statistically significant elevation of this protein was associated with estrogenic hypertension and normotensive pregnant women at term. This form of renin substrate differed from the major form with respect to electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point, and immunologic cross-reactivity. In addition, kinetic analysis indicated that this high-molecular-weight substrate has a significantly higher affinity for the enzyme renin than the major circulating form (Km = 1800 +/- 290 versus 3520 +/- 260 ng angiotensin I equivalents/ml). These results suggest that in addition to renin substrate concentration, substrate composition may play an important role in blood pressure regulation.
The effect of enforced exercise on the healing of ligament injuries

Previous studies have documented that mobilization ad libitum has a beneficial effect on the healing of ligaments as compared to immobilization. This study was undertaken to determine whether enforced exercise (over and above motion ad libitum) would have a further beneficial effect or, instead, an adverse effect on the healing of ligaments. Large male Sprague-Dawley rats with unrepaired transections of the medial collateral ligament were separated into five groups of similar mean weights. Two of these groups had the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial capsule transected in addition to the medial collateral ligament, rendering the knee unstable. The groups were then subjected to varying regimens of enforced exercise (swimming). After 12 days, the mechanical characteristics of the femur, medial collateral ligament, and tibia complex were evaluated. Rats with intact secondary valgus stabilizers (medial capsule and anterior cruciate ligament) that swam daily for either 5 (moderate) or 15 (near exhaustion) minutes were found to have increases in the tensile strength of the femur, medial collateral ligament, tibia complex as compared to rats that did not swim. Unstable knees (with transected secondary valgus stabilizers) did not show an increase in the tensile strength of the femur, medial collateral ligament, tibia complex when subjected to moderate increase in enforced exercise (swimming 5 minutes). The unstable groups were, however, significantly more lax than the groups that underwent identical exercise regimens but had intact secondary valgus stabilizers. Significant differences in the stiffness of the ligaments in the different groups were not detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
GEANT4 - a new and robust tool for biophotonics Monte Carlo simulations

Recently, a validated tissue optics plug-in based on the GEANT4 Monte Carlo framework was developed for radiation-induced light transport. Here we extend the work and highlight its applicability to more general biophotonics simulations.
Lidar attitude estimation for vehicle safety systems

This paper presents two techniques for determining vehicle pitch and roll with a 3-D lidar which will first auto-calibrate itself to the vehicle's axes. The first method presented is based on Euler angles and the second on Gaussian Processes. A 3-antenna Septentrio GPS receiver is used to asses system performance.
Scaling and factor analyzing peak experience

This paper proposes an objective approach for the evaluation of peak experiences. A similar methodology can be applied to nadir experiences a well. The major advantage of this alternatives is that of facilitating the process of data gathering on a variety of peak experiences and eliminating the bias produced by those capable of colorful accounts of their personal experiences. The results obtained through scaling are not only compatiable with the judgemental methods, but also provide additional information about the level or intensity of the experiences. The paper also investigated the possiblity of categoriztion of peak experiences objectively through the use the factor analysis. The results disagree with previous categorizations enough to make it advisable, or even necessary, to conduct more research in this area.
Mechanism, materialism, and science in England, 1800–1850

(1952). Mechanism, materialism, and science in England, 1800–1850. Annals of Science: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 152-161.
A parallel algorithm for a class of convex programs

A parallel algorithm is proposed in this paper for solving the problem $\min \{ q(x)|x \in C_1 \cap \cdots \cap C_m \} $ where q is an uniformly convex function and $C_i$ are closed convex sets in $R^n$. In each iteration of the method, we solve in parallel m independent subproblems, each minimizing a definite quadratic function over an individual set $C_i$. The method has attractive convergence properties and can be implemented as parallel algorithms for tackling definite quadratic programs, linear programs, systems of linear equations and systems of generalized nonlinear inequalities.
Soliton Phase Conjugation In Four-Wave Nonlinear Interactions

The theory of four wave interactions is extended to lend insight in interpreting physical wave relationships of solitons in finite nonlinear media. The coupled mode equations are solved in terms of Jacobian elliptic functions, and it is found that four-wave interaction processes produce a phase conjugate pair of bright solitons and a single dark soliton.
Suppressed blinking dynamics of single QDs on ITO.

The exciton quenching dynamics of single CdSe/CdS3MLZnCdS2MLZnS2ML core/multishell QDs adsorbed on glass, In2O3, and ITO have been compared. Single QDs on In2O3 show shorter fluorescence lifetimes ...
Tunneling parameters for the hydrogen atom abstraction reactions of diphenylcarbene in a low temperature toluene matrix

Abstract Tunneling reaction rate constants of diphenylcarbene in a toluene matrix can be fit by an asymmetric Eckart barrier. The barrier heights in good agreement with theory.
Opening cultural heritage in the age of OAI-PMH: finding Armenia in the OATD discovery service

Purpose – Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD) distinguishes itself from other ETD databases by providing immediate access to theses that are freely available online. The Republic of Armenia is a small geographical area in Central Asia with a population of only three million, yet an estimated total of five to seven million people of Armenian ancestry live outside of Armenia. What knowledge of Armenian cultural heritage can be discovered by searching OATD for open access theses that relate to Armenian history and culture?. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The OATD database was searched for the terms Armenia or Armenian. Discovered thesis records were exported into citation management tools and analysed for subject content, year of publication, institutional repository source, and a determination of whether Armenia was a primary or secondary topic. Access to theses was also tested to verify their open access. The remaining thesis records (n=152) were exported into...
Two naturalistic accounts of the existence of the universe

Puisque toute conception qui veut que l'univers n'ait pas d'explication et n'ait besoin d'aucune explication echoue, et que la conception qui veut que son existence s'explique de maniere interne est egalement a rejeter, il faut necessairement en venir a une cause externe ou surnaturelle. Un etre libre constitue la fin de cette explication. On peut expliquer l'existence de l'univers en disant que Dieu l'a concu et l'a cree. Une telle conception pose neanmoins de nombreux problemes. En effet, comment peut-on rendre compte d'une existence de Dieu qui soit un fait brut?
Urine stone risk factors in nephrolithiasis patients with and without bowel disease

Urine stone risk factors in nephrolithiasis patients with and without bowel disease. Background The prevalence of nephrolithiasis among patients with bowel disease is higher than in the general population. We examined urine stone risk factors and clinical characteristics of these patients, contrasted with a large group of stone forming patients without systemic disease. Methods A total of 180 patients with bowel disease were compared with a group of 2048 nephrolithiasis patients with calcium or uric acid stones and without systemic diseases. Bowel diseases included inflammatory bowel disease with and without bowel resections, bowel resections from cancer or trauma, and bypass procedures for obesity or hypercholesterolemia. Urine stone risk factors, stone rates, stone compositions, and creatinine clearance were measured. Results Compared to ordinary stone forming patients, bowel patients formed stones higher in rate of recurrence and in uric acid content. Uric acid content was highest when colon surgery had occurred. Urine volumes were low among all bowel patients except those with a bypass. Average creatinine clearance values were low among all bowel patients. Urine oxalate excretion was modestly elevated after small bowel resection, but very high with bypass. Supersaturations were increased mainly by low urine volume and—for uric acid—low pH. Patients with no surgery were indistinguishable from routine stone formers. Conclusions Low urine volume and pH are the main stone-forming abnormalities in bowel disease patients. Hyperoxaluria is extreme after bypass, but only modest after small bowel surgery. In the absence of surgery, bowel disease patients with stones cannot be distinguished from common stone formers by comprehensive stone risk measurements.
Study of the Mechanism of Catalytic Activity of G. Sulfurreducens Biofilm Anodes during Biofilm Growth

The number of investigations involving bioelectrochemical systems (BES), processes in which microorganisms catalyze electrode reactions, is increasing while their mechanisms remain unresolved. Geobacter sulfurreducens strain DL1 is a model electrode catalyst that forms multimicrobe-thick biofilms on anodes that catalyze the oxidation of acetate to result in an electric current. Here, we report the characterization by cyclic voltammetry (CV) of DL1 biofilm-modified anodes (biofilm anodes) performed during biofilm development. This characterization, based on our recently reported model of biofilm anode catalytic activity, indicates the following. 1) As a biofilm grows, catalytic activity scales linearly with the amount of anode-accessible redox cofactor in the biofilm. This observation is consistent with a catalytic activity that is limited during biofilm growth by electron transport from within cells to the extracellular redox cofactor. 2) Distinct voltammetric features are exhibited that reflect the presence of a redox cofactor expressed by cells that initially colonize an anode that is not involved in catalytic current generation.
Nanotechnology : Better materials for all implants

Nanotechnology is being used to mimic structural components of our tissues in synthetic materials intended for various implant applications. Recent studies have highlighted that when compared to flat or micron rough surfaces, surfaces with nanofeatures promote optimal initial protein interactions necessary to mediate cell adhesion and subsequent tissue regrowth. This has been demonstrated for a wide range of implant chemistries (from ceramics to metals to polymers) and for a wide range of tissues (including bone, vascular, cartilage, bladder, and the central and peripheral nervous system). Importantly, these results have been seen at the in vitro and in vivo level. This short review paper will cover some of the more significant advancements in creating better implants through nanotechnology efforts.
Stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) improve memory of emotional stimuli in ADHD-diagnosed college students

Abstract Objective Stimulant medications do not improve the academic achievement of ADHD diagnosed undergraduates. One reason may be that stimulant-induced sympathetic arousal might impair memory. Participants and methods To test this hypothesis, we conducted a study between September 2011 and March 2012, to compare medicated (n = 12) and non-medicated (n = 11) ADHD diagnosed undergraduates, with non-ADHD students (n = 12). All participants were presented with an audiovisual narrative that included an emotional segment, and answered questions about the story one week later. Results All groups remembered the emotional segment significantly better than the neutral segments. Non-medicated ADHD students recalled less of both segments than the medicated ADHD or non-ADHD groups, which did not differ from each other. Conclusion Stimulants improved memory in ADHD students, and did not impair the relative retention of emotional, as opposed to neutral information. Stimulant-induced arousal cannot explain the academic deficit of ADHD undergraduates.
Data quality analysis at the Spitzer Science Center

Data Quality Analysis (DQA) for astronomical infrared maps and spectra acquired by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is one of the important functions performed in routine science operations at the Spitzer Science Center of the California Institute of Technology. A DQA software system has been implemented to display, analyze and grade Spitzer science data. This supports the project requirement that the science data be verified after calibration and before archiving and subsequent release to the astronomical community. The software has an interface for browsing the mission data and for visualizing images and spectra. It accesses supporting data in the operations database and updates the database with DQA grading information. The system has worked very well since the beginning of the Spitzer observatory's routine phase of operations, and can be regarded as a model for DQA operations in future space science missions.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Fabricated from Antifungal β-Peptides: Design of Surfaces that Exhibit Antifungal Activity Against Candida albicans

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can form biofilms on the surfaces of medical devices that are resistant to drug treatment and provide a reservoir for recurrent infections. The use of fungicidal or fungistatic materials to fabricate or coat the surfaces of medical devices has the potential to reduce or eliminate the incidence of biofilm-associated infections. Here we report on (i) the fabrication of multilayered polyelectrolyte thin films (PEMs) that promote the surface-mediated release of an antifungal β-peptide and (ii) the ability of these films to inhibit the growth of C. albicans on film-coated surfaces. We incorporated a fluorescently labeled antifungal β-peptide into the structures of PEMs fabricated from poly-l-glutamic acid (PGA) and poly-l-lysine (PLL) using a layer-by-layer fabrication procedure. These films remained stable when incubated in culture media at 37 °C and released β-peptide gradually into solution for up to 400 h. Surfaces coated with β-peptide-containing films inhibited the gr...
Time resolved detection of x-rays using large area avalanche photodiodes

Abstract We have measured the efficiencies and time responses of several large-area (200 and 80 mm2) beveled-edge avalanche photodiodes to X-rays of energy 6–20 keV in a photon counting mode. The diodes were used with avalanche gains of 102 to 103. Detector efficiency varied from ∼ 50% at 8 keV to ∼ 5% at 20 keV, while the time resolution was 1 2 ns with a tail out to longer times (∼ 5 ns). The duration of the tail may be reduced (
Tests of the Hypothesis That a Linear Regression System Obeys Two Separate Regimes

Abstract Several approaches are explored for testing the hypothesis that no switch has occurred in the true values of the parameters of a linear regression system. The distribution of the relevant likelihood ratio λ is analyzed on the basis of the empirical distribution resulting from some sampling experiments. The hypothesis that −2 log λ has the χ2 distribution with the appropriate degrees of freedom is rejected and an empirical table of percentage points is obtained. Finally some small sample tests are suggested.
Anorexia Nervosa in a Child with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Psychiatric disorders pose a significant burden to the quality of life of individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex and their care-givers. The relationship between the location and distribution of brain abnormalities in tuberous sclerosis complex and specific neuropsychiatric disorders is largely unknown. We present the first case in the literature of a child with tuberous sclerosis complex and anorexia nervosa and discuss the relevance of electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychologic testing. To understand psychiatric disturbances in tuberous sclerosis complex, we must consider each of the following factors: cerebral pathology, seizure history, cognitive impairment, psychosocial stressors, and medications. (J Child Neurol 2005;20:457—460).
Addition of difluorocarbene to 3',4'-unsaturated nucleosides: synthesis of 2'-deoxy analogues with a 2-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane framework.

Treatment of protected 2‘-deoxy-3‘,4‘-unsaturated nucleosides derived from adenosine and uridine with difluorocarbene [generated from bis(trifluoromethyl)mercury and sodium iodide] gave fused-ring 2,2-difluorocyclopropane compounds. Stereoselective α-face addition to the dihydrofuran ring resulted from hindrance by the protected β-anomeric nucleobases. A protected uracil compound was converted smoothly into the cytosine derivative via a 4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) intermediate. Removal of the protecting groups gave new difluorocyclopropane-fused nucleoside analogues. The solid-state conformation of the nearly planar furanosyl ring in the uracil compound had a shallow 2E pucker, and a more pronounced 1E conformation was present in the furanosyl ring of the cytosine derivative.
Effect of finite bandwidth on far-field performance of modal wavefront—compensative systems

The power spectrum is formulated for the time-dependent expansion coefficients of Zernike polynomials of a wavefront distorted by atmospheric turbulence. This expression is shown to be more general than that derived by Hogge and Butts. The low-frequency asymptotic results are examined along with the effects of the outer scale of turbulence and propagation distance. The integrated power spectra are plotted against the bandwidth for several low-order correcting modes. These graphs are then used to study the combined effect of transverse wind and finite bandwidth on the MTF and irradiance profile at the receiver plane for a phase-compensated Gaussian beam. It is shown that the major effect of low bandwidth is to increase the beam spread and that the phase compensation is slightly less effective along the wind direction.
Angiotensin II regulates choroid plexus blood flow by interacting with the sympathetic nervous system and nitric oxide

Abstract Blood flow to the rat choroid plexus has minimal variability when plasma angiotensin II (AII) concentration is changed within a broad range of levels. We tested the hypothesis that a complex interplay of the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator AII actions in choroidal tissue results in small net changes in choroidal blood flow. Blood flow was measured with 123 I - or 125 I -N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine. AII was infused intravenously (i.v.) at 30 (moderate dose) and 300 ng kg−1 min−1 (high dose), which respectively decreased (15%) and did not change choroidal blood flow. To determine whether AII regulates choroidal blood flow by interacting with the sympathetic nervous system, rats were given phentolamine (1 mg kg−1, i.v.). This α-adrenoceptor antagonist by itself did not alter blood flow; however, it attenuated the blood flow-lowering effect of moderate AII dose. Phentolamine also unmasked the vasodilator AII actions at high peptide concentration. β-Adrenoceptor blockade, with propranolol (1 mg kg−1, i.v.), reduced blood flow (18–20%) and increased vascular resistance (23–26%). During β-adrenoceptor blockade, a further decrease in blood flow (15–21%) and increase in vascular resistance (23%) was noted when high AII dose was administered. The direct vasoconstrictor effect of AII at moderate dose on choroidal vasculature was examined in rats subjected to chronic bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy. In these animals, AII decreased blood flow (24%) and increased vascular resistance (24%). To find out whether the hemodynamic AII actions in choroidal tissue are mediated by nitric oxide (NO), Nω-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) was used. l -NAME (0.1 mg kg−1, i.v.) by itself did not alter blood flow; however, in l -NAME-treated rats high AII dose lowered blood flow (25–32%) and increased vascular resistance (30–43%). We conclude that the vasoconstrictor AII actions involve a direct peptide effect on the choroidal vascular bed, and the AII-mediated potentiation of sympathetic activity, which results in the activation of α-adrenoceptors. The AII-mediated stimulation of sympathetic nerves also results in the β-adrenoceptor-dependent relaxation of choroidal blood vessels. In addition, choroidal vasodilatory actions of AII are NO-mediated.
Phase retrieval in time-resolved spectral phase measurement

We discuss the method of time-resolved spectral phase measurement (TRSPM) as a technique for complete characterization of the electric field of a short optical pulse. Several phase retrieval algorithms, both deterministic and iterative, are compared.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of silicide process defects by non-contact electron-beam charging

Electron beam charging without any conventional electrical measurements has been used to understand gate electrode leakage currents in a silicide process. Using this technique, it was determined that the leakage is caused by single defects which are small compared to the typical circuit dimensions, which occur on the gate perimeter, and are randomly distributed. Combined with one additional process step, it was determined that the leakage is not due to silicide bridging, but rather to a gate oxide overetch. The measurement has been instituted as an inline process monitor to screen for silicide leakage defects. >
Human action recognition in videos using structure similarity of aligned motion images

Human action recognition in videos is a prominent field in image processing research and it is a frequently required technique for many computer vision applications. In this paper, a new novel algorithm for human action recognition is presented. This algorithm depends on aligned motion images (AMIs). Three types of AMIs are used: aligned motion history image (AMHI), aligned motion energy image (AMEI), and aligned gait energy image (AGEI). As a feature, these AMIs are obtained after frame processing, AMI computing, and AMI processing. In order to classify and identify the activity, structure similarity measurement index is applied for first time in human recognition in this paper. The achieved experimental results demonstrate a high level of accuracy and efficiency. These results are very close to the recognition of the human observer since accomplished result is approximately 98.93% by using the AGEI that calculated from a sub sequence of first 33 frames in each video samples.
The antiarrhythmic effects of d-sotalol

Abstract The antiarrhythmic properties of d-sotalol were studied in 38 patients undergoing electrophysiologic studies. Programmed electrical stimulation studies were performed in 28 men and in 10 women with a mean age of 67 years and a mean ejection fraction of 37 ± 3%. All patients had inducible ventricular tachycardia while they were off all antiarrhythmic therapy. D-sotalol was given as a 2 mg/kg infusion over 15 minutes and did not significantly change the PR, QRS, or QT c intervals from baseline values in the group as a whole. In the group protected by d-sotalol, the percent change in the QT c interval as well as the percent change in refractoriness was significantly increased as compared to the group not protected. D-sotalol also significantly decreased heart rate. D-sotalol prevented the induction of ventricular tachycardia in 18 of the 38 patients, while significantly slowing the rate of the ventricular tachycardia in the group that could still have tachycardia provoked. Seventeen patients were tested on procainamide and only four were protected, while d-sotalol prevented the induction of ventricular tachycardia in 7 of these 17. Eleven patients were discharged on oral d-sotalol doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg twice daily. One patient died 1 month post discharge due to an acute myocardial infarction, and one patient had a cardiac arrest while on d-sotalol and survived and was switched to amiodarone therapy. The remaining nine patients are alive and well at 14 ± 3 months. D-sotalol appears to be an effective antiarrhythmic drugs and appears to be well tolerated.
Synthetic cognitive modeling of adversaries for effects-based planning

Models of adversaries' reasoning can be constructed to inform development of adaptive strategies, including strategies that include effects-based operations. Such models can apply to individual leaders or to groups that one seeks to influence. This paper describes an approach to building such models. The results are top-down, highly structured, driven by theory, designed with multiresolution methods that permit zooming in on issues, and suitable for use in high-level decision meetings. The models have been qualitative and non-automated, but the methodology could usefully be incorporated into a more general computer-supported decision-support environment, where it would supplement other tools for decision support.
A Comparison of Oligopoly Welfare Loss Estimates for U.S. Food Manufacturing: Comment

In the May 1995 issue of this journal, Peterson and Connor (P&C) presented a comparison of allocative efficiency losses from oligopoly power in U.S. food manufacturing industries. In the paper they address two questions: "Were the SCP (structure-conduct-performance) crosssectional techniques of the 1960s and 1970s illconceived and made obsolete by the theoretical progress of the 1980s?" and "Were officials... misled by industrial studies that are now known to be special cases of more general models?" (p. 306). Based on their tables 2 and 3, presenting fifteen food industries with the largest welfare losses under various scenarios and the
Cohort study of serum total cholesterol and in-hospital incidence of infectious diseases

A multiethnic cohort of adult members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program (55300 men and 65271 women) was followed for 15 years (1979-93) to assess the association between total cholesterol and risk of infections (other than respiratory and HIV) diagnosed in the in-patient setting. Using multivariate Cox regression, total cholesterol was inversely and significantly related to urinary tract, venereal, musculo-skeletal, and all infections among men; and to urinary tract, all genito-urinary, septicaemia or bacteraemia, miscellaneous viral site unspecified, and all infections among women. The reduction of risk of all infections associated with a 1 S.D. increase in total cholesterol was 8% in both men (95% CI, 4-12 %) and women (95% CI, 5-11%). For urinary tract infections among men, as for septicaemia or bacteraemia and nervous system infections among women, the risk relation was restricted to persons aged 55-89 years. Nervous system infections were positively related to total cholesterol among women aged 25-54. In both genders, the significant inverse association with all infections persisted after excluding the first 5 years of follow-up. Collectively, these data are suggestive of an inverse association, although not entirely consistent, between total cholesterol and incidence of infections either requiring hospitalization or acquired in the hospital. Further research is needed to elucidate whether these associations are biologically plausible or represent uncontrolled confounding by unmeasured risk factors.
A neuropsychological profile of childhood maltreatment within an adolescent inpatient sample

Recent research has begun to identify the neurocognitive and psychological effects of childhood maltreatment, although information is limited on the neuropsychological presentation of maltreatment in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. This study examined the executive-functioning and language abilities as well as psychopathological presentation of childhood maltreatment victims in an adolescent psychiatric inpatient setting. The sample consisted of adolescent inpatients (ages 13–19 years old) who completed a neuropsychological/psychological assessment during hospitalization (n = 122). The sample was grouped based on childhood maltreatment history, with one group categorized by maltreatment history (n = 49) and the other group characterized by no maltreatment history (n = 73). Analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p < .01) between maltreatment groups on executive functioning, as well as on measures of self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms. No group differences remained aft...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee: Optimizing 3 Tesla Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its multiplanar capabilities and excellent soft-tissue contrast, has established itself as the leading modality for noninvasive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system (1-5). It is regarded as the top imaging and diagnostic tool for the knee joint as a result of its ability to evaluate a wide range of anatomy and pathology varying from ligamentous injuries to articular cartilage lesions. Imaging of the knee requires excellent contrast, high resolution and the ability to visualize very small structures, all of which can be provided by MR imaging. The development of advanced diagnostic MR imaging tools for the joints is of increased clinical importance as it has been recently shown that musculoskeletal imaging is the most rapidly growing field in MR imaging, second only to neuroradiology applications (6). Currently, most clinical evaluation of the musculoskeletal system is performed at intermediate field strengths of 1.5 T or lower. High field systems, like 3.0 T, are now becoming increasingly available for clinical use. Although at first used primarily for neurological imaging, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the abilities and advantages of 3.0 T systems in musculoskeletal imaging (7-10). The most notable advantage includes an increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) which can lead to a shorter imaging time or improved image resolution. However, with the increase to a 3.0 T field strength comes a various number of considerations that must be dealt with in order to optimize its intrinsically superior imaging capabilities.
A Laboratory Study of Heterogeneous Catalysis in Ultrahigh Vacuum

A surface science experiment has been developed that can be used in both the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Students study the mechanism of carbon monoxide oxidation using a platinum foil catalyst, and they also get hands-on experience with ultrahigh vacuum equipment. Using temperature programmed desorption, students study the desorption of carbon monoxide and oxygen from platinum foil in vacuum. The study allows students to determine that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood reaction mechanism operates in this catalytic system.
Postmortem Diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Presenting as the "Dead-in-Bed Syndrome".

Objective: To report a case of a young male with type 1 diabetes mellitus found dead in his bed, initially assumed to have died from hypoglycemia (i.e., the "dead in bed" syndrome). However, his autopsy findings revealed that diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the cause of death.Methods: We present the laboratory and autopsy findings of the patient, highlighting the importance of laboratory analyses of the vitreous humor and microscopy of kidney tissue when investigating the cause of sudden death in patients with type 1 diabetes.Results: A 25-year-old healthy male with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy was found dead in his undisturbed bed. An autopsy included vitreous humor analyses. His results were as follows: glucose of 755 mg/dL (reference range 70-105 mg/dL), anion gap >36 mEq (reference range 4-12 mEq/L), elevated acetone at 66 mg/dL (reference range negative), which were consistent with DKA. Renal microscopy demonstrated subnuclear vacuoles in the proximal tubules, 1...
A dynamically localized histidine kinase controls the asymmetric distribution of polar pili proteins

Each cell division in Caulobacter crescentus is asymmetric, yielding a swarmer cell with several polar pili and a non-piliated stalked cell. To identify factors contributing to the asymmetric biogenesis of polar pili, cytological studies of pilus assembly components were performed. We show here that the CpaC protein, which is thought to form the outer membrane pilus secretion channel, and its assembly factor, CpaE, are localized to the cell pole prior to the polymerization of the pilus filament. We demonstrate that the PleC histidine kinase, a two-component signal transduction protein shown previously to localize to the piliated cell pole before and during pilus assembly, controls the accumulation of the pilin subunit, PilA. Using an inactive form of PleC (PleCH610A) that lacks the catalytic histidine residue, we provide evidence that PleC activity is responsible for the asymmetric distribution of CpaE and itself to only one of the two cell poles. Thus, a polar signal transduction protein controls its own asymmetric location as well as that of a factor assembling a polar organelle.
Optical studies of a conformational change in DNA before melting.

Abstract The circular dichroism of double-stranded DNA is temperature dependent prior to its melting. As the temperature is increased the spectrum becomes more nonconservative. This is certainly due to a conformational change within the framework of the double helix. To ascertain the nature of the conformational change, a series of synthetic and natural DNA's from a variety of sources was investigated. The same qualitative changes were seen for all the DNA samples, independent of base composition. However, there were definite quantitative differences, with poly [d(A-T)] manifesting the largest effect. Oligomers of the form [d(A-T)]n with n = 10 to 21 behaved in a manner similar to the polymer. There is no observed chain-length dependence. The breadth of the pre-melt transition indicates a low ΔH (less than 5 kcal./mole); the lack of dependence on chain length indicates that the co-operative unit is smaller than eight base pairs. Varying the salt concentration (NaCl) revealed a complete lack of dependence on ionic strength. It has been suggested previously that this pre-melt behavior represents a transition from B-DNA to A-DNA. Our data tend specifically to rule out this possibility. Debye-Huckel calculations on the electrostatic interaction within the three known types of DNA helices indicate that the B-DNA to A-DNA transition should be sensitive to salt. Comparison with recently available circular dichroism spectra from studies on DNA films also tends to discourage this idea. Furthermore, a sample-of T2r‡DNA which is 70% glucosylated and unable to go into the A form shows the same pre-melt transition. Other possible conformational changes are discussed in view of published data from other physical and chemical studies on DNA structure.
Characterizing the Rheology of Powders by studying dynamic avalanching of the powder

Avalanching of solids is an important multivariable dependent phenomenon that can be a valuable tool for characterization of solids flowability. Although avalanching by itself is primarily chaotic it appears that the fractal analysis of its avalanching mass data can yield very interesting and significant information that is of importance in determining suitability of a material in solids handling and pneumatic transport.
Robust magnetic/polymer hybrid nanoparticles designed for crude oil entrapment and recovery in aqueous environments

Well-defined, magnetic shell cross-linked knedel-like nanoparticles (MSCKs) with hydrodynamic diameters ca. 70 nm were constructed through the co-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers of PAA20-b-PS280 and oleic acid-stabilized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, and water, ultimately transitioning to a fully aqueous system. These hybrid nanomaterials were designed for application as sequestering agents for hydrocarbons present in crude oil, based upon their combination of amphiphilic organic domains, for aqueous solution dispersibility and capture of hydrophobic guest molecules, with inorganic core particles for magnetic responsivity. The employment of these MSCKs in a contaminated aqueous environment resulted in the successful removal of the hydrophobic contaminants at a ratio of 10 mg of oil per 1 mg of MSCK. Once loaded, the crude oil-sorbed nanoparticles were easily isolated via the introduction of an external magnetic field. The recovery and reusability of these MSCKs were also investigated. These results suggest that deployment of hybrid nanocomposites, such as these, could aid in environmental remediation efforts, including at oil spill sites, in particular, following the bulk recovery phase.
Wave propagation in single column woodpile phononic crystals: Formation of tunable band gaps

Abstract We study the formation of frequency band gaps in single column woodpile phononic crystals composed of orthogonally stacked slender cylinders. We focus on investigating the effect of the cylinders׳ local vibrations on the dispersion of elastic waves along the stacking direction of the woodpile phononic crystals. We experimentally verify that their frequency band structures depend significantly on the bending resonant behavior of unit cells. We propose a simple theoretical model based on a discrete element method to associate the behavior of locally resonant cylindrical rods with the band gap formation mechanism in woodpile phononic crystals. The findings in this work imply that we can achieve versatile control of frequency band structures in phononic crystals by using woodpile architectures. The woodpile phononic crystals can form a new type of vibration filtering devices that offer an enhanced degree of freedom in manipulating stress wave propagation.
Parent–Child Acculturation Patterns and Substance Use among Hispanic Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis

Acculturation discrepancy theory predicts that conflicting cultural preferences between adolescents and their parents will increase the adolescents’ risk for behavior problems such as substance use. This study evaluated this hypothesis in a sample of 1683 Hispanic students in Southern California who completed surveys in 9th and 10th grade. Measures included the students’ own cultural orientations and their perceptions of their parents’ preference for their cultural orientations (“Perceived Parental Cultural Expectations”—PPCE). Hispanic PPCE in 9th grade was a risk factor for lifetime, but not past-month, cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use in 10th grade. The adolescents’ own Hispanic orientation in 9th grade was protective against lifetime and past-month smoking and marijuana use and lifetime alcohol use in 10th grade. The effects of the acculturation variables did not vary according to generation in the U.S. Change in acculturation between 9th and 10th grade was statistically significant but small in magnitude. Increases in parent-child Hispanic acculturation discrepancy (i.e., the difference between the adolescents’ own cultural orientations and their PPCE, with adolescents perceiving that their parents wanted them to be more Hispanic oriented than they actually were) from 9th to 10th grade were associated with an increased risk of substance use. Family-based interventions for acculturating Hispanic families may be useful in decreasing the likelihood of substance use among Hispanic adolescents.
The on-line voyeur: Promises and pitfalls of observing electronic interaction

Studies that compare objective data on communication activity to data provided in verbal reports have indicated that verbal report data are not as accurate as one might hope. Researchers of communication have used verbal reports as their primary source of data because it presents a cheap and easy way to collect the data. This paper presents an easy alternative involving the study ofelectronic communication: a method that allows the collection of objective information on electronic communication, thus avoiding the problems associated with self-reports. The paper reviews the available literature on the accuracy of self-reports of communication, presents the instrument used to collect the objective electronic communication data, and discusses some of the difficulties and limitations encountered in implementing a study using the instrument.