cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence analysis of the active contour model with applications to medical images

We propose an algorithm that reconstructs the central layer of thick contours, and maps it onto the unit interval. We base our algorithm on an active contour model and we analyze its behavior both in the space and frequency domain. We prove conditions on the parameters of the formulation that guarantee a good solution and we demonstrate the importance of the choice of these parameters through a series of experiments.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The generalized Spencer-Lewis equation

Abstract The Spencer-Lewis equation, which describes electron transport in homogeneous media when continuous slowing down theory is valid, is derived from the Boltzmann equation. Also derived is a time-dependent generalized Spencer-Lewis equation valid for inhomogeneous media. An independent verification of this last equation is obtained for the one-dimensional case using particle balance considerations.
Breaking the Link: Nursing Intervention in the Incestuous Family

(1980). Breaking the Link: Nursing Intervention in the Incestuous Family. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 51-59.
Atomistic Simulations of [001] Symmetric Tilt Boundaries in Ni3Al

We report a systematic atomistic simulation study of [001] symmetric tilt grain boundaries (GB) in Ni3Al, Ni, and Al. We found that the grain boundary energies and cohesive energies of Ni3Al and pure fcc Ni are approximately thesame. Grain boundary energies aid cohesive energies in Ni3Al depends stronglyon the grain boundary composition. The Al-rich boundaries have highest grain boundary energies and lowest cohesive energies. This offers an explanation for the stoichiometric effect on the boron ductilization
A two-state tension-displacement model for hemoglobin-ligand binding

Abstract Based on the Perutz view of hemoglobin co-operativity and the methodology of statistical physics, a two-state ( t → r ) model for the co-operative response is presented. The motion of the iron atom with respect to the heme plane is assumed to be the important feature of the binding process, and results in an expression for hemoglobin saturation as an explicit function of the internal tension of the hemoglobin molecule. Closure of the equation is achieved with the assumption of linearity between the internal tension and the displacement of the iron atom above the heme plane. The result is a linear dependence of log e [(ψ/(1−ψ)/(1/X L )] on the fractional saturation, ψ, the slope and intercept being expressed in terms of physically realizable parameters characteristic of the hemoglobin-ligand reaction. Agreement with experimental data for hemoglobin-oxygen and hemoglobin-carbon monoxide is obtained using parameter values that are reasonable in terms of the interactions they represent.
Positron ionization mass spectrometry. I: instrumentation

Abstract Initial studies have been performed to investigate the use of positrons to ionize polyatomic molecules for mass spectrometric analysis. A positron beam facility has been constructed which converts forward-scattered gamma radiation from a 150-MeV accelerator into positrons of a selected energy by means of a tungsten metal moderator. The positrons are transported by solenoidal magnetic fields into the ionization volume of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer where they interact with molecules of a target gas. The initial mass spectral results are apparently due to positron impact ionization and compare directly with electron impact ionization data acquired with the same apparatus. Further studies will seek to extend the energy range of the positrons into the region below the ionization energy of the target molecules, where other mechanisms of ionization are likely.
c-myc Repression of Promoter Activity through Core Promoter Elements

c-MYC was found to repress expression of the c-myc promoter in a transient assay system. Deletion constructs showed the cis-acting element(s) were common to both the P1 and P2 promoters. Further analysis involving replacement of the P2 TATA box and initiator elements with the SV40 late promoter initiator localized the cis-acting elements to the core promoter.
Planar tilings by polyominoes, polyhexes, and polyiamonds

Using computer programs, we enumerate and classify the tiling behavior of small polyominoes (n ≤ 9), polyhexes (n ≤ 7), and polyiamonds (n ≤ 10). For tiles that tile the Euclidean plane, we give diagrams illustrating how they tile. We also show several larger tiles whose minimal fundamental domain in any admitted (periodic) tiling is significantly larger than for any previously known tile.
Structural and mechanical engineering research of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Abstract Research conducted by NRC Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research in Structural Mechanics for Reactor Technology is reported in this paper. The reported research primarily concerns applications to Civil Structures, Mechanical Systems and Components related to Light Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants. It concerns the period between the Fourth International Conference in Structural Mechanics for Reactor Technology, held in San Francisco in 1977, and the 1979 Fifth Conference in Berlin. It includes research completed to date; status of research now under way, and future research programs.
Vortex induced vibrations using Large Eddy Simulation at a moderate Reynolds number

Abstract This paper presents the results of a computational study on the vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder. We have performed a 2-D LES study of the VIV response of a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 8000 with a range of damping ratios and natural frequencies. A combined Dirichlet–Neumann outflow boundary condition was used to allow the wake vortices to pass through the outflow boundary, undisturbed by the boundary. In spite of the shortcomings of a 2-D representation, the results show the expected vibratory response of the cylinder for 0.555
Public information officers' and journalists' perceived barriers to providing quality health information.

Given the increase in the volume of health and medical news over the past few years, the expanding population of journalists committed to feeding the public's voracious appetite for such information, and the important role of government public health organizations in producing and disseminating public health information, it is surprising that little research exists that explores the relationships among public health entities and health journalists. This article describes and analyzes similarities and differences in perceptions between journalists and information officers in public health agencies on a number of issues to reveal how public information officers and health journalists can work to build a local public health agenda free from the burden of unnecessary or inconsistent barriers. This study reports findings from a study with a 3-stage pretest and 90 interviews with state and local public health information officers and the health journalists who cover public health beats across the United States....
Embryonic stem cell-derived granulosa cells participate in ovarian follicle formation in vitro and in vivo.

Differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can form ovarian follicle-like structures in vitro, consisting of an oocyte-like cell surrounded by somatic cells capable of steroidogenesis. Using a dual-fluorescence reporter system in which mouse ESCs express green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of a germ cell–specific Pou5f1 gene promoter and red fluorescent protein (Discosoma sp red [DsRed]) driven by the granulosa cell–specific Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) gene promoter, we first confirmed in vitro formation of follicle-like structures containing GFP-positive cells surrounded by DsRed-positive cells. Isolated DsRed-positive cells specified from ECSs exhibited a gene expression profile consistent with granulosa cells, as revealed by the detection of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for Foxl2, follistatin (Fst), anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr) as well as by production of both progesterone and estradiol. In addition, treatment of isolated DsRed-expressing cells with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly increased estradiol production over basal levels, confirming the presence of functional FSH receptors in these cells. Last, ESC-derived DsRed-positive cells injected into neonatal mouse ovaries became incorporated within the granulosa cell layer of immature follicles. These studies demonstrate that Foxl2-expressing ovarian somatic cells derived in vitro from differentiating ESCs express granulosa cell markers, actively associate with germ cells in vitro, synthesize steroids, respond to FSH, and participate in folliculogenesis in vivo.
The Sentimental Drama: Nostalgia, Historical Trauma, and Spectatorship in 1940s Hollywood

For Hollywood's studio era, drama has too often been the genre that is not a genre. Genre studies—general or targeted, canonical or revisionist—focus on categories of films that are marked as diffe...
Effects of extremity wraps to control drug-induced shivering: a pilot study.

Efficacy of a nursing intervention to control amphotericin B-induced, febrile shivering was tested in 40 hospitalized adult patients with cancer. Extremity wraps were used to modify the rate of heat loss from skin to prevent shivering stimulus. Duration of shivering and amount of meperidine required for shivering suppression were compared between treatment and control groups. Total shivering duration was shorter in the treatment group than in the control, p less than .005. Less meperidine was administered to the treatment group than to controls but differences were not statistically significant. The fact that nurses differ in their propensity to use a narcotic to treat shivering may make use of meperidine a poor measure of the intervention's efficacy. Shivering was found to significantly affect myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) among subjects who shivered. MVO2, as reflected in the rate pressure product, was found to be significantly higher during shivering (p less than .0001) than at pre- or postshivering periods.
Energy Spectra of Correlated Fragment Pairs from the Spontaneous Fission of CF252

Silicon surface barrier counters have been used in conjunction with specially-designed low noise amplifiers to measure the energies of correlated fragment pairs from the spontaneous fission of Cf252. The silicon counters, ?" × ?" in size and prepared from 3600 ohm-cm material, exhibit rise times for fission pulses of a few nanoseconds; the pulse height resolution obtained for natural alpha particles is 0.5 percent. The energy response of the present counters to fission fragments appears to be slightly non-linear. Pulses from coincident fragment pairs are analyzed and recorded in a 100 × 100 channel coordinate recorder. Approximately 3 × 105 events have been recorded on punched paper tape and sorted on the ORACLE. Preliminary results including the deduced relative mass yields are shown, as well as pulse-height and energy spectra.
Suppression of aberrant colonic crypt foci by synthetic sphingomyelins with saturated or unsaturated sphingoid base backbones

Supplementation of the diet of CF1 mice with sphingomyelin isolated from milk has been shown to reduce the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the appearance of colonic adenocarcinoma induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (Schmelz et al., Cancer Res 56, 4936-4941, 1996). The objective of this study was to determine whether chemically synthesized sphingomyelin reduces the appearance of ACF, one of the earliest morphological changes in the development of colonic tumors, and to investigate the specificity of this inhibition for the unsaturated sphingoid base backbone. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine was administered intraperitoneally to female CF1 mice, then the animals were fed a semipurified AIN 76A diet without supplementation (controls) or supplemented with 0.1% (wt/wt) sphingomyelin isolated from skim milk powder, synthetic N-palmitoylsphingomyelin, or N-palmitoyldihydrosphingomyelin for four weeks. The number of ACF in the sphingomyelin-fed groups was significantly lower than in the control by 54% (p = 0.002), 52% (p = 0.002), and 70% (p < 0.0001) for milk sphingomyelin, synthetic sphingomyelin, and synthetic dihydrosphingomyelin, respectively. Suppression of ACF by the synthetic dihydrosphingomyelin was significantly greater than by synthetic sphingomyelin (p = 0.035). These findings establish that sphingomyelin, and not merely a possible contaminant of the naturally occurring sphingomyelin preparation used previously, suppresses ACF formation. Furthermore, the greater potency of dihydrosphingomyelin reveals that the 4,5-trans double bond of the sphingoid backbone is not required for this suppression.
Superstructural variety from an alkylated triazine: Formation of one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded arrays or cyclic rosettes

The propensity of an alkylated 2,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazine to establish dimeric hydrogen bonding motifs has been examined. Either alone, or when partnered with a linear aromatic diimide, the triazine crystallizes in extended one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded arrays. In contrast, the cocrystal with thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid presents closed cyclic hexameric arrays comprised of alternating triazine and diacid units. In all cases, the triazine employs the same hydrogen bond donor and acceptor sites in establishing these extended structures, using only the sites that flank the smallest of the triazine substituents.
Equitable agendas: agendas ensuring identical sincere and sophisticated voting decisions

Sophisticated voting under amendment procedure using majority rule usually results in a decision that is distinct from the decision obtained through sincere voting. In this article it is shown that the underlying majority tournament (determined by the voters’ preferences) admits an agenda so that the sincere and sophisticated decisions are identical if and only if the initial strong component of the tournament is not a 3-cycle. As a result, most tournaments, in an asymptotic sense, admit an agenda so that the sincere and sophisticated decisions are identical.
Crystal Chemistry of Pyrochlore

Analyses of natural minerals suggest the wide variety of both cationic and anionic substitutions possible in the pyrochlore structure. Limits on the possibilities of ionic substitution in pyrochlore have been determined by the preparation of a large number of compounds. An important feature found is that substitution of up to two of seven anions is possible but apparently no more. Many ion-deficient structures can be made, especially those with one large cation absent. Anion deficiency to the same extent or even in smaller amounts leads to the formation of perovskite structures. Quantitative data on solid solubility among three related structures, pyrochlore, perovskite, and columbite, have been determined for the case of Cd2Nb2O7-NaNbO3-CdNb2O6. An attempt has been made to study the relation of pyrochlore and C-type rare earth to the fluorite structure as an example of the ordering of defects.
Retroprosthetic Membrane and Risk of Sterile Keratolysis in Patients With Type I Boston Keratoprosthesis

Purpose To evaluate whether retro-backplate retroprosthetic membrane is correlated with risk of melt in patients with a type I Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro). Design Retrospective, observational case series. Methods Study of 50 eyes of 47 patients with type I Boston KPro and postoperative anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT) imaging performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Main outcome measures were presence of retro-backplate membrane and development of melt requiring explantation. For eyes with melt, membrane thickness was measured using the AS OCT images obtained at the last visit before melt occurred. For eyes without melt, the last available AS OCT images were used for measurement. Results AS OCT evidence of a retro-backplate membrane was observed in 100% of eyes that melted and in 34.1% of eyes that did not ( P = .0034; risk ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 4.4). Retro-backplate membrane thickness in the melt group was 278 μm versus 193 μm in the nonmelt group ( P = .025). Conclusions The retro-backplate portion of a retroprosthetic membrane is to be differentiated from the retro-optic portion seen at the slit lamp. The retro-backplate membrane as shown by AS OCT imaging is correlated with an increased risk of sterile keratolysis, possibly because of impedance of nutritional support from the aqueous humor. Further studies are needed to better standardize the AS OCT measurements of retro-backplate membranes as well as to identify early interventions to prevent progression of thin membranes once identified on AS OCT.
Growth and characterization of superconducting films Tl0.78Bi0.22Sr1.6Ba0.4Ca2Cu3O9 on CeO2-buffered single crystal YSZ

Abstract Crystalline CeO 2 as a buffer layer on single crystal yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has been deposited in situ at 600–650°C by laser ablation. Following the deposition of CeO 2 , Tl 0.78 Bi 0.22 Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9 ((Tl,Bi)-1223) amorphous films were deposited on the CeO 2 -buffered YSZ substrate at room temperature. The deposited amorphous films were then wrapped together with an unfired Tl 0.95 Bi 0.22 Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9 pellet in silver foil. The whole package was finally annealed ex situ in a tube furnace at 790–810°C with flowing argon to crystallize the films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the annealed films consist of mainly c -axis aligned (Tl,Bi)-1223 phase with a small amount of (Tl,Bi)-1212 phase. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) values of XRD ω-scans at (007) of (Tl,Bi)-1223 phase and (005) of (Tl,Bi)-1212 phase are 0.44° and 0.48° respectively. XRD ϕ-scans on (102) of both (Tl,Bi)-1223 and (Tl,Bi)-1212 phases show an excellent in-plane alignment with FWHM values of 0.44° and 0.54°, respectively. Four-probe transport measurements show superconducting transition temperatures ( T c 's) of 105–109 K depending on the annealing conditions. At 77 K and zero external magnetic field, transport critical current density ( J c ) is in the range of (0.6–1)×10 6 A/cm 2 for samples with thickness of 1.5–1.8 μm.
Co:MgF2 laser ablation of tissue: Effect of wavelength on ablation threshold and thermal damage

The wavelength dependence of the ablation threshold of a variety of tissues has been studied by using a tunable pulsed Co:MgF2 laser to determine how closely it tracks the optical absorption length of water. The Co:MgF2 laser was tuned between 1.81 and 2.14 microns, a wavelength region in which the absorption length varies by a decade. For soft tissues the ablation threshold tracks the optical absorption length; for bone there is little wavelength dependence, consistent with the low water content of bone. Thermal damage vs. wavelength was also studied for cornea and bone. Thermal damage to cornea has a weak wavelength dependence, while that to bone shows little wavelength dependence. Framing-camera pictures of the ablation of both cornea and liver show explosive removal of material, but differ as to the nature of the explosion.
Evaluation of Methods for the Early Detection of Chronic Obstructive Ventilatory Diseases

Utilizing the MEFR 25-75 and a clinical diagnosis as the standard for comparison, a 90 per cent level of sensitivity was achieved for the diagnosis of the obstructive ventilatory syndrome in men between 30 and 65 years of age. This measurement was obtained with the McKesson Vitalor in the homes of randomly selected subjects. The initial false positive rate of 45 per cent was reduced to 14 per cent by a validation examination using the same instrument without reducing the true positive rate. The McKesson Vitalor seemed suitable for a screening spirometric examination. Based on clinic studies, the best criteria for identifying patients with mild chronic obstructive ventilatory disease were: MEFR 25-75 less than 2.0 liters/second FEV 3 less than 90 per cent of FVC MEFR 75 less than 0.60 liters/second FEV 1 less than 70 per cent of FVC Other useful criteria were x-ray evidence of hyperinflation and any two of the following respiratory symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, production of sputum, or wheezing. A population survey for the prevalence of obstructive ventilatory disease should include a measurement of the forced expirogram (MEFR 25-75 ). A brief history and chest radiographs are desirable. Such a survey should include facilities for validation of "abnormal" field measurements and for evaluation of survey results. A group of men screened as abnormal can be expected to consist mainly of smokers who have a significant prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
Treatable lumbosacral polyradiculitis masquerading as diabetic amyotrophy

Patients with diabetic amyotrophy may have an inflammatory vasculopathy and may obtain reversal of neurological deficits with immunosuppression. We present a patient with NIDDM, subacute onset of painful asymmetric polyradiculopathy, and unilateral enhancement of lumbar nerve roots on MRI. Clinical improvement and resolution of nerve root enhancement occurred with immunosuppression. We suggest, therefore, that nerve biopsy and gadolinum-enhanced lumbosacral MRI be performed in all patients presenting with diabetic amyotrophy. If nerve root enhancement is present or if nerve biopsy shows perivascular infiltrates, we recommend a trial of immunosuppression.
Resolution of radioiodinated thyrotropin into receptor active and inactive components by column chromatography.

Abstract Following radioiodination by the lactoperoxidase method and subsequent purification on Sephadex G100, it was found that [ 125 I]TSH exhibited varying degrees of binding activities to the thyrotropin receptor. In order to further purify the radiolabeled hormone, the [ 125 I]TSH preparation was chromatographed on Sepharose 6B. Two peaks of radioactive material (Peaks I and II) were recovered, containing approx. 60% of the applied radioactivity. Upon elution with Mg 2+ , the remainder of the radiolabeled material was recovered as a single peak (Peak III). Characterization of these 3 peaks by radioinununoassay demonstrated that all 3 were immunocompetent, although Peaks I and III were 3–4-fold more immunoreactive than Peak II. Analysis by radioreceptor assay indicated that Peak III showed an increase in receptor-binding capacity (in comparison with the [ 125 I]TSH preparation purified by Sephadex G100 alone), while both Peaks I and II exhibited significantly reduced binding activity. In contrast, human TSH (NIH) chromatographed mainly as a receptor inactive peak, although it was fully immunocompetent. Scatchard analysis of receptor binding to bovine [ 125 I]TSH from Peak III yielded a curvilinear plot with affinities similar to those we have previously reported for [ 125 I]TSH purified by Sephadex G100 chromatography. The total number of binding sites, however, increased proportionally with the active fraction of the [ 125 I]TSH preparation. Since the mass of bound hormone is calculated from the percent bound of total radioactivity and only a fraction of the measured total participates in the binding, it is therefore necessary to correct for the inactive fraction when calculating the total receptor number.
A geometric algorithm for single selective disassembly using the wave propagation abstraction

Disassembling a selected component from an assembly, defined as selective disassembly, is important for applications such as maintenance, recycling and reuse. This paper presents a geometric algorithm to solve the following selective disassembly problem: given an assembly and a selected component to be disassembled, determine the disassembly sequence with minimum component removals (motions), defined as an optimum sequence. We propose an abstraction “wave propagation” that analyzes the assembly from the selected component outwards, and orders the components for selective disassembly. The main contributions of this research are: (1) determining an optimal disassembly sequence; (2) reducing the search space by analyzing a subset of components in the assembly; and (3) providing a polynomial average complexity algorithm. The proposed selective disassembly approach applies to both two dimensional and three-dimensional assemblies.
Long-Term Administration of Valproic Acid in the Treatment of Affective Symptoms in People With Mental Retardation

We report the results of an open trial of valproic acid in the treatment of affective symptoms in people with mental retardation. The study population consisted of 209 people with mental retardation who were serially referred to a tertiary-care medical center for the evaluation of behavioral symptoms. Criteria for treatment included the presence of three of the four following symptoms: irritability, sleep disturbance, aggressive or self-injurious behavior, and behavioral cycling. Twenty-one patients met enrollment criteria and were studied prospectively for a 2-year period. Two patients were lost to follow-up. One patient experienced severe drug side effects. Eighteen patients completed the study. Fourteen patients (78%) responded favorably to treatment and were maintained on valproic acid for the 2 years of the study (p < 0.001). Medications prescribed at the time of enrollment were usually discontinued, including neuroleptic medication in 9 of 10 patients and in all patients (N = 3) who were receiving phenobarbital. A history of epilepsy or a suspicion of seizures was strongly associated with a favorable response to valproic acid (p < 0.005). The results of this study suggest that people with mental retardation and concurrent affective disorders can be recognized by a cluster of developmentally appropriate symptoms such as those listed above. In addition, affective symptoms can be successfully treated with valproate with reductions in neuroleptic and barbiturate anticonvulsant medication. Further study of the comparative benefit of valproate and carbamazepine in this population is warranted.
Coordinate-free computer graphics

Abstract This paper describes the graphical programming language tuna . tuna is a superset of fortran IV, designed for the writing of interactive graphics programs. The datatype graphical has been added to fortran along with operators which allow the writing of graphical expressions. These operators perform coordinate-free operations such as intersection, concatenation, rotation, and superposition. Other extensions include graphical Boolean operators and statements for communicating with an interactive terminal and light pen. Graphical entities are treated as primitive, rather than as sequences of Cartesian coordinate pairs. The construction operators in tuna are more closely related to the operations of the draftsman than to the algebraic operations of analytic geometry. Pictures are logical trees of points, lines, and subpictures; either DYNAMIC (changing as their subcomponents change) or STATIC. The data structure required to implement this is completely transparent to the programmer.
Effects of sex ratios on occupational prestige and desirability among black and white university students

This study attempted to replicate Touhey's (1974a, 1974b) research on the effect of increased proportion of women incumbents on the prestige and desirability of six high status occupations. The subjects, 200 black and white male and female college students rated these occupations under instructions that they were either low and stable or high and increasing in proportion of women. Proportion of women did not affect the prestige ratings of the occupations for any of the subject groups. Proportion of women affected occupational desirability for men and women and for blacks and whites. In each instance, the effect was to increase desirability for one group and to decrease it for the other.
What is the minimum duration of head-up tilt necessary to detect orthostatic hypotension?

There is uncertainty as to the minimum duration of head-up tilt (HUT) needed to detect orthostatic hypotension (OH). The orthostatic duration has variably been recommended to be 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes. The purpose of the current study was 1) to determine the minimum duration of HUT necessary to detect OH and 2) to identify different patterns of orthostatic blood pressure (BP) response in patients with OH. We evaluated the medical records of 66 consecutive patients (mean age 70.0±10.1 years; 64% male) seen at Mayo Clinic-Rochester from 2000–2001 who fulfilled the criteria for OH (systolic blood pressure [SBP] reduction ≥ 20mm Hg within 3 minutes of HUT) during routine clinical autonomic studies. All patients completed an autonomic reflex screen with continuous monitoring of heart rate and BP during supine rest and 5 minutes of 70 degree HUT. Severity of autonomic deficits was quantified with the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS). Overall, BP was the lowest at 1 minute with gradual and partial recovery over the following 4 minutes. Eighty-eight percent of patients (N=58) developed OH by 1 minute of HUT, with an additional 11% (N=7) developing OH by 2 minutes and the remaining 1% (N=1) developing OH by 3 minutes. We identified two broad patterns of SBP response to HUT. Forty-eight percent (N=32) of patients demonstrated an initial drop in SBP (≥ 20 mm Hg),which remained stable until tilt-back. Thirty-six percent (N=24) demonstrated an initial drop (≥ 20mm Hg) followed by a progressive decline in SBP until tilt-back. Repeated measures analysis of variance confirmed that the SBP change in response to HUT differed significantly among patients with a stable vs. progressive pattern [F(3,32)=25.1, p<0.001). Patients with the progressive pattern also had more severe adrenergic impairment on the CASS (p=0.03) and were more likely to have their tilt test terminated early (prior to 5minutes) due to presyncope (p<0.0001) than patients with the stable pattern. One minute of HUT will detect OH in the great majority (88%) of patients and three minutes will detect the balance. Orthostatic stress beyond 2 minutes is necessary to detect the pattern of progressive OH. Since this group has more severe adrenergic deficits than the group with stable OH, we suggest that the progressive pattern is due to greater impairment of compensatory reflexes. Recognition of the group with progressive fall in BP is important since this group may be at greater risk of orthostatic syncope.
A novel strategy for nanoclay exfoliation in thermoset polyimide nanocomposite systems

Abstract A novel method of nanoclay exfoliation in the synthesis of nanocomposites of PMR type thermoset resins was investigated. The method involves nanoclay intercalation by lower molecular weight PMR monomer prior to dispersion in primary, higher molecular weight PMR resin and resin curing to obtain the final composites. The resultant mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated as functions of clay type, degree of clay exfoliation, and clay intercalation strategies. It was found that sonication of clay at the time of intercalation by lower molecular weight PMR resin helps to achieve higher degree of exfoliation. In addition, clays obtained from ion exchange with a 50:50 mixture of N -[4(4-aminobenzyl)phenyl]-5-norborene-2,3-dicarboximide (APND), and dodecylamine (C12) showed better exfoliation than Cloisite ® 30B clay. The resultant nanocomposites show higher thermal stability and higher tensile modulus.
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection

Treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is an important component of TB control programs in both high- and low-prevalence countries. Clinical trials of treatment of latent TB conducted over several decades have demonstrated that preventive treatment can reduce the risk of developing active TB up to 90%. Although 9 months of daily, self-administered isoniazid has been the most widely used and recommended regimen for the treatment of latent infection, other regimens such as 3 months of daily isoniazid and rifampin, or 4 months of daily rifampin alone have also been recommended and used. Most recently, a 12-dose regimen of once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine has been shown to be noninferior to 9 months of daily isoniazid in a large and well conducted clinical trial. Adoption of such a regimen on a large scale could have significant implications for TB elimination efforts.
Mitomycin C effects on cell cycle progression, including inhibition of very late prophase, as seen in living neuroblasts of Chortophaga viridifasciata, with some observations on mitomycin C purity.

Observations were made on living neuroblasts (Nbs) of the grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata) embryo during a 4-h recovery period following 1-h in vitro exposure to 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M mitomycin C (MMC). None of these concentrations affected the duration of mid-mitosis (prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase), but one as low as 10(-8) M causes a small reduction in the rate at which Nbs move through the remainder of the cell cycle, primarily by retarding their progress through S. As the concentration is increased there is slower movement through S and also prophase (there are no true G1 and G2 periods in the rapidly dividing Nb: 4-h cell cycle at 38 degrees C). A significant proportion of the cells exposed to 10(-4) M are blocked for 1 or more h at very late prophase, i.e., just before nuclear membrane breakdown. In such retarded prophases the chromosomes resemble c-metaphase chromosomes even though the nuclear membrane remains intact. Mass spectrometry data revealed that one lot of the MMC used contained one or more impurities.
A relay-type feedback control system design for random inputs

EARLIER literature has suggested the design of the so-called optimum relay control system, where the term ?optimum? is based on the system having the fastest possible response in terms of reducing the error to minimum following a step or ramp input.1?4 It has been pointed out that these systems are optimum only in this special sense, and that their response to other types of input may be undesirable.5
A potential X-pinch based point X-ray source for phase contrast imaging of inertial confinement fusion capsules

Phase contrast x-ray imaging is necessary to monitor and validate the DT ice layer inside a cryoignition target. Presently available sources require a minute long exposure for imaging, thus contributing to blurring of images at the edges. An x-pinch is a bright, pulsed x-ray source that produces pulses of x-rays duration < 1 ns thus eliminating such blurring. Our preliminary results show that with an optimized detection system an x-pinch generated image could be used to locate the ice layer with the accuracy demanded by the NIF specifications.
Identity and Intimacy Crises and Their Relationship to Internet Dependence among College Students

In an attempt to test Kandell’s proposition that internet dependents used the internet as a coping mechanism against underlying psychological issues, this study investigated the extent to which the fifth and sixth Eriksonian crises (identity, intimacy), were related to internet dependence (online chatting, gaming) among college students. Students spending more than 10 hours per week on chatting/gaming were classified as dependents. On the basis of a national sample of freshmen in Taiwan, this study found that the dependents scored significantly lower on most of the measures that reflected the successful resolution of the crises, and higher on the measures that reflected unsuccessful resolution of the crises. Kandell’s proposition was supported.
Branching Ratios in Activated Systems

Branching between reaction channels in activated systems is often observed to vary with changes in the potential energy surface as Δln(k1/k2) ∝ Δ(Δ − Δ ). RRKM calculations demonstrate that in many, but not all, cases the log−linear relationship accurately describes branching in nonthermal distributions of reactants with energies well above the threshold for reaction. The origin of this relationship and conditions necessary for its validity can be understood in terms of quantum RRK theory.
The trapped infinity: Cartesian volition as conceptual nightmare

Abstract Descartes's theory of volition as expressed in his Passions of the Soul is analyzed and outlined. The focus is not on Descartes's proposed answers to questions about the nature and processes of volition, but on his way of formulating questions about the nature of volition. It is argued that the assumptions underlying Descartes's questions have become ‘intellectual strait‐jackets’ for all who are interested in volition: neuroscientists, philosophers and psychologists. It is shown that Descartes's basic assumption—that volition causes change in the brain/mind, not in the world around us—has set in train a series of ‘themata’ that have dominated studies of the will, severely curtailing our understanding. It is then shown that these Cartesian themata are so limiting and confusing that a number of internally contradictory ideas have actually become mainstays of most theories of volition; in particular, the concepts of unconscious sensations and of involuntary volitions.
Best Linear Estimates under Symmetric Censoring of the Parameters of a Double Exponential Population

Abstract Closed-form expressions for the first two moments and the product (linear) moments of the double exponential order statistics are obtained. Expressions for generalized least squares estimates of location and scale parameters based on symmetrically censored samples and for their variances are also obtained. Expected values of order statistics in random samples of size N drawn from the standard double exponential population are evaluated accurate to six decimal places for N = 2(1)20 and these are presented in Table 1. The covariances of these order statistics, accurate to five decimal places are given in Table 2 for N = 2(1)20. Least squares estimates of location and scale parameters of the double exponential population, using ordered observations in complete and all possible symmetrically censored samples are presented in Table 3, accurate to four decimal places, for N = 2(1)20.
The Successful Stuttering Management Program: A Preliminary Report on Outcomes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that adults who stutter will exhibit significant improvements after attending a residential, 3-week intensive program that focuses on a...
The reaction of a cyclic sulfonate ester with the sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme papain

Abstract The reactive aromatic 5-membered cyclic sulfonate ester 2-hydroxy-5-nitro-α-toluenesulfonic acid sultone (I) undergoes facile papain-catalyzed hydrolysis. This finding is remarkable since it implies that the intermediate sulfonyl-enzyme, which is presumably a thiolsulfonate species, is labile while the corresponding unsubstituted sulfonyl-enzyme, α-toluenesulfonyl-papain, is very stable under the same conditions. As has been suggested in the case of the chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of I, the phenolic hydroxyl group in 2-hydroxy-5-nitro-α-toluenesulfonyl-papain may be acting as an intramolecular general acid catalyst, assisting the hydrolytic break-down of the sulfonyl-enzyme. A kinetic analysis has revealed that concurrently with the process of sultone hydrolysis, papain is modified by the sultone I, giving an inactive enzyme. Apparently, the intermediate sulfonyl-enzyme decomposes about 2% of the time to form the inactive species, which contains a covalently bound p -nitrophenol chromophore, rather than to give the 2-hydroxy-5-nitro-α-toluenesulfonate anion. The nature of the inactivated enzyme is currently under investigation.
The Socio-Political Recruitment of Identities

A discussion is developed of Lynne Layton's argument regarding the eclipsing of empathic links among individuals and collective identifications within contemporary American culture. In this discussion I raise questions about the rhetorical strategies of this essay, about the analysis of power and of the social climate. I want to engage Layton in a closer consideration of the role of subversion and dissent, the status of developmental processes in a changing culture, the nature and reach of empathy, the role of psychoanalysis as a practice and a theory, and the role of therapeutic process in building opposition and dissent and in creating strong empathic forms of alliance to counter the dominant culture, including the culture of work.
The political economy of the privatization of agricultural information: The case of the United States

Abstract Computers and information systems are changing the technical basis of US agriculture. These information technologies are providing a novel means of obtaining and managing agricultural information but simultaneously have initiated a restructuring of social relationships among agricultural institutions. While agricultural applications of these technologies were developed within the public sector, new linkages have been forged with the private sector for the electronic dissemination of agricultural information. This privatization process is transforming agricultural information into a purchased farm input. The current trajectory of federal information policy and the privatization of agricultural information have important implications for the future structure of US agriculture.
Ideology in composition: L1 and ESL

Abstract This article looks at the ideological view of writing in L1 composition and attempts to answer the question of why a similar view has not been propounded in ESL writing. The claim is that the difference can be attributed to: 1) the different affiliations of L1 and L2 composition, that is, L1 with literature and L2 with applied linguistics, 2) the scientific model for L2 research, 3) ESL's primarily pragmatic aims, and 4) the conservatizing effect of EFL. The article concludes by considering whether L2 composition might move in the direction of L1 by developing a similar ideological perspective.
Net-shape processing of single-domain YBa2Cu3Ox for a novel high-Q millimeter wave resonator

Abstract Large single domain YBa 2 Cu 3 O x materials have been successfully fabricated with superb RF properties by employing the seeded-melt growth (SMG) method. Based on a new design, a cavity resonator has been constructed using the single-domain YBa 2 Cu 3 O x processed by SMG. The cavity consists of a hollow cylindrical cup covered by a polished plate, which operates in the TM 010 mode. All cavity parts are made of single-domain YBa 2 Cu 3 O x without any dielectric materials. The measured Q has reached a high value of 10200 at 18.4 GHz. Our experimental data show great promise in the development of RF components using single domain high temperature superconductors.
Association between Use of HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors and Mortality in HIV-Infected Patients

Introduction HIV infection is a disease associated with chronic inflammation and immune activation. Antiretroviral therapy reduces inflammation, but not to levels in comparable HIV-negative individuals. The HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit several pro-inflammatory processes and suppress immune activation, and are a logical therapy to assess for a possible salutary effect on HIV disease progression and outcomes. Methods Eligible patients were patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort who achieved virologic suppression within 180 days of starting a new highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen after January 1, 1998. Assessment was continued until death in patients who maintained a virologic suppression, with right-censoring of their follow-up time if they had an HIV RNA > 500 copies/ml. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess statin use as a time-varying covariate, as well as other demographic and clinical factors. Results A total of 1538 HIV-infected patients fulfilled eligibility criteria, of whom 238 (15.5%) received a statin while taking HAART. There were 85 deaths (7 in statin users, 78 in non-users). By multivariate Cox regression, statin use was associated with a relative hazard of 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.76; P = 0.009) after adjusting for CD4, HIV-1 RNA, hemoglobin and cholesterol levels at the start of HAART, age, race, HIV risk group, prior use of ART, year of HAART start, NNRTI vs. PI-based ART, prior AIDS-defining illness, and viral hepatitis coinfection. Malignancy, non-AIDS-defining infection and liver failure were particularly prominent causes of death. Discussion Statin use was associated with significantly lower hazard of dying in these HIV-infected patients who were being effectively treated with HAART as determined by virologic suppression. Our results suggest the need for confirmation in other observational cohorts, and if confirmed, the need for a clinical trial of statin use in HIV infection.
The fatigue endurance limit of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

A stress–life study of a bulk metallic glass (Zr 41.25 Ti 13.75 Ni 10 Cu 12.5 Be 22.5 ) using notched cylindrical bars reported a fatigue endurance limit of ∼1/2 of the ultimate tensile strength. This result is significantly higher than the value of ∼1/10 of the endurance limit previously reported using four-point bend specimens. A careful study of the stress state and final fracture surfaces for the notched specimens together with an error in the stress concentration factor employed in the original paper were found to explain the discrepancies.
Light-emitting diodes as a light source for photosynthesis research

Light-emitting diodes (LED) can provide large fluxes of red photons and so could be used to make lightweight, efficient lighting systems for photosynthetic research. We compared photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and isoprene emission (a sensitive indicator of ATP status) from leaves of kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi.) enclosed in a leaf chamber illuminated by LEDs versus by a xenon arc lamp. Stomatal conductance was measured to determine if red LED light could sufficiently open stomata. The LEDs produced an even field of red light (peak emission 656±5 nm) over the range of 0–1500 μmol m-2 s-1. Under ambient CO2 the photosynthetic response to red light deviated slightly from the response measured in white light and stomatal conductance followed a similar pattern. Isoprene emission also increased with light similar to photosynthesis in white light and red light. The response of photosynthesis to CO2 was similar under the LED and xenon arc lamps at equal photosynthetic irradiance of 1000 μmol m-2 s-1. There was no statistical difference between the white light and red light measurements in high CO2. Some leaves exhibited feedback inhibition of photosynthesis which was equally evident under irradiation of either lamp type. Photosynthesis research including electron transport, carbon metabolism and trace gas emission studies should benefit greatly from the increased reliability, repeatability and portability of a photosynthesis lamp based on light-emitting diodes.
Sonic boom propagation from maneuvering aircraft.

Sonic boom pressure signatures for uniform and maneuvering flight conditions determined for fighter and SST aircraft
The economic structure of port cities in the mid-nineteenth century: Boston and Liverpool, 1840–1860

Abstract This paper compares the economic structures of Boston, Massachusetts, and Liverpool, Lancashire, in the mid-nineteenth century. The two cities were selected for comparative analysis because of similarities in the commodity flows through their ports, the functional status of each city in the urban hierarchies of the US and Britain and the industrial mix of each hinterland. An examination of the distribution of the labour force in each city (1850–1851) supported the assumption of functional similarity. However, in standardising the data for relative differences in the level of regional and national economic development, Boston evidenced a greater dominance over regional and national markets than did Liverpool. This was particularly true in the case of industries not directly associated with the city's port functions. The primary factor contributing to these differences was the proximity of alternative location sites in the hinterland.