cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying reflectance anisotropy of photosynthetically active radiation in grasslands

Quantifying the vegetative surface's reflectance anisotropy was an important part of the First ISLSCP Field Experiment, as its major objectives focused on retrieval of surface parameters from satellite-derived reflectances. The explicit remote measurements for approximating the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of photosynthetically active radiation had not been previously undertaken. In this paper the proper expression of reflectance for BRDFs for retrieval of canopy parameters is assessed.
The Influence of the Specimen Shape and Loading Conditions on the Parameter Identification of a Viscoelastic Brain Model

The mechanical properties of brain under various loadings have been reported in the literature over the past 50 years. Step-and-hold tests have often been employed to characterize viscoelastic and nonlinear behavior of brain under high-rate shear deformation; however, the identification of brain material parameters is typically performed by neglecting the initial strain ramp and/or by assuming a uniform strain distribution in the brain samples. Using finite element (FE) simulations of shear tests, this study shows that these simplifications have a significant effect on the identified material properties in the case of cylindrical human brain specimens. Material models optimized using only the stress relaxation curve under predict the shear force during the strain ramp, mainly due to lower values of their instantaneous shear moduli. Similarly, material models optimized using an analytical approach, which assumes a uniform strain distribution, under predict peak shear forces in FE simulations. Reducing the specimen height showed to improve the model prediction, but no improvements were observed for cubic samples with heights similar to cylindrical samples. Models optimized using FE simulations show the closest response to the test data, so a FE-based optimization approach is recommended in future parameter identification studies of brain.
Methods for studying planar cell polarity.

Planar cell polarity (PCP) is the polarity of epithelial cells in the plane orthogonal to the apical-basal axis, and is controlled by a partially defined signaling system. PCP related signaling also plays roles in cell migration, tissue re-organization and stem cell differentiation during embryonic development, and later, in regeneration and repair. Aberrant signaling has been linked to a broad range of pathophysiologies including cancer, developmental defects, and neurological disorders. The deepest mechanistic insights have come from studies of PCP in Drosophila. In this chapter we review tools and methods to study PCP signaling in Drosophila epithelia, where it was found to involve asymmetric protein localization that is coordinated between adjacent cells. Such signaling has been most extensively studied in wing, eye, and abdomen, but also in other tissues such as leg and notum. In the adult fly, PCP is manifested in the coordinated direction of hairs and bristles, as well as the organization of ommatidia in the eye. The polarity of these structures is preceded by asymmetric localization of PCP signaling proteins at the apical junctions of epithelial cells. Based on genetic and molecular criteria, the proteins that govern PCP can be divided into distinct modules, including the core module, the Fat/Dachsous/Four-jointed (Fat/Ds/Fj) module (often referred to as the 'global' module) as well as tissue specific effector modules. Different tissues and tissue regions differ in their sensitivity to disturbances in the various modules of the PCP signaling system, leading to controversies about the interactions among the modules, and emphasizing the value of studying PCP in multiple contexts. Here, we review methods including those generally applicable, as well as some that are selectively useful for analyses of PCP in eye (including eye discs), wing (including wing discs), pupal and adult abdomen, and the cuticle of larvae and embryos.
The heat of formation of (CH3O)2B

Abstract The proton affinity of trimethyl borate was determined to be 197 ± 3 kcal mol−1 by bracketing in both directions in a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. This value was used to calculate a heat of formation of −46.3 ± 3.0 kcal mol−1 for CH3O(H)B(OCH3)+2. Collision-induced dissociation threshold energy measurements carried out in a flowing afterglow-triple quadrupole instrument yield an activation energy of 39.5 ± 3.5 kcal mol−1 for the dissociation of CH3O(H)B(OCH3)+2 to CH3OH and CH3O)2B+. This bond dissociation energy, together with the heat of formation of CH3O(H)B(OCH3)+2, was used to calculate a heat of formation of 41.4±4.6 kcal mol−1 for (CH3O)2B+.
9/11 culture: America under construction

9/11 culture: America under construction by Jeffrey Melnick Malden, MA and Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, 200 pages ISBN: 978-1-4051-7371-1 (paperback) Price $19.95 In 9/11 Culture: America Und...
The phenomenon of stress: concepts and mechanisms associated with stress-induced responses of the neuroendocrine system.

'Stress', 'stressors' and the 'stress response' are terms which represent concepts rather than being precisely definable. No single theory of stress has been universally accepted. Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome of stress remains the primary theory for the basis of stress research in food-producing animals; however, other concepts and theories have been developed. This paper reviews current theories and suggests that the complexity of research on stress in food-producing animals can be attributed to the lack of concrete theories and concepts regarding identifiable stressors, the endocrine responses stimulated by potential stressors and the complex and integrated biological changes in the neuro-endocrine system resulting from exposure to hypothesized stressors.
Cultural diversity and learning teams: The impact on desired academic team processes

Abstract This research developed a cultural model in order to extend typical definitions of cultural diversity and observe these variables’ effect on desired academic team process outcomes. We employed an established learning team procedure longitudinally and examined the learning process, namely, by observing individual cultural characteristics and adding a heterogeneity analysis of these characteristics. The model shows the influence of these diversity metrics on team processes that affect team performance. Results supported the use of a more extended cultural model. Discussion is given regarding the importance of understanding the composition of learning teams.
Abstract B61: Insights into lung cancer survival in African Americans from a study of germline variation in the microRNA network

Lung cancer remains one of the leading public health issues of our time. Moreover, it engenders prominent disparities in incidence and mortality across populations from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Specifically, African Americans, and particularly African American men, have an increased incidence and poorer survival from lung cancer compared to Caucasians. Previously, studies have looked at how populations differ in their susceptibility to lung cancer based on inheritance of deleterious or favorable alleles. However, germline variation in the microRNA network, and how it might contribute to racial disparities in lung cancer have not been studied to date. Using the NCI/UMD case control study, we collated a list of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the machinery that processes microRNA genes and subsequently guides them to their mRNA target transcripts. We then analyzed the association between these SNPs with lung cancer risk and survival in a Caucasian (n=567) and African American population (n=445). Associations with risk were determined using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, gender and smoking. Cox proportional hazards were used to compute hazard ratio estimates in a model adjusted for age, gender, stage and histology. A variant in the gene GEMIN3, a key partner in the complex that guides the microRNA to the mRNA strand was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in African Americans, but not after adjustment for smoking status. However, the variant A allele was associated with adverse survival in an additive model in African Americans (HR AA vs. CC 2.27 [1.30–3.93] p=0.004). Notably, the association with risk was particularly prominent in late stage tumors (HR AA vs. CC 3.08 [1.72–5.54] p In a follow up analysis, we observed that the deleterious AA genotype for GEMIN3 is present at 12% in African Americans, yet just 1% in Caucasians, perhaps in part explaining higher mortality rates in African Americans. Moreover, we analyzed a portion of these samples on which we had tumor tissue by microarray and observed that levels of GEMIN3 are significantly increased in tumor versus normal tissue from African Americans, but not Caucasians (fold enrichment 1.45, p=0.0015, FDR=0.014). This again suggests that GEMIN3 is somehow preferentially involved in lung cancer biology distinctly between the two populations. Further work is ongoing to study how this gene and indeed the variant allele of GEMIM3, contributes to poor survival in African Americans. The literature contains numerous examples of how tumor biology differs between individuals from various geographic areas, in part due to genetic heterogeneity and lifestyle. Understanding how these variations manifest and contribute to lung cancer pathogenesis will have novel insight for the rational and targeted treatment of tumors. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B61.
Iron Dominated 2 T Superconducting Dipoles for the Second Folded Segment of the FRIB Folded Linac

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams under construction at Michigan State University will be capable of providing beams of any element at energies of at least 200 MeV/u at a beam power of 400 kW. The proposed Facility for Rare Isotope Beams driver linear accelerator has a front end, three linear accelerator segments, two folding sections, and a beam delivery system. Four 45° dipole magnets are required in folding segment 2 for 180° total bend. Both cost and space constraints in the folding section have pushed the requirement of the superconducting dipole peak field from 1.7 to 2.0 T. The design of a warm iron, super-ferric “H” shaped dipole that provides a high field of 2 T and effective length of 2.35 m is presented. One dipole out of the four has full penetration through the outer return yoke to accommodate an additional port for the purpose of connecting to a beam dump. The impact of the hole on field quality is discussed. The other major challenges are tight space constraint in the 180° bend section and the compact cryostat design. This paper presents the magnet design including coil design, coil forces, and coil restraint system. The full mechanical details are also presented.
A kinetic analysis of a catechol-specific binding site in the microsomal fraction from the rabbit aorta

(−)-3H-Norepinephrine (3H-NE) binding to the microsomal fraction of the rabbit aorta has been studies. Binding appears to increase linearly with time up to at least 30 min, shows no evidence of stereoselectivity and may be inhibited only by compounds possessing the catechol or 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl moieties, with the latter being 100-fold less effective. 3H-NE binding is saturable with a Km of 8.5 × 10−8 M and Vmax of 28 pmoles/mg protein. A HIll plot indicates that binding is nonceooperative whereas a Scatchard plot suggests that two sites may be present. Binding does not appear to require physiological concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+ and is inhibited significantly by EDTA and sodium metabisulfite. In addition, binding is markedly enhanced by low and high pH values. This binding is also inhibited by sodium metabisulfite which suggests that an oxidized form of the catecholamine is the active binding species. Experiments with several group specific reagents indicate that binding may require a free sulfhydryl group but not a carboxyl function. The binding process require an energy of activation of 14.8 kcal/mole whose magnitude may be partly explained, with the aid of optical rotatory dispersion spectra, by a non-stereoselective conformational change in protein structure induced by the amine. The characteristics of the 3H-NE binding sites observed in the microsmal fraction of the rabbit aorta appear to be different from those expected if binding were to the adrenoreceptors. A possible mechanism for catecholamine binding to free sulfhydryl groups on protein is presented.
Avian toxicoses: Veterinary diagnostic laboratory perspective

Part of a successful diagnosis in cases of avian toxicoses depends on submission of adequate quantities of correct tissues that have been stored appropriately and shipped to the diagnostic laboratory conducting the testing. This article will discuss "standard" sample collection, storage, and shipment of samples for submission to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory and conclude with a 7-year retrospective summary of avian toxicoses diagnosed at the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System (Davis, CA).
Effect of increased tensile strength and toughness on reinforcing-bar bond behavior

Abstract The research reported here investigated the pull-out behavior of deformed reinforcing bars embedded in fiber-reinforced-concrete (FRC) and high-performance- fiber-reinforced-concrete (HPFRC) matrices exhibiting increased tensile strength and toughness. Increased strength and toughness of the embedding matrix resulted in a significant increase in pull-out strength, strain capacity, and over-all ductility, as well as more stable crack development. Additionally, when sufficient lateral constraint (i.e. cover thickness) was provided, the use of an HPFRC matrix exhibiting strain-hardening behavior resulted in a slip-hardening pull-out response.
Can the fractal dimension of images be measured

Abstract Fractal dimension is a popular parameter for explaining certain phenomena and for describing natural textures. The problem of estimating the fractal dimension of a profile or an image is more difficult and devious than theory suggests. This paper studies the accuracy and robustness of two common estimators of fractal dimension (box counting and the variation method) using two types of data (Brownian and Takagi). Poor results are demonstrated from applying theory directly, called naive estimation. Data is then interpreted in the most optimistic way possible by matching the estimator to the known fractal dimension. Experiments quantify the effects of resolution, or fineness of sampling, and quantization, or rounding of sampled values. Increasing resolution enhances the estimators when true dimension, D, is large, but may, possibly due to quantization effect, degrade estimators when D is small. Quantization simply causes shifts in estimates. The results suggest that one should not place much reliance in the absolute value of a fractal estimate, but that the estimates do vary monotonically with D and might be useful descriptors in tasks such as image segmentation and description.
Synthesis and hydrolytic properties of thymidine boranomonophosphate

Abstract Detailed synthetic procedures of thymidine 5′- O -( P -borano)monophosphate (TMPB) via an H-phosphonate approach are reported. The hydrolytic properties of TMPB in pH 1.8 and 6.76 buffers at 22 or 37 °C were studied using LC–MS. One nucleoside product, thymidine, was observed, supporting cleavage at the P–O ester bond to release nucleoside and boranophosphate (O 3 P-BH 3 −3 ). Higher temperatures and acidic conditions increase the hydrolysis rates.
The impact of plant stomatal control on mesoscale atmospheric circulations

Abstract Only a few numerical studies with mesoscale atmospheric models have been undertaken to explore the influence of vegetation on the generation and modification of mesoscale atmospheric circulations. Nevertheless, these few studies have demonstrated the importance of a correct representation of vegetation in the simulation of atmospheric features. In the present study, a mesoscale atmospheric model with a sophisticated land surface parameterization is used to emphasize the major role of plant stomata on the control of the Bowen ratio and on mesoscale atmospheric circulations. This study demonstrates that refinement of the land surface parameterization and stomatal mechanism, including subgrid-scale processes, is required in order to simulate confidently land-atmosphere interactions. This is particularly important when plants experience relatively strong stress and a small change in the stomatal behavior generates large variations in sensible and latent heat fluxes at the Earth's surface.
Studies on the Three-Dimensional Structure of Immunoglobulins

One of the central problems in immunochemistry is that of defining the structural basis for the activity, specificity, and physiological function of antibody molecules. Although several experimental approaches such as amino acid sequence determination and affinity labeling have provided important clues to the solution of this problem, it is generally accepted that X-ray crystallographic analysis is the only technique currently available to reveal the complete three-dimensional structure of proteins. In recent years, several laboratories have succeeded in obtaining atomic-resolution models of immunoglobulins (Ig’s) by X-ray diffraction methods. A review of the major conclusions achieved in these studies is the aim of this chapter.
The importance of the counter current oxygen multiplier mechanism in maintaining retinal function in the teleost

Abstract 1. 1. Within minutes after elimination of supra-atmospheric oxygen tensions posterior to the teleost retina by administration of acetazolamide, one observes characteristic changes in the electroretinogram (ERG) which have subsequently been associated with retinal hypoxia. 2. 2. In vitro inhibition of carbonic anhydrase by acetazolamide in the frog and teleost retina produced no changes in the ERG indicating the drug has no direct effect on the retina. 3. 3. In vitro studies also confirmed that the teleost ERG could not be maintained with the pO 2 at arterial levels, thus an oxygen counter current multiplier in addition to blood flow is essential for the normal function of the avascular teleost retina. 4. 4. The trout retina was found capable of recovering from chronic hypoxia of up to 48 hr duration .
Effect of Propeller Torque on Minimum-Control Airspeed

Relations are developed for absolute static minimum-control airspeed, without the bank angle restrictions imposed on manned aircraft by regulatory agencies. Absolute static minimum-control airspeed can be important in the design of modern unmanned aerial vehicles, because autonomous computer controlled flight systems do not impose the same constraints as those imposed by human pilots. It is shown that, for a three-channel unmanned aerial vehicle, absolute static minimum-control airspeed always provides the critical constraint for static minimum-control airspeed. Even for the case of a conventional aircraft configuration with both rudder and ailerons, absolute static minimum-control airspeed can be a critical concern for small high-powered propeller-driven unmanned aerial vehicles.
Calibrating a wide-area camera network with non-overlapping views using mobile devices

In a wide-area camera network, cameras are often placed such that their views do not overlap. Collaborative tasks such as tracking and activity analysis still require discovering the network topology including the extrinsic calibration of the cameras. This work addresses the problem of calibrating a fixed camera in a wide-area camera network in a global coordinate system so that the results can be shared across calibrations. We achieve this by using commonly available mobile devices such as smartphones. At least one mobile device takes images that overlap with a fixed camera's view and records the GPS position and 3D orientation of the device when an image is captured. These sensor measurements (including the image, GPS position, and device orientation) are fused in order to calibrate the fixed camera. This article derives a novel maximum likelihood estimation formulation for finding the most probable location and orientation of a fixed camera. This formulation is solved in a distributed manner using a consensus algorithm. We evaluate the efficacy of the proposed methodology with several simulated and real-world datasets.
New M6805 Microcomputers Aim at Automotive Applications

Several new additions to the MC6805 family of microcomputers include features particularly suited for automotive electronics. These devices feature application specific logic for automotive ignition systems and instrumentation designs. The MC6805S2, MC680S3, and MC68705S3 microcomputers are useful for engine ignition controls, where asynchronous events, such as engine speed and spark dwell time must be computed with high accuracy. The MC6805K2 microcomputer features EEPROM for critical data retention when the power source is disconnected. The instrumentation odometer is one such application where the EEPROM feature is mandatory. The MC68HC05C4 (ROM version) and M68HC805C4 (EEPROM version) are the latest general purpose MCU's that also offer many important features for automotive applications. The HCMOS silicon technology allows minimal power dissipation which means the devices can operate in an ambient temperature range of -55 to +125 degrees C. These two devices also feature SCI and SPI serial interface ports. The devices run at a fast 2.1-MHz internal bus speed.
Single- and double-wall flooding of two-phase flow in an annulus

Abstract This study examined the phenomenon of flooding, defined as the transition from counter-current to upward cocurrent flow, in an annular geometry. A total of 703 experimental determinations of the flooding point were made with water as the film and nitrogen as the upward-flowing gas. These data covered 10 configurations which varied with respect to physical location of gas and water inlets, number of wetted surfaces, and method of approach to flooding. Water flow rates were varied by a factor of 16 and gas flow rates by a factor of 4. The annulus dimensions were 90.64 mm inner diameter, 101.6 mm auter diameter, and 0.66 m long. The widely used correlation of Wallis for tubes was applied to the annulus flooding data. The equation was found to predict the data satisfactorily with Wallis' original constants if the appropriate hydraulic diameters were used. These diameters were based upon visual observations of the flooding phenomenon, which occurred in two distinct modes.
Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C

Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C can be divided into the following two general categories: 1) serological assays that detect antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV); and 2) molecular assays that detect, quantify, and/or characterize HCV RNA genomes within an infected patient. Serological assays have been subdivided into screening tests for anti-HCV, such as the enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and supplemental tests such as the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). Three generations of anti-HCV tests have been developed, and each generation has resulted in an improvement in the sensitivity of detecting anti-HCV. Supplemental anti-HCV tests are designed to resolve false-positive testing by EIA, and are appropriately used in low-prevalence settings in which false-positive anti-HCV tests remain a problem. Third-generation anti-HCV tests (EIA-3 and RIBA-3, respectively) contain antigens from the HCV core, nonstructural 3, nonstructural 4, and nonstructural 5 genes. Detection of HCV RNA in patient specimens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides evidence of active HCV infection and is potentially useful for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring the antiviral response to therapy. Optimal HCV PCR assays at present have a sensitivity of less than 100 copies of HCV RNA per milliliter of plasma or serum. Standardization and proficiency testing of diagnostic laboratories performing HCV PCR remains an important problem for future study. Two main technologies exist for assessing HCV RNA levels or viral load. Quantitative PCR is the most sensitive test for determining hepatitis C viral load, whereas the branched-chain DNA test appears to be the most precise method. Major limitations of the current tests are inadequate dynamic range and high variability of PCR-based assays, and poor sensitivity of the branched-chain DNA test. Molecular tests have also been developed to classify HCV into distinct genotypes; the clinical importance of HCV genotype determination remains a subject for future investigation.
Treatment Effects of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine on Postoperative Analgesia after Cleft Palate Repair

Primary cleft palate repair may result in significant pain in the immediate postoperative period, which can lead to vigorous crying resulting in wound dehiscence and pulmonary complications. Effective pain control with opioids is the mainstay but administration on the floor has to be countered with the complications associated with their use, chiefly respiratory depression and sedation. We retrospectively examined the efficacies of intraoperative administration of intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (DEX) and ketamine (KET) to prevent early postoperative pain in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair and compared the results against relevant literature. The Texas Children's Hospital anesthesia database was queried to identify children undergoing a palatal surgery from December 2011 to December 2012. Inclusion criteria permitted completed primary palatal surgery without major complications and intraoperative administration of DEX or KET. The control group (CTRL) received no additional drug. A comprehensive literature review was performed. A total of 71 pediatric patients underwent palatal surgery during the study period with 46 patients qualifying for analysis. Although results were not significant, consistent trends were observed with regards to lower opioid requirements during the first 24 hours for both medications compared with the CTRL. KET also had shorter time to discharge. The literature review resulted in several studies supporting decreased postoperative pain end points for both DEX and KET. In our sample, DEX and KET reduced postoperative opioid requirements. KET seems to have the added benefit of a shorter hospital stay. These finding are supported in the literature. With further investigation, the addition of these drugs may serve to provide improved pain relief without over sedation in patients undergoing cleft palate repair.
Listening, Play, and Social Attraction in the Mentoring of New Teachers

This study explores the roles of mentors and proteges as they manage dialectical tensions in a professional environment. Sixty‐two first‐year teachers in a county school district in the southeastern USA answered a questionnaire about their mentors’ empathic and directive listening, playful communication, social attractiveness, and ability to help them manage dialectical tensions of socialization. Regression analyses revealed that both empathic and directive listening helped the protege relieve these tensions. While playful communication did not directly explain relieving protege’s tensions, it did predict social attraction. These findings support cognitive reappraisal and Rogerian models of helping, underscore the importance of listening to effective mentoring, and suggest that mentors receive training in empathic and directive listening techniques.
Pressing nozzles for high-speed steel teeming

The Magnezit Combine has begun production of unfired pressed steel-teeming nozzles, with a channel diameter of 120 mm and height of 400 and 450 mm, made of magnesite paste. These nozzles have been put into service and adopted for high-speed top teeming of steel from a 330 ton ladle in the open-hearth shop of the KMW.
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in adult Latinos: the Los Angeles Latino eye study.

Abstract Objective To estimate age- and gender-specific prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to determine the association of type, duration, and treatment of diabetes with the prevalence of DR in adult Latinos. Design Population-based cross-sectional study. Participants Six thousand three hundred fifty-seven Latinos aged 40 years and older from 6 census tracts in Los Angeles, California. Methods The study cohort consisted of all self-identified Latinos of primarily Mexican ancestry aged 40 years and older residing in 6 census tracts in La Puente, Los Angeles County, California. All participants diagnosed with diabetes underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including stereoscopic fundus photography (7 standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study fields). Photographs were graded in a masked manner using a modified Airlie House Grading System to assess presence and severity of DR. Main outcome measures Prevalence of nonproliferative DR, proliferative DR, and macular edema. Results Of 1263 participants with definite diabetes mellitus, gradable fundus photographs were available in 1217 participants (96%). Of those 1217 participants, 46.9% had DR. Severe nonproliferative DR and proliferative DR were present in 4.4% and 6.1% of diabetics, respectively. Macular edema was observed in 10.4% and clinically significant macular edema was observed in 6.2% of all diabetics. No age- or gender-related differences were present. After adjusting for duration of diabetes, the prevalence of DR was similar in persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Conclusions Our data suggest that the prevalence of DR is high among Latinos of primarily Mexican ancestry. The increase in prevalence of DR with longer duration of diabetes emphasizes the public health importance of early diagnosis and management in Latinos. Further data on incidence and progression are required to understand better the natural history of DR in Latinos.
TRANSFORMING LESBIAN SEXUALITY

Women are objectified and sexualized by the media and the economy, so that they live in a culture of sex. Lesbians are excluded from the mainstream sexual and appearance norms for women, yet are affected by these norms, including the association of sex and violence against women. The word sexuality has been used to connote both sexual orientation and sexual activity, and it is argued that this dual meaning illustrates the dominance of patriarchal definitions of women's sexuality. This article discusses methodologic issues in understanding who is a lesbian and presents various models or dimensions for understanding who is included in research about lesbians. It asks the question “What is sex?” and reviews the implications of this question for lesbian sexual activity. This question has implications for a collorary question: “What is a lesbian relationship?”, and the article discusses the implications of this question on various forms of sexual and nonsexual relationships among lesbians.
Identifying factors that impact patient length of stay metrics for healthcare providers with advanced analytics

Managing patients' length of stay is a critical task for healthcare organizations. In order to better manage the processes impacting this performance metric, providers can leverage data resources describing the network of activities that impact a patient's stay with analytic methods. Interdependencies between departmental activities exist within the patient treatment process, where inefficiency in one element of the patient care network of activities can adversely affect process outcomes.This work utilizes the method of neural networks to analyze data describing inpatient cases that incorporate radiology process variables to determine their effect on patient length of stay excesses for a major NJ based healthcare provider. The results indicate that inefficiencies at the radiology level can adversely extend a patient's length of stay beyond initial estimations. Proactive analysis of networks of activities in the patient treatment process can enhance organizational efficiencies of healthcare providers by enabling decision makers to better optimize resource allocations to increase throughput of activities.
A linkage between polar patches and plasmaspheric drainage plumes

Two distinct features are shown here to follow the same convection pattern: polar ionization patches and plasmaspheric drainage plumes. In this study, the enhanced ionospheric electron concentration, observed from Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar, is mapped to the equatorial plane. The resulting trajectory there is found to coincide with the location of the draining plasmasphere as observed from a geosynchronous satellite. The result indicates that both the F-region electron concentration and the plasmaspheric drainage plume follow the newest separatrix (the boundary between open and closed drift trajectories) convecting sunward. Observations have shown that the polar patches are transported over the polar cap into the night side. Hence, we conclude that the draining plasmasphere should follow a similar trajectory transporting plasmaspheric material over the polar cap into the tail plasma sheet.
Management of recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 3% of the world’s population, with cirrhosis caused by chronic HCV the most frequent indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States and Europe. 1 Between 1999 and 2007, 37% to 41% of all recipients of LT in the United States had chronic HCV. 2 However, survival of LT recipients with chronic HCV remains lower than that of recipients without HCV. This decreased survival is related to the near-universal recurrence of HCV after transplantation as well as the accelerated course of recurrent HCV after LT. 3 Between 25% and 30% of LT recipients with HCV develop graft cirrhosis, with a median time to recurrent cirrhosis of 8 to 10 years. 4,5 The clinical outcomes of these patients, and the likelihood of graft cirrhosis, are affected by multiple factors, including donor demographics, recipient virological status, posttransplant immunosuppression, and antiviral therapy. This article reviews the natural history and management of HCV following LT.
Global Gevrey Regularity for the Bénard Convection in a Porous Medium with Zero Darcy-Prandtl Number

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness for the threedimensional B{e}nard convection model in a porous medium with zero Darcy-Prandtl number using the Galerkin procedure. In addition, we show that the solutions to this problem are analytic in time with values in a Gevrey class regularity. We also prove that the solution of the standard Galerkin method converges exponentially fast, in the wave number, to the exact solution. This gives an analytical justification to the two-dimensional computational results of Graham, Steen, and Titi [{J. Nonlin. Sci.} 3 (1993), 153—167].
The practice of transradial percutaneous coronary intervention in the Washington State Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program.

Background Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (tPCI) as opposed to the femoral approach (fPCI) is associated with lower rates of bleeding. The purposes of this study were to describe the use of tPCI in the Washington State Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program, identify the predictors of bleeding, and determine whether tPCI was associated with less bleeding in women vs men, age Methods This study included 23,599 individuals who had a first tPCI or fPCI performed in 30 centers in Washington State in 2010 and 2011. Data were collected according to specifications from the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry Cath-PCI version 4.3. The American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry bleeding model was used to calculate adjusted rates. Results Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention was used in only 5% of procedures, and in just 3 centers, tPCI was used in >10% of cases. Patient demographics and medical histories were similar in tPCI and fPCI, although the percent of acute cases was higher in fPCI (68% vs 45%, P P = .013). Among women, adjusted rates were almost 20% lower for tPCI (3.3% vs 4.1%). Conclusion In Washington State, tPCI was used infrequently, although it was associated with lower bleeding rates in high-risk groups including women.
Identification of transcription-factor genes expressed in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte

In flowering plants, the female gametophyte is typically a seven-celled structure with four cell types: the egg cell, the central cell, the synergid cells, and the antipodal cells. These cells perform essential functions required for double fertilization and early seed development. Differentiation of these distinct cell types likely involves coordinated changes in gene expression regulated by transcription factors. Therefore, understanding female gametophyte cell differentiation and function will require dissection of the gene regulatory networks operating in each of the cell types. These efforts have been hampered because few transcription factor genes expressed in the female gametophyte have been identified. To identify such genes, we undertook a large-scale differential expression screen followed by promoter-fusion analysis to detect transcription-factor genes transcribed in the Arabidopsis female gametophyte. Using quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR, we analyzed 1,482 Arabidopsis transcription-factor genes and identified 26 genes exhibiting reduced mRNA levels in determinate infertile 1 mutant ovaries, which lack female gametophytes, relative to ovaries containing female gametophytes. Spatial patterns of gene transcription within the mature female gametophyte were identified for 17 transcription-factor genes using promoter-fusion analysis. Of these, ten genes were predominantly expressed in a single cell type of the female gametophyte including the egg cell, central cell and the antipodal cells whereas the remaining seven genes were expressed in two or more cell types. After fertilization, 12 genes were transcriptionally active in the developing embryo and/or endosperm. We have shown that our quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR differential-expression screen is sufficiently sensitive to detect transcription-factor genes transcribed in the female gametophyte. Most of the genes identified in this study have not been reported previously as being expressed in the female gametophyte. Therefore, they might represent novel regulators and provide entry points for reverse genetic and molecular approaches to uncover the gene regulatory networks underlying female gametophyte development.
Reply to comment by Röckmann and Kaiser on “Evidence for O‐atom exchange in the O(1D) + N2O reaction as the source of mass‐independent isotopic fractionation in atmospheric N2O”

Based upon the authors’ questioning of the existence of the C_(2v) intermediate, we have reviewed our evidence for the existence of this state. It now appears that this state was in fact an artifact of our calculation [Yung et al., 2004], and was a saddle point rather than a true minimum. Our desire to provide a timely response to this criticism has kept us from determining exactly what minimum structure will be obtained by a full minimization at the level of theory employed. However, it is clear that the C_(2v) symmetry of the compound is broken in such a way that the two N-O bonds are no longer equivalent. We are grateful to the authors for helping us resolve this issue.
A prospective randomized study of nesiritide versus dobutamine in decompensated heart failure (PRESERVD-HF): design and preliminary data

A Prospective Randomized Study of Nesiritide Versus Dobutamine in Decompensated Heart Failure (PRESERVD-HF): Design and Preliminary Data Mihai Gheorghiade, Wendy A. Gattis, Kirkwood F. Adams, Jr., Allan S. Jaffe, Christopher M. O’Connor2—Cardiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Medicine/Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center/Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; Cardiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCUSA; Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Prediction of Erosion-Corrosion Penetration Rate in a Carbon Dioxide Environment with Sand

Abstract In oil and gas wells producing carbon dioxide (CO2) with saturated water, carbon steel piping can corrode rapidly depending upon the nature of the hydrocarbon phases produced and on flow and environmental parameters. In some CO2 environments, a protective iron carbonate (FeCO3) scale can form on carbon steel piping walls and reduce corrosion rates to within acceptable design limits. If sand also is being produced, protective scales can be removed or prevented from forming on piping walls at points where sand particles entrained in the flow stream impinge the walls. When this happens, bare metal corrosion is enabled at these impingement points, and corrosion rates again reach high levels. This process involves both erosion and corrosion mechanisms and often is referred to as “erosion-corrosion.” In some cases, pitting occurs at impingement points, resulting in extremely high penetration rates. In the present work, a laboratory flow loop circulating a CO2-saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution a...
Effective Channel Order Estimation Based on Nullspace Structure and Exponential Fit

The selection criteria for the order of a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) channel generally use the singular values of the estimated least squares matrix. Using these values ignores important information that can be obtained from the nullspace of the least squares matrix. The nullspace has a structured basis that can be utilized to quantify the quality of channel coefficient estimates. These quantities cluster in the nullspace and spread in the signal space, when compared to the singular values. A simple exponential curve fit is used to further improve the estimate of the effective channel order. The new criterion outperforms other known criteria in a wide variety of scenarios at both high and low SNR.
State space generation for degradable multiprocessor systems

Degradable multiprocessors can have a large number of different structural configurations (states) after being altered by faults. Many such states may be equivalent relative to their overall effect on a system's ability to perform. Hence, depending on the performability measure, the number of states can often be reduced to a much smaller set of representative configurations, one for each equivalence class. An algorithm that generates these representatives and determines the size of each equivalence class is presented. The algorithm assumes that performance is invariant under structural symmetries and thus employs a symmetry permutation group. The information so obtained permits construction of a stochastic process model that supports the performability measure in question. The group-theoretic concepts on which the algorithm is based are presented, and its complexity is considered. The use of the algorithm to construct a performability model is illustrated, and possible extensions are addressed. >
Centralization and its Discontents in Reconstruction Louisiana

U.S. Grant was stumped: “The muddle down there is almost beyond my fathoming,” the president told the New York Herald in the summer of 1871. What had him flummoxed was the recently adjourned “Gatling Gun Convention” in New Orleans, a Republican state nominating gathering that reads like a passage from a novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The run-up was punctuated by open combat in the trenches and foxholes of countless ward clubs and party conventions—the so-called “War of the Factions.” When the sitting Republican governor, the colorful and roguish Henry Clay Warmoth, hobbled by a boating accident earlier in the summer, led delegates supporting his candidacy to the designated meeting place inside the U.S. Customhouse on Canal Street, federal soldiers manning the latest in automatic weaponry turned him and his followers away when they tried to barge into a rival group's caucus. Warmoth thereupon guided his followers to another meeting hall. For the next 18 months, warring Republican factions moved in and out of opportunistic alliances with Conservative-Democrats. They divided into rival legislatures, used force to achieve quorums, and arrested and impeached their own senior leaders. If some of the more scurrilous allegations are to be believed, they even poisoned their lieutenant-governor. Were Louisiana politics on the verge of becoming “Mexicanized”—plunged into chronic crisis and political tumult? That was the question beginning to trouble Republican observers north of the Ohio River.
Comparison of prey-derived and non-insect supplements on egg-laying of Orius insidiosus maintained on artificial diet as adults

The eVects of proteins and lipids from insect- and non-insect sources on the oviposition rate of the insidious Xower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) fed supplemented artiWcial diets were evaluated. Soluble proteins were isolated from Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) eggs, desalted by column chromatography, lyophilized, and tested as a diet supplement. A total lipid extract from P. interpunctella eggs was also evaluated as a diet supplement, and the three most abundant fatty acids (palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acid) identiWed in the extract were tested as a combined supplement. Non-insect supplements evaluated in diet were bovine serum albumin, chicken liver, beef liver, and chicken egg albumin. O. insidiosus were fed the supplemented diets, whole P. interpunctella eggs, or unsupplemented artiWcial diet, and the mean total numbers of eggs oviposited per female were recorded throughout adult life. The Plodia egg proteins signiWcantly increased egg production and mean number of oviposition days at concentrations of protein that were 83-, 557, and 837-fold lower than the concentrations needed for beef liver, bovine serum albumin, and chicken egg albumin, respectively. We conclude that soluble proteins from P. interpunctella eggs provided superior nutritional value for reproduction in female O. insidiosus. Additional information is required to explain the higher speciWc activity of soluble egg proteins compared to the speciWc activities of the non-insect proteins. However, we speculate that the quality of egg proteins or of an unknown substance bound to the proteins may be important for reproduction in this predator.
Deterministic π-rotation low-density parity check codes

An ensemble of ‘π-rotation’ low-density parity check codes, extending the result in previously reported work by a different team of authors, is introduced. The key features of these codes are a deterministic matrix based on a single permutation vector defined by three integers, good performance with the proper choice of integers and simple circuit implementation.
Reviewing for JUME : Advancing the Field of Urban Mathematics Education

DAVID W. STINSON is an associate professor of mathematics education in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education in the College of Education and Human Development, at Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3978, Atlanta, GA, 30303; e-mail: dstinson@gsu.edu. His research interests include exploring socio-cultural, -historical, and -political aspects of mathematics and mathematics teaching and learning from a critical postmodern theoretical (and methodological) perspective. He is a co-founder and current editor-in-chief of the Journal of Urban Mathematics Education. EDITORIAL