cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of visceral fat mass to the insulin resistance of aging.

Recent studies have shown that central obesity (increased waist to hip ratio [WHR]) is related to insulin resistance and aging. Furthermore, in central-obesity states, the intraabdominal fat (IAF) depot has been postulated to contribute most to the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, the observed insulin resistance of aging may be related more to changes in body composition than to aging per se. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of IAF with age and insulin sensitivity (SI) after controlling for obesity. We examined 60 healthy nondiabetic subjects (normal 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, aged 23 to 83, 15 men and 45 women). We chose subjects so that those < or = 125% and greater than 125% of ideal body weight were equally represented in each age decade. We quantified total and subcutaneous abdominal fat and IAF at the umbilicus using a validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technique and determined SI using a modified minimal model. IAF correlated significantly with age (r = .49, P = .0001) in the group as a whole, as well as in men (r = .58, P = .022) and women (r = .48, P = .0008) separately. In all subjects, SI was significantly related to IAF (r = -.50, P < .0001) but was not related to age (r = .00, P = .98). In multivariate analysis for various combinations of age, sex, and measures of fat distribution, WHR accounted for 28% and IAF for 51% of the variance in SI, whereas age, sex, and interactions of age and sex accounted for only 1%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interactive Television as a Vehicle for the Delivery of Higher Education to Rural Areas

Through the Community College of Maine, the University of Maine System has designed and implemented a distance education program, using interactive television, to reach students statewide. This art...
Effect of frontal and temporal seizure foci on P50 auditory evoked potentials

Event-related potentials have been occasionally investigated in epilepsy. We recorded P50 auditory evoked potentials in 25 patients with complex partial seizures of frontal and temporal lobe origin. P50 was significantly reduced in amplitude and prolonged in latency in temporal lobe seizure patients as compared to controls. Patients with complex partial seizures originating in the frontal lobes did not differ from controls in P50 amplitude. P50 attenuation differences may be related to interictal behavioral or cognitive changes, but could also reflect medication effects. Event-related potentials may be helpful in differentiating frontal and temporal seizure foci.
Advanced degrees in astronautical engineering for the space industry

Abstract Ten years ago in the summer of 2004, the University of Southern California established a new unique academic unit focused on space engineering. Initially known as the Astronautics and Space Technology Division, the unit operated from day one as an independent academic department, successfully introduced the full set of degrees in Astronautical Engineering, and was formally renamed the Department of Astronautical Engineering in 2010. The largest component of Department׳s educational programs has been and continues to be its flagship Master of Science program, specifically focused on meeting engineering workforce development needs of the space industry and government space research and development centers. The program successfully grew from a specialization in astronautics developed in mid-1990s and expanded into a large nationally-visible program. In addition to on-campus full-time students, it reaches many working students on-line through distance education. This article reviews the origins of the Master׳s degree program and its current status and accomplishments; outlines the program structure, academic focus, student composition, and enrollment dynamics; and discusses lessons learned and future challenges.
Some Current Quantitative Problems in Corpus Linguistics and a Sketch of Some Solutions

This paper surveys a variety of methodological problems in current quantitative corpus linguistics. Some problems discussed are from corpus linguistics in general, such as the impact that dispersion, type frequencies/ entropies, and directionality (should) have on the computation of association measures as well as the impact that neglecting the sampling structure of a corpus can have on a statistical analysis. Others involve more specialized areas in which corpus-linguistic work is currently booming, such as historical linguistics and learner corpus research. For each of the problems, first ideas/pointers as to how these problems can be resolved are provided and exemplified in some detail.
Application of the Russig−Laatsch Reaction to Synthesize a Bis[5]helicene Chiral Pocket for Asymmetric Catalysis

The enantiomers of a bis[5]helicenediol ligand ([5]HELOL) have been synthesized in appreciable amounts by a procedure in which key steps are the union of p-benzoquinone with an enol ether of 3-acetylphenanthrene and the displacement of phenol and phenol ether functions by alcohols (the Russig−Laatsch reaction). This diol catalyzes the addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes and gives nonracemic alcohols with enantiomeric excesses as high as 81%. The stereoselectivities and yields are much greater than when the catalyzing diol is BINOL. The enantioselectivities are greater also than those of other reactions catalyzed by helicene ligands.
Civic boosterism, Corporate City Planning and economic development policy of smaller great plains towns: Is professionalism a factor?

Abstract Corporate City Planning means a mutually supportive economic private–public partnership in which public funds are used for private sector purposes. This is a study of 128 smaller Kansas communities in which the lack of public professional management expertise assures the adoption of such a public philosophy stance.
The effect of sampling depth and thatch on soil test results of turfgrass areas

Abstract The effects of sampling depth and thatch on soil test results of turfgrass areas were studied. Several turfgrass areas with known fertility and management histories were sampled in 3.8 or 5.0 cm increments to depths of 10 or 15 cm. Sampling depth significantly affected the levels of P, K, Mg, Ca, and pH in one or more of the areas sampled. The direction and magnitude of change was dependent on such factors as previous rates of fertilization, soil texture, and various management practices. Although soil fertility values changed with depth, changes in fertilizer recommendations due to sampling depth were minimal. Sampling depth data also gave an indication of greater nutrient removal in the surface 4 to 5 cm of soil than at lower depths. The inclusion of thatch with the soil sample increased soil test levels of K and CEC, decreased pH, and did not affect P levels.
Retrieval Dynamics and Retention in Cross‐Situational Statistical Word Learning

Previous research on cross-situational word learning has demonstrated that learners are able to reduce ambiguity in mapping words to referents by tracking co-occurrence probabilities across learning events. In the current experiments, we examined whether learners are able to retain mappings over time. The results revealed that learners are able to retain mappings for up to 1 week later. However, there were interactions between the amount of retention and the different learning conditions. Interestingly, the strongest retention was associated with a learning condition that engendered retrieval dynamics that initially challenged the learner but eventually led to more successful retrieval toward the end of learning. The ease/difficulty of retrieval is a critical process underlying cross-situational word learning and is a powerful example of how learning dynamics affect long-term learning outcomes.
Experimental Validation of a Squeeze-Film Damping Model Based on the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method

A model for computing the force from a gas film squeezed between parallel plates was recently developed using Direct Simulation Monte Carlo simulations in conjunction with the classical Reynolds equation. This paper compares predictions from that model with experimental data. The experimental validation used an almost rectangular MEMS oscillating plate with piezoelectric base excitation. The velocities of the suspended plate and of the substrate were measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer and a microscope. Experimental modal analysis yielded the damping ratio of twelve test structures for several different gas pressures. Small perforation holes in the plates did not alter the squeeze-film damping substantially. These experimental data suggest that the model predicts squeeze-film damping forces accurately. From this comparison, it is seen that these structures have a tangential-velocity accommodation coefficient close to unity.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Identification of an SV40 DNA sequence related to the reactivation of silent rRNA genes in human > mouse hybrid cells

Abstract The early region of the SV40 genome (hereafter referred to as the A gene), can reactivate silent ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes in human-mouse hybrid cells which contain the rRNA genes of both species but express only those of the dominant species. The present experiments were carried out to determine whether the necessary information for reactivation of rRNA genes could be localized to a specific region of the A gene. Human > mouse hybrid cells (#55-54) were infected with five different nondefective adenovirus-SV40 hybrid viruses, each containing a different size fragment of the SV40 A gene. Viruses containing SV40 DNA sequences mapping from 0.59 to 0.11 (Ad2+ND4), from 0.44 to 0.11 (Ad2+ND2), and from 0.39 to 0.11 (Ad2+ND,5) reactivated silent rRNA genes. Hybrid viruses mapping from 0.28 to 0.11 (Ad2+ND1) and from 0.18 to 0.11 (Ad2+ND1) and the nonhybrid adenovirus itself, failed to reactivate the silent rRNA genes. Silent gene reactivation also occurred when 55-54 cells were microinjected with fragments of cloned SV40 DNA mapping from 0.99 to 0.14 (94G2), and from 0.73 to 0.27 (HpaIIIPstI A fragment). A fragment mapping from 0.75 to 0.375 (HpaI B fragment) failed to reactivate the silent rRNA genes when microinjected into 55-54 cells, while the PvuII A fragment (0.70-0.32 map units) gave a very weak, positive result. These results indicate that the sequences from 0.67 to 0.39 and from 0.27 to 0.17 of the SV40 A gene are not necessary for the reactivation of silent rRNA genes. It is of interest that the same 600 base pairs involved in this particular function of the SV40 A gene are those which are most highly conserved and have the maximum homology with the DNA of polyoma virus.
Measurement of atomic kinetics of solidification using peltier heating and cooling—I. theory

Abstract Periodic Pettier heating and cooling may be generated at a solid/liquid interface by the passage of an alternating electric current. Melting and freezing will then occur at rates which will be influenced by the kinetic law of molecular attachment relating solidification velocity to interface temperature. We describe here the theory of an experiment in which the equation describing the interface attachment kinetics is to be determined by measuring the response of a solid/liquid interface to square-wave Peltier heating and cooling. The mathematical methods required for extracting the kinetic equation by analysis of the waveform of interface motion are given and it is shown that with this technique, linear, parabolic and exponential kinetics should give distinguishably different waveforms. The advantages of the method are discussed, along with the precautions necessary to eliminate possible confusing effects.
Recent advances in InAs avalanche photodiodes

InAs possesses nearly ideal material properties for the fabrication of near- and mid-infrared avalanche photodiodes (APDs). Because electron impact ionization in InAs is greatly favored over hole impact ionization, InAs multiplication regions exhibit several appealing characteristics, including extremely low excess noise factors and bandwidth independent of gain. These properties make InAs APDs attractive for a number of near- and mid-infrared sensing applications including remote gas sensing, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), and both active and passive imaging. Compared to HgCdTe, the dominant mid-infrared APD technology, InAs possesses several distinct advantages including comparatively simple growth, inherent compositional uniformity, and the availability of relatively low-cost, lattice-matched, substrates with low defect densities. These advantages are particularly compelling for the fabrication of large-area focal plane arrays (FPA), where high pixel yield is essential.
High-fluence implantations of Ge into 〈111〉 Si

Abstract The annealing of radiation damage produced by room-temperature and 300°C implantations of 60 keV 72 Ge to fluences greater than 10 16 /cm 2 into 〈111〉 Si was investigated by backscattering and channeling analyses of 280 keV alpha particles. Implantation at room-temperature produced an amorphous layer which only partially reordered after anneal at 850°C. However, implantation at 300°C did not produce an amorphous layer, and after annealing at 1000°C, resulted in an essentially perfect crystalline alloy of SiGe having a uniform Ge concentration of 6 at.% over a depth of 1000 A. These results are also consistent with optical reflectivity data obtained on the sample surfaces in the 3–5.5 eV spectrum.
Initial persistence with antihypertensive therapies is associated with depression treatment persistence, but not depression.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the presence of clinical depression and persistence to drug therapy treatment for depression with early nonpersistence to antihypertensive therapies in a large, diverse cohort of newly treated hypertension patients. Using a hypertension registry at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, the authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of 44,167 adults (18 years and older) with hypertension who were new users of antihypertensive therapy in 2008. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to model the relationships between the presence of clinical depression and early nonpersistence (defined as failing to refill the first prescription within 90 days after the end of the first fill days' supply) to antihypertensive therapies, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors. Within the group of 1484 patients who had evidence of clinical depression in the 12 months prior to the initiation of antihypertensive therapy, the authors examined the relationship between drug therapy treatment for depression and 6-month persistence with antidepressant therapy with early nonpersistence with antihypertensive therapies. No association was found between the presence of clinical depression and early nonpersistence to antihypertensive therapies after adjustment for individual demographic and clinical characteristics and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status. However, among the subset of 1484 patients with documented evidence of clinical depression in the 12 months prior to the initiation of antihypertensive therapy, being prescribed and persistence with antidepressant therapy was strongly associated with lower odds of early nonpersistence to antihypertensive medications (odds ratio, 0.64; confidence interval, 0.42–0.96). In an integrated delivery system, the authors found that treatment for depression was associated with higher levels of antihypertensive persistence. Improving quality of depression care in patients with comorbid hypertension may be an important strategy in decreasing cardiovascular disease risk in these patients.
Effect of alloy addition and growth conditions on the formation of Mg-based bioabsorbable thin films

Magnesium is an essential mineral in the human body and has recently been studied as a bioabsorbable material for use in cardiac stents. New areas of application can be found in bone plates, bone screws, and orthopedic implants. Magnesium alone has a corrosion rate much too high for use in such applications and has been alloyed with various elements to improve corrosion resistance. The use of vapor deposition to create Mg alloys for the above applications has not been attempted although certain properties of non-equilibrium alloys, namely corrosion resistance, can be improved. Using vapor deposition the characterization of the growth of magnesium alloy thin films has been done utilizing various alloying elements, substrate temperatures, post-deposition treatments, and substrate positions. The results point towards a growth mode controlled by crystallization of the Mg. Mg Sculptured thin films (STFs) are used to demonstrate these effects and potential solutions while also providing a route to control nanoscale surface morphology to enhance cell growth, cell attachment, and absorption properties. The results of the study are presented in terms of x-ray diffraction data, microscopy analysis of growth evolution, and corrosion testing. This magnesium alloy research utilizes a dual source deposition method that has also provided insight about some of the growth modes of other alloy STFs. Engineering of surface morphology using dip coatings and etching has been used in biomedical materials to enhance certain application specific surface properties. STF technology potentially provides a path to merge the advantages of non-equilibrium alloy formation and engineering nanoscale surface morphology.
Welcome to the Genome: A User’s Guide to the Genetic Past, Present, and Future.Rob DeSalle and Michael Yudell. Published in association with the American Museum of Natural History. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Liss, A John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Publication, 2005, 215 pp., $29.95, hardcover. ISBN 0-471-45331-5.

This book attempts to connect the science of discovery and utilization of DNA with its sometimes controversial politics and history. The authors are members of the American Museum of Natural History staff, and their backgrounds and credentials give them a unique perspective seldom seen in other books about DNA. The book is divided into 3 main parts: Discovery, Information, and Advancement. The authors begin by discussing a large amount of the history (>100 years) of molecular genetics discoveries and some of its more notable controversies. Several topics addressed later in the book, such as stem cell technology, genetically modified plants, and forensic uses of DNA analysis, are quite current and often in …
The Discrete Cosine Transform

Each discrete cosine transform (DCT) uses $N$ real basis vectors whose components are cosines. In the DCT-4, for example, the $j$th component of $\boldv_k$ is $\cos (j + \frac{1}{2}) (k + \frac{1}{2}) \frac{\pi}{N}$. These basis vectors are orthogonal and the transform is extremely useful in image processing. If the vector $\boldx$ gives the intensities along a row of pixels, its cosine series $\sum c_k \boldv_k$ has the coefficients $c_k=(\boldx,\boldv_k)/N$. They are quickly computed from a Fast Fourier Transform. But a direct proof of orthogonality, by calculating inner products, does not reveal how natural these cosine vectors are. We prove orthogonality in a different way. Each DCT basis contains the eigenvectors of a symmetric "second difference" matrix. By varying the boundary conditions we get the established transforms DCT-1 through DCT-4. Other combinations lead to four additional cosine transforms. The type of boundary condition (Dirichlet or Neumann, centered at a meshpoint or a midpoint) determines the applications that are appropriate for each transform. The centering also determines the period: $N-1$ or $N$ in the established transforms, $N-\frac{1}{2}$ or $N+ \frac{1}{2}$ in the other four. The key point is that all these "eigenvectors of cosines" come from simple and familiar matrices.
Theoretical analysis of confined quantum state GaAs/AlGaAs solid-state photomultipliers

A detailed theoretical analysis of the design considerations of a solid-state photomultiplier based on avalanche multiplication of carriers out of confined quantum states is presented. Since these devices are unipolar, much lower noise and higher speed of performance are anticipated as compared with interband avalanche photodiodes. As an example of the design criteria for confined-state photomultipliers, a GaAs/Al/sub 0.32/Ga/sub 0.68/As multiquantum well structure is analyzed as to impact ionization rate, gain, dark current, and multiplied dark current. It is found that the highest gain is achieved in an asymmetric quantum well structure in which the second barrier height is half as large as the initial barrier height. The gain is further evaluated for a symmetric quantum well device. The effects of the applied electric field, quantum well doping concentration, and layer widths on device performance are examined. >
Surface engineering using excimer lasers

Excimer laser irradiation of insulators produces structural and chemical modifications in the near-surface region of these materials. These changes have lead to the usage of excimer lasers to engineer the surface of insulators for various applications, as illustrated in four examples presented here: (1) Laser-enhanced bonding of deposited metallic films. A very strong bonding between metallic films and Al2O3 can be achieved if the substrates are pulsed-laser treated prior to deposition. AES reveals that strong bonding occurs when an intermediate interfacial compound forms as a metallic film is deposited on a laser-irradiated substrate. (2) Laser encapsulation of metallic particles in silica. Thin films of gold, copper and iron deposited on silica can become encapsulated as small particles upon pulsed laser irradiation XTEM indicates two distinctive stages in the encapsulation process, during one laser pulse. In the first stage, the film melts and clusters into small particles, and in the second stage, the particles are driven into the substrate. (3) Laser- induced surface activation for electroless deposition. In this process, a pattern is imprinted on a substrate by laser irradiating its surface through a mask. Upon immersion of the substrate in an electroless solution, a metallic film is deposited only on the laser-exposed area. Auger emission spectroscopy (AES) and cross sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) indicate that electroless deposition is promoted by the presence of metallic aluminum in AlN and in Al2O3, and of substoichiometric oxide in Al2O3, as well. Other laser irradiation effects that also could induce activation are analyzed. (4) Laser-induced deactivation of a previously activated area.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Institut Pasteur attic dwellers: their origins, their paths to discovery.

Although this volume is dedicated to honoring Francois Jacob, I would like my contribution to broaden the context by recalling the background within which the scientists of those times operated. The specific scientific accomplishments of Jacob will certainly be covered by the other contributors who collaborated with him. My handful of recollections presented here largely as vignettes is intended to give the reader a feeling for the elements, many social, that shaped the generation of scientists that included such central figures, Jacob, Lwoff, Monod. It is the tale of a generation trying to express its creativity in a world caught up in war, irrational values and unforgivable inhumanity. Even this limited account is a great story bringing us important lessons for thought.
Managing Conflict through Effective Organization Design: An Experimental Study with the Maps Design Technology:

A laboratory study was conducted to test the hypotheses that the MAPS Design Technology reduces conflict at the intrapersonal, intragroup, and intergroup levels of an organization and increases the organization's effectiveness. Assessing by questionnaire organization members' preferences for tasks and people, MAPS creates clusters of homogeneous tasks and congruent people and then assigns each cluster of people to a cluster of tasks; this represents the best possible fit between a task and a people-cluster and results in alternative organizational designs. The results suggested that the organizational designs containing clusters of congruent people generated less intragroup and intergroup conflicts than designs containing clusters of incongruent people. There were no differences in intrapersonal conflict across designs. The output of the MAPS design (congruent people-homogeneous tasks) was greater than the output of another design which involved incongruent people and heterogeneous tasks.
Existence of singular extremals and singular functionals in reachable spaces

Given a linear, infinite dimensional control system with point target and "full" control we show that singular extremals for the minimum norm problem exist except in certain exceptional cases ("singular" means "not satisfying Pontryagin's maximum principle"). Existence of singular extremals implies existence of certain functionals (also called singular) in the space of reachable states.
Lagrange stability and higher order derivatives of Liapunov functions

It is shown that the Lagrange stability of an autonomous system can be determined on the basis of the existence of a Liapunov function and the satisfaction of a certain inequality involving its first three derivatives.
EARLY DIURESIS RENOGRAM FINDINGS PREDICT SUCCESS FOLLOWING PYELOPLASTY

Purpose: We sought to determine whether drainage across the ureteropelvic junction, as indicated by diuretic renography 3 months after pyeloplasty, is an adequate predictor of surgical success.Materials and Methods: The medical records of 150 children who underwent pyeloplasty from 1986 to 1995 were reviewed. After excluding nonevaluable cases a total of 127 renal units remained for investigation. Preoperatively each renal unit was examined with a standardized (well-tempered) furosemide stimulated renal scan. Postoperatively 60 renal units were evaluated with standardized diuretic renal scans at 3 and 12 months, 33 renal units at 3 months only and 34 renal units at 12 months only. Surgical success was defined by half-time less than 20 minutes on a standardized diuretic renogram.Results: Of the 33 renal units with a single postoperative study at 3 months 32 (97%) had halftime less than 20 minutes on diuretic renography. The remaining patient in this group with half-time greater than 20 minutes showed 60% i...
Evaluating the effect of riddles on driving

While driver distraction has become one of the most studied topics in safety and in human factors, the focus has remained on the traditional elements of driver distraction. In this study, we manipulated the difficulty level of riddles to determine whether the cognitive processing associated with solving them would affect driving performance. Twenty-eight participants completed a series of eighteen short drives while undistracted or listening to a hard or easy riddles. Frequency of pressing the brake pedal, deviation in lane position, and average speed were analyzed. The results indicated that there was a main effect of riddle difficulty on how often the brake pedal was pressed. No main effects of measures on speed maintenance and lane position were found. While these results indicate there may be some differences related to difficulty of solving a problem while driving, further work is required to better quantify the effect. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Knowledge Combination and the Potential Advantages of Family Firms in Searching for Opportunities

This study examines differences in knowledge structures and combinative capabilities that provide family firms with distinct advantages over nonfamily firms in identifying opportunities. Drawing on constrained, systematic search, we explore how noneconomic goals and family relations enhance searching for opportunities. Unique human capital conditions create specific knowledge and economies of scope in knowledge combination. Differences in knowledge stocks, knowledge combination, and the long-term orientation of family firm managers explain differences in finding opportunities between family and nonfamily firms. Furthermore, we propose that family firms are more likely to improve their search routines over time. Fewer endgame scenarios in family firms allow the refinement of search routines.
Keynote address I: Programming the cloud

Client + cloud computing is a disruptive, new computing platform, combining diverse client devices — PCs, smartphones, sensors, and single-function and embedded devices — with the unlimited, on-demand computation and data storage offered by cloud computing services such as Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Windows Azure. As with every advance in computing, programming is a fundamental challenge as client + cloud computing combines many difficult aspects of software development. Systems built for this world are inherently parallel and distributed, run on unreliable hardware, and must be continually available — a challenging programming model for even the most skilled programmers. How then do ordinary programmers develop software for the Cloud?
Computational aspects of state correlation matrix and threshold crossings of variable systems with canonical expansion of input random vectors

This paper refers to the numerical analyses of approximating random functions by canonical expansion approximations. Different formulations for calculating the resulting mean square error estimates are included. The proposed approximation is then adapted to obtain threshold crossing information of systems with separable non-stationary Gaussian random inputs. It is assumed that the simulation of the input environment requires the system analyses for different input models, as it, often occurs in the study of aerostructures with atmospheric turbulence disturbances. The illustrative example refers to a single-degree-of-freedom system with a time-variable damping parameter. When compared to another direct numerical approach the results of E[N+(0, 1)] show excellent agreement with a significant saving in machine time
A Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Timing of Diabatic Processes in the Coastal Cyclogenesis of GALE IOP 2

Abstract Sensitivity of coastal cyclogenesis to the effects of timing of diabatic processes is investigated using the Naval Research Laboratory mesoscale model. Numerical experiments were conducted to examine the sensitivity of the intensification and propagation of a coastal cyclone to changes in the timing of latent heat release due to cumulus convection, surface fluxes, and low-level baroclinicity. The NMC Regional Analysis and Forecast System analysis of the GALE IOP 2 coastal cyclone was unable to resolve the initial subsynoptic-wale cyclogenesis. Hence, tracking and identification of a well-defined coastal cyclone was difficult operationally. However, the control model experiment having full physics, initialized with the NMC analyses, was able to properly simulate the development of the coastal cyclone. Results from the control experiment agree with the more accurate Fleet Numerical Oceanographic Center low-level analysis. The numerical experiments suggest the development of the surface cyclone was ...
Comparison of Crashes Involving Ambulances with Those of Similar-Sized Vehicles

Objective. To describe the characteristics andassociated occupant injuries of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) involving ambulances as compared with MVCs involving similar-sized vehicles. Methods. Motor vehicle crash data in Pennsylvania from 1997–2001 were analyzed to compare the characteristics of crashes involving ambulances with those involving vehicles of a similar size. Crash demographics (e.g., location of crash, roadway conditions, intersection type) andassociated injuries were examined andcompared using chi-square tests andFisher's exact test. Results. 2,038 ambulance MVCs and23,155 crashes involving similar-sized vehicles were identified. Weather androad surface conditions were similar, but ambulance MVCs occurred with increased frequency on evenings andweekends. Ambulances were more likely to be involved in four-way intersection crashes (43% vs. 23%, p = 0.001), angled collisions (45% vs. 29%, p = 0.001), andcollisions at traffic signals (37% vs. 18%, p = 0.001). More people were involved in amb...
Mitochondrial respiratory chain disease discrimination by retrospective cohort analysis of blood metabolites.

Abstract Diagnosing primary mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) dysfunction has long relied on invasive tissue biopsies, since no blood-based biomarker has been shown to have sufficiently high sensitivity and specificity across the myriad of individual clinical presentations. We sought to determine whether cohort-level evaluation of commonly obtained blood analytes might reveal consistent patterns to discriminate a heterogenous group of primary mitochondrial RC disease subjects both from control individuals and from subjects with pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. Methods Following IRB approval, 62 biochemical analyte concentrations or ratios were retrospectively analyzed in three well-defined and intentionally heterogeneous subject cohorts reflective of clinical practice: [1] Primary mitochondrial disease (n=19); [2] pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (n=4); and [3] controls (n=27). Blood analyte categories included comprehensive chemistry profile, creatine kinase, lipoprotein profile, lactate, pyruvate, and plasma amino acid profile. Non-parametric analyses were used to compare the median of each analyte level between cohorts. Results Disease cohorts differed significantly in their median levels of triglycerides, lactate, pyruvate, and multiple individual plasma amino acids. Primary mitochondrial disease was significantly discriminated at the cohort level from pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency by greater pyruvate and alanine elevation in pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, as well as significantly increased branched chain amino acid (BCAA) levels and increased ratios of individual BCAAs to glutamate in mitochondrial disease. In addition, significant elevation of median blood triglyceride level was seen in the primary mitochondrial disease cohort. Conclusions Blood metabolite profile analysis can discriminate a heterogeneous cohort of primary mitochondrial disease both from controls and from pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. Elevated BCAA levels, either absolutely or when considered relative to the level of glutamate, are common metabolic sequelae of primary mitochondrial RC disease. Prospective study is needed to validate observed plasma metabolite alterations as a potential biomarker of disease both in larger cohorts and at the individual subject level.
Application Of The Matched Filter Image Correlator To IR, SAR, And Visual Target Data

Optical matched filter image correlators (OMFICs) have usually been associated with visual sensors. This paper presents a discussion of OMFIC application to IR, SAR, and visual target data employing a validated digital simulation and/or laboratory experiments to detect, and in some cases track, targets using the three kinds of imagery. Extensive results are presented.
Cyclooxygenase Selectivity and NSAIDs: Cyclooxygenase-2 Selectivity of Etodolac (Lodine)

It has been proposed that two distinct cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2 exist which catalyse the production of physiological and proinflammatory prostaglandins, respectively. This may be significant in the clinical setting, as an NSAID that demonstrates COX-2 selectivity could inhibit the inflammatory response without causing COX-1-mediated gastric or renal complications.
Growth, Mortality, and Mark Retention of Hatchery Brook Trout Marked with Visible Implant Tags, Jaw Tags, and Adipose Fin Clips

Abstract Growth, mortality, mark retention, and mark readability were compared among control and treatment groups of 197–265-mm hatchery brook trout Salvelinus fonitinalis marked with visible implant (VI) tags, adipose tin (AD) clips, or stainless steel circularstrap jaw tags. Based on growth rates calculated for individual fish after 90 d, brook trout marked with VI tags grew faster than those with jaw tags (P G 0.03). Mortality was higher after 251 d for jaw-tagged fish (45%) than the cumulative mortality (8.3%) observed among VI-tagged, AD clipped, and control fish, Mark retention was 759c for VI tags, 99% for jaw tags, and 100% for AD clips, Visible implant tag loss was greatest within 7 d after insertion. After 251 d. 37% of the VI tags were unreadable. but 92% of the “unreadable” tags were readable if magnification and light were used. Unreadability could limit the usefulness of VI tags in multiyear studies unless problem tags can be removed from the fish to read tag codes.
PSC motor improvement for direct drive clothes washer applications

Top load, vertical axis domestic washing machines using direct drive rapid reversing motors and simple speed reducers are becoming increasingly common in today's world market. Theoretical and practical advantages of these systems include a significant reduction in cost and hardware complexity. Additionally, performance flexibility in agitation and spin activity is increased. Cost effectiveness of this approach is contingent upon applying standard induction motors and avoiding variable voltage, variable frequency or DC power supply driven motors. Contemporary products achieve cost effectiveness by confining permanent split capacitor (PSC) direct drive application to smaller washing machine basket sizes and lighter clothes loads. In this class of washing machine, agitator size, stroke-rates and general energy transfer is quite different from typical American washing machines. This paper presents the study and development of an upgraded PSC prime mover for direct drive application to large load capacity washers. Modified rotor resistance motors similar in size, weight and cost to the lighter PSC systems have been developed for 14 to 18 pound American (high energy agitation) machines. The motor operates in synergy with a simple duty cycle modulation electronic control. The theory of development with supporting dynamometer and washing machine data is submitted in this text. >
Maternal Sensitivity: Individual, Contextual and Cultural Factors in Recent Conceptualizations

Over the past three decades, numerous investigators have stressed the importance of maternal sensitivity in children's social and cognitive development. The various contributors to this thematic issue take different yet complementary approaches to the definition of early maternal sensitivity, focusing on mothers' responsiveness, joint topic focus with child, affect, involvement and structuring of the physical and social environments of the child. The populations represented in these writings are diverse, including middle-class and poorer families, children with and without special needs and families from a range of cultural groups. Individual and contextual factors are discussed as influencing the expression of maternal sensitivity and as both mediating and moderating relations between maternal sensitivity and diverse child outcomes. Together, this collection of writings underscores the multidimensional character of maternal sensitivity, the specialized nature of its influence and the relevance of studying maternal sensitivity within a comprehensive ecological framework. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interannual variability of Pacific deep- and bottom-waters observed in the Hawaii Ocean Time-series

Abstract The deep ocean temperatures from 6 years of CTD profiling at the Hawaii Ocean Time-series series exhibit robust interannual variations. A total of 63 (62) casts were made which reached to at least 3600 (4500) dbar between October 1988 and November 1994. In the North Pacific Deep Water between 3500 and 3600 dbar, potential temperature (θ) had a mean value of 1.2°C, with variations over a range of 54.0 m°C and a standard deviation of 10.8 m°C. In the Pacific Bottom Water between 4400 and 4500 dbar, the mean θ was 1.115°C, with variations over a range of 11.0 m°C, and a standard deviation of 2.1 m°C. Smoothing splines fitted to the time series in each pressure interval are used to separate interannual variability from instrumental and natural high frequency noise. In the Deep Water, the interannual variability had an RMS value of 7.4 m°C, with a signal-to-noise ( S N ) ratio of 1.1. In the Bottom Water, interannual variations had an RMS value of 1.5 m°C with an S N ratio of 1.3. The interannual variations of 0 were not coherent between the Deep Water and the Bottom Water. The apparent dominant time scale in the Deep Water was near 2 years, and close to 3 years in the Bottom Water. Previous observations of interannual baroclinic Rossby waves in the North Pacific are suggested as an explanation for the deep ocean interannual temperature variability.
In Vivo Assessment of Radio Frequency Induced Thermal Damage of Kidney Using Optical Spectroscopy

Purpose: Radio frequency ablation is a promising modality for treating small renal tumors. Several studies have been published showing its efficacy. A major drawback in the current management of renal tumors with radio frequency ablation is the lack of an effective modality to accurately monitor the progress of the ablation zone in real-time fashion. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using optical spectroscopy to assess tissue thermal damage, especially in hepatic lesions. We examined the feasibility of this technology in the setting of renal radio frequency ablation.Materials and Methods: A portable spectroscopic system was used to acquire in vivo fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectra from porcine renal tissue undergoing radio frequency ablation in real-time fashion with simultaneous temperature recordings. Fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectral data were then correlated with various degrees of thermal damage and temperature recordings.Results: The most noticeable change...
Anticipating the benefits of proposed information systems

The assessment of the anticipated benefits of new information systems (IS) is important to IS planning. A study of the anticipated benefits of 178 projects as seen by IS managers and analysts revealed nine benefit factors. Business redesign emerged as the most important benefit. Some benefits are much more highly quantified than others. Organizations planned to spend more on projects whose top benefit was workforce reduction. Researchers can use these findings to study why and how organizations achieve the benefits of some proposals. Chief information officers can use them to help deliver new systems that better meet top management's expectations.
Emergent roles in decision-making tasks using group chat

Individuals assume roles in all aspects of life, including in computer-supported collaborative settings. The concept of roles is particularly interesting in settings where no formal roles are defined, as in self-managing virtual teams. In these settings, roles often emerge not only as a result of individual characteristics, but also as participants interact with each other and develop norms of behavior. Using role theory and speech act theory, this study explores the emergence of roles in computer-mediated decision-making groups, using chat transcripts from a lab experiment. Results indicate that four distinct roles emerge as individuals come together in decision-making groups using synchronous computer-mediated communication. These emerging roles have implications for virtual teams in research and practice.
An autolysin dissolves the inner cell wall layer of the alga Pediastrum (Hydrodictyaceae)

An autolysin produced by young colonies ofPediastrum frees them from the vesicle in which they are formed within 12 hours of release of zoospores from the parent cell. The polysaccharide vesicle is derived from the inner wall layer of the parent cell. Refrigeration delays vesicle disintegration; boiling stops it completely. A purified, lyophilized extract of the vesicle fluid added to boiled vesicled colonies removes the vesicle in 2 hours with the release of reducing sugars and polysaccharides.
Classification of order preserving isomorphisms between algebras of semiclassical operators

Following the work of Duistermaat and Singer on isomorphisms of algebras of global pseudodifferential operators, we classify order preserving isomorphisms of algebras of microlocally defined semiclassical pseudodifferential operators. Specifically, we show that any such isomorphism is given by conjugation by , where is a microlocally elliptic semiclassical pseudodifferential operator and is a microlocally unitary -FIO associated to the graph of a local symplectic transformation.
Subtypes of alcohol-dependent men: a typology based on relative genetic and environmental loading

Using scales that distinguish between relative genetic and environmental loading, cluster analysis was used to identify three subtypes of alcohol dependence in Caucasian men from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study (n = 911). Although all subjects met DSM-III criteria for alcohol dependence, only the severe subtype showed evidence of substantial genetic influence. When compared on a range of clinical characteristics, the mild subtype (53% of the sample) was typically least adversely affected and the severe subtype (17%) most affected, with the dyssocial subtype (30%) falling between. Severe subtype subjects had significantly greater comorbid drug dependence and were at least four times more likely than mild subjects to have sought treatment for alcohol problems. Ratio of genetic scale score to total symptom count (genetic ratio) was highest for the severe subtype (mean = 0.37), and negatively correlated with age of first alcohol problem (rs = -0.16) and years between first intoxication and first problem (rs = 0.19). No significant correlations were found between these clinical features and genetic ratio for the mild or dyssocial subtypes. Use of these scales and subtypes may improve our ability to detect specific gene effects in genetic linkage studies and to identify environmental influences in behavioral and epidemiological studies.