cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among Cancer Survivors in the United States: an analysis of the COVID-19 Impact Survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adults with chronic diseases, and their health care delivery. Patterns of COVID-19–related preventive behaviors practiced by cancer survivors are unknown, including practices related to canceling doctor9s appointments. We evaluated COVID-19–related preventive behaviors among cancer survivors in the United States. Methods: We used nationally representative data of 10,760 U.S. adults from the COVID-19 Impact Survey. We defined cancer survivors as those with a self-reported diagnosis of cancer (n = 854, 7.6%). We present frequencies and χ2 tests to evaluate COVID-19–related preventive behaviors among cancer survivors. We estimated determinants of canceling doctor9s appointments among cancer survivors using Poisson regression models. Results: Cancer survivors were more likely to practice preventive behaviors, including social distancing (93%, χ2P Conclusions: Cancer survivors are adhering to recommended preventive behaviors. Cancer survivor9s continuity of care may be impacted by COVID-19, specifically young adults, females, and those with existing comorbid conditions. Impact: Insights into cancer survivors whose care may be most impacted by COVID-19 will be valuable toward surveillance and survivorship of U.S. cancer survivors.
A Galactic Center Origin for HE 0437-5439, the Hypervelocity Star near the Large Magellanic Cloud

We use Hubble Space Telescope imaging to measure the absolute proper motion of the hypervelocity star (HVS) HE 0437-5439, a short-lived B star located in the direction of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We observe (\mu_\alpha, \mu_\delta)=(+0.53+-0.25(stat)+-0.33(sys), +0.09+-0.21(stat)+-0.48(sys)) mas/yr. The velocity vector points directly away from the center of the Milky Way; an origin from the center of the LMC is ruled out at the 3-sigma level. The flight time of the HVS from the Milky Way exceeds its main-sequence lifetime, thus its stellar nature requires it to be a blue straggler. The large space velocity rules out a Galactic-disk ejection. Combining the HVS's observed trajectory, stellar nature, and required initial velocity, we conclude that HE 0437-5439 was most likely a compact binary ejected by the Milky Way's central black hole.
RNA chain elongation by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Factors affecting the stability of elongating ternary complexes.

We have devised a method to follow the stability of individual ternary transcription complexes containing Escherichia coli RNA polymerase halted at many different sites along a DNA template during the transcription process. Studies of complexes formed with phage T7 DNA templates reveal at least three general classes of ternary complexes that differ dramatically in their properties. Complexes of one sort ( normal complexes ) are highly stable to dissociation and denaturation under a variety of solution conditions. They remain intact and active for up to 24 hours even in salt concentrations up to 1 m -K + . This suggests that they are stabilized to a significant extent by non-ionic interactions between RNA polymerase and the nucleic acids. We consider these to be the normal complexes formed during RNA chain elongation. Complexes of a second sort ( release complexes ) dissociate rapidly, releasing free RNA transcripts and active RNA polymerase. The rate of dissociation is substantially enhanced by elevated concentrations of K + , hence the interaction between RNA polymerase and nucleic acids in these complexes is stabilized predominantly by ionic interactions. However, release complexes are stabilized by millimolar concentrations of Mg 2+ , which has been implicated in stabilization of the binding of RNA to free RNA polymerase. These complexes are formed at DNA sequences that we refer to as release sites. Analysis of DNA sequences at release sites reveals that all share a common feature, the potential to form an RNA hairpin in the region just upstream from the actual 3′ end of the released RNA. Experiments incorporating IMP in the transcript and blocking potential hairpin formation with DNA oligomers support a direct role for an RNA hairpin in triggering the release reaction. Changes in the 3′-proximal DNA sequences generally have little effect on the presence or rate of the release reaction, although there are significant exceptions. The results suggest that the presence of certain RNA hairpins in the region six to ten nucleotides upstream from the transcript growing point can trigger a substantial structural transition in the ternary transcription complex, forming a “release mode” complex from which transcript dissociation is facilitated. This release, mode complex may be a central intermediate in RNA chain termination. A final class of complexes ( dead-end complexes ) appear to be elongating complexes that have entered a state or conformation that is stable, but is blocked in resuming the normal elongation reaction. Such complexes bear active RNA polymerase, and can be restarted after limited pyrophosphorolysis. The structural elements that determine the formation of dead-end complexes are not yet known.
A General Differences-in-Differences Research Design for Evaluating Firms Deviations from Expectations

In this paper we set forth a robust and generalized research design for investigating potential EM and other firm behaviors hypothesized to deviate from some expected value. The design is robust in that it relies only on conservative rank-based variables and utilizes binomial test statistics, in addition to a bootstrap. Multiple regressions are proposed that rely only on indicator variables which are more conservative and robust than continuous-variables’ correlations. It is generalized in that it can capture hypothesized EM of many types, including positive, negative, large and small deviations. This design has wide potential application in that it can be applied in many accounting and finance research settings where firms’ deviations from expectations can be estimated in that it suggests how such deviations can be robustly associated with other factors of interest, such as firms’ performance, or management compensation, as well as managing reported financial income.
Common Core, Informational Texts, and the Historical (Mis)Representations of Native Americans within Children’s Literature

0 0 1 130 745 Eastern Illinois University 6 1 874 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria;} State and national initiatives have repositioned elementary teachers’ emphases. These mandates increase the frequency with which teachers utilize informational texts and students’ exposure to diverse perspectives of the same event or era. In short, history and social studies content will likely have a more prominent position within the incorporated literature in English/reading class. Teachers will intentionally supplement age-appropriate, engaging tradebooks with relevant, interrelated informational texts, like primary source material. To guide interested elementary teachers, we focused on tradebooks that centered on Native Americans, an oft-included topic in elementary curricula. We evaluated the tradebooks for their historical representation (and misrepresentation), located germane primary source material, and proffered discipline-specific activities.
An approach for random media parameter estimation using seismic reflection data

The traditional approach in seismic imaging assumes homogeneous layers with constant seismic velocities. In the real Earth, layers have numerous small-scale variations of properties (e.g., the seismic P-wave velocity) which are so irregularly distributed that they can no longer be described by deterministic models; statistical approaches have to be used instead. They can be described only by their stochastic properties. In this paper, every distinctive layer is described by its mean velocity, its variance, and a spatial autocorrelation function. This velocity model is transformed into a model for the autocorrelation of the corresponding impulse response. The parameters for this model are then estimated by the minimum least square method using stacked and migrated seismic sections as input. The method is applied to a real seismic data set. Additional borehole data is used to estimate one of the parameters independently and thus to test the approach.
Correlation of Impression Removal Force with Elastomeric Impression Material Rigidity and Hardness

Purpose Difficult impression removal has been linked to high rigidity and hardness of elastomeric impression materials. In response to this concern, manufacturers have reformulated their materials to reduce rigidity and hardness to decrease removal difficulty; however, the relationship between impression removal and rigidity or hardness has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a positive correlation between impression removal difficulty and rigidity or hardness of current elastomeric impression materials. Materials and Methods Light- and medium-body polyether (PE), vinylpolysiloxane (VPS), and hybrid vinyl polyether siloxane (VPES) impression materials were tested (n = 5 for each material/consistency/test method). Rigidity (elastic modulus) was measured via tensile testing of dumbbell-shaped specimens (Die C, ASTM D412). Shore A hardness was measured using disc specimens according to ASTM D2240–05 test specifications. Impressions were also made of a custom stainless steel model using a custom metal tray that could be attached to a universal tester to measure associated removal force. Within each impression material consistency, one-factor ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analyses (α = 0.05) were used to compare rigidity, hardness, and removal force of the three types of impression materials. A Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05) was used to evaluate the association between impression removal force and rigidity or hardness. Results With medium-body materials, VPS exhibited significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) rigidity and hardness than VPES or PE, while PE impressions required significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) removal force than VPS or VPES impressions. With light-body materials, VPS again demonstrated significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) hardness than VPES or PE, while the rigidity of the light-body materials did not significantly differ between materials (p > 0.05); however, just as with the medium-body materials, light-body PE impressions required significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) removal force than VPS or VPES. Moreover, there was no positive correlation (p > 0.05) between impression removal force and rigidity or hardness with either medium- or light-body materials. Conclusions The evidence suggests that high impression material rigidity and hardness are not predictors of impression removal difficulty.
Interaction of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and AMP with fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase as studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The interaction of AMP and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate with rabbit liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase has been investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). The temperature dependence of the line widths of the proton resonances of AMP as a function of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase concentration indicates that the nucleotide C2 proton is in fast exchange on the NMR time scale while the C8 proton is exchange limit. The exchange rate constant, koff, has been calculated for the adenine C8 proton and is 1900 s-1. Binding of fructose 6-phosphate and inorganic phosphate, or the regulatory inhibitor, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, results in a decrease in the dissociation rate constant for AMP from fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, as indicated by the sharpened AMP signals. A temperature dependence experiment indicates that the AMP protons are in slow exchange when AMP dissociates from the ternary complex. The rate constant for dissociation of AMP from the enzyme.AMP.fructose 2,6-bisphosphate complex is 70 s-1, 27-fold lower than that of AMP from the binary complex. These results are sufficient to explain the enhanced binding of AMP in the presence of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and, therefore, the synergistic inhibition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase observed with these two regulatory ligands. Binding of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate to the enzyme results in broadening of the ligand proton signals. The effect of AMP on the binding of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate to the enzyme has also been investigated. An additional line width broadening of all the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate protons has been observed in the presence of AMP. The assignment of these signals to the sugar was accomplished by two-dimensional proton-proton correlated spectra (two-dimensional COSY) NMR. From these data, it is concluded that AMP can also affect fructose 2,6-bisphosphate binding to fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.
METASTATS: behavioral science statistics for Microsoft Windows and the HP49G programmable calculator.

METASTATS is an organized suite of approximately 150 programs designed for meta-analysis, power, effect sizes and their confidence intervals, significance test conversions, and other general statistics. This freeware works either on the HP49G calculator or preinstalled on a PC emulator under Windows. Many of the programs address gaps in commercially available software. The suite has a user-friendly interface: the screen prompts for input, and labels all output. Extensive documentation includes step-by-step examples, a fully annotated catalogue of the programs, and academic references for the formulas. Both versions of the programs (calculator and PC), documentation, and installation instructions are freely available from the author's Web site, http://www.netaxs.com/-efoster/.
Increasing the Number of Minority FL Educators: Local Action to Meet a National Imperative

The low number of minority foreign language (FL) educators reflects an overall decline in the number of minority educators. Both declines pose serious threats to effective education in the coming decades. Many recommendations have been made for increasing the number of minority educators in general, but the need continues for specific strategies to increase the number of minority educators in our own profession. This article sets the context of the problem by discussing difficulties of definition of the term “minority” and reviews the literature regarding minority students in general and the minority educator shortage in general. Then follows a discussion of problems specific to the foreign language profession and some of the surprisingly few proposals for solutions. One possible solution is action at the local level by community members, by schools and universities, by associations, and by each individual foreign language educator.
Consumer buying dynamics for a single commodity using flow and stock utilities and a principle of minimum total utility imbalance

A consumer unit is modeled as possessing a flow utility and a stock utility with respect to money and the quantity of a single commodity. A principle of minimum total utility imbalance is proposed to model the intertemporal dynamics of buying. The consequences of this principle are analyzed when unused money is deposited at interest, purchased stocks may deteriorate and a variable consumption rate is permitted. Second-order differential equations are derived. These equations are generally non-linear and considerably more difficult than equations of planar classical mechanics. From the solutions of these equations the actual spending and buying behavior can be calculated easily. To illustrate the potential of this approach, a quadratic non-interactive approximation for the flow utility and quadratic interactive approximation for the stock utility are chosen. The differential equations turn out to be linear, low-order coupled and driven by consumption. They become linear with constant coefficients if the persistence coefficients (in the flow utility) and the preference coefficients (in the stock utility) are also constant. Standard methods permit initial or boundary value problems based on the minimum imbalance principle to be solved explicitly, based on four exponential modes, two oscillatory modes or one oscillatory and two exponential modes. Other utility formulas permit approximations by quadratic splines. Further applications are made to the problem of managing the buying to increase wealth and decrease unused material stocks, given interest rate, deterioration rate, commodity price (assumed constant), and consumption patterns. Comments on other microeconomic uses and on the relation of this theory to other buying dynamics theories are made.
Application of a transonic potential flow code to the static aeroelastic analysis of three-dimensional wings

A method for including elastic effects in steady, transonic wing analysis is presented. Since the aerodynamic theory is nonlinear, the method requires the coupling of two iterative processes - an aerodynamic analysis and a structural analysis. A full potential analysis code, FL022, is combined with a linear structural analysis to yield aerodynamic load distributions on and deflections of elastic wings. This method was used to analyze an aeroelastically-scaled wind tunnel model of a proposed executive-jet transport wing and an aeroelastic research wing. The results are compared with the corresponding rigid-wing analyses, and some effects of elasticity on the aerodynamic loading are noted.
The Experiences of Expert Group Work Supervisors: An Exploratory Study

Evaluation of group work supervision literature suggests that description of expert group work supervisors' experiences could be useful for expanding existing group work supervision practices and models. This study provided a systematic exploration of the experiences of expert group work supervisors during the supervision process. Results indicate that group work supervisors experience a process of conceptualization and critical reflection that guides their supervisory actions. This process occurs within the contexts of beliefs about group work, supervision, and knowledge about self, supervisee(s), and supervisees' groups. The article addresses limitations of the study, provides implications for training of supervisors, supervision, and research.
Untangling the landscape of deer overabundance: Reserve size versus landscape context in the agricultural Midwest

Abstract We investigated the potential for cross-habitat interactions to modulate per capita ungulate browse effects on forest herbaceous layers. Specifically, we examined how white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) abundance, reserve size, and landscape context at variable spatial scales interact to influence the impact of deer herbivory on forest understory communities in 16 Indiana state parks. We used native herb cover (NHC) as a proxy for deer impact to forest understories, and deer killed per unit hunter effort (DAI) as a proxy for deer abundance. Comparison of multiple regression models, using Akaike’s Information Criterion, suggested that the per capita impact of deer herbivory to forest understories was strongly related to landscape configuration of deer habitat types at the scale of an individual deer’s home range, whereas deer abundance was more strongly associated with landscape structure at broader spatial scales. Interspersion and juxtaposition of non-forested, perennial forage habitat with other habitat types (forest and agriculture) at the park plus a 0.5 km buffer scale, together with DAI, explained 84% of the variation in native herbaceous cover (NHC). A model with DAI alone as a predictor accounted for only 19% of the variation in NHC. Thus, although deer impact was related to deer abundance, habitat configuration in landscapes surrounding parks appeared to strongly modulate the level of impact associated with a particular abundance of deer. Our results underscore the importance of landscape context in determining foraging behavior and per capita impacts of ungulates on forest resources in protected areas.
Exercise technetium-99m sestamibi tomography for cardiac risk stratification of patients with stable chest pain.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of symptom-limited maximal exercise treadmill testing with tomographic technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) myocardial imaging in patients referred for evaluation of stable angina. Exercise stress thallium-201 myocardial imaging provides prognostic information in coronary artery disease subsets including patients with stable chest pain. The prognostic value of exercise technetium-99m MIBI myocardial tomography has not been established. METHODS AND RESULTS Of 548 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent maximal exercise treadmill stress testing in combination with a same-day "rest-stress" tomographic technetium-99m MIBI myocardial imaging protocol, 521 patients were followed for 13 +/- 5 months to determine the univariate and multivariate variables associated with cardiac events and to define their cardiac event-free survival. Ten patients were lost to follow-up (98% complete), and 17 who had coronary revascularization within 6 months of testing were excluded. Major cardiac events occurred in 24 patients (9%)--nonfatal myocardial infarction in 11 and cardiac death in 13. Univariate Cox survival analysis demonstrated significant relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for exercise ST segment depression (RR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.3), an abnormal MIBI scan (RR = 13.8; 95% CI, 1.9 to 102.3), and a reversible MIBI perfusion defect (RR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 7.5). Multivariate models demonstrated that both exercise MIBI perfusion abnormalities (RR = 11.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 89.4) and reversible MIBI perfusion defects (RR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2 to 7.0) had independent predictive value. During 1 year of follow-up, cardiac events occurred in only 0.5% of patients with normal MIBI scans compared with 7% of those with abnormal MIBI scans (P < .001). One-year, cardiac event-free survival was 92% in patients with reversible MIBI perfusion defects (P < .01 versus normal), 96% in patients with fixed defects (P < .01), and 93% in patients with combined reversible and fixed MIBI myocardial perfusion abnormalities (P < .02). CONCLUSIONS As with exercise thallium-201 myocardial imaging, exercise stress technetium-99m MIBI myocardial tomography provides significant independent information concerning the subsequent risk of serious cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction) in patients with stable angina pectoris. The identification of MIBI perfusion abnormalities, in particular, the presence of reversible MIBI defects, was associated with reduced 1-year, event-free survival. The recognized imaging and radiotracer biokinetic differences between thallium-201 and MIBI do not appear to modulate the prognostic value associated with scintigraphic evidence of ischemic myocardial jeopardy in the stable angina population.
Success and failure of biphasic shocks: results of bidomain simulations

The mechanisms behind the superiority of optimal biphasic defibrillation shocks over monophasic are not fully understood. This simulation study examines how the shock polarity and second-phase magnitude of biphasic shocks influence the virtual electrode polarization (VEP) pattern, and thus the outcome of the shock in a bidomain model representation of ventricular myocardium. A single spiral wave is initiated in a two-dimensional sheet of myocardium that measures 2 x 2 cm(2). The model incorporates non-uniform fiber curvature, membrane kinetics suitable for high strength shocks, and electroporation. Line electrodes deliver a spatially uniform extracellular field. The shocks are biphasic, each phase lasting 10 ms. Two different polarities of biphasic shocks are examined as the first-phase configuration is held constant and the second-phase magnitude is varied between 1 and 10 V/cm. The results show that for each polarity, varying the second-phase magnitude reverses the VEP induced by the first phase in an asymmetric fashion. Further, the size of the post-shock excitable gap is dependent upon the second-phase magnitude and is a factor in determining the success or failure of the shock. The maximum size of a post-shock excitable gap that results in defibrillation success depends on the polarity of the shock, indicating that the refractoriness of the tissue surrounding the gap also contributes to the outcome of the shock.
Charity Watchdogs and the Limits of Information-Based Regulation

Transparency concerns and the concomitant accountability challenges have motivated policy and legal scholars to explore information-based regulatory approaches. We examine their usefulness in the context of the nonprofit sector which tends to show signs of governance failure. Although nonprofits are required by law to disclose information on fund use, nonprofit donors face difficulties in accessing and interpreting information about how nonprofits are deploying resources. Charity watchdogs make this information available to donors in a convenient format. In theory, this should allow donors to reward nonprofits that devote resources to service delivery and to punish those that are less careful about controlling overheads. To test the relationship between charity ratings and donations, we examine 90 nonprofits in the state of Washington for the period 2004–2007. Drawing on ratings data provided by Charity Navigator, we find that changes in charity ratings tend not to affect donor support to these nonprofits. We explore this statistical finding via interviews with 10 charities located in Washington State. Supporting the statistical results, we find that charities believe that donors tend not to systematically embed ratings in their donation decisions. Instead, they believe that donors assess nonprofits’ effectiveness and trustworthiness via other means such as familiarity, word-of-mouth, or the visibility of the nonprofit in their community. In sum, the policy challenge is to provide information which users desire such as organizational effectiveness as opposed to basic fund allocation in the case of non-profits. What matters for policy efficacy is not how much information is provided but of what type.
NMR studies on the conformation of acetylcholine isologues

Abstract The high resolution NMR spectra of several acetylcholine analogues were studied. Iterative computer calculations of the AA′BB′ spectra of the methylene groups gave JAB = 11·59 Hz, JAB′ = 5·00 Hz for acetylthiolcholine and JAB= 12·62 Hz, JAB′ = 4·83 Hz for acetylselenolcholine. The magnitude of the vicinal coupling constants and the negative value for the spectral parameter ”L“, showed that the compounds exist almost exclusively in the anti-periplanar conformation in solution. Previous studies have shown that the syn-clinal conformation of acetylcholine predominates in solution. Thus, it seems likely that the free energy differences between the various conformers are greater than had been expected on the basis of previous calculations. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed.
Comparisons of plasma membrane polypeptides from soybean and alfalfa

Abstract Polypeptides were solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate from plasma membrane vesicles of eight varieties of soybean roots [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and of cultured alfalfa cells ( Medicago sativa L.). The solubilized polypeptides were analysed by 2D-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Apparent isoelectric point and MW values were obtained for 80 soybean plasma membrane polypeptides and 44 alfalfa plasma membrane polypeptides. From these data composite distribution patterns were constructed, which are representative of the soybean or alfalfa 2D-gels, respectively. The results showed that the general polypeptide staining patterns were similar for all the soybean varieties, but some minor differences were evident. The alfalfa electrophoretograms differed markedly from the soybean electrophoretograms in specific details, though some general pattern similarities were noted. The data are discussed in terms of a physiological role for the integral plasma membrane polypeptides and in terms of the potential for distinguishing among soybean varieties and between species at the plasma membrane polypeptide level.
Fortnightly tides and subtidal motions in a choked inlet

Abstract Amplitudes of semi-diurnal tidal fluctuations measured at an ocean inlet system decay nearly linearly by 87% between the ocean edge of the offshore ebb-tidal delta and the backbay. A monochromatic, dynamical model for a tidally choked inlet separately reproduces the evolution of the amplitudes and phases of the semi-diurnal and diurnal tidal constituents observed between the ocean and inland locations. However, the monochromatic model over-predicts the amplitude and under-predicts the lag of the lower-frequency subtidal and fortnightly motions observed in the backbay. A dimensional model that considers all tidal constituents simultaneously, balances the along-channel pressure gradient with quadratic bottom friction, and that includes a time-varying channel water depth, is used to show that that these model-data differences are associated with nonlinear interactions between the tidal constituents that are not included in non-dimensional, monochromatic models. In particular, numerical simulations suggest that the nonlinear interactions induced by quadratic bottom friction modify the amplitude and phase of the subtidal and fortnightly backbay response. This nonlinear effect on the low-frequency (subtidal and fortnightly) motions increases with increasing high-frequency (semi-diurnal) amplitude. The subtidal and fortnightly motions influence water exchange processes, and thus backbay temperature and salinity.
Computation of Radar Scattering From Heterogeneous Rough Soil Using the Finite-Element Method

A 2-D vector-element-based finite-element method (FEM) is used to calculate the radar backscatter from 1-D bare rough soil surfaces which can have an underlying heterogeneous substrate. Monte Carlo simulation results are presented for scattering at L-band (λ = 0.24 m). For homogeneous soils with rough surfaces, the results of FEM are compared with the predictions of the small perturbation method. In the case of heterogeneous substrates, soil moisture (and, hence, soil permittivity) is assumed to vary as a function of depth. In this case, the results of FEM are compared with those of the transfer matrix method for flat soil surfaces. In both cases, a good agreement is found. For homogeneous rough soils, it is found that polarimetric radar backscatter and copolarized phase difference have a nonlinear relationship with soil moisture. Finally, it is found that the nature of the soil moisture variation in the top few centimeters of the soil has a strong influence on the backscatter and, hence, on the inferred soil moisture content.
Image restoration of the office of the Vice President

The techniques of digital computer image processing have been employed to investigate the characteristics of paintings by the Italian master, Raphael. In particular spectral histograms have been generated for several of his paintings for individual areas such as hair, face, and garments. It was found that the palette employed by the artist does exhibit regularities. Similarly, spatial frequency histograms of like areas of his different paintings also show certain uniformities. Thus, the first steps have been taken in developing a `fingerprint' for the chromatic tonality and impasta characteristic of this artist's hand. Such information may be of use in trying to attribute controversial paintings where historical data are lacking and chemical data are ambiguous. This trial `fingerprint' has been applied to an unattributed Italian painting known as the `Madonna della Divino Amore.' Although the match to the `Raphael fingerprint' is not perfect it does offer sufficient encouragement to suggest that further investigations into the nature of its materials and its history are warranted.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Competition of cations at charged micelle and monolayer interfaces.

Abstract Counterion (K + , Na + ) binding to soap micelles was determined in soap solutions at high pH. In addition, micellar soap solutions were titrated with HCl and the cation activity (H + , K + ) was measured during the titration. The effect of charged carboxylate interfaces on the ionic distribution in solution is discussed in terms of the apparent surface concentration of counterions. In a parallel study the competition between Li + , K + , Rb + , Cs + , and H + ion at the air-water interface of C 16 , C 18 , C 20 , and C 22 fatty acid monolayers has been investigated by determining the π - A and ΔV - A surface isotherms. The hydrogen ion/counterion competition increases with the chain length of the film molecule. A close similarity between the results found for univalent cation competition at soap micelle-solution interfaces and fatty acid monolayer-substrate interfaces has been found.
Inhibition of autophagy and glycolysis by nitric oxide during hypoxia-reoxygenation impairs cellular bioenergetics and promotes cell death in primary neurons

Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production is known to damage mitochondrial proteins and the autophagy repair pathway and so can potentially contribute to neurotoxicity. Accordingly, we hypothesized that protection against protein damage from reactive oxygen and nitrogen species under conditions of low oxygen by the autophagy pathway in neurons would be impaired by NO and enhance bioenergetic dysfunction. Rat primary cortical neurons had the same basal cellular respiration in hypoxia as in normoxia, whereas NO-exposed cells exhibited a gradual decrease in mitochondrial respiration in hypoxia. Upon reoxygenation, the respiration in NO-treated cells did not recover to prehypoxic levels. Hypoxia-reoxygenation in the presence of NO was associated with inhibition of autophagy, and the inability to recover during reoxygenation was exacerbated by an inhibitor of autophagy, 3-methyladenine. The effects of hypoxia could be recapitulated by inhibiting glycolytic flux under normoxic conditions. Under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions NO exposure induced immediate stimulation of glycolysis, but prolonged NO exposure, associated with irreversible inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in hypoxia, inhibited glycolysis. Importantly, we found that NO inhibited basal respiration under normoxic conditions only when glucose was absent from the medium or glycolysis was inhibited by 2-deoxy-d-glucose, revealing a novel NO-dependent mechanism for the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration that is modulated by glycolysis. Taken together these data suggest an oxygen-dependent interaction between mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, and autophagy in protecting neuronal cells exposed to NO. Importantly, they indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction is intimately linked to a failure of glycolytic flux induced by exposure to NO. In addition, these studies provide new insights into the understanding of how autophagy and NO may play interactive roles in neuroinflammation-induced cellular damage, which is pertinent to our understanding of the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases in which excessive NO is generated.
Stabilization Mechanisms of Nontraditional Additives

Because of the high cost of quality construction materials, transportation engineers are often forced to seek alternative designs using substandard materials, commercial construction aids, alternative pavement materials, and innovative design practices. Nontraditional soil stabilization additives are being marketed as viable solutions for stabilizing marginal materials as a low-cost alternative to traditional construction materials. Nontraditional additives are diverse in their composition and the way they interact with soil. Unfortunately, little is known about their interaction with geotechnical materials and their fundamental stabilization mechanisms. The objective of this research was to advance current understanding of the chemical and physical bonding mechanisms associated with selected nontraditional stabilizers. The research consisted of conducting qualitative analyses of hypothesized stabilization mechanisms, examining historical literature for supporting documentation, and performing laboratory experiments to improve the understanding of how these nontraditional additives stabilize soils. Laboratory experiments included image analyses, physical characterization, and chemical analyses to determine the primary constituents of the mineral, soil, stabilizer, and stabilized soil composite. The focus of this effort was to provide insight into the proposed mechanisms by using the laboratory data to examine proposed mechanisms from the historical literature and to provide additional hypotheses for the interaction between nontraditional additives and different soil types.
Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Characterizing Semantic Binding and Abstracted Meaning Abilities

Abstract Purpose: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) encompasses a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by gradual and progressive decline in behavior and/or language. Identifyi...
Quantum Hall effect and general narrow-wire circuits.

A theoretical study is made of charged-particle motion in planar circuits made up of narrow wires, in the presence of a magnetic field of arbitrary strength, in the ballistic approximation. The basic element is a four-terminal junction of narrow wires, and its detailed properties are calculated. Its scattering probabilities strongly reflect the influence of quantum effects of the junction, including subband thresholds and virtual, resonant states, and the Hall resistance calculated from them may depart considerably from the classic wide-wire result. Physical features are related to the emergence of pinned Landau levels as the field strength increases. By suitably modifying the four-terminal method, it is extended to include elbow (``ssL'') and tee (``ssT'') junctions. The results are then used to construct linear six- and eight-terminal junctions, whose resistive properties are discussed. The Hall resistance is predicted to depend on which arms are used and on the stub spacing. The application of the method to the general linear series of junctions is then outlined. The four-terminal results are also applied to a square eight-terminal junction, to show the presence and the consequences of the Aharonov-Bohm effect in circuits with closed loops.
Phosphorylation of the transcription factor PHO4 by a cyclin-CDK complex, PHO80-PHO85

Induction of the yeast gene PHO5 is mediated by the transcription factors PHO2 and PHO4. PHO5 transcription is not detectable in high phosphate; it is thought that the negative regulators PHO80 and PHO85 inactivate PHO2 and PHO4. Here it is reported that PHO80 has homology to yeast cyclins and interacts with PHO85, a p34cdc2/CDC28-related protein kinase. The PHO80-PHO85 complex phosphorylates PHO4; this phosphorylation is correlated with negative regulation of PHO5. These results demonstrate the existence of a cyclin-cdk complex that is used for a regulatory process other than cell-cycle control and identify a physiologically relevant substrate for this complex.
A BEHAVIORAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CONCURRENTLY AVAILABLE MONEY AND CIGARETTES

In economic terms, consumption of a reinforcer is determined by its price and the availability and price of other reinforcers. This study examined the effects of response-requirement (i.e., price) manipulations on the self-administration of two concurrently available reinforcers. Six cigarette smokers participated in 4-hr sessions in which money and puffs on a cigarette were concurrently available according to fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Once stable responding was obtained with both reinforcers available at Fixed Ratio 100, the response requirement for one reinforcer was systematically varied (Fixed Ratio 1,000 and 2,500), while the other reinforcer remained scheduled at Fixed Ratio 100. Increasing the fixed-ratio size for a reinforcer decreased its consumption, with a greater decrease occurring for monetary reinforcement. This finding was quantified in economic terms as own-price elasticity, with elasticity coefficients greater for money than cigarettes. The effects of fixed-ratio size on response output also differed across the two reinforcers. Although greater responding occurred for money at Fixed Ratio 100, increases in fixed-ratio size (for money) decreased responding for money, whereas the same increase in fixed-ratio size (for puffs) increased responding for puffs. Finally, increasing the fixed-ratio size for one reinforcer had little effect on consumption of the other concurrently available reinforcer. This finding was quantified as cross-price elasticity, with elasticity coefficients near 0.0 for most subjects, indicating little or no reinforcer interaction. The results indicate that the reinforcing effects of cigarettes and money in the setting studied here differed, and that the effects produced by changing the price of one reinforcer did not interact with the consumption of the other concurrently available reinforcer.
Otras huellas de Horacio en el Marqués de Santillana

A lo largo de la edad media gozaron de ininterrumpido agasajo aquellos poetas clasicos que se prestaban a ser moralizados. Los escritores cristianos se encontraron con que muchos de los textos de V...
Effective supra-classifiers for knowledge base construction

Abstract We explore the use of the supra-classifier framework in the construction of a classifier knowledge base. Previously, we introduced this framework within which labels produced by old classifiers are used to improve the generalization performance of a new classifier for a different but related classification task ( Bollacker and Ghosh, 1998 ). We showed empirically that a simple Hamming nearest neighbor is superior to other techniques (e.g., multilayer perception (MLP), decision trees, Naive Bayes, Combiners) as a supra-classifier. Here, we describe theoretically how the probability that the Hamming nearest neighbor supra-classifier will predict the true target class approaches certainty at an exponential rate as more classifiers are reused. The scalability of the Hamming nearest neighbor with large numbers of previously created classifiers makes it a good choice as a supra-classifier in the application of building a repository of domain knowledge organized as a classifier knowledge base .
Maintenance of the slope of linearized calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract L'vov and co-workers developed a theoretical model and computational procedure (B.V. L'vov, L.K. Polzik and N.V. Kocharova, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 47 (1992) 889 and B.V. L'vov, L.K. Polzik, N.V. Kocharova, Yu.A. Nemets and A.V. Novichikhin, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 47 (1992) 1187) that linearized calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry by taking into account the presence of stray light. The calculations of L'vov and co-workers were based on three parameters: the rollover absorbance A r , Zeeman sensitivity ratio R , and the original background corrected peak absorbance values A z . In order to simplify the calculations, R was assumed to be unity. In the studies reported here, this simplification is shown to be unsatisfactory because the slope obtained in the upper portion of the calibration curve, after linearization, is found to be different from the slope obtained in the normal linear region. Deviations between these slopes were found to be as high as 30%. The present work also shows that the theoretical model of L'vov and co-workers does not have a mathematical solution at high values of A z . This failure of the model prevents its use at high A z values. The physical nature of this failure is still unclear, which points to the necessity for further work to understand the inadequacies of the present theory. In the present studies, calculations based on the Newton method of successive approximations (A.I. Yuzefovsky, E.G. Su, R.G. Michel, W. Slavin and J.T. McCaffrey, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 49 (1994) 1643), allow incorporation of the experimental value of R at the rollover point R ′, which better linearizes the calibration curves. By use of this approach, a satisfactory result is obtained for lead ( R ′ = 0.67) up to the point of failure of the model at high values of A z .
An Approach for Estimating Workplace Exposure to o-Toluidine, Aniline, and Nitrobenzene

A comprehensive approach to estimating worker exposure to o-toluidine, aniline, and nitrobenzene using a combination of surface wipe, derreal badge, and air samples is described. Desorption of each sample was accomplished with ethanol followed by analyses using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Analyte recovery was maximized when the gauze wipes and dermal badges were immediately desorbed in ethanol after sample collection. Sample collection of the airborne analytes was improved over previous solid sorbent samples by using a sampling train consisting of an acid-treated glass fiber filter in series with a large capacity silica gel tube (520/260 mg). The greatest recoveries of aniline and o-toluidine were from the acid-treated glass fiber filters and nitrobenzene from the large capacity silica gel sorbent tubes. The limit of detection for each analyte (1 µg) was approximately 10 times more sensitive than reported in previous National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health m...
Ketamine for the Treatment of Depression

Ketamine (Ketalar®) is an anesthetic agent derived from the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine (PCP). It is a high-affinity antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and also binds to opioid mu and sigma receptors. Ketamine is being intensively investigated as an antidepressant therapy. To date, five short-term controlled studies and other open-label studies in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression have demonstrated that intravenous ketamine is safe and has a rapid and profound short-term effect on depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, even among patients considered treatment-resistant to standard medications or electroconvulsive therapy. Before ketamine can be incorporated into clinical practice, however, its long-term safety and effectiveness need to be evaluated. Although the effectiveness of alternative routes of ketamine administration (i.e., oral, intranasal, or intramuscular) needs to be determined, intravenous ketamine could be conceptualized as a clinic-based procedural therapy for treatment resistant forms of depression.
Evolution of the Scattering Coefficients of the Camassa–Holm Equation, for General Initial Data

We consider the Camassa-Holm equation for general initial data, particularly when the potential in the scattering problem of the Lax pair, m + K, becomes negative over a finite region. We show that the direct scattering problem of the eigenvalue problem of the Lax pair for this equation may be solved by dividing the spatial infinite interval into a union of separate intervals. Inside each of these intervals, the initial potential is uniformly either positive or negative. Due to this, one can define Jost functions inside each interval, each of which will have a uniform asymptotic form. We then demonstrate that one can obtain the t-evolution of the scattering coefficients of the scattering matrix of each interval. In the process, we also demonstrate that the evolution of the zeros of m + K can be given entirely in terms of limits of the scattering coefficients at singular points.