cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Migration processing of spotlight SAR data

Migration processing exactly accounts for the wavefront curvature over the imaged scene. Migration processing is therefore capable of forming high resolution SAR images when the data is acquired over a large synthetic aperture collection angle. Because migration processing requires phase compensation to a line corresponding to the nominal SAR flight path, the phase history is chirped over a very large bandwidth, requiring a very high sample rate to prevent aliasing in the frequency spectrum. The sample rate is determined by the size of the synthetic aperture collection angle. When migration processing is applied to a spotlight-mode SAR, this sampling rate can be much higher than that required for normal spotlight-mode processing. In this latter case, the phase history is motion compensated to scene center and the sample rate is determined by the spot size. Higher sampling rates result in large FFTs and may cause range ambiguity problems. ERIM has pursued the development of a variation on migration processing, which we call the Frequency domain Replication and Downsampling (FReD) algorithm, which enables the acquisition of data at normal spotlight-mode rates and which does not require the computation of FFTs any larger than those required for normal spotlight-mode processing. The FReD algorithm is based on the fact that when a discrete, aliased spectrum is replicated a sufficient number of times, the resultant spectrum will contain the desired signal spectrum. What we call the FReD algorithm is discussed in two articles by Prati, et al. Subsequent processing steps extract the desired portion of the spectrum to form an image. This paper will review migration processing, discuss the FReD algorithm and present expressions for the number of operations required for its implementation. Migration-processed, spotlight-mode SAR imagery derived from airborne collected data and demonstrating the utility of FReD are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hermann Hesse: The Exorcism of the Demon

(1950). Hermann Hesse: The Exorcism of the Demon. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 325-348.
Comparing the Direct Transmission, two-hop relaying and cooperative relaying schemes

A novel generalized iterative approach is proposed for designing the MMSE MIMO processors (precoders, relay processors and decoders) for two amplify-and-forward relaying schemes: two-hop (2Hop) and cooperative (Coop) relaying schemes. The MMSE design can be achieved for communication links with two end nodes and multiple relay nodes (all nodes with multiple antennas) subject to either the per-node power constraint or the per-antenna power constraint. Simulation results show that there exist circumstances where 2Hop performs as well as Coop. In addition, there exist scenarios that the conventional Direct Transmission (DT) scheme can actually outperform Coop if optimum modulation coding schemes and sophisticated cooperation protocols are not employed for Coop.
Against Ecological Sovereignty: Ethics, Biopolitics, and Saving the Natural World

Mick Smith Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2011, 269 pp. In Against Ecological Sovereignty: Ethics, Biopolitics, and Saving the Natural World, Mick Smith argues that the contemporar...
Inversion of Subsurface Properties of Layered Dielectric Structures With Random Slightly Rough Interfaces Using the Method of Simulated Annealing

In this paper, the model parameters of a two-layer dielectric structure with random slightly rough boundaries are retrieved from data that consist of the backscattering coefficients for multiple polarizations, angles, and frequencies. We use the small perturbation method to solve the forward problem. The inversion problem is then formulated as a least square problem and is solved using a global optimization method known as simulated annealing, which is shown to be a robust retrieval algorithm for our purpose. The algorithm performance depends on several parameters. We make recommendations on these parameters and propose a technique for exiting local minima when encountered. We test the sensitivity of the inversion scheme to measurement noise and present the noise analysis results.
A study on truncated cone-beam sampling strategies for 3D mammography

In USA, breast cancer is a most frequent cause of deaths for women. It is important to detect the cancer in its early stage. X-ray three-dimensional (3D) mammography can provide a good image resolution and contrast However, the associated radiation is relatively high. Reduction of the soft X-ray radiation for 3D mammography has been a research focus in the past years. In a typical 3D mammography system, the X-ray source and detector rotate around the object (breast) beneath the table, on which the patient lies in a prone position. In order to sample the data as close as possible to the chest base, a circular orbit with half cone-beam geometry has been investigated. It can provide very good reconstruction if the X-ray source is far away from the object. For a relatively short distance between the source and the object for an improved spatial resolution, the circular orbit may not be an optimal choice. In this case, the portion far away from the circular orbit wouldn't be well reconstructed because of the missing of projection data in that region. In this work, we investigated five possible orbits, attempting to find an optimal orbit that can reconstruct satisfactorily the whole object with least projections (less radiation). The results showed that two near half-circular orbits may be a choice, one near the chest base and the other near the breast tip. The redundant samplings beyond 180/spl deg/ were eliminated by our algorithm, rendering very good reconstructions.
Metyrapone reveals that previous chronic stress differentially impairs hippocampal-dependent memory.

Chronic stress facilitates fear conditioning in rats with hippocampal neuronal atrophy and in rats in which the atrophy is prevented with tianeptine, a serotonin re-uptake enhancer. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the lack of dissociation between fear conditioning performance and hippocampal integrity was masked by the presence of endogenous corticosteroids during training. As in previous studies, rats were stressed by daily restraint (6 h/day for 21 days), trained in the conditioning chamber (day 23), and then assessed for conditioned fear (day 25) at a time when hippocampal dendritic atrophy persists. On the training day, half of the control and stressed rats were injected with metyrapone to reduce corticosterone release. Two hours later, two paired or unpaired presentations of tone and footshock were delivered. Although metyrapone reduced conditioned fear in all rats, only stressed rats showed dissociated fear conditioning (i.e. tone conditioning was reduced while contextual conditioning was eliminated). Chronically stressed rats, regardless of metyrapone treatment displayed more rearing in the open field when tested immediately after the completion of fear conditioning. These data support the hypothesis that increased emotionality and enhanced fear conditioning exhibited by chronically stressed rats may be due to endogenous corticosterone secretion at the time of fear conditioned training. Moreover, these data suggest that chronic stress impairs hippocampal-dependent processes more robustly than hippocampal-independent processes after metyrapone to reduce corticosterone secretion during aversive training.
Resuspension-induced partitioning of organic carbon between solid and solution phases from a river-ocean transition

Ž. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the net exchange of organic carbon OC between sediments and overlying water during episodes of resuspension. Surface sediment samples collected from six locations within the Hudson River Estuary and the Inner New York Bight were resuspended in their respective bottom waters for periods ranging from 30 Ž. s to 2 h. After resuspension, dissolved organic carbon DOC concentration generally reached levels greater than that predicted by conservative mixing of pore water and bottom water, indicating net release of OC from the sediment particles. The amount of OC released during the 1-h extractions comprised F 0.1% of the total sediment pool, but correlated Ž 2 .Ž . positively R s 0.65, P- 0.052 with the amount of particulate organic carbon POC found in the high-density fraction of the sediment matrix. This suggests that the mineral-bound fraction of sedimentary OC was the major source for the excess Ž. DOC released into solution, and that across various sedimentary environments, only a small but fairly constant fraction of the total sedimentary POC may be poised for rapid transfer to the water column. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Access control for XML: a dynamic query rewriting approach

Being able to express and enforce role-based access control on XML data is a critical component of XML data management. However, given the semi-structured nature of XML, this is non-trivial, as access control can be applied on the values of nodes as well as on the structural relationship between nodes. In this context, we adopt and extend a graph editing language for specifying role-based access constraints in the form of security views. A Security Annotated Schema (SAS) is proposed as the internal representation for the security views and can be automatically constructed from the original schema and the security view specification. To enforce the access constraints on user queries, we propose Secure Query Rewrite (SQR) -- a set of rules that can be used to rewrite a user XPath query on the security view into an equivalent XQuery expression against the original data, with the guarantee that the users only see information in the view but not any data that was blocked. Experimental evaluation demonstrates the efficiency and the expressiveness of our approach.
CMOS circuits with subvolt supply voltages

This overview of multiple-voltage use in low-power design proposes a circuit taxonomy to help determine the most effective low-power techniques for specific circuit types and presents related simulation results.
How grow-and-switch gravitropism generates root coiling and root waving growth responses in Medicago truncatula

Experimental studies show that plant root morphologies can vary widely from straight gravity-aligned primary roots to fractal-like root architectures. However, the opaqueness of soil makes it difficult to observe how environmental factors modulate these patterns. Here, we combine a transparent hydrogel growth medium with a custom built 3D laser scanner to directly image the morphology of Medicago truncatula primary roots. In our experiments, root growth is obstructed by an inclined plane in the growth medium. As the tilt of this rigid barrier is varied, we find Medicago transitions between randomly directed root coiling, sinusoidal root waving, and normal gravity-aligned morphologies. Although these root phenotypes appear morphologically distinct, our analysis demonstrates the divisions are less well defined, and instead, can be viewed as a 2D biased random walk that seeks the path of steepest decent along the inclined plane. Features of this growth response are remarkably similar to the widely known run-and-tumble chemotactic behavior of Escherichia coli bacteria, where biased random walks are used as optimal strategies for nutrient uptake.
A wearable tactile intonation display for the deaf

A wearable device is described which represents the fundamental frequency of voiced sounds as the locus of pitch-synchronous vibrotactile stimulation of the skin. The pitch extractor, which accepts inputs from either a microphone or an accelerometer, uses a combination of low-pass filtering and peak detection to generate a square wave whose frequency is half that of the fundamental frequency of the speech signal. Using a shift register and a clock, the first half of each cycle is timed, the result determining which of eight output channels is actuated during the second half. The output transducer array consists of eight miniature solenoids mounted in a small plastic box. The electronics package is worn on a belt and the solenoid array is mounted on the forearm. The system is powered by thee 9 V NiCad batteries and runs for 2 to 3 h between charges. Experiments with normally hearing subjects confirmed that single channel changes of stimulus location can be detected with relative ease. It was also demonstrated that the system permits discrimination among some of the principal intonation contours of English. The potential value of this device in the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children is currently under investigation.
Mental simulation for creating realistic behavior in physical security systems simulation

Mental simulation is proposed by cognitive psychologists as a candidate to model the human reasoning process. In this paper, we propose a methodology that models mental simulation to create realistic human behavior in simulated environments. This methodology is used to generate realistic intruder and guard behavior in physical security systems simulation. The behaviors include moving to a target while avoiding detection/capture for intruders and following and apprehending intruders for guards.
CLAMP: Practical Prevention of Large-Scale Data Leaks

Providing online access to sensitive data makes web servers lucrative targets for attackers. A compromise of any of the web server's scripts, applications, or operating system can leak the sensitive data of millions of customers. Unfortunately, many systems for stopping data leaks require considerable effort from application developers, hindering their adoption.In this work, we investigate how such leaks can be prevented with minimal developer effort. We propose CLAMP, an architecture for preventing data leaks even in the presence of web server compromises or SQL injection attacks. CLAMP protects sensitive data by enforcing strong access control on user data and by isolating code running on behalf of different users. By focusing on minimizing developer effort, we arrive at an architecture that allows developers to use familiar operating systems, servers, and scripting languages, while making relatively few changes to application code -- less than 50 lines in our applications.
Improving clinical recognition of Marfan syndrome.

Background Marfan syndrome is a potentially fatal disorder with cardiovascular, skeletal, and other manifestations that may also be seen in individuals without Marfan syndrome, making diagnosis difficult. Our goals were (1) to examine the ways in which patients have been recognized as having Marfan syndrome, (2) to examine the prevalence of current diagnostic findings, and (3) to determine which physically evident features are most sensitive and specific for referral to confirm a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. Methods Between 2005 and 2007, we prospectively studied 183 consecutive patients with identified Marfan syndrome (Marfan group) and 1257 orthopaedic patients and family members (non-Marfan group). For the Marfan group, we recorded age at the time of recognition and the methods by which the syndrome was recognized; we used Ghent criteria to identify physically and radiographically evident features. For the non-Marfan group, we examined for Ghent criteria that could be noted on the basis of a routine history, physical examination, or radiographs. We used means, odds ratios, and frequencies to analyze the diagnostic use of each finding (alpha = 0.05). Results According to the Ghent criteria, 27% of patients in the Marfan group (mean age at the time of diagnosis, 7.3 years) had major skeletal involvement whereas 19% had zero or one skeletal feature. The most common physical features were craniofacial characteristics, high-arched palate, positive thumb and wrist signs, and scoliosis. In the non-Marfan group, 83% had one skeletal feature, 13% had two skeletal features, and 4% had three skeletal features or more. The physical features with the highest diagnostic yield were craniofacial characteristics, thumb and wrist signs, pectus excavatum, and severe hindfoot valgus. Conclusions Musculoskeletal clinicians should be aware of the diagnostic features of Marfan syndrome. Patients with three to four physically evident features, or two highly specific features (e.g., thumb and wrist signs, craniofacial features, dural ectasia, or protrusio), should be carefully reexamined and possibly referred for an echocardiogram or a genetics consultation. Level of evidence Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The use of mentors and partnerships in a preparing future faculty program at a Health Sciences Center

Abstract Introduction Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) is a national effort to give graduate students opportunities to receive mentorship in teaching and academic careers. The PFF Program, founded in 2005, expands this program to Academic Health Center (AHC) graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, such as pharmacy. The objectives (1) assessed the number/type of institution/department partnerships, as well as the unique types of content mentors added to the program since its inception, and (2) outlined the number of PFF graduates and their current career status. Methods PFF is a two-semester interprofessional program (fall = weekly teaching methods course and spring = teaching field placements at partnering institutions). Two program mentors are utilized: (1) a teaching mentor/program director who delivers course content and evaluates teaching and (2) a content mentor who is the course coordinator/faculty at the partnering institution. Results The number of partnerships has grown from 5 to 15 institutions, the number of department partnerships has grown from 1 to 11, and the number of content mentors has grown from 5 to 30 (six in pharmacy). Of note, ten of the content mentors are PFF alumni. In total, 68 PFF students have completed the program, seven graduates were from Pharmacy. The majority of the PFF graduates who have completed their degree or training have secured faculty positions; five of the seven PFF graduates in pharmacy became faculty members. Discussion PFF is a sustainable program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at an AHC to learn how to teach in an academic setting.
Savings in a State with a Stationary Population

I. Introduction: the problem, 40; France a good test case, 41; use of terms, 42. — II. Methods used in computing growth of savings, 43. — Comparative aspects, 43. — III. Growth of savings: France, 44; Germany, 46; Great Britain, 48. — IV. The French reputation for thrift, 50. — Reasons for lower savings in France: distribution of income, 51; reinvestment in business, 54; age distribution, 55. — V. Savings and foreign investments: France, 58; Great Britain, 60; Germany, 61. — Conclusions, 61. — Appendix, 63.
Sex similarities and differences in stance in informal American conversation

This study compares men's and women's use of stance: the expression of attitude, emotion, certainty, doubt and commitment. A corpus of nearly 900,000 words of informal conversation in social and work contexts was examined with a computer program that measured stance. The main categories, subcategories and the 180 most frequent stance expressions were analyzed with multiple ANOVAs. The main stance categories of affect, evidentials, and quantifiers showed no significant differences between men and women. In terms of subcategories, general affect, boulomaic verbs, general evidentials, mental verbs, hedges and emphatics had no significant differences between men and women; only expletives had a significant difference between men and women. Of the individual stance expressions, only 35 showed a significant difference between men and women. Examples from actual conversations are given to compare men's and women's speech. Cooperative work between qualitative and quantitative researchers is recommended.
Recurring Nightmares? Evidence Issues that Keep Coming Back in Employment Cases

This paper was prepared for a presentation given at an ALI-ABA conference on Employment Law in Santa Fe, NM, July 22-24, 2010, and was published by ALI-ABA at that time. It sets forth two hypothetical fact patterns regarding allegations of sexual harassment by a co-worker and by a supervisor, including facts regarding the plaintiff’s Facebook page and uses them to illustrate the intersection of relevance, character evidence, hearsay, and authentication in the “social networking” era. The paper first explicates the relevance rules. It then poses questions and provides case authority and flow charts regarding the admissibility of the alleged harasser’s other acts (“me, too”) as substantive evidence, and of the plaintiff’s conduct, which, if she alleges sexual assault, is subject to Federal Rule of Evidence 412. It raises questions concerning the relevance of a person’s reading habits and of the music one listens to.Next, it analyzes and provides authority regarding the hearsay rule’s application in an employment discrimination suit. It then addresses authentication of evidence in the digital area.The paper reports on recent decisions regarding attorney-client privilege, work product, discovery, FOIA-type requests (including those for metadata), and the obligation to preserve e-mail and other evidence. Note that after the paper’s preparation, Quon was decided at 130 S. Ct. 2619 (2010).
Do bio‐based products move us toward sustainability? A look at three USEPA case studies

The movement to buy environmentally-friendly products was recently reinvigorated by the signing of the 2002 Farm Act that requires all federal agencies to give preference to products made, in whole or significant part, from bio-based material. This paper addresses the reality behind widely held beliefs regarding green issues, and shows how complex it can be to choose among alternative products. Examples are presented in which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) used different approaches, all based on life cycle assessment (LCA), to evaluate the environmental trade-offs of bio-based alternatives. These examples incorporate various combinations of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). The first example presents results of a USEPA Office of Research & Development (ORD) project called the Framework for Responsible Environmental Decision-Making (FRED). The FRED framework uses a set of impact categories in an LCIA. Motor oil, wall insulation, and asphalt coating alternatives were all studied using FRED. The second example is a pilot study in the USEPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program. Using a mix of LCI and LCIA, transformer oil and hard surface cleaner alternatives were evaluated. Finally, the paper presents preliminary LCI results of another ORD effort comparing fuel additives ethanol and MTBE. These examples demonstrate that the move to bio-based products is not an across-the-board win for the environment. While LCAs cannot, at this time, provide a definitive answer as to the preferability of bio-based products, it is the best tool to identify environmental trade-offs, thereby providing additional information to support decision-making.
Maize Ergot: A Disease with a Restricted Ecological Niche

Abstract Ergot of maize is one of the more recently described diseases of that crop (Fuentes et al. 1964). There are some references to maize ergot in host indices and in other earlier writings, but these are not supported by any original research on the disease or description of symptoms. This paper describes the pathogen, its symptoms and area of infection.
Symposium on Sparse Matrices and Their Applications

The main body of this Proceedings consists of 15 papers presented at a Symposium on Sparse Matrices and Their Applications which was held at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York on September 9–10, 1971 The conference was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, IBM World Trade Corporation, and the Mathematical Sciences Department of IBM Research.
Uncertain Systems: Output Feedback Control

This chapter finalizes some results of earlier chapters for systems that operate under set-membership uncertainty. Its aim is to emphasize a successful application of previously described techniques to such systems. The chapter thus gives a concise presentation of solution techniques for the problem of output feedback control based on available measurements under set-membership uncertainty.
Sequence bands of the isotope (12)C(18)O(2) laser.

The absolute frequencies of 53 new cw laser lines of the 00°2–[10°1, 02°1]I,II bands of the 12C18O2 laser have been measured by heterodyning with the well-known 12C16O2 laser frequencies in a tungsten–nickel diode. The measured frequencies were used to calculate the band-center frequencies and rotational constants.
Imaging SIMS at 20 nm Lateral Resolution: Exploratory Research Applications

Notwithstanding the high brightness of liquid metal ion sources (LMIS), ion probes based on their use still encounter fundamental current limitations, as their size is reduced. Due to the intrinsically large energy spread (5–10 eV) of the ions extracted from LMIS, in fact conventional electrostatic round-lens focusing columns are predominantly chromatic-aberration limited, yielding probes of size-independent current density. The probe current then decreases with the square of the probe size [1]. Thus, the recently developed University of Chicago (UC)-Hughes Research Laboratories (HRL) scanning ion microprobe (SIM) yields currents of 40 keV Ga+ or In+ ions typically in the range 1.5 – 30 pA, for probe sizes in the range 20 – 90 nm [2],[3]. Consequently, in addition to a number of intrinsic and instrumental limitations [4], the SIMS sensitivity, proportional to the amount of target material which can be sputtered and analyzed within acceptable scan times, also deteriorates rapidly as the probe size is reduced. Even with the use of a high-transmission SIMS system, such as that implemented in the UC-HRL SIM, useful applications of probes of a few pA, at the limits of spatial resolution presently attained, become restricted to selected favorable problems. These will involve primarily the mapping of segregated components of elements of low ionization potential or high electron affinity. Nevertheless, such minuscule probe currents can be exploited to unique advantage when it is of the essence to limit sputter etching of the sample to a few surface atomic monolayers. Several examples of high spatial resolution SIMS imaging, involving the above concepts, will be shown here.
Characterization of adenosine triphosphatase in erythrocyte membranes of the cow.

SummaryThe cow red cell membrane was demonstrated to possess a Mg-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Mg-ATPase) and a Na-K-dependent ATPase (Na-K-ATPase), the activity of which was completely abolished by the presence of ouabain. The pH optimum, the optimum Mg2+:ATP concentration ratio, the Km ATP for the enzyme, and the ouabain concentration required for inhibition of activity were similar to those of the membrane ATPase of human erythrocytes. The cow enzyme was also sensitive to the medium Na+:K+ concentration ratio. The cow red cell membrane, like that of other species, was confirmed to possess an enzyme system with the characteristics of a transport ATPase.
The Role Of TLR Signaling In The Development Of Emphysema In ApoE-deficient Mice

Rationale: Emphysema and atherosclerosis are the leading causes of mortality in the United States. We have demonstrated that hypercholesterolemic Apoe-/mice develop emphysematous changes in their lung. Recent studies have shown that Apoe-/mice exhibit abnormal cholesterol efflux with activation of the TLR pathway in atherosclerotic lesions. The present study was conducted to examine the macrophages from the Apoe-/mice and determine if TLR signaling was playing a role in the development of emphysema in these mice.
Mesoscale Morphology and Charge Transport in Colloidal Networks of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)

We identify and characterize the mesoscale morphology of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) fibers crystallized through colloidal self-assembly in various aromatic solvents. The network structure of the...
almost Every Problem he Touched Eventually Turned Into Gold

The title is a quote from my “Yang’s Pyramid” — published in the festschrift celebrating Professor Yang’s 70th birthday, Chen Ning Yang, a Great Physicist of the Twentieth Century . I likened the collection of his scientific works to a pyramid. As time goes on, hidden treasures continue to be discovered, adding to the well-known brilliant ones. This observation of mine continues to bear out in an impressive way. For the celebration of his 85th birthday, I will highlight recent developments of such remarkable achievements and make an attempt to identify the reasons for them, with the backdrop of my own perspectives.
New Rules, New Games: National Party Guidelines and Democratic National Convention Delegate Selection in Iowa and Wisconsin, 1968–1976

The presidential nomination process has been the subject of a number of studies in recent years, some prompted by the numerous changes in national convention delegate selection procedures, particularly in the Democratic party, since 1968. Recent works have analyzed the outcome and strategic environment of the nomination process (Keech and Matthews, 1976; Polsby and Wildavsky, 1976).1 Others have described various attributes of process participants (Kirkpatrick, 1975; Soule and Clark, 1970; Soule and McGrath, 1975)." Some studies have also analyzed the impact of new national Democratic party delegate selection guidelines upon candidate fortunes and national convention delegate attributes (Pomper, 1976; Lengle and Shafer, 1976; Jackson, 1975).3 This article analyzes several impacts of such rules upon delegate selection in two states, Iowa and Wisconsin, during the 1968-76 period of national party rules reform.
Physician assistant students' attitudes towards a clinical doctoral degree.

PURPOSE The introduction of clinical doctorate degrees in several health professions has fueled the debate about an entry-level clinical doctorate in the physician assistant profession. However, there is limited knowledge of the attitudes of physician assistant students toward obtaining a clinical doctorate. METHODS All 147 accredited physician assistant programs in the United States were invited to participate in a Web-based survey conducted in January 2010; physician assistant students in any program year were eligible to participate. The survey examined physician assistant students' attitudes towards (a) enrolling in a clinical doctorate program, (b) additional schooling time, (c) monetary costs, and (d) perceived benefits of a clinical doctorate. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine differences in survey item responses and composite variables. RESULTS From 37 states and 53 physician assistant programs, 1815 physician assistant students completed the survey and 1658 were included in this analysis. Nearly half (49.8%) of the responding physician assistant students overall had a positive attitude toward a clinical doctorate degree. More respondents favored than opposed enrolling in a clinical doctorate program if schooling time were an additional 12 months or less (55.5% vs 29.9%, P < .0001) and additional costs were between 20% and 29% of current expenditure (44.8% vs 36.4%, P < .0001). More than half (56.2%) of the physician assistant students considered perceived benefits (composite variable) as a reason to obtain a clinical doctorate. CONCLUSIONS This large study comprising more than one-third of physician assistant programs and representing 80% of the US states with physician assistant programs finds that physician assistant students' interest in enrolling in a clinical doctorate program may be dependent on additional school time and monetary costs.
Religion and Cybernetic Concepts in the Theory of Action

La notion parsonienne d'une hierarchie cybernetique qui existerait entre les elements des systemes d'action peut etre rapprochee de l'importance qu'il accorde a la religion en tant qu'intervenant dans l'ordre et dans le changement social.
Survival, Age‐0 Abundance, and Growth of Black Crappie and Hybrid Crappie in 0.1‐ha Earthen Ponds

AbstractCrappie Pomoxis spp. are a popular sportfish in the United States; many private pond owners would like to stock crappie, but crappie display inconsistent reproduction, which can lead to overpopulation and result in a stunted population. Crappie with limited reproduction would be an attractive management option for minimizing overpopulation. An experiment was conducted to measure survival, abundance of age-0 offspring, and growth of Black Crappie and hybrid crappie (female Black Crappie P. nigromaculatus × male White Crappie P. annularis) in small impoundments. Sixteen unfertilized 0.1-ha ponds were stocked with Black Crappie or hybrid crappie. Half of the ponds with Black Crappie and hybrid crappie were also stocked with Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, and all ponds were stocked with Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas as supplemental forage. In September 2013, ponds were harvested and drained; weight and lengths were recorded from all adult Black Crappie and...
Detection of thymocyte proliferation in vitro and CD4, CD8, and Fas in children with myasthenia gravis

Aim: To explore the role of thymocyte abnormality on pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis(MG).Methods: The thymocytes were isolated from fresh thymic tissue of children with MG and 24~38 week feta(the control).The proliferation of thymocytes was evaluated using MTT assay.The CD4,CD8, and Fas on the surface of thymocytes were detected using flow cytometry.Results: The proliferative capability of thymocytes in children with MG was more powerful than that of the control(P0.01).The proportion of CD4+CD8+double positive thymocytes decreased and that of CD4-CD8+single positive thymocytes decreased significantly(P0.01).The proportion of CD4+Fas+ and CD8+Fas+ thymocytes decreased significantly(P0.01).Conclusion: There are thymocyte proliferation and abnormality of thymocyte membrane molecules in children with MG.
Administration of an omega-conopeptide one hour following traumatic brain injury reduces 45calcium accumulation.

The omega-conopeptide, SNX-111 (NEUREX Corporation) was administered to rats 1 hour following a lateral fluid percussion brain injury to determine if the drug could reduced the extent and duration of trauma-induced calcium accumulation. Administration at doses of 3 or 5 mg/kg (i.v.) markedly reduced the extent of calcium accumulation as determined using 45calcium autoradiography primarily within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The reduction of calcium accumulation was particularly event within the parietal cortex beginning as early as 6 hours and lasting out to 48 hours following injury. Although not as effective as in the cerebral cortex, SNX- 111 did exhibit a reduction of calcium accumulation within the dorsal hippocampus especially at 24 and 48 hours after the insult. These preliminary results demonstrate that SNX-111 can reduce the injury-induced accumulation of calcium even when administered 1 hour after the insult and offers this compound as a potential therapeutic treatment for traumatic brain injury.
An Mr = 52,000 peptide can mediate effects on cholera toxin on adenylate cyclase in intact cells.

Cholera toxin acts by ADP-ribosylating a membrane protein, variously termed N, G, or G/F, that is a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory component of adenylate cyclase. Membranes of several mammalian cells contain two peptides, of Mr = 42,000 and 52,000, which are radiolabeled by incubation with cholera toxin and [32P]NAD. Toxin activation of N in avian and human erythrocytes leads to significant radiolabeling only of the Mr = 42,000 peptide. Thus ADP-ribosylation of the Mr = 42,000 peptide appears to suffice for stimulation of adenylate cyclase, and no biological function has yet been assigned to the Mr = 52,000 peptide. We have found that incubation with toxin and [32P]NAD significantly radiolabels an Mr = 52,000 peptide, but not an Mr = 42,000 peptide in particulate preparations of A9 mouse and 380-6 hamster transformed lung fibroblasts. Treatment of intact A9 or 380-6 cells with cholera toxin increases their cyclic AMP content and blocks subsequent toxin-catalyzed incorporation of 32P from NAD into the Mr = 52,000 peptide of particulate extracts from the toxin-treated cells. Treating A9 and 380-6 particulate extracts with toxin and NAD increases their N activity in the presence of GTP, assayed using N-deficient membranes of the S49 cyc- mutant. We conclude that (1) a functionally active form of the N protein can contain the Mr = 52,000 peptide and (2) ADP-ribosylation of the Mr = 52,000 peptide subunit of N can mediate the action of cholera toxin.
The contribution of fecundity and embryo quality to reproductive potential of eastern Bering Sea snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio)

Development of refined indices of female reproductive potential is needed for estimation of alternative biological reference points for the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery, which is managed with large male-only harvest regulations. Females were collected from 2007 to 2009 to investigate seasonal and interannual variation in fecundity with maternal size, shell condition (a proxy for age after maturity), and recent mating and again in 2010 to examine biochemical measures (carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen) of embryo quality. Mean model-adjusted fecundity was highest for primiparous and young multiparous females and declined with advancing shell condition, presumably from senescence. This pattern was also found for clutch fullness indices evaluated from 20 years of stock assessment survey data. Indicators of low female sperm reserves were associated with decreased (∼10%) fecundity for multiparous females. Seasonal comparison of size–fecundity relationships suggested that embryo ...
When Politics Gets in the Way of Good Ole’ Common Sense

On the one hand, there are those that believe government is the problem and have never met a tax cut they did not like. If the economy is thriving, it is time to cut taxes, and if the economy is tanking, it is imperative that we cut taxes, immediately. On the other hand, there are those that believe government is the solution and it is always a good time to increase taxes for the wealthy. Presumably, these two sets of views cannot simultaneously be correct, and it is likely that neither approach is ever wholly correct.
Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Toxin

The vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) was one of the first H. pylori virulence factors identified. All H. pylori strains contain a vacA gene, but there is variation among H. pylori strains in the levels of VacA secretion and activity of VacA proteins. Strains containing allelic types of vacA that produce more active forms of the toxin are associated with human gastroduodenal disease. Experiments in animal models suggest that VacA may contribute to H. pylori colonization of the stomach, and the toxin has been linked to gastric epithelial damage. VacA induces a variety of effects in cultured epithelial cells, including alterations in membrane trafficking within the endolysosomal system, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Most VacA effects on cells are a consequence of intracellular toxin activities. Unlike most intracellular-acting bacterial toxins that enzymatically modify target molecules within eukaryotic cells, VacA causes cellular alterations primarily through the formation of intracellular ion-conducting channels. In this chapter, we review the structure and function of VacA, along with the roles of VacA in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated diseases.
Nutrition and Cancer: An Introduction

There are few fields in medicine of greater interest to the lay public than relationships between nutrition and cancer. Therefore, even if the clinician is not specifically interested in this area, he or she must perforce keep abreast of the area sufficiently well to respond intelligently to questions from patients. This subject has two principal aspects with many subdivisions of each. The first relates to food and materials ingested with food as causative agents for cancer of various sites or cancer in general, and the second concerns the role of nutrition in therapy.
Johann Schroeter on the Light of the Nebulae

Un astronome amateur allemand de la fin du 18siecles, J. S., et qui correspondait avec Herschel, etait arrive a des idees tres similaires a celles de ce dernier sur la lumiere et la matiere. Il reconnaissait une similitude entre une comete et une nebuleuse.
Microstructural Evolution in Hot and Cold-Rolled Ti-Nb Alloy

Phase transformations, morphology, and crystallographic texture evolution in hot and cold-rolled Ti-25.51 wt.% Nb alloys are investigated. The experimental procedure involves synthesis of the alloy by arc melting followed by cold or hot rolling with intermediate prior and postheat treatments. Composition and phase analysis of all alloys are conducted using x-ray diffraction techniques and microstructural observations are conducted using an optical microscope. These examinations reveal that the as-melted alloy possesses large millimeter size grains with no stored strain energy and a two phase β − α′ microstructure. Direct cold rolling followed by a short homogenization leads to a β − α′′ mixture with ω precipitates. Two hour annealing before cold rolling leads to an α′ − α′′ mixture with a characteristic triangular martensitic microstructure evidencing the act of shear on formation of the phase. Hot rolling followed by a water quench results in a β − α′′ mixture, while annealing prior to hot rolling transforms the arc-melted material to a α′ − α′′ mixture. The crystallographic textures of similar microstructure mixtures in hot and cold-rolled samples are distinctively different. The analysis shows that the microstructure serves as an identifying characteristic of the processing paths and is highly dependent on the mode of processing.
Inflammatory 'double hit' model of temporomandibular joint disorder with elevated CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, RANTES and behavioural hypersensitivity in TNFR1/R2-/- mice.

Background Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), reactive arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often have combined etiology of hereditary and microenvironmental factors contributing to joint pain. Multiple clinical and animal studies indicate ‘double-hit’ inflammatory insults can cause chronic inflammation. The first inflammatory insult primes the immune system and subsequent insults elicit amplified responses. The present ‘double hit’ study produced a chronic orofacial pain model in mice with genetic deletion of both TNFα receptors (TNFR1/R2−/−), investigating the main nociceptive signalling pathways in comparisons to wild type mice. Methods An initial inflammatory insult was given unilaterally into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Secondary hypersensitivity was tested on the skin over the TMJ throughout the experiment. Three weeks later after complete reversal of hypersensitivity, a second inflammatory insult was imposed on the colon. Pharmacological interventions were tested for efficacy after week 10 when hypersensitivity was chronic in TNFR1/R2−/− mice. Serum cytokines were analysed at Days 1, 14, and Week 18. Results The double hit insult produced chronic hypersensitivity continuing through the 4-month experimental timeline in the absence of TNFα signalling. P2X7 and NMDA receptor antagonists temporarily attenuated chronic hypersensitivity. Serum cytokine/chemokine analysis on Day 14 when CFA induced hypersensitivity was resolved identified increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, RANTES and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ra and IL-4 in TNFR1/R2−/− compared to WT mice. Conclusions These data suggest a causal feed-forward signalling cascade of these little studied cytokines have the potential to cause recrudescence in this orofacial inflammatory pain model in the absence of TNFα signalling. Significance Using a mouse model of chronic inflammatory temporomandibular joint disorder, we determined that absence of functional TNFR1/R2 induces aberrant inflammatory signalling caused by other increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines that could serve as blood biomarkers and may predict disease progression.
Fragmente Paris 1900

Der Aufenthalt in Paris, vom 14. Februar bis zum 2. Mai, gehort nicht nur zu den entscheidenden Stationen von Hofmannsthals Werkbiographie, sondern auch zu seinen produktivsten Schaffensphasen. Der Entschluss, sich ganz als Dichter einzurichten und auf einen burgerlichen Beruf zu verzichten, ging einher mit einer kaum zu bewaltigenden Fulle an Inspirationen: »schon lang hab ich mich nicht so frei gefuhlt, mich nicht so zusammenfassen konnen«, heist es in einem Brief vom 15. Marz: »Es fallt mir manchmal mehr ein als ich aufschreiben kann: kleinere und grosere Stucke, Erzahlungen und anderes Phantastisches « (BW Schnitzler, 174).
Impact of Application Rate and Interval on the Control of Powdery Mildew and Cercospora Leaf Spot on Bigleaf Hydrangea with Azoxystrobin

Abstract Efficacy of azoxystrobin (Heritage 50W™) was assessed over a range of application rates and intervals for the control of powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) and Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora hydrangea) on bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) ‘Nikko Blue’. Rooted hydrangea cuttings were transplanted in a pine bark/peat mixture. In 1998 and 1999, azoxystrobin at 0.16 g ai/liter and 0.32 g ai/liter, as well as 0.24 g ai/liter myclobutanil (Eagle 40W™) and 0.84 g ai/liter thiophanate methyl (3336 4.5F™), greatly reduced the incidence of powdery mildew compared with the untreated control where 75% of the leaves of were infected by the causal fungus. When applied at 1-, 2-, and 3-week intervals, both rates of azoxystrobin were equally effective in both years in preventing the development of powdery mildew on bigleaf hydrangea. In 1998, all fungicides except for thiophanate methyl protected bigleaf hydrangea from Cercospora leaf spot. In the last two trials, the incidence of powdery mildew increa...
Methods of Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification

Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) amplifies infectious prions in vitro. Over the past decade, PMCA has become an essential tool in prion research. The current chapter describes in detail the PMCA format with beads (PMCAb) and several methods that rely on PMCAb for assessing strain-specific prion amplification rates, for selective amplification of subtypes of PrPSc from a mixture, and a PMCAb approach that can replace animal titration of scrapie material. Development of PMCAb-based methodology is important for addressing a number of research topics including prion strain evolution, selection and adaptation, strain-typing, prion detection, and biochemical requirements for prion replication.