cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of intermolecular association of 4-sec-butyl-2-(α-methylbenzyl)phenol (BAMBP) by use of dielectric and isopiestic measurements☆

Abstract The association of the cesium extractant 4-sec-butyl-2-(α-methylbenzyl)phenol (BAMBP) in n-hexane was investigated by means of dielectric constant, density, refractive index and viscosity measurements at concentrations up to 6·85m and isopiestic measurements up to 8·8m, 25°C. The results indicate the formation of definite aggregates whose resultant dipole moments show little interaction. The osmotic data, summarized by an empirical equation for the osmotic coefficient, F = 0·28304 − 0·002075m + 0·20645/(m + 0·2880), are well matched by an aggregation model involving monomer-dimer-tetramer-pentamer, with formation concentration quotients log Q1,2 = 0·46, log Q1,4 = 1·89, log Q1,5 = 2·01. The osmotic data are alternatively fitted (ignoring the aggregation) by stoichiometric activity coefficients calculated from the osmotic coefficients, log γ = 0·08966/(m + 0·2880) − 0·71696 log(m + 0·2880) − 0·00180m − 0·6990.
The effect of a brief education program on glaucoma patients

Purpose To assess our patients' knowledge of glaucoma and to measure the effect of a brief education program on their understanding of glaucoma. Methods Patients attending glaucoma clinics at a university and a Veterans' Affairs hospital were randomized into two groups: "exposed" and "unexposed" to a simple education program of a video and brochures. Glaucoma knowledge was assessed twice by an oral questionnaire, at 2 weeks and 6 months after randomization plus or minus education. Results Younger patients and those with more years of formal schooling knew more about glaucoma. Two weeks after the education program, the exposed group performed significantly better than did the unexposed group. Analysis of the results showed benefit from both brochures and video. This effect of education was not seen at retesting 6 months later. Conclusion Older patients and those with less formal education know less about glaucoma. A brief, simple education program can significantly improve levels of knowledge about glaucoma, even in a relatively well-informed population. However, patient education must be repeated to maintain a useful effect.
Minimally invasive approach for mitral valve repair in a patient with prior pentalogy of Fallot repair.

A 54-year-old woman with a history of pentalogy of Fallot with a right-sided aortic arch underwent a classic left Blalock shunt as a newborn and ventricular septal defect closure, resection of subvalvular right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and pulmonary valvulotomy at 2 years of age. She subsequently had a transcatheter device closure of her atrial septal defect 8 years ago. She now presents with symptomatic severe mitral insufficiency caused by a flail posterior leaflet. Consistent with the patient’s diagnosis of pentalogy of Fallot, this patient has dextroposition and anterior displacement of the aorta, thus making sternal reentry perilous and compounding her operative risk for reoperative mitral valve surgery. 1 The dextroposition of the aorta and presence of an atrial septal device were also likely to limit exposure of the mitral valve through a sternotomy and preclude the use of a transseptal approach.
Physical environment television advertisement themes: 1979 and 1989

The study which this manuscript describes involved a content analysis of television advertisements appearing in 1979 and 1989. Advertisements appearing during each of the two years were classified as to whether they embraced ecology (physical environment) themes, by subject area, by size of firm, and by industry. Several important conclusions relating to the subject matter of the study were drawn. These were that television advertisers sponsor only a moderate number of ecologically responsible commercials, some of the advertisers' sponsorship may be traced to altruistic goals, the percentage of commercials with ecology themes has increased slightly from 1979 to 1989, and some changes in the topical areas that the advertisements feature have taken place. Also larger enterprises and firms in the manufacturing, retailing, and financial institution sectors sponsored relatively large numbers of ecologically responsible advertisements.
Documenting Wind Speed and Power Deficits behind a Utility-Scale Wind Turbine

AbstractHigh-spatial-and-temporal-resolution radial velocity measurements surrounding a single utility-scale wind turbine were collected using the Texas Tech University Ka-band mobile research radars. The measurements were synthesized to construct the first known dual-Doppler analyses of the mean structure and variability of a single turbine wake. The observations revealed a wake length that subjectively exceeded 20 rotor diameters, which far exceeds the typically employed turbine spacing of 7–10 rotor diameters. The mean horizontal wind speed deficits found within the turbine wake region relative to the free streamflow were related to potential reductions in the available power for a downwind turbine. Mean wind speed reductions of 17.4% (14.8%) were found at 7 (10) rotor diameters downwind, corresponding to a potential power output reduction of 43.6% (38.2%). The wind speed deficits found within the wake also exhibit large variability over short time intervals; this variability would have an appreciable ...
Partial preparation computed tomographic colonography: a feasibility study.

We retrospectively evaluated computed tomographic colonography examinations of patients who have had a partial bowel preparation and compared the quality of their preparation with patients who have had a full bowel preparation. In total, 27 patients undergoing computed tomographic colonography examination (10 patients with partial bowel preparation and 17 with full bowel preparation) had their examinations retrospectively reviewed by three independent radiologists in a blinded manner, with evaluation of residual stool, distention, residual fluid, and overall bowel preparation quality. Six colon segments were evaluated individually and independently for these four variables (a total of 161 segments tested). Comparisons were made with the Mann–Whitney test between the partial preparation group and the full preparation group. Partial preparation included stool and fluid tagging plus 20 mg of bisacodyl orally; full preparation included stool and fluid tagging plus 2 L of polyethylene glycol solution. No significant clinical difference was found in colon preparation between the partial and full bowel preparation groups—when evaluated with individual colon segments or by independent readers. Interreader correlation was high. This pilot study indicates that full bowel preparation is not required for diagnostic-quality computed tomographic colonography examination. Further evaluation of this partial bowel preparation regimen is warranted.
Almost finite expansions of arbitrary semigroups

Abstract We describe algebraic techniques that enable us to apply methods of finite semigroup theory to arbitrary infinite semigroups. This will be used in later papers to put global coordinates on semigroups and their morphisms, and to study languages and automata that are not finite-state.
β-Galactosidase activity of commercial lactase samples in raw and pasteurized milk at refrigerated temperatures

Abstract Many consumers are unable to enjoy the benefits of milk due to lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk is available but at about 2 times the cost of regular milk or greater, it may be difficult for consumers to afford. The high cost of lactose-free milk is due in part to the added cost of the lactose hydrolysis process. Hydrolysis at refrigerated temperatures, possibly in the bulk tank or package, could increase the flexibility of the process and potentially reduce the cost. A rapid β-galactosidase assay was used to determine the relative activity of commercially available lactase samples at different temperatures. Four enzymes exhibited low-temperature activity and were added to refrigerated raw and pasteurized milk at various concentrations and allowed to react for various lengths of time. The degree of lactose hydrolysis by each of the enzymes as a function of time and enzyme concentration was determined by HPLC. The 2 most active enzymes, as determined by the β-galactosidase assay, hydrolyzed over 98% of the lactose in 24h at 2°C using the supplier's recommended dosage. The other 2 enzymes hydrolyzed over 95% of the lactose in 24h at twice the supplier's recommended dosage at 2°C. Results were consistent in all milk types tested. The results show that it is feasible to hydrolyze lactose during refrigerated storage of milk using currently available enzymes.
Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Studies of the Oligomeric State and Quaternary Structure of the Trifunctional Proline Utilization A (PutA) Flavoprotein from Escherichia coli

The trifunctional flavoprotein proline utilization A (PutA) links metabolism and gene regulation in Gram-negative bacteria by catalyzing the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate and repressing transcription of the proline utilization regulon. Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and domain deletion analysis were used to obtain solution structural information for the 1320-residue PutA from Escherichia coli. Shape reconstructions show that PutA is a symmetric V-shaped dimer having dimensions of 205 × 85 × 55 Å. The particle consists of two large lobes connected by a 30-Å diameter cylinder. Domain deletion analysis shows that the N-terminal DNA-binding domain mediates dimerization. Rigid body modeling was performed using the crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain and a hybrid x-ray/homology model of residues 87–1113. The calculations suggest that the DNA-binding domain is located in the connecting cylinder, whereas residues 87–1113, which contain the two catalytic active sites, reside in the large lobes. The SAXS data and amino acid sequence analysis suggest that the Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase domains lack the conventional oligomerization flap, which is unprecedented for the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily. The data also provide insight into the function of the 200-residue C-terminal domain. It is proposed that this domain serves as a lid that covers the internal substrate channeling cavity, thus preventing escape of the catalytic intermediate into the bulk medium. Finally, the SAXS model is consistent with a cloaking mechanism of gene regulation whereby interaction of PutA with the membrane hides the DNA-binding surface from the put regulon thereby activating transcription.
THE COMBINATION THEOREM AND QUASICONVEXITY

We show that if G is a fundamental group of a finite k-acylindrical graph of groups where every vertex group is word-hyperbolic and where every edge-monomorphism is a quasi-isometric embedding, then all the vertex groups are quasiconvex in G (the group G is word-hyperbolic by the Combination Theorem of M. Bestvina and M. Feighn). This allows one, in particular, to approximate the word metric on G by normal forms for this graph of groups.
The Association Between Child Autism Symptomatology, Maternal Quality of Life, and Risk for Depression

Parents raising children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been shown to experience high levels of stress and report a lower quality of life. The current study examined the association between child autism symptomatology, mother's quality of life, and mother's risk for depression in a sample of 1,110 mothers recruited from a web-based registry of families with children with an ASD. Higher autism symptomatology and a greater number of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in the child were associated with an increased risk for current treatment of maternal depression and a lower maternal quality of life. The results highlight the importance of screening for depression, particularly in mothers of children with ASD and mental health and behavioral challenges.
Log-Polar Mapping As A Preprocessing Stage For An Image Tracking System

Researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center are developing an image tracking algorithm which employs real-time log-polar mapping as a preprocessing stage. Camera output is processed by a programmable coordinate remapper and then provided as input to a hybrid optical correlation system. The positions of correlation peaks indicate tracking error, and therefore it is important that correlation peaks be sharp to make accurate measurements of position possible. This paper presents current research, based on computer simulations, to determine the relationship between the parameters of the log-polar mapping and the sharpness of the resulting correlation peaks. The goals of this research are to formulate a rule for choosing the optimal mapping parameters and to determine which filter implementations yield the sharpest correlation peaks when tracking errors exist. Prior knowledge of the target image is assumed.
Enhanced near-field resolution in midinfrared using metamaterials

We demonstrate that a negative-permittivity material (silicon carbide) sandwiched between two layers of positive-permittivity material (silicon oxide) can be used for enhancement of the resolution of near-field imaging via the superlensing effect. The resulting three-layer metamaterial is also shown to exhibit an enhanced transmission when its effective dielectric permittivity matches that of the vacuum. Experimental far-field diagnostics of the superlensing based on measuring transmission coefficients through the metal-coated superlens is implemented using Fourier-transformed infrared microscopy. Superlensing is shown to be a highly resonant phenomenon manifested in a narrow frequency range.
Reductions of oxo species by aquatitanium(II) as catalyzed by titanium(IV)

Titanium(II) solutions, prepared by dissolving titanium wire in triflic acid + HF, contain equimolar quantities of Ti(IV). These preparations react readily with oxidizing species such as VO2+, substituted benzoquinones, and the biguanide complex of Mn(IV). Reactions with excess Ti(II) yield Ti(III). Reductions of 1,4-benzoquinones and the Mn(IV) complex are catalyzed by added Ti(IV) but stoichiometry is unaffected. Rate laws for the Ti(IV)-catalyzed reactions are consistent with formation of a TiII–TiIV complex (Kformation 4 × 102 M−1), which, in some cases, also partakes in contributing deprotonated and halogen-catalyzed paths.
Role of Soft Galactic X-rays in the Alignment of Interstellar Grains

WICKRAMASINGHE1 has put forward a hypothesis about the alignment mechanism by which interstellar grains may be lined up in accordance with the requirements of the measurements of interstellar polarization. His hypothesis involves the effect of galactic X-rays on grains. The energy range of photons which would be effective through this mechanism is 0.2–0.4 keV. The flux required in this range is 300 keV cm−2 s−1, which must be in the plane of the galaxy and be in excess of any flux from directions far from parallel to the galactic plane. In this letter I will estimate the X-ray intensities which, according to the data available at present, actually occur in this energy range in the galaxy.
Reasoning, rationality, and architectural resolution

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that performance on reasoning tasks may reflect the operation of a number of distinct cognitive mechanisms and processes. This paper explores the implications of this view of the mind for the descriptive and normative assessment of reasoning. I suggest that descriptive questions such as “Are we equipped to reason using rule X?” and normative questions such as “Are we rational?” are obsolete—they do not possess a fine enough grain of architectural resolution to accurately characterize the mind. I explore how this general lesson can apply to specific experimental interpretations, and suggest that ‘rationality’ must be evaluated along a number of importantly distinct dimensions.
Computing rate-distortion optimized policies for streaming media with rich acknowledgments

We consider the problem of rate-distortion optimized streaming of packetized media over the Internet from a server to a client using rich acknowledgments. Instead of separately acknowledging each media packet as it arrives, the client periodically sends to the server a single acknowledgment packet, denoted rich acknowledgment, that contains information about all media packets that have arrived at the client by the time the rich acknowledgment is sent. Computing the optimal transmission policy for the server involves estimation of the probability that a single packet will be communicated in error as a function of the expected redundancy (or cost) used to communicate the packet. In this paper, we show how to compute this error-cost function, and thereby optimize the server's transmission policy, in this scenario.
The Social Network in Marijuana-Using Groups

Three ongoing marijuana-using groups were studied in their natural environments. Group characteristics and the relationship of each member to individuals within the group were assessed, in addition to the members' primary social roles outside the group. The relationship of sociometric data to user characteristics was determined. The social and drug histories of the three groups were highly similar. Despite high levels of drug use, the most frequent reason for group participation was friendship, and diverse social activities occurred in the group. Social resources outside the group were minimal, whereas enduring, positive relationships characterized each group. Popularity was related to frequency of group participation, but not to extent of drug use. The function of marijuana-using groups in fulfilling interpersonal needs is discussed.
Determinants of major cardiovascular risk factors among participants of the South Carolina WISEWOMAN program, 2009-2012.

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among US women, accounting for 25% of all deaths in this population. Approximately 65% of these deaths occur in asymptomatic women. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus (diabetes) are major risk factors for CVD and can be treated effectively if identified at an early stage. Methods Data were available from 3,572 uninsured first-time female participants aged 40 to 65 years, referred by their health professional to the South Carolina Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (SC WISEWOMAN), 2009-2012. All women completed a structured health-risk and behavior questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were recorded and data on clinical risk-factors were collected. Prevalence-ratios (PRs) were obtained by predictive multivariable log-linear modeling. Results The prevalence of risk factors was 34.7% for uncontrolled hypertension, 9.3% for hypercholesterolemia, and 21% for diabetes. Prevalence of untreated hypertension was 15.6%; hypercholesterolemia, 8%; and diabetes, 4%. The greatest significant predictor of hypercholesterolemia was hypertension (PR = 4.37) and vice versa (PR = 2.39). The greatest significant predictors of diabetes were obesity (PR = 2.23), family history of diabetes (PR = 2.02), and hypercholesterolemia (PR = 1.85). Being obese (PR = 1.36), overweight (PR = 1.23), aged 60 years or more (PR = 1.26), and black (PR = 1.14) were significant predictors of having at least one CVD risk factor. Being black (PR = 1.09) was the only significant predictor of having comorbid conditions. Conclusion Prevalence of uncontrolled CVD risk factors was high among participants in the SC WISEWOMAN program. These findings confirm that the program is reaching high-risk women who are in need of interventions to reduce their risk for CVD through lifestyle changes.
Improving Transition Delay Test Using a Hybrid Method

The transition-fault-testing technique combines the launch-off-shift method and an enhanced launch-off-capture method for scan-based designs. The technique improves fault coverage and reduces pattern count and scan-enable design effort. It is practice oriented, suitable for low-cost testers, and implementable with commercial ATPG tools. Scan-based structural tests increasingly serve as a cost- effective alternative to the at-speed functional-pattern approach to transition delay testing. The proposed hybrid technique significantly reduces the design effort and eases the timing closure by selecting a small subset of scan chains to be controlled using LOS. The experimental results also show that the pattern count is reduced and fault coverage is considerably increased. A statistical analysis is required to find the optimum number of LOS-controlled scan chains. Minimizing the number of LOS-controlled scan chains will even further reduces the design effort, and future work must focus on this issue
Reflection of Ultrasonic Waves by an Array of Microcracks

Specular reflection of ultrasonic waves by a flaw plane is affected by the degree of contact of the flaw-plane faces. In general terms, a flaw plane may be viewed as a region where separation zones and contact zones can both exist, and friction may be significant over the contact zones. Achenbach and Norris1 have proposed a set of nonlinear flaw-plane conditions to account for the separation and friction effects. Other conditions, of a linear type, have been discussed by Thompson and Fiedler2.
The psychobiology of eating behavior in anorexia nervosa

Two models for conceptualizing eating behavior are presented and the development of the experimental methodology to examine eating behavior is described in historical context. Specific studies of eating behavior in eating disorder patients are described with emphasis on how these studies examine aspects of the two hypothetical models that are presented on eating behavior. The studies present and focus on hunger and satiety perceptions, cognitive sets, and the neurotransmitter associated with satiety, serotonin. Unfortunately, no single investigation can encompass all of the variables that need to be measured that affect eating behavior. The studies described of both acutely ill and short-term recovered eating disorder patients indicate there may be some perceptual and physiological traits that are present in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Studies over a longer period of time are needed to substantiate this. An eventual integrative explanation of disturbed eating behavior that is documented in eating disorder patients will be possible only after extensive investigations of the components.
Finite-State Input Shaping

Input shaping is an effective method for suppressing motion-induced oscillation in flexible systems. This technique works well on systems with continuously-variable actuation. However, many systems only have a finite number of actuation states. For example, some relay-driven cranes have three actuation states: off, low-speed, and full speed. The discretizing effect of finite-state actuation can reduce the effectiveness of input shaping. This paper investigates the detrimental effects of discretization. The operational effects of finite-state input shaping are evaluated by using experimental results from a human-operated bridge crane, and a 3-D simulation of this crane.
Random sampling of random processes: Mean-square comparison of various interpolators

This paper compares the relative merits (in the mean-square sense) of the zero-order hold, the exponential hold, and the polygonal hold vs. a linear nonrealizable interpolation procedure. This comparison is done for three sampling schemes; periodic sampling, periodic sampling with skips, and Poisson sampling. General expressions for the mean-square error are given in terms of the second-order statistics of the weakly stationary sampled process and in terms of the statistics associated with the sampling procedure. For purposes of illustration, the sampled process is assumed to be either a wide-sense Markov process or a band-limited white noise process; the results obtained for these cases are plotted and lead to simple conclusions which are of interest in the theory of interpolation.
Putting the Engineering into Software Engineering Education

Based on over 20 years of teaching and research experience, the author provides his assessment of software engineering education. He then builds on the analysis to provide recommendations on how we need to diverge from computer science to increase our impact, gain credibility, and ultimately ensure the success and recognition of our young discipline. A key behind the author's message is that we need to become a true engineering discipline.
Far Infrared Spectroscopy of In0.53Ga0.47As Quantum Wells on InP(100)

Polarized far infrared reflectance was measured at oblique incidence for In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As / InP multiple quantum wells grown by chemical beam epitaxy on InP(100) wafers. Both the well thickness (0.25 - 20 nm) and number of periods (10 - 40) were varied. The reflectance spectra contained sharp Berreman modes at the frequencies of the transverse (TO) and longitudinal (LO) optical phonons. The contributions of the individual phonons were resolved with the model fits. Interface layer phonon modes were observed with intensity increasing with number of wells. The interface layers were 0.6 nm thick and of different composition to adjoining wells consistent with cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscope results on the same samples. The variation due to phonon confinement of the InAs- and GaAs-like LO and TO phonon frequencies was obtained.
CHINA'S THREE GORGES DAM: "FATAL" PROJECT OR STEP TOWARD MODERNIZATION?

Abstract China's plans for the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangzi River imply costs that go far beyond the dam's substantial monetary price. The consequences would be catastrophic should the dam fail as a result of warfare, earthquakes, or other causes. Resettlement of population displaced by the reservoir, especially farmers, presents a formidable obstacle in the land around the reservoir site. Resettlement could affect minority groups if population is moved to border areas. The reservoir would sacrifice cultural landmarks. Erosion and reservoir siltation may impede navigation within a few years, and in the longer term will reduce storage volume. Impacts on natural habitats and human structures downstream of the dam include a variety of changes caused by greater streamflow at the low-water period and by reduced sediment load. The major justification for building the dam is flood control; alternatives include reforestation in the watershed, smaller dams on upper tributaries, and reversing the movement of population to dangerously exposed areas along the middle and lower Yangzi. Electricity could be produced more cheaply and quickly from smaller dams elsewhere. Energy conservation and population control are more cost effective ways of increasing per capita power supply. Installation of infrastracture for construction at the damsite before impact assessment is complete raises doubts about the place of environmental evaluation in China's decision process.
Equivalent Network for Wind Farm Harmonic Assessments

There is a global commitment to tackle climate change which is evidenced by a huge surge in the uptake of renewable generation, mainly wind in the energy supply industries. Against this background, the effects of these vast numbers of connections to transmission and distribution system will have a critical impact on the standard and quality of supply in the network. In the U.K., utilities are required to perform harmonic assessments for large nonlinear loads. From an engineering perspective, it is imperative that these assessments are done accurately, efficiently, and effectively to ensure that all present and future connections can be accommodated without any problems. This paper presents a network reduction method for reducing detailed low-voltage wind farms networks to assess the effects of its connection onto a main interconnected transmission system. The rationale and method for this assessment is presented with a comparison of results against current approaches, such as IEC current aggregation, to demonstrate and prove its validity and effectiveness.
Vision-based adaptive tracking control of uncertain robot manipulators

This paper studies the problem of position-tracking adaptive control for planar robotic manipulators through visual servoing under a fixed-camera configuration. The uncertain parameters enter through two separate channels: 1) through the robot dynamics in terms of constant linearly appearing inertia values and 2) nonlinearly appearing camera calibration parameters such as the camera orientation angle and scale factor uncertainties. The associated adaptive control problem is challenged by the presence of the nonlinearly appearing uncertain camera-calibration parameters. We provide a novel solution to this problem by constructing two layers of control structures. To be specific, the inner layer is a conventional certainty-equivalence adaptive controller that stabilizes the faster robot dynamics, whereas the outer layer is a novel controller structure that is designed to handle the nonlinear parameterizations within the slower dynamics of the vision system. We prove global stability and boundedness for all of the closed-loop signals of the cascade interconnection under the relatively standard assumption of Jacobian nonsingularity. If the control objective is set-point regulation, we guarantee global asymptotic convergence for the tracking errors. On the other hand, if the desired trajectory is time-varying, we show that the closed-loop tracking errors under the action of the proposed controller converge to a residual set whose size is determined by the speed of the desired trajectory. Furthermore, we show that the size of this residual error set can be made arbitrarily small by appropriate choice of certain parameters within the controller structure. In contrast with other solutions for this problem that are documented in existing literature, we completely avoid overparameterizations and make no restrictions on the possible range of the camera orientation angle or any additional persistence of excitation requirements. The only piece of prior knowledge required for our solution is the availability of a lower bound on the camera scale factor. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is illustrated through numerical simulations.
Social norms and reference points: integrating sociology and ecology

Reference points are an approach to defining the thresholds of sustainable human use of environmental resources. The rationale for reference points can be found in a number of foundational environmental frameworks, including common property resources, carrying capacity, ecosystem management, and sustainability. However, these frameworks also suggest that reference points have both ecological and social components, and that formulation of reference points should be informed by society. Social norms, developed in sociology, offer a theoretical and empirical approach to informing reference points and have been useful in defining, measuring and managing the sustainability of parks and protected areas. Integrating sociology and ecology through the application of social norms to reference points may be a useful approach to environmental management. This paper describes social norms and their application, and illustrates the integration of sociology and ecology to more fully inform reference points.
Determinants of riparian fire severity in two Oregon fires, USA

We sought to understand how vegetation indicators and local topographic factors interact to influence riparian fire severity in two recent fires in Oregon, USA. A stratified random sampling design was used to select points in a range of fire severity classes, forest stand ages, and stream sizes in each fire. At each point, plots were sampled in riparian areas and adjacent uplands. Fire severity was assessed in each plot, and measurements were made of factors that have been found to influence riparian fire severity. Understory fire severity (percent exposed mineral soil and bole char height) was significantly lower in riparian areas compared with adjacent uplands in both fires, suggesting a decoupling in understory fire effects in riparian areas versus uplands. However, overstory fire severity (percent crown scorch and percent basal area mortality) was similar in riparian areas and adjacent uplands in both fires. Fire severity in riparian areas was most strongly associated with upland fire severity. In add...
Management of true aneurysms distal to the axillary artery

Abstract Objective: To delineate management strategies and outcomes for true aneurysms involving arteries of the upper extremity distal to the axillary artery. The management of these rare lesions has not been well established in the literature. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed at tertiary referral centers. All patients who received the diagnosis of true upper extremity aneurysms distal to the axillary artery between 1975 and 1995 were included in the review. Nineteen patients were found; seven were excluded because no confirmatory diagnostic imaging study or operative exploration was performed. This represents the largest reported series of true upper extremity arterial aneurysms. Results: Twelve patients (9 men or boys) had 12 confirmed true aneurysms of the brachial or more distal arteries. The average diameters were as follows: brachial artery 4.6 cm, radial artery 2.0 cm, ulnar artery 1.4 cm, and digital artery 0.8 cm. The mean age was 51 years (range, 10 to 86 years). The most common presentation was the presence of a mass. This occurred among eight patients (67%). Four patients (33%) reported pain or paresthesia. One patient (8%) had cold intolerance only. Three patients (25%) had thromboembolic complications. Complications did not consistently correlate with size or presence of intramural thrombus. Three aneurysms (25%) were initially managed nonoperatively and followed for a mean period of 71 months. One of these required operative repair after 5 months because of progressive pain. Ten patients (83%) were treated surgically as follows: five underwent ligation and excision only, and five underwent excision and revascularization. Morbidity was minimal, and there were no perioperative deaths. Conclusion: True arterial aneurysms of the upper extremity distal to the axillary artery are rare and most commonly caused by blunt trauma. Fifty-eight percent of these lesions present with symptoms or complications. Thirty-three percent of asymptomatic lesions later become symptomatic. These factors combined with the minimal morbidity associated with repair suggest that operative repair should be routinely performed for these aneurysms. Revascularization can be performed selectively. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:606-10.)
Determining the effectiveness of the usability problem inspector: a theory-based model and tool for finding usability problems

Despite the increased focus on usability and on the processes and methods used to increase usability, a substantial amount of software is unusable and poorly designed. Much of this is attributable to the lack of cost-effective usability evaluation tools that provide an interaction-based framework for identifying problems. We developed the user action framework and a corresponding evaluation tool, the usability problem inspector (UPI), to help organize usability concepts and issues into a knowledge base. We conducted a comprehensive comparison study to determine if our theory-based framework and tool could be effectively used to find important usability problems in an interface design, relative to two other established inspection methods (heuristic evaluation and cognitive walkthrough). Results showed that the UPI scored higher than heuristic evaluation in terms of thoroughness, validity, and effectiveness and was consistent with cognitive walkthrough for these same measures. We also discuss other potential advantages of the UPI over heuristic evaluation and cognitive walkthrough when applied in practice. Potential applications of this work include a cost-effective alternative or supplement to lab-based formative usability evaluation during any stage of development.
Atrophy and Degeneration of Ganglion Cells in Central Retina Following Loss of Postsynaptic Target Neurons in the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of the Adult Cat

Selective degeneration of neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the adult cat was produced by in situ injection of kainic acid. This rapid degeneration mimics the loss of lateral geniculate neurons seen after neonatal visual cortex ablation. Following survivals of 2, 4, or 6 months, the geniculate was injected with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and the retinas were examined for the presence of retrogradely labeled, as well as unlabeled, cells. Total ganglion cell density in central nasal retina was not different from that of controls at 2 or 4 months, but by 6 months had decreased to 68% of control values. The proportion of cells labeled with HRP did not change at 2 months, but decreased from 84% in controls to less than 1% by 4 months, and none were labeled at 6 months. Surviving ganglion cells in central retina showed atrophy of the cell body, a finding not apparent in data from the retinal periphery. Shrinkage occurred in the few cells labeled with HRP surviving at 4 months, as well as among the unlabeled cells surviving at 4 and 6 months. These results show that the survival of central retinal ganglion cells in the cat continues to depend on intact target neurons beyond the period of development. Mature ganglion cells in central retina respond to loss of appropriate targets first by axon terminal retraction and then by atrophy and cell death. However, when compared to the response of cells located in far peripheral retina following dLGN neuron loss, central ganglion cells take longer to undergo axonal retraction and a greater proportion of the central ganglion cells, although atrophied, survive after 6 months.
Evaluation of safety of increased time interval between chemoradiation and resection for rectal cancer

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is increasingly used for rectal cancer, with resection typically performed 6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. We observed in our practice that further delay after radiotherapy led to increased downsizing. We performed this retrospective analysis to evaluate the safety of this approach. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 48 patients with distal or mid-rectal cancer who were operated on 8 weeks or less after chemoradiation ended (group 1, n = 16), and more than 8 weeks later (group 2, n = 32). We looked at the effect of delaying surgery on intraoperative blood loss, operative and hospital duration, postoperative complications, readmissions, and mortality. Results The median interval between radiation and operation was 7 weeks in group 1 and 11 weeks in group 2. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, or readmissions. Length of operation and length of stay were slightly longer for group 2. Conclusions Delaying surgery after neoadjuvant treatment appears safe, with morbidity and mortality similar to that seen with surgery performed less than 8 weeks after chemoradiation.
Ferrous phosphate surface precipitates resulting from the reduction of intragrain 6-line ferrihydrite by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

The reductive biotransformation of 6-line ferrihydrite located within porous silica (intragrain ferrihydrite) by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was investigated and compared to the behavior of 6-line ferrihydrite in suspension (free ferrihydrite). The effect of buffer type (PIPES and NaHCO3), phosphate (P), and an electron shuttle (AQDS) on the extent of reduction and formation of Fe(II) secondary phases was investigated under anoxic conditions. Electron microscopy and micro X-ray diffraction were applied to evaluate the morphology and mineralogy of the biogenic precipitates and to study the distribution of microorganisms on the surface of porous silica after bioreduction. Kinetic reduction experiments with free and intragrain ferrihydrite revealed contrasting behaviour with respect to the buffer and presence of P. The overall amount of intragrain ferrihydrite reduction was less than that of free ferrihydrite [at 5 mmol L-1 Fe(III)T]. Reductive mineralization was not observed in the intragrain ferrihydrite incubations without P, and all biogenic Fe(II) concentrated in the aqueous phase. Irrespective of buffer and AQDS addition, rosettes of Fe(II) phosphate of approximate 20-30 μm size were observed on porous silica when P was present. The rosettes grew not only on the silica surface but also within it, forming a coherent spherical structure. These precipitates were wellmore » colonized by microorganisms and contained extracellular materials at the end of incubation. Microbial extracellular polymeric substances may have adsorbed Fe(II) promoting Fe(II) phosphate nucleation with subsequent crystal growth proceeding in different directions from a common center.« less
The effect of age on odor-stimulated functional MR imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effects of age, sex, and handedness on olfaction have not been adequately addressed with odor-stimulated functional MR imaging studies. We sought to determine the effect of age on functional MR imaging experiments performed with odor stimulation. METHODS: Five right-handed subjects with a mean age of 73 years and five right-handed subjects with a mean age of 24 years underwent gradient-echo echo-planar functional MR imaging using binasal olfactory stimulation. Imaging parameters included 3000/30 (TR/TE) and a 5-mm section thickness in a 6-minute sequence with 30 seconds of pulsed odorants alternating with 30 seconds of room air. The data were normalized to a standard atlas, and individual and group statistical parametric maps (SPMs) were generated for each task. The SPMs were thresholded for a P RESULTS: Analysis of the group SPMs revealed activated voxels in the frontal lobes, perisylvian regions, and cingulate gyri, with greater volume in the younger group than in the older group. The right inferior frontal, right perisylvian, and right and left cingulum had the largest number of voxels activated. The most common sites of activation on individual maps in both groups were the right inferior frontal regions and the right and left superior frontal and perisylvian zones. CONCLUSION: Given similar olfactory task paradigms, younger subjects showed a greater number of activated voxels than did older subjects. One must be cognizant of this effect when designing studies of odor-stimulated functional MR imaging.
SHARP: a new approach to relative localization in wireless sensor networks

For wireless sensor networks, localization is crucial due to the dynamic nature of deployment. In relative localization, nodes use the distance measurements to estimate their positions relative to some coordinate system. In absolute localization, a few nodes (called anchors) need to know their absolute positions, and all the other nodes are absolutely localized in the coordinate system of the anchors. Relative and absolute localization methods differ in both the performance and the cost. We present a new approach to relative localization that we refer to as: simple hybrid absolute-relative positioning (SHARP). In SHARP, a relative localization method (M1) is used to relatively localize N/sub r/ reference nodes. Then, an absolute localization method (M2) uses these N/sub r/ nodes as anchors to localize the rest of the nodes. Choosing N/sub r/, M1, and M2 gives a wide range of performance-cost tuning. We have done extensive simulation using the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method as M1 and the ad-hoc positioning system (APS) method as M2. While previous research shows that MDS gives better localization results than APS, our simulation shows that SHARP outperforms MDS if both the localization error and the cost are considered.
Molecular structure, morphology and growth mechanisms and rates of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) derived humins

We apply ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) experiments to investigate the molecular structure, morphology and growth mechanism of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) derived humins as a function of HMF conversion. Our FTIR data support a reaction pathway in which humins form either through a ring opening mechanism and/or through substitution at the α or β position via nucleophilic attack. The addition of DMSO as a co-solvent leads to significant changes in the FTIR spectra of humins. We find that the nucleophilic attack pathway is suppressed in the presence of DMSO co-solvent and rationalizes the very small humin particles (∼100 nm) observed in SEM images contrary to the large particles (with multimodal size distribution and largest particles of up to 3–4 μm) observed in neat water. DLS experiments under several reaction conditions further confirm the particle size distribution observed via SEM. A plausible reaction network for humin formation, which rationalizes qualitatively our experimental results as well as those reported in the literature, is also postulated.
Identity and phylogeny of the late Paleozoic Subulitoidea (Gastropoda)

Abstract The Subulitoidea have long been an enigmatic group of Paleozoic gastropods and share many characters of post-Paleozoic clades. Newly described protoconchs from several late Paleozoic subulitoid species have been employed in a phylogenetic analysis of the group. Late Paleozoic representatives, the Soleniscidae, are caenogastropods with an unornamented orthostrophic larval shell. The Meekospiridae have a smooth blunt protoconch of about two whorls. In contrast to previous interpretations, this protoconch is not heterostrophic or heterostrophy is not obvious. Therefore, a placement of the Meekospiridae with the genus Girtyspira in the Opisthobranchia is to be treated with caution. The new Ianthinopsis-like genus Imogloba has a gobular subulitid-like teleoconch but its protoconch consists of a smooth first whorl which is loosely coiled and a larval shell with a characteristic non collabral ornament. Therefore, a close relationship between Soleniscidae and Imogloba is unlikely and the new family Imogl...
Leflunomide Induces Pulmonary and Hepatic CYP1A Enzymes via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

Emerging evidence indicates that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in normal physiologic homeostasis. Additionally, aberrant AhR signaling leads to several pathologic states in the lung and liver. Activation of AhR transcriptionally induces phase I (CYP1A) detoxifying enzymes. Although the effects of the classic AhR ligands such as 3-methylcholanthrene and dioxins on phase 1 enzymes are well studied in rodent lung, liver, and other organs, the toxicity profiles limit their use as therapeutic agents in humans. Hence, there is a need to identify and investigate nontoxic AhR ligands not only to understand the AhR biology but also to develop the AhR as a clinically relevant therapeutic target. Leflunomide is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug in humans that is known to have AhR agonist activity in vitro. Whether it activates AhR and induces phase 1 enzymes in vivo is unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that leflunomide will induce pulmonary and hepatic CYP1A enzymes in C57BL/6J wild-type mice, but not in AhR-null mice. We performed real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses for CYP1A1/2 mRNA expression, western blot assays for CYP1A1/2 protein expression, and ethoxyresorufinO-deethylase assay for CYP1A1 catalytic activity. Leflunomide increased CYP1A1/A2 mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activities in wild-type mice. In contrast, leflunomide failed to increase pulmonary and hepatic CYP1A enzymes in AhR-null mice. In conclusion, we provide evidence that leflunomide induces pulmonary and hepatic CYP1A enzymes via the AhR.