cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypnosis versus Autogenic Training: A Comparison

Abstract Over the past several years, the question of whether standard autogenic training (SAT) is a form of hypnosis has been debated. Opponents argue that Schultz discontinued the use of hypnosis as an undependable medical tool in his practice in favor of autogenic training, and that Luthe considered SAT and hypnosis as two separate therapies. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that there is no difference between the two. As a result of this controversy, attempts have been made to differentiate between SAT and hypnosis. The German Society for Hypnosis and Autogenic Training accepts SAT as a method of self-hypnosis. This position is based on Schultz's finding that SAT looks, sounds, and feels like hypnosis, and that Schultz did not find hypnosis undependable nor did he discontinue its use in his practice. One area which continues to be caught in the midst of the controversy is the field of sport psychology, where new strategies for the enhancement of athletic performance are being developed. In this pa...
Combined administration of G-CSF and dexamethasone for the mobilization of granulocytes in normal donors : optimization of dosing

BACKGROUND The clinical utility of neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte, PMN) transfusion therapy has been compromised, in part, by the inability to obtain sufficient quantities of functional neutrophils from donors. Mobilization of PMNs in the peripheral blood of normal volunteers has been shown to be superior when G-CSF is administered in conjunction with dexamethasone to that when either agent is administered alone. The current study was conducted to determine the optimal dosages of G-CSF and dexamethasone to be administered to donors in a granulocyte transfusion program. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Five normal subjects were randomly assigned to each of the following single-dose regimens over five consecutive weeks: 1) subcutaneous (SC) G-CSF at 600 microg and oral (PO) dexamethasone at 8 mg; 2) SC G-CSF at 450 microg and PO dexamethasone at 8 mg; 3) SC G-CSF at 450 microg and PO dexamethasone at 12 mg; 4) SC G-CSF at 450 microg; and 5) PO dexamethasone at 12 mg. Venous blood was collected at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration for determination of absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Side effects of drug administration were recorded by using a standardized symptom questionnaire. RESULTS Maximal ANC was achieved at 12 hours after administration of drugs under each regimen. All four regimens containing G-CSF caused greater than 10-fold increases in the ANC. When administered in conjunction with dexamethasone, G-CSF resulted in statistically similar PMN mobilization at dosages of 450 microg and 600 microg. The combined single-dose regimen of SC G-CSF at 450 microg and PO dexamethasone at 8 mg increased the mean ANC from a baseline value of 2800 per microL to 37,900 per microL at 12 hours after administration. This regimen was well tolerated by the normal volunteers. CONCLUSION In a single-dose format designed for clinical granulocyte transfusion programs, optimal PMN mobilization can be achieved in normal donors with a combined regimen of SC G-CSF at 450 microg, and PO dexamethasone at 8 microg.
Information hiding technique

Spread spectrum communication techniques have been recognized as a viable method to gain an advantage in interference environments. Many military-oriented systems have been initiated, and some civil systems have been attempted. Spread spectrum allows the ability to hide the signal of interest below or in the noise floor, so as not to be detected. A spread spectrum system is one in which the transmitted signal is spread over a wide frequency band, much wider, in fact, than the minimum bandwidth required to transmit the information being sent. We at Army Research Lab (ARL) are proposing using the same technique on the Internet with port hopping. The information would be transmitted in data packets over multiple ports. The port used would vary per packet or per session basis. This port hopping gives you and the recipients the ability to take datagram's and spread them out over a multitude of ports. This will hide information among the Internet noise. This will allow trusted communications between the transmitter and receiver because of the port coding sequence. There are 64K possible ports to span datagram. Jamming of transmission would be limiting the ability of the sniffer/listener. Also, the listener will find it difficult to use a man in the middle attach, since the data will be spread over multiple ports and only the receiver and transmitter will know the specific port sequencing for the datagram.
An expanded etiological model for suicide behavior in adolescents: Evidence for its specificity relative to depression

This study tests both the stress/social support and the stress/problem-solving etiological models for suicidality while controlling for depression. To this end, a depressed, high-suicide-ideating sample (N=68) was compared to a depressed, low-suicide-ideating sample (N=64). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to test the unique contributions of stress, problem-solving orientation, problem-solving skills, and perceived level of social support in predicting level of suicidality. Hierarchical regression analyses were also used to test the interactive contributions of problem-solving × stress and social support × stress in predicting level of suicidality. Regression models were generated separately for men, women, and the entire sample using all factors. The results clearly support the importance of social support as an independent predictor of suicidality for men, women, and the entire sample. Ability to generate alternatives to identified problems predicted suicidality, but only for women and the entire sample. Problem-solving orientation was not uniquely predictive of suicidality and may affect suicidal behavior via its relationship to depression.
Flow Shop Problems with Time Lags

This paper defines a model that covers the multimachine extensions of all existing flow-shop problems with time lags as well as flow-shop problems where setup, processing and release times are separated. Approximate solutions and lower completion time bounds are developed for the restricted and unrestricted cases.
Contrast and resolution of small dislocation loops in high-voltage electron microscopy

A study has been made of contrast from small loops in ion implanted silicon using high-voltage electron microscopy. Theoretical calculations have been carried out to determine the optimum imaging conditions using many-beam dynamical theory for systematic orientations. It is found that the best imaging conditions are obtained when the crystal is set for excitation near the third order reflection (ng = 〈111〉) and second order reflection (ng = 〈220〉) conditions, respectively. It is also shown that for small loops or dipoles, defect visibility in bright and dark field as well as in the weak-beam condition is very sensitive to small changes in the deviation parameter and effective foil thickness. Mit Hochspannungselektronenmikroskopie wurde der Kontrast von kleinen Schleifen in Ionen-implantiertem Silizium untersucht. Theoretische Berechnungen wurden durch-gefuhrt, um die optimalen Abbildungsbedingungen zu bestimmen, wobei die Vielstrahl-theorie fur systematische Orientierungen benutzt wurde. Es wird gefunden, das die besten Abbildungsbedingungen dann erhalten werden, wenn der Kristall in der Nahe der Reflexion dritter Ordnung (ng = 〈111〉) bzw. Reflexion zweiter Ordnung (ng = 〈220〉) angeregt wird. Es wird ebenfalls gezeigt, das fur kleine Schleifen oder Dipole, die Beobachtbarkeit der Defekte sowohl im Hell- und Dunkelfeld als auch in der Schwach-Strahlanordnung sehr empfindlich gegenuber kleinen Anderungen des Deviationsparameters und der effektiven Schichtdicke ist.
Meson spectrum in a simple planar bootstrap model

Abstract A simple planar cluster-multiperipheral model with a finite-energy sum rule constraint is set up, and self-consistency is imposed. This dynamically generates a zero-parameter infinitely-rising vector-tensor Regge trajectory which is in good agreement with experiment.
A Method to Determine Nonhydrostatic Effects within Subdomains in a Mesoscale Model

Abstract The exact solution of the nonhydrostatic pressure residual (total pressure perturbation minus hydrostatic pressure perturbation) in Defant's linear model is derived. The quasi-nonhydrostatic residual, introduced by Pielke, and the pressure-correction term by Orlanski are compared with the exact residual for varying physical situations. It is found that, within the linear framework, nonhydrostatic effects generally become relatively more important when the environmental stability is near the neutral state and/or the associated horizontal length scale is several kilometers or smaller. The residual components associated with buoyancy and horizontal momentum are the two important physical mechanisms contributing to the generation of nonhydrostatic effects. In a near-neutral environment, a pressure residual must include the horizontal momentum nonhydrostatic residual in order to approximate more accurately the nonhydrostatic effects, while in a sufficiently stable environment the total pressure tends ...
Two-cavity model for creating two high-directivity bands of the resonant cavity antenna with flexible and dynamic control

We present a simple method to design a resonant cavity antenna (RCA) that resonates in two bands by employing two dielectric superstrates of thicknesses and positions determined by a step-by-step, non-iterative process. The method models the RCA as two cavities, each corresponding to one operational band, which allows for a dynamic control of the separation between the bands. The antenna is analytically designed and performance is evaluated using a commercial software.
Improved mass resolution with a standard ΔE×E counter telescope

Abstract It is shown that by both collimating between the ΔE and E counters in a Si surface barrier counter system and by providing a transverse field improved mass separation and energy resolution are obtained.
The influence of the physical attributes of a spruce shoot on momentum transfer

Abstract The drag force on fourteen three-prong spruce shoots (Picea rubens) was measured over a range of wind tunnel velocities. The boundary layer resistance to momentum transfer was found to be influenced by the shoot orientation, inclination, and flexibility. Momentum transfer was also influenced by shoot needle density; however, this influence was a function of the shoot orientation. For wind velocities below about 2.0 m s−1, these factors did not greatly influence the momentum transfer to the shoots. For wind velocities above about 2.0 m s−1 the momentum transfer decreased with; (1) decreasing inclination of the shoot to the airflow, (2) decreasing shoot flexibility, and (3) orientating the shoot so that the densely-needled side of the shoot faced the wind. A pair of empirical equations were derived relating momentum transfer to wind velocity.
Dynamics of a brachiating siamang [ Hylobates (Symphalangus) syndactylus ]

THE slow brachiation which is characteristic of the siamang [Hylobates (Symphalangus) syndactylus] and to a lesser extent the smaller gibbons [Hylobates (Hylobates) spp.] is often described as pendulum-like1,2. This comparison is apt because both the pendulum and the gibbons rotate about a fixed overhead fulcrum and make use of gravitational acceleration to effect movement. Beyond these basic observations, there have been few attempts to elucidate the mechanical aspects of this unique form of locomotion2,3. Analysis of 16 mm cine films of free-ranging and captive siamangs and gibbons reveals details of their locomotor behaviour that can be interpreted as precise adaptations for maximising the forward momentum gained from pendular movement.
Compact pulsed power requirements for high power microwaves

The ability to generate high power microwaves (HPM) is closely intertwined with the development of pulsed power. Early HPM concepts utilized traditional microwave tubes driven by intense relativistic electron beam sources. By definition, pulsed power is required to generate these intense beams. Whereas HPM sources have since evolved to the point that fairly compact sources or “tubes” have been developed through joint experimentation and computational simulations, the pulsed power used to “drive” them are still fairly large and bulky. In this regard, the future of HPM development and deployment depends critically on advances leading to compact and lightweight pulsed power systems. In this paper, the author describes advances in compact pulsed power drivers, including schemes such as novel stacked Blumlein transmission lines, that are capable of driving loads with impedance characteristics of state-of-the-art HPM sources. In addition, he describes advances in solid state components that have led to the development of all-solid state modulators. The focus of the paper identifies outstanding issues that are critical to the further development of compact pulsed power systems to drive HPM sources. (4 pages)
The diatoms of contemporary and ancient sediments from Lake Waiau, Hawaii, and their geochemical environment

Abstract Lake Waiau, a shallow, heart-shaped water body, is located at 3969 m on the summit plateau of Mauna Kea, a now extinct volcano, on the island of Hawaii. Sediment core from the lake bottom contains remnants of diatom populations spanning a period of more than 5000 years. The presence of diatom frustules in conjunction with an analysis of the major chemical constituents of core and modern sediments provided a unique opportunity to assess changes with time in a highly isolated environment.
Increased prevalence of third-degree atrioventricular block in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. There is some evidence that third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block occurs more commonly in patients with DM. In this study, we evaluated any possible association between DM and third-degree AV block using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes in a very large inpatient database. Method We used patient treatment files containing discharge diagnoses using ICD-9 codes of inpatient treatment from all Veterans Health Administration hospitals. The cohort was stratified using the ICD-9-CM code for DM (n = 293,124), a control group with hypertension but no DM (n = 552,623), and the ICD-9 code for third-degree AV block (426.0) and smoking (305.1, V15.82). We performed multivariate analysis adjusting for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. Continuous and binary variables were analyzed using χ 2 and Fisher exact tests. Results Third-degree AV block diagnosis was present in 3,240 of DM patients (1.1%) vs 3,367 patients (0.6%) in the control group. Using multivariate analysis, DM remained strongly associated with third-degree AV block (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidential interval, 3.0 to 3.3; p Conclusion Third-degree AV block occurs significantly more in patients with DM. This finding may, in part, explain the high cardiovascular mortality in DM patients.
Multiscale Modeling of a Conditionally Disordered pH-Sensing Chaperone

The pH-sensing chaperone HdeA promotes the survival of enteropathogenic bacteria during transit through the harshly acidic environment of the mammalian stomach. At low pH, HdeA transitions from an inactive, folded, dimer to chaperone-active, disordered, monomers to protect against the acid-induced aggregation of periplasmic proteins. Toward achieving a detailed mechanistic understanding of the pH response of HdeA, we develop a multiscale modeling approach to capture its pH-dependent thermodynamics. Our approach combines pK(a) (logarithmic acid dissociation constant) calculations from all-atom constant pH molecular dynamics simulations with coarse-grained modeling and yields new, atomic-level, insights into HdeA chaperone function that can be directly tested by experiment. "pH triggers" that significantly destabilize the dimer are each located near the N-terminus of a helix, suggesting that their neutralization at low pH destabilizes the helix macrodipole as a mechanism of monomer disordering. Moreover, we observe a non-monotonic change in the pH-dependent stability of HdeA, with maximal stability of the dimer near pH5. This affect is attributed to the protonation Glu37, which exhibits an anomalously high pK(a) value and is located within the hydrophobic dimer interface. Finally, the pH-dependent binding pathway of HdeA comprises a partially unfolded, dimeric intermediate that becomes increasingly stable relative to the native dimer at lower pH values and displays key structural features for chaperone-substrate interaction. We anticipate that the insights from our model will help inform ongoing NMR and biochemical investigations.
Dense H2 and proton NMR in a-Si:H.

A model is proposed which resolves an apparent paradox in the results and interpretation of various experiments detecting H and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in a-Si:H. A number of measurements indicate that the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in a-Si microvoids is at densities of the order of the density of solid ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. However, at these densities, the electric quadrupole-quadrupole (EQQ) interactions between molecules in bulk fluid or solid ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ dominate the nuclear spin relaxation ${T}_{1}$(${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$) and its temperature dependence in such a way that it cannot be used to explain the proton NMR ${T}_{1}$(H) relaxation results for Si-bonded H. In order to fit the a-Si:H relaxation data it is necessary that the effective EQQ interaction varies widely among ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in a-Si:H. The ${T}_{1}$(H) relaxation in a-Si:H arises from interaction with that part of the adsorbed ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ fraction which has a small effective EQQ.
Light, fluorescence, and electron microscopic features of neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusions associated with multisystem atrophy.

Light, fluorescence, and electron microscopic features of intranuclear hyaline inclusions of neurons associated with multisystem atrophy in a 21-year-old woman are described. The neuronal inclusions resemble Marinesco bodies on light microscopy but differ from the latter in their distribution, autofluorescence, and ultrastructure. They are widespread in almost all central, peripheral, and autonomic neurons and are generally larger than Marinesco bodies. The inclusions emit yellow-green autofluorescence with ultraviolet light between 470 and 530 nm of the spectrum and are ultrastructurally composed of haphazardly arranged, uniform, fine, straight filaments (8–9 nm in diameter). The neuronal inclusions have neither the ultrastructural feature of known viral inclusions nor are associated with virus particles. Their chemical nature and pathogenesis remain to be elucidated.
Galileo observations of electron beams and thermal ions in Jupiter's magnetosphere and their relationship to the auroras

The thermal ion parameters within the energy range 7 V to 53 kV and the electron velocity distributions for the energy range 1 kV to 53 kV are presented for three Galileo spacecraft orbits around Jupiter. The orbital segments extended from perijove at radial distances about 9 R J out to positions in the plasma sheet at 50 Rj. Inbound segments and outbound segments were positioned in the local morning and premidnight sectors, respectively, in the Jovian equatorial magnetosphere. Because the magnetic equatorial plane is tilted with respect to the spacecraft orbital plane, the plasma sheet is traversed about every 5 hours at System III longitudes about 110° and 290° alternatively. At radial distances extending to about 30 Rj, there is a strong dependence of ion temperatures on System III longitude. The ion temperatures are higher at 290° relative to those at 110°. At perijove of 9 Rj the ion temperatures were about 5 x 106 K and similar to those in the hot lo torus at 7 Rj. Ion temperatures increased over the radial distance range of 10 to 25 R J to values of about 5 x 10 7 to 10 8 K. At 9 to 20 R J the ion bulk flows were about 60% of rigid corotational values and were well ordered and directed in the corotational direction. At greater distances in the plasma sheet the bulk motions became highly variable with large reductions in the corotational direction but with large radial outflows. This behavior exhibits a significant dependence on the local-time position of the spacecraft with greater radial flows in the premidnight sector. Intense electron beams which were aligned parallel and antiparallel to the magnetic field were detected at radial distances of about 20 to 30 R J . For Jupiter's plasma sheet at these radial distances it appears likely that a region of intense plasma heating at low altitudes is responsible for the electron beams. These electron beams are identified with the main auroral ring. The electron energies in the beams span the range of several keV to tens of keV. Their projection into the auroral ionosphere provides for arc widths in the range of 1000 km or less. The energy fluxes at the Jovian auroral ionosphere, after correction for the angular width of the field of view of the electrostatic analyzer, extend up to 100 ergs/cm2-s and are sufficient to excite maximum far-ultraviolet emissions in the megarayleigh range as remotely observed with cameras.
Cognitive architectures, rationality, and next-generation AI: a prolegomenon

Computational models that give us insight into the behavior of individuals and the organizations to which they belong will be invaluable assets in our nation's war against terrorists, and state sponsorship of terror organizations. Reasoning and decision-making are essential ingredients in the formula for human cognition, yet the two have almost exclusively been studied in isolation from one another. While we have witnessed the emergence of strong traditions in both symbolic logic, and decision theory, we have yet to describe an acceptable interface between the two. Mathematical formulations of decision-making and reasoning have been developed extensively, but both fields make assumptions concerning human rationality that are untenable at best. True to this tradition, artificial intelligence has developed architectures for intelligent agents under these same assumptions. While these digital models of "cognition" tend to perform superbly, given their tremendous capacity for calculation, it is hardly reasonable to develop simulacra of human performance using these techniques. We will discuss some the challenges associated with the problem of developing integrated cognitive systems for use in modelling, simulation, and analysis, along with some ideas for the future.
Soil Bioengineering: Challenges for Planning and Engineering

Soil bioengineering is a streambank stabilization method that uses living plants as the primary structural component. It is a promising technique for restoring urban streams, but many challenges remain. This article investigates the causes and consequences of streambank degradation and evaluates the effectiveness of soil bioengineering for erosion control and slope stabilization. Three soil bioengineering projects located on metropolitan Atlanta's waterways (Nancy Creek, Chattahoochee River, and South Peachtree Creek) are analyzed. The research included both primary and secondary data collection activities, involving site visits, documentary review, in-person interviews, photographic documentation, and project monitoring. Five key challenges are revealed: lack of baseline data, short-term vulnerability of installations, inadequacy of previously applied erosion controls, limited site access, and need for community participation. Recommendations include the integration of soil bioengineering strategies with...
A decomposition identity for a class of Riemannian invariants

An identity of fundamental interest in General Relativity is the breakup or ‘decomposition’ of the scalar curvature density into an ordinary divergence in addition to a term constructed solely from the metric tensor and its first derivative. It is proven that this identity is the most elementary example of an identity satisfied by all members of a particularly important class of Riemannian invariants. For a subset of these invariants, the decomposition identity undergoes a simplification that connects this material with some problems of current research interest.
The role of NGF in sensory neurons in vivo

Abstract Somatic sensory neurons have two target areas, one in the peripheral end organ and the other within the central nervous system. For many decades, it was thought that only the peripheral target was important for the survival of developing and mature sensory neurons. Nerve growth factor (NGF), which is required for the survival of embryonic sensory neurons in vitro , was thought to provide peripherally derived trophic support only during development and that mature sensory neurons were insensitive to NGF. In this article we review recent evidence which demonstrates a broader role for NGF and for the central target in the maintenance of sensory neurons. We review the biology of NGF in relationship to the life history of sensory neurons, the potential use of NGF as a pharmacological agent to ameliorate the effects of injury, and new data establishing the central target tissue as a source of neurotrophic support.
Electron diffraction patterns intermediate along the continuum between single crystal and ‘powder’

Abstract This paper describes a manual approach to the analysis of selected area electron diffraction patterns from samples which contain too many crystals for single crystals analysis, and too few crystals to provide continuous diffraction rings. The approach, which requires that the set of candidate minerals be restricted to a manageable few on the basis of prior knowledge, should be useful in cases where analysis on the basis of spacings only (without intensities) is impossible because of the large number of allowed spacings. An example of its application in the study of interplanetary dust is described.
Mississippi-Alabama Outer Continental Shelf Topographic Features Formed during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene Transgression

A geophysical survey of the outer Missisippi-Alabama continental shelf revealed three types of topographic features: 1) reef-like mounds (RLM), 2) isobath-parallel ridges, and 3) shallow depressions. RLM appear to be bioherms. Their bases cluster in two isobath bands, 105 to 120 m and 74 to 82 m, implying the late Pleistocene-Holocene transgression was nonuniform. The deeper RLM probably formed during a slow sea level rise at the beginning of the deglaciation. An 11 ka BP C14 age was obtained from the summit of one, at a depth of 90 m. Depth relationships suggest the shallower RLM and most ridges formed about the time of the mid-deglacial Younger Dryas cooling episode.
STUDIES ON THE ETIOLOGY OF RABBIT POX : IV. TESTS ON THE RELATION OF RABBIT POX VIRUS TO OTHER VIRUSES BY SERUM NEUTRALIZATION EXPERIMENTS.

The results of serum neutralizing tests with the viruses of pox, vaccinia, and virus III disease herewith reported generally agree and supplement the results of reinoculation experiments on immune rabbits reported in the previous paper (1). The finding that pox virus is neutralized by pox immune serum indicates that the refractory state of recovered pox rabbits to reinoculation with pox virus and the failure of recovered pox rabbits to contract a second pox infection after adequate exposure is to be explained upon the basis of the development of an active immunity. The failure of virus III immune serum to neutralize pox virus is in agreement with the previous conclusion drawn from the positive results of reinoculation and exposure experiments that there is no specific relationship between pox virus and virus III. Rabbits which had recovered from a pox infection were completely refractory to inoculation with dermo-(culture) vaccine, while rabbits which had recovered from vaccinia were partially refractory to inoculation with pox virus. Vaccine immune adult rabbits did not show any clinical evidence of pox upon exposure to florid cases, but young recently weaned vaccine immunes developed definite although comparatively mild pox infections. The serum neutralization tests showed that pox immune serum neutralized vaccine virus although the action was not complete as shown by the positive results obtained with high dilutions of serum; vaccine immune serum possessed some but comparatively slight neutralizing properties against pox virus. The results of the crossed inoculation and serum neutralizing experiments with pox and neurovaccine viruses resembled those obtained with pox and dermo-(culture) vaccine but the differences were less pronounced. The differences in virus neutralizing ability on the part of the three immune sera paralleled the differences in virus potency as indicated by the character of the local lesions at the site of injection and by the general character of the clinical manifestations of the infection. The potency or virulence of pox virus was much greater than that of neurovaccine and vastly greater than that of dermo-(culture) vaccine. The complete identity of pox and vaccine virus could not be established, but a definite relationship between them was demonstrated and this was shown to have an immunological basis. From a practical standpoint vaccination with vaccine virus as a prophylactic measure against rabbit pox was clearly indicated.
Example-based brightness and contrast enhancement

Brightness and contrast heavily influence image visual quality; therefore, modern digital camera image processing pipelines typically include a brightness and contrast enhancement (BCE) algorithm that enhances visual quality by applying tone mapping to the image. There are many BCE methods published in the literature that are variations of histogram equalization (HE) and contrast stretching (CS). When tested on large image databases, there are always certain images where these algorithms fail because image content is very diverse and a fixed method fails to adapt to this large variation. Our paper addresses this problem. We have developed an example-based BCE algorithm that can adapt its behavior to different scene types by using training examples that are hand-tuned by human observers for optimal visual quality. Our algorithm models the optimal enhancement function from these training images using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Then, given a new image, the algorithm predicts the best amount of enhancement by extrapolating from closest training images. We have performed perceptual evaluations that conclude that our algorithm effectively enhances brightness and contrast judged by human observers.
Evolving approach and clinical significance of detecting DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal carcinoma

The last two decades have seen significant advancement in our understanding of colorectal tumors with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency. The ever-emerging revelations of new molecular and genetic alterations in various clinical conditions have necessitated constant refinement of disease terminology and classification. Thus, a case with the clinical condition of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer as defined by the Amsterdam criteria may be one of Lynch syndrome characterized by a germline defect in one of the several MMR genes, one of the yet-to-be-defined “Lynch-like syndrome” if there is evidence of MMR deficiency in the tumor but no detectable germline MMR defect or tumor MLH1 promoter methylation, or “familial colorectal cancer type X” if there is no evidence of MMR deficiency. The detection of these conditions carries significant clinical implications. The detection tools and strategies are constantly evolving. The Bethesda guidelines symbolize a selective approach that uses clinical information and tumor histology as the basis to select high-risk individuals. Such a selective approach has subsequently been found to have limited sensitivity, and is thus gradually giving way to the alternative universal approach that tests all newly diagnosed colorectal cancers. Notably, the universal approach also has its own limitations; its cost-effectiveness in real practice, in particular, remains to be determined. Meanwhile, technological advances such as the next-generation sequencing are offering the promise of direct genetic testing for MMR deficiency at an affordable cost probably in the near future. This article reviews the up-to-date molecular definitions of the various conditions related to MMR deficiency, and discusses the tools and strategies that have been used in detecting these conditions. Special emphasis will be placed on the evolving nature and the clinical importance of the disease definitions and the detection strategies.
Chronometric cosmology and fundamental fermions

Abstract It is proposed that the fundamental fermions of nature are modeled by fields on the chronometric cosmos that are not precisely spinors but become such only in the nonchronometric limit. The imbedding of the scale-extended Poincare group in the linearizer of the Minkowskian conformal group defines such fields, by induction.
Validity of the MMPI-2 basic and Harris-Lingoes subscales in a forensic sample.

The present study explored the MMPI-2 correlates of criminal history in a sample of prison inmates. Although Ma was the only basic scale to demonstrate a significant positive association to crime history, three Harris-Lingoes subscales also bore significant associations to this criterion. The Ma1 (amorality), Pd2 (authority problems), and Pd5 (self-alienation) subscales demonstrated positive associations with crime history. Hierarchical multiple-regression analyses were used to examine the incremental validity of the D, Pd, and Ma Harris-Lingoes subscales when added to their parent scales in the prediction of crime history. Only the Pd Harris-Lingoes subscales demonstrated incremental validity in the prediction of this criterion. The value of including the Ma and Pd Harris-Lingoes subscales in criminal risk assessment is discussed.
Equality, Adequacy, and Educational Policy

Abstract In this article I argue that the distinction between an adequate education and an equal education has been overdrawn. In my view, a certain type of equality—civic equality—is internal to the idea of educational adequacy. An education system that completely separates the children of the poor and minorities from those of the wealthy and middle class cannot be adequate for a democratic society. Educational adequacy should be tied to the requirements of equal citizenship. I also argue that my conception of adequacy in education has advantages over competing frameworks. I contrast its implications for a recent policy proposal that argues for weighted student funding (WSF) with the assessment of this proposal from an equality framework. While weighting in favor of the least advantaged students is important, the critical issue is whether or not such weighting is sufficient for bringing all students up to adequacy's high bar. This means that to be adequate, WSF must be placed in a larger policy context.
Weighted linear associative memory approach to nonlinear parameter estimation

The method of linear associative memory (LAM), a notion from the field of artificial neural nets, has been applied recently in nonlinear parameter estimation. In the LAM method, a model response, nonlinear with respect to the parameters, is approximated linearly by a matrix, which maps inversely from a response vector to a parameter vector. This matrix is determined from a set of initial training parameter vectors and their response vectors, and can be update recursively and adaptively with a pair of newly generated parameter response vectors. The LAM advantage is that it can yield a good estimation of the true parameters from a given observed response, even if the initial training parameter vectors are far from the true values. In this paper, we present a weighted linear associative memory (WLAM) for nonlinear parameter estimation. WLAM improves LAM by taking into account an observed response vector oriented weighting. The basic idea is to weight each pair of parameter response vectors in the cost function such that, if a response vector is closer to the observed one, then this pair plays a more important role in the cost function. This weighting algorithm improves significantly the accuracy of parameter estimation as compared to a LAM without weighting. In addition, we are able to construct the associative memory matrix recursively, while taking the weighting procedure into account, and simultaneously update the ridge parameter ź of the cost function further improving the efficiency of the WLAM estimation. These features enable WLAM to be a powerful tool for nonlinear parameter simulation.
Language, Ideology, and the Press in Catalonia

This article, relying on Bakhtin's approach to canonization, demonstrates an empirical link between language and ideology. The authors employ content and discourse analysis to examine political discourse exemplified in editorial writing as a particular speech genre. They scrutinize editorials in four newspapers published in Catalonia, two of them in Castilian and two in Catalan. Despite political differences between the papers in each language, the authors discern a Catalan-language discourse style that differs significantly from the Caslilian-language discourse style. They conclude that the historically canonized discourse styles, different in Catalonia's Castilian and Catalan press, reflect the intimate relationship between language of use and ideology.
Corporate Responses to Changes in Reputation

This research examines how changes in an organization's reputation affect subsequent managerial actions taken by the firm. Based on a model developed from the impression management literature, potential actions taken by managers in an attempt to manage the organization's future reputation are hypothesized. Using a pooled cross-sectional time series design, results suggest that such tactics as press releases and advertising are used by managers in response to a downturn in their firm's reputations, while tactics such as increasing donations to charity are not. Furthermore, upturns in reputation seem to be associated with a decreased emphasis on advertising expenditures. Implications of these findings are suggested.
A semi-supervised classification algorithm using the TAD-derived background as training data

In general, spectral image classification algorithms fall into one of two categories: supervised and unsupervised. In unsupervised approaches, the algorithm automatically identifies clusters in the data without a priori information about those clusters (except perhaps the expected number of them). Supervised approaches require an analyst to identify training data to learn the characteristics of the clusters such that they can then classify all other pixels into one of the pre-defined groups. The classification algorithm presented here is a semi-supervised approach based on the Topological Anomaly Detection (TAD) algorithm. The TAD algorithm defines background components based on a mutual k-Nearest Neighbor graph model of the data, along with a spectral connected components analysis. Here, the largest components produced by TAD are used as regions of interest (ROI's),or training data for a supervised classification scheme. By combining those ROI's with a Gaussian Maximum Likelihood (GML) or a Minimum Distance to the Mean (MDM) algorithm, we are able to achieve a semi supervised classification method. We test this classification algorithm against data collected by the HyMAP sensor over the Cooke City, MT area and University of Pavia scene.
Purification and identification of transferrin as a major pituitary-derived mitogen for MTW9/PL2 rat mammary tumor cells.

Transferrin was identified as a major tissue-derived growth factor for MTW9/PL2 rat mammary tumor cells. Mitogenic activity was assayed by the ability to stimulate the increase in number of MTW9/PL2 cells over 4 d in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing only 15 mM HEPES, 2 mM glutamine, and 50 μg/ml gentamicin. This growth-promoting activity was purified from ammonium sulfate precipitates of phosphate buffered saline extracts of porcine pituitaries using DEAE-Sepharose, chromatofocusing, molecular sieve chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Pig pituitary mitogen (PPM) migrated as a single band at molecular weight 78 000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, eluted from chromatofocusing at multiple pH values near 6.3, exhibited an absorption maximum at 465 nm which was diminished by removal of iron, showed a characteristic salmon-pink color in aqueous solution, and was similar in amino acid composition to previously reported values for porcine transferrin. Purified PPM similar to commercially available human transferrin (ED50=160 to 350 ng/ml). We have concluded that using serum-free assay conditions with MTW9/PL2 cells, transferrin was a major source of the mitogenic activity present in extracts of porcine pituitary.
First-Order Deletion Designs and the Construction of Efficient Nearly Orthogonal Factorial Designs in Small Blocks

Abstract Single replicate factorial designs for incomplete block experiments are obtained by first constructing a single replicate preliminary design in incomplete blocks for the same number of factors but an excessive number of levels of the first factor, then deleting the excess treatment combinations to obtain a deletion design. Any single replicate preliminary design yields a single replicate deletion design. Furthermore, if the preliminary design is orthogonal, then the resulting deletion design is shown to be nearly orthogonal and, under certain reduced models, to provide efficient estimation of lower-order effects and in some cases an orthogonal analysis. For example, a 2×32 deletion design is constructed in three blocks of size 6, the 2 df confounded being the sum of interaction effects of F 2 and F 3 and second-order interaction effects. If second-order interactions are assumed negligible, then the deletion design provides efficient estimation of interactions between F 2 and F 3 and an orthogonal...
Bladder neck closure and suprapubic tube placement in a debilitated patient population.

Aims Bladder neck closure (BNC) with suprapubic tube (SPT) placement is a method of bladder management for patients with neurogenic bladders (NGB). We evaluated our experience at one institution. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received BNC with SPT placement from 1999 to 2008. Results Twenty-nine patients (24 females and 5 males, average age 53.4 ± 9.6 years) underwent BNC with SPT placement. Cause of NGB was multiple sclerosis (48%), spinal injury (28%), or myelodysplasia (17%). All but one were dependent on caregivers for activities of daily living. Preoperative urodynamics studies were performed on 23 patients. Retropubic BNC was performed in 26 of 29 patients. Two females had a transvaginal approach, and one male had a perineal approach. Early (<90 days) postoperative complication rate was 52%. Persistent urine leakage was present in eight patients: two peristomal leakage and six urethral leakage. All three non-retropubic BNC had postoperative fistulas (P = 0.01). Catheter complications were associated with seven of the eight urinary leaks (P = 0.01). Conclusions BNC with SPT is a method of bladder management in the NGB population, particularly suited to those with a low functional status. Fistula rates are significantly higher with non-retropubic BNC (P = 0.01). Poor catheter care in the postoperative period is associated with postoperative urinary leakage (P = 0.01). Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:382–386, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accommodation-Induced Changes in Iris Curvature

Eyes were imaged using anterior segment ultrasound biomicroscopy to compare alterations in iris contour following the onset of accommodation in eyes with narrow angles, pigment dispersion syndrome, and controls. A radial perpendicular image in the horizontal temporal meridian was obtained for one eye while the subject focused on a distant target (~6m, unaccommodated state) with the fellow eye. The subject then focused steadily on a near target (~0.33 m, accommodated state) for 3 min. Images were acquired at 0, 1, 2, and 3 min. Iris curvature was determined by measuring the maximum distance between the posterior iris surface and a line from the iris root to the first point of contact between the iris and lens. In control subjects (n=22), iris curvature decreased immediately after the onset of accommodation, but not significantly (p=0.49), from 246+/-37 microm (mean+/-SEM) to 205+/-82 microm; curvature increased after 3 min of accommodation to 298+/-57 microm (p=0.10 vs. onset of accommodation). Eyes with pigment dispersion syndrome (n=15) exhibited curvatures of 60+/-79 microm when unaccommodated, -3+/-83 microm immediately after accommodation (p=0.12), and 146+/-94 microm (p=0.01) 3 min later. Eyes with narrow angles (n=16) exhibited curvatures of 449+/-45 microm when unaccommodated, 414+/-46 microm immediately after accommodation (p=0.37), and 523+/-40 microm (p<0.01) 3 min later. The results confirm the time-dependent nature of iris contour response, with significant differences observed between the initial observation after accommodation and the observation 3 min later. The largest drop in curvature immediately after accommodation and the most rapid increase in curvature during subsequent observation were seen in the PDS subjects. We suspect that the more rapid increase in curvature in the PDS subjects is due to the elevated anterior chamber pressure caused by the "reverse pupillary block" effect.
EZ-Viz, a tool for simplifying molecular viewing in PyMOL.

PyMOL is a molecular modeling program that can be used in a wide range of studies within the scientific community. Its ability to produce informative, detailed, stereoscopic images makes it a very powerful tool both in the laboratory and in the classroom. However, the PyMOL user interface is difficult to use, and the PyMOL User's Manual readily admits that “development has been focused on capabilities, not on ease-of-use for new users.” To resolve this, we set out to develop a new interface for PyMOL that helps eliminate the need for command line interactions, making it a much more user-friendly interface. We have created a tabbed interface called EZ-Viz, which contains a series of buttons and entry fields that allow users to select given attributes of a molecule and make changes to it by clicking a button as opposed to issuing highly syntactical commands. Other features of the interface include a Chime/PyMOL command converter, nine preset molecular views, four molecular movies, and molecular sequence and hetero atom information, all at the click of a button. The ongoing and continued development of EZ-Viz could help to further the use of PyMOL, which we believe to be one of the most powerful molecular viewing programs currently available.
Self‐efficacy for arthritis pain: Relationship to perception of thermal laboratory pain stimuli

Objective. To examine how self-efficacy for arthritis pain relates to the perception of controlled laboratory pain stimuli. Methods. Forty patients with osteoarthritis completed self-report measures of self-efficacy for arthritis pain. They then participated in a single experimental session in which measures of thermal pain threshold and tolerance were collected, as well as measures of the perceived intensity and unpleasantness of a range of thermal pain stimuli. Results. Correlational analyses revealed that patients reporting high self-efficacy for arthritis pain rated the thermal pain stimuli as less unpleasant than those reporting low self-efficacy. When subjects scoring very high and very low in self-efficacy were compared, it was found that subjects scoring high on self-efficacy for arthritis pain had significantly higher pain thresholds and pain tolerance than those scoring low on self-efficacy. Conclusions. These results in dicate that self-efficacy for arthritis pain is related to judgments of thermal pain stimuli. Implications for the understanding of arthritis pain and for future laboratory research are discussed.