cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of sleep disturbances using wrist actigraphy in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome

Abstract Study objectives Patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) commonly complain of fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness and diminished quality of life. The study objective was to assess sleep quality in POTS patients using wrist actigraphy. Design Prospective study with control group. Methods Patients with POTS (n = 36) and healthy subjects (n = 36) completed a detailed sleep log and actigraphy for 7 days. Results Compared with healthy subjects, POTS patients have more self-reported problems including days with restless sleep (53 ± 30% vs. 21 ± 20%; P P P = 0.01). Actigraphy determined sleep onset latency (SOL) did not vary significantly in the two groups, but subjective SOL was higher in POTS patient (56 ± 66 min vs. 13 ± 9 min; P = 0.001). In POTS patients, there was a significant correlation between subjective complaints of tiredness and actigraphic sleep efficiency (Rs = − 0.36; R 2 = 0.15; P = 0.01), significant correlations between actigraphic SOL and upright norepinephrine levels ( P = 0.040), and between wake after sleep onset and standing heart rate ( P = 0.02). Conclusions POTS patients have more sleep-related symptoms and poor sleep efficiency. The pattern of subjective vs. objective SOL mismatch is suggestive of sleep-state misperception. High norepinephrine correlated with actigraphic SOL, and this activation of the stress system may contribute significantly to a hyperarousal state with consequent insomnia, poor mental and physical health in POTS patients.
Three-dimensional flow measurements on flapping wings using synthetic aperture PIV

We present the results of 3D velocity measurements of the flow fields around a free-flying painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) and a tethered mechanical flapper using Synthetic Aperture PIV (SAPIV). The velocity fields presented for the free-flying butterfly have limited spatial resolution; however, leading edge vortices (LEV) and trailing edge vortices (TEV) can be seen during the downstroke of the butterfly. The results show that SAPIV has potential as a flow analysis tool to obtain whole-field, time-resolved velocities surrounding freely flying insects. The results of a tethered mechanical flapper focus mainly on the LEV and TEV through an entire flapping cycle. The results are compared to velocity measurements taken using traditional PIV techniques. Additionally, force measurements of the lift and thrust generated by the mechanical flapper are compared with the calculated forces from the measured velocity data and circulation in the flow field. The reconstructed visual hull of the butterfly and mechanical flapper is also discussed.
Gas Chromatographic-inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometric Determination of Volatile Organometallic Species

Abstract Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICPES) offers a powerful analytical tool for screening volatile organometallic compounds in complex mixtures, such as the products of coal conversion processes. Performance of a GC-ICPES system was evaluated for various organometallic compounds. Studies were also undertaken to explore the formation of volatile organoselenium compounds during gasification of coal spiked with inorganic selenium in the form of selenium sulfide. A number of organoselenium compounds were observed in the gasification by-products of the spiked coal.
A method for constraint-based six degree-of-freedom haptic interaction with streaming point clouds

This paper presents a constraint-based method for haptic interaction between an arbitrary voxelized polygon tool and a streaming point cloud derived from a depth sensor. Using the presented method, a user can interact with both dynamic as well as static point cloud representations of real objects captured in real-time. Every depth image frame is filtered and surface normals are calculated in real-time. For movement of the virtual tool, a `quasi-static' simulation is used. The innovations of this work include the extension of haptic rendering from streaming point clouds to six degrees of freedom. This is appropriate for co-robotic tasks where haptic feedback to the user is combined with remote control of a robot.
Laura Shepherd. Gender, Violence and Popular Culture: Telling Stories

If stories are fundamental to our experience of the world, as narrative theorists maintain, then what are we to make of the stories told on television? What are the relationships between representa...
Vision system for on‐line characterization of paper slurry

This paper presents a detailed description of a vision system that detects and localizes the nonuniformities that appear on the paper slurry (wood fiber and water mixture) at the wet end of a paper machine. Specifically, the system monitors the paper slurry as it exits the headbox and alerts the operators of any event (e.g., streaks) that disrupts the otherwise homogeneous background. These events affect crucial product properties such as formation. A poor formation results in thick and thin spots on the sheet and impacts its strength and printability. This paper describes the vision system in terms of its hardware modules, as well as the image processing algorithms that it utilizes to perform its function. The system acquires intensity and topographic information from the scene. It uses texture-based features for the detection and facet-based descriptors for the localization of the nonuniformities. In addition to being tested in a laboratory environment, a prototype of this system was constructed and deployed to a paper mill, where its performance was evaluated under realistic conditions. Installed on a fourdrinier paper machine, running at 480 m/min and producing linerboard material, the vision system monitored about a 1 m wide area and successfully detected and localized slurry streaks. Published 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 11, 231–242, 2000
Gastroesophageal Reflux in the Preterm Neonate

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in preterm neonates. 2. Delineate the associations of GER with apnea, chronic lung disease, behavior, and growth of preterm infants. 3. Review the investigations used to evaluate GER in preterm infants. 4. Describe nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies for GER. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a normal physiologic event occurring across the age spectrum. It may contribute to a variety of disorders, including esophagitis, feeding problems, and airway disease in all age groups. (1) A large number of symptoms and signs have been purported to be caused by GER despite a lack of data showing a clear association between a specific symptom and GER. In preterm infants, empiric therapy often is administered using agents of unproven efficacy and safety to treat symptoms that likely are unrelated to GER. In a survey on management practices for GER in preterm infants, common treatment strategies included positioning (98%) and slopes (96%), histamine 2 (H 2) receptor antagonists (100%), feed thickeners (98%), antacids (96%), prokinetics (79%), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (65%), and dopamine receptor antagonists (53%). (2)(3) The safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing recommendations for most medical therapies remain uncertain in neonates. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current literature regarding physiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and management strategies for GER pertinent to the neonate, with an emphasis on the preterm infant. GER describes the retrograde movement of stomach contents (air or feeding, liquid or semisolid, acid or alkaline, enzymes or bile salts) into the esophagus. GER disease (GERD) occurs when GER causes symptoms or signs such as pain, poor weight gain, esophagitis, hematemesis, and airway symptoms, including apnea, aspiration, recurrent pneumonia, chronic lung disease (CLD), or large airway inflammation. However, any of these symptoms or signs …
An experimental study of internal standardization in analytical emission spectroscopy

Abstract Several of the important principles for choosing a good internal standard element and line were examined experimentally, utilizing the induction-coupled plasma as the spectral source. This discharge was chosen because it avoided some of the problems presented by more conventional sources and could be easily profiled spatially to study intensity ratio behavior as temperature, sample density, and electron density varied. In addition, some attention was given to sample distribution in the plasma and its temperature characteristics. Comparisons are presented which demonstrate the relationship between experimental results and those calculated using a computer model developed in an earlier paper.
Unfair gambles in probability

A finitely additive probability measure yields fair odds for every finite combination of gambles. A countably additive probability measure yields odds for every countable combination of gambles, but those odds may be grossly unfair.
The major growth current through lily pollen tubes enters as K(+) and leaves as H (+).

Growing lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) pollen always drive a current into their tubes and out of their grains. The only external ions needed for growth (and the growth current) are K+, H+, and Ca2+. Increases in K+ immediately stimulate the current; while decreases in K+ immediately inhibit it. Comparable changes in H+ have the opposite effect; while those in Ca2+ have very little effect. We infer that most of the steady growth current is carried in by a potassium leak and out by a proton pump; but other considerations indicate that a minor, but controlling, component of the inward current consists of calcium ions.
Stereoregular Polymerization of [R,S]-3-Butyrolactone Catalyzed by Alumoxane-Monomer Adducts

The reaction between 2 molar equiv of 3-butyrolactone (BL) and either methylalumoxane (MAO) or isobutylalumoxane (IBAO) yielded an adduct, either MAO−BL or IBAO−BL. Both MAO−BL and IBAO−BL were found to be much more effective catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of the racemic monomer, [R,S]-BL, than either MAO or IBAO alone in having much higher reaction rates and forming higher yields of crystalline polymer. The polymerization of [R,S]-BL in bulk catalyzed by 10 mol % MAO−BL at 80 °C went to near completion within 20 min, while use of the equivalent amount of MAO alone as the catalyst required many hours or days to obtain the same results. The crude polymeric products obtained from the polymerization reaction using 10 mol % MAO−BL contained 60 wt % of a crystalline, isotactic polymer, as compared to only 30−40% with MAO alone. The polymers obtained were characterized by GPC, DSC, and NMR. No difference was found between the catalytic behavior of the complex formed between either [R]-BL and MAO ...
Sex steroids and extrahepatic mixed-function oxidase activity

Abstract The effects of exogenously administered testosterone and estradiol on the cytochrome(s) P-450-linked mixed-function oxidase system of the lungs and kidneys of both intact and castrated male and female Sprague-Dawley rats have been investigated. In general, estrogen increased the levels of renal cytochrome(s) P-450 in both male and female intact and castrated rats but decreased enzyme activity as measured by the deethylations of ethoxycoumarin and ethoxyresorufin. These effects were more pronounced in male rats than in the females. Testosterone had no effect on the levels of renal cytochrome(s) P-450 but basal levels were greater in intact males than in females. In the lungs of intact animals, levels of cytochrome(s) P-450 were higher in females than in males, but remained unaffected by pretreatment with testosterone and estradiol. In castrated animals, estrogen increased the levels of cytochrome(s) P-450 while testosterone decreased them. Estrogen treatment, in both intact and castrated males, enhanced the O-deethylation of ethoxyresorufin, implying greater activity of the cytochrome P1-450-linked mixed-function oxidase activity of the lung. The possible roles of the extrahepatic mixed-function oxidase activity and sex differences in drug metabolism are discussed.
An expandable column FFT architecture using circuit switching networks

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is widely used in various digital signal processing applications. The performance requirements for FFT in modern real-time applications has increased dramatically due to the high demand on capacity and performance of modern telecommunication systems, where FFT plays a major role. Software implementations of FFT running on a general purpose computer can no longer meet current speed requirements. However, recent advances in VLSI technology have made it possible to implement the entire FFT system on a single silicon substrate. This article presents a column FFT design suitable for ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) implementations. The basic building block is a 64-point column FFT. FFTs with longer transform lengths can be easily realized using the 64-point column FFT building block. The butterfly processors in the column FFT are connected using circuit switching networks. The circuit switching networks not only provide dynamically recon-figurable interconnections among the butterfly processors, but also provide a fault-tolerant capability. Bit-serial arithmetic is used in the architecture. Assuming the data word length is 16 bits, the 1024-point column FFT engine proposed in this article is capable of processing 1024 complex data samples in 533 clock cycles. If the clock frequency is 40 MHz, it will take 13.3 µs to complete a 1024-point FFT.
Query by humming with the VocalSearch system

Don't know the composer, performer, or title? Let the system match the theme you know to the song you want.
13C NMR spectral simulation and shift prediction

Abstract A recent development in 13 C NMR spectroscopy is the use of computer methods to predict the 13 C chemical shifts and to carry out simulation of 13 C NMR spectra. A review is made of selected computer/NMR approaches that have been developed. Examples are shown for the shift prediction and spectral simulation of organic compounds and polymeric systems.
Imaging {Au 0 -PAMAM} gold-dendrimer nanocomposites in cells

Dendrimer nanocomposites (DNC) are hybrid nanoparticles formed by the dispersion and immobilization of guest atoms or small clusters in dendritic polymer matrices. They have a great potential in biomedical applications due to their controlled composition, predetermined size, shape and variable surface functionalities. In this work, d=5–25 nm spherical nanoparticles composed of gold and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have been selected to demonstrate this nanoparticle based concept. {Au(0)n-PAMAM} gold dendrimer nanocomposites with a well-defined size were synthesized and imaged by transmission electron microscopy both in vitro and in vivo. DNC have also the potential to be used for imaging and drug delivery vehicles either by utilizing bioactive guests or through the incorporation of radioactive isotopes, such as Au-198.
A Home Away from Home

The sick person who is admitted to the hospital ward is frequently overcome by anxiety to such an extent that he is likely to suffer from a partial blurring of his self-image because of the actual and symbolic threat to his body. His forced passivity, his horizontal pose, the removal of his own clothes and belongings, the fact that doctors and nurses, persons hitherto unknown to him, have full access to his body, and the fact that he cannot anticipate what will happen to him-all these factors contribute to a loss of ego identity. (1) The threat he experiences and the concomitant loss of ego strength is likely to bring with it a partial regression* * to a stage in childhood when the outer world was perceived as but an extension of the self, having as its sole function providing satisfaction to the child. The outer world, at that stage, was not seen as reality separate from the self to be acted upon, but rather as a source of intake and se-
Clinical experience with elasticity imaging in a community-based breast center.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate compression elasticity imaging in combination with standard B-mode imaging for assessment of benign versus malignant breast lesions and correlation with needle biopsy. Methods Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, and patients were prospectively enrolled from 2007 to 2011. A total of 221 patients yielding 230 elastograms recommended for biopsy were the basis of this analysis. Information collected included patient demographics, lesion laterality and location, and needle biopsy method and results. The longest dimension of the lesion between B-mode and elasticity imaging was measured, and an elasticity imaging/B mode ratio of 1.0 or greater was considered to represent malignancy; a ratio of less than 1.0 was benign. Statistical analysis included calculation of descriptive statistics and generation of figures. Results Of the 230 biopsies performed, cancer was revealed in 100 cases (43.5%). One hundred thirty (56.5%) benign findings were observed. Of the 100 malignant lesions, 99 had an elasticity imaging/B-mode ratio greater than or equal to 1.0 (99.0%). Of the 130 benign lesions, 119 had an elasticity imaging/B-mode ratio of less than 1.0 (91.5%). These results indicate 99.0% (99 of 100) sensitivity and 91.5% (119 of 130) specificity. Furthermore, we found a positive predictive value of 90.0% (99 of 110) and a negative predictive value of 99.2% (119 of 120). Conclusions In this study, elasticity imaging had high sensitivity for malignant and benign lesions. Elasticity imaging in the clinical setting may prove to be an additional tool that is helpful to the breast clinician for characterization of lesions as benign or malignant. At this time, we are continuing our data collection because additional research is still necessary.
An Epidemiological Study of Asthma Prevalence and Related Factors Among Young Adults

Asthma and related factors were assessed by mailed questionnaires among 2041 young adult participants in a smoking prevention project in California in 1993. Hispanics had lower prevalence of physician-reported asthma when compared to blacks and whites. Blacks were significantly more likely to be hospitalized or visit emergency rooms because of asthma or wheezing. After adjusting for sex, race, and educational level, family history of asthma was strongly associated with subjects' asthma (odds ratio = 3.1, 95% CI: 2.4-4.3 for physician-reported asthma; OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.4-4.5 for current asthma). Exposure to parental smoking (both parents smoked more than half a pack of cigarettes a day) during childhood (reported when participants were in grade 7) was significantly associated with physician-reported asthma (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6-5.6) and current asthma (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7-6.4). The study also found that self-reported mold growth at home was significantly associated with asthma (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.2). After adjusting for cigarette smoking and demographic variables, use of crack cocaine was marginally significantly associated with current asthma (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2), but not with physician-reported asthma (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7-3.3).
Menaquinone-6 and thermoplasmaquinone-6 in Wolinella succinogenes

The respiratory quinone composition of Wolinella succinogenes was investigated. Unsaturated menaquinones with six isoprene units (2-methyl-3-hexaprenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) was found to be the major isoprenoid quinone. Substantial levels of a methyl-substituted menaquinone was also present. Mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry indicated the methyl-substituted quinone corresponded to 2-, [5 or 8]- dimethyl-3-hexaprenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone.
High‐Dose, pulse intravenous methylprednisolone enhances fcγ receptor–mediated mononuclear phagocyte function in systemic lupus erythematosus

The benefit of high-dose, pulse intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) for some patients with active lupus nephritis would appear paradoxical, since active nephritis is associated with profound abnormalities in Fc gamma receptor function, and several studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids decrease monocyte Fc gamma receptor expression and phagocytic function. To resolve this paradox, we investigated the possibility that pulse IVMP might enhance monocyte Fc gamma receptor function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Circulating immune complex (CIC) levels, Fc gamma receptor-mediated clearance, and Fc gamma receptor-dependent monocyte function were analyzed in 23 SLE patients before and after pulse IVMP (1 gm daily for 3 days). A biphasic response in CIC levels, determined by a staphylococcal protein A binding assay, was observed. Initially, CIC levels increased within 2-4 hours after the first dose of pulse IVMP and then decreased by 50% within 24-48 hours after the completion of therapy. Fc gamma receptor-mediated binding and phagocytosis of IgG-sensitized erythrocytes (EA) by monocytes in vitro were significantly enhanced 24 hours after the final dose of pulse IVMP (pre-IVMP versus post-IVMP 43 +/- 14% versus 53 +/- 12% EA rosettes, P less than 0.01; 3.00 +/- 1.04 versus 3.99 +/- 1.30 EA ingested/monocyte, P less than 0.01). In contrast, there was no change in the phagocytosis of an Fc gamma receptor-independent probe, neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Three- and four-photon absorption in the single crystal polymer PTS

Conjugated polymers belong to a class of materials that has proven to be one of the most fascinating and challenging developed to date for nonlinear optics. They, most specifically bis paratoluene sulfonate (PTS), have been shown to exhibit the largest third-order nonlinearities and the strongest two-photon absorption of any known material. The strong one- and two-photon absorption that occurs in PTS implies that the one- and two-photon active excited states might also be accessible through even higher order nonlinear processes that satisfy the same symmetry relations between the ground and excited states. Although there have been sporadic reports of three- and four-photon absorption in semiconductors, four-photon absorption has never been unambiguously measured in an organic solid-state material before. We report observation of three- and four-photon absorption in PTS at 1600 nm using the Z-scan technique.
Ihor Stebelsky. Placing Ukraine on the Map: Stepan Rudnytsky’s Nation-Building Geography.

Ihor Stebelsky. Placing Ukraine on the Map: Stepan Rudnytsky’s Nation-Building Geography . Kingston, Ontario: Kashtan Press, 2014. iii, 50 pp. Foreword. Illustrations. Endnotes. References. Afterword. Cloth.
Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with simultaneous intestinal Giardia sp., Spironucleus sp., and trichomonad infections

A commercial facility producing hamsters with a history of infection by dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana) submitted 15 animals for necropsy and postmortem parasitological and microscopic examination. No tapeworms were detected grossly or microscopically. Fecal examination including gastrointestinal mucosal smears demonstrated mixed intestinal bacteria and low numbers of Giardia sp. Histologic examination of small intestine demonstrated filling of the small intestinal crypts by large numbers of 7-9 µm × 3 µm, rod to crescent or teardrop-shaped flagellates consistent with Spironucleus sp. These organisms had two 1-µm, basophilic, oval nuclei and multiple superficial flagella-like structures. Much larger 10-15 µm × 8-10 µm, oval to pear-shaped organisms were also present in lower numbers and usually located with the crypts. These larger flagellates had multiple flagella and a basophilic rod-shaped nucleus. The larger flagellates included Giardia sp., which had an intimate interface with the surface of the mucosal epithelium, bilaterally symmetry, and binucleation. Lower numbers of trichomonads were also present and were distinguished by an undulating surface membrane and a single nucleus. The mucosa was hyperplastic and moderately inflamed. Although the tapeworm infection was resolved, diagnosis of multiple intestinal flagellates by fecal examination is complicated by the varying sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of different types of fecal analysis for different flagellate types. Key differences in the morphology and location of the different types of flagellates as observed by histology of intestinal tissues provide important additional diagnostic information to distinguish trichomonads, Spironucleus sp., and Giardia sp.
Factor Analyzing a Scale of Assertiveness: A Critique and Demonstration

A concern is raised about the current use of factor analytic procedures in the field of assertiveness research. Frequently it is difficult, if not impossible, to suitably evaluate, compare, and replicate factor analytic studies of assertiveness because of the incomplete reporting and/or inappropriate use of factor analytic procedures. Factor analysis of an assertiveness scale in the present study is proposed as a model of such procedure for similar research in the future. Four factors of assertiveness are identified, and implications for the role of factor analysis in construction of assertiveness scales are discussed.
Measures of grouping efficiency in cellular manufacturing systems

Abstract Grouping efficiency is a measure of goodness of machine-part groups in cellular manufacturing systems. This paper briefly presents a critical review of existing grouping measures, introduces a new measure called ‘doubly weighted grouping efficiency measure’ and evaluates its relative performance of with other existing measures. Here, special emphasis is given evaluation of the goodness of clustering solutions in block-diagonalization of machine-part incidence matrix. In order to provide information on the measures, results are collected and compiled from discretely reported sources and are reported both descriptively and quantitatively. Categorization and generalization of these measures are made to use them for goodness of clustering. In order to overcome a number of drawbacks in the previously known measures, a new doubly weighted grouping efficiency measure is presented and its performance is demonstrated with respect to several efficiency measures.
An Improved Median Filter Based on Automatic Parameter Tuning Approach

Image restoration is an important and widely studied problem in the area of computer vision and image processing. Various effective image-filtering strategies have been proposed, however a common drawback of some methods is that they usually require some a priori knowledge about the density of impulse noise corruption. A novel efficient improved median filter based on automatic parameter tuning approach is proposed in this paper for the restoration of images corrupted by impulse noise. The proposed method combines an improved median filtering algorithm that includes two parameters with the technique of automatic parameter tuning based on noise estimation. The parameters can be adaptively adjusted for minimizing the MSE value. As a key feature, the method did not require any a priori knowledge about the density of noise corruption. Comparative studies of the method and other methods for four different images are made and the advantages of the proposed method are fully demonstrated.
Altruism, motivation, and allocation: giving and using human organs.

With tens of thousands of waiting recipients but only 4000–5000 organs available annually, there is a chronic and largely insatiable demand for organ transplants. This article draws on three sources of data regarding the sources of organs donated: a survey of the families of organ donors, a survey of the general public, and a prospective data collection effort from organ procurement agencies. It considers which Americans are willing to engage in this kind of altruism. Furthermore, it discusses the obligations imposed on the nation's public organ procurement and allocation system by the fact that organs are obtained as gifts. It argues that, as all Americans may be asked to donate and there would be social costs to excluding some from a moral community of givers and recipients, all Americans ought to have equal access to organ transplantation.
Reversing the Lecture/Homework Paradigm Using eTEACH® Web-based Streaming Video Software

A new online streaming video and multi-media application called eTEACH, http:eTEACH.engr.wisc.edu was used to reform a large, lecture-based computer science course for engineering majors. In-class lectures were replaced with videotaped lectures and other materials that students viewed on the Internet on their own schedule, making it possible to use the live class periods for small, team problem-solving sessions facilitated by the professors and a teaching assistant. By using the eTEACH application to transform course lectures into “homework” and free up the face-to-face class time for working on problems that were similar to homework assignments, the professors effectively reversed the lecture and homework paradigm of a typical large lecture course. A thorough course evaluation over two semesters showed that students who took the online lecture version of the course gave significantly higher ratings to all aspects of the course, including lecture usefulness, professor responsiveness, the course overall, and the instructor. Although a few students missed having the opportunity to ask questions during lectures, about two-thirds of the 531 students surveyed felt it was easier to take notes and understand the lectures presented via eTEACH than it would have been while attending the same lecture live, and 78% of students appreciated the ability to view and review course lectures on their own schedule.
Feasibility, Patient Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Culturally Informed, Health Promotion Program to Improve Glaucoma Medication Adherence Among African Americans: "Glaucoma Management Optimism for African Americans Living with Glaucoma" (GOAL).

AbstractPurpose/Aims: To examine the feasibility, patient acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a culturally informed, health promotion program designed to improve glaucoma medication adherence among African American’s (AA’s) with glaucoma.Materials/Methods: A sample of 11 AA glaucoma patients (mean age 61 years; 73% women and 27% men) completed a culturally informed and individually tailored, health promotion program developed for AAs titled, “Glaucoma Management Optimism for African Americans Living with Glaucoma” (GOAL)©. The aim of the brief 4-week program is to enhance glaucoma medication adherence through a combination of education, motivational interviewing (MI), and problem-solving training (PST). Feasibility was assessed on the basis of patient satisfaction with the program, number of sessions completed, and length of sessions. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated using a pre-post design to determine whether the program improved objective glaucoma medication adherence via an electronic Tr...
Loss of Ammonia Monooxygenase Activity in Nitrosomonas europaea upon Exposure to Nitrite

Nitrosomonas europaea, an obligate ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, lost an increasing amount of ammonia oxidation activity upon exposure to increasing concentrations of nitrite, the primary product of ammonia-oxidizing metabolism. The loss of activity was specific to the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) enzyme, as confirmed by a decreased rate of NH4+-dependent O2 consumption, some loss of active AMO molecules observed by polypeptide labeling with 14C2H2, the protection of activity by substrates of AMO, and the requirement for copper. The loss of AMO activity via nitrite occurred under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and more activity was lost under alkaline than under acidic conditions except in the presence of large concentrations (20 mM) of nitrite. These results indicate that nitrite toxicity in N. europaea is mediated by a unique mechanism that is specific for AMO.
A distributed computing environment for interdisciplinary applications

Practical applications are generally interdisciplinary in nature. Current technology is well matured for addressing individual disciplines but not for interdisciplinary applications. Hence, there is a need to couple the capabilities of several different computational disciplines to address these interdisciplinary applications. One approach is to use coupled or multi-physics software, which typically involves developing and validating the entire software spectrum for a specific application. This will be extremely time consuming thus delaying the delivery of crucial capability to the end-user. The other approach is to integrate individual well-matured computational technology discipline's software thus taking advantage of the existing scalable software, validation investments, and tremendous developments in computational science. This integrated approach requires a consistent data model, data format, data management, seamless data movement, and robust, modular, scalable coupling algorithms. To address these requirements, we have developed a new flexible data exchange mechanism for high-performance computing (HPC) codes and tools, known as the eXtensibleData Model and Format (XDMF). XDMF is part of a larger effort known as the ‘Interdisciplinary Computing Environment’ (ICE). ICE provides computational engines with the data management, visualizations, and user interface tools necessary to exist in a modern computing environment. Instead of imposing a new programming paradigm on HPC codes, XDMF uses the existing concept of file I/O for distributed coordination. XDMF incorporates Network Distributed Global Memory (NDGM), Hierarchical Data Format version 5 (HDF5), and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) to provide a flexible yet efficient data exchange mechanism. This paper discusses the development and implementation of a distributed computing environment for interdisciplinary applications utilizing the concept of a common data hub. Also, the implementation of XDMF is demonstrated for a typical blast–structure interaction interdisciplinary application. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time receiver operating characteristic (tROC) curves: A new tool for evaluating the performance of diagnostic systems

Rapid and reliable fault detection is critical for the safe and economic operation of complex industrial systems like aircraft and locomotives. A metric for quantifying the performance of fault detection systems is important for selecting and optimizing such systems. Traditional two-class classifier metrics such as accuracy or ROC curves are inappropriate for time series data. This paper introduces the tROC, a method of quantifying performance of fault detection systems that has many of the desirable properties of traditional ROC curves, while accounting for the time series nature of the data.
Improving the effectiveness of the distorted Born iterative method with a parallel, multi-frequency approach

A parallel formulation of the distorted Born iterative method has been presented. Such a formulation is vital to the application of multi-frequency imaging to realistic problems, since it reduces the computation time to a reasonable wait for moderately-sized problems. Numerical experiments have been presented which highlight the need for multi-frequency imaging and the benefits of parallel implementation.
Interaction of Endothelin-1 and Nitric Oxide in Endothelial Barrier Failure in the Cat Hindlimb

Objective:To determine the interactions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of endothelial barrier function in skeletal muscle. Methods:The protein sieving coefficient (1 − σf) was measured as an index of microvascular permeability in the isolated, perfused cat hindlimb preparation. The measurement was made to determine 1) the effects of ET-1 and NO on basal permeability by blocking the ETAreceptor with BQ123 and NO production with the NO-synthase inhibitors L-NAME or L-NMMA; 2) if elevated NO (SNAP) affects permeability; and 3) the interaction of ET-1 and NO by ascertaining if NO-synthase inhibition or elevated NO can block the ET-1-induced permeability increases. Additionally, vascular resistance was determined under these conditions to see if increased microvascular pressures or increased shear stress might play a role in the permeability changes. Results:Blocking either the ETAreceptor or basal NO production did not affect basal permeability. Likewise, raising NO levels did ...
Lattice Parameter Variation in ScGaN Alloy Thin Films on MgO(001) Grown by RF Plasma Molecular Beam Epitaxy

We present the structural and surface characterization of the alloy formation of scandium gallium nitride ScxGa1-xN(001)/MgO(001) grown by radio-frequency molecular beam epitaxy over the Sc range of x = 0-100%. In-plane diffraction measurements show a clear face-centered cubic surface structure with single-crystalline epitaxial type of growth mode for all x; a diffuse/distinct transition in the surface structure occurs at near x = 0.5. This is consistent with out-of-plane diffraction measurements which show a linear variation of perpendicular lattice constant a⊥ for x = 0 to 0.5, after which a⊥ becomes approximately constant. The x = 0.5 transition is interpreted as being related to the cross-over from zinc-blende to rock-salt structure.
Walter Bradford Cannon: Physiologist and Citizen of the World

Forty years after his death, Walter Bradford Cannon (Fig. 1), an internationally renowned physiologist, organizer of the 1929 International Physiological Congress in Boston and a longtime officer of the American Physiological Society, is still making headlines. The lead article on the front page of the Bozeman Montana Daily Chronicle of September 9, 1985 heralded the discovery by two mountaineers of a note apparently left on the top of Mount Cannon by Walter and his bride, Cornelia (Fig. 2), 85 years ago. The story of the discovery of the note was originally greeted with some skepticism, but Dr. James McMillan, a physiologist in the Department of Biology at Montana State University in Bozeman, suggested that a facsimile of the note be sent to me for verification of the handwriting. There is little doubt concerning the authorship of the note — it is Cannon’s.
miR-181 suppresses metastasis via MMP-14

Metastasis accounts for 90% of all cancer-related deaths. Much effort has been made to identify key molecules controlling metastasis. However, due to the complicated wiring of the cancer signaling networks, key players initiating cancer metastasis have not been defined. This situation has thwarted target-based drug discovery aimed at preventing cancer metastasis. Regardless of which molecules initiate tumor, cancer cells must be equipped with proteases for invasive behavior [1]. A key cell surface-anchored protease, membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-14), plays a critical role in digesting basement membrane and extracellular matrices (ECMs) and in inducing cancer cell migration, thereby promoting cancer invasion and metastasis [2]. MMP-14 is highly expressed in most human cancers and correlates with breast cancer mortality [3]. However, the regulatory mechanism of upregulated MMP-14 expression in cancer is poorly understood. We, for the first time, demonstrated that MMP-14 is directly inhibited by miR-181a-5p through targeting the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) resulting in decreased cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis [4]. This relation introduces the possibility of miR-181a-5p as a biomarker for prognosis, or as a target to prevent cancer metastasis.
Grain Boundary Deformation Processes

The grain boundaries of a polycrystal play an important role in deformation processes, particularly under conditions of high-temperature creep. Firstly, the boundaries act as sources and sinks for vacancies, so that diffusional creep may occur by vacancy flow. Secondly, grain boundary sliding may occur under conditions where diffusional creep is relatively unimportant.
Lymphoid tissue inducer cells in intestinal immunity.

During fetal development, lymphoid tissue inducer cells (LTis) seed the de- veloping lymph node and Peyer's patch anlagen and initiate the formation of both types of lymphoid organs. In the adult, a similar population of cells, termed lym- phoid tissue inducer-like cells (LTi-like cells), supports the formation of organized gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the intestine, including both isolated lym- phoid follicles (ILFs) and cryptopatches (CPs). Both LTi and LTi-like cells require expression of the transcription factor RORγt for their differentiation and function, and mice lacking RORγt lack lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, and other organized GALT. In ILFs and cryptopatches, LTi-like cells are in close contact with different populations of intestinal dendritic cells (DCs), including a subpopulation recently shown to extend dendrites and sample luminal microflora. This interaction may allow for communica- tion between the intestinal lumen and the immune cells in the lamina propria, which is necessary for maintaining homeostasis between the commensal microflora and the intestinal immune system. The potential functional implications of the organization of LTi-like cells, DCs, and lymphocytes in the lamina propria are discussed in the context of maintenance of homeostasis and of infectious diseases, particularly HIV infection.
First steps of bipedality in hominids: Evidence from the atelid and proconsulid pelvis

Upright walking absent a bent-hip-bent-knee gait requires lumbar lordosis, a ubiquitous feature in all hominids for which it can be observed. Its first appearance is therefore a central problem in human evolution. Atelids, which use the tail during suspension, exhibit demonstrable lordosis and can achieve full extension of their hind limbs during terrestrial upright stance. Although obviously homoplastic with hominids, the pelvic mechanisms facilitating lordosis appear largely similar in both taxa with respect to abbreviation of upper iliac height coupled with broad sacral alae. Both provide spatial separation of the most caudal lumbar(s) from the iliac blades. A broad sacrum is therefore a likely facet of earliest hominid bipedality. All tailed monkeys have broad alae. By contrast all extant apes have very narrow sacra, which promote "trapping" of their most caudal lumbars to achieve lower trunk rigidity during suspension. The alae in the tailless proconsul Ekembo nyanzae appear to have been quite broad, a character state that may have been primitive in Miocene hominoids not yet adapted to suspension and, by extension, exaptive for earliest bipedality in the hominid/panid last common ancestor. This hypothesis receives strong support from other anatomical systems preserved in Ardipithecus ramidus.
Structure and Catalytic Mechanism of β-Carbonic Anhydrases

The β-carbonic anhydrases (β-CAs) are a structurally distinct family of carbonic anhydrase that is widely distributed in microorganisms, algae, plants, and invertebrates. Like all carbonic anhydrases, β-CAs catalyze the reaction CO2 + H2O ⇆ HCO3 − + H+, and is typically associated with other enzymes that produce or utilize CO2 or HCO3 −. β-CA is required for normal growth for many organisms. Unique among the five different families of carbonic anhydrases, β-CA is the only family of carbonic anhydrase to exhibit allostery. This chapter summarizes the structure, catalytic mechanism, and allosteric regulation of β-CA.
Seasonal Occurrence of the Herbivore Trirhabda geminata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Encelia farinosa in Southern California

The seasonal distribution of Trirhabda geminata Horn, the dominant herbivore of brittle brush, Encelia farinosa Gray, was monitored in California coastal sage scrub. Larval emergence coincided with the 1st precipitation of the growing season and the development of young host-plant foliage. Larvae were present from December through April; 3 instars were detected. Pupation occurs in the upper 5 cm of the soil immediately underneath host plants. Adults were present from early March through mid-June. The number of adults exhibiting mating behaviors (mate selection, copulation, mate guarding) was at a maximum in April. Larval T. geminata are parasitized by the tachinid fly Chaetonodexodes vanderwulpi (Town-send) with parasitism rates ranging from 3.4 to 34.9% for the 2 yr of study. The presence of a summer quiescence period and the apparent lack of a diapause period is discussed for this species.
Mentoring as an Induction Tool in Special Education Administration.

Mentoring is a widely used method of induction into a variety of professional roles, including educational leadership. However, little scholarly literature has focused on the role of mentoring in the career development of special education administrators. In this examination of 14 such mentoring relationships, the existence of career and psychosocial functions as theorized by Kram is explored and the perceived value of the functions to mentors and proteges in the career development of beginning special education administrators is identified. Evidence of coaching, a career function, and counseling, a psychosocial function, was found in all relationships studied and these two functions were ranked as most important to the career development of beginning special education administrators by both mentors and proteges. Recommendations include incorporating mentoring functions into mentor and protege training to increase the positive effect of mentoring on the career development of beginning special education ad...
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION PATTERNS IN THE PAPIONINS.

Comparative studies of intraspecific variation patterns are important in attempts to reconstruct the differential selection pressures experienced by related species and in assessing the resultant observed interspecific variation. Reconstruction of past selection depends on an assumption of relatively stable patterns of genetic variance and covariance through time and across related species. Models by Lande (1979) and Turelli (1988a, 1988b) lead to contrasting expectations of stability versus lability of variation patterns, respectively, at least for closely related species. I report on a comparative study of phenotypic variance and correlation patterns in seven species of papionins, including macaques, baboons, and mangabeys, in order to determine the stability of variation patterns in this group. The three-dimensional coordinates of 12 bony landmarks on the face were used in a finite-element scaling analysis in order to measure local size variation at each landmark. Variances and correlations for these local size metrics were calculated using pooled sex-specific values. Variation patterns were compared across species using vector and matrix correlations in combination with various randomization-based significance tests. Patterns of variation and correlation were generally quite similar across the seven species, although some differences were also apparent. The overall magnitude of correlation is also similar among species, as only a few interspecific comparisons showed significant differences. Thus, it is concluded that patterns of variation and correlation in facial morphology have tended to remain stable in this group of primates. This result should allow for reconstruction of past differential selection pressures in the clade. The pattern of similarity among correlation structures for these species showed no association with their phylogenetic relationships.