cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seeing the Elephant

As our field evolves, the tools available to us seem to change at a rate faster than the environmental problems we are trying to understand. One of these exciting new tools is a modeling approach based on fuzzy logic: artificial neural networks. Originally devised in the 1970s, programs spawned from this research area have crept into our daily lives and are operating around us continuously. Every time your video camera removes the vibration from a home movie or when you scan text into a word processing program on your computer, a pattern recognition tool based on fuzzy logic is working for you. Yet, the application of these tools to problems we face as environmental engineers seems to be lagging. I often speak to colleagues and students who do not understand what an artificial neural network is or how they could apply this method in their work. I offer the following analogy for those unfamiliar with these modeling tools. Consider the old Indian story of the four blind men describing an elephant. Each man describes what he can touch directly in front of him; a rope tail, a tree-trunk leg, a slab side, or a snake-like trunk. Each man is correct in his view of the elephant, but each assessment is incomplete. The picture of the elephant is only complete after blending all of the perceptions. If you think of each man as a separate model and the elephant as the environment, then you have a sense of how limited conventional models can be in their description. The models often accurately produce results in a limited manner but do not address the larger picture. Artificial neural networks create a matrix of equations that illustrate the whole picture, in essence, blending the multiple perceptions of the blind men into a whole. One of the problems that I sense limiting the quick adoption of fuzzy logic tools into the field with which I am most familiar, public health microbiology and surface water quality control, is our reliance upon strict numbers for action. For example, if water quality in Michigan exceeds 300 E. coli cfu/100 mL on a single day, beaches will be closed. Yet, anyone who has measured bacteria in surface water knows that the numbers produced by the current analytical techniques are not consistent and have great inherent variability. As noted by the American Public Health Association in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, microbial counts are not absolute numbers. So why do engineers continue to treat them as such and apply models that require these counts to have precision that they do not have?
Using Virtual Reality to Explore Self-Regulation in High-Risk Settings

Virtual reality (VR) models allow investigators to explore high-risk situations carefully in the laboratory using physiological assessment strategies and controlled conditions not available in fiel...
Desorption electrospray ionization with a portable mass spectrometer: in situ analysis of ambient surfaces

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is implemented on a portable mass spectrometer and used to demonstrate in situ detection of active ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations, alkaloids in plant tissues, explosives, chemical warfare agent simulants and agricultural chemicals from a variety of surfaces; air monitoring applications using DESI are also introduced.
Joint channel estimation and data recovery for high-rate underwater acoustic communications with multi-carrier modulation

Multi-carrier modulation (MCM) has a significant potential for achieving high bit rates over multipath-distorted (frequency selective) channels and provides both power and processing efficiency. Each frequency channel has relatively low delay spread when measured in symbol units and can be equalized with low-complexity algorithms and simplified array processing. The reduction of the ISI span in each sub-channel allows for the application of sophisticated soft decision decoders optimal for joint channel estimation and data recovery such as maximum-likelihood sequence detectors (MLSD) and adaptive BCJR MAP algorithm. The combination of pre-processing channel response-shortening equalization and joint channel and data recovery were tested in shallow water acoustic communications experiments and showed very good performance.
System-theoretic properties of large communication networks with markovian multiaccess control disciplines

The notions of large communication networks and Markovian access control disciplines are introduced. An asymptotic approach is employed to reduce the stochastic description of the network to a deterministic finite-difference equation. On the basis of this equation the following systemtheoretic properties of large communication networks are introduced and analysed: steady slates; final behavior patterns: structural instability: and functional instability. The developed method could be useful for qualitative analysis of large communication networks with any Markovian multiaccess control discipline.
High-Re solutions for incompressible flow using the Navier-Stokes equations and a multigrid method

The vorticity-stream function formulation of the two-dimensional incompressible NavierStokes equations is used to study the effectiveness of the coupled strongly implicit multigrid (CSI-MG) method in the determination of high-Re fine-mesh flow solutions. The driven flow in a square cavity is used as the model problem. Solutions are obtained for configurations with Reynolds number as high as 10.000 and meshes consisting of as many as 257 x 257 points. For Re = 1000, the (129 x 129) grid solution required 1.5 minutes of CPU time on the AMDAHL 470 V/6 computer. Because of the appearance of one or more secondary vortices in the flow field, uniform mesh refinement was preferred to the use of one-dimensional gridclustering coordinate transformations. The past decade has witnessed a great deal of progress in the area of computational fluid dynamics. Developments in computer technology hardware as well as in advanced numerical algorithms have enabled attempts to be made towards analysis and numerical solution of highly complex flow problems. For some of these applications, the use of simple iterative techniques to solve the Navier-Stokes equations leads to a rather slow convergence rate for the solutions. The solution convergence rate can be seriously affected if the coupling among the various governing differential equations is not properly honored either in the interior of the solution domain or at its boundaries. The rate of convergence is also generally strongly dependent on such problem parameters as the Reynolds number, the mesh size, and the total number of computational points. This has led several researchers to examine carefully the recently emerging multigrid (MG) technique as a useful means for enhancing the convergence rate of iterative numerical methods for solving discretized equations at a number of computational grid points so large as to be considered impractical previously.
The Making of an Activist Governing Board

Although numerous theories have been proffered, to date activist boards are an empirically unexamined force in public higher education governance. Using the concept of institutional entrepreneurship, this case study examines the reciprocal role that board members and staff played in the organizational development of board activism. In the case of Massachusetts, policy makers were able to successfully negotiate the higher education institutions that mediate policy through the use of political skills, leadership, and political power. The implications for our understanding of board activism and radical change in public higher education governance are discussed.
Synaptogenesis and dendritic growth in the cortex opposite unilateral sensorimotor cortex damage in adult rats: a quantitative electron microscopic examination

Unilateral lesions of the forelimb area of the sensorimotor cortex in adult rats resulted in time-dependent increases in the number of synapses per neuron and the volume and membrane surface area of dendritic processes per neuron within layer V of the contralateral motor cortex in comparison to sham-operated rats. Based on previous findings of a behavioral relationship with increased dendritic arborization, these changes may be related to lesion-induced compensatory changes in the use of the non-impaired (ipsilateral to the lesion) forelimb.
Investigation of radiative interactions in chemically reacting supersonic internal flows

Analyses and numerical procedures are presented to investigate the radiative interactions of absorbing-emitting species in chemically reacting supersonic flow in various ducts. Specific attention is directed in investigating the radiative contributions of H2O, OH, and NO under realistic physical and flow conditions. The radiative interactions in reacting flows are investigated by considering the supersonic flow of premixed hydrogen and air in a channel with a compression corner at the lower boundary. The results indicate that radiation can have significant influence on the flowfield and species production depending on the chemistry model employed.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Through Rectangular Helical Ducts

Optimization of heat transfer and flow in a helical duct of rectangular cross-section used to cool the stators of electric machines is studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. Realizable turbulent model is used with water and oil as working fluids for two different designs (Spiral (S) and Reverse Annulus (RA) designs) and total of five configurations of the helical duct at small pitch size of 0.00254 m. The Reverse Annulus (RA) is a new design proposed by the author. Due to the curvature of the ducts, as fluid flows through curved tubes, a centrifugal force is generated. A secondary flow induced by the centrifugal force has significant ability to enhance the heat transfer rate. Results showed that the spiral design provides better heat transfer in terms of lower surface temperatures at the expense of higher pressure drop for the same flow rate of fluid.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Pharmacology and signaling of prostaglandin receptors: Multiple roles in inflammation and immune modulation

Prostaglandins are lipid-derived autacoids that modulate many physiological systems including the CNS, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, respiratory, and immune systems. In addition, prostaglandins have been implicated in a broad array of diseases including cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Prostaglandins exert their effects by activating rhodopsin-like seven transmembrane spanning G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The prostanoid receptor subfamily is comprised of eight members (DP, EP1-4, FP, IP, and TP), and recently, a ninth prostaglandin receptor was identified-the chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). The precise roles prostaglandin receptors play in physiologic and pathologic settings are determined by multiple factors including cellular context, receptor expression profile, ligand affinity, and differential coupling to signal transduction pathways. This complexity is highlighted by the diverse and often opposing effects of prostaglandins within the immune system. In certain settings, prostaglandins function as pro-inflammatory mediators, but in others, they appear to have anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we will discuss the pharmacology and signaling of the nine known prostaglandin GPCRs and highlight the specific roles that these receptors play in inflammation and immune modulation.
Cerebellar connections of the trigeminal system in the pigeon (Columba livia).

Wheat germ-agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was used to delineate trigeminocerebellar connections in the pigeon. Subnucleus oralis of the nucleus of the descending trigeminal tract (nTTD) is the exclusive origin of trigeminal mossy fibers, which terminate in lobules VIII and IXa. The trigemino-olivary projection originates from subnucleus interpolaris of nTTD, but the existence of an additional pathway relaying in the adjacent lateral reticular formation (i.e. the plexus of Horsley) cannot be excluded. Structures linking the trigeminal cerebellar projections to jaw motoneurons were identified within the cerebellar cortex, the deep cerebellar nuclei and the lateral medullary reticular formation, completing a trigeminocerebellar sensorimotor circuit for the jaw.
Identification and synthesis of an oxidation product of tilmicosin

During formulation development of the veterinary macrolide antibiotic tilmicosin, an oxidation product of the parent molecule was identified. Use of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy characterized the structure as 12,13-epoxytilmicosin, resulting from the oxidation of the double bond at the 12,13-position of the macrolide dienone. The synthesis of this oxidation product for confirmation of structural identity is described. The synthetic compound was identical to the isolated oxidation product, 12,13-epoxytilmicosin.
The Music Industry

Wikstrom, P. (2008). The music industry, 2nd edition. Digital Media and Society Series. Malden, MA: Polity Press. 203 pages. ISBN: 978-0-7456-6417Patrik Wikstrom's detailed examination of the curre...
Poststaining Sections for Electron Microscopy

“Dirt” on electron microscopic sections can generally be avoided by the simple strategem of preventing dry sections from coming in contract with any solution with a dirty surface layer. Wet sections can be pushed through the surface layer of such solutions without ill effect. The first and last solutions to touch a section must be dean, preferably distilled water from a plastic wash bottle.Mention of a trademark name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA, nor does it imply its approval to the exclurion of other products that may also be suitable.
Craniofacial reconstruction as a treatment for elevated intracranial pressure

Craniofacial procedures may be needed to address symptomatic intracranial hypertension. The authors review their institutional experience in the treatment of children with symptomatic increased intracranial pressure (ICP) utilizing craniofacial reconstructive procedures. The senior authors’ (HSM, SRC) craniofacial experience of 222 patients over a 7-year period from 2000 to 2007 at a single institution (Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego) is reviewed. Seventeen patients were identified who were felt to be candidates for craniofacial surgery with symptomatic increased ICP. Patient diagnoses included single-suture craniosynostosis, craniofacial dysostoses, shunt-induced craniostenosis, and shunt-associated intracranial hypertension (slit-ventricle syndrome). Seventeen patients underwent 21 craniofacial procedures. Age at surgery ranged from 3 months to 13 years with a mean of 5 years. Preoperative symptoms and signs included headaches, unexplained irritability, seizures, papilledema, and visual loss. All patients had diagnostic neuroimaging. Seven patients had preoperative invasive ICP measurements. Surgery was deferred on three of these patients based on these measurements. The mean total operative (including anesthetic preparation) and surgical times were 3 h 12 min and 2 h 20 min, respectively. Percentage operative blood loss averaged 11.3%. In six procedures, no transfusions were required. Average hospital stay was 4 days. There was no perioperative mortality or significant surgery associated morbidity. All patients have had postoperative clinical improvement in signs and symptoms of increased ICP. Using modern diagnostic and surgical techniques, including invasive ICP monitoring, increased intracranial pressure can be successfully managed by an experienced, multidisciplinary, craniofacial team. Our treatment paradigm and operative management scheme is discussed.
The consensus land plant chloroplast gene order is present, with two alterations, in the moss Physcomitrella patens

A restriction endonuclease cleavage site map for the enzymes ClaI and BglII, and a partial map for SacI, has been constructed for the chloroplast genome of the moss Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) BSG. The plastid chromosome contains approximately 122 kb organized into small (21 kb) and large (82 kb) single-copy regions separated by two copies of a repeat sequence (9.4 kb) oriented in an inverted arrangement. Genes for 17 proteins and 2 ribosomal RNAs have been mapped using heterologous probes from corn, spinach, pea, and petunia. The general order and arrangement of the moss chloroplast genes are similar to the consensus land plant genome typified by that of spinach, with two major exceptions. First, there is an inversion of approximately 20 kb, bordered internally by psbA and atpH, and also containing the genes atpF and atpA. Second, rpl2 and rps19 have been relocated to a different position within the large single-copy region, adjacent to the 20 kb inversion.
A Scalable Image Processing Framework for gigapixel Mars and other celestial body images

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera takes the largest images of the Martian surface. The image size is typically around 2.52 gigapixels. There is only a handful of software capable of doing a task as simple as reducing the size of the image by half and saving the result as a new image. The Scalable Image Processing Framework (SIPF) overcomes these issues by creating a generalized tile-based processing pipeline that loads only a small portion of the image into memory. This allows for the data in memory at any given time to become manageable. Image tiles are an intrinsic property that provides scalability and efficiency while processing images. Distributed computing technologies such as cloud computing can be applied naturally. A mathematical framework for scalable image operations is defined that provides insight into the scalable considerations needed with each class of operations. We also formalize the deferred execution design pattern and show how it is used as a basis for our implementation. The SIPF has the ability to perform a variety of Scalable Image Operations such as Cropping, Rotation, Scaling (Bilinear and Nearest Neighbor Interpolation), Edge Detection, Sharpening, Convolution (Filters), Brightness, Contrast, and Gaussian Blurring. The Scalable Image Processing Framework will be used to process incoming images from the Mars Exploration Rovers and eventually the Mars Science Laboratory. It will be integrated with the Maestro software (science visualization and planning tool). Maestro is used for the Mars Exploration Rover Mission and other celestial body exploratory missions. 1 2
Plasma-Enhanced Surface Modification of Biopolymers

Recent advances in polymer surface science have been largely due to the well-recognized need to control the surface properties of polymer materials and the development of sophisticated surface-specific characterization techniques. While the majority of the research and development efforts have been mostly focused on bulk properties, demands for low surface energy polymers exhibiting low adhesion (friction) and good biocompatibility have generated significant interest on physical and chemical properties of polymer surfaces. For instance, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are the principal materials used to replace damaged cartilage in total joint arthroplasty and to fabricate catheters for balloon angioplasty, respectively. Therefore, surface treatments to improve adhesion and biocompatibility of these polymer surfaces are of paramount importance in the medical field. Radio frequency (rf) plasma-enhanced surface modification (PESM) provides an effective means for altering the biochemical properties of polymer surfaces without affecting the bulk behavior. The main process steps of PESM are discussed here and its effectiveness is demonstrated by representative friction coefficient, contact angle, and biocompatibility results for LDPE and UHMWPE surfaces treated with various plasma chemistries.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Optimal periodic control of activated sludge processes—I. Results for the base case with monod/decay kinetics

Abstract Regular diurnal patterns of large magnitude fluctuations in wastewater treatment plant loadings suggest that the system should be designed as a periodic rather than as a steady state process. Substantial reductions in the daily amount of effluent substrate and in effluent variability of an activated sludge process can be achieved by intentional periodic control of sludge recycle flow and waste feed distribution.
Treatment of out-of-hospital status epilepticus with diazepam rectal gel

Intravenous access cannot always be promptly obtained when treating status epilepticus outside the hospital. We compared the efficacy and safety of diazepam rectal gel to IV lorazepam in our long-term care facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Diazepam rectal gel was given more quickly and reliably, reducing total seizure time, potential neuronal injury and other complications. A treatment protocol for treating status epilepticus with diazepam rectal gel is given.
Use of biomarkers in an indoor air study: lack of correlation between aromatic VOCs with respective urinary biomarkers

The benzene and toluene levels inside of eight homes with attached garages were measured during July 1998 in Fairbanks, Alaska. A thermal desorption tube method and charcoal tube method were used to collect and analyze samples (thermal desorption tube method %RDS = 1.9 for n = 6; charcoal tube method %RDS = 6.5 for n = 4). Results for both methods were compared and showed indoor benzene levels ranging between 1.2 and 72 ppbv. The charcoal tube method usually gave lower results than the thermal desorption method. Nevertheless, the difference observed in benzene levels from each method was not significant as determined by application of the Wilcoxon t-test to these data. Using the thermal desorption method, the range of toluene found in homes was 0.1-111 ppbv. A correlation between toluene and benzene levels suggested the same point source. The benzene and toluene content of the indoor air and the number of small engines stored in the attached garage was also correlated. There was no correlation found between the urinary biomarker concentrations and the level of benzene or toluene measured inside the homes in the summer.
Heterotopic gestation: another possibility for the emergency bedside ultrasonographer to consider

Emergency bedside ultrasonography has become an important tool in differentiating an intrauterine from an ectopic pregnancy. As the odds of a heterotopic pregnancy were thought to be minute, some ultrasonographers and Emergency Physicians certified in bedside ultrasonography have taught that an intrauterine gestation with fetal heart tones clinches the diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy. However, with the current rise in heterotopic gestations, this standard of care should be re-evaluated. If emergency bedside ultrasonography reveals an intrauterine gestation in the presence of either a moderate amount of free fluid in the pelvis or a co-existent ovarian cyst, one must consider and search for a heterotopic pregnancy.
A new approach for nonlinear process identification using orthonormal bases and ordinal splines

Abstract A new gray-box method for nonlinear process identification is presented. Industrial deployment for model predictive control (MPC) is the primary focus of this development. For flexibility, the identification accommodates Hammerstein, Wiener and the more general N – L – N block-oriented structures. Instruments comprised of linear and nonlinear combinations of inputs and outputs are also accommodated. Unique to this approach is the utilization of two sets of bases. One is constructed using an estimate of the process poles and the other is constructed using a predefined set of special cubic splines. An intriguing aspect of this formulation is that nonlinear dynamics are implicitly accommodated. In addition, problems associated with identifying the linear portion of the model in conventional block oriented formulations are removed. Because of the bases formulation, it is possible to solve the identification problem for many supported structures by convex optimization and hence avoid the inherent problems of iterative solutions. To insure open-loop unbiased estimates, any structures using output nonlinearities do require an iterative solution. Two test cases from the open literature are presented as are results from plant step-test data on a problematic air separation unit.
The sensitivity and specificity of clinicopathologic features in distinguishing Barrett’s esophagus (BE) from gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM)

The sensitivity and specificity of clinicopathologic features in distinguishing Barrett's esophagus (BE) from gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM)
The efficacy of rational-emotive therapy: A quantitative review of the outcome research

Abstract The results from a meta-analysis of 70 Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET) outcome studies are reported. A total of 236 comparisons of RET to baseline, control groups, Cognitive Behavior Modification, Behavior Therapy, or other psychotherapies are examined. The results indicate that subjects receiving RET demonstrated significant improvement over baseline measures and control groups. Effect-size was significantly related to therapist experience and to duration of the therapy, but there were no significant differences in effect-size between those studies that used psychotherapy clients compared to those using students as subjects. Those comparisons that were rated high in internal validity (random assignment, low attrition, and outcome measures low in reactivity), had significantly higher effect-sizes than medium validity studies. Outcome measures rated as low in reactivity (i.e., those measures which did not have an immediately discernable relationship with the treatments being assessed) had significantly higher effect-sizes than more reactive measures. Contrary to other reviews using the narrative review method, RET was found to be an effective form of therapy. This conclusion, however, was tempered by methodological flaws in the studies reviewed, such as lack of follow-up data and information regarding attrition rates.
Multiple quasars for multiple images

Consideration is given to the possibility that the two quasar images of 1146 + 111, 1635 + 267, and 2345 + 007 respectively are pairs of physically distinct quasars in galaxy associations. It is shown that, at the same redshifts as the quasars, only galaxy associations of exceptional richness would be identifiable in the existing data. Calculations are performed to assess the probability of pairs of quasars appearing in galaxy associations and it is found that physical pairs could appear with the observed frequency provided that quasars are more common relative to galaxy associations at earlier epochs.
Predictive values of self-reported periodontal need: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III.

Background: This study assessed predictive values of self-reported periodontal need to identify periodontal conditions using clinical examinations as the gold standard.Methods: We identified 12,370 adults ≥18 years of age in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported periodontal need was based on participants responding that gum treatment and/or cleaning was needed when asked: “What type of dental care do you need now?” Two periodontal conditions were at least two sites with pockets (pockets ≥3 mm or pockets ≥4 mm) and at least two sites with calculus. Main outcomes were: 1) positive predictive value (PPVClean): proportion of those who self-reported the need for cleaning who had calculus; and PPVGum: proportion who self-reported the need for gum treatment who had pockets; 2) negative predictive value (NPVClean): proportion of those who self-reported no need for cleaning who did not have calculus; and NPVGum: proportion who self-reported no need for gum treatment who did not ...
Return Rates in Two Temperate Breeding Orioles (Icterus)

Abstract We monitored two migratory oriole species, Baltimore (Icterus galbula) and Orchard (I. spurius) orioles, for information on return rate and pair fate over 4 years. The return rate after migration for Baltimore and Orchard orioles was low (38 and 35%, respectively). Pairs were more likely to dissolve due to non-return of one or both members than they were to reunite or change mates. Pair members infrequently returned to the study site and previous pairs had little opportunity to reunite in the next year. Birds with non-returning mates appeared to take advantage of the first available mating opportunity instead of waiting for the return of their previous partners.
Islam in Soviet central Asia, 1917–1930: Soviet policy and the struggle for control

(1992). Islam in Soviet central Asia, 1917–1930: Soviet policy and the struggle for control. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 25-50.
Social Class Differences in Self, Attribution, and Attention: Socially Expansive Individualism of Middle-Class Americans

Although U.S. culture strongly sanctions the ideal of independence, the specific ways in which independence is realized may be variable depending, among other factors, on social class. Characterized by relative scarcity of social and material resources, working-class (WC) Americans were expected to strongly value self-reliance. In contrast, with choices among abundant resources, middle-class (MC) Americans were expected to value personal control and social expansiveness. In support of this analysis, relative to their WC counterparts, MC Americans reported more support from friends and greater likelihood of giving and receiving advice but less self-reliance (Study 1). Furthermore, we found evidence that this social difference has cognitive consequences: College students with MC backgrounds were more likely than their WC counterparts were to endorse situational attributions for others' behavior (Studies 2a and 2b) as well as to show holistic visual attention (Study 3).
Institutionalizing Inequalities: Black Children and Child Welfare in Cleveland, 1859-1998

Public and private child welfare institutions in Cleveland have provided for black children often separately, always unequally, and sometimes punitively. Created and sustained by the community, these institutions have reflected its racial mores. Private orphanages that initially accepted small numbers of black children barred them during the 1910s, and dependent black children consequently became the responsibility of public agencies, especially after the Great Depression. Orphanages remained racially segregated until the 1960s when political and financial imperatives compelled their integration. Racial inequalities remained, however, illustrated by the disproportionate number of black children in an overcrowded, dangerous public detention facility that became a public scandal and a symbol of a child welfare system that institutionalizes and sustains the city's racial inequities.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation of a three spin asymmetric molecule in a liquid

The semiclassical density-matrix theory of relaxation is employed to calculate the relaxation of the $z$ component of nuclear magnetization of molecules in a liquid for the case in which three identical nuclei of spin \textonehalf{} are arranged at the vertices of an isosceles triangle whose angles are 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 120\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. It is found that, if the initial state of the spin systems is characterized by a spin temperature, the relaxation consists of the sum of seven terms which decay exponentially with different time constants. It is also found that even though the $z$ component of the magnetization is a function of seven distinct time constants, a plot of $\mathrm{ln}({M}_{z}\ensuremath{-}{M}_{\mathrm{eq}})$ can be approximated by a single straight line for regions of experimental interest. The time constant for this straight line differs less than 1% from the average relaxation time calculated from the formulas of Gutowsky and Woessner.
Treating posttraumatic stress disorder in first responders: A systematic review

Abstract First responders are generally considered to be at greater risk for full or partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than most other occupations because their duties routinely entail confrontation with traumatic stressors. These critical incidents typically involve exposure to life threat, either directly or as a witness. There is a substantial literature that has examined the risk factors, symptom presentation, course, and comorbidities of PTSD in this population. However, to our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews of treatment studies for first responders. We conducted a systematic review of the PTSD treatment literature (English and non-English) in order to evaluate such treatment proposals based on what is known about treating PTSD in first responders. We especially sought to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) whose primary outcome was PTSD. Our search identified 845 peer-reviewed articles of which 0.002% (n = 2) were bona fide RCTs of PTSD treatment in first responders. Both studies tested a psychosocial treatment. We did not locate a single psychopharmacologic RCT for PTSD in first responders. An additional 2 psychosocial studies and 13 case or observational studies comprised the remaining extant literature. Though both RCTs showed significant large treatment effects (d = 1.37; h = 0.92), the literature is startlingly sparse and is not sufficient for evidence-based recommendations for first responders.
Exposure dating of precariously balanced rocks

Precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) are freestanding boulders that are precarious or fragile in the sense that they could be toppled by relatively low-amplitude earthquake ground motion. They are important in paleoseismology because their continued existence limits the amplitude of ground motion experienced at their location during their lifetime. In order to make quantitative use of PBRs for seismic hazard studies, one must determine when they attained their present state of fragility, that is, the point in time when the contact between the rocks and the pedestals on which they rest was exhumed from surrounding soil and the rock became vulnerable to earthquake ground motions. Cosmogenic-nuclide exposure dating can be used for this purpose, but is complicated because nuclide production occurs throughout exhumation of the PBR, so the apparent exposure age of any part of the rock surface exceeds the time that the rock has actually been precariously balanced. Here we describe a method for determining the length of time that a PBR has been fragile by measuring cosmogenic-nuclide concentrations at several locations on the PBR surface, and linking them together with a forward model that accounts for nuclide production before, during, and after exhumation of the PBR. Fitting model to data yields the rate and timing of rock exhumation and thus the length of time the rock has been fragile. We use this method to show that an example PBR in southern California has been fragile for 18.7 ± 2.8 ka.
Eigenfunctions and the solution of sensitivity equations

An elegant expression for the evaluation of the sensitivity of response of a linear time-invariant multivariable system is obtained. It is of interest that the expression does not involve any of the sensitivity coefficients of the eigenfunctions.
Determining the extent of lateral neck dissection necessary to establish regional disease control and avoid reoperation after previous total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine for papillary thyroid cancer

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who underwent lateral neck dissection for fine-needle aspiration (FNA)-confirmed disease after total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) to determine the appropriate extent of resection necessary to avoid reoperation. Methods This study was conducted with a retrospective review of medical charts of 100 consecutive patients. Results Seventy-seven percent of initial lateral neck dissection specimens and 64% of reoperative lateral neck dissection specimens had more than 1 nodal level of involvement. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of preoperative ultrasound to determine whether a specific nodal level was involved were: level 2: 54% and 66.2%; level 3: 47% and 49.4%; level 4: 60% and 55.4%; and level 5: 42% and 88.5%, respectively. Conclusion Patients undergoing lateral neck dissection after previous total thyroidectomy and RAI tend to have multiple involved nodes within multiple neck levels. Preoperative ultrasound is not sensitive enough to account for all of these involved nodes, therefore, a compartmental lateral neck dissection is recommended to minimize the risk of persistence and reoperation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Approximating fair division with a limited number of cuts

A large class A of finite algorithms for fairly dividing a cake using k of fewer cuts is described. Assume an algorithm assigns piece Xi to player Pi using associated probability measure μi on measurable subsets of the cake X. If M(n, k) = maxA mini(μi(Xi)) and N(n, k) = maxA(number of i such that μ1(X1⩾ 1n) then for n ⩾ 2, M(n, n − 1) = 1(2n − 2), for n ⩾ 3, M(n, n) ⩾ 1(2n − 3), and for n ⩾ 4, M(n, n + 1) ⩾ 1(2n − 4). Also N(2n − 2, n − 1) = n.
Effects of temperature, concentration and carboxymethylation on interactions of calf lens crystallins.

Abstract Concentration and temperature dependent interactions of calf cortical crystallins were studied by means of gel filtration and disc gel electrophoretic analyses. Low temperature (8°C) gel filtration of either low or high levels of cortical crystallin extracts (5–59 A 280 units) yields elution profiles that are indistinguishable in the distributions of α-, β H -, β L - and γ-crystallins. Gel filtration of low levels of extracts between 22 and 44°C causes a gradual but ultimately complete temperature-dependent disappearance of the region of β H -crystallins and to a lesser degree in the γ-crystallin peak. Chromatography of high levels of extracts at 44°C results in the reappearance of a high mol. wt. β-crystallin peak with electrophoretic property and polypeptide composition different from those of β H -crystallin isolated at the low temperature of 8°C. Preincubation of high levels of extracts at 44°C causes some small but irreversible changes in the elution profile obtained at 8°C. Taken together these results suggest that the presence of high mol. wt. β-crystallin is the result of largely reversible equilibria between β-crystallins and other lenticular components. The reaction of calf cortical extracts with increasing amounts of iodoacetic acid results in a progressive loss in the β H -crystallin region of the 8°C filtration profile. Results from amino acid analyses and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) gel electrophoreses of the respective α-, β L - and γ-crystallin fractions indicate that the SH moieties of the cysteine residues are essential to the formation of high mol. wt. β-crystallins.
Variation in dental remains from Dmanisi, Georgia

Abstract Observable differences among craniomandibular specimens from Dmanisi, Republic ofGeorgia have resulted in controversy regarding the number of represented taxa. In this study, the hom-inin dental remains from Dmanisi are analyzed to help determine whether the variation present in theGeorgian assemblage likely reflects interspecific or intraspecific variation, including sexual dimor-phism. Metric variation is assessed with resampling methodology by comparing the Dmanisi teeth withreference samples of extant hominoids. Comparisons were also made between the variation observedin the Georgian sample and that of Paranthropus boisei. The results provide evidence for the taxo-nomic homogeneity of the D211/D2282 and D2735/D2700 skulls. Whether D2600 should be includedwithin this sample or considered distinct is less clear as the distal molar crown dimensions of this ro-bust specimen are notably larger than the other Georgian fossils. Nonetheless, it is argued that the met-ric size variation expressed by the Dmanisi dental sample, including D2600, is insufficient to rejectthe null hypothesis of a single species.Key words:Intraspecific variation, Early Homo, Dental metrics, Randomization
A polynomial regression approach to subpixel temperature extraction from a single-band thermal infrared image

Target temperature estimation from thermal infrared (TIR) imagery is a complex task that becomes increasingly more difficult as the target size approaches the size of a projected pixel. At that point the assumption of pixel homogeneity is invalid as the radiance value recorded at the sensor is the result of energy contributions from the target material and any other background material that falls within a pixel boundary. More often than not, thermal infrared pixels are heterogeneous and therefore subpixel temperature extraction becomes an important capability. Typical subpixel estimation approaches make use of data from multispectral or hyperspectral sensors. These technologies are expensive and data collected by a multispectral or hyperspectral thermal imagery might not be readily available for a target of interest. A methodology has been developed to retrieve the temperature of an object that is smaller than a projected pixel of a single-band TIR image using physics-based modeling. The process can be broken into two distinct pieces. In the first part, the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) tool will be used to replicate a collected TIR image based on parameter estimates from the collected image. This is done many times to build a multi-dimensional lookup table (LUT). For the second part, a regression model is built from the data in the LUT and is used to perform the temperature retrieval. The results presented are from synthetic imagery.
Mental Health Needs of Cohabiting Partners of Vietnam Veterans With Combat-Related PTSD

The objectives of this study were to perform an initial needs assessment of partners of Vietnam veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to assess the partners' current rates of treatment use. A telephone survey was conducted with 89 cohabitating female partners of male combat veterans who were receiving outpatient PTSD treatment at two Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Although large majorities of partners rated individual therapy and family therapy to help cope with PTSD in the family as highly important, only about one-quarter of the partners had received any mental health care in the previous six months. The most commonly requested service was a women-only group.
Treatment results and prognostic factors of advanced T3–4 laryngeal carcinoma: the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Stanford University Hospital (SUH) experience

Abstract Purpose: To review the UCSF-SUH experience in the treatment of advanced T3–4 laryngeal carcinoma and to evaluate the different factors affecting locoregional control and survival. Methods and Materials: We reviewed the records of 223 patients treated for T3–4 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx between October 1, 1957, and December 1, 1999. There were 187 men and 36 women, with a median age of 60 years (range, 28–85 years). The primary site was glottic in 122 and supraglottic in 101 patients. We retrospectively staged the patients according to the 1997 AJCC staging system. One hundred and twenty-seven patients had T3 lesions, and 96 had T4 lesions; 132 had N0, 29 had N1, 45 had N2, and 17 had N3 disease. The overall stage was III in 93 and IV in 130 patients. Seventy-nine patients had cartilage involvement, and 144 did not. Surgery was the primary treatment modality in 161 patients, of which 134 had postoperative radiotherapy (RT), 11 had preoperative RT, 7 had surgery followed by RT and chemotherapy (CT), and 9 had surgery alone. Forty-one patients had RT alone, and 21 had CT with RT. Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank statistics were employed to identify significant prognostic factors for OS and LRC. Results: The median follow-up was 41 months (range, 2–367 months) for all patients and 78 months (range, 6–332 months) for alive patients. The LRC rate was 69% at 5 years and 68% at 10 years. Eighty-four patients relapsed, of which 53 were locoregional failures. Significant prognostic factors for LRC on univariate analysis were primary site, N stage, overall stage, the lowest hemoglobin (Hgb) level during RT, and treatment modality. Favorable prognostic factors for LRC on multivariate analysis were lower N stage and primary surgery. The overall survival rate was 48% at 5 years and 34% at 10 years. Significant prognostic factors for OS on univariate analysis were: primary site, age, overall stage, T stage, N stage, lowest Hgb level during RT, and treatment modality. Favorable prognostic factors for OS on multivariate analysis were lower N stage and higher Hgb level during RT. Conclusion: Lower N-stage was a favorable prognostic factor for LRC and OS. Hgb levels ≥ 12.5 g/dL during RT was a favorable prognostic factor for OS. Surgery was a favorable prognostic factor for LRC but did not impact on OS. Correcting the Hbg level before and during treatment should be investigated in future clinical trials as a way of improving therapeutic outcome in patients with advanced laryngeal carcinomas.
Rhodopsin Gene Expression Determines Rod Outer Segment Size and Rod Cell Resistance to a Dominant-Negative Neurodegeneration Mutant

Two outstanding unknowns in the biology of photoreceptors are the molecular determinants of cell size, which is remarkably uniform among mammalian species, and the mechanisms of rod cell death associated with inherited neurodegenerative blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. We have addressed both questions by performing an in vivo titration with rhodopsin gene copies in genetically engineered mice that express only normal rhodopsin or an autosomal dominant allele, encoding rhodopsin with a disease-causing P23H substitution. The results reveal that the volume of the rod outer segment is proportional to rhodopsin gene expression; that P23H-rhodopsin, the most common rhodopsin gene disease allele, causes cell death via a dominant-negative mechanism; and that long term survival of rod cells carrying P23H-rhodopsin can be achieved by increasing the levels of wild type rhodopsin. These results point to promising directions in gene therapy for autosomal dominant neurodegenerative diseases caused by dominant-negative mutations.
A Prospective Study of Multivitamin Supplement Use and Risk of Breast Cancer

The authors evaluated the association between multivitamin supplement use and breast cancer risk in a completed trial. At baseline (1992-1995), 37,920 US women aged ≥45 years and free of cancer provided detailed information on multivitamin supplement use. During an average of 10 years of follow-up, 1,171 cases of invasive breast cancer were documented. Multivitamin use was not significantly associated with overall risk of breast cancer. Compared with the risk for never users, the multivariable relative risks were 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.81, 1.16) for past users and 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.82, 1.19) for current users. Current multivitamin use for ≥20 years or ≥6 times/week was also not significantly associated with risk. Multivitamin use was nonsignificantly inversely associated with risk of breast cancer among women consuming ≥10 g/day of alcohol and with risk of estrogen receptor negative−progesterone receptor negative breast cancer. Multivitamin use was nonsignificantly associated with a reduced risk of developing ≤2-cm breast tumors but an increased risk of >2-cm tumors. The authors' data indicate no overall association between multivitamin use and breast cancer risk but suggest that multivitamin use might reduce risk for women consuming alcohol or decrease risk of estrogen receptor negative−progesterone receptor negative breast cancer.