cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Antihypertensives on Glucose Metabolism

Treatment with different antihypertensive drug classes has varied effects on glucose metabolism. Thiazide diuretic use in hypertensives has been associated with the development of glucose intolerance and diabetes. Some findings suggest that the probability of worsening glucose metabolism and the development of new diabetes after thiazide initiation is associated with increasing body mass index. Nonselective or β1 selective β-blockers may also lead to decreased insulin sensitivity in hypertensive patients. Newer β-blockers that cause vasodilatation and β-blockers that have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity may not have these deleterious effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may exert beneficial effects on glycemic control through a variety of mechanisms related to the inhibition of angiotensin II. These agents may be particularly useful in patients with microalbuminuria to slow the progression of renal diseas...
Movement disorders of aged rats: reversal by dopamine receptor stimulation

When placed in a tank of water, aged rats (24 to 27 months old) showed marked impairments in swimming. Compared with young adult rats (3 to 4 months old), the older animals moved their limbs less vigorously and were less successful in keeping their heads above water. The young, but not old, rats maintained a position nearly horizontal to the water surface and planed across it. These movement dysfunctions of aged rats resemble those seen in young adult animals that have sustained injury to brain dopamine-containing neurons. The swimming impairments of the aged rats were reversed by the dopamine receptor stimulant apomorphine and by the biosynthetic precursor of dopamine, L-dopa. Thus, age-related alterations in brain dopaminergic systems may be responsible for some of the movement disturbances associated with senescence.
Carbon Nanoparticle-Filled Polymer Flow in the Fabrication of Novel Fiber Composites

Abstract During the fabrication process of advanced composites using nanoparticle-filled matrices, many problems potentially could arise. One such problem is the clogging of the channels of the microfiber matrix used due to strong interactions between the nanoparticle additives and the matrix walls. In the present paper, a two-dimensional simulation model based on an Eulerian multiphase flow approach is introduced to investigate and predict the flow characteristics of carbon nanoparticle-filled fluid around carbon microfiber matrix. The interactions between the microfiber matrix walls and the nanoparticle additives have been studied, and an energy “imbalance” technique has been applied between the fluid and the microfiber walls to prevent any potential sticking of the nanoparticle additives on the microfiber matrix walls during the flow process. The concept of phasic volume fractions is utilized, and the effects of external body forces, lift forces, and virtual mass forces are introduced into the momentum equations. The phase coupled SIMPLE algorithm is employed to solve the model.
Circulation in the Coastal Ocean, Part 2

Some flow phenomena observed in the coastal ocean are clearly unrelated to the wind. One of the most spectacular is the apparently spontaneous reversal of a well-established coastal current set up previously by wind. Such reversals have been documented in detail in Lake Ontario, but they have also been noted in other locations. Current reversals, and other less drastic changes in the flow, are often found to propagate alongshore in one specific direction only, leaving the coast to the right. Thus in the Great Lakes, such ‘signals’ propagate cyclonically, or counterclockwise, around a basin, along the east coast of North America south westward, along the west coast northward. For brevity, this direction will be called ‘cyclonic’ in all applications.
Group Analysis and Religion: Is there a Common Ground? Ideas Arising from Paper by Gregory van der Kleij

Psychoanalysis, group analysis and religion are paradoxical processes involving people and change. Itzig's principle of asking the horse not the rider is a good starting point in searching for connections between group analysis and religion, for this captures in metaphor some of the purposes of religious practices and the group analyst's work of assisting members of groups to be carried on their journeys by the transcendent or within the psychic envelope of the group matrix (Foulkes, 1973). The horse is symbolic of the life force, of the total Other (Buber, 1933), of the mass of humanness within which we are born, shaped and die, of the whole universe which carries us into the future together. It reminds me of the parabolic story of the Sower, which throws the listener into life and the fear of it, and of Balaam's Ass, who knows what lies ahead, while the man astride, unaware of his ignorance, slowly realizes this and is afraid. We do not know what the next paragraph will be or what will occur tomorrow. A...
Remotely-doped graded potential well structures

Abstract We present a new method to obtain high-mobility three-dimensional electron gas systems. We have achieved control of carrier density and of carrier profile by growth of the first remotely-doped parabolic potential well structures. Computer-controlled molecular beam epitaxy is used to grow a layer of ultra-fine superlattices with a programmable composition gradient. This produces conduction-band potentials which, in the absence of doping, are equivalent to the potential profiles of fixed charge distributions. When conduction electrons are introduced into these graded wells through remote doping of the barrier regions, they distribute themselves in such a way as to produce a uniform chemical potential at thermal equilibrium. We illustrate through computer simulations employing Fermi statistics that electrons introduced into a wide parabolic potential well distribute themselves uniformly. More significantly, the carrier distribution in the well is remarkably insensitive to the dopant sheet charge in the barrier, the more so at lower temperatures. We have fabricated remotely-doped graded potential well structures of the proposed type by molecular beam epitaxy. These structures exhibit the above effects. Measured mobilities of such three-dimensional electron gases grown using the GaAs/Al x Ga 1−x As system are higher than those of bulk-doped GaAs doped to give the same uniform electron concentration.
Increasing Yield of Spring Oilseed Rape Hybrids through Introgression of Winter Germplasm

Yields of spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) hybrids are generally higher if derived from crosses of more distantly related spring cultivars. Winter cultivars are genetically very distinct from spring cultivars; however, it is not practical to use them directly as parents with spring cultivars for F 1 hybrids because of their noncoincident flowering times, and the excessively delayed maturity of the F 1 . Thus, we tested whether the introgression of winter germplasm into spring-type oilseed rape could further increase the yields of spring hybrids. Nineteen doubled-haploid lines, derived from a cross between a spring canola ('Stellar') and a winter rapeseed ('Major') cultivar, were selected based on early-flowering phenology and having a range of germplasm from Major estimated to be 21 to 74% by screening with 480 molecular marker loci. These lines were test-crossed to two spring cultivars and evaluated for yield in 1994, 1995, and 1996 in Madison or Arlington, WI. The mean yield of the experimental hybrids was higher than the yields of cultivars, inbreds, and spring by spring hybrids in every year. The oil content was similar in all categories of germplasm. A slight delay in maturity may have contributed to the yield advantage of the experimental hybrids; however, there was no significant correlation between flowering time and yield among these hybrids. This study indicates that winter rapeseed may be a valuable source of germplasm for spring hybrid breeding.
Microstructural instabilities during superplastic forging of a nickel-base superalloy compact

The high temperature flow behavior of a nickel-base superalloy powder compact, prepared by hot isostatic pressing has been examined by means of uniaxial compression testing in terms of the microstructures developed during plastic flow. The tests were done isothermally at 1050 and 1100 °C and at constant true strain rates between 10-5 s-1 and 1 s-1. The fine grained compact exhibits some degree of superplasticity which always increases with compressive flow as the grain structure is refined. The faster the rate of deformation, the finer is the grain size produced at high strains, when steady state conditions of flow appear to develop. By deforming to different strains at a given strain rate or into the steady state regimes at various strain rates, grain sizes in the range 1 to 5 pun were produced. By unloading and restraining the test pieces in situ, the effect of grain size on the onset of plastic flow has been examined and the yield stress observed to increase with grain size. It is shown that, in this material, hardening or softening occurs during flow depending on the size of the initial grains. The changes in microstructure and flow stress observed during deformation are analyzed and the potential offered for control of the microstructure during isothermal forging is discussed.
Observations of gain and pressure tuning in a gas-loaded FEL

Abstract The addition of gas to a free electron laser allows oscillation at shorter wavelengths with a given accelerator and wiggler. Stanford's Mark III near-infrared (vacuum) FEL has been modified to permit operation as a gas-loaded FEL (GFEL). By adding up to 100 Torr of H2, the emission wavelength was tuned over a range of 0.4 μm, in agreement with the GFEL synchronism condition incorporating the index of refraction of the gas. The variation of gain with pressure was consistent with calculations including multiple small-angle scattering of the electron beam by the gas. Extension to higher pressures and shorter wavelengths is discussed.
Systematic performance improvement – refining the space between learning and results

Planned learning can be applied to a range of education and training interventions and events in an organization. Its value can be directly measured through observable performance improvement of trainees in job contexts following the planned learning highlighting transfer of learning. More specific and directly connected organizational metrics need to be identified. The connections should be both to the trainee performance and learning and to the broader organizational performance. Reports a redefinition of training evaluation resulting from the authors work with members of a global manufacturing training department. The effort was undertaken to create a process for the department to demonstrate the impact of planned learning on key organizational performance measures. The value‐added from training was established when the direct relationships between training (planned learning) and systematic job performance improvements were observed that were drawn from and directly linked to broader organizational productivity and performance metrics. From those successful field experiences and the training evaluation literature, proposes a refinement within the traditional four‐level evaluation process akin to a new level 3.5 – performance impact, to fit between Kirkpatrick’s model of level 3 (behavior) and level 4 (results).
Organizational Consequences, Marketing Ethics, and Salesforce Supervision:

Using an experimental design, the authors explore organizational consequences and ethical issues in salesforce supervision. The findings suggest that managers’ decisions to either discipline or rew...
An efficient and stereospecific synthesis of novel pyrazine cnucleosides

Abstract A novel 2′deoxyβDribofuranosyl pyrazine Cnucleoside ( 6 ) was synthesized via a Stereospecific palladium(0)mediated crosscoupling reaction. The βconfiguration of this nucleoside was established by NOE analysis and the formation of a 5,5′anhydro nucleoside 5 . The compound 4a , obtained via the crosscoupling reaction and selective deprotection, is a versatile intermediate for the preparation of other pyrazine Cnucleoside analogues
Skeletal indicators of ecological specialization in pika (Mammalia, Ochotonidae)

Pika species generally fall into two ecotypes, meadow-dwelling (burrowing) or talus-dwelling, a classification that distinguishes a suite of different ecological, behavioral, and life history traits. Despite these differences, little morphological variation has previously been documented to distinguish among ecotypes. The aim of this study was to test whether postcranial features related to burrowing are present in meadow-dwelling species and whether talus-dwelling species exhibit postcranial modifications related to frequent leaping between rocks. To test this, the scapula, humerus, ulna, radius, innominate, femur, tibia, and calcaneus of 15 species were studied and measured. Twenty-three measurements were taken on 199 skeletons, and 19 indices were constructed from these measurements. Indices were compared between the two ecotypes using Student's t-test. Comparisons among ecotypes, species, and subgenera were made using one-way ANOVA with the Tukey honest significant difference post hoc test. Multivariate results were generated using principal components analyses. Thirteen forelimb and hind limb indices proved significant in distinguishing the meadow-dwelling, talus-dwelling, and intermediate forms. A number of these indices are associated with burrowing or leaping in other mammals, providing some support for the hypothesis that postcranial modifications in pika are related to locomotor differences. This evidence of morphological responses to ecological specialization will be useful for reconstructing the paleobiology of extinct taxa, assessing the behavioral variability of extant species, and improving our understanding of the evolutionary history of pikas.
Estimating number of trees, tree height and crown width using Lidar data

Estimating tree characteristics with field plots located in remote and inaccessible areas can be a costly and timely endeavor. Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) remote sensing allowing for the estimation of the 3-dimensional structure of forest vegetation offers an alternative to traditional ground based forest measurements. This project assessed the utility of using Lidar data to estimate number of trees, tree height and crown width within Barksdale Air Force Base forest management area, Bossier City, Louisiana. Two programs, Lidar Data Filtering and Forest Studies (Tiffs) and Lidar Analyst were used to derive forest measurements, which were compared to field measurements. Based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Lidar Analyst (3.81 trees) performed better than Tiffs (5.71 trees) at estimating average tree count per plot. Tiffs was better at deriving average tree height than Lidar Analyst with an RMSE of 19.08 feet to Lidar Analyst’s RMSE of 21.20 feet. Lidar Analyst, with a RMSE of 25.41 feet, was bett...
Core value statements: The corporate compass

Getting fundamental values on paper can help steer a company in the direction of higher profitability. I n the privately held company, the organizational culture is determined largely by the owner 's attitudes. Yet in our work with dozens of ownermanaged businesses, we have observed that the entrepreneur's values are sometimes vaguely articulated, seldom published, and often ambiguously communicated. The result is that employees are left to an intuitive reading of organizational values. The pattern is different in publicly held companies. In recent years, many such public companies have created statements of their core values to regulate and drive their businesses. These core value statements are displayed in annual reports, communications to suppliers and customers, and, of course, internal policy manuals. In some instances these statements are inspired by the wellpublicized consequences of corporate and employee misconduct. More frequently, companies form core values as a mechanism to create a foundation of attitudes and practices that will lead to the enhanced long-term success of the firm. The process of developing and implementing core value statements can also increase performance levels of employees in the privately held company, including the entrepreneur 's own capacity to lead. A core value statement functions like a corporate compass, providing reference points for shaping and building the owner-managed business. We contend that privately held firms should go public with their beliefs, standards of practice, and values. Contacts with 100 privately held companies, however, found only two that had articulated and communicated statements of their core values. To assist firms in developing and promulgating core value statements, we describe the ways in which some companies have benefited from such statements and suggest some factors for success.
An Influence Function Approach to Describing the Skewness of a Distribution

Abstract Skewness, like kurtosis, is a qualitative property of a distribution. A comparison of several measures of skewness of univariate distributions is carried out. Hampel's influence function is used to clarify the differences and similarities among these measures. A general concept of skewness as a location- and scale-free deformation of the probability mass of a symmetric distribution emerges. Positive skewness can be thought of as resulting from movement of mass at the right of the median from the center to the right tail of the distribution together with movement of mass at the left of the median from the left tail to the center of the distribution.
Evaluating open development: a cross-national study

In this paper, we propose an empirical study assessing how a country's openness affects its contribution to the global network of open sharing. It focuses on four dimensions of openness: openness to content, openness to people, openness to process, and the publicness of the openness [7, 11, 14]. This study will contribute to the evaluation of the open development model by illustrating under what conditions, openness can lead to better development outcomes.
Chance and order in determining fish-species composition on small coral patches

Abstract On four occasions at 3-month intervals, all fishes were collected from seven patches (0.6–1.6 m long) of the branching coral Acropora prolifera (Lamarck). The combined collection consisted of 868 individuals from 62 species in 27 families. There were small seasonal fluctuations in numbers of species and individuals, but the abundant species were present at all sampling times. Larger patches were more complex and harbored more species than smaller patches; this greater diversity of large patches was more closely related to patch size than to the greater numbers of fishes living on larger patches. Seven of the 10 most abundant species significantly discriminated between large and small patches. Of the two congeneric pairs of abundant species, Acanthurus showed temporal segregation and Labrisomus showed spatial segregation. Similarity indices comparing species compositions of different patches were lower than expected by chance as determined by Monte Carlo-sampling simulations. These results indicate that the fishes were responding to subtle differences in patches and inhabiting them selectively. While chance events play a role in structuring these assemblages, ordered factors, such as habitat selection and species interactions, are also important.
Cell migration during gastrulation

As the gateway to shaping the body plan, gastrulation is an important problem in developmental biology, and recent advances in cell biology have overcome some of the limitations of past approaches to learning how genes control reshaping of embryonic tissues. The use of fluorescent tracer dyes and live cell imaging methods to evaluate at the cellular level the results of genetic and molecular manipulations has advanced our understanding of the cell motility and contact behavior underlying tissue remodeling during gastrulation.
SIMULATION METAMODELS OF SYSTEM AVAILABILITY AND OPTIMUM SPARE AND REPAIR UNITS

This paper presents a new approach to maximize the steady-state availability of a closed queuing multiechelon repairable system with cold standbys. The new method is based on the use of the Taguchi inner array design in simulation modeling of this problem. Regression models are developed based on the results generated from the balanced simulation design. Two special cases of the exponential and Erlang-2 service distributions are presented. These models were validated and shown to provide good approximations to simulation results. Within the specified domain of the problem's parameters, the total operating cost of this system is minimized to determine the optimum spare and repair units.
A PHOTOELECTRIC DENSITOMETER FOR USE WITH SUSPENSIONS

A device for quickly and accurately measuring the population density of a suspension of microorganisms, permitting the preparation of yeast suspensions of known density to within 1 per cent error, was constructed with two Visitron photoelectric cells, a single light of high intensity and a good Wheatstone bridge for balancing the currents from the two photoelectric cells. A large Pyrex milk culture tube holding the suspension is placed in the path of one beam of light coming through a small longitudinal slit and thence to one photocell; a second similar slit directs another beam of light upon the second photocell, thus causing dissimilar currents to flow, the ratio of whose magnitudes may be measured by the bridge resistances. A relation between these currents and the relative light intensities is shown, and the one significant unmeasurable variable (the characteristic constant of a photocell) is practically eliminated by the use of a method of ratios. After careful standardization of technique the apparatus proved more accurate than other methods available for the purpose indicated. In rapid use its accuracy may be put safely at 1 per cent for measuring the densities of cultures of approximately the same age and composed of cells having comparable optical characteristics.
Measures of Association for Cross Classifications III: Approximate Sampling Theory

Abstract The population measures of association for cross classifications, discussed in the authors' prior publications, have sample analogues that are approximately normally distributed for large samples. (Some qualifications and restrictions are necessary.) These large sample normal distributions with their associated standard errors, are derived for various measures of association and various methods of sampling. It is explained how the large sample normality may be used to test hypotheses about the measures and about differences between them, and to construct corresponding confidence intervals. Numerical results are given about the adequacy of the large sample normal approximations. In order to facilitate extension of the large sample results to other measures of association, and to other modes of sampling, than those treated here, the basic manipulative tools of large sample theory are explained and illustrated.
Phenotypic flexibility of body composition associated with seasonal acclimatization in passerine birds

Abstract Improved winter cold tolerance is widespread among small birds overwintering in cold climates and is associated with improved shivering endurance and elevated summit metabolic rate ( M sum ). Phenotypic flexibility resulting in elevated M sum could result from either increased skeletal muscle mass (perhaps with support from similar adjustments in “nutritional organs”) and/or cellular metabolic intensity. We investigated seasonal changes in body composition of three species of passerine birds resident in cold winter climates, all of which show large seasonal variations in M sum (>25%); white-breasted nuthatch ( Sitta carolinensis ), black-capped chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus ), and house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ). All three species displayed significant winter increases in pectoralis and heart masses, and supracoracoideus mass also increased in winter chickadees. Gizzard mass increased in winter for all three species, but masses of other nutritional organs did not vary consistently with season. These data suggest that winter increases in pectoralis and heart masses are important contributors to elevated thermogenic capacity and cold tolerance, but seasonal variation in nutritional organ masses, other than gizzard, which is likely associated with dietary changes, are not universally associated with seasonal phenotypes. The winter increases in pectoralis and heart masses are consistent with data from other small passerines showing marked seasonal changes in cold tolerance and support the Variable Maximum Model of seasonal phenotypic flexibility, where physiological adjustments that promote improved cold tolerance, also result in elevated M sum .
“Centrencephalic” electroencephalographic patterns in precocious puberty

Abstract Four cases of precocious puberty with EEG patterns of a “centrencephalic” type have been dascribed, together with three similar cases reported in the literature. It would appear that the association of these characteristic EEG patterns with precocious puberty, either with or without clinical seizures or neurologic signs, is suggestive of the cerebral etiology of true precocious puberty. Since the lesions linked with precocious puberty are located in proximity to the 3rd ventricle and hypothalamus, their association with such EEG patterns lends further clinical-pathological support to the role of these midline subcortical structures in the genesis of these patterns.
Spectral characterization of a novel near-infrared cyanine dye: a study of its complexation with metal ions

Abstract The spectral features of the near-infrared (NIR) dye TG-170 in different solutions and its complexation with several metal ions were investigated. The absorbance maxima of the dye are at λ=819, 805, and 791 nm in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methanol, and a buffer of pH 5.9, respectively. These values match the output of a commercially available laser diode (780 nm), thus making use of such a source practical for excitation. The emission wavelengths of the dye are at λem =822, 812, and 803 nm in DMSO, methanol, and the buffer, respectively. The molar absorptivity and fluorescence quantum yield increase accordingly. The addition of either an Al(III) ion or Be(II) ion resulted in fluorescence quenching of the dye. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant, KSV, was calculated from the Stern–Volmer plot to be KSV=3.11×105 M−1 for the Al(III) ion and KSV=1.17×106 M−1 for the Be(II) ion. The molar ratio of the metal to the dye was established to be 1:1 for both metal ions. The stability constant, KS, of the metal–dye complex was calculated to be 4.37×104 M−1 for the Al–dye complex and 1.94×106 M−1 for the Be–dye complex.
The alpha beta epimerization of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance spectra of the dihydronicotinamide ring of αNADH 3 and the nicotinamide ring of αNAD+ are reported and the proton absorptions assigned. The absolute assignment of the C4 methylene protons of αNADH is based on the generation of specifically deuterium-labeled (pro-S) B-deuterio-αNADH from enzymatically prepared B-deuterio-βNADH. The C4 proton absorption of αNAD+ is assigned by oxidation of B-deuterio-αNADH by the A specific, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase to yield 4-deuterio-αNAD+. The epimerization of either αNADH or βNADH yields an equilibrium ratio of approximately 9:1 βNADH to αNADH. The rate of epimerization of αNADH to βNADH at 38 °C in 0.05, pH 7.5, phosphate buffer is 3.1 × 10−3 min−1, corresponding to a half-life of 4 hr. Four related dehydrogenases, yeast and horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase and chicken M4 and H4 lactate dehydrogenase, are shown to oxidize αNADH to αNAD+ at rates three to four orders of magnitude slower than for βNADH. By using specifically labeled B-deuterio-αNADH the enzymatic oxidation by yeast alcohol dehydrogenase has been shown to occur with the identical stereospecificity as the oxidation of βNADH. The nonenzymatic epimerization of αNADH to βNADH and the enzymatic oxidation αNADH are discussed as a possible source of αNAD+in vivo.
Protein Quality of Stored Dry Skim Milk With Standard and Lysine-Limiting Diets

Abstract Changes in protein quality of dry skim milk stored under conditions where moisture uptake was not a factor were monitored by feeding trials with rats. After 1 yr of storage at 25 or 37C, no effects on nitrogen digestibility, protein efficiency ratio, or net protein ratio measured by standard procedures were attributable to storage time or temperature. However, when the skim milk samples were incorporated into diets limiting in lysine to study the effect of storage conditions on lysine bioavailability, relative nutritive value decreased by 8% in the sample stored 12 mo at 25C and by 8, 9, and 8% in samples stored for 3, 6, and 12 mo at 37C. Chemically available lysine determined by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid reagent showed similar small decreases in samples stored at 37C.
Retention as an active process

The main purpose was to determine why it is relatively more difficult to remember a long list than a short one. In Experiment I, Ss recalled lists of unrelated words, reproducing late items before early ones or vice versa. In Experiment II, they were to retain either an entire list or its latter half. Experiment III was similar to Experiment II, except that words presented early in a list were sometimes repeated later. Retention was measured by free recall in all cases. The results suggest that novel information must be re-rehearsed from time to time so as to remain accessible in memory. Since any given item's chances of being selected for review must decline as more items are placed in storage, so must its chances of remaining recallable. Long lists are for that reason and in that sense more difficult to retain than are short ones, even though they are evidently no more difficult to store, or to reproduce if they have been retained.
Discovering frequent topological structures from graph datasets

The problem of finding frequent patterns from graph-based datasets is an important one that finds applications in drug discovery, protein structure analysis, XML querying, and social network analysis among others. In this paper we propose a framework to mine frequent large-scale structures, formally defined as frequent topological structures, from graph datasets. Key elements of our framework include, fast algorithms for discovering frequent topological patterns based on the well known notion of a topological minor, algorithms for specifying and pushing constraints deep into the mining process for discovering constrained topological patterns, and mechanisms for specifying approximate matches when discovering frequent topological patterns in noisy datasets. We demonstrate the viability and scalability of the proposed algorithms on real and synthetic datasets and also discuss the use of the framework to discover meaningful topological structures from protein structure data.
Far-field emission of a semiconductor nanowire laser

The polarization properties and angular distribution of intensity of the far fields from a nanowire laser are investigated. The far-field emission depends strongly on the mode type (HE11, TE01, TM01) and the radius of the nanowire. The emission is weakly directional, and a large part of it can be emitted in the backward direction. Our results can be applied for experimental determination of a lasing mode by its far fields as well as for optimization of laser emission.
Real-time image and video processing in portable and mobile devices

Mobile handheld and battery-operated consumer electronic devices such as digital still cameras, personal media players, digital camcorders, camera phones, mobile video telephones, etc. have become very popular and their annual shipments are already in hunderds of millions of units. The ability to carry out image and video processing in real-time has been one of the major reasons for the widespread success of these devices. In this article, the typical components present in such devices and the image and video processing that are carried out are described first. Some of the emerging trends relevant to image and video processing algorithms used on these devices are highlighted next. A brief overview of system requirements and challenges for image and video processing on these devices is then provided. These requirements are driving image and video processing research in new directions.
A proposal of moist turbulence closure scheme, and the rationalization of Arakawa-Schubert cumulus parameterization

Subgrid-scale parameterization related to moist process are discussed. In the first half of the paper, a turbulence closure scheme, including the effect of condensation, is proposed. In this parameterization, the subgrid-scale transfer is limited within a single vertical layer of a model per each time step, and the specification of condensation is of yes-or-no type. Therefore, the scheme is suited for a mesoscale circulation model. In the second half of this paper, the bounded derivative method of Kreiss (1980) is applied to the formulation of parameterizations. One example is the derivation of various hierarchial versions in turbulence closure schemes, such as Mellor and Yamada (1974). Another example is an interpretation of the key assumption in Arakawa-Schubert (1974) theory of cumulus convection, i.e., the equilibrium of “cloud-work function”.
Abstract 1048: Dichotomy effects of Akt signaling in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: The oncogenic roles contributed by the Akt/PKB kinase family remain controversial and presumably depend on cell context, but are perceived to be modulated by an interplay and net balance between various isoforms. This study is intended to decipher whether distinct Akt kinase isoforms exert either redundant or unique functions in regulating neoplastic features of breast cancer cells, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell motility, and stem/progenitor cell expansion. Results: We demonstrate that overactivation of Akt signaling in nonmalignant MCF10A cells and in primary cultures of normal human mammary epithelial tissue results in previously unreported inhibitory effects on EMT, cell motility and stem/progenitor cell expansion. Importantly, this effect is largely redundant and independent of Akt isoform types. However, using a series of isogenic cell lines derived from MCF-10A cells but exhibiting varying stages of progressive tumorigenesis, we observe that this inhibition of neoplastic behavior can be reversed in epithelial cells that have advanced to a highly malignant state. In contrast to the tumor suppressive properties of Akt, activated Akt signaling in MCF10A cells can rescue cell viability upon treatment with cytotoxic agents. This feature is regarded as tumor-promoting. Conclusion: We demonstrate that Akt signaling conveys novel dichotomy effects in which its oncogenic properties contributes mainly to sustaining cell viability, as opposed to the its tumor suppressing effects, which are mediated by repressing EMT, cell motility, and stem/progenitor cell expansion. While the former exerts a tumor-enhancing effect, the latter merely acts as a safeguard by restraining epithelial cells at the primary sites until metastatic spread can be moved forward, a process that is presumably dictated by the permissive tumor microenvironment or additional oncogenic insults. Citation Format: Huey-Jen L. Lin, Zhengang Peng. Dichotomy effects of Akt signaling in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1048. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1048
Perspective and the Rotating Trapezoid

Judgments of direction of motion were obtained for computer-generated motion-picture sequences of rectangles, trapezoids, circles, and ellipses rotating about a vertical axis and displayed at five perspectives, simulating viewing distances from infinity to close proximity to the figure. Accuracy ranged from 25% or less at the farthest perspective to close to 100% at the nearest perspective for rectangles and trapezoids. The Ames effect (perceived rotation of the rectangle and oscillation of the trapezoid) was found at intermediate perspectives. Rectangles and trapezoids were also generated with perspective variations in the horizontal or vertical dimensions only. Results for the vertical-perspective sequences were similar, but less accuracy was found for the other displays. With sufficiently close viewing distances, vertical-perspective changes resulting from rotary motion give rise to correct direction judgments but subjects resort to secondary information sources, such as relative sizes of vertical sides, when greater viewing distances render information from motion perspective ambiguous.
Metodologías de investigación en ecología aplicada y básica: ¿cuál estoy siguiendo, y por qué?

Los ecologos y otros investigadores de campo suelen plantear estudios segun una u otra variante del metodo cientifico hipotetico deductivo. Muchos procuran seguir la metodologia propuesta en parte por Karl Popper y promocionada por ecologos experimentales entre otros, lo que puede designarse el Metodo Hipotetico Deductivo riguroso (MHD). Sin embargo, pocos estudios de campo logran cumplir con los criterios estrictos del MHD. A menudo el investigador basico o aplicado termina recurriendo consciente o inconscientemente en un "metodo hipotetico deductivo fantasma" en lugar del MHD. El unico punto llamativo en comun entre el MHD y sus variantes fantasmas es el uso de las palabras "hipotesis" y "prediccion". Fuera del esquema estricto del MHD estos terminos carecen de definiciones claras, consistentes, rigurosas o utiles al diseno, realizacion e interpretacion del estudio en si. La falta de una metodologia de investigacion integrada y coherente asociada con los "metodos hipotetico deductivos fantasmas" aumenta el riesgo de que el investigador caiga en trampas metodologicas, analiticas y logicas durante el estudio y su interpretacion. Metodologias alternativas incluyen el Ciclo de Indagacion y, para estudios de manejo, el Ciclo de Indagacion Aplicada. El Ciclo de Indagacion evita deliberadamente el uso de las palabras "hipotesis" y "prediccion". En su lugar destaca una secuencia rigurosa de pasos teoricos y practicos. Una comparacion de las tres metodologias (el MHD, una variante "benefica" de las metodologias fantasmas y el Ciclo de Indagacion) paso por paso sugiere que el Ciclo de Indagacion puede proveerle al investigador de un esquema que es a la vez mas riguroso y completo que las metodologias fantasmas y mas realista que el MHD para estudios de campo.
Living With Diabetes Normalizing the Process of Managing Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions of people with diabetes about their experience of living with and managing their diabetes.Methods This study was part of a larger study of patients with diabetes who used a novel computer portal system for access to information about diabetes and to their health care providers for enhanced communication. The research method used for this portion of the study was grounded theory methodology, a particular kind of qualitative research method.Results A central theme generated from the data was “normalizing an identity as a person with diabetes.” The participants described themselves as diabetic; they took on an identity in which having diabetes was central. They struggled with how to become “a person with diabetes” rather than a “diabetic person.”Conclusions For people who are diagnosed with diabetes, there is a struggle to become a person with diabetes rather than a diabetic person and to manage the lifestyle changes that are mandated b...
The Supplementary Effect of Cystine and Methionine Upon the Protein of Raw and Cooked Soybeans as Determined with Chicks and Rats

Abstract THE exact nature of the change that occurs in the protein of the soybean as a result of cooking has been a subject of study for many years. Osborne and Mendel (1917) described experiments with rats which showed that the protein of raw soybeans would not support appreciable growth. Cooking ground raw soybeans was effective in converting the protein into a form that stimulated normal gains. In 1932, Vestal and Shrewsbury, using both rats and pigs as experimental animals, confirmed the findings of Osborne and Mendel. They attributed the improved growth to an increased food consumption and slight increase (4 percent) in digestibility of the cooked soybeans. Earlier (1930) Robison reported the results of pig feeding trials and presented evidence to show that cooking the soybean increased its value as a feed. Hayward, Steenbock, and Bohstedt (1936) determined with rats the nutritive value of raw soybeans and several experimentally produced . . .
How Do the Schools View Substance Education and Prevention

The use of substance (drug and alcohol) abuse prevention and education is commonly found in the school. In the Western Michigan area, few assessments have been conducted on the schools to determine the actual role of substance abuse prevention and education. In order to determine what substance services are currently being provided, and to see what services appear desirable for implementation in the schools, this assessment was conducted on schools in a two county, metropolitan area. The results of this needs assessment indicate that substance programs have a definite role in the school system, and that the expansion of quality programs in conjunction with local substance agencies is desirable.
Anterior glenohumeral instability: a pathology-based surgical treatment strategy.

The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint, and most cases involve an anterior dislocation. Young male athletes competing in contact sports are at especially high risk of recurrent instability. Surgical timing and selection of surgical technique continue to be debated. Full
Relaxation enhancing interlayers (REIs) in threading dislocation reduction

An approach is proposed to understand the role of relaxation enhancing interlayers in the evolution of threading and misfit dislocations in growing lattice mismatched films. The approach based on the ability of misfit dislocations to reduce their local stresses due to the influence of relaxation enhancing interlayers. The diminishing of these local stresses eliminates blocking effect of misfit dislocations and allows efficient motion of threading dislocations with consequent overall strain relaxation in the heteroepitaxial film. An analytical model is developed which quantitatively describes the dislocation density changes during growth with relaxation enhancing interlayers. The applications of the approach to lattice engineered substrates (exploring the techniques of internal oxidation) and weakly bonded compliant layers are discussed.
The Molecular Chaperonin cpn60 Displays Local Flexibility That Is Reduced after Binding with an Unfolded Protein

Steady-state fluorescence polarization was used to examine the chaperonin cpn60 that was covalently labeled with pyrene. Two compounds, 1-pyrenesulfonyl chloride or N-(1-pyrene)maleimide, were used to incorporate up to 8 mol of pyrene per mol of cpn60 14-mer. The fluorescence lifetime of the cpn60-pyrenesulfonyl chloride conjugate exhibited a double exponential decay: 5.36 ns, with a fractional contribution to the intensity of 7%, and 48.77 ns, with a fractional contribution to the intensity of 93%. These yield a second-order average lifetime of 45.58 ns at 20°C. Analysis of the fluorescence polarization data for the pyrene probe by the Perrin-Weber treatment revealed the existence of two components that account for the depolarization. The fast component accounted for 24% of the depolarization at 20°C. The rotational relaxation time for the cpn60 14-mer derived from the low viscosity part of the Perrin-Weber plot which accentuates the slow motion gave ρh= 1113 ± 55 ns. When this value of ρh is compared with the ρh calculated based on the Stokes radius of cpn60 from ultracentrifugation, ρStokes, it leads to ρh /ρStokes = 0.4 which is considerably smaller than the value expected (ρh /ρStokes = 1) or actually found in the cpn60-rhodanese complex (ρh /ρStokes = 0.93). These considerations and the observed presence of the fast motion suggest that cpn60 is not a rigid protein. Analysis of the polarization data as a function of temperature, which is weighted more toward the fast motion, showed that the rotational relaxation time assessed by temperature variation is greatly increased (from 552.5 to 2591 ns) for the complex of cpn60 with partially folded rhodanese (34-kDa monomeric protein). No change in ρh was observed upon formation of the cpn60·ATP complex (ρh= 556.9 ns). These data indicate that there is local motion in the cpn60 14-mer molecule that can be frozen by formation of a binary complex with partially folded proteins. This conclusion is in keeping with results showing that the structure of cpn60 is generally stabilized when it forms complexes with passenger proteins (Mendoza, J. A., and Horowitz, P. M.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 25963-25965).
Medical Contraindications Are Not a Major Factor in the Underutilization of Breast Conserving Therapy

Abstract Background: Multiple randomized trials have demonstrated that survival after breast conserving therapy (BCT) is equal to survival after mastectomy, but large population-based studies indicate that > 50% of patients with early stage breast cancer continue to undergo mastectomy. This study was undertaken to determine whether medical contraindications to BCT or patient choice are responsible for high mastectomy rates. Study Design: Four hundred thirty-two patients with stage 0, I, or II breast carcinoma were prospectively evaluated by a multidisciplinary team for eligibility for BCT. Standard criteria developed by a joint committee of the American College of Surgeons, American College of Radiologists, College of American Pathologists, and Society of Surgical Oncology were used. Eligible patients were offered a choice among BCT, mastectomy, or mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Results: Only 97 of the 432 patients had contraindications to BCT. The incidence of contraindications varied by stage: 10% for stage I, 28% for stage II, and 33% for stage 0 (p Conclusions: Medical contraindications to BCT are not major factors resulting in high mastectomy rates. Strategies like neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which addresses medical contraindications, are unlikely to have a major impact on national rates of BCT.
FGS-MR: MPEG4 fine grained scalable multi-resolution layered video encoding

The MPEG-4 Fine Grained Scalability (FGS) profile aims at scalable video encoding, in order to ensure efficient video streaming in networks with fluctuating bandwidth. In order to allow very low bit rate streaming, the Base Layer of an FGS video is encoded at a very low bit rate, resulting in very low video quality. In this paper, we propose FGS-MR, which uses content aware multi-resolution video frames to obtain better video quality for a target bit rate, compared to existing MPEG-4 FGS Base Layer video encoding schemes. FGS-MR is an integrated approach that requires only encoder side modification, and is transparent to the decoder. In addition, FGS-MR can be used with any existing MPEG-4 codec which supports FGS, since it entails "smart" video preprocessing and does not involve any components from the MPEG-4 compression pipeline. FGS-MR is a mask based technique. We have demonstrated an unsupervised algorithm to automatically create the mask from a given video sequence.