cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐GG‐I‐24: Improving IGRT Efficiency Using GPU‐Based Ultrafast Reconstruction of DTS/CBCT and DRR

Purpose: One challenge of on‐line image‐guidedradiation therapy is requirement of immediate availability of reconstructed 3D or 4D images for evaluation. This study is to develop a highly data‐parallel version and platform of accelerating reconstruction for digital tomosynthesis (DTS)/Cone‐Beam CT (CBCT) and digitally‐reconstructed radiographs(DRR) based on ray‐tracing algorithm. Method and Materials: A modified FDK algorithm of tomographic image reconstruction is being implemented on a CUDA‐based commercial graphics processing unit (GPU). This algorithm is developed to address time‐consuming process of reconstructing DTS/ CBCT, and DRR. The original projection images are first allocated to the textures on the graphic card. Based on the cone‐beam geometry, the projection matrix for each gantry rotation is generated from the ray intersection and overlaid to the GPU memory. A unique thread ID will be assigned to each voxel volume for further computation. Global computation kernel of FDK processing is called from shared memory of each block on GPU. The reconstructed 3D data is then transferred back to CPU after synchronization. Image quality of the reconstructed images with both hardware and software techniques is compared using differential contrast‐to‐singal ratio (CNR) and pixel signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) for various clinical sites including lung, pelvis and head&neck. Results: With the new algorithm, the times for reconstructing DTS and DRR are improved by a factor of 100 using Quadro FX5800 and 30 using GT9600, respectively, over the conventional software method. The DTS/CBCT for a lung patient can be reconstructed and rendered with 4 to 51 seconds dependent on the number of projections. Consistency comparison of imagesreconstructed using both hardware and software techniques shows greater than both consistancy and image resolution increasing. Conclusion: A GPU‐accelerated ultra‐fast reconstruction allows real‐time on‐board imaging process to be completed within a minute to improve the efficiency of IGRT applications.
Primary care of the perimenopausal woman

Abstract Women in the perimenopause phase face a variety of stress other than just the physiologic and endocrine changes associated with menopause. Children may be leaving home (the empty nest) or returning (the revolving door). Some may be faced with the care of the elderly (eldercare). Pressures from work and running a household are still the dual lot of a great number of women. Added to these are the endocrine and physiologic changes of decreasing ovarian function. Many women either do not attribute these symptoms to perimenopause or deny the fact that these symptoms are due to hormonal changes similar to those of a postmenopausal woman. This is partly owing to the fact that these women are still having almost regular menstrual periods. It is, therefore, the role of primary health care personnel, and especially the gynecologist, to emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen in preventing the long-term effects of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. The preventive steps taken during midlife will help build a solid foundation to ensure good health and vitality that extends well into the postmenopausal years.
A Re-Examination of Animal Tropisms

Abstract The goldfish, Carassius auratus , was subjected to direct current stimulation in a long, narrow test-tank in an attempt to define and isolate the existence of galvanotropisms in vertebrates (forced, stimulus-bound uniform movements toward the cathode) as a behaviour distinct and separate from taxic (highly variable ‘escape’ or adaptive) movements. Contrary to previous research, subjects spent significantly more time in the cathode half of the tank than in the anode half. Both the velocity and behavioural characteristics of the movements toward the cathode drastically differed from the movements away from the cathode. Stimulus onset and offset responses were noted. The tropistic behaviour patterns evidenced in this research, as distinct from taxes, do not follow traditional conceptions of S-R relationships.
Solution Properties and Electrospinning of Phosphonium Gemini Surfactants

Bis(diphenylphosphino)alkanes quantitatively react with excess 1-bromododecane to prepare novel phosphonium gemini surfactants with spacer lengths ranging from 2 to 4 methylenes (12-2/3/4-12P). Dodecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (DTPP), a monomeric surfactant analog, was readily water soluble, however, in sharp contrast, phosphonium gemini surfactants were poorly soluble in water due to two hydrophobic tails and relatively hydrophobic cationic head groups containing phenyl substituents. Isothermal titration calorimetry did not reveal a measurable critical micelle concentration for the 12-2-12P phosphonium gemini surfactant in water at 25 °C. Subsequent studies in 50/50 v/v water–methanol at 25 °C showed a CMC of 1.0 mM for 12-2-12P. All phosphonium gemini surfactants effectively complexed nucleic acids, but failed to deliver nucleic acids in vitro to HeLa cells. The solution behavior of phosphonium gemini surfactants was investigated in chloroform, which is an organic solvent where reverse micellar structures are favored. Solution rheology in chloroform explored the solution behavior of the phosphonium gemini surfactants compared to DTPP. The 12-2-12P and 12-3-12P gemini surfactants were successfully electrospun from chloroform to generate uniform fibers while 12-4-12P gemini surfactant and DTPP only electrosprayed to form droplets.
Waging the inchoate war: Defining, fighting, and second-guessing the ‘Long War’

Abstract This article answers three questions: What is the nature of the Long War? How is progress (or lack thereof) to be assessed? Where is it likely to go next? An appreciation of Clausewitz shows that practical centers of gravity exist for the Long War, and that the conflict pivots upon the ability to persuasively link ideology to events via a strategic narrative. A close examination of an illustrative case study, the interaction between the US and the late Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq 2004 – 2006, shows that Al Qaeda has suffered a severe setback, but also that the nature of the war is set to shift yet again. Further tangible progress for the US requires waging the Long War as a global counterinsurgency based on a strategy of ‘selective identification’ (versus pure ‘disaggregation’) as well as an understanding of how to more effectively craft a strategic narrative.
That Faint Semblance of Eden: Problems with Landscape Design History

(2009). That Faint Semblance of Eden: Problems with Landscape Design History. Design Philosophy Papers: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 161-173.
Catecholamine-induced changes in transmembrane potential and temperature in normal and dystrophic hamster brown adipose tissue

Abstract Previous studies have shown that norepinephrine (NE) elicits trans-membrane potential changes in skeletal muscle cells from normal and dystrophic (BIO 14.6) hamsters, with the magnitude of these changes being significantly less in dystrophic cells. To determine if the decreased response of the dystrophic muscle cells reflects a more generalized phenomenon, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of NE on membrane properties of brown adipocytes. In vivo techniques using glass microelectrodes were similar to those used in the muscle studies. NE injection (2 to 5 μg/kg body wt, i.v.) into anesthetized hamsters was followed by membrane depolarization, the magnitude of which did not significantly differ in the dystrophic and normal adipocytes. For example, upon administration of 5 μg NE/kg body wt, the average depolarization was 14.5 ± 1.3 mV ( X ± S.E. ) for 20 dystrophic cells and 14.1 ± 1.8 mV for 18 normal cells. The depolarizations following i.v. infusion of isoproterenol and phenylephrine also had similar amplitudes in both normal and dystrophic cells. Despite this lack of difference in plasma membrane responses, NE induced a significantly smaller rise in interscapular brown fat temperature in the dystrophic (0.09°C) than in the normal hamsters (0.26°C) following administration of 5 μg NE/kg body wt. Thus, the decreased responsiveness to NE of dystrophic sarcolemma did not occur with the plasma membrane of brown adipocytes, although brown fat temperature changes in the dystrophic hamsters were decreased in amplitude.
Comparison of Leak Rates From Alloy 82/182 Butt Weld Cracks for Leak-Before-Break Applications

The discovery of leaking cracks in Alloy 82/182 bimetal welds at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station has lead the industry to reassess the Leak-Before-Break (LBB) analysis of the reactor coolant system pressure boundary piping components involving Alloy 600 base metals and Alloy 82/182 welds. The leaking cracks were attributed to primary-water-stress-corrosion-cracking (PWSCC). To-date, LBB analysis submittals to the NRC have not considered PWSCC cracks in bimetal welds or Alloy 600 base metals and the leak rate calculations have only considered the conventional fatigue crack morphology. There are limited observed in-service leakage cracks of Alloy 82/182 pipe butt welds with plant measured leak rate data. Effects of PWSCC induced crack morphology involving these welds is investigated through various modeling techniques. The differences in leakage prediction when evaluating as a fatigue crack versus assessing as a PWSCC crack is addressed for various PWR LBB piping systems. The impact of this finding to the overall LBB assessment is discussed. Additionally, the LBB results are compared against the results from another paper.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The status of research on teleworking and an agenda for future research

Teleworking is a relatively new mode of alternative work arrangements. During its short life, the study of teleworking gained considerable attention in the literature for both its academic relevance and its practical implications for management. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the developments in this area, studying the nature of teleworking, its antecedents, processes and outcomes. Different models and perspectives are presented and analysed with emphasis shared between both positive and negative aspects. Directions for future research on teleworking issues, as well as recommendations for a new research agenda, are offered within a framework of Why, What and How to explore the future of teleworking.
Exercise Capacity and Idebenone Intervention in Children and Adolescents With Friedreich Ataxia

Abstract Drinkard BE, Keyser RE, Paul SM, Arena R, Plehn JF, Yanovski JA, Di Prospero NA. Exercise capacity and idebenone intervention in children and adolescents with Friedreich ataxia. Objective To determine the exercise capacity of children and adolescents with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) and to evaluate the effects of 6 months of idebenone treatment on exercise capacity. Design Exploratory endpoint in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial designed to investigate the effects of idebenone on a biomarker of oxidative stress. Setting Exercise physiology laboratory in a single clinical research center. Participants Ambulatory subjects (N=48; age range, 9–17y) with genetically confirmed FA. Intervention Idebenone administered orally 3 times a day for a total daily dose of approximately 5, 15, and 45mg/kg or matching placebo for 6 months. Main Outcome Measures Peak oxygen consumption per unit time (peak VO 2 ) and peak work rate (WR) were measured during incremental exercise testing at baseline and after treatment. Echocardiography and neurologic assessments were also completed before and after treatment. Results Baseline mean peak VO 2 ± SD was 746±246mL/min (16.2±5.8mL/kg/min), and WR was 40±23W for all subjects. Peak VO 2 and WR were correlated with short guanine-adenine-adenine allele length and neurologic function. Relative left ventricular wall thickness was increased but left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in most subjects; there was no relationship between any exercise and echocardiographic measures. There were no significant changes in mean peak VO 2 or WR after idebenone treatment at any dose level relative to placebo. Conclusions Exercise capacity in children and adolescents with FA was significantly impaired. The basis for the impairment appears to be multifactorial and correlated to the degree of neurologic impairment. Although idebenone has previously been shown potentially to improve features of FA, idebenone treatment did not increase exercise capacity relative to placebo.
Convective and dispersive transport in a porous medium

Abstract Convective and dispersive transport of a tagged species in a porous medium is investigated analytically. The flow is transient and compressible. As a means of avoiding anomalous numerical dispersion in transport calculations, an Eulerian-Lagrangian technique is developed. The Lagrangian mesh travels along characteristic curves of the convective transport equation. Transport relative to this mesh is dispersive. Detailed calculations are made for low Peclet number transport in the unsteady, low Reynolds number, isothermal flow of an ideal gas through the bed. Results are obtained for a bed of finite length. Similarity, valid for an infinite bed length, yields widely applicable results. The analysis and results are useful in the containment of underground nuclear explosions.
The Effects of Education on Americans’ Religious Practices, Beliefs, and Affiliations

I challenge the scholarly contention that increases in education uniformly lead to declines in religious participation, belief, and affiliation. I argue that education influences strategies of action, and these strategies of action are relevant to some religious beliefs and activities but not others. Analysis of survey data shows that (1) education negatively affects exclusivist religious viewpoints and biblical literalism but not belief in God or the afterlife; (2) education positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life; (3) education positively affects switching religious affiliations, particularly to a mainline Protestant denomination, but not disaffiliation; (4) education is positively associated with questioning the role of religion in secular society but not with support for curbing the public opinions of religious leaders; and (5) the effects of education on religious beliefs and participation vary across religious traditions. Education does influence Americans’ religious beliefs and activities, but the effects of education on religion are complex.
Multigrid method for periodic heterogeneous media Part 1: Convergence studies for one-dimensional case

Abstract A multi-grid method for a periodic heterogeneous medium in 1-D is presented. Based on the homogenization theory, special integrid transfer operators have been developed to simulate a low frequency response of the differential equations with oscillatory coefficients. The proposed multi-grid method has been proved to have a fast rate of convergence governed by the ratio q (4− q ) , where 0
On the Generation of Discount Rates and Implicit Prices Through a Replacement Model

The purpose of this paper is to generate discount rates and implicit prices by applying theorems of Frobenius and Bellman to non-negative matrices. The model which is developed may be useful in situations in which management decisions must be made regarding the replacement of aging and obsolescing equipment for some specified period of time. One version of the model allows choices among alternatives and another version leads to a deterministic form. The discount rate which is derived is the reciprocal of the maximal growth rate which is obtained as the largest positive root of the non-negative matrix introduced in the first version of the model, while the implicit prices arise from an associated eigenvector. The model may be particularly useful in situations where market rates and market prices do not properly reflect values as is the case for some public goods.
Initial results of a genome survey for novel alzheimer's disease risk genes: Association with a locus on the X chromosome

As the initial step in a systematic genome survey, 16 simple sequence tandem repeat polymorphisms that span the X chromosome at an average spacing of 10 cM were examined for allelic associations with typical-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The efficiency of this survey was substantially enhanced by genotyping pools of genomic DNA from 50 autopsy-confirmed AD cases and 50 autopsied controls who were similar in sex ratio, race, and age at death. The frequency of the DXS1047 202-bp allele was twice as common among AD cases (0.45 ± S.E. 0.06) than controls (0.22 ± S.E. 0.05), a finding that was reproduced in an independent and geographically disparate sample. Consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the proportion of women with AD who carried the 202-bp allele, 73% was nearly double that observed for men with AD, 38%. However, the frequency of the 202-bp allele was similar for men and women and the presence of this allele did not affect the age at onset of dementia in either sex. Furthermore, the frequency of the DXS1047 202-bp allele in AD cases and controls was unaffected by the APOE genotype, indicating that these two loci modulate AD risk independently. Finally, the frequency of the 202-bp allele among 50 autopsy-confirmed cases of Parkinson's disease (0.29 ± S.E. 0.06) was indistinguishable from the control value, reflecting relative specificity for this allelic association with AD. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 81:98–107, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Personality and Health, Subjective Well-Being, and Longevity

Personality traits can be employed to guide understanding of trajectories to health and longevity, but long-term longitudinal study and multifaceted assessment of healthy aging are crucial. Following up on the life span study initiated by Lewis Terman, we assessed 4 validated factors of personality in young adulthood in 1940, constructed a multifactor measure of participants' healthy aging in 1986, and collected death certificates through 2007 (to determine longevity) on a sample of 1,312 Terman participants (732 men). Neuroticism predicted worse physical health and subjective well-being in old age and, for women, higher mortality risk, but for men, neuroticism predicted decreased mortality risk. For both sexes, extraversion predicted old-age social competence, whereas conscientiousness predicted men's old-age productivity. Differential patterns of association between personality traits and healthy aging components are informative about individual personality characteristics and long-term health outcomes.
Calcium channels in enteric neurons

The enteric nervous system consists of two ganglionated neural networks within the gut wall that contain as many neurons as the spinal cord. Connections exist between the neurons in these two networks, enabling motility and secretion to be coordinated. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Ca(2+) movements across the cell membrane and between various intracellular compartments play a major role in the regulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release.
The Role of Monomers and Dimers in the Reduction of Ruthenium(II) Complexes of Redox-Active Tetraazatetrapyridopentacene Ligand

A combination of electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and 1H NMR has been used to study the reduction and solution speciation in acetonitrile of two mononuclear Ru complexes containing the redox-active 9,11,20,22-tetraazatetrapyrido [3,2-a:2‘,3‘-c:3‘ ‘,2‘ ‘-l:2‘ ‘‘,3‘ ‘‘-n]pentacene (tatpp) ligand. These complexes, [(bpy)2Ru(tatpp)][PF6]2 (1[PF6]2), and [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)][PF6]2 (2[PF6]2) (where bpy is 2,2‘-bipyridine and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline), form π−π stacked dimers (e.g., π-{1}24+ and π-{2}24+) in solution as determined by 1H NMR studies in an extended concentration range (90 − 5000 μM) as well as via simulation of the electrochemical data. The dimerization constant for 12+ in acetonitrile is 2 × 104 M-1 as determined from the NMR data. Slightly higher dimerization constants (8 × 104 M-1) were obtained via simulation of the electrochemical data and are attributed to the presence of the supporting eletrolyte. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data show that the π−π stacked dimers ar...
VOLTTRON™: An agent platform for integrating electric vehicles and Smart Grid

The VOLTTRON™ platform provides a secure environment for the deployment of intelligent applications in the Smart Grid. The platform's design is based on the needs of control applications running on small form factor devices, namely security and resource guarantees. Services such as resource discovery, secure agent mobility, and interacting with smart and legacy devices are provided by the platform to ease the development of control applications and accelerate their deployment. VOLTTRON has been demonstrated in several different domains that influenced and enhanced its capabilities. This paper will discuss the features of VOLTTRON and highlight its usage to coordinate electric vehicle charging with home energy usage.
Neonatal hypoxia or maternal diabetes delays postnatal development of liver mitochondria.

ABSTRACT: The matrix adenine nucleotide pool size of rat liver mitochondria was low at birth (2.6-3.0 nmol ATP+ADP+AMP/mg mitochondrial protein). After parturition, the pool size was increased by 50-75% within 1 h, which was sufficient for full development of state 3 respiration rates. The adenine nucleotide pool size continued to increase to 100-150% of the value at birth by 2-3 h postnatal. The ATP/ADP ratio in isolated mitochondria also increased postnatally, to about double the value at birth by 3 h. There were no matrix volume changes over this postnatal period, so the increased ATP+ADP+AMP pool size and the increased ATP/ADP ratio together inferred an overall increase of about 5-fold in the matrix ATP concentration under aerobic conditions. The postnatal uptake of adenine nucleotides into mitochondria occurred at a slower rate in newborns that were hypoxic (11% O2) and in newborns of diabetic mothers (diabetes induced on day 5 of gestation by streptozotocin injection). The normal increase in matrix ATP content is responsible for the rapid stimulation of pyruvate carboxylation (an ATP-requiring matrix reaction) and this in turn contributes to the rapid postnatal onset of gluconeogenesis. The results suggest that delayed adenine nucleotide uptake into liver mitochondria may retard initiation of gluconeogenesis in newborns experiencing hypoxia, as in respiratory distress or in newborns of diabetic mothers. We speculate that this mechanism contributes to the persistent hypoglycemia that is typical of these at-risk newborns.
Statin use significantly improves overall survival in high-grade endometrial cancer

predictors, and impact of chemotherapy and radiation on survival in women diagnosed with UCCC. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) — Medicare database was used to identify women diagnosed with UCCC from1992 to 2009. Standard univariate analyses and multivariable analyses with logistic regression were performed. Kaplan– Meier survival analysis was used to generate overall survival (OS) data. Factors predictive of outcomes were compared using the logrank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 468 patients met eligibility criteria; 50% of women presented with stage I disease, 11.5% with stage II, 14.5% with stage III, and 21.3% with stage IV. The majority of patients (82.8%) underwent definitive surgery. Chemotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy combined with radiation were administered in 16.5%, 32.5%, and 13.2% of women; 37.8% of women did not receive adjuvant therapy. Utilization of chemotherapy became more frequent over time across all stages. After adjusting for race, period of diagnosis, marital status, stage, age, surgery, lymph node dissection, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity index, there was no association between receipt of chemotherapy (HR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4–1.1; P = 0.2), combination of chemotherapy and radiation (HR 0.9; 95% CI, 0.5–1.5; P = 0.7), or radiation (HR 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6–1.4; P= 0.9) and improved survival. There was no improvement in survival over the study period. Conclusions: The overall rates of chemotherapy utilization have increased over time in patients with UCCC. Chemotherapy, radiation, and the combination of chemotherapy and radiation were not associated with increased survival.
Beams and Column's Connected Forms of Unbonded Precast Concrete Frame Structure

With the advance of China's urbanization, the quantity and quality requirements for residential buildings are getting higher and higher, the housing industry is an important way to promote China's urbanization. The prefabricated concrete structures of the technical development and promotion is an important means to achieve housing industry. And to research a reasonable form of beam-column connection is the top priority of the prefabricated concrete structures research and promotion. This paper summarizes the recent year's domestic unbonded post-tensioned prefabricated concrete frame structure beam-column connection form and seismic performance.
Development of the high-order decoupled direct method in three dimensions for particulate matter: enabling advanced sensitivity analysis in air quality models

Abstract. The high-order decoupled direct method in three dimensions for particulate matter (HDDM-3D/PM) has been implemented in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to enable advanced sensitivity analysis. The major effort of this work is to develop high-order DDM sensitivity analysis of ISORROPIA, the inorganic aerosol module of CMAQ. A case-specific approach has been applied, and the sensitivities of activity coefficients and water content are explicitly computed. Stand-alone tests are performed for ISORROPIA by comparing the sensitivities (first- and second-order) computed by HDDM and the brute force (BF) approximations. Similar comparison has also been carried out for CMAQ sensitivities simulated using a week-long winter episode for a continental US domain. Second-order sensitivities of aerosol species (e.g., sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium) with respect to domain-wide SO2, NOx, and NH3 emissions show agreement with BF results, yet exhibit less noise in locations where BF results are demonstrably inaccurate. Second-order sensitivity analysis elucidates poorly understood nonlinear responses of secondary inorganic aerosols to their precursors and competing species. Adding second-order sensitivity terms to the Taylor series projection of the nitrate concentrations with a 50% reduction in domain-wide NOx or SO2 emissions rates improves the prediction with statistical significance.
How large should a digital desk be?: qualitative results of a comparative study

Qualitative results are presented of a user study comparing a large digital desk with stylus, a digital tablet with stylus, and a standard monitor and mouse. Participants split preferences over the desk and the tablet for a sketching task, but generally preferred the monitor and mouse for an image sorting task. Participants did not object to the relatively lower resolution of the images on the digital desk. Several participants found the surface of the desk to be too large and the tablet to be too small, suggesting that either an intermediate size display is preferable, or that interfaces designed for large work surfaces should focus on putting primary information near the user and less important information in the periphery.
Effects of metal acetate salts on the catalytic cracking of cumene over silica-alumina

Abstract A study was made of the effects of metal acetate salts on the ability of a commercial silica-alumina catalyst to promote the conversion of cumene to benzene and propylene. The typical effect of the salts was to reduce the conversion. The extent of this reduction was determined by the amount, size, valence, and chemical type of the poisoning cation. Graphs of percent conversion versus the area (or volume) of catalyst surface actually covered by poisoning metal ions showed three distinct activity curves with the alkali metala exhibiting greatest, the alkali earth metals poorest, and zinc and cadmium an intermediate poisoning ability. Very small amounts of divalent metal cations showed a small promoting action. Acetic acid had no effect on conversion. The results suggest that cracking occurred on acid sites present in clusters on the catalyst surface and that site blocking and chemical neutralization both contributed to the poisoning of the catalyst.
Linguistic integration during recognition testing

Current interpretations of linguistic integration assume that memory integration occurs before test sentences are presented. Using an integrated recognition paradigm like that of Bransford and Franks, subjects in one study were given acquisition sentences prior to testing. In a second study, subjects did not receive the acquisition sentences. In both studies, the subjects were tested for ability to discriminate thematically incorrect sentences from thematically correct sentences under conditions of high or low sentence imagery. Subjects in both conditions were able to locate over half of the noncases when sentences were high in imagery value. This suggests that subjects might be able to comprehend and construct ideas during recognition testing. However, low-imagery sentences produced poorer ability to detect noncase sentences in both studies, suggesting that differences in processing of abstract and concrete sentences exist.
Explanation of vigorous physical activity during two years using social learning variables

Abstract This study examined determinants of vigorous physical activity in a community sample of adults over a 24-month period. Social learning theory predicts that causal relationships between determinants and behavior are bidirectional, and both the behavior and its influences are subjects to change over time. Thus, dynamic variables were expected to account for more variance in exercise change than static baseline variables. Over 86% of respondents to the baseline mail survey completed follow-up surveys 24 months later, yielding a final sample of 1739. Two physical activity change indices were constructed that were adjusted for baseline exercise and demographic variables, sp that the effects of social learning variables could be isolated. In a two-step hierarchical regression analysis, physical activity measures were regressed onto 21 static and six dynamic independent variables. Baseline self-efficacy was a significant predictor of exercise change for both dependent variables. Four dynamic social learning variables were significantly associated with both exercise change measures: self-efficacy, preceived barriers, family support, and friend support. Social learning variables accounted for 12.3–15.5% of the variance in exercise change over 24 months. The results provide strong support for bidirectional causation between behavior and determinants and suggest hypotheses to be tested in experimental studies.
Discussion of The Role of Information and Opportunism in the Choice of Buyer‐Supplier Relationships

The transfer of technology for new innovations is a complex issue when property rights are absent. Unless the innovation is revealed to potential suppliers, it is difficult to assess the costs of producing the innovated good, and therefore difficult to negotiate contracts. But, once the innovation is revealed a potential supplier can misappropriate the innovation and produce and market the good on personal account. Baiman and Rajan [2001] (henceforth BR) study this problem in "buyer-supplier networks" where the innovation is discovered by a buyer who has no productive resources, and who must necessarily rely on independent suppliers to produce and supply the good. BR embellish the technology transfer problem by introducing investment decisions by both the buyer and the supplier prior to discovery of the innovation. Investment by the buyer increases the probability of discovering an innovation, and investment by the supplier decreases the subsequent cost of adjusting the production facilities to enable production of the new good. For the most part, BR assume that no contracts of any kind between the buyer and supplier are enforceable, that negotiations between the two parties can occur only after the innovation is revealed to the supplier, and that such negotiations are conducted in accordance with the Nash bargaining game. After establishing some base line results, BR study the effect of "information linkages" on the efficiency of the buyer-supplier network. BR define an information linkage as an automatic transfer of information, from the buyer to the supplier, that partially reveals the innovation and its underlying technology, without an explicit decision to transfer such
Correlative studies of urine fluorescence and free radical indicators.

Aims: Inflammation results in the production of free radicals which damage proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The products of these reactions are cleared, in part, by the kidney and appear in the urine. In this study, urine fluorescence was measured in individuals with various nephropathies to determine the value of these assays for detecting the excretion of endproducts of radical-mediated chemical reactions. Methods: Urine fluorescence was quantified at wavelengths which correspond to the presence of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGE) and dityrosine (di-TYR). The samples were also tested for isoprostanes, nitrite/nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results: Fluorescence values, expressed per ml urine or per mg creatinine (crt), were not normally distributed and covered a wide range. There were significant differences in fluorescence among groups of patients classified by diagnosis, but the differences did not allow sharp distinction of diagnostic categories. Fluorescence assays correlated significantly with TBARS but not with isoprostanes, nitrite/nitrate, or hydrogen peroxide. Fluorescence tended to increase with age. Gender and race did not affect the results. Conclusions: Because of the many factors which can affect free radical production and tissue injury, the value of urine fluorescence assays to screen for radical-mediated toxicity appears to be limited. Serial studies of patients will be needed to determine whether urine fluorescence will be useful to monitor responses to treatment or be predictive of progression vs. remission of renal disease.
Morphological, ultrastructural, and chemical changes induced in Cunninghamella blakesleeana by copper and cobalt

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of Cunninghamella blakesleeana grown in the presence of toxic concentrations of copper and cobalt indicated that copper, but not cobalt, induced both morphological and ultrastructural changes. In contrast to the control or cobalt-grown cultures, the hyphae of copper-grown cultures (called “blue mycelia”) were larger in diameter, had a rough and granular surface, and the cell wall was thicker. The cytoplasm of the blue mycelia was also abnormal and was in a compressed state. X-Ray microprobe analysis indicated a lower content of magnesium and calcium in the blue mycelia and an elevated content of sulphur in both the blue and cobalt-grown mycelia. The protein composition of the cell walls of the blue mycelia, fractionated on a Sepharose-4B column saturated with copper, was different from that of control or cobalt-grown cultures, as shown by their amino acid composition. Hydroxyproline was present only in the cell wall proteins of the blue mycelia, citrulline and cystathionine were present only in the proteins of cobalt-grown cultures, and proline was absent in the cell wall protiens of the control cultures.
Developing operator capacity estimates for supervisory control of autonomous vehicles.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined operators' capacity to successfully reallocate highly autonomous in-flight missiles to time-sensitive targets while performing secondary tasks of varying complexity. BACKGROUND: Regardless of the level of autonomy for unmanned systems, humans will be necessarily involved in the mission planning, higher level operation, and contingency interventions, otherwise known as human supervisory control. As a result, more research is needed that addresses the impact of dynamic decision support systems that support rapid planning and replanning in time-pressured scenarios, particularly on operator workload. METHOD: A dual screen simulation that allows a single operator the ability to monitor and control 8, 12, or 16 missiles through high level replanning was tested on 42 U.S. Navy personnel. RESULTS: The most significant finding was that when attempting to control 16 missiles, participants' performance on three separate objective performance metrics and their situation awareness were significantly degraded. CONCLUSION: These results mirror studies of air traffic control that demonstrate a similar decline in performance for controllers managing 17 aircraft as compared with those managing only 10 to 11 aircraft. Moreover, the results suggest that a 70% utilization (percentage busy time) score is a valid threshold for predicting significant performance decay and could be a generalizable metric that can aid in manning predictions. APPLICATION: This research is relevant to human supervisory control of networked military and commercial unmanned vehicles in the air, on the ground, and on and under the water. Language: en
Cardiac risk underestimation in urban, black women.

BACKGROUND: Black women have a disproportionately higher incidence of cardiovascular disease mortality than other groups and the reason for this health disparity is incompletely understood. Underestimation of personal cardiac risk may play a role.
Three-dimensional mapping of norepinephrine and serotonin in human thalamus

Abstract Detailed quantitative information on catecholamines and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in the human thalamus is much needed because of increasing interest in norepinephrine and serotonin as modulators of thalamic behavioral state control and overall information processing. This study provides three-dimensional distribution patterns of these monoamines in postmortem thalami from 13 normal subjects (no known neurological or psychiatric histories). The patterns come from a relatively fine-grained grid mapping procedure on successive coronal sections. Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The highest endogenous concentrations of norepinephrine are found in a ventromedial core that includes a number of the medial and intralaminar sub-nuclei but extends only slightly into the sensory regions of the lateral ties. The posterior portion of the thalamus, the pulvinar, contains low levels of norepinephrine. The distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine is quite similar to that of norepinephrine in the rostral two-thirds of thalamus: however, in the pulvinar region, levels of serotonin are considerably increased and differ markedly between individual thalami. The study provides the first definitive mapping of serotonin levels in human thalamus. Consistent with many animal studies, there is no evidence for major dopaminergic innervation of human thalamus. By emphasizing the pattern distribution of the monoamines rather than the absolute values, it can be shown that the ambiguities of postmortem degradation frequently associated with biochemical assays are largely avoided. The terminal field distribution of norepinephrine is an essentially constant neurochemical signature in all thalami examined. The utility of the biochemical grid mapping procedure may be especially significant in terms of matching with data from functional neuroimaging techniques.
Feeble field feeler

Abstract A simple magnetic field detector is described which allows measurement of magnetic fields to within 0.1 G. Together with its associated circuits it can be used to adjust an electromagnet system for minimum remanent field.
Correlations of peak acceleration, velocity and displacement with earthquake magnitude, distance and site conditions

A brief review of proposed correlations between peak accelerations and earthquake magnitude and distance has been presented. It has been found that most investigators agree favourably on what should be the amplitude of peak accelerations for the distance range between about 20 and 200 km. For distances less than 20 km, there is significant disagreement in the predicted peak amplitudes, reflecting the lack of data there and the uncertainties associated with the extrapolation. Correlations of peak accelerations, peak velocities and peak displacements with earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance and the geologic conditions of the recording sites have been presented for 187 accelerograms recorded during 57 earthquakes. This data set describes strong earthquake ground motion in the Western United States during the period from 1933 to 1971. For large earthquakes, dependence of peak acceleration, velocity and displacement amplitudes on earthquake magnitude seems to be lost. This suggests that the amplitudes of strong ground motion close to a fault are scaled primarily by the maximum dislocation amplitudes and the stress drop, rather than the overall ‘size’ of an earthquake as measured by magnitude. The influence of geologic conditions at the recording station seems to be of minor importance for scaling peak accelerations, but it becomes noticeable for the peaks of velocity and even more apparent for the peaks of displacement.
SEX RATIO, SEED PRODUCTION, BIOMASS ALLOCATION, AND THE COST OF MALE FUNCTION IN CUCURBITA FOETIDISSIMA HBK (CUCURBITACEAE)

In the gynodioecious plant Cucurbita foetidissima (Cucurbitaceae), females were common in all eight populations examined and made up 32% of adult plants. Females produced 1.5 (SE = 0.2) times as many seeds as did hermaphrodites. The observed difference in seed production alone is not great enough to explain the maintenance of females, especially at their current frequency. Females and hermaphrodites did not differ in number of nodes per stem, stems per plant, internode length, or size of leaves. Females produced more female biomass (fresh or dry weight) than hermaphrodites, but total investment in sexual biomass did not differ. Thus, the biomass of male flowers produced by hermaphrodites was about equal to the extra female biomass produced by females. The results support the existence of a trade-off between male and female reproduction.
Model analysis of biological oxygen transfer enhancement in surface‐aerated bioreactors

A model was developed to evaluate the effects of cells and surfactants on oxygen transfer in surface-aerated bioreactors. The model assumed the presence of serial layers of adsorbed surfactants and microorganisms directly adjacent to the gas–liquid interface due to their surface activities, followed by a stagnant liquid layer to account for the oxygen transfer resistance in the liquid phase. The interfacial surfactant film, although posing as an additional resistance, was found to have negligible effect on the oxygen transfer rate because of its extremely small thickness as compared to the cell monolayer and the stagnant liquid layer. On the other hand, cells affect oxygen transfer by two mechanisms: the biological enhancement due to the respiration of interfacial cells and the physical blocking resulting from the semipermeable nature of cell bodies. Due to the low specific oxygen uptake rates of the sludges, the two mechanisms were found to be of comparable importance in activated-sludge systems; the oxygen transfer enhancement factor, E, varied from about 0.97 to 1.10 depending on the operating conditions. The biological enhancement effect, however, predominated in fermentations of actively growing bacteria. At relatively low agitation speed (e. g., 300 rpm), the value of E could reach about 3 to 5 in fermentations with high cell concentrations. Effects of other operating variables, such as the agitation intensity, the oxygen content in the mixed liquor, and the bulk cell concentration, on biological oxygen transfer enhancement were also studied. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A further definition of characteristics of DNA-excision repair in xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A strains

The location in the genome of excision repair following exposure to UV (254 nm) of two XP complementation group A strains, XP12BE and XP8LO, that differ considerably in their excision-repair rates, have been determined. Capacity for repair in XP8LO has also been determined. Sites repaired in DNA in a 24-h post-UV period were located relative to the remaining pyrimidine dimers using the M. luteus UV-endonuclease to nick partially repaired DNA and sedimentation in alkaline sucrose to size the resulting DNA. Repair in group A occurs randomly throughout the genome in a manner similar to that observed for normal cells but in contrast to domain-limited repair in group C strains. This observation defines a further similarity of the excision repair detected in group A compared to normal cells that is in addition to the previously reported related characteristics of the respective excision rate curves. A reduced repair capacity in XP8LO relative to normal cells was detected. This strain, which repairs DNA at an initial rate identical to that of normal strains when irradiated with doses of 5 J/m2 or less, repairs DNA at a slower than normal but constant rate at higher doses. This leads to the suggestion that XP8LO is defective in the number of repair enzyme complexes compared to normal cells.
Simultaneous Determination and Characterization of Tannins and Triterpene Saponins from the Fruits of Various Species of Terminalia and Phyllantus emblica Using a UHPLC-UV-MS Method: Application to Triphala

Terminalia species are a rich source of tannins. Many preparations of these species are used in traditional medicine and have many different ethnobotanical applications. A simple UHPLC method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of such hydrolysable tannins and triterpene saponins from the fruit rinds of different species of Terminalia ( T. chebula, T. arjuna, T. bellirica ) and Phyllantus emblica . A separation by LC was achieved using a reversed-phase column and a water/acetonitrile mobile phase, both containing formic acid, using a gradient system and a temperature of 40 °C. Eight hydrolysable tannins (gallic acid, gallic acid methyl ester, corilagin, chebulagic acid, 1,2,3,6-tetra- O- galloyl- β -D-glucose, ellagic acid, chebulinic acid, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta- O- galloyl- β -D-glucose) and six triterpene saponins (arjunglucoside-I, arjunglucoside-III, chebuloside II, bellericoside, arjunetin, and arjunglucoside-II) could be separated within 20 minutes. The wavelength used for detection with the diode array detector was 254 and 275 nm for tannins and 205 nm for triterpene saponins. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection, and limits of quantification. The developed method is economical, fast, and especially suitable for quality control analysis of tannins and triterpene saponins in various plant samples and commercial products of Terminalia .
Self-channeling of femtosecond laser pulses for rapid and efficient standoff detection of energetic materials

Self-channeling properties of high intensity laser pulses are used to extend spectroscopic methods as LIBS to standoff. This work shows the advantages of using self-channeled femtosecond pulses in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of polymeric micrometer-size thin films in a standoff configuration at 12 meters. We show the possibility of trace analysis on surfaces and the importance of molecular signal as a signature for carbon-based samples.