cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward vehicle-based sensing and recording

Vehicles increasingly include features that rely on hi-tech sensors and recording; however, little is known of public attitudes toward such recording. We use two studies, an online survey (n=349) and an interview-based study (n=15), to examine perceptions of vehicle-based sensing and recording. We focus on: 1) how vehicle-based recording and sensing may differ from perceptions of current recording; 2) factors that impact comfort with vehicle-based recording for hypothetical drivers versus bystanders; and 3) perceptions of potential privacy-preserving techniques. We find that vehicle-based recording challenges current mental models of recording awareness. Comfort tends to depend on perceived benefits, which can vary by stakeholder type. Perceived privacy in spaces near cars can also impact comfort and reflect mental models of private spaces as well as the range of potentially sensitive activities people perform in and near cars. Privacy-preserving techniques may increase perceived comfort but may require addressing trust and usability issues.
Imagery Training: A Workshop Model:

A two-hour workshop designed to acquaint participants with the range, individuality, controllability, responsiveness and sources of their imagery is described. Attention is paid to both process and...
The time required for the presence of bulls to alter the interval from parturition to resumption of ovarian activity and reproductive performance in first-calf suckled beef cows

Abstract This experiment was designed to determine 1) if exposure of firstcalf suckled beef cows to mature bulls in the first 30 days, after 30 days, or continuously post partum reduces the postpartum anestrous period and 2) if exposure to bulls alters the first service pregnancy rate. Postpartum first-calf suckled crossbred (Angus × Hereford; Hereford × Angus) cows were randomly assigned to be 1) exposed continuously to mature, epididectomized bulls (BE; n = 18); 2) exposed to bulls for the first 30 days post partum (BE/NE; n = 17); 3) exposed to bulls after the first 30 days post partum (NE/BE; n = 16); or not exposed to bulls (NE; n = 18). Blood samples were collected weekly to be assayed for progesterone to determine resumption of ovarian cyclic activity. All the cows were bred for 21 days by AI while under their respective treatment regimens and were then exposed to fertile bulls for an additional 35 days. The postpartum interval to resumption of ovarian cyclic activity did not differ (P>0.10) among the 3 (BE, BE/NE, and NE/BE) treatment groups, but it was 15.4 d shorter (P 0.10) among the treatment groups. The AI pregnancy rates for the BE/NE and NE/BE treatment groups were higher (P 0.10). The results showed that all three treatments (BE, BE/NE and NE/BE) similarly decrease the postpartum interval and that exposure to bulls may improve the reproductive performance of first-calf suckled beef cows.
Kinetics of metal-catalyzed growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Molecular-dynamics and total-energy calculations using a realistic three-body potential for carbon reveal the basic atomic processes by which single-shelled nanotubes can grow out of metal-carbide particles by the root growth mechanism. We find that nanometer-sized protrusions on the metal-particle surface lead to the nucleation of very narrow tubes. Wide bumps lead to a strained graphene sheet and no nanotube growth. The results also explain the absence of multishelled tubes in metal-catalyzed growth.
Effects of transferred ova per recipient and dual use of donors as recipients on production of transgenic swine

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine whether the number of transferred ova per recipient influenced the efficiency of producing transgenic pigs and whether donor gilts were as effective as unmated gilts as recipients of microinjected ova. Eight genes were microinjected into 4,232 ova that were transferred into 169 recipients over a 5-yr period. Although the farrowing rate and litter size was highest for recipients receiving 31 to 41 ova per recipient, the percentage of transferred ova developing into piglets was highest for recipients receiving 13 to 20 ova (P = 0.021 for all recipients and P = 0.011 for pregnant recipients). Based on these data we conclude transferring more than 20 ova per recipient may incur some loss due to uterine crowding. Gilts used as recipients of microinjected ova immediately after their own ova were flushed from their oviducts had the same farrowing rate, litter size, and ovum development efficiency as unmated gilts that were only used as recipients. However, donor-recipients that ovulated 21 or more ova had smaller litters (P = 0.009) and were less efficient in producing pigs (P = 0.024) and transgenic pigs (P = 0.054) from transferred ova than donor-recipients that ovulated 20 or fewer ova. Dual use of donors as recipients was an effective method of reducing the number of recipients in a transgenic pig project by nearly one-half.
Extreme paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardiacase report

Summary Extreme supraventricular tachycardia is probably not as rare as it would appear from the literature. Many cases are probably not discovered because of their sudden onset and spontaneous termination. The treatment of choice in infants is digitalis, but prognosis is good if there is no underlying cardiac disease.
Photo-oxidative stress down-modulates the activity of nuclear factor-kappaB via involvement of caspase-1, leading to apoptosis of photoreceptor cells.

The mechanisms of photoreceptor cell death via apoptosis, in retinal dystrophies, are largely not understood. In the present report we show that visible light exposure of mouse cultured 661W photoreceptor cells at 4.5 milliwatt/cm2 caused a significant increase in oxidative damage of 661W cells, leading to apoptosis of these cells. These cells show constitutive expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and light exposure of photoreceptor cells results in lowering of NF-κB levels in both the nuclear and cytosolic fractions in a time-dependent manner. Immunoblot analysis of IκBα and p50, and p65 (RelA) subunits of NF-κB, suggested that photo-oxidative stress results in their depletion. Immunocytochemical studies using antibody to RelA subunit of NF-κB further revealed the presence of this subunit constitutively both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the 661W cells. Upon exposure to photo-oxidative stress, a depletion of the cytoplasmic and nuclear RelA subunit was observed. The depletion of NF-κB appears to be mediated through involvement of caspase-1. Furthermore, transfection of these cells with a dominant negative mutant IκBα greatly enhanced the kinetics of down modulation of NF-κB, resulting in a faster photo-oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these studies show that the presence of NF-κB RelA subunit in the nucleus is essential for protection of photoreceptor cells against apoptosis mediated by an oxidative pathway.
Near-Infrared Spectral Tomography System for Measuring Dynamic Vascular Changes in Breast

The dynamic vascular change in the breast due to the pressure-displacement kinetics and inspired gas dynamics are imaged by a frequency domain tomographic system with 20 second temporal resolution.
Phototoxicity and differential hepatotoxicity as biological indicators of nitrosamine activity.

Abstract A series of 22 nitrosamines was studied from the standpoint of evaluating their phototoxic and hepatotoxic properties as biological parameters for purposes of bioassay. With respect to differentiation between carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic nitrosamines, phototoxicity appears to be a nonspecific effect related to photodecomposition of the nitroso group. The most photoxic nitrosamine studied was N-nitrosocarbazole, but it possessed only approximately 1 100 of the toxicity of 7,10-dimethylbenz[c]acridine and 1 200 of the toxicity of rose bengal, which were used as reference standards. A more promising approach to bioassay of nitrosamines lies in their ability to induce or inhibit liver microsomal enzymes with resulting decreases or increases in pentobarbital sleeping times (PST) in mice. Those nitrosamines known to be carcinogenic which were investigated prolonged PST, while all the known noncarcinogenic nitrosamines studied shortened PST and some produced an increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum in mouse liver hepatocytes. Dibutylnitrosamine, N-nitrosocarbazole, and N-phenyl-N-nitrosobenzylamine had a dual effect on PST based on dosage. The combined effects of nitrosamines on liver enzyme induction, as reflected in changes in PST and the anabolic and catabolic hepatotoxicity, may be used to differentiate carcinogenic nitrosamines from noncarcinogenic nitrosamines in periods of time as short as 4 days, whereas conventional bioassays require 45–270 days.
Monte Carlo validation of a multireader method for receiver operating characteristic discrete rating data: factorial experimental design.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors conducted a series of null-case Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz (DBM) method for comparing modalities with multireader receiver operating characteristic (ROC) discrete rating data. Materials and Methods. Monte Carlo simulations were performed by using discrete ratings on fully crossed factorial designs with two modalities and three, five, and 10 hypothetical readers. The null hypothesis was true for all simulations. The population ROC areas, latent variable structures, case sample sizes, and normal/abnormal case sample ratios used in another study were used in these simulations. Results. For equal allocation ratios and small ( A z = 0.702) and moderate ( A z = 0.855) ROC areas, the empirical type I error rate closely matched the nominal α level. For very large ROC areas ( A z = 0.961), however, the empirical type I error rate was somewhat smaller than the nominal α level. This conservatism increased with decreasing case sample size and asymmetric normal/abnormal case allocation ratio. The empirical type I error rate was sometimes slightly larger than the nominal α level with many cases and few readers, where there was large residual, relatively small treatment-by-case interaction and relatively large treatment-by—reader interaction. Conclusion. The results suggest that the DBM method provides trustworthy α levels with discrete ratings when the ROC area is not too large and case and reader sample sizes are not too small. In other situations, the test tends to be somewhat conservative or slightly liberal.
The BXH2 mutation in IRF8 differentially impairs dendritic cell subset development in the mouse.

Among dendritic cell (DC) subsets, CD8α+ DCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) produce high levels of IL12 and type I interferons (IFNs), respectively, and confer early innate immunity. Development of CD8α+ DCs and pDCs requires the interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8). Recently, a spontaneous point mutation was identified in the Irf8/Icsbp gene in the BXH2 mouse, which exhibits an immunodeficient phenotype similar to the IRF8 knockout (KO) mouse. We show that this mutation, designated IRF8R294C, abolishes the development of CD8α+ DCs without impairing pDC development, and eliminates production of IL12p40, while retaining that of type I IFNs. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that IRF8R294C failed to interact with partner transcription factors and did not bind certain promoters that require partner interactions. Together, this work indicates that IRF8-partner interactions play different roles in CD8α+ DCs and pDCs, revealing a mechanistic separation that underlies development of these DC subsets.
Pressurized Poroelastic Inclusions: Short-term and Long-term Asymptotic Solutions

This paper provides semi-analytical, asymptotic short-term and long-term solutions for the volume change and corresponding leak-off volume of a fluid-saturated, three-dimensional poroelastic inclusion, considering fluid exchange with the surrounding poroelastic medium. Considering possibly different material properties and different fluid pressure of hydrocarbon-bearing formations or proppant-filled fractures in comparison to those of the surrounding geological structures, fractures or whole reservoirs can be regarded as inclusions. The problem-solving approach used in our study is inspired by the theory of inclusions and modal decomposition technique previously developed and used to solve several poroelasticity problems. Previous studies on the topic, however, have not incorporated the hydraulic communication between the inclusion and the surrounding medium; therefore, fluid pressure changes in the surrounding rock due to fluid pressure changes in the inclusion were ignored. An example of this problem would be a pressurized stationary fracture, which, depending on pressure, might have fluid exchange with the surroundings. Numerical examples considering inclusions with different aspect ratios and material properties are provided to better describe the significance of fluid exchange.
A two-way multi-dimensional mixture model for clustering metagenomic sequences

Motivation: A major challenge facing metagenomics is the development of tools for the characterization of functional and taxonomic content of vast amounts of short metagenome reads. The efficacy of clustering methods depends on the number of reads in the dataset, the read length and relative abundances of source genomes in the microbial community.Results: In this paper, we formulate an unsupervised naive Bayes multi-species, multi-dimensional mixture model for reads from a metagenome. We use the proposed model to cluster metagenomic reads by their species of origin and to characterize the abundance of each species. We model the distribution of word counts along a genome as a Gaussian for shorter, frequent words and as a Poisson for longer words that are rare. We employ either a mixture of Gaussians or mixture of Poissons to model reads within each bin. An additional reason to use these distributions is their flexibility and ease of parameter estimation. Such a paradigm characterizes the compositional heterogeneity of the words along a genome, signifying its genome signature. Further, we handle the high-dimensionality and sparsity associated with the data, by grouping the set of words comprising the reads, resulting in a two-way mixture model. Finally, we derive an unsupervised Expectation Maximization algorithm for the models. Our method provides a general statistical framework for modeling metagenome reads. We demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of this method on simulated and real metagenomes. Our method can accurately cluster reads as short as 100 bps and estimate the species abundance as well. Our method outperforms LikelyBin, another unsupervised composition-based binning method for metagenomes, on datasets of varying abundances, divergences and read lengths.
Noise properties of a beam propagating through an atomic vapor

Saturated absorption is examined theoretically to determine the extent to which this process can lead to an increase in the intensity noise of an intense laser beam as the beam propagates through an atomic vapor. Numerical results for the modification of the intensity fluctuations and the noise figure are presented for both incoherent and coherent incident light. The results show that although saturated absorption is a real process for the generation of excess noise, it is not sufficient to account for the noise observed in laboratory experiments.
Successive luminance difference thresholds and brightness as a function of the interstimulus interval and durations of successive flashes

Monocular,successive luminance difference thresholds (ΔI) and brightness matches (PSE) were obtained by the method of constant stimuli for two flashes successively presented to the same retinal area. Variations in interstimulus interval first-flash duration,and second-flash duration were the independent variables investigated. ΔI decreased as a function of ISI,while PSE remained relatively uninfluenced. An intensity-duration reciprocity was observed with increases in either first- or second-flash duration. Equal increases in duration of both flashes led to a constant value of ΔI. A Broca-Sulzer effect was also noted. In another study, a 10-msec, variable-luminance Standard was followed after 500 msec by either a 10-msec or a 320-msec test flash that was compared to the Standard. The results indicated that the rate of change of brightness with changes in luminance of the Standard was faster for the 10-msec flash than for the 320-msec flash. The rate-of-change hypothesis would predict that the 10-msec flash should have the smaller ΔI. The results for two Ss indicated the opposite: AI was smaller for 320-msec than for 10-msec flashes. A modification of the hypothesis was suggested such that it may be the energy increment (Δlt) required for detection that is related to the rate at which brightness changes with energy.
Production of the psi(2S) via initial state radiation at the Upsilon(4S)

This presentation describes a preliminary analysis of energetic ψ(2S) events produced via the initial state radiation interaction at the ϒ(4S) based on 8.9 fb-1 of data collected with the BABAR detector at PEPII.
Three-phase systems with unbalanced wye-connected loads

The various methods of solving three-phase unbalanced wye circuits, usually found separately in engineering literature, have been brought together here; each is illustrated by a specific example
Modeling aqueous-phase hydrodeoxygenation of sorbitol over Pt/SiO2–Al2O3

In this paper, we investigated the effects of temperature, hydrogen partial pressure, and sorbitol concentration on the aqueous-phase hydrodeoxygenation (APHDO) of sorbitol over a bifunctional 4 wt% Pt/SiO2–Al2O3 catalyst in a trickle bed reactor. APHDO involves four fundamental reactions: (1) hydrogenation; (2) dehydration; (3) C–C bond cleavage by dehydrogenation and decarbonylation; and (4) C–C bond cleavage by dehydrogenation and retro-aldol condensation. The main deoxygenation routes are decarbonylation and alcohol dehydration. Retro-aldol condensation plays a critical role in reducing the carbon number of the products. The key products in this system are C1–C6 n-alkanes, primary and secondary alcohols, and carbon dioxide. As shown in this paper, the reaction conditions can dramatically change the product selectivity for APHDO of biomass-derived feedstocks (e.g., sorbitol). A sorbitol hydrodeoxygenation reaction network was generated that predicts all of the 43 experimentally measured species. The reaction network consists of 4804 reactions and produces a total of 1178 distinct chemical species. The associated material balance equations were solved numerically to model the experimentally observed species as a function of temperature, concentration, and pressure. The model concentrations fit well the experimentally measured values, demonstrating that the model was accurately able to model the reaction families and capture the salient features of the experimental observations. The trend observed in this paper can be used for the optimization of reactors and new catalysts to selectively make targeted products by hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived feedstocks.
Effect of Hepatitis G Virus Infection on Progression of HIV Infection in Patients with Hemophilia

Hemophilic, HIV-positive patients with past or current hepatitis G virus infection had higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts and better AIDS-free survival rates. The mechanism of this association is unknown.
Lack of interaction between thyrotropin releasing hormone and its analogs with 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate recognition sites in the rat striatum.

Abstract The effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) on the binding of 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) to cholinergic muscorinic receptors of striatal region of rat brain were evaluated. In vitro studies indicate that neither TRH, its two analogs, MK-771 [ L-N-(2-oxopiperidin-6-yl-carbonyl)-L-histidyl-L-thiazolidine-4-carboximide ] and DN-1417 (γ-butyrolactone-γ-carbonyl-L-histidyl-L-prolineamide) nor the metabolite histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [ cyclo(His-Pro) ] at concentrations ranging from 10−9 to 10−3 M affected 3H-(-QNB binding to striatal muscarinic receptors. On the other hand, p-Glu-His-Pro-OH (TRH-free acid), another metabolite of TRH caused significant inhibition (21%) at 10−4 M concentration. Introperitoneol administration of TRH (I or 10 mg/kg) also failed to ellicit any changes in the affinity (Kd) or density (Bmax) of muscarinic receptors in the striatum. The results suggest that TRH does not influence striotal muscarinic receptors and that the known effects of TRH and its analogs on central cholinergic system may be due to mechanisms other than those affecting postsynaptic muscarinic receptors directly.
Effects of uneven-aged silviculture on the stand structure, species composition, and economic returns of loblolly pine stands

Abstract Uneven-aged silviculture in loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) stands has many economic and ecological benefits. Here, the consequences of various uneven-aged management regimes are predicted with the SouthPro simulator. Results indicate that target distributions for pines with residual merchantable basal areas of ≈12.5 m 2 ha −1 , maximum diameters of ca. 40 cm, and q -ratios of 1.2–1.25 for 2.5 cm DBH classes are likely to provide high economic returns on good sites when combined with hardwood control. Increasing this maximum diameter would enhance tree-size diversity, but reduce sawtimber production and profits. Retaining a hardwood component with 1.15–2.3 m 2 ha −1 of basal area could enhance tree-species diversity, but this too would result in moderate reductions in income. Insisting on maximizing tree-size diversity or tree-species diversity among softwoods, soft hardwood, and hard hardwoods would be quite costly in terms of lost income and production. Results also illustrate how short-term economic incentives can lead to high-grading practices, despite substantial reductions in stand productivity and net returns in the long term.
Patients and medical statistics. Interest, confidence, and ability.

BACKGROUND: People are increasingly presented with medical statistics. There are no existing measures to assess their level of interest or confidence in using medical statistics. OBJECTIVE: To develop 2 new measures, the STAT-interest and STAT-confidence scales, and assess their reliability and validity. DESIGN: Survey with retest after approximately 2 weeks. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and twenty-four people were recruited from advertisements in local newspapers, an outpatient clinic waiting area, and a hospital open house. MEASURES: We developed and revised 5 items on interest in medical statistics and 3 on confidence understanding statistics. RESULTS: Study participants were mostly college graduates (52%); 25% had a high school education or less. The mean age was 53 (range 20 to 84) years. Most paid attention to medical statistics (6% paid no attention). The mean (SD) STAT-interest score was 68 (17) and ranged from 15 to 100. Confidence in using statistics was also high: the mean (SD) STAT-confidence score was 65 (19) and ranged from 11 to 100. STAT-interest and STAT-confidence scores were moderately correlated (r=.36, P<.001). Both scales demonstrated good test-retest repeatability (r=.60, .62, respectively), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.70 and 0.78), and usability (individual item nonresponse ranged from 0% to 1.3%). Scale scores correlated only weakly with scores on a medical data interpretation test (r=.15 and .26, respectively). CONCLUSION: The STAT-interest and STAT-confidence scales are usable and reliable. Interest and confidence were only weakly related to the ability to actually use data.
Some characteristics of an isolated group antigen common to most strains of murine leukemia virus

Abstract Various density gradient isolates were prepared from intact murine leukemia virus (Rauscher) and from the aqueous phase after virus disruption with Tween-ether. Each isolate was examined for the presence of viral antigens by three serological techniques—immunodiffusion, passive hemagglutination, and complement fixation—and by electron microscopy. The 1.24–1.26 density isolate derived from the nucleoid of the virion contained an antigen with the properties of the classical myxovirus “g” antigen. By the use of antisera prepared against 7 strains, and antigens of 12 strains of murine leukemia virus, the “g” antigen was shown to be identical in 7 strains, and strongly cross reactive, if not identical, in several others. Only one strain showed a reaction of partial identity in immunodiffusion.
Synthesis and NMR spectra of 13C-labeled coenzyme A esters

The synthesis of coenzyme A thioesters of 13C-labeled acetate, propionate, succinate, and methyl malonate is described. The average yields were 94%. The 13C-NMR spectra were determined to provide a reference for the resonance positions of these metabolites. The synthesis of coenzyme thioesters of small-molecular-weight acids labeled with 13C has not been described previously, nor have the resonance positions been previously reported.
Distinct interactions of Gsα-long, Gsα-short, and Gαolf with GTP, ITP, and XTP

Abstract The Gs-proteins Gsα-short (GsαS) and Gsα-long (GsαL), and the olfactory Gs protein (Gαolf) mediate activation of adenylyl cyclase by the β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR). Early studies showed that the purine nucleotides GTP, ITP, and XTP differentially support receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase activation in various native membrane systems, but those findings have remained unexplained thus far. We systematically analyzed the effects of GTP, ITP, and XTP on the coupling of the β2AR to GsαS, GsαL, and Gαolf, respectively, using fusion proteins expressed in Sf9 insect cells. Fusion proteins ensure defined receptor/G-protein stoichiometry and efficient coupling. At all three fusion proteins, GTP, ITP, and XTP exhibited unique profiles with respect to their potency and efficacy at disrupting high-affinity agonist binding and supporting adenylyl cyclase activation by partial and full agonists. Our data can be interpreted in two ways: (i) GTP, ITP, and XTP may stabilize different active conformations in various Gs-proteins, or (ii) GTP, ITP, and XTP may differ from one another in the kinetics of interaction with various Gs-proteins. Regardless of which of the two explanations is correct, our present data demonstrate that GTP, ITP, and XTP are highly efficient regulators of signal transduction mediated through a specific G-protein. Also discussed is the possibility that G-protein activation by ITP and XTP may be of relevance in Lesch–Nyhan syndrome, a defect of the purine salvage pathway associated with abnormalities in various neurotransmitter systems.
Toxicokinetics and biotransformation of p-nitrophenol in red abalone (Haliotis rufescens).

Abstract Red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) were exposed to 3.6 μM (0.5 ppm) 14 C-labelled p -nitrophenol (PNP) for 24 h, then were allowed to depurate in clean seawater for another 24 h. Absorption, conditional uptake clearance and elimination rate constants were 0.12±0.04 h −1 , 3.2±1.1 ml g −1 h −1 and 0.05±0.02 h −1 , respectively. The sigmoidal shape of the PNP uptake curve suggests a biphasic process. A whole-organism total concentration factor (TCF) of 2.37±0.07 was determined from equilibrium tissue and water concentrations, with the highest concentration of PNP plus metabolites found in gill tissue (11.8±0.2 nmol g −1 , wet weight). Digestive gland, foot muscle and remaining body tissues accumulated 8.8±0.9, 7.7±0.6 and 7.5±0.6 nmol g −1 radiolabelled residues, respectively. Abalone depurated 91.6% of absorbed PNP within 24 h, of which 87.5±3.1% was unmetabolized parent compound, 13.1±3.1% was p -nitrophenylsulfate, 0.32±0.09% was p -nitroanisole, and 0.14±0.07% was p -acetamidophenol.
L-Band Radar Sensing of Soil Moisture

The objectives of this experiment were to assess the performance of an L-band, 25-cm wavelength imaging synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for soil moisture determination, and to study the temporal variability of radar returns from a number of agricultural fields. A series of three overflights was accomplished during March 1977 over an agricultural test site in Kern County, CA. Soil moisture samples were collected from bare fields at nine sites at depths of 0-2, 2-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm. These gravimetric measurements were converted to percent of field capacity for correlation to the radar return signal. The initial signal film was optically correlated and scanned to produce image data numbers. These numbers were then converted to relative return power by linear interpolation of the noise power wedge which was introduced in 5-dB steps into the original signal film before and after each data run. Results of correlations between the relative return power and percent of field capacity (%FC) demonstrate that the relative return power from this imaging radar system is responsive to the amount of soil moisture in bare fields. The signal returned from dry (15%FC) and wet (130%FC) fields where furrowing is parallel to the radar beam differs by about 15 dB. Problems remain to be resolved before this technique can be operationally employed. First, adequate calibration of the radar system is required to insure comparability of data both from area to area within a single flight and between different flights.
A propagation toolkit to design quantum controls

A toolkit of time-propagation operators, to be stored and recalled as needed, is incorporated into the algorithms for the optimal control of quantum systems. Typically, the control field e(t) revisits the same values many times during the full time evolution. This repetition may be utilized to enhance efficiency through a convenient toolkit of propagators where the propagators are computed and stored only at a small number of discrete electric-field values in the dynamic range emin⩽e(t)⩽emax. At each time step of the controlled evolution a specific member of the pre-calculated toolkit is selected as dictated by the local control field value. The toolkit can reduce the cost of control field design by a factor scaling as ∼N for quantum systems described in a basis set of N states. Optimal control with the toolkit is demonstrated for systems up to dimension N=30.
THE STATE OF THE ART OF NUMERICAL MODELING OF THERMOHYDROLOGIC FLOW IN FRACTURED ROCK MASSES

The state of the art of numerical modeling of thermohydrologic flow in fractured rock masses is reviewed and a comparative study is made of several models which have been developed in nuclear waste isolation, geothermal energy, ground water hydrology, petroleum engineering, and other geologic fields. The general review is followed by individual summaries of each model and the main characteristics of its governing equations, numerical solutions, computer codes, validations, and applications.
The Citrus Coccidae of the World; an Appeal for Co-operation and Aid

About two months ago there was begun, under the auspices of the University of California Citrus Experiment Station, the task of monographing, as adequately as possible, the Citrus Coccidae of the world. Obviously, the scope of such an undertaking is such that an enormous amount of laborious work is required in the compilation and synthesis of scattered and partially “buried” scraps of recorded data. Even this collated information will not meet the requirements of our problem. This is particularly the case as regards geographical distribution, alternate and preferred hosts, and proper correlation of the data of distribution and damage with that of the geographical distribution and economic status of Citrus itself.
Stability of Continuous Measures of Sociometric Status: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract A meta-analytic review was conducted of 77 studies including 93 samples and 18,339 participants that examine both the short-term and long-term stability of four continuous dimensions of sociometric status: acceptance, rejection, social preference, and peer ratings. A large mean short-term stability was found for each dimension, indicating good test–retest reliability of sociometric measurements. Weighted least square regression analysis revealed that long-term stability was influenced by four factors: children’s age, gender, the length of the time interval across which stability was examined, and the year the study was published. The current study provides evidence for good reliability and high stability of continuous dimensions of peer status in childhood and adolescence.
Safeguarding Our First Responders: Infection Control and Prevention for Firefighters

ISSUE: Individuals in our community who require safe emergency transport need public safety workers who are appropriately trained to avoid bloodborne pathogen exposures. Firefighters who are inadequately trained could serve as a source of transmissible illnesses to patients, hospital staff or other community members. The Viral Hepatitis Board reports that when rescue efforts are conducted in confined areas with poor lighting, an increased risk of exposure to blood and other body fluids exists. According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the hepatitis B infection prevalence rate for firefighters in 2002 was 2.7. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends that emergency personnel who respond to potentially hazardous disasters need additional training and updated safety guidelines to ensure their protection. In 2005, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) recorded deaths of firefighters as a result of occupational exposure to hepatitis C. PROJECT: Our community fire department is composed of over 250 firefighters trained as emergency medical technicians with 100 of these also trained as paramedics. Our infection control and prevention department reached outside our hospital to partner with fire department staff to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposures such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pandemic illnesses or biological threats by providing infection control and prevention training to new department trainees. After a need's assessment was conducted, a customized training program was designed using evidence-based practice to address the identified knowledge deficits. Subsequent classes were revised using comments and information obtained from ongoing needs' assessments. RESULTS: The infection control and prevention nurse presented classes to the fire department's new trainees from June 2004 through July 2005. During this period, no new needle stick injuries were identified, and other bloodborne pathogen exposures were significantly reduced. Senior leaders at the fire department, who monitored the project results, called the collaboration beneficial to everyone involved. This collaboration resulted in the fire department educator attending the joint county/hospital homeland security task force. LESSONS LEARNED: Infection control and prevention applies across the continuum of care and should be utilized to improve processes used by public health workers. Infection control professionals should seek new partnerships to extend their expertise into protecting the community as a whole. Using a needs assessment, customized infection control and prevention programs can be designed to fit a wide-range of community needs including the reduction of bloodborne pathogen exposures for firefighters.
Scalar-tensor gravitational effects on vacuum decay.

Motivated by a recently proposed "extended" inflation scenario, we apply the formalism of Coleman and De Luccia to the false-vacuum decay of a scalar field coupled to a scalar-tensor theory of gravity. In particular, we discuss a model for false-vacuum decay of a scalar field $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ minimally coupled in a Brans-Dicke-like theory of gravity. In such theories, the effective gravitational constant is a function of a scalar field $\ensuremath{\varphi}$. In general, $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ will have nontrivial dynamics in the false vacuum, and as $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ varies the decay rate of the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ false vacuum need not be constant. We present both an explicit "thin-wall" calculation of the decay rate, and a more general numerical "thick-wall" calculation, comparing them to the standard results for Einstein gravity. We consider some questions of principle concerning boundary conditions for the $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ field. We discuss the consequences of these results for extended models of inflation.
LONG TERM OUTCOMES FOLLOWING FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE GUIDED TREATMENT OF INDETERMINATE LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A META-ANALYSIS OF PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDIES

Prospective studies evaluating the use of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) for clinical decision-making in indeterminate unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenosis have been limited by small sample size. We performed a pooled meta-analysis of all available studies to define the long term
Some early effects of cyclophosphamide therapy on Fortner plasmacytoma.

Abstract DNA was isolated from hamster plasmacytomas following treatment of the whole animals with therapeutic dosage of cyclophosphamide, and its ability to act as a primer in assays of DNA nucleotidyl transferase (EC 2. 7. 7. 7) activity was compared to that of DNA isolated from plasmacytomas receiving no cyclophosphamide. The treated DNA was the more effective primer. This result was detectable in as little as 2 h after cyclophosphamide, and it was even stronger after 5 days of cyclophosphamide treatment. The ornithine decarboxylase activity (EC 4.1.1.17) of tumor supernatant fractions was markedly increased within as little as 1 and 2 h after cyclophosphamide treatment. However, this increase was only transitory, and 24 h after cyclophosphamide treatment the observed enzyme activity had dropped to less than the control. These two effects can be observed long before the tumors stop increasing in size. In this, they resemble previously demonstrated effects in RNA and protein synthesis. We conclude that the cellular response to cyclophosphamide damage is so rapid and so generalized that it becomes impractical to designate any one metabolic area as the one whose disruption is the cause of the lethal effect in the tumor cells. Increased ornithine decarboxylase activity has frequently been reported as a phenomenon of tissues about to begin growing. The present study is unique in associating increased ornithine decarboxylase activity with a growing tissue whose growth is about to be inhibited.
Literature after Darwin: Human Beasts in Western Fiction, 1859–1939

When Charles Darwin published his great On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859, it was at once realized that although the work was on evolution and its causes it had implica...
How Plausible is the Consensus Projection of Oil Below $25 and Persian Gulf Oil Capacity and Output Doubling by 2020?

A two-part consensus in three recent long-term projections of the world oil market states: oil’s price will stay below $25 (1999 $/barrel), and OPEC oil capacity and production will increase rapidly over the next two decades to unprecedented levels, more than doubling in the Persian Gulf by 2020. Such are the projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), by the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and in The New Economy of Oil by John Mitchell and others. Yet such projections are not based on behavioral analysis of Gulf countries’ decisions; they are merely the calculated residual demand for OPEC oil, the difference between projected world oil demand and non-OPEC supply, given some assumed price-path. Such projections by IEA and DOE are implausible because they rely on supply behavior by Gulf producers that is not in their own self-interest. The DOE projections of world oil prices could be reasonable, but only if world oil demand and/or non-OPEC supply are much more price-responsive than are represented in their numerical projections. Using an updated version of the model from Gately (1995), I show that the effect of greater priceresponsiveness is to make faster output growth – not higher prices – the reliable path to higher OPEC revenue. I also demonstrate the effects of uncertainty about several key parameters (such as price and income elasticities) upon model results when parameter values are randomly sampled 500 times.
Measurements of small angle elastic p-d scattering at 796 MeV using a recoil method

The energy spectra of deuterons recoiling from a deuterium gas target bombarded by transversely polarized 796-MeV protons have been measured to obtain the differential cross sections, dsigma/dt, and analyzing powers, A/sub y/(t), for p-d elastic scattering over a range of laboratory angles from 4.53/sup 0/ to 13.02/sup 0/, corresponding to a range of four-momentum transfer squared, Vertical BartVertical Bar, from 0.013 to 0.108 GeV/sup 2//c/sup 2/. Employing several sets of nucleon-nucleon, N-N, amplitudes obtained from N-N phase shift analyses, comparisons are made between the experimental data and the predictions of a multiple scattering theory. In this region of four-momentum transfer, A/sub y/ is shown to depend almost entirely on the spin-independent and spin-orbit N-N amplitudes.
What “They” Want From “Us” Industry Expectations of Journalism Graduates

As new delivery methods for traditional journalism emerge, the lack of a clear direction from the industry creates curriculum problems for educators. Through a national survey, researchers asked newspaper and television news personnel which skills they think are most important for job applicants to have. Results show that news organizations still want the same skills they’ve always sought with two additions: (a) an awareness among reporters, photographers, producers, and copy editors of what multimedia elements might add to their stories and (b) a select few students who want to become online producers who can maximize the multimedia elements. The results indicate that educators might want to hold off abandoning the teaching of traditional, medium-specific skills for the time being, while incorporating more multimedia education into their curricula.
Hidden marker position estimation during sit-to-stand with walker

Motion capture analysis of sit-to-stand task with assistive device is hard to achieve due to obstruction on reflective makers. Previously developed robotic system, Smart Mobile Walker, is used as an assistive device to perform motion capture analysis in sit-to-stand task. All lower limb markers except hip markers are invisible through whole session. The link-segment and regression method is applied to estimate the marker position during sit-to-stand. Applying a new method, the lost marker positions are restored and the biomechanical evaluation of the sit-to-stand movement with a Smart Mobile Walker could be carried out. The accuracy of the marker position estimation is verified with normal sit-to-stand data from more than 30 clinical trials. Moreover, further research on improving the link segment and regression method is addressed.
Conversion of Renal Angiotensin II to Angiotensin III Is Critical for AT2 Receptor–Mediated Natriuresis In Rats

In the kidney, angiotensin II (Ang II) is metabolized to angiotensin III (Ang III) by aminopeptidase A (APA). In turn, Ang III is metabolized to angiotensin IV by aminopeptidase N (APN). Renal interstitial (RI) infusion of Ang III, but not Ang II, results in angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT 2 R)-mediated natriuresis. This response is augmented by coinfusion of PC-18, a specific inhibitor of APN. The present study addresses the hypotheses that Ang II conversion to Ang III is critical for the natriuretic response. Sprague-Dawley rats received systemic angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT 1 R) blockade with candesartan (CAND; 0.01 mg/kg/min) for 24 hours before and during the experiment. After a control period, rats received either RI infusion of Ang II or Ang II+PC-18. The contralateral kidney received a RI infusion of vehicle in all rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored, and urinary sodium excretion rate (U Na V) was calculated separately from experimental and control kidneys for each period. In contrast to Ang II–infused kidneys, U Na V from Ang II+PC-18-infused kidneys increased from a baseline of 0.03±0.01 to 0.09±0.02 μmol/min ( P 2 R antagonist, inhibited the natriuretic response. Furthermore, RI addition of EC-33, a selective APA inhibitor, abolished the natriuretic response to Ang II+PC-18. These data demonstrate that RI addition of PC-18 to Ang II enables natriuresis mediated by the AT 2 R, and that conversion of Ang II to Ang III is critical for this response.
K--decay branching fractions

We report here a determination of the K−-decay branching fractions for the modes « μ2 », « π2 », « τ » and « 3-body ». The decay fractions,fi(K−), are compared with all available values of their equivalents for K+-decay. Our determination agrees well with the emulsion results, and disagress with the recent Xe results by approximately 2 standard deviations. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Very Rapid Microanalysis of IgG in Ascites Fluids by HPLC Using a Novel Anion-Exchange Column

An HPLC system has been optimized for the rapid resolution and quantitation of IgG in mouse ascites fluids, making use of newly developed HPLC columns (MA7P). Chromatography using MA7P columns is characterized by remarkably narrow band widths and very short retention times. The HPLC system is capable of analyzing the IgG content of a typical ascites fluid with a cycle-to-cycle time of under 5 minutes, regardless of IgG subtype. Separation times under 1 minute are possible. Recoveries of 100 μg injections of IgG and other proteins are quantitative. Using a UV monitor, the system was optimized to generate a linear plot of peak area vs. amount of IgG injected from 100 ng to 3 μg per injection. These properties make the MA7P column very useful for both analytical and micropreparative applications. Ascites fluids from eleven different IgG1-producing hybridomas were analyzed. The IgG concentrations in those eleven ascites varied considerably. Retention times of the IgG varied slightly but significantly from hybridoma to hybridoma. Some monoclonals produce heterogeneous IgG. This heterogeneity can be detected by chromatography using MA7P columns.
Reducing delay and enhancing DoS resistance in multicast authentication through multigrade security

Many techniques for multicast authentication employ the principle of delayed key disclosure. These methods introduce delay in authentication, employ receiver-side buffers, and are susceptible to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Delayed key disclosure schemes have a binary concept of authentication and do not incorporate any notion of partial trust. This paper introduces staggered timed efficient stream loss-tolerant authentication (TESLA), a method for achieving multigrade authentication in multicast scenarios that reduces the delay needed to filter forged multicast packets and, consequently, mitigates the effects of DoS attacks. Staggered TESLA involves modifications to the popular multicast authentication scheme, TESLA, by incorporating the notion of multilevel trust through the use of multiple, staggered authentication keys in creating message authentication codes (MACs) for a multicast packet. We provide guidelines for determining the appropriate buffer size, and show that the use of multiple MACs and, hence, multiple grades of authentication, allows the receiver to flush forged packets quicker than in conventional TESLA. As a result, staggered TESLA provides an advantage against DoS attacks compared to conventional TESLA. We then examine two new strategies for reducing the time needed for complete authentication. In the first strategy, the multicast source uses assurance of the trustworthiness of entities in a neighborhood of the source, in conjunction with the multigrade authentication provided by staggered TESLA. The second strategy achieves reduced delay by introducing additional key distributors in the network.