cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Method To Evaluate Image-Recovery Algorithms Based On Task Performance

A method for evaluating image-recovery algorithms is presented, which is based on the numerical assessment of how well a specified visual task may be performed using the reconstructed images. A Monte Carlo technique is used to simulate the complete imaging process including the generation of scenes appropriate to the desired application, subsequent data taking, image recovery, and performance of the stated task based on the final image. The use of a pseudo-random simulation process permits one to assess the response of an image-recovery algorithm to many different scenes. Nonlinear algorithms are readily evaluated. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated through a study of the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), which reconstructs images from their projections. In the imaging situation studied, it is found that the use of the nonnegativity constraint in ART can dramatically increase the detectability of objects in some instances, especially when the data consist of a limited number of noiseless projections.
Multivalent recognition of histone tails by the PHD-fingers of CHD5

The chromodomain, helicase, DNA-binding protein 5 (CHD5) is a chromatin remodeling enzyme which is implicated in tumor suppression. In this study, we demonstrate the ability of the CHD5 PHD fingers to specifically recognize the unmodified N-terminus of histone H3. We use two distinct modified peptide-library platforms (beads and glass slides) to determine the detailed histone binding preferences of PHD(1) and PHD(2) alone and the tandem PHD(1-2) construct. Both domains displayed similar binding preferences for histone H3, where modification (e.g., methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation) at H3R2, H3K4, H3T3, H3T6, and H3S10 disrupts high-affinity binding, and the three most N-terminal amino acids (ART) are crucial for binding. The tandem CHD5-PHD(1-2) displayed similar preferences to those displayed by each PHD finger alone. Using NMR, surface plasmon resonance, and two novel biochemical assays, we demonstrate that CHD5-PHD(1-2) simultaneously engages two H3 N-termini and results in a 4-11-fold increase in affinity compared with either PHD finger alone. These studies provide biochemical evidence for the utility of tandem PHD fingers to recruit protein complexes at targeted genomic loci and provide the framework for understanding how multiple chromatin-binding modules function to interpret the combinatorial PTM capacity written in chromatin.
Job mobility, wage dispersion, and technological change: An asymmetric information perspective

Abstract This paper develops a model of job mobility and wage dispersion with asymmetric information. Contrary to existing models in which the superior information of current employers leads to market collapse, this model generates a unique equilibrium outcome in which (a) positive turnover exists and (b) identical workers may be paid differently. The model implies that, in the presence of technological change that is skill-biased and favors general skills over firm-specific skills, the wage distribution becomes more spread out (corresponding to greater inequality) and job mobility increases.
Treating uncomplicated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections: is the anatomic site of infection important?

Background The efficacy of new antimicrobial regimens against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection of sites other than the urethra and cervix is rarely adequately assessed. Goal of this study To learn whether modern antigonococcal agents eradicate infections at some mucosal sites less reliably than at others. Study design This was a systematic review of published therapeutic trials of various antimicrobial regimens for the biological cure of uncomplicated mucosal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Data were aggregated by treatment regimen and the cure rates were calculated by site of infection. Results Of 16,737 infections, 96.4% were cured--female urethra, 98.4%; male urethra, 96.4%; cervix, 98.0%; female pharynx, 83.7%; male pharynx, 79.2%; female rectum, 97.9%; and male rectum, 95.3%. The differences between the cure rates at the pharynx and at all other sites were statistically significant in the crude analysis and after stratifying by treatment regimen. Conclusion Modern antigonococcal regimens highly effective against infection of the urethra are highly effective at the cervix and rectum as well, but pharyngeal infections are more difficult to cure.
Economic Theories of Emigration

This review of economic theories seeks to expand our understanding of the “pull and push” factors of emigration. It features political economy theories of rational choice, supply and demand, world system, and network. Rational choice theory helps to identify the personal and household considerations for emigration by weighing the costs and the benefits. Supply-and-demand theory takes into account the oversupply of labor as a strong push factor and the demand for labor in advanced industrial countries as a strong pull factor. World system theory focuses on the complex political and economic factors that lead to exploiting third-world countries and create a strong push to emigrate. Finally, network theory can be used to explain the dynamics of immigrant communities in both overseas countries and country of origin that can create a pull toward emigration. The review concludes with the implications of these economic theories for expanding our understanding of human behavior and social environment and internat...
Ostracoda From Tidal Freshwater Wetlands at Stockport, Hudson River Estuary: Abundance, Distribution, and Composition

Distribution patterns and faunal composition of freshwater ostracods in large tidal river systems are poorly documented. In summer 1987, a faunal and distributional survey of freshwater ostracods was conducted at Stockport Flats on the Hudson River. The ostracod fauna of this tidal freshwater wetland contains exclusively freshwater species. Seven genera were represented among 2,928 specimens collected from three intertidal sampling stations. The ostracod fauna of the tidal freshwater Hudson is similar to that of large lakes, and is numerically dominated by a few widely distributed species.
There and back again: gene-processing hardware for the evolution and robotic deployment of robust navigation strategies

Navigation strategies represent some of the most intriguing examples of complex and intelligent behaviors in nature. Accordingly, they have been the focus of extensive research in animal behavior and in evolutionary robotics. However, engineering successes in harnessing the evolutionary dynamics that shape sophisticated navigation strategies remain limited. Here we describe a novel gene-processing architecture for digital organisms that enables the evolution of central-place-foraging strategies, such as those seen in honeybees and striped hyena. While previous studies have evolved navigation de novo, the resulting algorithms have been relatively fragile and difficult to translate into physical systems. In contrast, the strategies evolved in this study are highly congruous with those seen in nature: a single evolved foraging strategy incorporates periods of directed travel, fixed pattern search, cue response, and reorientation when outcomes do not match expected results. Additionally, the genetic architecture enabled rapid extraction of the underlying behavioral algorithm and transference to a robotic system, proving to be robust to issues of noise and scale that commonly plague such attempts. Accordingly, we demonstrate that the flexibility and interpretability of the new gene-processing hardware readily facilitate the creation, study, and utilization of naturalistic and deployable algorithms for functionally complex behaviors.
Cloud forming potential of oligomers relevant to secondary organic aerosols

The hygroscopic growth factor (HGF) and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity are measured for surrogates that mimic atmospherically relevant oligomers, including glyoxal trimer dihydrate, methyl glyoxal trimer dihydrate, sucrose, methyl glyoxal mixtures with sulfuric acid and glycolic acid, and 2,4-hexandienal mixtures with sulfuric acid and glycolic acid. For the single-component aerosols, the measured HGF ranges from 1.3 to 1.4 at a relative humidity of 90%, and the hygroscopicity parameter (κ) is in the range of 0.06 to 0.19 on the basis of the measured CCN activity and 0.13 to 0.22 on the basis of the measured HGF, compared to the calculated values of 0.08 to 0.16. Large differences exist in the κ values derived using the measured HGF and CCN data for the multi-component aerosols. Our results reveal that, in contrast to the oxidation process, oligomerization decreases particle hygroscopicity and CCN activity and provides guidance for analyzing the organic species in ambient aerosols.
Basement membrane reduplication and pericyte degeneration precede development of diabetic polyneuropathy and are associated with its severity

In a recent paper, we showed that the number of endoneurial microvessels per square millimeter and the average luminal area and size distribution of these microvessels are not significantly different in sural nerves of patients with diabetes mellitus as compared to control subjects. Mural area, especially the component due to basement membrane reduplication and cellular debris, was unequivocally increased in diabetes mellitus. Because these latter changes are associated with a decrease in periendothelial cell area, we hypothesized that cellular degeneration, especially of pericytes, may account for basement membrane reduplication and increased frequency of cellular debris. In the present study, we showed that endoneurial microvessels undergo a statistically significant increase in basement membrane area, mural area, and frequency of cellular debris in diabetics without polyneuropathy and an even greater increase in diabetics with polyneuropathy. We also found that duration of diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with area occupied by reduplicated basement membrane and cellular debris, but not with mural and periendothelial area. None of the examined measurements was associated with age. Since the microvessel abnormalities we describe are already present before the development of polyneuropathy and increase with severity of polyneuropathy, it is likely that they reflect functional derangements of pericytes and microvessel function which precede and might be implicated in fiber degeneration.
Need for causal modeling approximations

Many scientific studies seek to discover cause-effect relationships among observed variables of interest. Causal modeling and causal discovery are central to science. In order to algorithmically consider causal relations, the relations must be placed into a representation structure or model that supports manipulation and discovery. Knowledge of at least some causal effects is inherently imprecise or approximate. An algorithmic way of handling causal imprecision is needed. There are several needs of a causal model; this paper describes many of the causal representation needs.
Receptor-specific Ubiquitination of β-Arrestin Directs Assembly and Targeting of Seven-transmembrane Receptor Signalosomes

Abstract Angiotensin II type 1a (AT1a), vasopressin V2, and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMRs) that bind and co-internalize with the multifunctional adaptor protein, β-arrestin. These receptors also lead to robust and persistent activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) localized on endosomes. Recently, the co-trafficking of receptor-β-arrestin complexes to endosomes was demonstrated to require stable β-arrestin ubiquitination (Shenoy, S. K., and Lefkowitz, R. J. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 14498–14506). We now report that lysines at positions 11 and 12 in β-arrestin2 are specific and required sites for its AngII-mediated sustained ubiquitination. Thus, upon AngII stimulation the mutant β-arrestin2K11,12R is only transiently ubiquitinated, does not form stable endocytic complexes with the AT1aR, and is impaired in scaffolding-activated ERK1/2. Fusion of a ubiquitin moiety in-frame to β-arrestin2K11,12R restores AngII-mediated trafficking and signaling. Wild type β-arrestin2 and β-arrestin2K11R,K12R-Ub, but not β-arrestin2K11R,K12R, prevent nuclear translocation of pERK. These findings imply that sustained β-arrestin ubiquitination not only directs co-trafficking of receptor-β-arrestin complexes but also orchestrates the targeting of “7TMR signalosomes” to microcompartments within the cell. Surprisingly, binding of β-arrestin2K11R,K12R to V2R and NK1R is indistinguishable from that of wild type β-arrestin2. Moreover, ubiquitination patterns and ERK scaffolding of β-arrestin2K11,12R are unimpaired with respect to V2R stimulation. In contrast, a quintuple lysine mutant (β-arrestin2K18R,K107R,K108R,K207R,K296R) is impaired in endosomal trafficking in response to V2R but not AT1aR stimulation. Our findings delineate a novel regulatory mechanism for 7TMR signaling, dictated by the ubiquitination of β-arrestin on specific lysines that become accessible for modification due to the specific receptor-bound conformational states of β-arrestin2.
A uniqueness theorem of the 3-dimensional acoustic scattering problem in a shallow ocean with a fluid-like seabed

This paper shows that under the assumption of the out-going radiation conditions at infinity, the time-harmonic acoustic scattered field off a sound-soft solid in a shallow ocean with a fluid-like seabed is unique in . Here M1 is the water part, M2 the seabed, the waveguide and Ω the solid object. The associated modal problem is studied and a representation formula for the solution in terms of the Green's function is derived.
Magnetoencephalogram recording from secondary motor areas during imagined movements

This study determined whether the activity of the secondary motor cortex (M2) could be recorded during imagined movements (IM) of the right and left hand using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Results during IM were compared with a somatosensory trial during a passive tactile stimulation in one subject. During the somatosensory trial, dipoles were detected in somatosensory (SS) and motor primary (M1) areas, scoring 94.4-98.4% for SS, 1.6-5.6% for M1 and 0% for M2. During the IM trial, dipoles were detected in SS, M1 and M2 areas, scoring 61.1-68.8% for SS, 2.6-9.3% for M1 and 28.6-29.6% for M2. These data support the hypothesis that M2 areas are activated during imagined hand movements. This study aims for the development of a diagnosis test for patients with motor deficits by evaluating the whole somatomotor network with specific interest in M2 areas.
Relationship Between Composition of Oilseed Processed Fractions and the Whole Oilseeds

Comparative analyses of inherent seed nutrient composition often are used to demonstrate ‘substantial equivalence’ between genetically modified (GM) and conventionally bred oilseed varieties. Risk assessment of genetically modified crops in food and feed applications is conducted typically with whole oilseed composition information. However, it is important to evaluate the composition of processed oilseed fractions to assure that the composition of the oilseed components is not compromised during processing. Oilseed processing methods can significantly affect the nutrient quality of oilseed fractions. Although advances in oilseed processing technology help maximize the nutrient quality of the constituents of processed oil and meal, few studies have documented the degree to which individual processed fractions compare to nutrient levels in corresponding raw oilseeds. In cases where a lack of substantial equivalence is suggested, such information should reveal whether any apparent differences are attributable to genetic modification or processing technology. This investigation employs a meta-analysis of composition data from oilseeds and corresponding processed fractions that has been amassed over the last decade. Results of these analyses support the conclusion that positive associations may be expected between nutritional constituents in oilseeds and processed fractions from those oilseed samples. Therefore either source of these data may be used to establish similarities among modern crop varieties.
Effect of thermal treatment on heating characteristics of Ni-Cu alloy for hyperthermia: preliminary studies.

Ferromagnetic NiCu alloy wires were characterized in order to obtain well-defined thermoseeds for application in interstitial hyperthermia of prostate cancer. Thermoseeds have been produced which possess Curie points in the therapeutic hyperthermia range, approximately 40 to 50 °C. The effect of thermal treatment and composition on the heating characteristics of the thermoseeds were investigated. The preliminary study shows that the recrystallization is crucial for altering thermoseeds' heating characteristics. Obtaining thermoseeds which behave as desired depends on changes in annealing times and temperatures. One may increase the maximum heating temperature (similar to Curie temperature) by increasing the annealing time and cooling time. Decreasing the lower annealing plateau temperature also increases the maximum seed heating temperature. Higher nickel content compositions did not affect rise time but increased the maximum heating temperature. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Aerodynamics and Noise of Coaxial Jets

The objective of this investigation was to develop a unified prediction method for estimating the aerodynamic and noise characteristics of jets issuing from nozzles of arbitrary geometric shapes. The method has been developed and demonstrated for dual-flow coaxial jets. An extension of Reichardt's theory is utilized to predict the mean velocity, temperature, and axial turbulence intensity distributions throughout the jet plume. The generic noise intensity spectrum is synthesized by a "slice-of-jet" approach, wherein each axial location in the plume contributes to the sound generation in one dominant frequency band. The propagation of the source spectrum to the far field is modeled by means of convected quadrupoles embedded in a parallel slug flow. Extensive predictions of the aeroacoustic characteristics of coaxial jets were made and compared with experiment. The agreement between theory and experiment is quite good, except at high frequencies and shallow angles to the jet axis, where refraction is overestimated. A major conclusion drawn from these results is that the noise reduction attained by a coaxial jet conies primarily from a reduction in turbulence intensity.
Expanding Discrimination Research: Moving Beyond Ethnicity and to the Web

This article aims to expand research about perceptions of discrimination both substantively and methodologically: beyond the domains of race and ethnicity, and relying partly on Web-based surveys. Methods. Parallel surveys were conducted over the telephone and the World-Wide Web, using standard random-digit dial (RDD) techniques for the former, and a large volunteer panel for the latter. Results. Both modes, phone and Web, revealed that respondents consider discrimination based on physical appearance and economic status to be more prevalent than discrimination based on ethnicity. Respondents also reported that they themselves have been victimized more by physical appearance and economic status discrimination than by ethnic discrimination. Significant differences emerged between the phone and Web respondent pools, even after controlling for such independent variables as age, race, education level, and gender. The findings suggest that people are more willing to reveal knowledge about controversial social phenomena on the Web than on the phone. World-Wide Web, internet, phone survey, knowledge falsification, social desirability bias, selection bias
13C NMR of organosulfur compounds the 13C chemical shifts of monocyclic γ‐ and δ‐sultones

The 13C NMR spectra of several monocyclic γ-sultones(1,2-oxathiolane 2,2-dioxides) and δ-sultones(1,2-oxathiane 2,2-dioxides) have been determined and are presented herein. The chemical shifts of the ring carbons of these compounds are compared in terms of conformational, electronic and anisotropic differences. Electric field effects may be responsible for the chemical shifts of the C-α carbon, but do not appear to be important for C-α. Anisotropic deshielding also appears to be important for the chemical shifts of C-α, but the effects on C-α appear to be small. Dipole changes at C-α and C-α, induced by back donation of electron density from the ring oxygen to sulfur, may explain the chemical shifts at C-α. Substituent effects are readily explained in terms of well-known effects. In general, the carbons closest to the sulfonate group are found to be the most affected, and the carbons of the δ-sultones proximate to the sulfonate group are found to be more deshielded than those of the γ-sultones.
Metabolomics, metabolic diversity and genetic variation in crops

The metabolome represents a critical aspect of a plant’s physiology, growth characteristics and, ultimately, economic value. Metabolic changes underpin plant development and responses to applied stresses, whilst quality traits in many important crops and ornamental plants are dependent on metabolic composition. It is also frequently reasoned that metabolic information reflects biological endpoints more accurately than transcript or protein analysis. As such, the science of metabolomics has proven to be of increasing popularity in assessing genotypic and phenotypic diversity in plants, in defining biochemical changes associated with developmental changes during plant growth and, increasingly, in compositional comparisons. The postulated value of this metabolic information resides primarily in its potential to support breeding and selection of novel yield-enhanced and nutritionally improved crops. Plants display remarkable genetic plasticity which has served to facilitate the development of an extraordinary range of genetically distinct and metabolically diverse cultivars for any given plant species. Despite concerns regarding potential loss of genetic diversity through domestication, genetic resources still exist through wild and exotic germplasms. Additionally, emerging biotechnological approaches such as RNAi silencing and the transgenic modification of regulatory genes offer new and fascinating opportunities for enhancing diversity and eliciting trait improvements. This review is intended to promote the view that metabolomics, through comparative assessments of metabolic diversity in domesticated and non-domesticated plants, and through evaluations of the compositional impact of metabolic engineering efforts can support breeding programmes designed to elicit trait improvements.
A longitudinal study comparing thenar motor unit number estimates to other quantitative tests in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The following data were obtained on 21 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, aged 36-76 years (mean: 58 years), at baseline and months 4, 8, and 12: thenar motor unit number estimate (MUNE) using multiple point stimulation, mean thenar surface-recorded motor unit action potential negative-peak area, thenar compound muscle action potential amplitude, isometric hand grip strength, total Medical Research Council (MRC) manual muscle testing score, Appel ALS rating scale, and forced vital capacity (FVC). The absolute mean rate of change per month was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for MUNE values than for MRC and FVC values in the 21 ALS patients. In a subset of patients (n = 6) with slowly progressive disease, the absolute mean rate of change per month was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for MUNE values than for all other test values. In addition, MUNE values were the most sensitive index for documenting changes in disease progression over time.
Effect of atomic displacements on color center production in MgO

Abstract The optical absorption spectrum produced in MgO during exposures to 2 × 1016 α-particles/cm2 was shown to consist of absorption bands with peaks at photon quantum energies of 4.25, 4.85, 4.9, 5.55 and 5.8 eV. The 4.9 eV band is attributed to F-centers which are estimated to be present at a concentration on the order of 1019/cm3 after the highest α-particle exposure. The bands at 4.25, 4.85 and 5.55 eV are attributed to impurity centers. The concentrations of these centers are about 30-fold higher than are produced by irradiation with γ-rays to saturation coloration. The formation of color centers at impurity sites is apparently enhanced by the presence of lattice defects produced by atomic displacement processes. The continued growth of the 5.8 eV band at high radiation exposures suggests that this band is due to some type of defect center.
Rule-Based Category Learning is Impaired in Patients with Parkinson's Disease but not in Patients with Cerebellar Disorders

The basal ganglia and cerebellum have both been implicated in motor skill acquisition. Recent hypotheses concerning cognitive functions of the basal ganglia and cerebellum have emphasized that these subcortical structures may also contribute to nonmotor learning. To explore this issue, patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and patients with cerebellar lesions (CB) were tested on two category-learning tasks. Identical stimulus displays were used for the two tasks, consisting of a reference line and target line. In the length task, the two categories were defined based on the length of the target line. In the distance task, the two categories were defined by the distance between the target and reference lines. Thus, both categories could be defined by a simple rule in which attention must be restricted to a single relevant dimension. Consistent with previous results, the patients with PD were impaired on both tasks compared with neurologically healthy controls. In contrast, the CB patients performed similar to the control participants. Model-based analyses indicate that the patients with PD were able to select the appropriate categorization rule, but that they adopted suboptimal category boundaries in both conditions and were more variable in the application of the selected rule. These results provide an important neuropsychological dissociation on a non-motor-learning task between the effects of basal ganglia and cerebellar lesions. Moreover, the modeling work suggests that at least part of the Parkinson patients' impairment on these tasks reflect a tendency to exhibit strong response biases.
Menispermaceae Alkaloids I *: The Alkaloids of Cissampelos pareira Linn. and the Origin of Radix Pareirae Bravae

The roots and vines of Cissampelos pareira Linn. from Madras yielded l -curine, d -iso-chondrodendrine, and hayatin. Preliminary pharmacological study of the methanol-extractable alkaloids, of the methiodide prepared from the latter mixture, and of the quaternary alkaloids, showed that all had curare-like activity. The relationship of the composition and pharmacological activity of the alkaloidal mixture to the problem of the botanical source of the drug radix pareirae bravae is discussed.
Genetic and structural analysis of the essential fission yeast RNA polymerase II CTD phosphatase Fcp1.

Protein phosphatases regulate mRNA synthesis and processing by remodeling the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol2) to dynamically inscribe a Pol2 CTD code. Fission yeast Fcp1 (SpFcp1) is an essential 723-amino acid CTD phosphatase that preferentially hydrolyzes Ser2-PO4 of the YS(2)PTSPS repeat. The SpFcp1 catalytic domain (aa 140-580) is composed of a DxDxT acyl-phosphatase module (FCPH) and a BRCT module. Here we conducted a genetic analysis of SpFcp1, which shows that (i) phosphatase catalytic activity is required for vegetative growth of fission yeast; (ii) the flanking amino-terminal domain (aa 1-139) and its putative metal-binding motif C(99)H(101)Cys(109)C(112) are essential; (iii) the carboxy-terminal domain (aa 581-723) is dispensable; (iv) a structurally disordered internal segment of the FCPH domain (aa 330-393) is dispensable; (v) lethal SpFcp1 mutations R271A and R299A are rescued by shortening the Pol2 CTD repeat array; and (vi) CTD Ser2-PO4 is not the only essential target of SpFcp1 in vivo. Recent studies highlight a second CTD code involving threonine phosphorylation of a repeat motif in transcription elongation factor Spt5. We find that Fcp1 can dephosphorylate Thr1-PO4 of the fission yeast Spt5 CTD nonamer repeat T(1)PAWNSGSK. We identify Arg271 as a governor of Pol2 versus Spt5 CTD substrate preference. Our findings implicate Fcp1 as a versatile sculptor of both the Pol2 and Spt5 CTD codes. Finally, we report a new 1.45 A crystal structure of SpFcp1 with Mg(2+) and AlF3 that mimics an associative phosphorane transition state of the enzyme-aspartyl-phosphate hydrolysis reaction.
Physician Predictors of Mammographic Accuracy

Background: The association between physician experience and the accuracy of screening mammography in community practice is not well studied. We identified characteristics of U.S. physicians associated with the accuracy of screening mammography. Methods: Data were obtained from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium and the American Medical Association Master File. Unadjusted mammography sensitivity and specificity were calculated according to physician characteristics. We modeled mammography sensitivity and specificity by multivariable logistic regression as a function of patient and physician characteristics. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: We studied 209 physicians who interpreted 1220046 screening mammograms from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2000, of which 7143 (5.9 per 1000 mammograms) were associated with breast cancer within 12 months of screening. Each physician interpreted a mean of 6011 screening mammograms (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4998 to 6677), including a mean of 34 (95% CI = 28 to 40) from women diagnosed with breast cancer. The mean sensitivity was 77% (range = 29%-97%), and the mean false-positive rate was 10% (range = 1%-29%). After adjustment for the patient characteristics of those whose mammograms they interpreted, physician characteristics were strongly associated with specificity. Higher specificity was associated with at least 25 years (versus less than 10 years) since receipt of a medical degree (for physicians practicing for 25-29 years, odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.08; P = .006), interpretation of 2500-4000 (versus 481-750) screening mammograms annually (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.59; P= .011) and a high focus on screening mammography compared with diagnostic mammography (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.37 to 1.82; P<.001). Higher overall accuracy was associated with more experience and with a higher focus on screening mammography. Compared with physicians who interpret 481-750 mammograms annually and had a low screening focus, physicians who interpret 2500-4000 mammograms annually and had a high screening focus had approximately 50% fewer false-positive examinations and detected a few less cancers. Conclusion: Raising the annual volume requirements in the Mammography Quality Standards Act might improve the overall quality of screening mammography in the United States.
Longitudinal Space Charge Effects in RF Buckets

Longitudinal space charge effects in RF buckets have been studied by means of an IBM 704 computer program. This program simulates the motion of the particles in a beam under the influences of space charge forces and RF fields. Initially, the beam is given a small perturbation to excite a particular mode. Stable and unstable beams with energy spreads much greater than, approximately equal to, and much less than the energy spread of an RF bucket in the absence of space charge forces have been studied. Duplicate runs are made with and without space charge forces and the results are compared. After a transitional period of time, with space charge forces acting, the stable phase region assumes a characteristic diamond shape which persists for more than five synchrotron periods. This stable phase region contains more particles than the corresponding RF bucket in the absence of space charge forces. When the initial distribution of particles in phase space is independent of phase angle and has an energy spread much less than the energy spread necessary to stabilize the beam against the "negative mass" instability, large clumps of particles form immediately. These clumps of particles execute phase oscillations and may coagulate with the particles in the stable phase region. If particles far from the stable phase region do not interact with particles in the stable phase region, the bucket assumes an elliptical shape, very narrow in phase angle, large in energy spread, with a lifetime of more than five synchrotron periods.
Secular trends and smoke-free policy development in rural Kentucky

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and pulmonary disorders. Smoke-free policies are the most effective way to prevent exposure to SHS. A 5-year community-based randomized control trial (RCT) is in progress to assess factors associated with smoke-free policy development in rural communities. Considering secular trends is critical when conducting community-based RCTs as they may threaten the internal validity of the study. For the purposes of this paper, secular trends are defined as patterns or recurring events that are not directly related to smoke-free policy but have the potential to influence policy development. There are no established protocols to monitor secular trends in the study of smoke-free policy in rural communities. The purpose of this paper is to (i) describe the development of a protocol to identify and monitor secular trends that may threaten the internal validity of a community-based RCT to promote smoke-free policy development and (ii) describe secular trends identified in the first 2 years of the RCT. The sample includes 854 secular events captured from media outlets covering the 40 study counties over the first 2 years of the RCT. Of these 854 events, there were 281 secular events in Year 1 and 573 in Year 2. This paper focuses on five specific categories: ‘tobacco use and cessation activities’, ‘farming’, ‘economics’, ‘city/county infrastructure’ and ‘wellness’. This protocol is a feasible yet time-intensive method of identifying events that may threaten the internal validity of a community-based RCT.
Real-time high-performance attention focusing in outdoors color video streams

When confronted with cluttered natural environments, animals still perform orders of magnitude better than artificial vision systems in visual tasks such as orienting, target detection, navigation and scene understanding. To better understand biological visual processing, we have developed a neuromorphic model of how our visual attention is attracted towards conspicuous locations in a visual scene. It replicates processing in the dorsal ('where') visual stream in the primate brain. The model includes a bottom-up (image-based) computation of low-level color, intensity, orientation and flicker features, as well as a nonlinear spatial competition that enhances salient locations in each feature channel. All feature channels feed into a unique scalar 'saliency map' which controls where to next focus attention onto. In this article, we discuss a parallel implementation of the model which runs at 30 frames/s on a 16-CPU Beowulf cluster, and the role of flicker (temporal derivatives) cues in computing salience. We show how our simple within-feature competition for salience effectively suppresses strong but spatially widespread motion transients resulting from egomotion. The model robustly detects salient targets in live outdoors video streams, despite large variations in illumination, clutter, and rapid egomotion. The success of this approach suggests that neuromorphic vision algorithms may prove unusually robust for outdoors vision applications.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hydraulic Conductivity Estimation via Fuzzy Analysis of Grain Size Data

A measure of hydraulic conductivity is arguably the most important variable to practicing hydrogeologists. However, the amount of readily available hydraulic conductivity data at any site is generally small, given the resources required to adequately sample a spatial domain. However, other hydrogeologic data, such as grain size distributions and soil descriptions, are often rather easy to obtain. A fuzzy reasoning algorithm is used to define a relationship between soil grain size and hydraulic conductivity. By introducing soil grain distributions and qualitative borehole log descriptions into this fuzzy inference system, hydraulic conductivity can be estimated. The theory is defined, and an application to data from a Superfund site is provided, where the inference procedure produces accurate hydraulic conductivity estimates.
Photoswitchable nanoparticles for in vivo cancer chemotherapy

There are many obstacles to effective cancer chemotherapy, including drug penetration and accumulation in tumors and drug systemic toxicity. The penetration of therapies into tumors is limited by the dense tumor matrix and by compression of the tumor vasculature. We have developed spiropyran-based nanoparticles that shrink from 103 to 49 nm upon irradiation at 365 nm. That shrinkage enhanced tissue penetration and drug release. Irradiation of s.c. HT-1080 tumors in nude mice administered i.v. docetaxel-containing nanoparticles was more effective treatment than free docetaxel or encapsulated docetaxel without irradiation. Irradiation at the tumor site also resulted in less systemic toxicity than if the nanoparticles were irradiated before injection, presumably because of less systemically distributed free drug. The enhanced efficacy of nanoparticles in irradiated tumors may have been related to the observed enhanced tumor penetration by nanoparticles and decompression of tumor blood vessels, which may also increase nanoparticle delivery into tumors.
Coping methods and reasons for not drinking

Methods for coping with stress and reasons for not drinking were examined among abstinent alcoholics to determine whether change occurred with length of sobriety. Results showed that 1) alcoholics with briefer abstinence relied more heavily on coping methods, 2) alcoholics relied less on negative than positive coping methods regardless of length of sobriety, and 3) the number and types of reasons for not drinking did not vary with length of sobriety, rather, several positive reasons for not drinking continued as motivators. Concerning coping methods, the authors speculate that as alcoholics remain sober longer, coping methods become less important or automatic and less conscious.
Is prepregnancy obesity associated with risk of cerebral palsy and epilepsy in children

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the association between prepregnancy obesity in women and risk of cerebral palsy and epilepsy in their children using data from the South Carolina Medicaid program. The cohort included 83,901 maternal-child pairs; 100 cases of cerebral palsy were initially identified, followed by 53 cases that had at least 2 cerebral palsy diagnoses. For confirmed epilepsy, diagnosed on at least 5 occasions or by more than 1 provider, 83,472 observations were included with 338 cases. There was no association between maternal body mass index and risk of childhood epilepsy. A significant association between increasing maternal body mass index and any diagnosis of cerebral palsy was found, and morbid obesity was associated with increased risk of any and confirmed cerebral palsy. In conclusion, there appears to be an association of maternal body mass index with cerebral palsy, but there is no evidence to support an association with epilepsy.
Conflict, peace, and education: A tangled web

In this article the author examines peace education in zones of conflict. Central to his thesis is that peace education, though returning valuable service to a conflict-affected community, must take into account the local conflict conditions. It is important to understand the range of ways in which conflict can affect provision of education; many of these ways are identified.
Riesz’s Lemma and Compactness in Banach Spaces

In this chapter we deal with compactness in general normed linear spaces. The aim is to convey the notion that in normed linear spaces, norm-compact sets are small—both algebraically and topologically.
MICROSCALE PROTEIN ISOLATION AND MICROSEQUENCING WORKSHOP: AN OVERVIEW

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the Microscale Protein Isolation and Microsequencing Workshop held at the Fifth Symposium of the Protein Society in Baltimore from June 23–26 in 1991. The workshop aimed at the problems involved in coordinating protein isolation and structural analysis at the micro-scale. The peptide mapping of soluble proteins or those blotted onto membranes was presented, including structural analysis by mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric methods included electrospray mass spectrometry and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The criteria for identifying purified proteins were discussed in this workshop. The most common criteria include a single peak on chromatography (reversed phase, ion exchange, or gel permeation) and a single band (unless multiple subunits are present) on SDS gel electrophoresis. It was pointed out that molecular weight determination is a critical aspect of this analysis, providing information that will be used throughout the planning of structural analysis and for correlation of other analytical results.
Avoidance of LGBT Issues in Predominantly Black Public Schools

The rights and needs of homosexual, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals within predominantly black public schools have been unfairly ignored. This paper analyzes factors such as machismo within the black community, as well as an historic refusal to acknowledge LGBT issues for religious reasons, within the context of the black educational power structure. In this paper, I review how the disenfranchisement of black LGBT youth has fractured the cohesive message of the black liberal agenda and hurt the black power structure within urban schools, by presenting public perception and legal issues. While the black-white achievement gap has secured a significant amount of media attention, garnering substantive policy change and public initiative, queer issues have been largely swept to the side. Issues such as inaccessible bathrooms, inadequate sex education programs and delegitimization of LGBT individuals, have all been left largely unaddressed by urban black schools and indicate a lack of LGBT priority within black politics. Based on an aggregate of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control, The Williams Institute and others, preliminary research suggests that the avoidance of LGBT issues has led to a bifurcation of the new civil rights movement. Thus, reinforcing the idea that black education policy needs to universalize LGBT issues, rather than focus on divisive cisgender and orientation-specific policy.
Non‐invasive measurement of abnormal ventilatory mechanics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION In this study we investigated non-invasive, effort-independent measurement of ventilatory mechanics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Ventilatory mechanics were measured by optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) in ALS patients and matched controls. Analysis determined whether OEP measurements correlated with standard clinical measures. RESULTS ALS patients (N = 18) had lower forced vital capacity percent predicted (55.2 ± 22.0 L) compared with controls (N = 15; 104.7 ± 16.2 L) and higher ventilatory inefficiency (49.2 ± 9.0 vs. 40.0 ± 3.5, respectively; P < 0.001 for both measures). Lower tidal volumes within the diaphragm area correlated with the dyspnea subscore calculated from the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (P = 0.031), and paradoxical movement of the ribcage compared with the abdominal compartment was seen in the most severe cases. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of ventilatory mechanics in mild to severe ALS reveals dysfunction that is not readily detected by standard testing and ALS functional severity assessment measures. Muscle Nerve 54: 270-276, 2016.
Spider Populations in Alfalfa, with Notes on Spider Prey and Effect of Harvest

The spider fauna of a Virginia alfalfa field was determined, and the seasonal occurrence of the 4 major species was plotted. Samples were taken with a D-Vac® sampler and a sweep net. Fourteen families were represented and comprised 75 genera and 112 identifiable species. Tetragnatha laboriosa Hentz, Pachygnatha tristriata Koch, Misumeuops asperatus (Hentz), and Oxyopes salticus Hentz were the most common. The effect of alfalfa harvest on numbers of spiders in the field was measured. The numbers of T. laboriosa, P. tristriata , and the family Lycosidae were not affected by the cutting process, but those of the Linyphiidae, Thomisidae, and Salticidae showed a definite response. Collections at intervals, over 24-hour periods, showed the effect of spider activity on sampling results. P. tristriata was far more active on the plant at night, and this was believed to be the result of a negative photo-orientation. T. laboriosa was collected during the periods of highest temperatures and lowest humidities. Feeding tests with 10 species belonging to 5 families were conducted in the laboratory. Although other factors were apparent, it appeared that size of prey, speed, and hardness of cuticle were the major criteria for determining whether a spider would feed on a certain insect.
Analysis of the exploration potential of shale gas in Jurassic Qianfoya Formation in Northeast Sichuan Basin

By comparing and summing up the favorable geological conditions for the accumulation of shale gas at home and abroad,it is found that the dark shale of Jurassic Qianfoya Formation in Northeast Sichuan Basin has the characteristics of moderate burial depth(3 500～4 000 m),a larger thickness,the average TOC mass fraction of 1.0%,the thermal evolution degree of 1.43%～1.62%,the average porosity of 4.08%,the average permeability of 1.106 6×10-3 μm2,high content of brittle minerals,and so on.So there are good shale gas accumulation and development conditions in this area,and the exploration potential of shale gas is huge.
Ultrastructural damage in chromium picolinate-treated cells: a TEM study

Chromium picolinate (CrPic) is a human dietary supplement that provides a bioavailable form of chromium(III). Its mechanism of action is unknown, and a number of toxic endpoints have been attributed to its use. Understanding the cellular effects of CrPic is important for confirmation or dismissal of these potential toxic effects. The purpose of this work was to characterize morphological damage caused by CrPic, picolinic acid, and chromic chloride in Chinese hamster ovary AA8 cells. A 48-h exposure to 80 µg/cm2 CrPic (0.44 mg/mL CrPic) produced 45% survival by colony formation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed 83% of analyzed cells having swollen mitochondria with degraded cristae. Apoptosis was identified by nuclear convolution and fragmentation, and cytoplasmic blebbing. Apoptosis was quantified by fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. At the 80 µg/cm2 dose of CrPic, 37% of the cells were apoptotic cells at 48 h. An equivalent dose of picolinate, 3 mM, was much more cytotoxic and thus there was an inadequate cell number for TEM analysis. However, a lower dose of 1.5 mM induced 49% cell survival, and damaged 86% of the mitochondria, with 51% of the cells undergoing apoptosis. A dose of 1 mM chromic chloride produced 71% cell survival, and damaged 86% of the mitochondria, with 22% of the cells undergoing apoptosis. The amount of apoptosis correlated with overall cell survival by colony formation, but not with the amount of mitochondrial damage. The coordination of Cr(III) by picolinate ligands may alter the cellular chemistry of Cr(III) to make chromium picolinate a toxic form of Cr(III).