cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating electromagnetic tracking into respiratory correlated imaging for high precision radiation therapy

It is well established that respiratory motion has significant effects on lung tumor position, and incorporation of this uncertainty increases the normal lung tissue irradiated. Respiratory correlated CT, which provides three dimensional image sets for different phases of the breathing cycle, is increasingly being used for radiation therapy planning. Cone beam CT is being used to obtain cross sectional imaging at the time of therapy for accurate patient set-up. However, it is not possible to obtain cross sectional respiratory correlated imaging throughout the course of radiation, leaving residual uncertainties. Recently, implantable passive transponders (Calypso Medical Technologies) have been developed which are currently FDA-cleared for prostate use only and can be tracked via an external electromagnetic array in real-time, without the use of ionizing radiation. A visualization system needs to be developed to quickly and efficiently utilize both the dynamic real-time point measurements with the previously acquired volumetric data. We have created such a visualization system by incorporating the respiratory correlated imaging and the individual transponder locations into the Image Guided Surgery Toolkit (IGSTK.org). The tool already allows quick, qualitative verification of the differences between the measured transponder position and the imaged position at planning and will support quantitative measurements displaying uncertainty in positioning.
Preparation of Mixed-Phase Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites via Solvothermal Processing

Mixed-phase titanium dioxide nanocrystals with varying phase composition were prepared by a low-temperature solvothermal process. We have re-examined the effect of hydrochloric acid on the formation of rutile phase and found that the proportion of the rutile phase in synthesized mixed-phase materials did not increase monotonically with increasing acidity. Rather, there was an optimum HCl/Ti molar ratio for rutile formation when titanium tetra-isopropoxide was used as the titanium precursor. At high HCl/Ti ratios, Cl- and H2O may act as charge-shielding agents, inhibiting the rutile formation during the solvothermal process. A low H2O/Ti molar ratio was necessary for preparing anatase−rutile composites, because the formation of photocatalytically inactive brookite phase was favored at relatively high H2O/Ti molar ratios. In addition, we found the solvothermal processing to be a possible approach to control interparticle connection. Mixed-phase TiO2 nanocrystals synthesized at relatively high H2O/Ti molar r...
Designing Scientific Journals: Issues and Survey Results

The design parameters of scientific journals are important policy choices for journal editors as well as for the professional areas which they represent. The editorial structure of a journal presents a set of choices which importantly affect the variety of papers which are published, those that are submitted, and to some degree, the nature of future research in an area. These elements, in turn, affect reader satisfaction, journal subscriptions, and the future viability of sponsoring professional societies. This paper presents a conceptual structure for the journal-design problem and a set of survey results which should aid in addressing journal design issues and policy questions. The purpose of the paper is to define the issues and to present data in a manner that will stimulate discussion and further analyses.
Quantum distributed consensus

Distributed consensus can be achieved on asynchronous communication networks when assisted by quantum mechanics. This contradicts the FLP impossibility result by achieving consensus in the presence of faults.
A survey of early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists: professional activities and perceptions.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the career paths and work perceptions of early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States. Method Analysis of survey data of 392/797 (49.2%) of all U.S. child and adolescent psychiatrists graduating from training in 1996–1998 and on the mailing list of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Results Slightly more than half of those surveyed were women, and most were in their late thirties, white, married, and living in the geographic area in which they trained, with a median income for full-time workers between $121,000 and $150,000. Those with educational debt owed an average of $69,741. The sample was generally very satisfied with their work. They identified clinical work, variety, autonomy, and making a difference as the best aspects, and managed care, paperwork, and overwork as the least desirable aspects. The bulk of hours worked were in solo private practice, public sector, and group practice, with children and adolescents making up 73% of patients treated. The most common treatment modality was medication management. Conclusions The present study uses a database approach to defining current practice and workforce issues among early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists. These data may facilitate objective discussion about public policies concerning workforce priorities, barriers, and facilitators to recruitment in this understaffed field.
The tsunami's psychological aftermath.

The massive psychosocial relief effort has had its problems, but most survivors of the Indian Ocean disaster have shown remarkable resilience. One positive outcome may be a much-needed increase in mental health services for the region.
Evaluation and prediction of the effects of melt‐processing conditions on the degree of mixing in alumina/poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites

Alumina/poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding with a twin-screw extruder. The melt temperature, screw rotation speed, and feed rate were selected as important processing parameters, and their effects on the degree of mixing were studied with full-factorial, two-level experimental design. To quantitatively assess the effects of the processing parameters, the degree of mixing of the nanocomposites was evaluated by the skewness of the quadrat method based on the number of particles in transmission electron microscopy images. The screw speed was found to be the most important processing parameter controlling the degree of mixing under the conditions in this investigation. The specific energy input (SEI), related to the shear intensity, was found to correlate closely to the degree of mixing. The degree of mixing improved with increased SEI up to a limiting value, termed the critical SEI, indicating that there may be a critical value required for the optimum dispersion of a given system. A modeling approach was proposed to determine the critical SEI needed for complete mixing. Initial results showed that the critical SEI predicted by this model was within a factor of 3.5 of that obtained experimentally, demonstrating the utility of this approach for the dispersion of nanofillers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Large-scale ocean wave energy plant modeling

In order for wave energy conversion to be a commercially viable technology, wave energy researchers, developers, investors and utilities need an estimate of a wave energy converter's (WEC) power output at a potential installation site. The wind industry has developed generic turbine models that capture the general dynamics of large-scale proprietary wind turbine designs in order to estimate a turbine's power output for a given wind climate. Similar generic models need to be developed for WECs. Current WEC deigns vary significantly in design and technology. The focus of this paper is on developing a generic model structure for one of the prominent WEC designs, the two body point absorber. The model structure is developed by using time domain equations of motion (EOM) to define systems and subsystems as well as their corresponding inputs and outputs. The generic model structure is then extended by developing a hydraulic power take-off (PTO) system model.
Fostering Thinking with Declarative Programming and Story Telling: A Microworld of Space Travel and Robots:

Due to pervasively poor test scores around the country in mathematics and reading, educators are seeking to foster thinking across the curriculum. This article shows that a declarative programming ...
Development of a STELLA framework to model microbial communities in humic lakes in Wisconsin

Abstract In comparison to ecology on a macroscopic level, microbial ecology is a relatively underdeveloped field. In particular, there have been few attempts to model microbial communities and their dynamic behavior in response to changes in meteorological, physical, and chemical conditions (ecosystem state variables). Predictions from simulations could help shape effective environmental policies and management decisions related to ecosystem functions controlled by microbial processes.
Correlations between time required for radiological diagnoses, readers' performance, display environments, and difficulty of cases

In a series of large ROC studies, the authors analyzed the time radiologists took to diagnose PA chest images as a function of observer performance indices (Az), display environments, and difficulty of cases. Board-certified radiologists interpreted at least 600 images each for the presence or absence of one or more of the following abnormalities: interstitial disease, nodule, and pneumothorax. Results indicated that there exists a large inter- reader variability in the time required to diagnose PA chest images. There is no correlation between a reader's specific median reading time and his/her performance. Time generally increases as the number of abnormalities on a single image increases and for cases with subtle abnormalities. Results also indicated that, in general, the longer the time for interpretation of a specific case (within reader), the further the observer's confidence ratings were from the truth. These findings were found to hold true regardless of the display mode. These results may have implications with regards to the appropriate methodology that should be used for imaging systems evaluations and for measurements of productivity for radiologists.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Computational modeling of the effects of oxidative stress on the IGF-1 signaling pathway in human articular chondrocytes

Oxidative stress is thought to play an important role in age-related disease including osteoarthritis (OA). IGF-1 is a growth factor in chondrocytes (cartilage cells) that plays an important role in promoting cartilage matrix synthesis and inhibiting cartilage degradation. In OA, chondrocytes show a reduced response to IGF-1 which may be due to an increased amount of oxidative stress in the cells as they age. This study investigated the effects of inducing oxidative stress with tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP) on the IGF-1 signaling networks of chondrocytes from three different tissue donors. Western blots were used to collect signaling data for various proteins which were later modeled using a heterogeneous computational algebraic method. It was found that the models were consistent under stimulation with IGF-1 alone, as indicated by a strong positive correlation between the replicate models. However, their response to IGF-1 under conditions of oxidative stress was inconsistent with replicate model correlations close to zero. These findings suggest that oxidative stress induces a chaotic response in the IGF-1 signaling pathway and demonstrates how some cell perturbations may affect the ability of the algorithm to produce consistent computational models from biological replicates.
A micro extensional filament rheometer enabled by EWOD

We present a miniature system for generating and measuring liquid microfilaments for capillary breakup rheometry. The key component is a chip that splits samples in open air, creating shear-free liquid threads that can be measured by optical micrometry. For testing polar samples, electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) is used to induce spreading, which causes necking and capillary instability-driven breakup. Low-surface-tension samples spread spontaneously, and thus reach instability without EWOD. We use LED optical micrometry to measure inelastic and elastic microfilaments, and the results are consistent with capillary breakup theory and comparable to those obtained by established experimental methods.
Information-based approach to performance estimation and requirements allocation in multisensor fusion for target recognition

A novel methodology offering the potential for resolving two of the significant problems of implementing multisensor target recognition systems, i.e., the rational selection of a specific sensor suite and optimal allocation of requirements among sensors, is presented. Based on a sequence of conjectures (and their supporting arguments) concerning the relationship of extractable information content to recognition perfor- mance of a sensor system, a set of heuristics (essentially a reformulation of Johnson's criteria applicable to all sensor and data types) is devel- oped. An approach to quantifying the information content of sensor data is described. Coupling this approach with the widely accepted Johnson's criteria for target recognition capabilities results in a quantitative method for comparing the target recognition ability of diverse sensors (imagers, nonimagers, active, passive, electromagnetic, acoustic, etc.). Extension to describing the performance of multiple sensors is straightforward. The application of the technique to sensor selection and requirements allo- cation is discussed. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Subject terms: sensor fusion; target recognition; information theory; Johnson cri- teria; requirements allocation; performance analysis; imaging sensors; nonimag- ing sensors.
Dielectric-Recovery Characteristic of Power Arcs in Large Air Gaps

A satisfactory test technique has been developed for studying the rates of dielectric recovery of large air gaps and other types of power-system insulation. This permits the accurate control of the fault conditions so that all practical types of fault currents can be studied. These are: (1) very high magnitude short-duration surges typical of lightning currents; (2) currents of power-system frequencies; and (3) intermediate duration currents such as those which might result from high-frequency current zeros produced by natural system oscillations. Results are presented showing the rate of dielectric recovery of 3-, 6-, and 11-inch standard rod gaps for power frequency fault currents up to 700 amperes. Electrode cooling effects were found important at 3-inch gap spacings but not at six inches or above. The 11-inch gap data are proportionately higher than the 6-inch data indicating that the results can be extrapolated. The data show that for arcs of a few cycles actual duration has little effect on rate of recovery. A range of current magnitudes from 50 to 700 amperes causes only about a 2-to-1 variation in rate of recovery. For the normal ratios of transmission-line insulation level to operating voltage (about four to one) minimum delay times of from 0.025 second for 100-ampere faults to 0.05 second for 700 ampere faults are required before the recovery voltage reaches the magnitude of the normal applied voltage. Time intervals of 0.05 to 0.
The income elasticity of meat: a meta-analysis

The demand for meat has been estimated by many studies utilizing various data and estimation methods. In this study, we perform a meta-analysis of the income elasticity of meat that involves regressing 3357 estimated income elasticities, collected from 393 studies, on variables that control for study characteristics. Across several meta-regression specifications, we find significant differences in income elasticities tied to the type of meat being studied, as well as a few functional forms, data aggregations, publication characteristics, and locations of demand. However, many study characteristics do not significantly influence reported income elasticities. Less concern should be given to such characteristics when choosing an income elasticity from the literature.
Regulation of CD45 alternative splicing by heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein, hnRNPLL.

The transition from naive to activated T cells is marked by alternative splicing of pre-mRNA encoding the transmembrane phosphatase CD45. Using a short hairpin RNA interference screen, we identified heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein L-like (hnRNPLL) as a critical inducible regulator of CD45 alternative splicing. HnRNPLL was up-regulated in stimulated T cells, bound CD45 transcripts, and was both necessary and sufficient for CD45 alternative splicing. Depletion or overexpression of hnRNPLL in B and T cell lines and primary T cells resulted in reciprocal alteration of CD45RA and RO expression. Exon array analysis suggested that hnRNPLL acts as a global regulator of alternative splicing in activated T cells. Induction of hnRNPLL during hematopoietic cell activation and differentiation may allow cells to rapidly shift their transcriptomes to favor proliferation and inhibit cell death.
Steady and Transient State Analysis of Gate Leakage Current in Nanoscale CMOS Logic Gates

Gate leakage (direct tunneling current for sub-65 nm CMOS) can severely affect both the transient and steady state behaviors of CMOS circuits. In this paper we quantify the transient and steady-state gate leakage effects as capacitances and state independent (equiprobable) average values, respectively. These metrics are characterized for two universal logic gates, 2-input NAND and NOR, and their sensitivity to variations in process and design parameters is studied. The effective tunneling capacitance of a logic gate is defined as the maximum change in tunneling current with respect to the rate of change of input voltage. It is an unique and novel metric and to our knowledge proposed here for the first time with respect to a logic gate. This metric concisely encapsulates both qualitative as well as quantitative information about the swing in tunneling current during state transitions while simultaneously accounting for the transition rate and represents the capacitive load of the logic gate due to transience in tunneling.
A direct search procedure for designing finite duration impulse response filters

We introduce an approach to the design of low-pass (and, by extension, bandpass) digital filters containing only zeros. This approach is that of directly searching for transition values of the sampled frequency response function to reduce the sidelobe level of the response. It is shown that the problem is a linear program and a search algorithm is derived which makes it easier to obtain the experimental results.
Corrections to “Asymmetrical Spectral Response in Fiber Fabry–Pérot Interferometers”

In the above titled paper (ibid., vol. 27, no. 24, pp. 5648-5656, Dec. 09), there was an error with some embedded fonts.
The Bayview Hunters Point Foundation for Community Improvement: A pioneering multi-ethnic human service organization (1971-2008)

The Bayview Hunters Point Foundation for Community Improvement is a nonprofit organization established in 1971 to defend the legal rights of African-Americans living in its community. Over the years, the agency diversified its services to include mental health and substance abuse treatment, violence prevention, youth programming, and HIV services. The organization has overcome multiple challenges during its 37-year history in relation to social, political, and economic changes that have influenced the way the organization has financed and delivered its services. The history of the organization presents a collaborative approach to community problem-solving and exemplifies the important role that external relationships play in relationship to nonprofit growth and survival.
Brain imaging in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Objective To review progress in understanding pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The focus is on the frontal-striatal-thalamic model of OCD, neurobiological and genetic studies of the disorder, and their influence on recent advances in treatment. Method Computerized literature searches were conducted with the key words Bobsessive-compulsive disorder" in conjunction with "pediatric," "genetics," and "imaging." Results Neuroimaging studies find evidence to support the frontal-striatal-thalamic model. Genetic and neurochemical studies also implicate glutamate in the pathological finding of OCD. This has led to the application of glutamate-modulating agents to treat OCD. Conclusions Studies of pediatric OCD have led to a refined frontal-striatal-thalamic model of pathogenesis and are having an evidence-based impact on treatment. Despite this progress, fully explanatory models are still needed that would allow for accurate prognosis and the development of targeted and efficacious treatments.
Force Perception, Effort, Strength, and Dynamic Muscle Function in Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Study

There are several kinesthetic parameters that can be used to measure fatigue including strength, endurance, sense of effort, perception of force exerted, and tapping speed. We developed a protocol and tested the feasibility of correlating subjective fatigue with kinesthetic parameters in a small group of patients with cancer having fatigue and in controls. Accrual was limiting. We discuss the limitations and potential modifications in the procedure, which may allow improved accrual and the rationale behind performing such a study.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Psychological Health

A questionnaire was developed to measure the level of satisfaction in people of the five basic needs described by Maslow: physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. For 166 undergraduates the level of basic needs satisfaction was related, as predicted by Maslow, to scores on measures of neuroticism and belief in an internal locus of control.
Imaging and Fourier transform properties of an all-spherical-mirror system

An all-spherical-mirror system for applications in coherent image processing is described and analyzed. This one-to-one system is panchromatic and can be made to have minimal cosmetic defects. Such a system offers advantages such as multiple wavelength operations and the introduction of minimal scattering noise into the final image. A sample design that is diffraction-limited (for f/8) over the entire area of a standard 35-mm slide is given. The Fourier transform properties of this system are acceptable for many applications.
Comparing Pain Severity Versus Pain Location in the MOBILIZE Boston Study: Chronic Pain and Lower Extremity Function

CHRONIC pain is a major cause of disability in older adults (1–3). Physical function is generally characterized by either self-reported problems or observed physical performance (4). These two types of assessments examine different though related dimensions of function because correlations between these measures are moderate at best (5). Interestingly, performance-based tests of lower extremity function predict adverse events in older persons, such as disability, falls, institutionalization, and death (6–8). Not surprisingly, use of these measures has been advocated as a clinical screening tool (5,7,8). An increasing number of studies investigate the relationship between pain and lower extremity function in older individuals. Most of these studies show that older adults with chronic pain in selected sites (eg, in the foot, knee, or lower back) show a variety of mobility-related impairments and limitations including decreased balance and gait speed (9–12). However, these results have not been entirely consistent (13). Few studies of older adults have compared specific measures of chronic pain such as number of pain locations or overall pain severity ratings, in relation to lower extremity function, and these studies used only self-reported measures of function (1,3,14). Results of studies investigating the relation between a selected pain characteristic and performance-based lower extremity function in older adults have been inconclusive. Although no significant association was reported, a study of well-functioning older persons found that adults who had back pain along with hip or knee pain had worse lower extremity performance compared with those with back pain alone (15). In a recent study of older community-dwelling Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites, pain severity was not associated with lower extremity function (16). Inconsistencies in results may be explained by the use of different study cohorts and variations in pain measurement, for example, pain at selected sites, total number of pain sites, or pain severity. Clinical experience suggests that these latter two dimensions, which assess pain in general rather than at specific locations, may be more relevant to lower extremity function in older adults. Measures of pain interference that are sometimes used in clinical settings combine concepts of pain and its impact on function, precluding their use for studies examining the independent effects of pain on mobility in the population. Greater insight into which pain characteristics are associated with specific lower extremity functions may provide crucial information to improve assessment and management of chronic pain and its functional consequences in older adults. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to compare two measures of chronic pain, for example, number of pain sites and overall pain severity, in relation to lower extremity function in the older population.
Modeling Adolescent Drug-Use Patterns in Cluster-Unit Trials With Multiple Sources of Correlation Using Robust Latent Class Regressions

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine variation in adolescent drug-use patterns by using latent class regression analysis and evaluate the properties of an estimating-equations approach under different cluster-unit trial designs. Methods A set of second-order estimating equations for latent class models under the cluster-unit trial design are proposed. This approach models the correlation within subclusters (drug-use behaviors), but ignores the correlation within clusters (communities). A robust covariance estimator is proposed that accounts for within-cluster correlation. Performance of this approach is addressed through a Monte Carlo simulation study, and practical implications are illustrated by using data from the National Evaluation of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Randomized Community Trial. Results The example shows that the proposed method provides useful information about the heterogeneous nature of drug use by identifying two subtypes of adolescent problem drinkers. A Monte Carlo simulation study supports the proposed estimation method by suggesting that the latent class model parameters were unbiased for 30 or more clusters. Consistent with other studies of generalized estimating equation (GEE) estimators, the robust covariance estimator tended to underestimate the true variance of regression parameters, but the degree of inflation in the test size was relatively small for 70 clusters and only slightly inflated for 30 clusters. Conclusions The proposed model for studying adolescent drug use provides an alternative to standard diagnostic criteria, focusing on the nature of the drug-use profile, rather than relying on univariate symptom counts. The second-order GEE-type estimation procedure provided a computationally feasible approach that performed well for a moderate number of clusters and was consistent with prior studies of GEE under the generalized linear model framework.
In situ depletion of pentachlorophenol from contaminated soil by Phanerochaete spp.

The ability of two white rot fungi to deplete pentachlorophenol (PCP) from soil, which was contaminated with a commercial wood preservative, was examined in a field study. Inoculation of soil containing 250 to 400 μg of PCP g−1 with either Phanerochaete chrysosporium or P. sordida resulted in an overall decrease of 88 to 91% of PCP in the soil in 6.5 weeks. This decrease was achieved under suboptimal temperatures for the growth and activity of these fungi, and without the addition of inorganic nutrients. Since the soil had a very low organic matter content, peat was included as a source of organic carbon for fungal growth and activity. A small percentage (8 to 13%) of the decrease in the amount of PCP was a result of fungal methylation to pentachloroanisole. Gas chromatographic analysis of sample extracts did not reveal the presence of extractable transformation products other than pentachloroanisole. Thus, when losses of PCP via mineralization and volatilization were negligible, as they were in laboratory-scale studies (R. T. Lamar, J. A. Glaser, and T. K. Kirk, Soil Biol. Biochem. 22:433-440, 1990), most of the PCP was converted to nonextractable soil-bound products. The nature, stability, and toxicity of soil-bound transformation products, under a variety of conditions, must be elucidated before use of these fungi in soil remediation efforts can be considered a viable treatment method.
Predestination: inferring destinations from partial trajectories

We describe a method called Predestination that uses a history of a driver's destinations, along with data about driving behaviors, to predict where a driver is going as a trip progresses. Driving behaviors include types of destinations, driving efficiency, and trip times. Beyond considering previously visited destinations, Predestination leverages an open-world modeling methodology that considers the likelihood of users visiting previously unobserved locations based on trends in the data and on the background properties of locations. This allows our algorithm to smoothly transition between “out of the box” with no training data to more fully trained with increasing numbers of observations. Multiple components of the analysis are fused via Bayesian inference to produce a probabilistic map of destinations. Our algorithm was trained and tested on hold-out data drawn from a database of GPS driving data gathered from 169 different subjects who drove 7,335 different trips.
Making space for more zeros

The authors examine the role which is played by transfer function null spaces and incomplete images in the theory of zeros for multi-input multi-output dynamical systems. The basic notion has been to regard these spaces as generalized zeros, and to treat them together with more traditional forms of multivariable zeros, also regarded as spaces, to give broad analyses of problems such as feedback zero creation and transmission signal blocking in feedback architectures. The authors discuss a generalization of the adage on poles in the feedback compensator path becoming zeros of the resulting feedback systems. The blocking aspect of zeros, with Kalman-output-type modules, are examined to determine the effects of dynamic compensation. >
Uric Acid, Hominoid Evolution, and the Pathogenesis of Salt-Sensitivity

Humans have elevated serum uric acid as a result of a mutation in the urate oxidase (uricase) gene that occurred during the Miocene. We hypothesize that the mutation provided a survival advantage because of the ability of hyperuricemia to maintain blood pressure under low-salt dietary conditions, such as prevailed during that period. Mild hyperuricemia in rats acutely increases blood pressure by a renin-dependent mechanism that is most manifest under low-salt dietary conditions. Chronic hyperuricemia also causes salt sensitivity, in part by inducing preglomerular vascular disease. The vascular disease is mediated in part by uric acid-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation with activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and stimulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and platelet-derived growth factor. Although it provided a survival advantage to early hominoids, hyperuricemia may have a major role in the current cardiovascular disease epidemic.
Design of high performance compact linear ultra-wideband arrays with the CMA evolutionary strategy

Many high-performance ultra-wideband array topologies have recently arisen that utilize mathematical constructs such as fractals or simple mathematical expressions to determine element locations [1] – [2]. The main motivation of these methods is to reduce the scale of the optimization problem such that it is feasible for the evolutionary strategy. In this manner, large arrays can be successfully optimized with a reasonably small set of controlling parameters. However, for an array with a small number of elements, these methods can be constraining and lead to less than acceptable peak sidelobe level performances and poor bandwidths. For these small arrays, the element locations can be directly specified with the optimization tool if it is capable of handling the large parameter set. Previous attempts using the genetic algorithm (GA) [3] with array sizes of eight to 24 elements and large scan angles (analogous to a small bandwidth) were preformed in [4]. With a more powerful evolutionary strategy, problems with large parameter sets become much more practical and yield better results. The covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES) is a recently developed and extremely powerful optimization tool that has shown itself to be a leader in speed and possesses an excellent capacity for handling problems of large dimensions [5]. It is applied here to the direct optimization of element spacings for relatively small to moderate size ultrawideband antenna arrays in order to extract the best performance possible from a limited number of antenna elements.
Adherence of Actinomyces viscosus T14V and T14AV to Hydroxyapatite Surfaces In Vitro and Human Teeth In Vivo

Adsorption of Actinomyces viscosus strains T14V and T14AV to hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces was studied, using an adsorption model based on the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Data generally followed the adsorption model as judged by high correlation coefficients obtained for both strains to most of the treated surfaces studied. The number of binding sites for strains T14V and T14AV cells to human saliva-treated HA was similar to that for untreated HA. The affinity of strain T14V for saliva-treated HA was tenfold greater than the affinity of strain T14AV for that surface. To approximate the pellicle of the gingival crevice and margin and to determine whether adherence by strain T14V was to specific saliva or serum receptors, experimental pellicles were formed on HA by saliva/serum mixtures. The number of binding sites on the saliva/serum-treated HA remained the same as for the saliva-treated surface. Although the affinity of strain T14V cells for the saliva/serum HA surface remained generally the same as the affinity for the HA treated with saliva alone, the affinity of strain T14AV cells decreased further as the serum content increased. Strain T14V cell numbers adsorbed to serum-treated HA, and albumin-treated HA were less than those adsorbed to saliva-treated HA, indicating that the adherence by strain T14V was to specific saliva receptors. In vivo results from streptomycin-resistant mutants of both strains T14V and T14AV confirmed in vitro results using saliva-serum pellicles. Pretreatment of strain T14V with proteolytic enzymes and heat inhibited adherence to saliva-treated HA, suggesting that the adherence receptor(s) on the cell surface of strain T14V is protein in nature.
Satellite observations of mesoscale ocean features and copropagating atmospheric surface fields in the tropical belt

[1] Recent studies of air-sea interaction using satellite data have shown a high positive correlation between wind speed and sea surface temperature (SST) over mesoscale ocean features in certain frontal regions. The aim of this study is to determine to what extent mesoscale ocean dynamics modifies the surface wind speed over the global tropics between 40°S and 40°N. Cross-spectral and linear regression methods are used to identify robust relationships between ocean and atmospheric variables. The ocean dynamical features, measured by their sea surface height anomaly (SSHA), affect SST in a manner consistent with advection of the mean temperature gradient by anomalous currents. The response varies from 0.2°C of SST per cm of SSHA near the equator to 0.05°C cm−1 at higher latitudes. A remarkably consistent in-phase relationship between SST and wind speed is found over the complete domain. Wind speed response varied from 0.5 to 1.5 ms−1 per °C of SST change. This in-phase response of wind speed is consistent with previous studies suggesting that the SST variations cause changes in the vertical exchange of momentum and in the pressure gradient, which alter the wind speed.
Leadership Coaching in an Induction Program for Novice Principals: A 3-Year Study

This article presents results from a study of leadership coaches who worked with novice principals in a university-based induction program for a 3-year period. The qualitative case study describes how the support the coaches provided to the novice principals changed over time. The study reveals that coaches adapted their leadership coaching practice in response to the principal’s needs and shifted their coaching strategies as a result. The article concludes with a discussion of the findings in relation to existing research on leadership coaching for K-12 school leaders and offers suggestions for future research.
Conditional Vector Preference Aids the Spread of Plant Pathogens: Results from a Model

Vectors of several economically important plant viruses have been shown to feed or settle preferentially on either infected or noninfected host plants. Recent research has revealed that the feeding or settling preferences of insect vectors can depend on whether a vector is inoculative (carries the virus). To explore the implications of such changes in vector preference for the spread of the pathogen, we create a basic model of disease spread, incorporating vector preferences for infected and noninfected plants dependent on whether the vector is inoculative. Previous modeling work assumed that vector preferences remain unchanged with vector infection status and showed that vector preference for infected host plants promotes disease spread when infected hosts are rare, whereas preference for noninfected hosts promotes spread once infected hosts become abundant. In contrast, our model shows that a change in preference following acquisition of the pathogen can increase pathogen spread throughout the epidemic if noninoculative vectors prefer infected plants and inoculative vectors prefer noninfected plants, as has been detected experimentally in two pathosystems. Our results show that conditional vector preference can substantially influence plant pathogen spread, with implications for agricultural and natural systems. Conditional preference as a component of virus manipulation of vector behavior is potentially more important for the understanding of plant disease spread than previously recognized.
School readiness: an idea whose time has arrived.

For more than 30 years, pediatrics has embraced early child development and school performance at older ages as an integral part of clinical practice. This growing focus on child development and school performance outcomes was informed in part by the changing epidemiology of children’s health, the related reframing of the scope of pediatric practice under the construct of “new morbidities,” and the influential 1987 report from the Task Force on Pediatric Education.1,2 Child development has become a certified subspecialty, and residency programs have specified training requirements. Despite significant progress, even more needs to be done not only to identify children with developmental disabilities and institute appropriate and timely interventions, but also to promote optimal development and enhance the school readiness of all children.3 Our current understanding of the importance of early childhood is converging with our national policy agenda to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all children. The convergence of these 2 trends is taking place under the banner of school readiness, referring both to a child’s capacity to learn, grow, and achieve and also creating an organizing principle and outcome for major statewide early childhood initiatives throughout the United States. As a result, pediatricians will increasingly be called on to direct more of their clinical expertise in service of this important societal goal, and are likely to find themselves, as many other early childhood professionals and teachers are, increasingly involved in the “school readiness business.” Underlying these observable changes in social policy are tectonic shifts in our understanding of the importance of early childhood and the role of school readiness in promoting not only academic achievement but longer term health outcomes. Whereas before 1990 the term school readiness was used to evaluate and some would say to label children who were not “mature enough” …
Saturation characteristics of fast photodetectors

Photodetector saturation can limit the performance of high-power, high-frequency analog systems. Photodetectors saturate primarily because of space charge, which redistributes the electric field within the intrinsic region, resulting in reduced output and a sharp increase in harmonic distortion. Here, we report measurements of photodetector saturation current in both the time and frequency domains.
Organochlorine Contaminants in the American White Pelican Breeding at Pyramid Lake, Nevada

Abstract Reproductive success of the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) was monitored at a breeding colony on Anaho Island, Pyramid Lake, Nevada in 1996. Eggs were collected in 1988 and 1996 and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Muscle from adults found dead or debilitated and euthanized, fishes from representative feeding areas and regurgitated fish samples from nestlings were also analyzed for OCs and PCBs. Reproductive success at the breeding colony was normal in 1996 based on hatching rates of eggs (≥79% in undisturbed areas) and survival of nestlings. Organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations in eggs were below known effect levels on reproduction. DDE concentrations in eggs from Anaho Island declined between 1988 and 1996. Eggshell thickness for the Anaho colony was significantly lower (6%) than the pre-OC norm, but the level of thinning was less than that associated with population declines. OCs and PCBs were seldom detecte...
Evaluation of an injectable progestin-estrogen as a contraceptive

Ninety multigravidas received intramuscular injections of 50 mg. of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and 10 mg. of estradiol-17β-cyclopentylpropionate (Depo-Estradiol Cypionate) as a contraceptive every 5 weeks, for a total of 1,155 periods. This birth control regimen was completely effective, well accepted, and safe. Endometrial biopsies showed a “suppressed” endometrium. Adrenal pituitary responsiveness to metyrapone was found to be normal in 17 of 21 patients tested. No patient showed clinical evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Amenorrhea (14 per cent) and polymenorrhea (15 per cent) were observed in patients while on treatment, and prolonged use of injectable contraception (for more than 18 months) predisposed to amenorrhea lasting up to 10 months upon discontinuation of the treatment. This contraceptive regimen appears to be useful in patient who cannot be relied upon to take oral birth control pills or cannot tolerate them because of side effects. However, injectable contraception might not offer a desirable alternative for the majority of women.
Mitigation of Climatic Change by Soil Carbon Sequestration: Issues of Science, Monitoring, and Degraded Lands

Farmers, gardeners, and, of course, argonomists know that adding organic matter to soils is a good thing to do. Organic matter increases soil water-holding capacity, imparts fertility with the addition of nutrients, increases soil aggregation, and improves tilth. Depending on its type-humus, manure, stubble, litter-organic matter contains between 40 and 60% carbon.
Intravascular Ultrasound in the Creation of Transhepatic Portosystemic Shunts Reduces Needle Passes, Radiation Dose, and Procedure Time: A Retrospective Study of a Single-Institution Experience

Abstract Purpose To assess whether intravascular ultrasound (US) guidance impacts number of needle passes, contrast usage, radiation dose, and procedure time during creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Materials and Methods Intravascular US–guided creation of TIPS in 40 patients was retrospectively compared with conventional TIPS in 49 patients between February 2010 and November 2015 at a single tertiary care institution. Patient sex and age, etiology of liver disease (hepatitis C virus, alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), severity of liver disease (mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score), and indications for TIPS (variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, refractory hydrothorax) in conventional and intravascular US–guided cases were recorded. Results The two groups were well matched by sex, age, etiology of liver disease, Child-Pugh class, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and indication for TIPS ( P range=.19–.94). Fewer intrahepatic needle passes were required in intravascular US–guided TIPS creation compared with conventional TIPS (2 passes vs 6 passes, P P P 2 vs 21,414 μGy * m 2 , P P P Conclusions Intravascular US guidance resulted in fewer intrahepatic needle passes, decreased contrast medium usage, decreased radiation dosage, and shortened procedure time in TIPS creation.
Effects of Electronic-State-Dependent Solute Polarizability: Application to Solute-Pump/Solvent-Probe Spectra.

Experimental studies of solvation dynamics in liquids invariably ask how changing a solute from its electronic ground state to an electronically excited state affects a solution’s dynamics. With traditional time-dependent-fluorescence experiments, that means looking for the dynamical consequences of the concomitant change in solute–solvent potential energy. But if one follows the shift in the dynamics through its effects on the macroscopic polarizability, as recent solute-pump/solvent-probe spectra do, there is another effect of the electronic excitation that should be considered: the jump in the solute’s own polarizability. We examine the spectroscopic consequences of this solute polarizability change in the classic example of the solvation dye coumarin 153 dissolved in acetonitrile. After demonstrating that standard quantum chemical methods can be used to construct accurate multisite models for the polarizabilities of ground- and excited-state solvation dyes, we show via simulation that this polarizabil...
EFFECT OF ANOXIC-ISCHEMIC PROCEDURE ON EXPERIMENTAL EPILEPSY IN THE RAT.

SummaryRats with cobalt epileptogenic foci had a reduced convulsive threshold which could be increased toward normal by producing homolateral brain infarction. The alleviation of the epileptic state is assumed to be due to damage to epileptogenic areas or associated tracts in some, but not all, rats.
A biobehavioral perspective on telomere length and the exposome.

A major objective of biobehavioral research is defining the mechanisms that underlie linkages among behavior, biology, health, and disease. The genomic revolution has demonstrated the importance of...
Principles of partial foot amputations in the diabetic.

Abstract Unfortunately, amputation surgery is still a very important part of the treatment for diabetic foot problems. The decision-making process must be done thoughtfully, remembering that blood flow is not the only issue. Many factors enter into the decision to perform a partial foot amputation or to perform a more proximal level amputation. Adherence to good surgical principle, proven techniques, and gentle soft-tissue handling can make the difference between a successful and durable amputation or continued complications and frustrations.