cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining Airborne Concentrations of Spatial Repellent Chemicals in Mosquito Behavior Assay Systems

Background: Mosquito behavior assays have been used to evaluate the efficacy of vector control interventions to include spatial repellents (SR). Current analytical methods are not optimized to determine short duration concentrations of SR active ingredients (AI) in air spaces during entomological evaluations. The aim of this study was to expand on our previous research to further validate a novel air sampling method to detect and quantitate airborne concentrations of a SR under laboratory and field conditions. Methodology/Principal Findings: A thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was used to determine the amount of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in samples of air. During laboratory experiments, 1 L volumes of air were collected over 10 min intervals from a three-chamber mosquito behavior assay system. Significantly higher levels of airborne DDT were measured in the chamber containing textiles treated with DDT compared to chambers free of AI. In the field, 57 samples of air were collected from experimental huts with and without DDT for onsite analysis. Airborne DDT was detected in samples collected from treated huts. The mean DDT air concentrations in these two huts over a period of four days with variable ambient temperature were 0.74 mg/m 3 (n=17; SD=0.45) and 1.42 mg/m 3 (n=30; SD=0.96). Conclusions/Significance: The results from laboratory experiments confirmed that significantly different DDT exposure conditions existed in the three-chamber system establishing a chemical gradient to evaluate mosquito deterrency. The TD GC-MS method addresses a need to measure short-term (,1 h) SR concentrations in small volume (,100 L) samples of air and should be considered for standard evaluation of airborne AI levels in mosquito behavior assay systems. Future studies include the use of TD GC-MS to measure other semi-volatile vector control compounds.
Modulation of growth of Aplysia neurons by an endogenous lectin

We have purified and characterized a galactose-binding lectin from the gonads of the mollusk Aplysia californica that modulates neurite outgrowth from cultured Aplysia neurons. Agglutination of sheep red blood cells (RBC) by this lectin, termed Aplysia gonad lectin (AGL), is inhibited strongly by galactose and to a lesser extent by fucose. On SDS-PAGE, AGL appears as a single species with a molecular weight of 34 kD under reducing conditions, and 65 kD under nonreducing conditions. This suggests that AGL is a disulfide-linked dimer in its native state. Amino terminal sequence analysis of purified AGL indicates a similarity to another galactose-binding lectin, phytohemagglutinin-E (E-PHA), found in red kidney beans. By using polyclonal antibodies prepared against AGL, we have found that the lectin is present in the gonads and eggs but not in other tissues of adult Aplysia californica. We have examined biological actions of AGL on Aplysia neurons growing in primary cell culture. AGL affects several properties of these neurons. The addition of 100 nM AGL to cultured neurons enhances neurite outgrowth from the cell soma, resulting in a greater number of primary processes. In addition, AGL acts as a neurotrophic agent, increasing neurite viability in vitro. This trophic effect is not seen with concanavalin A (con A), another lectin known to affect several properties of cultured Aplysia neurons. The results are consistent with the suggestion that AGL may play a role in neuronal differentiation and/or maintenance of viability. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of activating NK cell receptor expression and NK cell reconstitution on the outcomes of unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies

Inhibitory NK cell receptors are recognized as important determinants of NK cell activity in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The role of activating receptors and their acquisition after HCT is less certain. Therefore, we comprehensively evaluated both inhibitory and activating receptors in 59 patients receiving unrelated donor HCT. NK cell numbers normalized quickly relative to B and T cells; however, the expression of both inhibitory and activating isoforms of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) was delayed. Most NK cells expressed an immature phenotype during the first 6 months post-HCT; however, we found high expression of activating NKp46 and NKp44 natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), and cytotoxicity was preserved. Early reconstituting NK cells from unmanipulated grafts showed lower cytotoxicity than those from T-cell-depleted grafts. Differences in NK cell reconstitution had significant effects on clinical outcomes. Patients whose NK cells reconstituted earlier had better survival and lower relapse rates. The best survival group was recipients who possessed HLA-C2 but their donor lacked the cognate-activating KIR2DS1. Collectively, our data underscore the clinical relevance of reconstituting NK cells and their activating KIRs and NCRs. In addition to NK cell quantification and genotyping, comprehensive assessment of NK cell functions and phenotypes, including activating receptors, is essential.
Identity Tracking in Big Data: Preliminary Research Using In-Memory Data Graph Models for Record Linkage and Probabilistic Signature Hashing for Approximate String Matching in Big Health and Human Services Databases

Our research explores the practice of Record Linkage (RL), also known as Entity Resolution, Record Matching and the Object Identity Problem, in Big health services databases as is commonly practiced within the domain, and some of the approximate string matching methods used for this purpose. We also propose potential improvements to RL and string matching that have been shown in experiments to increase the quality and efficiency for information systems tasked with this problem. We have developed an in-memory graph-based data model, Aggregate Link and Iterative Match (ALIM), which compresses data by eliminating redundancy and stores alias, approximate and phonetic match links between stored data. We have also developed an enhanced edit-distance optimization, the Probabilistic Signature Hash Filter (PSH), which can perform the Damerau-Levenshtein (DL) edit-distance comparison nearly 6000 times faster than DL alone and produce the same exact approximate match results. Our experiments show significant accuracy and performance gains over a system currently in use by a local health department.
Derivations and generating degrees in the ring of arithmetical functions

In this paper we study a family of derivations in the ring of arithmetical functions of several variables over an integral domain, and compute the generating degrees of the ring of arithmetical functions over the kernel of these derivations.
Finite termination games with tie

We consider the class of finite two-person games with perfect information in which the last player who can make a legal move either wins or ends the game in a tie. We define an equivalence relation over this class and exhibit a complete set of representatives for the equivalence classes defined in terms of one-pile Nim games.
Spatially Diffuse Pathsets for Robust Routing in Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc wireless networks are characterized by frequent node mobility, limited power reserves and interfering transmissions. On-demand routing proves to be more successful in such networks, as it reduces the traffic overhead of sending periodic updates, but they may be susceptible to both random uncertainty in radio links, and malicious jamming. We consider a network of nodes addressed by their locations, and propose a novel routing technique that we call Petal Routing, which maximizes reliability by using pathsets, made of diverse multiple paths, in place of a single path. Petal Routing takes advantage of the broadcast nature of wireless networks to reduce the number of transmissions for multiple paths by overlapping the multiple diverse paths. Various tunable parameters built into the approach can be used to improve metrics such as delay, number of transmissions and packet delivery ratio. We evaluate the performance of our scheme using extensive simulations, and show that it is viable.
An excursion into utilitarian analysis.

Across a wide range of disciplines and phenomena, a particular theoret ical approach is at the center of attempts to understand human behavior. This theoretical approach, roughly characterized as Subjective Expected Utility (SEU) theory, figures prominently in formal and mathematical theo ries of behavior, as well as in intuitive and implicit analyses of behavior deriving from folk theory. A selection of SEU approaches is described. The SEU approach is then used to develop a theoretical analysis of cross-race social experience and its relation to the cross-racial face recognition phe nomenon.
Subcutaneous Administration of a Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Vaccine Expressing Multiple Envelopes of HIV-1

A critical goal of HIV vaccine development is the identification of safe and immunogenic vectors. Recombinant vaccinia virus is a highly effective vaccine vector, with demonstrated capacity to protect animals from various viral pathogens, including rabies. Unlike many other candidate vaccine vectors, vast human experience exists with the parenteral smallpox vaccine. However, consideration of recombinant vaccinia virus as a modern vaccine is complicated by the relatively high prevalence of immunocompromised persons compared to such prevalence 4 or more decades ago (when smallpox vaccination was still routine). Administering vaccine by the subcutaneous (SQ) route, rather than the traditional scarification route, could address these concerns. SQ administration could prevent transmission of vaccinia virus to potentially vulnerable persons; it could also avoid the most common adverse events, which are cutaneous in nature. However, previous studies suggest that elicitation of immune response against passenger gene products following SQ administration requires development of a superficial pox lesion, defeating the intention of SQ administration. This is the first report to demonstrate that SQ administration of recombinant vaccinia virus does elicit immune response to the passenger protein in the absence of a cutaneous pox lesion. Results further show that a multi-envelope HIV vaccine can elicit antibody responses toward heterologous HIV-1 not represented by primary sequence in the vaccine. These findings have global implications because they support the consideration of recombinant vaccinia virus as a valuable HIV vaccine vector system.
Investigating Rigidity of Military Vehicle Body Using Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) Analysis

The Army has many rigid-body dynamic models of various vehicle platforms. The adequacy of these rigid-body models has been questioned. In an effort to gain insight into the significance of flexibility in the development of dynamic vehicle models, operating deflection shape (ODS) techniques were applied to acceleration data gathered from the body of a wheeled military vehicle. The data were analyzed in an effort to determine a specific frequency range over which the assumption of rigidity would be valid. For the particular platform examined in this study, the assumption of rigidity would apply up to approximately 14 Hz. Future efforts include using operational modal analysis (OMA) to further examine the problem.
Quantitative optical image subtraction by means of pulse-width modulation through one-dimensional contact screens.

A quantitative optical image-subtraction method based on the principle of spatial pulse-width modulation through a one-dimensional contact-screen process and superpositipn of positive and negative halftone photographs is described. The difference in intensity transmittance of two images A and B can be measured by either superposing the halftone positive of A onto the halftone negative of B or vice versa. Not only subtle differences between the two photographs but also the polarity of such differences can be found.
The relationship between cross-correlation measures and underlying synaptic events.

Abstract The relationship between an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and the cross-correlation derived from the spike train evoked by a Poisson stimulus train was studied by computer simulation. The neuron model had a constant threshold and an absolute refractory period. Following a spike, the membrane potential was determined by ongoing activity, i.e., it was not ‘reset’. Under all conditions studied, the rise time of the cross-correlation peak accurately reflected EPSP rise time. The agreement between the half-width of the cross-correlation peak and that of the underlying EPSP depended upon the EPSP amplitude, the rate of the driving Poisson input, and the time course of the EPSP. Over a broad range of experimentally relevant conditions, the half-width of the cross-correlation peak deviated from that of the underlying EPSP by less than 30% and bore little resemblance to that of the EPSP's time derivative.
Larval history influences post-metamorphic condition in a coral-reef fish

Upon settlement, many fishes undergo an energetically costly metamorphic period that requires substantial nutritional reserves. Larval growth and the accumulation of lipids prior to metamorphosis are likely to influence growth and survival following this critical period. On the Caribbean island of St. Croix, I investigated relationships between larval growth, early life-history characteristics, and post-metamorphic lipid content in the bluehead wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum. Lipid reserves remaining after metamorphosis were positively related (r2 = 0.62) to the width of the metamorphic band; thus, this otolith-derived trait may be used to estimate the condition at emergence of survivors collected at some later time. In contrast, pelagic larval duration, average larval growth, and otolith size at settlement were negatively related to post-metamorphic lipid content. Interestingly, the trend for slower growth among fish in good condition was not consistent over the entire pelagic larval duration. Analyses of daily larval growth histories indicated that fish with high lipid reserves grew rapidly in the last week prior to settlement, but relatively slowly during the early phases of larval life; those emerging with low lipid concentrations, however, displayed strikingly opposite patterns. These contrasting patterns of growth and energy storage were consistent at two sites and over three recruitment events. Otolith chemistry data suggested that differences in growth histories and body condition were consistent with the hypothesis of larval development in distinct oceanic environments (characterized by Pb concentration); but, within a water mass, differences reflected life-history trade-offs between growth and energy storage. The results have implications for understanding the processes driving juvenile survival, which may be condition dependent.
SU-E-I-76: Review of Reported SAR Values in MRI: Current Status and Historical Trends

Purpose: Although MRI is generally considered a very safe imaging modality, potential risks do exist for RF heating during the patient imaging studies and there have been reported skin burn incidents and cases of patient discomforts due to RF heating. RF heating‐related safety issues have become more relevant as increasing numbers of high‐field (3.0 Tesla or higher) MRI systems are being installed and used in clinical settings. In this study, we reviewed the SAR values on the spine MRI exams over the past few years at our institution and we studied the over‐all trend of SAR values and their correlations with patient size (weight). Methods: With IRB approval, we selected total of 36,051 MRI scans of the spine, dating from September 2005 to June 2012, from the EMR archive at our institution. For each scan sequence, DICOM header information such as SAR value, body weight, scan date, scanner ID, software version are extracted using a MATLAB program developed in‐house. The header information was exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis. Results: Most of the scans performed on 1.5T scanners have SAR values less than 2.5W/kg while all the 3T scans have reported SAR values less than 3W/kg. However, there are some scans with SAR values above 4W/kg. Additionally, we noticed a gradual upward trend in the SAR values as well as some inconsistencies in the correlations of the reported SAR values to patient weight. Conclusion: The survey results suggest the need for clinical user involvement in the validation and monitoring of the SAR values. Without proper validation, the reported SAR values may not be accurate and even contain errors, making it difficult to accurately assess the SAR values at the hotspots in patient scans.
Judgments of Body Size in a Schizophrenic and a Control Group

This is a preliminary report concerning size judgment of various body parts from photographs. Adapting a technique used by Weckowicz and Sommer (1960), 30 male schizophrenics and 30 males, hospitalized for nonpsychotic and non-psychosomatic reasons, were shown a series of photographs of a hand, foot, stomach, heart, and a baseball. These groups of Ss were comparable with respect to age, education, height, and weight. Photographs of each body part and the baseball were presented in alternating ascending-descending series as to size. S's task was to state whether each picture was larger, smaller, or the same size as his own corresponding body part. In the case of the baseball pictures, comparison was made using a real baseball. Ss viewed the pictures while seated at a distance of 8 ft. in dim illumination of 1 candle power. A covering cloth prevented S from seeing his own body. A picture selected three times in a row as being the same size as his own body organ constituted the criterion for S's image of that body part. At the condusion of experiment measurement was made of S's foot, toe to heel, and hand, third finger ro base at the wrist. Each S was also asked to guess, with his eyes dosed, the longest dimension in inches of his own heart and stomach. Controls and schizophrenics did not differ in actual hand or foot size, nor in mean height or weight. However, schizophrenics significantly exceeded controls in size judgment of all four body parts. Schizophrenics also significantly overestimated the size of their own hands and feet. Controls and schizophrenics did not differ on size judgment of a baseball, however. Schizophrenics also significantly exceeded controls on the total number of pictures seiected as being the "same size as" their own body part, i.e., they have a much less definite image of their body area than do controls. The groups did not differ in this respect in their responses to the baseball pictures. Results indicate that schizophrenics suffer a loss in definiteness of body image. This vagueness of body image results in a ballooning of the schizophrenic's concept of h~s body. These results agree with those of Liebert, et al., (1958) who found that normals and schizophrenics, administered LSD, overestimated own body size although perceptions of external objects did not change. REFERENCES LIEBERT, R. S., WERNER, H., & WAPNER, S. Studies in the effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25). Arch. Neurol. C Psychiac., 1958, 79, 580-584.
PHOTOREACTIVITY OF OXYGEN DIMERS IN THE ULTRAVIOLET

The photochemistry of the oxygen dimer was investigated using the technique of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. Ozone and oxygen atoms were produced following photolysis of oxygen dimers ...
THE MODERATING EFFECT OF INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE: THE CASE OF U.S. CVBS' INTERNET MARKETING

The growth in information technology (IT)‐based organizational marketing activity is giving rise to questions about determinants on the acceptance of technology. This study examined the moderating effects of individual factors and organizational factors on the relationships between the five salient antecedents (i.e., perceived characteristics of the Internet) and the intention to use the Internet within the context of U.S. convention and visitor bureaus' (CVBs') marketing action. The results of the study revealed significant moderating effects of individual factors. In addition, the main effects of the five antecedents on the intention to use the Internet appear to be strong. Implications for industry practitioners as well as suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Theory of novel nonlinear quantum transport effects in resonant tunneling structures

Abstract The study of time-dependent, highly nonlinear, and nonequilibrium quantum-based device operation has been accomplished through the use of the quantum distribution function (QDF) in phase space. There are four important controversial issues on resonant tunneling structures (RTS) that have been resolved, resulting from the QDF simulations. These are: (a) the characteristic plateau-like structure, the presence of autonomous intrinsic high-frequency oscillations, current bistability, and hysteresis of the current voltage (I-V) curve; (b) the high-frequency small signal response when the RTS, biased in the negative differential resistance region, operates in the stable mode, and the role of the electron inertia at very high frequencies; (c) the binary information storage at zero bias, without energy dissipation, and the accompanying ‘anomalous’ current bistability phenomena in quantum well diodes with special source and/or drain structures; (d) the hysteresis of trapped hole charge in the barrier region and accompanying current bistability before the onset of the resonant-tunneling current peak in quantum-well diodes with type II band-edge alignment.
VERY LOW-ANGLE LIGHT SCATTERING: A CHARACTERIZATION METHOD FOR HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT DNA

A very low-angle light-scattering photometer is described with respect to optical features, scattering cell, correction factors, and absolute calibration in the angular range 2°–35°. An improved microfiltration apparatus was used to obtain essentially dust-free aqueous solutions for very low-angle light scattering. The instrument was calibrated with silicotungstic acid, an absolute molecular-weight standard, and the calibration was confirmed with the use of several secondary standards. Very low-angle light-scattering measurements were made to determine the weight-average molecular weight Mr and z-average radius of gyration Rg,z of a commerical preparation of calf-thymus DNA. Microfiltration of the solutions allowed measurements down to 6°. The value Mr = 20.0 × 106 obtained by extrapolating 6°–9° data to 0° is more than three times that from 30°–75° data (6.38 × 106) but ∼20% smaller than that from 10–35° data (23.7 × 106). The experimental errors in Mr and Rg,z are estimated to be ±8% and ±14%, respectively. Combined 6°–75° data from two photometers fit well a theoretical scattering curve for a model wormlike coil of the same Mr as the DNA sample.
Vascular Dementia and Dysphagia

Dysphagia resulting from focal lesions and degenerative neurologic conditions has been widely reported. Few studies address oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with multiple strokes and vascular dementia, despite the fact that most individuals with severe dementia are eventually unable to participate in the eating process. Dysphagia management strategies used with other cognitively impaired populations would appear to have application to those with vascular dementia. Dysphagia evaluation and management strategies with the vascular dementia population are suggested, with emphasis on the role of the caregiver in dysphagia management. For patients with advanced dementia of all types, provision of nutrition by way of tube feeding is common practice. This controversial issue is explored.
NEW UNIQUENESS PROOFS FOR THE (5,8,24), (5,6,12) AND RELATED STEINER SYSTEMS.

Abstract New elementary proofs of the uniqueness of certain Steiner systems using coding theory are presented. In the process some of the codes involved are shown to be unique. The uniqueness proof for the (5, 8, 24) Steiner system is due to John Conway. The blocks of the system are used to generate a length 24 binary code. Any two such codes are then shown to be equivalent up to a permutation of the coordinates. This code turns out to be the extended Golay code. In the uniqueness proof for the (4, 7, 23) system, the blocks generate a length 23 code which is extended to a length 24 code. The minimum weight vectors of this larger code hold a (5, 8, 24) Steiner system. This result together with the previous one completes the proof. At this point it is also possible to conclude that the codes involved are unique and hence equivalent to the binary perfect Golay code and its extension. Continuing with the uniqueness result for the (3, 6, 22) Steiner system, the blocks generate a length 22 code which is extended to the same length 24 code by the addition of two coordinates and one additional vector. This extension ultimately requires the computation of the coset weight distribution of the length 22 code, a result heretofore unknown. The complete coset weight distribution for a specific (22, 11, 6) self-dual code is computed using the CAMAC computer system. The (5, 6, 12) and (4, 5, 11) Steiner systems are treated differently. It is shown that each system is completely determined by the choice of six blocks which may be assumed to lie in any such design. These six blocks in fact form a basis for length 12 (and 11) ternary codes corresponding to the two systems and may be generated by an algorithm independent of the designs. This algorithm is presented and the minimum weight vectors of the resulting codes, the perfect ternary Golay code and its extension, are calculated by the CAMAC system.
Electrical-insulation contaminants

SERVICE EXPERIENCE with electric apparatus has indicated that in many cases the presence of “contaminants” has contributed to the failure of electrical insulation. In the category of contaminants are included moisture, salt, oil, carbonaceous materials, and dust. Such contaminants may adversely affect both the physical and electrical properties of electrical insulation.
Analysis of fuel-lean combustion using chemical mechanisms

Abstract Detailed fuel-lean C 2 H 2 O 2 flame data by Vandooren and Van Tiggelen were used to explore the implications of published reaction sets. The data had been obtained using molecular-beam mass spectrometry in a flat flame at a fuel equivalence ratio of 0.12, pressure of 5.34 kPa, and cold gas velocity of 50.5 cm/s. Stable-species and free-radical mole fractions were predicted using a standard one-dimensional flame model and were tested against the data, similarly to our recently reported study of the same mechanisms under fuel-rich conditions. Mechanisms were derived from reaction sets reported by Miller et al., Warnatz, Westbrook, and Westbrook and Dryer. Successful predictions by the first two mechanisms were dominated by O-atom destruction of C 2 H 2 to form CH 2 and CO and by CH 2 + O 2 → CO 2 + 2H, which destroyed CH 2 and rapidly produced the necessary “prompt CO 2 ” and H-atoms. Although CH 2 predictions deviate significantly from the data, new insights into the experimental method show that the CH 2 data themselves were mistaken. More seriously, recent studies of C 2 H 2 + O kinetics show that H + HCCO is the dominant product channel rather than triplet 3 CH 2 + CO, which implies that singlet 1 CH 2 may be produced quite rapidly in C 2 H 2 flames from the reaction H + HCCO → 1 CH 2 + CO. As a consequence, the distinctly different kinetics of ground-state 3 CH 2 and electronically excited 1 CH 2 should be distinguished explicitly in new combustion mechanisms.
A prospective randomized study of 4.1 French catheters utilizing the percutaneous right brachial approach for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

To determine the utility of 4.1 French (F) catheters in diagnosing coronary artery disease, 50 patients were randomized to 4.1F Multipurpose or Judkins catheters utilizing the percutaneous right brachial approach. The randomized 4.1F tip shape catheter completed the procedure in 40% of the patients, and overall the 4.1F catheters completed the catheterization in 72% of the cases. With excessive or prolonged manipulation, the catheters were noted to kink and soften and required replacement for a catheter of similar or larger size. In 28% of the cases, larger F sizes (5F and 6F) were used to complete the procedure. There was 1 (2%) procedural complication. The total procedural success (accounting for all F sizes) without clinical complication was 98%. There was no difference between the 4.1F Judkins or Multipurpose catheter shapes for coronary arteriography by either qualitative or quantitative angiographic analysis. Left ventricular opacification was improved with the 4.1F Pigtail vs. the 4.1 Multipurpose by qualitative angiographic analysis. When the 4.1F angiograms were compared by quantitative angiography in blinded, but not randomized fashion to angiograms performed with 6F Judkins catheters, there was improved opacification of the LAD and diastolic frame of the left ventriculogram with the larger catheter. This difference was not noted with qualitative angiography. This study indicates that 4.1F catheters can be utilized from the right brachial approach for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, thus avoiding the need for supine bedrest associated with routine femoral artery catheterization while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of BCD tricyclic analogues of the novel cardiac glycoside rhodexin A

A concise synthesis of novel cardiac glycoside analogues of rhodexin A, 14 and 24, having the BCD tricyclic system is described. The key constructive step is an inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder reaction of the silyl enol ether 4 and the 2-acetyldiene, 7 and 15.
The growth of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in aeroponics and hydroponics

The development of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) plants and the production of commercial saffron and saffron constituents were compared in three culture systems: aeroponics, hydroponics, and soil. On a dry weight, but not fresh weight basis, corm growth was increased in aeroponics and hydroponics as compared with growth in soil. Root length in aeroponics and hydroponics was reduced as compared with root length in soil, but shoot development was not significantly affected. Flowering was poor in all three culture systems, probably due to the small-sized (2.6 cm) bulbs used in propagating the plants. The production of stigmas and the concentration of the main constituents of saffron in the stigmas was similar in all three culture systems, suggesting saffron bulbs grown aeroponically and hydroponically may be used as a practical and renewable source of pharmacological compounds extracted from saffron.
Combination of one-directional and multiangle data processing techniques to reduce uncertainty in the elastic lidar measurement data

The lidar equation uncertainty, caused by the presence of two unknown functions (extinction and backscatter coefficients), is the main source of measurement errors in the elastic lidar searching of the atmosphere. The multiangle data-processing technique that applies the layer-integrated form of the angle-dependent lidar equation, allows one to avoid the a priori selection of the extinction-to-backscatter ratio. However, the practical use of the technique is impeded by atmospheric horizontal heterogeneity and distortions in real lidar data, which worsen the inversion accuracy of the retrieved extinction-coefficient profiles; in addition, the multiangle solution is extremely sensitive even to minor systematic distortions in the inverted data. A combination of the one-directional and multiangle data-processing technique improves the measurement accuracy of the retrieved data. Here no guesses are required about the vertical profile of the extinction-to-backscatter ratio. The technique was developed and tested with experimental data using a two-wavelength scanning lidar at the Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT, USA. The specifics, advantages, and restrictions of this combined technique are discussed and illustrated by both synthetic and experimental data.
Pharmacology of Mono- and Disubstituted Chlorpromazine Metabolites

Chlorpromazine and 10 of its mono- and disubstituted metabolites were investigated for their effects on the CNS of male rats and mice. All of the compounds decreased motor activity and respiration, and all but two of the compounds decreased heart rate in rats. The most potent metabolite in depressing spontaneous motor activity of mice was 3,7-dihydroxychlorpromazine, with an ED50 of 5.1 mg./kg. i.p. in comparison to chlorpromazine which had an ED50 of 2.0 mg./kg. i.p. However, the 3,7-dihydroxy derivative was approximately twice as toxic as chlorpromazine in mice. 7,8-Dihydroxychlorpromazine did not alter forced motor activity, but it did induce a dose-related depression of spontaneous motor activity; 7-hydroxy-8-methoxy derivative also produced a marked decrease in spontaneous motor activity with minimal effects on forced motor activity. None of the compounds demonstrated anticonvulsant activity, and only 7-hydroxy-chlorpromazine elicited effects suggesting possible antidepressant activity. Barbiturate sleeping time was potentiated by all of the compounds, mainly due to their CNS depressant properties.
Abschätzungen für die eigenwerte positiver linearer operatoren

Zusammenfassung The problem treated is to upper bounds for |λ(A)| π(A) , where A is a positive matrix, λ(A) is any one of its eigenvalues and π(A) is the biggest eigenvalue. Although Hopf's inequality [7] is in a certain sense best possible, the inequality can be improved if one makes use of the eigenvector associated with π(A). The general setting is that of a linear operator A (in a locally convex space) mapping a cone into itself; the technique is to introduce semi-norms in such a way that the contraction of the cone measured in these norms gives an upper bound for |λ(A)| π(A) . In Sect. 5 the results are applied to non-nagative matrices. A converse problem is treated in Sect. 6.
Improving the Spectral Efficiency of Adaptive Modulation in Amplify-and-Forward Cooperative Relay Networks with an Adaptive ARQ Protocol

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a cross-layer design that combines adaptive modulation (AM) at the physical layer with an adaptive truncated automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocol at the data link layer to maximize the throughput of cooperative amplify-and-forward (CAF) relay networks under prescribed delay and/or error performance constraints. A by-product of our proposed analytical framework, that involves evaluation of the marginal moment generating function (MGF) of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for computing the average throughput and average packet error rate performance metrics is the unification and generalization of existing studies on cross-layer combining of AM and truncated ARQ for non-cooperative diversity systems to generalized fading channels. Our analytical methodology is motivated by the fact that the MGF of end-to-end SNR for multi-relay CAF networks is either available in the research literature (for certain fading environments) or it can be computed much more conveniently than its PDF, while the desired marginal MGF can be evaluated efficiently using a multi-precision Laplace inversion formula of an auxiliary MGF function. The efficacy of an adaptive Rmax (maximum retransmission limit) strategy over the classical fixed Rmax scheme is also examined.
Reconfiguration Research on Modular Mobile Robot

The reconfigurable tracked mobile robot was developed for all-terrain recon. Based on the unique characters of reconfigurable robot, modular mechanical and electrical structure and control method were all discussed. The tracked robot was composed of four basic locomotion modules, three joint rods and two rotational articulations. By the different configurations of all the modules, the mechanical reconfiguration of the tracked vehicle was realized. The master-slave control system was adopted. Based on the ARM real time embedded control system, the reconfiguration was realized when the mechanical structure of the robot was reconfigured. The tracked robot was validated that it has the excellent adaptable ability in complex terrain and has easy and simple reconfigurable performance when it executed recon in the building interior simulating the real task.
Computation of connection coefficients and measure modifications for orthogonal polynomials

We observe that polynomial measure modifications for families of univariate orthogonal polynomials imply sparse connection coefficient relations. We therefore propose connecting L (2) expansion coefficients between a polynomial family and a modified family by a sparse transformation. Accuracy and conditioning of the connection and its inverse are explored. The connection and recurrence coefficients can simultaneously be obtained as the Cholesky decomposition of a matrix polynomial involving the Jacobi matrix; this property extends to continuous, non-polynomial measure modifications on finite intervals. We conclude with an example of a useful application to families of Jacobi polynomials with parameters (gamma,delta) where the fast Fourier transform may be applied in order to obtain expansion coefficients whenever 2 gamma and 2 delta are odd integers.
Cutaneous infection due to Mycobacterium kansasii.

A patient presented with chronic leg ulcers after a mowing accident. He received several courses of antibiotics for presumed cellulitis, underwent surgical debridment, and was treated empirically with cyclosporin for presumed pyoderma gangrenosum, all without improvement. Cultures from prior debridment revealed Mycobacterium kansasii, and he was successfully treated with triple antituberculous regimen. Cutaneous infections due to this slow growing Mycobacterium are rare and may resemble cellulitis or sporotrichosis. Mycobacterium kansasii should be included in the differential diagnosis of skin infections with an indolent course and lack of response to antibiotics.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Sleep in Pediatric Medical Populations

Children and adolescents with acute and chronic medical conditions such as asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle cell disease (SCD) are reported to have more frequent and severe problems with sleep than their healthy peers (Passarelli et al., 2006; Yuksel et al., 2007). Multiple factors, including both acute and chronic pain (Palermo, 2000), underlying disease processes, concurrent medications, the impact of hospitalization, and comorbid psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, are clearly important to consider in assessing the bi-directional relationship of sleep problems and acute and chronic illness in children (Lewin & Dahl, 1999). Sleep disorders that affect the quantity and quality of sleep can have salient effects on children’s daytime functioning, health, and well-being (Palermo & Kiska, 2005; Smaldone, Honig, & Byrne, 2007) as well as caregiver health and well-being (Meltzer & Mindell, 2006). Furthermore, the relationship between sleep problems and key physiologic parameters involved in health and disease, including the immune system and metabolic/endocrine regulation (Bryant, Trinder, & Curtis, 2004), highlights the importance of identifying and instituting appropriate interventions for sleep disorders in pediatric medical populations. There has been a recent surge in research on sleep in both adults and children with medical conditions. Theories about the connection between sleep and medical conditions are being developed to explain the bi-directional relationships among sleep problems and symptoms related to acute or chronic disease (Fiorentino & Ancoli-Israel, 2007; Lewin&Dahl, 1999). Despite this increased research focus, there is a multitude of challenges investigators face in conducting this research. One particular challenge is that sleep is a broad domain encompassing behaviors, patterns, and problems or disorders. Several subjective and objective measures, including self-report questionnaires, actigraphy, and polysomnography (PSG) are available to assess different aspects of sleep across the developmental age span. As demonstrated in this issue, these methods are associated with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. A second challenge is that in the context of disease, a range of potential influencing factors both within the child and the child’s environment may contribute to sleep patterns and behaviors and need to be identified. The purpose of the Special Issue of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology on Sleep in Pediatric Medical Populations is to spotlight current research on sleep of children with acute and chronic medical conditions and their caregivers using the best available methods. Ultimately, we are most interested in understanding the impact of sleep on important health-related outcomes, with a goal of informing prevention and treatment of sleep disruption in children with medical conditions or health risks.
Domain general and domain preferential brain regions associated with different types of task switching: A Meta‐Analysis

One of our highest evolved functions as human beings is our capacity to switch between multiple tasks effectively. A body of research has identified a distributed frontoparietal network of brain regions which contribute to task switching. However, relatively less is known about whether some brain regions may contribute to switching in a domain-general manner while others may be more preferential for different kinds of switching. To explore this issue, we conducted three meta-analyses focusing on different types of task switching frequently used in the literature (perceptual, response, and context switching), and created a conjunction map of these distinct switch types. A total of 36 switching studies with 562 activation coordinates were analyzed using the activation likelihood estimation method. Common areas associated with switching across switch type included the inferior frontal junction and posterior parietal cortex. In contrast, domain-preferential activation was observed for perceptual switching in the dorsal portion of the premotor cortex and for context switching in frontopolar cortex. Our results suggest that some regions within the frontoparietal network contribute to domain-general switching processes while others contribute to more domain-preferential processes, according to the type of task switch performed.
An Electrochemical Method for CuO Thin Film Deposition from Aqueous Solution

An electrochemical procedure is described for the anodic deposition of CuO thin films from solution precursors at 25-30°C in an alkaline medium (pH > 13). The deposition bath was similar to Fehling's solution using tartrate ions as a complexing agent for Cu(II). Cupric oxide deposited onto a platinum substrate at an anodic current density of 5 mA cm - 2 has a preferred orientation of [010]. Rietveld refinement of the powder diffraction pattern reveals pure Cu(II) oxide with no trace of other copper oxides. The suggested mechanism involves the irreversible electrochemical oxidation of the tartrate ligand of the Cu(II) complex leading to the CuO precipitation. The same bath can also be used to deposit Cu 2 O films using a cathodic electrodeposition process. In this case, cuprous oxide deposited onto a platinum electrode has a [111] preferred orientation.
Why the Father Wound Matters: Consequences for Male Mental Health and the Father‐Son Relationship

Adult men often report a sense of feeling a father wound when reflecting on their own father-son relationship. Perhaps in part due to a rejection of traditional fathering practices that may have contributed to such wounds, fathers today are increasingly adopting a ‘new involved father’ role that is more welcoming of emotional expression and involvement in a child's life. This paper argues that adopting this new role may allow men to not only connect with their sons, but also to come to terms with problematic aspects of their own father-son relationship. In this way, fathering a son may allow men to alter aspects of their self. Limitations and future directions for the father wound construct are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘A ‘new involved father’ role that is more welcoming of emotional expression and involvement in a child's life’ Key Practitioner Message This papers offers a critical review and analysis of the father wound concept and its larger clinical and social developmental significance for males. Traditionally, many adult men report a sense of loss or grief when considering their own father-son relationship. Becoming a father, particularly to a son, may allow men to come to terms with earlier father-son wounds to the betterment of these aforesaid fathers and their sons.
Highway Freight Flow Assignment in Massachusetts Using Geographic Information Systems

Goods movement is an important aspect of the transportation system. Freight flow, complemented with the much-researched passenger movement, provides a way for understanding the complete vehicle flow scenario on the highways. Commodity movement prediction has not received much attention because of the lack of sufficient and easily accessible data sources. Most data sources give aggregated commodity movements and, because of the heterogeneity of freight, accurate predictions of truck flows have not been possible. A methodology for calculating the truck flows on the various highways in Massachusetts from interstate commodity flow data is presented. Freight tons originating and ending in Massachusetts have been converted to truck numbers by using a quantitative procedure and distributed to different areas in the state by using employment as an economic indicator variable. The truck flow is assigned to the important highways and validated against existing survey counts. On comparison, a large percentage of the...
The Notch signaling pathway as a mediator of tumor survival

The Notch signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and responsible for cell fate determination in the developing embryo and mature tissue. At the molecular level, ligand binding activates Notch signaling by liberating the Notch intracellular domain, which then translocates into the nucleus and activates gene transcription. Despite the elegant simplicity of this pathway, which lacks secondary messengers or a signaling cascade, Notch regulates gene expression in a highly context- and cell-type-dependent manner. Notch signaling is frequently dysregulated, most commonly by overactivation, across many cancers and confers a survival advantage on tumors, leading to poorer outcomes for patients. Recent studies demonstrate how Notch signaling increases tumor cell proliferation and provide evidence that active Notch signaling maintains the cancer stem-cell pool, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes chemoresistance. These studies imply that pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling may refine control of cancer therapy and improve patient survival. Gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) are drugs that inhibit Notch signaling and may be successful in controlling cancer cell growth in conjunction with standard chemotherapy, but substantial side effects have hampered their widespread use. Recent efforts have been aimed at the development of antibodies against specific Notch receptors and ligands with the hope of limiting side effects while providing the same therapeutic benefit as GSIs. Together, studies characterizing Notch signaling and modulation have offered hope that refined methods targeting Notch may become powerful tools in anticancer therapeutics.
Photochemical Cleavage and Release of Carboxylic Acids from α-Keto Amides

Carboxylate groups incorporated at the position α to the keto carbonyl of α-keto amides 1 were photochemically cleaved in aqueous media to give carboxylic acids in 70−90% yields with quantum yields of 0.3. The cleavage coproducts were diastereomeric hemiacetals 2. Prompt release of acetate and γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) in buffer was observed by difference FT-IR spectroscopy upon 355 nm laser flash photolysis. The time-constant for release of GABA was <30 ms.