cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linear Dimension Reduction for Multiple Heteroscedastic Multivariate Normal Populations

For the case where all multivariate normal parameters are known, we derive a new linear dimension reduction (LDR) method to determine a low-dimensional subspace that preserves or nearly preserves the original feature-space separation of the individual populations and the Bayes probability of misclassification. We also give necessary and sufficient conditions which provide the smallest reduced dimension that essentially retains the Bayes probability of misclassification from the original full-dimensional space in the reduced space. Moreover, our new LDR procedure requires no computationally expensive optimization procedure. Finally, for the case where parameters are unknown, we devise a LDR method based on our new theorem and compare our LDR method with three competing LDR methods using Monte Carlo simulations and a parametric bootstrap based on real data.
Nonlinear pricing, market coverage, and competition

This paper considers a nonlinear pricing framework with both horizontally and vertically differentiated products. By endogenizing the set of consumers served in the market, we are able to study how increased competition affects nonlinear pricing, in particular the market coverage and quality distortions. We characterize the symmetric equilibrium menu of price‐quality offers under different market structures. When the market structure moves from monopoly to duopoly, we show that more types of consumers are served and quality distortions decrease. As the market structure becomes more competitive, the effect of increased competition exhibits some non-monotonic features: when the initial competition is not too weak, a further increase in the number of firms leads to more types of consumers being covered and a reduction in quality distortions; when the initial competition is weak, an increase in the number of firms leads to fewer types of consumers being covered, though the effect on quality distortions is not uniform.
An Area- and Power-Efficient $I_\mathrm{ref}$ Compensation Technique for Voltage-Mode $R-2R$ DACs

Although segmented voltage-mode $R-2R$ digital-to-analog converters (DACs) have been widely used for high-precision DACs in static applications, its code-dependent reference current induces a code-dependent $IR$ drop through the reference and ground wires, imposing a limitation on the linearity performance. To alleviate this problem, this brief proposes a simple way to compute the reference current and compensate it via a low-resolution auxiliary DAC controlled by a computational block. A (4 $+$ 12)-bit segmented voltage-mode $R-2R$ DAC with the proposed technique is designed and simulated in a 0.6- $\mu\mbox{m} $ CMOS process. The SPICE simulation shows a six-time reduction of the integral nonlinearity error from the code-dependent reference current, greatly relaxing the requirement on the reference and ground distribution paths design. Compared with the conventional way of adding high-quality reference and ground buffers on chip, the proposed technique is estimated to take up 1/3 area and consume 1/5 power. With the scaling of the technology, the proposed technique becomes more competent, for 60% area comes from the purely digital computational block. Furthermore, for multichannel $R-2R$ DACs, the computational block can be shared among channels if time multiplexing is allowed.
Type specimens and identity of the described species of Conus

This paper completes an analysis and evaluation of the present status of the nominal species in the gastropod genus Conus described during the 18th century. The major source of new names during the period 1793–1800 was the Museum Boltenianum, in which P. F. Roding proposed 99 new species-group names. Review of all pertinent evidence in the form of original descriptions and cited references leads to the conclusion that only three of these (C. biliosus, C. chaldaeus and C leopardus) are valid, while 80 are junior synonyms of previously described species, and 16 are nomina dubia. In addition, 22 names are junior homonyms. One holotype, lectotypes of 3 species, representatives of lectotypes of 66 species, and one representative of a holotype have been designated. With the exception of 11 types of objective junior synonyms, these are illustrated in photographs. The only other nominal species of Conus proposed during the period were three from the Mediterranean Sea described by von Salis Marschlins in 1793. All of these are concluded to be junior synonyms of C. ventricosus Gmelin 1791.
Implementation and Analysis of JPEG2000 System on a Chip

This paper presents a novel implementation of the JPEG2000 standard as a system on a chip (SoC). While most of the research in this field centers on acceleration of the EBCOT Tier I encoder, this work focuses on an embedded solution for EBCOT Tier II. Specifically, this paper proposes using an embedded softcore processor to perform Tier II processing as the back end of an encoding pipeline. The Altera NIOS II processor is chosen for the implementation and is coupled with existing embedded processing modules to realize a fully embedded JPEG2000 encoder. The design is synthesized on a Stratix IV FPGA and is shown to out perform other comparable SoC implementations by 39% in computation time.
His bundle activates faster than ventricular myocardium during prolonged ventricular fibrillation.

Background The Purkinje fiber system has recently been implicated as an important driver of the rapid activation rate during long duration ventricular fibrillation (VF>2 minutes). The goal of this study is to determine whether this activity propagates to or occurs in the proximal specialized conduction system during VF as well. Methods and Results An 8×8 array with 300 µm spaced electrodes was placed over the His bundles of isolated, perfused rabbit hearts (n = 12). Ventricular myocardial (VM) and His activations were differentiated by calculating Laplacian recordings from unipolar signals. Activation rates of the VM and His bundle were compared and the His bundle conduction velocity was measured during perfused VF followed by 8 minutes of unperfused VF. During perfused VF the average VM activation rate of 11.04 activations/sec was significantly higher than the His bundle activation rate of 6.88 activations/sec (p<0.05). However from 3–8 minutes of unperfused VF the His system activation rate (6.16, 5.53, 5.14, 5.22, 6.00, and 4.62 activations/sec significantly faster than the rate of the VM (4.67, 3.63, 2.94, 2.24, 3.45, and 2.31 activations/sec) (p<0.05). The conduction velocity of the His system immediately decreased to 94% of the sinus rate during perfused VF then gradually decreased to 67% of sinus rhythm conduction at 8 minutes of unperfused VF. Conclusion During prolonged VF the activation rate of the His bundle is faster than that of the VM. This suggests that the proximal conduction system, like the distal Purkinje system, may be an important driver during long duration VF and may be a target for interventional therapy.
Model for reduced brain dopamine in Lesch‐Nyhan syndrome and the mentally retarded: Neurobiology of neonatal‐6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) remains a serious problem among the mentally retarded because no known pharmacological agents block this behavior. This symptom is especially severe in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS), a genetic disorder associated with HPRT deficiency. Because the prominent neurobiological deficit in LNS is a loss of dopaminergic neurons, reduction of dopamine with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rats during their development is proposed as a model of the dopamine deficiency in LNS and in mentally retarded individuals with SIB who may have this neurotransmitter deficiency. In behavioral testing of this model, dopamine agonists that activate D1-dopamine receptors induced SIB in adult rats with neonatal 6-OHDA-dopamine lesions, a change not seen in rats lesioned as adults. SIB also has been observed when muscimol is microinjected into the substantia nigra reticulata (SNR) of the neonatal-6-OHDA lesioned rats. D1-dopamine antagonists, as well as NMDA antagonists, have been found to block the SIB induced by L-DOPA in these neonatally lesioned rats. In addition to the reduced dopamine, LNS patients also have an increased striatal serotonin content, as do rats neonatally lesioned with 6-OHDA. Activation of serotonergic receptors with m-chlorophenylpiperazine has increased oral activity in neonatal-6-OHDA-lesioned rats; destruction of serotonin-containing neurons has blocked this effect caused by a D1-dopamine agonist. These data suggest that serotonin and corresponding serotonin receptors contribute to dysfunctions in the neonatal-6-OHDA-lesioned model. This work provides background support for the hypothesis that neonatal reduction of dopamine results in increased vulnerability to SIB as a result of adaptation within a neural circuit in the brain involving D1-dopamine receptors, the SNR, and glutamate-and serotonin-containing neurons. Functional mapping in neonatally lesioned rats using 14C-2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake and Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-L1) has implicated the SNR, entopeduncular nucleus, globus pallidus, and subthalamic nucleus in the action of a D1-dopamine agonist. In addition, a generalized increase in Fos-L1, but not 2-DG uptake, is also induced in the striatum by a D1-dopamine agonist. The action of CGS-19755 and MK-801, NMDA antagonists, on the accumulation of Fos-L1 in the striatum induced by a D1-dopamine agonist also has been examined. Whereas CGS-19755 blocked the increase in striatal Fos-L1 induced by the D1-dopamine agonist, MK-801 did not. Because both drugs block SIB in the rat model, these findings suggest that the glutamatergic neuronal system that contributes to SIB is not associated with the striatum. The research being undertaken with the model of neonatal dopa-mine reduction may suggest new therapeutic approaches to the SIB observed in developmental disorders of unknown etiology, as well as the SIB associated with LNS. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The severity of supply chain disruptions: Design characteristics and mitigation capabilities

Supply chain disruptions and the associated operational and financial risks represent the most pressing concern facing firms that compete in today's global marketplace. Extant research has not only confirmed the costly nature of supply chain disruptions but has also contributed relevant insights on such related issues as supply chain risks, vulnerability, resilience, and continuity. In this conceptual note, we focus on a relatively unexplored issue, asking and answering the question of how and why one supply chain disruption would be more severe than another. In doing so, we argue, de facto, that supply chain disruptions are unavoidable and, as a consequence, that all supply chains are inherently risky. Employing a multiple-method, multiple-source empirical research design, we derive novel insights, presented as six propositions that relate the severity of supply chain disruptions (i) to the three supply chain design characteristics of density, complexity, and node criticality and (ii) to the two supply chain mitigation capabilities of recovery and warning. These findings not only augment existing knowledge related to supply chain risk, vulnerability, resilience, and business continuity planning but also call into question the wisdom of pursuing such practices as supply base reduction, global sourcing, and sourcing from supply clusters.
Pressure and temperature dependence of chromium photoluminescence spectra in fluoride elpasolites

Abstract Photoluminescence spectra of K 2 NaGaF 6 Cr 3+ and K 2 NaScF 6 :Cr 3+ , measured as functions of hydrostatic pressure, reveal a blue shift of the emission band culminating in a pressure-induced transition from a broad-band fluorescence spectrum to a highly structured phosphorescence spectrum. The blue shift is interpreted in terms of a pressure dependent local compressibility. The high-pressure, low-temperature emission spectrum of K 2 NaScF 6 :Cr 3+ reveals a splitting of the zero-phonon line indicative of a transition to a lower symmetry phase.
Erythropoietin: Physiology and clinical applications

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has come of age. Clinical trials have substantiated that the hormone can alleviate transfusion requirements, correct anemia and improve the quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease. Epo is also effective in correcting anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in AIDS patients taking zidovudine and in patients with various malignancies both off and on chemotherapy. Autologous blood donors are able to donate more blood with less of a deficit in red cell mass when receiving Epo, and preliminary studies suggest that Epo may have a role in correcting the anemia of prematurity. The most cost effective and promising role for the hormone, apart from its use in patients with end-stage kidney disease, is likely to be in the prevention of the need for homologous blood transfusion in a variety of clinical situations such as the perisurgical period, the anemia associated with prematurity, the period following bone marrow transplantation, and in anticipation of various forms of chemotherapy or retroviral therapy.
Evidence of modern fine-grained sediment accumulation in the Monterey Fan from measurements of the pesticide DDT and its metabolites

Abstract The documented presence of the pesticide DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane) and its metabolites DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethylene), and DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane), collectively referred to as ΣDDT, in sediments from the Monterey Submarine Canyon, Monterey Fan Channel and Monterey Fan indicates that during the present sea-level highstand the Monterey Fan has been an active depositional system. The presence of ΣDDT in marine sediment is an indication of the recent arrival of terrigenous fine-grained sediment because DDT was only applied on land in California between 1944 and 1972, and is being transported to the ocean in the fine-grained sediment fraction of rivers. ΣDDT was found in 81 out of 82 cores collected in water depths deeper than 3000 m in the Monterey Fan Channel and in the Monterey Fan, within a geographical extent of 250 km to the south and 210 km to the west of the Monterey Canyon head, with surface concentrations averaging 6 and 3 ng g − 1 , in the upper and lower Monterey Fan, respectively. This is the first documentation of ΣDDT presence in ocean sediments below 3000 m water depth worldwide. The estimated total amount of ΣDDT in the fan is consistent with the amount of ΣDDT discharged by the Salinas and Pajaro Rivers since DDT started being used in California, suggesting that current fine-grained sediment discharge from these rivers has been accumulating in the fan. The ratio DDE/ΣDDT, an indication of the extent of DDT degradation, provides a first-order proxy for the relative age of the sediments. DDT is found along the thalweg of the Monterey Fan channel as far as 215 km from the canyon head, indicating recent fine-grained sediment transport along the channel. In contrast, only DDE was detected in sediments on the fan, which suggests that the fan does not accumulate fine-grained sediments at a constant rate.
The reversal of experimental porphyria and the prevention of induction of hepatic mixed-function oxidase by acetate.

Abstract The administration of acetate or sulfanilamide depressed the porphyric response of rats to 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine. The induction of δ-aminolevulinate synthetase (EC 2.3.1.37) in porphyric rats was decreased by acetate administration and δ-aminolevulinate synthetase activity in hepatic homogenates was inhibited by acetate. Succinate reversed the inhibition by acetate in vitro . Since an alteration of heme biosynthesis by acetate was observed, the effect of acetate on the induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P -450 and microsomal mixed-function oxidase by phenobarbital was examined. Acetate prevented the induction of hepatic mixed-function oxidase and cytochrome P -450 by phenobarbital. Unlike the action of other inhibitors of hepatic heme biosynthesis, acetate also prevented the induction by phenobarbital of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase (EC 1.6.99.3). These findings suggest that acetate may be inhibiting heme biosynthesis by effects on δ-aminolevulinate synthetase, the rate-limiting step in heme biosynthesis, by alteration of the induction of this enzyme and by a direct effect on the enzymic reaction itself. It is suggested that acetate may be involved in the glucose effect related to the inhibition of the induction of δ-aminolevulinate synthetase.
Low noise erbium fiber fs frequency comb based on a tapered-fiber carbon nanotube design

We report on a low noise all-fiber erbium fs frequency comb based on a simple and robust tapered-fiber carbon nanotube (tf-CNT) design. We mitigate dominant noise sources to show that the free-running linewidth of the carrier-envelope offset frequency (fceo) can be comparable to the best reported performance to date for fiber-based frequency combs. A free-running fceo linewidth of ~20 kHz is demonstrated, corresponding to an improvement of ~30 times over previous work based on a CNT mode-locked fiber laser [Opt. Express 18, 1667 (2010)]. We also demonstrate the use of an acousto-optic modulator external to the laser cavity to stabilize fceo, enabling a 300 kHz feedback control bandwidth. The offset frequency is phase-locked with an in-loop integrated phase noise of ~0.8 rad from 10Hz to 400kHz. We show a resolution-limited linewidth of ~1 Hz, demonstrating over 90% of the carrier power within the coherent fceo signal. The results demonstrate that the relatively simple tf-CNT fiber laser design can provide a compact, robust and high-performance fs frequency comb.
Analysis of detectability loss through fan-beam x-ray computed tomography reconstruction

We consider detection of a small signal in fan-beam x-ray computed tomography (CT). In order to characterize the loss of intrinsic signal detectability from the projection data (sinogram) domain to the reconstructed image, we analyze the Hotelling observer SNR in each domain. Further, we characterize the loss of Hotelling observer SNR through decomposition into two components: loss of signal detectability which arises due to unequal variance in the noise of separate detector elements and loss of detectability arising from the fact that some noiseless signals have components which lie in the nullspace of a given reconstruction operator. The proposed methodology is investigated for the back-projection ltration (BPF) algorithm developed by our group [2].
Assessment of left ventricular function and size in type II diabetic patients

Abstract Background: Experimental studies demonstrate cardiac lipotoxicity as a potential mechanism of “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. Studies on left ventricular [LV] function in patients with type II diabetes mellitus[DM] are complicated by concomitant myocardial ischemia/infarction due to CAD and microvascular disease. A recent report suggested that patients with early DM exhibit a normal myocardial response to Dobutamine. Materials and methods: This study examined LV ejection fraction[EF] and volumes in a consecutive group of men and women with type II DM and compared the results to those without DM. All patients had normal stress and rest SPECT Tc-99m Tetrofosmin images. The EF, end-diastolic volume[EDV], end-systolic volume [ESV], and LV mass [LVM] were measured by gated SPECT. Results: The EF, EDV, EDV-index[EDVI], ESV, ESV-index[ESVI] and LVM were comparable in men and women with or without DM[table]. Group1= Men with DM, Group 2= Men without DM, Group 3= Women with DM, Group 4 =Women without DM * . Group Age [yr] EF [%] EDV [ml] EDVI ESV [ml] ESVI LVM [gm] Group 1 [n = 30] 52 ± 10 54 ± 10 104 ± 28 51 ± 13 46 ± 22 23 ± 11 155 ± 22 Group 2 [n = 78] 50 ± 13 57 ± 8 102 ± 31 51 ± 16 43 ± 19 22 ± 10 150 ± 24 Group 3 [n = 40] 58 ± 15 63 ± 10 * 82 ± 27 * 41 ± 14 31 ± 20 * 15 ± 10 134 ± 22 * Group 4 [n = 90] 53 ± 13 67 ± 10 * 74 ± 23 * 39 ± 15 26 ± 16 * 14 ± 10 131 ± 24 * * p Conclusion: The LV EF and volumes are comparable in patients with and without type II DM in the absence of ischemia or infarction. The LV volumes and EF are lower in women than men in the presence or absence of DM. It is possible that ischemia/infarction affect more adversely the LV function in DM accounting for the worse LV function [and worse outcome] in patients with established CAD.
Independent domination in finitely defined classes of graphs

We study the independent dominating set problem restricted to graph classes defined by finitely many forbidden induced subgraphs. The main result is two sufficient conditions for the problem to be NP-hard in a finitely defined class of graphs. We conjecture that those conditions are also necessary and describe several classes of graphs verifying the conjecture.
The induction of immunological unresponsiveness in previously immunized mice.

Abstract HGG unresponsiveness can be induced in primed A/J mice; however, such induction is difficult and requires multiple injections of large doses of soluble HGG (SHGG). Although single injections (1.5–25 mg) of deaggregated HGG (DHGG) did not result in a significant secondary immune response, an unresponsive state to a subsequent injection of aggregated HGG (AHGG) was not induced. When the dose of DHGG was even smaller (0.5 mg), a normal secondary response was obtained similar to that observed following injection of AHGG. Evidence is presented here which suggests that the difficulty encountered in inducing unresponsiveness may be in part due to partial aggregation of DHGG by persisting antibody in the circulation. The PFC to HGG produced after injection of either AHGG or DHGG or during induction of unresponsiveness to SHGG apparently involved cell division, since all three responses were inhibited by vinblastine. The reduction in PFC in primed mice injected with DHGG or SHGG was not due to selective inhibition of PFC secreting certain classes or subclasses of immunoglobulins.
Passive, on chip and in situ detection of neuropotentials

A fully-passive, on chip wireless system is proposed for in situ detection of neuropotentials. The system aims to replace conventional wired brain-sensing technologies, thus enhancing patient mobility and preserving safety. It consists of an implanted neurosensor that comprises an implanted antenna and mixer, and an exterior RF interrogator. Link budget issues are discussed, highlighting the challenges of detecting human brain neuropotentials as small as 10s of μV pp .
Echocardiographic Improvement Over Time After Cessation of Use of Fenfluramine and Phentermine

Objective To determine the echocardiographic changes over time of valvular heart lesions in patients who took the weight loss drugs fenfluramine and phentermine. Subjects and Methods This prospective cohort study began at the termination of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled weight loss trial of 18 obese women and 13 obese men (mean age, 42 years; mean body mass index, 33.4 kg/m 2 ) who had been assigned randomly to treatment with fenfluramine and phentermine or to placebo. Echo-cardiograms were obtained at termination of the trial when fenfluramine was withdrawn from the market and 6 months later. They were interpreted independently by 3 cardiologists blinded to treatment assignment and temporal sequence of the echocardiograms. The main outcome measure was the change in drug-related valvular disease over time. Results One subject assigned to receive the drugs was lost to follow-up, and 3 subjects who did not meet a weight loss goal of 10 kg crossed over from placebo to drug treatment. Echocardiograms were obtained in 19 subjects who received the drugs and 11 subjects who received placebo, and 6-month follow-up echocardiograms were obtained in 15 subjects who received the drugs and 3 who received placebo. Subjects had taken fenfluramine and phentermine a mean of 41 weeks (range, 8-73 weeks). Five of 19 subjects who received the drugs (26%; 95% confidence interval, 7%-46%) and 1 of 11 who received placebo (9%) (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-35.6) had findings that met criteria established for drug-related valvular disease. All 5 subjects (4 women and 1 man) receiving the drugs had mild aortic regurgitation, and 1 also had pulmonary hypertension (estimated pulmonary artery pressure, 59 mm Hg). Six months later, the echocardiographic findings had improved in all 5 subjects ( P =.06), and 3 no longer met the criteria for drug-related valvular disease. Pulmonary artery pressures decreased to near normal in the subject with pulmonary hypertension (37 mm Hg). Overall, the echocardiographic valvular features improved in 8 of 15 subjects who received the drugs and had echocardiograms performed at both time periods (P=.008). Conclusions Valvular heart disease did not appear to progress after cessation of use of fenfluramine and phentermine, and echocardiographic valvular features appeared to improve over time.
Soliton confinement in polyacetylene due to interchain coupling

The energy involved in the relative ordering of the dimerization patterns of neighboring ${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ chains is evaluated with a model where the coupling is due to the interchain hopping of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ electrons. It is shown that this mechanism favors antiferromagnetic order between neighboring chains. Furthermore, it leads to soliton confinement. The energy associated with a pair of solitons on the same chain separated by $\frac{l}{a}(\mathrm{CH})$ units is given by ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{\simeq}\frac{\mathrm{Wl}}{a}$, where $W=\frac{4{t}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\pi}{t}_{0}}$. Substituting accepted values for the interchain and intrachain hopping energies ${t}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ and ${t}_{0}$, we find $W\ensuremath{\sim}10\ensuremath{-}3$ K.
Generalized definition of coherent states and dynamical groups

It is shown that coherent states may be defined for an arbitrary dynamical (Hamiltonian) quantum system and the definition is consistent with the requirement that the Hamiltonian commutes with a Lie algebra γ, and γ can be integrated to form a Lie groupG.
Carville and Curupaiti: experiences of confinement and community.

Although Hansen's disease (leprosy) is still a significant problem in many parts of the world, the effectiveness of multidrug therapy has allowed people affected by this disease to be treated on an outpatient basis. However, throughout much of the twentieth century, people diagnosed with Hansen's disease were isolated from their families in facilities known as 'leprosaria'. This article presents a brief history of isolation policies and the development of community structures at two such facilities, Carville and Curupaiti, in the United States and Brazil, respectively. The modern dilemmas faced by the administration, staff, and residents of these institutions will also be discussed.
Quality of life in breast cancer. Part I: Physical and social well-being.

Almost 2 million breast cancer survivors reside in the United States. An increase in consumer advocacy and media attention to this disease has helped bring breast cancer survivorship to the forefront of public attention. This has led to increased attention on quality of life(QOL) issues for these su
An advanced technique for measuring minority-carrier parameters and defect properties of semiconductors

Abstract Rapid and contactless defect characterization is a very desirable goal in most current technologies. We will describe the contactless, resonant-coupled photoconductive decay (RCPCD) technique, as applied to a variety of wafer and thin-film materials. Using this technique, we can measure recombination lifetime over many decades of injection level. We can also measure relative values of minority-carrier mobility and diffusion length. By scanning the excitation wavelength, we can measure spectral response and photoconductive excitation spectra. Deep-level impurities can also be detected by several variations of RCPCD. We will show the general versatility of this technique.
Grid Requirements for Multiscale Resolution in Separated Unsteady High Speed Turbulent Flows

This study deals with the computational grid requirements in multiscale simulations of separated turbulent flows at high Reynolds number. The two-equation k-e based DES (Detached Eddy Simulation) model is implemented in a full 3-D Navier-Stokes solver and numerical results are presented for transonic flow solution over an open cavity. Results for the vorticity, pressure fluctuations, SPL (Sound Pressure level) spectra and for modeled and resolved TKE (Turbulent Kinetic Energy) are presented and compared with available experimental data and with LES results. The results indicate that grid resolution significantly influences the resolved scales and the peak amplitude of the unsteady sound pressure level (SPL) and turbulent kinetic energy spectra.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Uranium-lead isotope systematics and apparent ages of zircons and other minerals in precambrian granitic rocks, Granite Mountains, Wyoming

Zircon suites from the two main types of granite in the Granite Mountains, Wyoming, yielded concordia-intercept ages of 2,640±20 m.y. for a red, foliated granite (granite of Long Creek Mountain) and 2,595±40 m.y. for the much larger mass of the granite of Lankin Dome. These ages are statistically distinct (40±20 m.y. difference) and are consistent with observed chemical and textural differences. The lower intercepts of the zircon chords of 50±40 and 100+ 75 m.y. for the granite of Long Creek Mountain and granite of Lankin Dome, respectively, are not consistent with reasonable continuous diffusion lead-loss curves but do correspond well with the known (Laramide) time of uplift of the rocks. Epidote, zircon, and apatite from silicified and epidotized zones in the granites all record at least one postcrystallization disturbance in addition to the Laramide event and do not define a unique age of silicification and epidotization. The lower limit of ∼2,500 m.y. provided by the least disturbed epidote, however, suggests that these rocks were probably formed by deuteric processes shortly after emplacement of the granite of the Lankin Dome. The earlier of the two disturbances that affected the minerals of the silicified-epidotized rock can be bracketed between 1,350 and 2,240 m.y. ago and is probably the same event that lowered mineral K-Ar and ages in the region.
The role of the media in agenda setting: the case of long-term care rebalancing.

This study investigates the role of print media in state policy agendas in four states—Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, and Utah—in rebalancing long-term care away from institutions toward home- and community-based (HCBS) services. Ordinary least squares regression is used to model states’ policy agendas, as measured by the proportion of Medicaid long-term care spending on HCBS expenditures and number of rebalancing bills proposed, from 1999 to 2008. Results reveal a relationship between states’ rebalancing agendas and the extent of media coverage, and state economic, political, and programmatic characteristics. Findings suggest that media coverage reflects broader shifts in state-level attitudes toward rebalancing.
M-Studio: an authoring application for context-aware multimedia

Broadband wireless networks coupled with handheld computers and appropriate sensing technologies provide a channel for the delivery of mobile cinema. Mobile cinema changes the consumer experience of motion picture stories in that discrete cinematic sequences are delivered based on the consumer's location and the a story-real-time metric. The M-Studio authoring tool helps mobile story creators design, simulate and adjust mobile narratives. The tool provides the author with a graphical manipulation interface for linking content with a specific geographical space and a simulator allows the author to evaluate and iterate the content for continuity of story threads as they may be presented. The tool directly generates the code that is required for the server to deliver the cinematic sequences appropriately. This tool is discussed in the context of the two mobile narratives that have been created.
Central nervous system toxicity from cancer treatment

Neurologic complications of cancer therapy are an increasingly important concern in patient management. Improvements in systemic therapies and increasing use of local treatments to target such specific tumor sites as brain or leptomeningeal metastases have resulted in increased incidence of treatment toxicity in the central nervous system (CNS). Recognition of specific treatment-related toxicities, and more importantly, differentiation of treatment toxicity from reversible causes of neurologic dysfunction, are critical. This article reviews the evaluation and treatment of major CNS toxicities related to cancer treatment and conditions that present with similar signs and symptoms. The three most common of these, alterations in cognition and consciousness, seizures, and cerebellar dysfunction, are discussed. Prompt recognition of these problems and their causes will have an impact on patient care in all areas of oncology.
Endometriosis with Massive Ascites

We present 4 cases of endometriosis complicated by massive ascites from our institution and a review of 27 cases from the literature. In most of these patients, the presence of ascites with its related symptoms in association with pelvic masses suggested a neoplastic disease. However, a large proportion of these women had also classical manifestations of endometriosis, e.g., dysmenorrhea, cul-de-sac nodularities, and exacerbation of ascites and other symptoms during the menses. The response to hormonal therapy including GnRH agonists was often unsatisfactory. Repeat recurrences and severe complications required multiple laparotomies and thoracotomies for associated pleural and pulmonary involvement.
Paleosalinity, paleotemperature, and isotopic fractionation records of Neogene foraminifera from DSDP site 173 and the Centerville Beach Section, California

Abstract The oxygen isotope record of the planktonic foraminifera Globigerina bulloides and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma from Pliocene and early Pleistocene sediments at both DSDP site 173 and the Centerville Beach section in California suggests a large influx of isotopically light water in this area during late Pliocene and early Pleistocene time. Salinity may have been reduced by as much as 2 to 4‰. Surface sea water paleotemperatures for the lower Pliocene range from 9.5°C to 15.5°C. The oxygen isotope record of the benthonic genus Uvigerina shows little variation indicating environmental stability at depth. At DSDP site 173 the small variation in Uvigerina is due to variation in the oxygen isotopic composition of the oceans as glaciers waxed and waned. At the Centerville Beach section the oxygen isotopic composition of Uvigerina reflects the gradual shoaling of the Humboldt Basin. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in G. bulloides and N. pachyderma are inversely correlated at the 95% confidence level. This may indicate that the oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of foraminifera are influenced by the same factors. On the other hand, the inverse correlation may be due to metabolic fractionation. No correlation was found between oxygen and carbon isotopic composition in Uvigerina .
Discovery of an intravenous hepatoselective glucokinase activator for the treatment of inpatient hyperglycemia

Glucokinase (hexokinase IV) continues to be a compelling target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes given the wealth of supporting human genetics data and numerous reports of robust clinical glucose lowering in patients treated with small molecule allosteric activators. Recent work has demonstrated the ability of hepatoselective activators to deliver glucose lowering efficacy with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. While orally administered agents require a considerable degree of passive permeability to promote suitable exposures, there is no such restriction on intravenously delivered drugs. Therefore, minimization of membrane diffusion in the context of an intravenously agent should ensure optimal hepatic targeting and therapeutic index. This work details the identification a hepatoselective GKA exhibiting the aforementioned properties.
Alcohol and fatty acid stimulation of neurotensin release from rat small intestine.

We have previously reported that neurotensin (NT) is released from the small intestine and elevated in the hepatic-portal circulation in response to the perfusion of the small intestine with a micellar solution of oleic acid. In order to determine the minimum acyl chain length and whether the presence of a carboxylic acid is necessary for the stimulation of NT release, the small intestine of anesthetized rats was perfused with test solutions of fatty acids of 2-, 4-, 8-, or 18-carbons or fatty alcohols of 2-, 4-, or 8-carbons at a concentration of 1 IDM prepared in 2.4 mM taurodeoxycholate in 0.9% NaCl. Blood samples, collected from the superior mesenteric vein immediately before the start of the test perfusion and at 15-min intervals thereafter, were extracted immediately and radioimmunoassayed for NT-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) with a C-terminal-directed antiserum. Perfusions of fatty acids with 4 or more carbons and alcohols of 2 or more carbons resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in plasma...
Racial Identity Development Among Gifted Black Students: Counseling Issues and Concerns

A review of the literature suggests that a paucity of information exists regarding how culture-specific issues such as being both Black and gifted influence the psychological needs and personality development of gifted Black students. Stellar attempts, however, are currently underway to develop theories and perspectives of racial identity development among Black students. These theories and perspectives are discussed in an attempt to understand and address the psychological and social needs of gifted Black students.
Influence of geometric distortion and exposure parameters on sensitivity of digital subtraction radiography

Abstract In the course of digital subtraction radiography (DSR), variation in the alignment of the x-ray source object and image receptor is an undesirable but frequent problem. The influence of angulation changes between the x-ray source and object on the quality of the subtracted image was measured with the visualization of a thin chip of bone (thickness ≤0.85 mm). Twenty radiographic image pairs that differed by known geometric distortions ranging from 0 to 9 degrees horizontal and vertical were subtracted. The ability to detect a thickness change varied strongly with angular distortion. Under optimal conditions (no distortion), DSR was able to detect a change in thickness of cortical bone of 0.12 mm. Under approximately clinical circumstances (3 degree misalignment), a thickness change of 0.35 mm was detected with 50% accuracy (three of six cases), while a thickness change of 0.42 mm was detected with 100% accuracy (six of six cases). In addition, the influence of exposure parameters on DSR was investigated. Twenty-one radiographic film pairs were subtracted with differing densities and contrasts. Images made at 70 kVp with an optical density of 0.61 in the dentin produced the best subtracted images. However, even images made with one fourth the conventional exposure produced diagnostic information when analyzed with DSR; this was not seen with conventional analysis of the normally exposed radiographic films.
Effect of atmospheric turbidity on the photosynthetic rates of leaves

Abstract The special irradiance of sun, sky and sun + sky (global) radiation on a horizontal surface was measured on clear days of low and high atmospheric turbidity (Volz turbidity coefficient 0.02 to 0.28). The waveband covered was 300–740 nm. The sun component was greatly reduced by the increase in turbidity, especially in the U.V., but most of the losses were recovered in the sky component. There was a spectrally-neutral loss of less than 20% in the global irradiance of photosynthetically active radiation (quantum flux density in the waveband 400–700 nm). The spectral quantum yield of photosynthesis in the U.V. was shown to be strongly affected by absorption in the epidermis. The results of the spectral irradiance and spectral quantum yield measurements were combined in calculations, which showed that changes in epidermis absorption or in atmospheric turbidity are unlikely to affect the photosynthetic rates of field crops by more than 5%.
Adaptive perceptual pattern recognition by self-organizing neural networks: context, uncertainty, multiplicity, and scale

Abstract A new context-sensitive neural network, called an EXIN (excitatory + inhibitory) network, is described. EXIN networks self-organize in complex perceptual environments, in the presence of multiple superimposed patterns, multiple scales, and uncertainty. The networks use a new inhibitory learning rule, in addition to an excitatory learning rule, to allow superposition of multiple simultaneous neural activations (multiple winners), under strictly regulated circumstances, instead of forcing winner-take-all pattern classifications. The multiple activations represent uncertainty or multiplicity in perception and pattern recognition. Perceptual scission (breaking of linkages) between independent category groupings thus arises and allows effective global context-sensitive segmentation, constraint satisfaction, and exclusive credit attribution. A Weber Law neuron growth rule lets the network learn and classify input patterns despite variations in their spatial scale. Applications of the new techniques include segmentation of superimposed auditory or biosonar signals, segmentation of visual regions, and representation of visual transparency.
Increased survival of Dalbulus maidis, a specialist on maize, on non‐host plants infected with mollicute plant pathogens

The leafhopper Dalbulus maidis DeLong & Wolcott survived significantly longer on aster, Callistephus chinensis Nees, infected with any one of 3 strains of aster yellows (AY) mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) than on healthy asters. After 7 or more days on AY-diseased aster, females were conditioned to survive longer on healthy asters than were leafhoppers of the same age previously exposed only to maize. Females were also conditioned to survive longer on healthy aster by prior exposure to AY-MLO-infected celery (Apium graveolens L.). Males were not so conditioned. Leafhoppers injected with infectious extracts of AY-MLO dit not live longer on aster nor transmit the AY-MLO to aster. Conditioning on AY-diseased aster did not cause D. maidis to transmit AY-MLO and did not interfere with the transmission to maize of the mollicute (Spiroplasma kunkelii Whitcomb et al.) that causes corn stunt disease. Spiroplasma citri Saglio et al. infection of aster but not of turnip (Brassica rapa L.), Plantago major L. or periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.)), improved the longevity of D. maidis on these plants and conditioned leafhoppers for enhanced subsequent survival on healthy asters. Resume Prolongation de la survie, sur des plantes non-hotes contaminees par des organismes du type mycoplasme, de Dalbulus maidis, specialiste du mais La cicadelle du mais, D. maidis a survecu significativement plus longtemps sur aster (Callistephus chinensis Nees) contamine par l'une des trois souches de l'agent mycoplasmique (MLO) de la jaunisse de l'aster (AY), que sur des asters sains. Apres 7 jours ou plus sur des asters AY-MLO, les femelles (et non les mâles) etaient conditionnees de telle sorte qu'elles survivaient plus longtemps sur asters sains que des femelles du meme âge precedemment sur mais. Sur des ceteris (Apium graveolens) atteints de AY, D. maidis a survecu plus longtemps que sur celeri sain, mais moins que sur aster AY. Des extraits, contamines par AY injectes a D. maidis n'ont pas augmente sa longevite sur aster, ni provoque la transmission de AY-MLO. Le conditionnement sur aster AY n'a pas entraine*** la transmission de AY-MLO par D. maidis, et n'a pas interfere avec son aptitude a transmettre l'agent du nanisme du mais, Spiroplasma kunkelii. S. citri a aussi conditionne D. maidis sur aster, mais a ete sans effet sur navet (Brassica rapa), sur plantain (Plantago major) et sur pervenche (Vinca).
Core-scale experimental study of relative permeability properties of CO2 and brine in reservoir rocks

Abstract Experimental studies of both drainage and imbibition displacements are needed to improve our fundamental understanding of multi-phase flow and trapping in CO2-brine systems and effectively take advantage of the large storage capacity of saline aquifers. Very few relative permeability measurements have been made and even fewer with in situ saturation measurements. Two new sets of steady state relative permeability measurements have been made in two different rock samples, and over a range of injection flow rates. These studies show that multi-phase brine displacement efficiency is strongly affected by the heterogeneity of the core. Moreover, we observe that, at any given fractional flow, different flow rates result in different CO2 saturations. Similarly, different flow rates lead to different relative permeability curves. Numerical simulations of two phase displacement are performed on one sample, and at one fractional flow of CO2. Numerical simulations demonstrate that some of the features of the saturation distributions can be qualitatively replicated. However, improvements in the correlations between porosity, saturation and capillary pressure will be needed to replicate the saturation distributions measured in the experiments.
MnSOD, Angiogenesis, and Wounds: Let the Healing Begin!

Wounds refractory to healing—which contribute to over 72,000 amputations each year—detract substantially from the health of people with diabetes. No known effective therapies exist to treat this common cause of morbidity. One possibility is to exploit endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a
Impact of Paddlefish on Plankton and Water Quality of Catfish Ponds

Abstract The effects of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) on zooplankton, chlorophyll α, total ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite in a yearling paddlefish-catfish polyculture were measured in eight 0.04-hectare ponds. All ponds were stocked with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and the hybrid, channel catfish x blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), at commercial stocking rates and four ponds were stocked with paddlefish at a rate of 990/hectare. In the paddlefish treatment, zooplankton densities were significantly lower, particularly during the period March through May. Some recovery of the zooplankton occurred June to September. Seasonal mean chlorophyll-α concentrations were significantly higher in the paddlefish treatment, apparently because of reduced zooplankton grazing pressure. Dissolved nitrogen was related inversely to chlorophyll-α concentrations. The unchecked growth of the algal community (particularly of colonial forms) in the paddlefish treatment apparently interfered with efficient feeding of pad...
Antimalarial Activity of Tetrahydrohomopteroic Acid

Tetrahydrohomopteroic acid, an analog of tetrahydrofolic acid, shows antimalarial activity against Plasmodium cynomolgi and a pyrimethamine-resistant variant of this organism.