cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral images lossless compression using the 3D binary EZW algorithm

This paper presents a transform based lossless compression for hyperspectral images which is inspired by Shapiro (1993)’s EZW algorithm. The proposed compression method uses a hybrid transform which includes an integer Karhunrn-Loeve transform (KLT) and integer discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The integer KLT is employed to eliminate the presence of correlations among the bands of the hyperspectral image. The integer 2D discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is applied to eliminate the correlations in the spatial dimensions and produce wavelet coefficients. These coefficients are then coded by a proposed binary EZW algorithm. The binary EZW eliminates the subordinate pass of conventional EZW by coding residual values, and produces binary sequences. The binary EZW algorithm combines the merits of well-known EZW and SPIHT algorithms, and it is computationally simpler for lossless compression. The proposed method was applied to AVIRIS images and compared to other state-of-the-art image compression techniques. The results show that the proposed lossless image compression is more efficient and it also has higher compression ratio than other algorithms.
Conduction of neural impulses in diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract Objective : To measure the conduction velocity, absolute refractory period and duration of the action potential for individual afferents of the median nerve in diabetic patients and to examine correlations between measures and with temperature and compare this to data from normal subjects. Methods : The technique of percutaneous microneurography was used to record from individual afferents and intradermal electrical stimuli were applied to generate action potentials in distal axons. Results : Like normal afferents, afferents in diabetic subjects demonstrated temperature sensitivity. Durations of the action potential and refractory periods correlated with temperature ( r =−0.59 and r =−0.51). Conduction velocities and durations of the action potential did not differ between diabetic (means of 34 m/s and 0.42 ms) and normal (means of 34 m/s and 0.45 ms) subjects. However, refractory periods were significantly shorter in diabetic (mean 1.3 ms) than in normal (mean 1.8 ms) nerves and the normal correlation between conduction velocity and refractory period was disrupted. Conclusions : The results reveal disturbances of the axonal recovery process in diabetic patients, possibly due to membrane potential fluctuations after the generation of an action potential. Uncovering specific excitability changes in diabetic nerve facilitates the design of pharmacological interventions for restoring nerve function.
Design and characterization of the CLoVER transducer for structural health monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is the component of damage prognosis systems responsible for interrogating a structure to detect, locate, and identify any damage present. Guided wave (GW) testing methods are attractive for this application due to the ability of GWs to travel over long distances with little attenuation and their sensitivity to different damage types. The Composite Long-range Variable-direction Emitting Radar (CLoVER) transducer is introduced as an alternative concept for efficient damage interrogation and GW excitation in GW-based SHM systems. This transducer has an overall ring geometry, but is composed of individual wedge-shaped sectors that can be individually excited to interrogate the structure in a particular direction. Each wedge-shaped sector is made with piezoelectric fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix surrounded by an interdigitated electrode pattern. The multiple advantages over alternative transducer concepts are examined. In particular, it is shown that the geometry of each sector yields actuation amplitudes much larger than those obtained for a ring configuration under similar electric inputs. The manufacture and characterization procedures of these devices are presented, and it is shown that their free strain performance is similar to that of conventional piezocomposite transducers. Experimental studies of damage detection simulating the proposed damage interrogation approach are also presented.
Intensity dependence of enolase activity by modulated radiofrequency radiation

Abstract Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) effects on calcium ion (Ca2+) efflux and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in neuroblastoma cells have been studied for several years. Enhanced Ca2+ efflux and AChE activities occur at certain power density regions separated by other power density regions in which no effect is observed. AChE is generally membrane-bound. Ca2+ ions exist both as extracellular and intracellular components that pass through the membrane to maintain the cellular physiological balance. In this study, observations are reported of EMR effects on a cytoplasmic biochemical parameter, activity of total enolase, a well-known enzyme in the glycolytic pathway of cells that is not membrane-bound. Two neuroblastoma cell lines — a human line IMR-32 and a rodent hybrid line NG-108 — were exposed for 30 min to 147 MHz radiation, amplitude-modulated (AM) at 16 Hz (80%). The power intensities used had specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 0.001, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10 and 0.50 mW/g. At SAR 0.05 mW/g, there was significant enhancement in all three biochemical parameters (AChE, Ca2+ and enolase). All three biochemical activities were significantly depressed at SAR 0.01 mW/g. Enolase activity was also significantly depressed at SAR 0.08 mW/g using the NG-108 neuroblastoma cell line. Almost no effects were observed in any of these parameters at the higher intensities of 0.1 and 0.5 mW/g. The intensity dependences induced by EMR were similar, although not identical, in all three biochemical parameters tested.
Redox potential and equilibria in the reductive half-reaction of Vibrio harveyi NADPH-FMN oxidoreductase.

Vibrio harveyi NADPH:FMN oxidoreductase P (FRPVh) is a homodimeric enzyme having a bound FMN per enzyme monomer. The bound FMN functions as a cofactor of FRPVh in transferring reducing equivalents from NADPH to a flavin substrate in the absence of V. harveyi luciferase but as a substrate for FRPVh in the luciferase-coupled bioluminescent reaction. As part of an integral plan to elucidate the regulation of functional coupling between FRPVh and luciferase, this study was carried out to characterize the equilibrium bindings, reductive potential, and the reversibility of the reduction of the bound FMN in the reductive half-reaction of FRPVh. Results indicate that, in addition to NADPH binding, NADP+ also bound to FRPVh in either the oxidized (Kd 180 μM) or reduced (Kd 230 μM) form. By titrations with NADP+ and NADPH and by an isotope exchange experiment, the reduction of the bound FMN by NADPH was found to be readily reversible (Keq = 0.8). Hence, the reduction of FRPVh-bound FMN is not the committed step in ...
Method for performing Monte Carlo calculations for systems with fermions

A method is presented for carrying out Monte Carlo calculations for field theories with fermion degrees of freedom. As an example of our technique, results for a simple one-dimensional model are given.
Microscopic coherent Raman imaging using low-cost continuous wave lasers

Significant effort is devoted to improving the instrumentation for stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, which plays an important role in non-invasive biomedical optical imaging by providing a chemically specific contrast without relying on fluorescent markers. In this work we employ low-cost continuous wave lasers to achieve highly sensitive SRS imaging suitable for future application in biology, medicine and materials science. We perform microscopic imaging of dimethyl sulfoxide using two independent, commonly used lasers: a diode pumped, intracavity doubled 532 nm laser and a He–Ne laser operating at 632.8 nm. We further demonstrate that SRS imaging using cw laser sources (cwSRS) is advantageous over pulsed laser based SRS, as it eliminates the possibility of sample damage due to exposure to high-intensity light radiation, while substantially reducing the cost and complexity of the setup and keeping a sub-micron spatial resolution.
Immunocore electrophoresis as a purity test for albumin

Abstract The purity of human serum albumin was tested by immunoelectrophoresis, electrofocusing and disc electrophoresis, and compared with a new method of immunocore electrophoresis. Conventional methods failed to demonstrate heterogeneity whereas immunocore electrophoresis showed numerous precipitin bands. Immunocore electrophoresis utilizes polyacrylamide for high resolution, and the immunological specificity of proteins for selective detection and extreme sensitivity. If the albumin microheterogeneity evidenced by immunocore electrophoresis is confirmed after subfraction purification, then immunocore electrophoresis is the technique of choice for testing purity of proteins.
Non-State Health Care Provision in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: Is Politicisation a Model?

Drawing on comparisons with cooperative and competitive non-state health care provision around the world, this article analyses non-state provision of health services in post-Soviet Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It explores the conditions in which non-state provisions remain cooperative or become politicised and contrasts the relations between NGOs and the state in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the way they became politicised in the Middle East. In contrast to Western conceptions of NGOs, Central Asia's health NGOs cooperate with state agencies to serve their constituencies. In contrast to the perceptions of Central Asian governments, health-oriented NGOs do not aim to politicise health care. Donor support to Central Asia's health NGOs has created civically oriented actors that fill gaps in the state's capacity and enable governments to better serve their populations.
An evaluation of the Kessner adequacy of prenatal care index and a proposed adequacy of prenatal care utilization index

OBJECTIVES. The assessment of the adequacy of prenatal care utilization is heavily shaped by the way in which utilization is measured. Although it is widely used, the current major index of utilization, the Kessner/Institute of Medicine Index, has not been subjected to systematic examination. This paper provides such an examination. METHODS. Data from the 1980 National Natality Survey are used to disaggregate the components of the Kessner Index for detailed analysis. An alternative two-part index, the Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index, is proposed that combines independent assessments of the timing of prenatal care initiation and the frequency of visits received after initiation. RESULTS. The Kessner Index is seriously flawed. It is heavily weighted toward timing of prenatal care initiation does not distinguish timing of initiation from poor subsequent utilization, inaccurately measures utilization for full- or post-term pregnancies, and lacks sufficient documentation for consistent computer pro...
Configuration space Faddeev continuum calculations: p-d s-wave scattering length

Formulation of s-wave zero-energy Faddeev-type scattering equations including a Coulomb interaction is discussed. Numerical solutions of these equations for the s-wave NN potential models of Malfliet and Tjon are obtained using spline techniques. Kohn variational estimates are presented and comparison is made to previously published results. Our quartet pd scattering lengths are larger than others previously obtained, and our pd doublet results are smaller than the corresponding nd results, and thus in contrast to the experimental values. An explication of this feature is presented in terms of a model two-body problem. Perturbation theory for the Coulomb corrections to the scattering length is developed and confirms the Kohn estimates.
Static hyperpolarizability of polymers: Exact Hubbard results.

The Hubbard model with bond alternation is used to calculate the hyperpolarizability [gamma] of polymers. Exact numerical solutions are found for short chains of [ital N] sites. The hyperpolarizability is represented as [gamma][proportional to][ital N][sup [ital n]]. The exponent [ital n] is over six for no bond alternation, and declines slowly with increasing bond alternation. This behavior is compared with the measurements in polythiopehene.
Transport sector CO2 emissions growth in Asia: Underlying factors and policy options

Abstract This study analyze the potential factors influencing the growth of transport sector carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in selected Asian countries during the 1980–2005 period by decomposing annual emissions growth into components representing changes in fuel mix, modal shift, per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and population, as well as changes in emission coefficients and transportation energy intensity. We find that changes in per capita GDP, population growth and transportation energy intensity are the main factors driving transport sector CO 2 emission growth in the countries considered. While growth in per capita income and population are responsible for the increasing trend of transport sector CO 2 emissions in China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand; the decline of transportation energy intensity is driving CO 2 emissions down in Mongolia. Per capita GDP, population and transportation energy intensity effects are all found responsible for transport sector CO 2 emissions growth in Bangladesh, the Philippines and Vietnam. The study also reviews existing government policies to limit CO 2 emissions growth, such as fiscal instruments, fuel economy standards and policies to encourage switching to less emission intensive fuels and transportation modes.
Characterization of a full military temperature range one megabit bubble memory device

The extension of the operating temperature range of commercial one megabit bubble memory devices to include temperatures between -55°C and 85°C by compensating the bias field and function currents has been previously demonstrated. A further extension of this temperature range to cover all temperatures between -55° and +125°C has been made possible by the development of new Bismuth-substituted CaGe garnets with higher Curie points giving improved high temperature operation. This paper presents characterization data on devices fabricated on this new material and shows that full military temperature range bubble device operation is possible.
IEF patterns of HLA-1313 antigens from Orientals and Caucasians

HLA-B 13 antigens were isolated from metabolically labeled cell extracts from Caucasian and Oriental donors by means of an HLA-B13-specific monoclonal antibody, SY1. Ethnic differences in B13 molecules were identified by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing in which the pI of desialated Oriental B13 molecules was found to be higher than that of Caucasians. An additional Caucasian variant pattern was detected by peptide mapping using limited proteolysis in sodium dodecyl sulfate analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Dual allotypic determinants for B13 molecules were recognized by two HLA-B13-specific monoclonal antibodies, SY1 and TU110, as determined by their sensitivity to complement-dependent cell lysis. Whereas the SY1 target epitope was shared by both ethnic B13 molecules, the two ethnic B13 molecules carried different Tu110 target structures. The Caucasian variant molecules appear to carry altered allotypic determinants which are recognized by both SY1 and Tu110 antibodies. This study suggests that the HLA-1313 private structure may comprise two epitopes recognized by SY1 and Tu 110 antibodies, respectively, whose binding sites overlap. Present data also suggest that the private determinant was already present when the two racial groups diverged, and thus the mutations which gave rise to the variants may be of relatively recent origin.
Effective method for emergency fertility preservation: random-start controlled ovarian stimulation

Objective To determine whether random-start controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), in which a patient is stimulated on presentation regardless of her menstrual-cycle phase, has outcomes similar to conventional early follicular phase–start COS for fertility preservation in cancer patients. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Women recently diagnosed with cancer and in preparation for gonadotoxic therapy. Intervention(s) Random- versus conventional-start COS. Main Outcome Measure(s) Primary outcome: number of mature oocytes retrieved; secondary outcomes: pattern of follicular development, oocyte yield, and fertilization rate. Result(s) The number of total and mature oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity rate, mature oocyte yield, and fertilization rates were similar in random- (n = 35) and conventional-start (n = 93) COS cycles. No superiority was noted when comparing COS started in the late follicular (n = 13) or luteal phase (n = 22). The addition of letrozole, in the case of estrogen-sensitive cancers, did not adversely affect COS outcomes or oocyte maturity and competence in either random- or conventional-start protocols. Conclusion(s) Random-start COS is as effective as conventional-start COS in fertility preservation. This protocol would minimize delays and allow more patients to undergo fertility preservation and still proceed with cancer treatment within 2–3 weeks.
Medical injuries can increase mortality risk and incur additional costs

Abstract Question What is the effect of medical injury on risk of mortality, length of stay in hospital and associated costs? Study design Outcomes analysis: hospital discharge data. Main results The increased length of stay following patient safety indicator events ranged from 0 days (injury to neonate) to 10.89 days (postoperative sepsis). Additional costs ranged from $0 (obstetric trauma without vaginal instrumentation) to $57,727 (postoperative sepsis). Increased mortality ranged from 0% (obstetric trauma) to 21.9% (postoperative sepsis). Twelve of the 18 patient safety indicator events generated significant increases to mortality rate (see Table 1). Table 1 Outcomes for Patient Safety Indicator events occurring at a rate ≥1 per 1000 discharges. Patient Safety Indicator Event Rate per 1000 discharges at risk Excess mortality, % (p value)* Excess length of hospital stay, days (p value)* Excess cost, US $ (p value)* Obstetric trauma, vaginal birth with instrumentation 224.21 0 (0.32) 0.07 ( 220 (0.3) Obstetric trauma, vaginal birth without instrumentation 86.61 0 (>0.99) 0.05 (0.01) −93 (0.16) Decubitus ulcer 21.51 7.23 ( 3.98 (0.10) 10,845 ( Sepsis (postoperative) 11.25 21.92 ( 10.89 ( 57,727 ( Pulmonary embolism or DVT (postoperative) 9.34 6.56 ( 5.36 (0.15) 21,709 ( Obstetric trauma, caesarean birth 6.97 −0.02 (0.32) 0.43 (0.003) 2718 ( Birth trauma, injury to neonate 6.53 −0.08 (0.27) −0.09 (0.27) 298 (0.32) Respiratory failure (postoperative) 3.58 21.84 ( 9.08 ( 53,502 ( Puncture or laceration, accidental 3.32 2.16 ( 1.34 ( 8271 ( Haemorrhage or haematoma (postoperative) 2.06 3.01 ( 3.94 ( 21,431 ( Wound dehiscence 2.05 9.63 ( 9.42 ( 40,323 ( Infection due to medical care 1.99 4.31 ( 9.58 ( 38,656 ( Physiologic and metabolic derangement (postoperative) 1 19.81 ( 19.81 ( 54,818 ( *Data are mean values. Excess length of stay, mortality and costs are the difference between a case and matching controls. Paired t test used to test if mean excess differed significantly from zero. Authors’ conclusions The effect of injuries experienced while in hospital varies enormously, which can result in significant increases to risk of mortality, length of hospital stay and cost.
Glutamine protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Abstract Doxorubicin (DOX) dose-intensive therapy for breast cancer is limited by a cardiomyopathy that often results in overt congestive heart failure. We hypothesized that dietary glutamine (GLN) can diminish DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by maintaining tissue glutathione (GSH) levels and thus preventing the proposed mechanism of cardiac injury: oxidation. Methods. Forty-two female Fisher 344 rats were randomized into one of six groups: GLN + saline (SAL), GLN + DOX, freamine (FA) + SAL, FA + DOX, H2O + SAL, and H2O + DOX. Rats were pair-fed chow and gavaged with 1 g/kg/day GLN or an isonitrogenous amount of FA or H2O for 28 days. Rats were injected intravenously with a single dose of SAL or 9 mg/kg DOX on day 7 of gavage. At 28 days (21 days post-DOX), rats were sacrificed and blood and cardiac tissue were assayed for GLN and GSH content and lipid peroxidation (LP). Results. There were no differences in cardiac GSH levels and cardiac lipid peroxidation in GLN + SAL versus GLN + DOX groups. However, blood and cardiac GSH levels were significantly decreased in H2O + DOX and FA + DOX groups compared to controls (H2O + SAL and FA + SAL). Conclusion. These data suggest that dietary GLN supplementation may diminish DOX-induced oxidative damage and thus cardiotoxicity through upregulation of cardiac GSH metabolism.
Pixel-based Comparison of Spinal Cord MR Diffusion Anisotropy with Axon Packing Parameters

Water diffusion in nerve fibers is strongly influenced by axon architecture. In this study, fractional diffusion anisotropy and transverse and longitudinal diffusion coefficients were measured in excised human cervical spinal cord with MR line-scan diffusion imaging, at 625 microm in-plane resolution and 3 mm slice thickness. A pixel-based comparison of fractional diffusion anisotropy, transverse diffusion coefficient, and longitudinal diffusion coefficient data with axon packing parameters derived from corresponding stained histological sections was performed for four slices. The axon packing parameters, axon density, axon area-fraction, and average axon size for entire specimen cross-sections were calculated by computerized segmentation of optical microscopy data obtained at 0.53 microm resolution. Salient features could be recognized on fractional diffusion anisotropy, transverse diffusion coefficient, axon density, axon area fraction, and average axon size maps. For white matter regions only, the average correlation coefficients for fractional diffusion anisotropy compared to histology-based parameters axon density and axon area fraction were 0.37 and 0.21, respectively. For transverse diffusion coefficient compared to axon density and axon area fraction, they were -0.40 and -0.36, and for longitudinal diffusion coefficient compared to axon density and axon area fraction, -0.14 and -0.30. All average correlation coefficients for average axon size were low. Correlation coefficients for collectively analyzed white and gray matter regions were significantly higher than correlation coefficients derived from analysis of white matter regions only.
Lessons from 72 years of monitoring a once-cut pine-hardwood stand on the Crossett Experimental Forest, Arkansas, U.S.A

Abstract The Crossett Experimental Forest was established in 1934 to provide landowners in the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain with reliable, science-based advice on how to manage their loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (Pinus echinata) pine-dominated forests. A key component of this program was the establishment of an unmanaged control, currently known as the Russell R. Reynolds Research Natural Area (RRNA). Originally intended to show how the lack of regulation reduced sawtimber production compared to more intensively managed stands, the once-cut RRNA is now recognized as an increasingly scarce example of an undisturbed, mature pine-hardwood stand. This, in turn, has led to studies on forest succession, coarse woody debris, old-growth stand structure conditions, and biomass accumulation patterns. Long-term (72 years, to date) research has shown, as an example, that the RRNA has sustained >33 m2 of basal area and over 240 Mg of aboveground live tree biomass per hectare for decades, values that are near the upper end of temperate forest ecosystems (outside of rainforests). These high levels are made possible by the abundance of large pines; however, pine mortality and natural successional patterns in this undisturbed stand will likely result in declining biomass in the near future. Additional work is possible regarding endangered species habitat and paleoclimate change, and there is potential for studies on invasive species effects on mature, unmanaged forests. Monitoring will continue indefinitely on the RRNA.
Surface Functionalization and Pore Size Manipulation for Carbons of Ordered Structure

Covalent functionalization and pore size manipulation were successfully achieved on ordered mesoporous carbons, by using a method in which diazonium compounds were in-situ generated and reacted with the carbon surface. Aryl groups substituted on the 4-poisiton (Ar−R, R = chlorine, ester, and alkyl) were covalently attached to the surface of hexagonally structured carbon, which was synthesized using ordered silica SBA-15 as template. The presence of these functional groups on the modified carbons was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. A relatively high grafting density of ∼1.5 μmol/m2 was achieved. Chemical modification considerably changed the pore width from 3.0 nm for the unmodified samples to ∼1.4 nm for modified samples, while the primary hexagonal structure and the unit parameter of ordered mesoporous carbon were retained after attachment of surface functionalities.
Calmodulin regulates fast axonal transport of squid axoplasm organelles

Abstract The role of calmodulin (CaM) in organelle motility (fast axonal transport) in the axoplasm of the squid giant axon was evaluated directly using video-enhanced microscopy. Addition of 6 μM CaM to extruded squid axoplasm produced a 2.6-fold increase in the number of organelles moving per minute per unit area of axoplasm. When lower concentrations of CaM, including physiological concentration (2 μg/ml), were added to extruded axoplasm, the number of organelles moving was equally increased. CaM had no significant effect on the mean velocity of organelle translocations. The stimulatory effect of CaM was reduced significantly by the CaM inhibitors melittin (36 μM) and trifluoperazine (50 μM). Parvalbumin, a high-affinity calcium binding protein, did not stimulate motile activity. These results suggest that CaM is a positive regulator of fast axonal transport. At the molecular level, this regulation may involve microtubule-and/or actin-based motor proteins. Several possible molecular mechanisms are proposed.
High-temperature phase transitions in K3H(SO4)2

Two phase transitions in K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 were discovered in the temperature range 25-300°C. The transition temperatures for the mid and high-temperature phases are T c = 190°C (ΔH = 17.0 kJ/mol) and T c = 227°C (ΔH = 7.4 kJ/mol), respectively, for freshly heated samples. A slow decomposition process begins above 270°C. The conductivity of K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 in these phases (σ = 1.68 × 10 -3 at 198°C and 2.19 × 10 -2 Ω -1 cm -1 at 251°C) is comparable to that of other M 3 H(XO 4 ) 2 compounds (M = Cs, NH 4 , Rb and X = S, Se) in their superprotonic phases. The activation energy for proton transport in the highest temperature phase of K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 -, is 0.45 eV, a value slightly higher than in the related compounds. Despite the similarity between the electrical properties of K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 and other M 3 H(XO 4 ) 2 compounds, the structural properties are quite distinct. Specifically, high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction measurements show that neither of the high-temperature phases of K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 , is trigonal, indeed, the symmetry of the structure decreases at the first transition, in contrast to the superprotonic phases in other M 3 H(XO 4 ) 2 compounds.
Severity of Adolescent Delinquency Among Boys With and Without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Predictions From Early Antisocial Behavior and Peer Status

This study evaluated predictors of adolescent delinquency severity (11 to 17 years of age) among a diverse group of preadolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n=100) and age-matched comparison boys (n=75). During childhood, baseline assessments yielded diagnostic information, and naturalistic summer programs provided multimethod measures of overt aggression, covert antisocial behavior (ASB), and peer status. Five years later, multi-informant measures of ASB and delinquency were gathered and independently rated. Baseline ADHD, overt aggression, and peer status were not significantly related to adolescent delinquency severity. Observed noncompliance and an objective measure of covert ASB each independently predicted delinquency. Covert ASB predicted delinquency severity more strongly for comparison boys than for probands.
Comparison of the litterfall and forest floor organic matter and nitrogen dynamics of upland forest ecosystems in north central Wisconsin

It has been suggested that a feedback exists between the vegetation and soil whereby fertile (vs infertile) sites support species with shorter leaf life spans and higher quality litter which promotes rapid decomposition and higher soil nutrient availability. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize and compare the C and N dynamics of dominant upland forest ecosystems in north central Wisconsin, (2) compare the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of these forests, and (3) examine the relationship between NUE and site characteristics. Analyzing data from 24 stands spanning a moisture / nutrient gradient, we found that resource-poor stands transferred less C and N from the vegetation to the forest floor, and that N remained in the forest floor at least four times longer than in more resource-rich stands. Analyzing data by leaf habit, we found that less N was transferred to the forest floor annually via litterfall in conifer stands, and that N remained in the forest floor of these stands nearly three times longer than in hardwood stands. NUE did not differ among forests with different resource availabilities, but was greater for conifers than for hardwoods. Vitousek's (1982) index of nutrient use efficiency (INUE1 = leaf litterfall biomass / leaf litterfall N) was most closely correlated to litterfall specific leaf area and percent hardwood leaf area index, suggesting that differences in species composition may have been responsible for the differences in NUE among our stands. NUE2, defined as ANPP / leaf litterfall N, was not closely correlated to any of the site characteristics included in this analysis.
On the Vacuum-Ultraviolet Reflectance of Evaporated Aluminum before and during Oxidation*

Time-dependent vacuum uv reflectance measurements of evaporated aluminum films before and after oxidation
New reproductive anomalies in fruitless-mutant Drosophila males: extreme lengthening of mating durations and infertility correlated with defective serotonergic innervation of reproductive organs.

Several features of male reproductive behavior are under the neural control of fruitless (fru) in Drosophila melanogaster. This gene is known to influence courtship steps prior to mating, due to the absence of attempted copulation in the behavioral repertoire of most types of fru-mutant males. However, certain combinations of fru mutations allow for fertility. By analyzing such matings and their consequences, we uncovered two striking defects: mating times up to four times the normal average duration of copulation; and frequent infertility, regardless of the time of mating by a given transheterozygous fru-mutant male. The lengthened copulation times may be connected with fru-induced defects in the formation of a male-specific abdominal muscle. Production of sperm and certain seminal fluid proteins are normal in these fru mutants. However, analysis of postmating qualities of females that copulated with transheterozygous mutants strongly implied defects in the ability of these males to transfer sperm and seminal fluids. Such abnormalities may be associated with certain serotonergic neurons in the abdominal ganglion in which production of 5HT is regulated by fru. These cells send processes to contractile muscles of the male's internal sex organs; such projection patterns are aberrant in the semifertile fru mutants. Therefore, the reproductive functions regulated by fruitless are expanded in their scope, encompassing not only the earliest stages of courtship behavior along with almost all subsequent steps in the behavioral sequence, but also more than one component of the culminating events. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 47: 121–149, 2001
Novel techniques for optical packet generation with high-spectral efficiency and high receiver sensitivity

We report generation and transmission of high-spectral efficiency and high receiver sensitivity optical packet with 25 GHz frequency spacing between 40 Gbit/s payload and 2.5 Gbit/s label by using novel enabling techniques.
The approach-avoidance framework for identifying athletes' coping style as a function of gender and race.

Anshel, M.H., Kang, M. & Miesner, M. (2010). The approach-avoidance framework for identifying athletes’ coping style as a function of gender and race. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. The purpose of this study was to identify the coping styles of competitive athletes as a function of gender and race in response to events experienced during the contest perceived as highly stressful using the approach and avoidance coping framework. Participants (N = 218) consisted of 111 males (48 African American and 63 Caucasian) and 107 females (41 African American and 66 Caucasian), and ranged in age from 18 to 54 yrs (M ± SD; 22.29 ± 3.9 yrs). They attended a university in the southeastern US, and were considered highly skilled athletes based on their current or former participation as competitive athletes. A 12-item inventory was completed consisting of six approach coping and six avoidance coping strategy items. Confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha indicated acceptable model-data fit and internal scale consistency. The results suggested the athletes’ preferred coping style was avoidance, rather than approach. A 2 × 2 ANOVA showed significant main effects for gender (p = 0.003) and race (p < 0.01); males used more approach coping than females, while Caucasians applied more approach coping than African Americans. No significant interaction was found. The results indicated the need for future study on examining gender and race as moderating variables in examining athletes’ coping styles.
Increasing Black Outmigration from Los Angeles: The Role of Household Dynamics and Kinship Systems

Abstract We analyze relationships between migration and household structure through an examination of the outmigration component of the metropolitan Los Angeles black migration system. Using data from the 1980 U.S. Census Public Use Microdata Samples, which allow direct observation of both individuals and the households in which they live, we identify spatial patterns of outmigration, link those patterns to longer-term black population redistribution processes affecting Los Angeles, explicate the links between kinship and household factors and the evolving spatial patterns of migration, analyze the extent to which household change accompanies migration, and identify the range of household situations in which Los Angeles outmigrants find themselves, specifically the role of household factors in the migration process. The spatial patterns of outmigration from Los Angeles varied significantly according to migrant and household type. Primary and repeat migrants participated in an independent migrant system, e...
Pion-nucleon form factor in the Chew-Low theory

We find a solution to the static Chew-Low theory of pion-nucleon scattering, avoiding the "one-meson approximation." Our basic equation is crossing symmetric and may be solved for phase shifts $\ensuremath{\delta}(p)$ by standard numerical techniques, upon specifying a form factor $\ensuremath{\nu}(p)$ and a set of inelasticities. With $\ensuremath{\nu}(p)=\mathrm{exp}(\frac{\ensuremath{-}{p}^{2}}{30})$ we reproduce experimental $\ensuremath{\delta}(p)$ for ${p}_{L}\ensuremath{\le}1.2 \frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$ in the (3,3) state; in the (1,3) states and (3,1) states $\ensuremath{\delta}(p)$ compare well on the average but in the (1,1) state $\ensuremath{\delta}(p)$ have opposite signs. We show the importance of crossing symmetry and the coupling to inelastic channels, and we discuss the possibility of determining $\ensuremath{\nu}(p)$ directly from elastic scattering by an inverse scattering formula.[NUCLEAR REACTIONS Pion-nucleon elastic scattering; Chew-Low theory, pion nucleon form factor, crossing symmetry, coupling to inelastic channels, inverse scattering problem.]
Design based wilderness education: A cross-cultural experience in engineering education

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been collaborating since 2010 with the Singapore Ministry of Education to help develop the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). One element of this collaboration, the Global Leadership Program (GLP), aims to provide SUTD students with the opportunity to interact with the MIT community and experience MIT's academic culture, while at the same time participating in programming to assist with the development of leadership skills. This paper describes a curriculum combining the pedagogies of design-based learning and wilderness education that was implemented in the summer of 2014 as a component of GLP. Wilderness education was selected as a pedagogical framework for this program as it may be well suited to create effective learning environments for engineering education, cross-cultural learning, and fostering conceptual change. Through design activities both for and in a natural environment, students were encouraged to develop competency in engineering science while exploring the diverse attributes essential for success as an engineer.
Seasonal variation in fasting plasma glucose levels in man

A Southern California community study of 4,541 men and women (aged 20–79 years) showed significant seasonal variation in fasting plasma glucose. There was a mean 0.6 mmol/l difference between highest levels in winter and lowest levels in spring. This difference was consistent over a two-year period, similar at all ages and seen in both men and women. Fasting plasma glucose levels correlated directly with percentage possible sunshine (p= 0.03) and inversely with temperature (p= 0.04). Adjustment for the level of measured obesity did not alter the observed association, but a history of recent weight gain corresponded to the season of maximum fasting plasma glucose level.
A Fusion-Based Approach to Enhancing Multi-Modal Biometric Recognition System Failure Prediction and Overall Performance

Competing notions of biometric recognition system failure prediction have emerged recently, which can roughly be categorized as quality and non-quality based approaches. Quality, while well correlated overall with recognition performance, is a weaker indication of how the system will perform in a particular instance - something of primary importance for critical installations, screening areas, and surveillance posts. An alternative approach, incorporating a failure prediction receiver operator characteristic (FPROC) analysis has been proposed to overcome the limitations of the quality approach, yielding accurate predictions on a per instance basis. In this paper, we develop a full multi-modal recognition system integrating an FPROC fusion-based failure prediction engine. Four different fusion techniques to enhance failure prediction are developed and evaluated for this system. We present results for the NIST BSSR1 multi-modal data set, and a larger "chimera" set also composed of data from BSSR1. Our results show a significant improvement in recognition performance with the fusion approach, over the baseline recognition results and previous fusion approaches.
Non-linear DAC implementations in DDFS

A technique to reduce ROM size and therefore power dissipation in direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFS) is to use a non-linear DAC to approximate the sine function. Piecewise-linear and piecewise-quadratic approximations were investigated for a 12, 14 and 16-bit non-linear DAC in terms of the required ROM size, achievable spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) and implementation complexity. Results show that 94 dB SFDR can be achieved using a 16-segment quadratic approximation, DAC resolution of 14-bits and a 5-bit squaring circuit. The required ROM size is only 256 bits.
Assessment of the genetic composition of triploid hybrid Populus using SSR markers with low recombination frequencies

The induction of nonreduced gametes, whether from first-division restitution (FDR), second-division restitution (SDR), or both, is an important approach for polyploidization. However, an accurate m...
Protein Kinase Cε Overexpression Alters Myofilament Properties and Composition During the Progression of Heart Failure

We report characterization of a transgenic mouse that overexpresses constitutively active protein kinase Ce in the heart and slowly develops a dilated cardiomyopathy with failure. The hemodynamic, mechanical, and biochemical properties of these hearts demonstrate a series of temporal events that mark the progression of the disease. In the 3-month transgenic (TG) animals, contractile properties and gene expression measurements are normal, but an increase in myofibrillar Ca 2+ sensitivity and thin filament protein phosphorylation is noted. At 6 months, there is a decrease in the myofibrillar Ca 2+ sensitivity, a significant increase in β-myosin heavy chain mRNA and protein, normal cardiac function, but a blunted response to an inotropic challenge. The transition at 9 months is especially interesting because age-related changes appear to contribute to the decline in function seen in the TG heart. At this point, there is a decline in baseline function and maximum tension produced by the myofibrils, which is coincident with the onset of atrial myosin light chain isoform re-expression in the ventricles. In the 12-month TG mice, there is clear hemodynamic and geometric evidence of failure. Alterations in the composition of the myofibrils persist but the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2v is dramatically different at this age compared with all others. We interpret these data to implicate the disruption of the myofibrillar proteins and their interactions in the propagation of dilated cardiac disease.
The Biofield Hypothesis: Its Biophysical Basis and Role in Medicine

This paper provides a scientific foundation for the biofield: the complex, extremely weak electromagnetic field of the organism hypothesized to involve electromagnetic bioinformation for regulating homeodynamics. The biofield is a useful construct consistent with bioelectromagnetics and the physics of nonlinear, dynamical, nonequilibrium living systems. It offers a unifying hypothesis to explain the interaction of objects or fields with the organism, and is especially useful toward understanding the scientific basis of energy medicine, including acupuncture, biofield therapies, bioelectromagnetic therapies, and homeopathy. The rapid signal propagation of electromagnetic fields comprising the biofield as well as its holistic properties may account for the rapid, holistic effects of certain alternative and complementary medical interventions.
Environmental persistence of chemicals and their carcinogenic risks to humans.

A "chemical population"-based investigation of xenobiotics (i.e. a sample of 10,000 chemicals representative of agents in commerce, industry, and the environment, both synthetic and natural) that have the potential for ecotoxicity because of their persistence in the environment and their potential association with carcinogenic risks to humans was undertaken. The analyses revealed a statistically significant association between resistance to environmental biodegradation and the prevalence of chemical with the potential to induce systemic toxicity and cancer. On the other hand, there was no association between biopersistence and the potential for inducing toxicities unrelated to carcinogenesis, e.g. allergic contact dermatitis in humans and sensory irritation in mice.
Building practice-based evidence

Policy decisions on how best to intervene in order to prevent injury-causing events are increasingly expected to be based on the concepts expounded by the ‘evidence-based medicine’ (EBM) movement. ...
Limits on Hot Galactic Halo Gas from X-ray Absorption Lines

United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) (Contract Number SV3- 73016)
Targeted inhibition of complement activation prevents features of preeclampsia in mice

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In mouse models, complement activation in the placenta is associated with abnormal placental development and miscarriage, and inhibiting complement prevents fetal injury. We mated two mouse strains, DBA/2 and CBA/J, expecting that the pregnancies might show features of preeclampsia and of immunologically mediated pregnancy loss. Along with placental dysfunction, these matings resulted in proteinuria, elevated BUN, fibrin deposition, and glomerular endotheliosis. We blocked placental complement activation throughout pregnancy by administering a single dose of the C3 inhibitor CR2-Crry given on day 5 of the pregnancy. This procedure specifically targets the sites of complement activation without inducing any systemic effects. Placental complement inhibition prevented oxidative stress and placental dysfunction, as well as proteinuria and renal pathologic features of preeclampsia. Thus, local blockade of complement activation at the maternal–fetal interface rescues preeclampsia in mice, and identifies new treatments. Hence, complement triggers a feed-forward cycle of placental damage, antiangiogenic factor production, and maternal vascular damage in patients.
An In-Network Querying Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks

In contrast to traditional wireless sensor network (WSN) applications that perform only data collection and aggregation, the new generation of information processing applications such as pursuit-evasion games, tracking, evacuation, and disaster relief applications require in-network information storage and querying. Due to the resource limitations of WSNs, it is challenging to implement in-network querying in a distributed, lightweight, resilient, and energy-efficient manner. We address these challenges by exploiting location information and the geometry of the network and propose an in-network querying framework, namely, the Distributed Quad-Tree (DQT). DQT is distance sensitive for querying of an event: the cost of answering a query for an event is at most a constant factor (2radic(2) in our case) of the distance *d* to the event. DQT construction is local and does not require any communication. Moreover, due to its minimalist infrastructure and stateless nature, DQT shows graceful resilience to node failures and topology changes. Since event-based querying is inherently limited to the anticipated types of inquiries, we further extend our framework to achieve complex range-based querying. To this end, we use a multiresolution algorithm, which is optimal with respect to least square errors that models the data in a decentralized way. Our model-based scheme answers queries with approximate values accompanied by certainty levels with increased resolution at lower layers of the DQT hierarchy. Our analysis and experiments show that our framework achieves distance sensitivity and resiliency for event-based querying, as well as greatly reduces the cost of complex range querying.