cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Segmentation of the Left and Right Ventricles in 4D Cardiac SPAMM Images

In this paper we describe a completely automated volume-based method for the segmentation of the left and right ventricles in 4D tagged MR (SPAMM) images for quantitative cardiac analysis. We correct the background intensity variation in each volume caused by surface coils using a new scale-based fuzzy connectedness procedure. We apply 3D grayscale opening to the corrected data to create volumes containing only the blood filled regions. We threshold the volumes by minimizing region variance or by an adaptive statistical thresholding method. We isolate the ventricular blood filled regions using a novel approach based on spatial and temporal shape similarity. We use these regions to define the endocardium contours and use them to initialize an active contour that locates the epicardium through the gradient vector flow of an edgemap of a grayscale-closed image. Both quantitative and qualitative results on normal and diseased patients are presented.
Data format classification for autonomous software defined radios

We present maximum-likelihood (ML) coherent and noncoherent classifiers for discriminating between NRZ and Manchester coded (biphase-L) data formats for binary phase-shift-keying (BPSK) modulation. Such classification of the data format is an essential element of so-called autonomous software defined radio (SDR) receivers (similar to so-called cognitive SDR receivers in the military application) where it is desired that the receiver perform each of its functions by extracting the appropriate knowledge from the received signal and, if possible, with as little information of the other signal parameters as possible. Small and large SNR approximations to the ML classifiers are also proposed that lead to simpler implementation with comparable performance in their respective SNR regions. Numerical performance results obtained by a combination of computer simulation and, wherever possible, theoretical analyses, are presented and comparisons are made among the various configurations based on the probability of misclassification as a performance criterion. Extensions to other modulations such as QPSK are readily accomplished using the same methods described in the paper
Millennial Climate Oscillations

Over the course of the ice ages, the climate oscillated with a period of about 20,000 to 100,000 years. Superimposed on these variations were millennial oscillations of 1000 to 2000 years. These oscillations also occurred in the Holocene, which began 11,000 years ago and has been thought to be a time of a relatively stable climate, as shown on p. 1257 of this issue by Bond et al . The Perspective by Oppo discusses these results, obtained from marine sediments, and the possible mechanisms underlying these relatively rapid changes in climate.
A simplified model of electron transfer in low energy ( E(p) < 2 keV) probe ion-target atom collisions . I. Relevance of angular momentum in charge transfer

A simple model of electron transfer in probe ion-target atom collisions is presented. Primary ions of energy E(p) < 2 keV can be inert [i.e., He(+), Ne(+) Ar(+), etc.] or reactive [Li(+), Na(+), Cs(+), O(+), O(-)]. The target atoms can either be (a) in the gas phase, or (b) in the condensed phase at the surface of a solid. The latter atoms are involved in either A-A or B-A type bonds. It is shown that conservation of angular momentum is crucial in the transfer of an electron, e(t), of the target atom during ion-target atom collisions. This golden rule allows choosing e(t). Mechanisms of (1) ion neutralization/reionization , (2) Auger electron emission, and (3) secondary ion production due to primary ion irradiation of a surface are clarified.
Graph theory for rule-based modeling of biochemical networks

We introduce a graph-theoretic formalism suitable for modeling biochemical networks marked by combinatorial complexity, such as signal-transduction systems, in which protein-protein interactions play a prominent role. This development extends earlier work by allowing for explicit representation of the connectivity of a protein complex. Within the formalism, typed attributed graphs are used to represent proteins and their functional components, complexes, conformations, and states of post-translational covalent modification. Graph transformation rules are used to represent protein-protein interactions and their effects. Each rule defines a generalized reaction, i.e., a class of potential reactions that are logically consistent with knowledge or assumptions about the represented biomolecular interaction. A model is specified by defining 1) molecular-entity graphs, which delimit the molecular entities and material components of a system and their possible states, 2) graph transformation rules, and 3) a seed set of graphs representing chemical species, such as the initial species present before introduction of a signal. A reaction network is generated iteratively through application of the graph transformation rules. The rules are first applied to the seed graphs and then to any and all new graphs that subsequently arise as a result of graph transformation. This procedure continues until no new graphs are generated or a specified termination condition is satisfied. The formalism supports the generation of a list of reactions in a system, which can be used to derive different types of physicochemical models, which can be simulated and analyzed in different ways. The processes of generating and simulating the network may be combined so that species are generated only as needed.
Marsupialization and distal obliteration of a lumbosacral dural ectasia in a nonsyndromic, adult patient

Dural ectasia is frequently associated with connective tissue disorders or inflammatory conditions. Presentation in a patient without known risk factors is rare. Moreover, the literature regarding the treatment options for symptomatic dural ectasia is controversial, variable, and limited. A 62-year-old female presents with intractable, postural headaches for years. A lumbar puncture revealed opening pressure 3 cm of water. A computed tomography myelogram of the spine demonstrated erosion of her sacrum due to a large lumbosacral dural ectasia. An initial surgery was attempted to reduce the size of the expansile dura, and reconstruct the dorsal sacrum with a titanium plate (Depuy Synthes, Westchester, PA, USA) to prevent recurrence of thecal sac dilatation. Her symptoms initially improved, but shortly thereafter recurred. A second surgery was then undertaken to obliterate the thecal sac distal to the S2 nerve roots. This could not be accomplished through simple ligation of the thecal sac circumferentially as the ventral dura was noted to be incompetent and attempts to develop an extradural tissue plane were unsuccessful. Consequently, an abundance of fibrin glue was injected into the thecal sac distal to S2, and the dural ectasia was marsupialized rostrally, effectively obliterating the distal thecal sac while further reducing the size of the expansile dura. This approach significantly improved her symptoms at 5 months follow-up. Treatment of dural ectasia is not well-defined and has been variable based on the underlying manifestations. We report a rare patient without risk factors who presented with significant lumbosacral dural ectasia. Moreover, we present a novel method to treat postural headaches secondary to dural ectasia, where the thecal sac is obliterated distal to the S2 nerve roots using an abundance of fibrin glue followed by marsupialization of the thecal sac rostally. This method may offer an effective therapy option as it serves to limit the expansile dura, reducing the cerebrospinal fluid sump and the potential for intracranial hypotension.
Public Archaeology in the National Park Service: A Brief Overview and Case Study

Archaeologists are integral in National Park Service (NPS) culture. Some archaeologists “wear the hat” and the authoritative uniform symbolizing the park service, yet non–park service archaeologists can work at the parks with research permits under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA permits [Neumann et al. 2010]) or with a cultural resource contract award. Both endeavors provide information to help individual parks meet their management and interpretative goals. An added benefit for these archaeologists is working at some of the country's most beautiful, always intriguing, and often endangered archaeological sites. NPS cultural resources range from southwestern pueblos to Revolutionary battlefields, urban historic sites, and coastal lighthouses. Most national parks contain spaces and places with varied, large, and vocal constituencies, including archaeologists. To promote, regulate, conserve, preserve, and certify public enjoyment—these ideas reverberate a century after the park service's founding and are detailed in its national strategies (Everhart 1983; NPS 2011). A brief review of NPS history and of some of its leaders illustrates how archaeologists influenced this often-romanticized public organization. An example of how interdisciplinary archaeological research works at a national park follows that discussion.
Structural and thermodynamic consequences of the replacement of zinc with environmental metals on estrogen receptor α–DNA interactions

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) acts as a transcription factor by virtue of the ability of its DNA-binding (DB) domain, comprised of a tandem pair of zinc fingers, to recognize the estrogen response element (ERE) within the promoters of target genes. Herein, using an array of biophysical methods, we probe structural consequences of the replacement of zinc within the DB domain of ERα with various environmental metals and their effects on the thermodynamics of binding to DNA. Our data reveal that while the DB domain reconstituted with divalent ions of zinc, cadmium, mercury and cobalt binds to DNA with affinities in the nanomolar range, divalent ions of barium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and tin are unable to regenerate DB domain with DNA-binding potential though they can compete with zinc for coordinating the cysteine ligands within the zinc fingers. We also show that the metal-free DB domain is a homodimer in solution and that the binding of various metals only results in subtle secondary and tertiary structural changes, implying that metal-coordination may only be essential for DNA-binding. Collectively, our findings provide mechanistic insights into how environmental metals may modulate the physiological function of a key nuclear receptor involved in mediating a plethora of cellular functions central to human health and disease.
Three challenges for communication and global social change

The field of communication and social change is periodically subjected to new questions and directions. Because the field has historically straddled academia and the aid industry, theoretical debates and programmatic directions were symptomatic of shifts in both settings. The current situation is no exception. Recent debates in communication scholarship and trends in global aid have set novel questions and priorities. The purpose of this article is to discuss three challenges that need attention: the fragmentation of the field, the paucity of research on policy advocacy, and the links between participation and aid effectiveness. Addressing these challenges is necessary to produce crisp theoretical propositions about the linkages between communication and social change and engage in current debates in global aid.
Measuring precautionary wealth using cross-sectional data: the case of farm households

This study models and investigates the presence of precautionary wealth among farm households, something few studies have attempted. Using pooled farm-level data, we find that self-employed farm households accumulate more wealth. Precautionary savings is about 8% of total household wealth. In addition, we find that age, education, occupation, and operation size are important factors influencing wealth accumulation by US farm households.
The rate of re-epithelialization across meshed skin grafts is increased with exposure to silver

Abstract The objective in this study was to determine whether exposure to pure silver increases the rate of re-epithelialization across a partial thickness wound. A meshed skin graft, placed on an excised burn wound was used as a healing model. Methods : The rate of meshed skin graft epithelial closure on an exposed burn using a moist healing environment was shown. A moistened silver delivery system (Acticoat) was compared with a standard xeroform and eight ply gauze dressing continually moistened with a 0.01% neomycin and polymyxin solution (NP). Twenty burn patients with deep burns of over 15% of TBS were excised and grafted with 2:1 meshed grafts. One graft area was treated with the antibiotic solution and another with the silver delivery. The meshed graft was performed within 3 days of injury. Results : No infections were noted and quantitative swab cultures gave less than 10 2 bacteria in all cases at wound closure. At day 7, re-epithelialization was complete with silver and 55% closed with NP solution. Wound closure was complete in the NP solution group at day 10. Silver increased re-epithelialization rate by over 40%, a significant increase. Graft take was over 95% in both groups. Conclusion : Silver released in a moist wound surface environment significantly increases the rate of re-epithelialization compared to a standard antibiotic solution.
Implementation of pole placement adaptive controller for force control of non-minimum phase end milling operations

Abstract The design and implementation of a pole placement adaptive controller are discussed for force control of the end milling process. The end milling process considered is a non-minimum phase system whose computational delay exceeds one half of the control interval. The internal model principle is included in the controller design to ensure a zero steady-state tracking error. Experimental results show that the pole placement adaptive controller is effective for force control of the non-minimum phase end milling operation and the closed-loop control system is stable over a wide range of cutting conditions.
An Eulerian transport/transformation/removal model for SO2 and sulfate. III: Comparison with the July 1974 sure database

Abstract This is the third paper in a series describing an Eulerian transport/transformation/removal model (STEM-I). Simulation results for the period 4–9 July 1974 are compared with field data from the SURE experiment for the same period. Statistical analysis of the predicted and observed SO 2 and sulfate concentration data sets are used for the comparisons. The STEM-I model overpredicted SO 2 concentrations and underpredicted the sulfate concentrations. On average, the predicted amount of SO 2 deposited exceeded the predicted sulfate deposited by eight times, and the predicted amount of SO 2 deposited exceeded that being converted to sulfate by nearly an order of magnitude. Computed correlation coefficients were reasonably good.
On the low-temperature static and dynamic properties of high-performance silicon bipolar transistors

In a study performed over the temperature range of 400 to 77 K, Si bipolar transistors were found to have near-ideal characteristics at low temperatures with beta as high as 80 at 77 K. Detailed calculations indicate that the conventional theory of the temperature dependence of beta does not match the data. The discrepancy can be removed if it is assumed that a phenomenological thermal barrier to hole injection is present. Emitter-coupled logic (ECL) ring oscillators are functional at 85 K with no degradation in speed until about 165 K when compared to 358 K (85 degrees C). Calculations using a delay figure of merit indicate that f/sub T/, R/sub b/, and C/sub c/ are the delay components most affected by low-temperature operation. The feasibility of reduced logic swing operation of bipolar circuits at low temperatures is examined. It is found that successful ECL circuit operation at reduced logic swings is possible provided emitter resistance is kept small and can be used to enhance low-temperature power-delay performance. These data suggest that conventionally designed high-performance bipolar devices are suitable for the low-temperature environment. >
An Incentivized Cooperative Architecture for Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

The existing dynamic spectrum access network architecture fails to offer incentives to primary users (PUs). Therefore, PUs are unwilling to cooperate with secondary users (SUs) and intend to set up stringent requirements on SUs' spectrum access. This diminishes the benefit of dynamic spectrum access and hinders its commercialization success. In this paper, we propose a novel architecture for dynamic spectrum access networks, termed incentivized cooperative dynamic spectrum access network (IC-DSAN), to motivate PUs to cooperate with SUs, such that both PUs and SUs achieve significantly higher performance. In an IC-DSAN, SU nodes serve as relays between PU nodes and while relaying PU packets, utilize network coding to encode SU packets onto PU packets, i.e., SU packets get a `free ride' via network coding. To further improve the performance, we propose a new network coding scheme termed coding over coded packets. At last, an optimization model is developed to analyze the throughput gain of IC-DSAN. The performance evaluation indicates that the throughputs of both PUs and SUs significantly increase.
Persistence of an encephalitogenic T cell clone in the spinal cord during chronic, relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract The CDR3 region of the TCR β -chain of a CD4 + , Th1, V β 2 + encephalitogenic T cell clone was used as an idiotypic marker to track the location of the clone in vivo. cDNA prepared from the spinal cord, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and liver of the recipients at various stages of EAE was amplified using V β 2 and C β -region primers, and the products immobilized. The membrane was probed with a 32 P -labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the CDR3 region of the T cell clone. The probe reacted strongly with products from the spinal cord, spleen and liver and less strongly with products from lymph nodes and thymus of mice with acute EAE. The signal was greatly diminished in the spinal cord and other tissues during recovery from acute disease and reappeared in the spinal cord at each relapse.
Enhancing parallel quasi-static particle-in-cell simulations with a pipelining algorithm

A pipelining algorithm to overcome the limitation on scaling quasi-static particle-in-cell models of relativistic beams in plasmas to a very large number of processors is described. The pipelining algorithm uses multiple groups of processors and optimizes the job allocation on the processors in parallel computing. The algorithm is implemented on the quasi-static code QuickPIC and is shown to scale to over 10^3 processors and increased the scale and speed by two orders of magnitude over the non-pipelined model. The new approach opens the door to performing full scale 3D simulations of future plasma wakefield accelerators or full lifetime models of beam interaction with electron clouds in circular accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
Crystal structure of new composition boron-rich boron nitride using Raman spectroscopy

The synthesis of poly crystalline boron nitride films, with β-rhombohedral boron crystallites, was accomplished with BCl3–NH3–H2 in a tungsten hot filament chemical vapor deposition apparatus. Raman spectra and XRD results revealed that the crystal structure of the boron nitride films is similar to rhombohedral boron carbide B4C. The composition of these crystallites by XPS was found to give a ratio of boron to nitrogen of 3 : 1 . These results suggest that the boron nitride crystals obtained in this work are previously unreported compounds of a rhombohedral boron-rich boron nitride, analogous to boron carbide, B4C.
Calorimetry within Hysteresis Loops of Metal/H Systems: Application to Pd/H

It was suggested many years ago by Carl Wagner that if H2 is added to Pd/H whilst the system is on a desorption pressure plateau within the two solid phase coexistence region, H2 dissolves in both solid phases without formation of additional β-phase. Similar considerations apply for the removal of H2 whilst on the absorption pressure plateau. This model, which has not been previously verified, has been confirmed in this research by calorimetric measurements of the enthalpies of scans between branches of the hysteresis loop for well-annealed Pd samples. The experimental enthalpies lie between the values which correspond to the solution of H2 in each of the two pure coexisting solid phases. Besides confirming Wagner's suggestion, the calorimetric measurements described here provide a means to obtain partial thermodynamic quantities for the coexisting pure phases which may be difficult to obtain directly. — Values of the change of chemical potential of dissolved hydrogen with total hydrogen content, nt = H to metal, atom ratio, have been measured for scans from one branch of the hysteresis loop to the other. These values are consistent with the model and the experimentally determined enthalpies of solution. They demonstrate that relatively more H2 enters (or leaves) the β-phase than the α-phase during hysteresis scans. Vor vielen Jahren bereits postulierte Carl Wagner, das Wasserstoff, den man zu einem Pd/H-System zugibt, das sich im Zweiphasengebiet auf einem Desorptionsast befindet, sich in beiden festen Phasen lost, ohne zusatzliche β-Phase zu bilden. ahnlich liegen die Verhaltnisse bei der Abgabe von Wasserstoff aus einem System, das sich auf dem Absorptionsast befindet. Diese Konzeption, die bisher noch nicht uberpruft worden ist, wurde in der vorliegenden Untersuchung bestatigt, und zwar durch kalorimetrische Messung der Enthalpieanderungen bei den Ubergangen zwischen den Zweigen der Hystereseschleife. Die gemessenen Enthalpien liegen zwischen den Werten, die der Losung des H2 in jeder der beiden reinen, koexistierenden Phasen entsprechen. Abgesehen von der Bestatigung der Modellvorstellung Wagners lassen sich mit den hier beschriebenen kalorimetrischen Messungen die partiellen thermodynamischen Grosen der koexistieren-den reinen Phasen bestimmen, die auf direktem Wege nur schwer zu erhalten sind. — Die Anderung des Chemischen Potentials des gelosten Wasserstoffs mit dem gesamten Wasserstoff-Gehalt: nt (Atomzahlverhaltnis Wasserstoff zu Metall) ist gemessen worden fur Ubergange von einem Zweig der Hystereseschleife zum andern. Diese Werte sind im Einklang mit der gegebenen Deutung und mit den experimentell bestimmten Losungsenthalpien. Sie zeigen, das bei solchen Ubergangen verhaltnismasig mehr H2 in die β-Phase eintritt (oder aus dieser entweicht) als in die α-Phase.
Structure and wear properties of carbon implanted 304 stainless steel using plasma source ion implantation

Abstract Methane plasma source ion implantation was used to implant carbon ions into 304 stainless steel. This paper examines the effects of high voltage pulse repetition rate on the structure and wear properties of implanted samples. The implantations were carried out at a target bias of -30 keV to a dose of 3 × 10 17 atoms cm -2 . Three repetition rates (42 Hz, 87 Hz and 126 Hz) were used. At low repetition rate, a carbon coated-implanted surface forms, which only an implanted surface is produced at high repetition rates. Metastable phases were observed and identified, and the microstructure at the surface was observed to be dependent on the chosen implantation parameters. Fe 2 C formed in the implantation layer which is produced at 42 Hz. Smaller size Fe 2 C and other forms of carbides (possibly Fe 3 C and/or (Cr, Fe) 7 C 3 ) formed in samples implanted at 87 Hz. An increase in repetition rate to 126 Hz produced a shallower amorphous implantation layer. Possible explanations of phase formation mechanisms are given. Wear resistance of all the implanted samples was improved, with the coated-implanted sample produced at 42 Hz showing the greatest improvement. The mechanism of wear was observed to change from an adhesive mode to a mild abrasive mode after implantation.
Fast and accurate global motion estimation algorithm using pixel subsampling

Global motion generally describes the motion of a camera, although it may comprise motions of large objects. Global motions are often modeled by parametric transformations of two-dimensional images. The process of estimating the motions parameters is called global motion estimation (GME). GME is widely employed in many applications such as video coding, image stabilization and super-resolution. To estimate global motion parameters, the Levenburg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA) is typically used to minimize an objective function iteratively. Since the region of support for the global motion representation consists of the entire image frame, the minimization process tends to be very expensive computationally by involving all the pixels within an image frame. In order to significantly reduce the computational complexity of the LMA, we proposed to select only a small subset of the pixels for estimating the motion parameters, based on several subsampling patterns and their combinations. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method could speed up the conventional GME approach by over ten times, with only a very slight loss (less than 0.1dB) in estimation accuracy. The proposed method was also found to outperform several state-of-the-art fast GME methods in terms of the speed/accuracy tradeoffs.
Sex‐Role Orientation and the Willingness to Confront Existential Issues

The relationship between sex-role orientation and willingness to confront existential issues was examined. Eighty-eight undergraduates completed the Bem Sex Role Inventoy and Avoidance of Existential Confrontation (AEC) scale. A Sex × Masculinity × Femininity analysis of variance of AEC scores showed that masculine men and feminine women reported the least willingness to confront existential issues. Androgynous men were the most receptive to facing existential issues. These findings are discussed in terms of the defensiveness often evidenced by sex-typed persons and the importance of responding to the existential concerns of young adults struggling to establish a sex-role identity.
Quasielastic light scattering investigation of the isothermal “helix to extended‐coil” transition of poly‐L‐lysine HBr

The quasielastic light scattering of poly-L-lysine HBr in aqueous solutions has been examined over a variety of pH values where the polymer is in different conformations. Analysis of the spectra demonstrates that as the pH is lowered, the polymer changes from an extended anisotropic from through a collapsed randomized state to a larger isotropic form. These data support the current view that the polymer undergoes a conformational change from an α-helical form to a “kinked” extended-coil conformation through an intermediate partially α-helical state in which internal packing of the helical portions occurs. Finally, a value for the rate of propagation of the unwinding of the α-helix has been obtained.
Importance of Stochastic Properties of Economic Variables for Macroeconomic Theories

Abstract Stochastic properties are the basic determinants of behavior of economic variables. These properties are also important for construction of econometric models, interpretation of the findings and forecasting. So prior to any econometric study time series properties of variables have to be analyzed. Stochastic properties are also decisive for validity of many economic theories, including Fisher Hypothesis, Purchasing Power Parity, Consumption Based Asset Pricing Model, several monetary models and co-integration of international bond markets; those represent long run relationships between variables. This paper aims to put forward the importance of stochastic properties of economic variables for basic macroeconomic theories by giving special emphasis to real interest rates.
Partitioned, multilevel response surfaces for modeling complex systems

The most prevalent type of approximating functions employed for efficient engineering analysis and design integration are polynomial response surfaces. However, the construction of response surface approximations has been limited to problems with only a few variables, due to the number of analyses necessary to fit sufficiently accurate models. An approach is presented for partitioning response surfaces and constructing multilevel approximations for problems with larger numbers of variables. Using this approach, the (computer) experimentation necessary for fitting response surface models is reduced tremendously. A modified composite experimental design is also presented for the construction of response models that provide more consistently accurate predictions across the range of the design variables. The multilevel, partitioned response surface modeling and modified composite design approaches are demonstrated for the preliminary design of a commercial turbofan engine, an example problem defined in collaboration with Allison Engine Company, Rolls-Royce Aerospace Group.
Characterization of DNA repair in a mutant cell line derived from ICR 2A frog cells that is hypersensitive to non-dimer DNA damages induced by solar ultraviolet radiation

Abstract The level of excision repair and the inhibition and recovery of semiconservative DNA synthesis were examined following the induction of non-dimer DNA damages by solar ultraviolet radiation in a mutant cell line, DRP 36, derived from ICR 2A frog cells that is hypersensitive to these lesions. A relatively pure population of non-dimer photoproducts was produced by exposure of cells to the Mylar-filtered solar UV wavelenghts produced by a flourescent sunlamp followed by treatment with photoreactivating light (PRL) which removes most of the small yield of dimers induced by the irradiation. Using a modification of the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) photolysis assay, that enhances the sensitivity of this assay, it was found that DRP 36 cells perform a significantly lower level of excision repair following the induction of non-dimer DNA damages compared with the ICR 2A cells. In contrast, the level of excision repair of 254-nm-induced dimers was similar in the two cell lines. In addition, the induction of non-dimer damages caused a greater inhibition of DNA synthesis that persisted for a longer period of time in the mutant compared with the parental cells. Hence, these results indicate that the DRP 36 cells are deficient in the repair of at least one type of solar UV-induced non-dimer lesion.
Functional and morphological bases of trophic specialization in sunfishes teleostei centrarchidae

The gross morphology and electrical activity of the muscles of the pharyngeal apparatus of centrarchid sunfishes (Lepomis) are analyzed within a monophyletic clade containing species specialized for snail-eating. Outgroup comparisons of both structure and activity patterns of muscles permit examination of the relationship between specialized diet and function of the trophic apparatus. In most sunfish species, electrical activity in the pharyngocleithralis internus muscle significantly overlaps that in the retractor dorsalis muscle during pharyngeal transport, indicating that the upper and lower pharyngeal jaws retract together. Activity in the pharyngohyoideus, levatores externi, and levator posterior also significantly overlaps activity of the retractor dorsalis. Snail-eating is associated with derived morphological, behavioral, and functional features. The shell is crushed before pharyngeal transport, correlated with extensive overlap in activity periods of muscles. One species, Lepomis microlophus, possesses a highly stereotyped neuromuscular repertoire that does not vary with prey type. All prey, even fish and worms, are subjected to crushing. Lepomis gibbosus exhibits the crushing pattern of muscle activity only when feeding on snails. L. microlophus has a hypertrophied levator posterior muscle, but the lines of action of the pharyngeal muscles are similar to the primitive condition. Pharyngeal transport in this species is unique in that activity of the pharyngocleithralis internus alternates with that of the retractor dorsalis. In sunfishes, alterations in the central control of peripheral structures have produced major changes in the sequence in which homologous components of the structural network are activated.
Re: Kidney size and cancer-specific survival for patients undergoing nephrectomy for pT1 clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Objective To examine the association between kidney size and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) death among patients with Stage pT1 clear cell RCC undergoing surgery. Methods We used a case-cohort design and evaluated 191 patients from our Nephrectomy Registry who had undergone open radical nephrectomy for unilateral, sporadic, Stage pT1N0/NxM0, noncystic clear cell RCC from 1989 to 2004. Of these, 47 patients died of RCC ("cases") and 144 patients were alive at the last follow-up visit or had died of other causes ("cohort"). Univariate and multivariate associations with RCC death were evaluated using weighted Cox regression analysis and summarized with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results The median kidney size was 12 cm. We observed a positive association between increasing kidney size and the risk of RCC death. A 1-cm increase in kidney size was associated with an 18% increased risk of RCC death, even after adjusting for tumor size, nuclear grade, and the presence of necrosis. After multivariate adjustment, those patients with a kidney size greater than the median were 95% more likely to die of RCC than those with a kidney size less than the median (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval 1.00-3.81; P = .05). The limitations of our study included a lack of data on the 3-dimensional kidney volume and an inability to generalize to patients with larger tumors (ie, Stage pT2) or other RCC subtypes. Conclusion Our data suggest that kidney size is an independent predictor of survival for patients with Stage pT1 clear cell RCC. Future investigations are needed to confirm this finding and investigate this issue in larger, organ-confined tumors and other RCC subtypes.
Studies of nucleation mechanisms and the role of residual stresses in the grain boundary cavitation of a superalloy

Abstract An investigation has been carried out of the processes involved in the nucleation of grain boundary cavities in aslroloy. Cavitation was produced by one of several methods: room temperature straining, straining and annealing, high temperature creep of prcstrained astroloy, creep of nonprestrained material. It is concluded from the experimental evidence that the same mechanism is responsible for the initial grain boundary damage in all cases. In astroloy pulled at room temperature, damage shows up as microcracks at the interface between carbide and matrix. The frequency of cracking on a grain boundary is approximately independent of the orientation of the boundary with respect to the stress axis. During annealing, large residual stresses in the strained material close up cracks on some boundaries, increase and round out the cracks on other boundaries so that damage now appears in the form of voids. Residual stresses have a large effect on the creep life of prestrained astoloy. Their influence can persist over a significant fraction of the creep life. Residual stresses are found to be important even in the creep of non-prestrained astroloy. The density of voids in non-prestrained astroloy seems to be determined by total creep strain; it is independent of creep stress, at least over the range of test conditions studied. All of the results noted above can be explained qualitatively on the basis of the stress fields which build up during deformation around non-deforming inclusions whose elastic constants differ from those of the matrix.
Mutation responsible for the mouse pygmy phenotype in the developmentally regulated factor HMGI-C

GROWTH is one of the fundamental aspects in the development of an organism. Classical genetic studies have isolated four viable, spontaneous mouse mutants1 disrupted in growth, leading to dwarfism. Pygmy is unique among these mutants because its phenotype cannot be explained by aberrations in the growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor endocrine pathway2–5. Here we show that the pygmy phenotype arises from the inactivation of Hmgi-c (ref. 6), a member of the Hmgi family7 which function as architectural factors in the nuclear scaffold8 and are critical in the assembly of stereospecific transcriptional complexes9. Hmgi-c and another Hmgi family member, Hmgi(y) (ref. 10), were found to be expressed predominantly during embryogenesis. The HMGI proteins are known to be regulated by cell cycle-dependent phos-phorylation which alters their DNA binding affinity11. These results demonstrate the important role of HMGI proteins in mammalian growth and development.
Surface electronic structure and dynamical interactions on Ta(011) and H/Ta(011).

A comprehensive study of surface electronic structure of both clean and hydrogen-covered Ta(011) using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission is presented. A goal of this study was to explore possible implications of the electronic structure for elastic and inelastic dynamical phenomena at these surfaces. A single surface band is observed on the clean surface, lying in a large projected bulk band gap near \ensuremath{\Gamma}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} as a pure surface state of even symmetry. This band makes an unusual continuous transition to become a surface resonance with increasing ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{?}}$. The resonant portions of the band exhibit the expected broadening due to coupling with the underlying bulk continuum, disperse slightly with momentum normal to the surface, and tend to lie near the middle of the associated bulk continuum. Upon hydrogen adsorption, this band is observed to shift between 0.5 and 1.8 eV to higher binding energy, depending upon the value of ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{?}}$. The hydrogen-modified band exhibits qualitatively similar behaviors to the clean-surface band. Hydrogen adsorption also induces a sharp state very close to the Fermi level localized along the \ensuremath{\Sigma}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} symmetry line and having predominantly odd mirror-plane symmetry. The ability of this level to participate in adsorbate vibrational damping is explored. A level associated with the hydrogen 1s atomic state is also observed and characterized.
Individualizing osteoporosis medications.

CLINICAL SCENARIO Mrs. JD is a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman having symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. She has a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry T-score of -2.4 in the femoral neck, consistent with low bone mass or osteopenia. She has a parental history of hip fracture. FRAX shows the 10-year absolute risk of major osteoporotic fracture equal to 18% and the 10-year risk of hip fracture above 3% at 3.2%, which meets the National Osteoporosis Foundation threshold. Mrs. JD is taking calcium 1,200 mg, between supplement and diet, and 1,000 IU vitamin D3 daily. How should she be treated?
Emission control of gas effluents from geothermal power plants.

Abstract Geothermal steam at the world's five largest power plants contains from 0.15 to 30% noncondensable gases including CO2, H2S, H2, CH4, N2, H3BO3, and NH3. At four of the plants the gases are first separated from the steam and then discharged to the environment; at the fifth, the noncondensables exhaust directly to the atmosphere along with spent steam. Some CO2 and sulfur emission rates rival those from fossil-fueled plants on a per megawatt-day basis. The ammonia and boron effluents can interfere with animal and plant life. The effects of sulfur (which emerges as H2S but may oxidize to SO2) on either ambient air quality or longterm human health are largely unknown. Most geothermal turbines are equipped with direct contact condensers which complicate emission control because they provide two or more pathways for the effluents to reach the environment. Use of direct contact condensers could permit efficient emission control if coupled to processes that produce saleable quantities of purified carbon...
Taboo word fluency and knowledge of slurs and general pejoratives: deconstructing the poverty-of-vocabulary myth

Abstract A folk assumption about colloquial speech is that taboo words are used because speakers cannot find better words with which to express themselves: because speakers lack vocabulary. A competing possibility is that fluency is fluency regardless of subject matter—that there is no reason to propose a difference in lexicon size and ease of access for taboo as opposed to emotionally-neutral words. In order to test these hypotheses, we compared general verbal fluency via the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) with taboo word fluency and animal word fluency in spoken and written formats. Both formats produced positive correlations between COWAT fluency, animal fluency, and taboo word fluency, supporting the fluency-is-fluency hypothesis. In each study, a set of 10 taboo words accounted for 55–60% of all taboo word data. Expressives were generated at higher rates than slurs. There was little sex-related variability in taboo word generation, and, consistent with findings that do not show a sex difference in taboo lexicon size, no overall sex difference in taboo word generation was obtained. Taboo fluency was positively correlated with the Big Five personality traits neuroticism and openness and negatively correlated with agreeableness and conscientiousness. Overall the findings suggest that, with the exception of female-sex-related slurs, taboo expressives and general pejoratives comprise the core of the category of taboo words while slurs tend to occupy the periphery, and the ability to generate taboo language is not an index of overall language poverty.
A SEQUENTIAL REPAIR MODEL OF PHOTOREACTIVATION IN BACTERIA

— Kinetics of photoreactivation were studied in E. coli WP2 hcr-, a strain deficient in dark repair. Cells in aqueous suspension were subjected to u.v.-irradiation, then exposed to photoreactivating light for different periods. Survival curves, with samples at a minimum of six u.v. doses, were obtained at several periods of photoreactivation ranging from zero to maximum. The surviving fractions do not conform to a dose-reduction model, but instead, they fit a ‘sequential repair’ model that assumes as a limiting condition that the number of active enzyme molecules is small. The model used assumed: (1) a single enzyme molecule is active at any one time; and (2) inactivating events are nullified consecutively around the DNA molecule. The mathematics of the model are derived and presented. Photoreactivation is attributed to the action of two processes. (1) A photochemical process, that is rate limiting below 1000 ergs mnr-2 sec-1, was measured at a photoreactivating irradiance of 60 ergs mm-2 sec-1. This has a rate constant of 5 × 10-5‘events’ erg-1 mm2. (2) A dark process, measured at photoreactivating irradiances of 4000 and 6000 ergs mm-2 sec-1, has a rate constant of 2.2 ‘events’ min-1.
Measurement of mean drop sizes for sprays from superheated waterjets.

Mean drop size generated in vapor pressure regime of liquid water jet, noting effect of water temperature and orifice diameter
Camelina sativa Defatted Seed Meal Contains Both Alkyl Sulfinyl Glucosinolates and Quercetin That Synergize Bioactivity

Camelina sativa L. Crantz is under development as a novel oilseed crop, yet bioefficacy of camelina phytochemicals is unknown. Defatted camelina seed meal contains two major aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs), glucoarabin (9-(methylsulfinyl)nonylglucosinolate; GSL 9) and glucocamelinin (10-(methylsulfinyl)decylglucosinolate; GSL 10), with traces of a third, 11(methylsulfinyl)undecylglucosinolate and several flavonoids, mostly quercetin glycosides. In Hepa1c1c7 cells, hydrolyzed GSLs (hGSLs) 9 and 10 upregulated the phase II detoxification enzyme quinone reductase (NQO1), with no effect on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 activity. Isobologram graphs revealed synergy of NQO1 induction for a combination of hGSL 9 and quercetin. These findings suggest that defatted camelina seed meal should be evaluated for anticancer activity, similar to broccoli and other Brassicaceae family members. Interestingly, synergy of NQO1 induction was also seen for physiologically relevant doses of sulforaphane (SF) and quercetin, two key ...
Inhalation therapy for infants

Delivering aerosolised drugs to infants poses a number of challenges. It is clear that drug delivery is possible via the inhaled route but to date it has been difficult to demonstrate clearly therapeutic benefit from the use of any conventional therapy in the vast majority of infants. This is probably related to the nature of pulmonary disease in this age group. While most aerosol scientists focus on factors such as aerosol size and airways geometry drug delivery, as in all age groups, is most dependent upon patient behaviour. A small amount of drug reaches the lungs of distressed infants. Consideration of patient device interactions is vital if successful drug delivery is to be achieved and this includes consideration of mask design. Doses reaching the lungs are generally very low when considered in terms of the nominal dose but when considered in terms of dose delivered per kilogram body weight drug delivery to the lungs is generally similar to or greater than in adults. Upper airways deposition is relatively greater than in older subjects, in large part because of nasal breathing, and this will affect the 'therapeutic index' of some drugs.
Study of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Combined Heat, Hydrogen and Power System: Energy Analysis

Countries around the world are trying to use alternative fuels and renewable energy to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas contains methane is considered a potential source of clean renewable energy. This paper discusses the design of a combined heat, hydrogen and power system, which generated by methane with use of Fuelcell, for the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology located in Rolla, Missouri, USA. An energy flow and resource availability study was performed to identify sustainable type and source of feedstock needed to run the Fuelcell at its maximum capacity. FuelCell Energy's DFC1500 unit (a molten carbonate Fuelcell) was selected as the Fuelcell for the tri-generation (heat, hydrogen and electric power) system. This tri-generation system provides electric power to the campus, thermal energy for heating the anaerobic digester, and hydrogen for transportation, backup power and other applications on the campus. In conclusion, the combined heat, hydrogen and power system reduces fossil fuel usage, and greenhouse gas emissions at the university campus.
Farmers' markets and the local food environment: identifying perceived accessibility barriers for SNAP consumers receiving temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) in an urban Oklahoma community.

Abstract Objective To examine barriers to farmers' market (FM) use by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) consumers receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Design Focus groups. Setting An urban community in Oklahoma. Participants Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (n = 64 across 8 focus groups). Phenomenon of Interest Perceptions about FM foods and barriers to FM use. Analysis Transcript-based content analysis using the 5 dimensions of access framework. Results Few participants ate fresh produce regularly and most appreciated the convenience of shopping at a supermarket. Farmers' markets were not perceived as available or accommodating to shopping needs and affordability and acceptability concerns were expressed. Few were aware of FMs that accepted SNAP. Emerging themes suggested residential segregation and cultural barriers to FM use. Conclusions and Implications Farmers' market managers, community nutritionists, and researchers should develop interventions that correct common misperceptions about FM products, minimize access barriers, and increase awareness of SNAP payment options. Residential segregation and cultural barriers may have a role in FM use and should be explored further.