cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence criteria for transversal equalizers

Two basic problems in the equalization of data channels using pulse-amplitude modulation are considered. The first of these is to determine just what pulses can be equalized and what the general equalization solution is when using a transversal filter. The second problem is to determine if a simple iterative search routine will converge to a solution if its exists. The unequalized channel impulse response is represented by a polynomial whose coefficients are the sample values of the impulse response. If no roots of this polynomial lie on the unit circle, the channel can be equalized. The transversal filter which equalizes the pulse has tapweight values given by weighted sums of powers of the polynomial roots. Various necessary and sufficient conditions for iterative convergence are developed. Iterative convergence can be guaranteed if the proper linear weighting of the output sample errors is used in adjusting the tap-weights.
The PVT effect on the final sintered dimensions of powder injection molded components

Abstract Accurate linear-shrinkage prediction of powder injection molded (PIM) components for tool scale-up is commonly achieved by a combination of estimating sintering shrinkage and prototyping. Sintering shrinkage calculations for mold scale-up can underestimate the final sintered shrinkage by up to 2%. This can be corrected by considering the pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) behavior during injection molding of a PIM feedstock. The molding shrinkage can be estimated from the PVT behavior of the molten powder/binder feedstock. In this effort, the PVT data of a PIM feedstock are related to processing parameters to predict the green shrinkage of PIM components. This is compared to experimental data on green and sintered component dimensions to develop a more accurate prediction of linear shrinkage. A relationship between injection molding process parameters, green component shrinkage, and sintering shrinkage is presented based on the PVT and sintering behavior of the PIM feedstock. A modified equation for improving linear shrinkage prediction is derived and presented. Experimental shrinkage results are within 1.1% error (0.2% difference) of the derived equation.
Bacillus sphaericus mosquito pathogens in the aquatic environment

The fate of Bacillus sphaericus spores in the aquatic environment was investigated by suspending spores in dialysis bags in fresh and seawater. Spore viability was lost more rapidly in seawater. Neither B. sphaericus nor B. thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) spores mixed with pond sediment appeared to attach to the sediment. However, rapid decrease in B.t.i. toxicity suggested attachment of parasporal bodies to sediment. B. sphaericus toxin settled more slowly and less completely. B. sphaericus spores fed to larvae of four aquatic invertebrates were mostly eliminated from the animal gut in less than one week. An exception was the cranefly (Tipula abdominalis) where spores persisted in the posterior gut for up to five weeks.
Projections of mechanoreceptive fields to cuneate-gracile and spinal trigeminal nuclear regions in sheep.

Abstract Neural unit discharges, in response to mechanical stimulation of peripheral body tissues, were mapped using tungsten microelectrodes in medullas of sheep anesthetized with dial-urethane. It was determined that somatic sensory afferents from the sheep's body terminate in the cuneate-gracile and spinal trigeminal nuclear regions of the medulla in a somatotopic pattern that is similar to that of the receptors at the periphery but distorted in size and shape. The pattern of somatotopic organization was largely reiterative at successice rostrocaudal levels. In the relatively small cuneate-gracile nuclear complex, projections from the rear half of the body were confined to a small region near the midline (the gracile portion). Responses from the front half of the body were found over a larger, more lateral region (the cuneate portion). In this cuneate-gracile nuclear complex, distal body regions were represented dorsally, and proximal body parts, ventrally. The relatively large spinal trigeminal nucleus received projections from the face with the dorsal face regions represented ventrally in the nucleus, and the ventral face parts dorsally. Projections from the neck and ear were located between the cuneate-gracile and spinal trigeminal cellular regions.
Assessing Resilience: A Review of Measures across the Life Course

Through this systematic review the authors analyze scales used to measure resilience in individuals across the life course. The scales were obtained according to a priori inclusion criteria through searches using electronic databases, cited references, and requests to human services researchers currently engaged in research utilizing a resiliency theory framework. Eleven measurement tools meeting study inclusion criteria were located within the existing literature. Currently validated instruments measure specific populations and vary in length and format. The need for an analytical approach to measuring resilience is long overdue. This assessment is intended to aid social work practitioners working with populations that have faced adversity.
Membrane excitability changes associated with the hyperpolarizing response

Abstract The hyperpolarizing response (HPR), an increase in membrane resistance elicited by extrinsic current, is associated with an inexcitable state of the neuronal membrane. This change in membrane excitability suggests a mechanism wherein the HPR could serve as the memory trace.
Stefan George, Thomas Mann, and the Politics of Homoeroticism1

In the first decades of the twentieth century, Stefan George and Thomas Mann envisioned starkly different futures for Germany: the former espoused a geheimes Deutschland, a geistiges Reich that would limit itself to an intellectual elite, while the latter—after coming to terms with the consequences of World War One—championed the cause of democracy. In this paper, I argue that the political differences dividing George and Mann must be read as a disagreement over the question of how homoeroticism would figure in the new Germany. The argument culminates in my claim that, in his novel Der Zauberberg, Mann performs a subtle yet trenchant critique of George, his homoerotic theology, and his circle in general.
Contralateral renal herniation after nephrectomy: A cause of pseudo crossed renal ectopia

Crossed renal ectopia is an uncommon anomaly, generally congenital [i]. Rarely, crossed renal ectopia may be acquired due to contralateral displacement of a kidney by a large retroperitoneal mass. This was termed pseudo-crossed renal ectopia by Greenspan and Bryk [2]. We report an unusual case of acquired crossed renal ectopia of the remaining kidney after a radical thoracoabdominal nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
Regolith Water in Zero‐Order Chaparral and Perennial Grass Watersheds Four Decades after Vegetation Conversion

In 1960, areas of chaparral were converted to perennial grass after a fire burned most of the San Dimas Experimental Forest in southern California. This conversion provided an opportunity to compare regolith moisture patterns of zero-order watersheds under native chaparral with those under nonnative veldt grass ( Ehrharta calycina Sm.). We collected data as a function of vegetation type and watershed element to test the hypothesis that conversion from chaparral to grass altered water distribution in the vadose zone as a result of changes in the physical environment, including rooting depth and soil horizonation. Patterns in vadose zone water distribution during the dry season, including soil water potential and residual flux, were significantly different in converted areas, reflecting the different rooting habits of the two vegetation types. In chaparral areas, there was no significant change in soil water potential between the surface and the 150-cm depth; soil water potential was consistently below −1.5 MPa, reflecting the extensive root system. In grass areas, soil water potential was most negative close to the surface, where grass roots were most abundant. Plant available water was present below the 100-cm depth, suggesting that recharge to groundwater may occur under grass in average or wetter years. Under both vegetation types, the largest differences in residual water fluxes were near the soil–weathered rock contact. However, there was a significant relation between minor differences in fluxes and soil horizon boundaries, confirming the effects of vegetation conversion on soil properties and vadose zone soil water.
On the stability of a bicycle on rollers

Riding a bicycle on the newest form of indoor training, rollers, presents a unique experiment on bicycle stability. The stability factors eliminated by riding on rollers are discussed in terms of refined handling and control of the centre of mass on a bicycle. This paper is intended for undergraduate physics majors as well as any other general readership interested in the dynamics of bicycle stability.
Quantitative electroencephalography for measurement of central nervous system responses to diazepam and the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil, in isoflurane-anaesthetized dogs.

Quantitative EEG was assessed in six dogs anaesthetized with 1.8% end-tidal isoflurane concentration and following diazepam (0.2 mg/kg i.v.) administration. Ventilation was controlled to maintain normocapnia. Five dogs were subsequently given the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil (0.04 mg/kg i.v.), and quantitative EEG was recorded. One dog received a saline injection following diazepam (as a control) and quantitative EEG was recorded for an additional 2.5 h. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, esophageal temperature, arterial pH and blood gas tensions, end-tidal CO2 tension and end-tidal isoflurane concentration were monitored throughout the study. A 21 lead linked-ear montage was used for recording EEG. Quantitative EEG data were stored on an optical disc for analysis at a later date. Values for absolute power of EEG were determined for theta, delta, alpha, and beta frequencies. Cardiovascular parameters remained stable throughout the study. Diazepam administration was associated with decreased absolute power in all frequencies of EEG at all electrode sites. The duration of diazepam-induced decreased absolute power of EEG was at least 3 h in one dog. Administration of flumazenil antagonized diazepam-induced decreased absolute power of EEG in all frequencies at all electrode sites. We conclude that quantitative EEG provides a relatively non-invasive, objective measure of diazepam- and flumazenil-induced changes in cortical activity during isoflurane anaesthesia.
And the Beat Goes On: Further Evidence on Voting on the Form of County Governance in the Midst of Public Corruption

SUMMARY ‘Operation Pretense,’ an FBI sting operation conducted in Mississippi during the 1980s, uncovered widespread corruption among the state's county supervisors. The revelations prompted the Mississippi legislature to authorize including on the November 1988 ballot a measure asking voters whether they favored switching to a more centralized ‘unit system’ of county governance or instead retaining the decentralized ‘beat system’ then in place in all but two of the state's 82 counties. We examine voters' decisions to participate in that election, in which 47 counties returned majorities for the unit system and 35 counties opted for the status quo. Controlling for participation in the 1988 presidential race and other relevant factors, we find that turnout rates for the beat-unit choice were positively correlated with supervisor corruption. We also find that the corrupt counties' higher voter turnouts were driven mainly by supporters of the corruption-prone beat system.
Ad hoc relay wireless networks over moving vehicles on highways

Ad hoc networks can be formed on highways among moving vehicles, each equipped with a wireless LAN device. However, during times of low traffic density, it is likely that such networks are disconnected. This paper tests the hypothesis that the motion of vehicles on a highway can contribute to successful message delivery, provided that messages can be relayed---stored temporarily at moving nodes while waiting for opportunities to be forwarded further. Using vehicle movement traces from a traffic microsimulator, we measure average message delivery time and find that it is shorter than when the messages are not relayed. We condclude that ad hoc relay wireless networks, based on wireless LAN technologies, have potential for many emerging applications of this kind
Neurogenic Tumors at the Pulmonary Apex

Neurogenic tumors form a distinct group of intrathoracic neoplasms and are found chiefly along the mediastinal borders. The benign tumors of this class are second only in frequency to the teratoid tumors. A favorite site of development appears to be at the pulmonary apex with the tumor arising from one of the upper intercostal nerves close to the vertebrae. Clinically these neoplasms cause little in the way of physical signs or symptoms until they become large enough to produce pressure on adjacent structures. The possibility of malignant degeneration is always present and therefore surgical removal is recommended once the diagnosis has been reasonably well established. Roentgenologically the tumor shadow is sharply circumscribed, rounded or ovoid in shape and located along the medial aspect of the pulmonary apex or at the apical summit. Pressure erosion of ribs or vertebrae may exist but invasive destruction is not seen. Two cases are reported in which operative removal of the tumor was done. One was a neurofibroma and the other a neurofibrosarcoma of a low grade of malignancy. In addition two other cases are described with similar roentgen findings which were observed over periods of six and seven years respectively but without histological proof of the diagnosis. Differentiation from the malignant tumors of the pulmonary apex causing Pancoast's syndrome (usually carcinomas of the lung) is important and is possible when all of the clinical and roentgenologic factors are carefully considered.
Genomic sequence and chromosomal location of human interleukin-11 gene (IL11).

Abstract The genomic sequence of human interleukin-11 (IL11) has been isolated based on its sequence homology with a cDNA clone encoding primate IL11. The human IL11 genomic sequence is 7 kb in length and consists of five exons and four introns. The IL11 gene has been localized to the long arm of human chromosome 19 at band 19q13.3–q13.4 by in situ hybridization. Several potential transcriptional control sequences that may play an important role in the control of IL11 gene expression have been identified within the 5′-flanking region of the human IL11 gene. The 5′-flanking region of the human IL11 gene contains sequences similar to those present in the 5′-regulatory regions of other cytokine genes. Four repeats of a 30-bp DNA segment were found in the fourth intron, and several copies of ATTTA and Alu repetitive sequences were identified in the 3′-noncoding region of the human IL11 gene. A DNA sequence (ACATGGCAAAACCC) that has 71% similarity with the IL1-responsive element of the IL6 gene was found in the 3′-flanking region of the human IL11 gene. The two polyadenylation sites located at nucleotide positions 6762 and 5591 correspond to the 2.5- and 1.5-kb IL11 transcripts expressed in IL1-induced PU-34 cells. The availability of the human IL11 genomic sequence should aid in studies of the regulatory mechanisms of IL11 gene expression in different cell types and the role of IL11 expression in the hematopoietic microenvironment.
A comparison of activated hydrogen chemisorption on some supported metal catalysts

Abstract Hydrogen chemisorption on 10% Fe Al 2 O 3 , 10% Fe SiO 2 , 10% Ni Al 2 O 3 , and 5% Rh TiO 2 reduced at 473 and 773 K was compared using temperature-programmed desorption and, for two of these, using chemisorption isobars. Adsorption into the strongest states was slow at 300 K for each catalyst previously reduced at 723 or 773 K. The similarity of the effect for each catalyst suggets that they share a common cause. Decoration by reduced titania species is known to influence chemisorption; however, reduced alumina and silica species are not expected after reduction at 723 K. Estimation of the surface charge density due to charge transfer with the support suggests that this will never be of importance, except near the metal-support interface. It is suggested that decoration may have resulted after small amounts of SiO x and AlO x originally dissolved in the impregnating solution accumulated at the metal surface.
Solvent effects on the nπ* transition of pyrimidine in aqueous solution

A hybrid quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical potential is used in Monte Carlo simulations to examine the solvent effects on the electronic excitation energy for the n→π* transition of pyrimidine in aqueous solution. In the present study, the pyrimidine molecule is described by the semi-empirical AM1 model, while the solvent molecules are treated classically. Two sets of calculations are performed: the first involves the use of the pairwise three-point charge TIP3P model for water, and the second computation employs a polarizable many-body potential for the solvent. The latter calculation takes into account the effect of solvent polarization following the solute electronic excitation, and makes a correction to the energies determined using pairwise potentials, which neglects such fast polarization effects and overestimates the solute-solvent interactions on the Franck-Condon excited states. Our simulation studies of pyrimidine in water indicate that the solvent charge redistribution following the solute electronic excitation makes modest corrections (about −130␣cm−1) to the energy predicted by using pairwise potentials. Specific hydrogen bonding interactions between pyrimidine and water are important for the prediction of solvatochromic shifts for pyrimidine. The computed n→π* blue shift is 2275±110 cm−1, which may be compared with the experimental value (2700 cm−1) from isooctane to water.
Modeling clear day insolation at sea level in Hawaii

Abstract Daily totals of insolation under cloudless skies measured over an eleven year period, 1976 to 1987, at Honolulu, Hawaii are presented and compared with estimates from several clear sky radiation models. Results provide a baseline for applied and scientific research in the Islands and the central Pacific in general.
Protection of cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation and N-methyl-D-aspartate by DIDS and SITS.

Abstract The Cl− channel blockers, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) or 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) dose-dependently protected against oxygen-glucose deprivation in cultured rat cortical neurons. DIDS or SITS attenuated oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced increases in extracellular glutamate concentrations and intracellular Ca2+. DIDS or SITS provided moderate protection against N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) toxicity and decreased NMDA receptor-mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+. Whole-cell NMDA receptor currents were attenuated 39±2% and 21±3% by 1 mM DIDS and SITS, respectively. Other Cl− channel blockers as equipotent as DIDS and SITS did not decrease oxygen-glucose deprivation- or NMDA-mediated neuronal Ca2+ influx or toxicity. Neurotoxicity by exogenous glutamate was not prevented by SITS and was exacerbated by DIDS. Reductions in oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels underlie neuroprotection by DIDS and SITS. This was a reflection of lower extracellular [glutamate], direct inhibition of Ca2+ influx through postsynaptic NMDA receptors, and possibly through other protective properties associated with DIDS and SITS.
N-cadherin adherens junctions mediate osteogenesis through PI3K signaling.

During endochondral ossification, the cartilage is surrounded by a layer of cells that constitute the perichondrium. Communication between osteoblasts in the perichondrium via N-cadherin adherens junctions is essential for endochondral bone growth. We observed that adherens junction molecule N-cadherin and its interacting partners p120, β-catenin and PTEN are expressed by cells present in the perichondrium. To study if N-cadherin mediated adherens junctions play a role in mediating signal transduction events during bone development, we utilized MC3T3E1 preosteoblasts plated at sub confluent (low) and confluent (high) densities to mimic adherens junction formation. When MC3T3E1 cells were plated at high density we observed an increase in phosphorylation of AKTSer473 and its downstream target GSK3Ser9, which coincided with an increase in Osterix, Osteomodulin and Osteoglycin gene expression. Using immunofluorescence, we identified N-cadherin, p120 and β-catenin localized at the membrane of MC3T3E1 cells. Treatment of confluent MC3T3E1cells with an N-cadherin junction inhibitor-EGTA and a PI3K inhibitor LY294002 resulted in reduction of phosphorylation levels of AKT and GSK3 and expression of Osterix, Osteomodulin and Osteoglycin. Furthermore, utilizing an N-cadherin blocking antibody resulted in reduced AKT signaling and Osterix gene expression, suggesting that osteoblast junction formation is linked to activation of PI3K signaling, which leads to osteoblast differentiation. To further explore the strength of this linkage, we utilized a conditional knockout approach using Dermo1cre to delete β-catenin and PTEN, two important proteins known to be essential for adherens junctions and PI3K signaling, respectively. In the absence of β-catenin, we observed a decrease in adherens junctions and AKT signaling in the perichondrium. PTEN deletion, on the other hand, increased the number of cells expressing N-cadherin in the perichondrium. These observations show that N-cadherin mediated junctions between osteoblasts are needed for osteoblast gene transcription.
Parasitic modeling and analysis for a 1-Gb/s CMOS laser driver

A differential laser driver (LD) operating at 1 Gb/s has been designed and tested using NSC 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. The effect of simultaneous switching noise caused by packaging parasitic was addressed and the parasitic model was developed to predict the exact behavior of circuit performance. With the developed parasitic model, the LD simulation results showed the degradation of the output signal. Thus, the effectiveness of the decoupling capacitor was suggested and investigated through the LD design. However, the test results did not match with the expected results due to the parasitic in the input and output nodes. Hence, the back-annotated analysis was performed with the developed parasitic models and the simulated output of the LD matched with that of the tested results.
Classification of Nonexpansive Symmetric Extension Transforms for Multirate Filter Banks

Abstract This paper describes and classifies a family of invertible discrete-time signal transforms, referred to assymmetric extension transforms(SET's), for finite-length signals. SET's are algorithms for applying perfect reconstruction multirate filter banks to symmetric extensions of finite-length signals, thereby avoiding the boundary artifacts introduced by simple periodic extension. A key point is when such symmetric decompositions can be formed with no increase in data storage requirements (“nonexpansive decompositions”). Transforms based on three types of symmetric extension and four classes of linear phase filters are analyzed in terms of their memory requirements for generalM-channel perfect reconstruction filter banks. The classification is shown to be complete in the sense that it contains all possible nonexpansive SET's. Completeness is then used to deduce design constraints on the construction of nonexpansiveM-channel SET's, including new obstructions to the existence of certain classes of filter banks. This paper also forms the principal technical reference on the SET algorithms incorporated in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's digital fingerprint image coding standard.
Antimicrobial efficacy and light stability of N-halamine siloxanes bound to cotton

N-halamine silane syntheses and coatings of cotton fabrics as siloxanes were addressed for a series of silanes. The coated fabrics were chlorinated by exposure to dilute sodium hypochlorite with a range of chlorine loadings from 0.20% to 0.26%. Two types of N–Cl moieties were involved in the N-halamine siloxanes, amine and amide. The siloxane-coated cotton swatches were very effective in inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus, each in 10 min contact time. The N–Cl bond and compound stabilities under UV irradiation and ambient light exposure were also investigated. Both UV and laboratory light stability tests show that most of the chlorine on cotton coated with 3-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione could be regenerated after irradiation, while most of the lost chlorine from 5,5-dimethyl-3-(3′-triethoxysilylpropyl)hydantoin and 4-[3-triethoxysilylpropoxyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine could not be recovered upon rechlorination.
Empiric Use of Aminoglycosides in Hospitals

Excerpt To the editor: Amikacin, a semisynthetic derivative of kanamycin A, was approved for unrestricted clinical use in 1976 and is considered the antibiotic of choice for use against infections ...
Vaccine finance resources for physicians.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has created numerous resources to help practices understand their costs to immunize and to lower those costs. This article lists those resources, as well as resources related to vaccine safety and storage and handling. ### Rationale Pediatricians must be savvy about the business aspects of their practices. The following resources facilitate calculating, understanding, and improving pricing, contracts, and coding. ### Know Your Costs #### Vaccines: A Survival Guide for Pediatric Practices (www.aap.org/immunization/pediatricians/pdf/Vacc\_survival\_insert.pdf) This resource helps practices determine their costs to immunize. Knowing costs is essential for negotiating favorable contracts. #### The Business Case for Pricing Vaccines and Immunization Administration (www.aap.org/immunization/pediatricians/pdf/TheBusinessCase.pdf) The Business Case estimates that 17% to 28% above vaccine product costs is needed to cover overhead costs. Recent studies with multiple pediatric and family practices found overhead costs in the same range. If determination of actual practice costs to vaccinate is prohibitive, then the estimates from this document can be used instead. #### Private-Sector Vaccine Price List (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/cdc-vac-price-list.htm) Costs can be checked against the manufacturer's catalog price listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ### Lower Your Costs #### Immunization Best Business Practices PediaLink Module (http://tinyurl.com/yzbm9nw) Preliminary data show wide variability in what it costs practices to immunize. The AAP recognizes that small practices may have trouble negotiating better reimbursement, and this module can help practices find ways to reduce costs, from ordering to administering vaccines. #### List of Group Purchasing Organizations (http://practice.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=2381) Group purchasing organizations combine buying power from multiple units, such as hospitals and smaller pediatric practices, to obtain better pricing for vaccines. The AAP has been collecting information on group purchasing organizations that report working with pediatricians, and Practice Management Online contains information … Address correspondence to Elizabeth Sobczyk, MPH, MSW, American Academy of Pediatrics, Immunization Initiatives, Division of Pediatric Practice, 141 Northwest Point Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. E-mail: esobczyk{at}aap.org
Regulation of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 by TAS3 ta-siRNA Affects Developmental Timing and Patterning in Arabidopsis

Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and trans -acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs) in plants form through distinct pathways, although they function as negative regulators of mRNA targets by similar mechanisms [1–7]. Three ta-siRNA gene families ( TAS1 , TAS2 , and TAS3 ) are known in Arabidopsis thaliana . Biogenesis of TAS3 ta-siRNAs, which target mRNAs encoding several AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (including ARF3/ETTIN and ARF4 [1, 8]) involves miR390-guided processing of primary transcripts, conversion of a precursor to dsRNA through RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE6 (RDR6) activity, and sequential DICER-LIKE4 (DCL4)-mediated cleavage events. We show that the juvenile-to-adult phase transition is normally suppressed by TAS3 ta-siRNAs, in an ARGONAUTE7-dependent manner, through negative regulation of ARF3 mRNA. Expression of a nontargeted ARF3 mutant ( ARF3mut ) in a wild-type background reproduced the phase-change phenotypes detected in rdr6-15 and dcl4-2 mutants, which lose all ta-siRNAs. Expression of either ARF3 or ARF3mut in rdr6-15 plants, in which both endogenous and transgenic copies of ARF3 were derepressed, resulted in further acceleration of phase change and severe morphological and patterning defects of leaves and floral organs. In light of the functions of ARF3 and ARF4 in organ asymmetry, these data reveal multiple roles for TAS3 ta-siRNA-mediated regulation of ARF genes in developmental timing and patterning.
Decreased Verbal Memory Associated with Anticholinergic Treatment in Parkinson's Disease Patients

The effects of chronic administration of the anticholinergic agent, benztropine mesylate (CogentinTM), on specific verbal memory were investigated as part of a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind crossover study to determine the clinical efficiency of CogentinTM as an adjuvant therapy with SinemetTM in Parkinson's disease. Twenty-nine males with clinically definite idiopathic Parkinson's disease participated in the trial. They were tested for acquisition of new word lists, and on four other cognitive tests before, during, between, and after two 10-week trial periods when they received either increasing doses of CogentinTM (maximum 2 mg) or placebo while on a maintenance dose of SinemetTM. Patients showed a statistically significant decrease (5-10%) in word list acquisition while on CogentinTM. The anticholinergic memory effect was unrelated to the degree of improvec clinical efficacy of CogentinTM for Parkinsonism, and to initial word list acquisition ability. Verbal memory findings indicate that c...
Early results from AIRS/AMSU/HSB

AIRS was launched on EOS Aqua on May 5, 2002, together with AMSU A and HSB, to form a next generation polar orbiting infiared and microwave atmospheric sounding system. The primary products of AIRS/AMSU/HSB are twice daily global fields of atmospheric temperature-humidity profiles, ozone profiles, sea/land surface skin temperature, and cloud related parameters including OLR. The sounding goals of AIRS are to produce 1 km tropospheric layer mean temperatures with an rms error of lK, and layer precipitable water with an rms error of 20%, in cases with up to 80% effective cloud cover. Pre-launch simulation studies indicated that these results should be achievable. Minor modifications have been made to the pre-launch retrieval algorithm as described in this paper. Sample fields of parameters retrieved from AIRS/AMSU/HSB data are presented and validated as a function of retrieved fractional cloud cover. As in simulation, the degradation of retrieval accuracy with increasing cloud cover is small. Select fields are also compared to those contained in the ECMWF analysis, done without the benefit of AIRS data, to demonstrate information that AIRS can add to that already contained in the ECMWF analysis.
Biochemical comparison of the T6 antigen and HLA-A,B antigens

Abstract The human thymic differentiation antigen T6, which was found to be associated with β 2 -microglobulin, was compared to the HLA-A,B antigens. Using a heteroantiserum prepared against denatured heavy chains of HLA-A,B antigens, no cross-reactivity with denatured T6 could be detected. The molecular weight of the protein backbone of T6 was found to be 34,000 as compared to 40,000 for the HLA-A,B antigens. Also, not only was the percentage of carbohydrate of T6 (25–35%) different from the HLA-A,B antigens (10%), but lectin binding studies showed that their sugar composition may differ. The two forms of T6, which previously had been found on MOLT-4 cells, appeared to have different levels of glycosylation, but apparently had the same protein backbone. T6, like HLA, has a hydrophobic domain, since it could be labeled with { 125 I}iodonaphthylazide. We conclude from these studies that T6 may be a class I MHC antigen which is different from the classical HLA-A,B antigens.
Contributions to the Life History of the Humpback Whitefish in Alaska

Abstract Modal gill raker counts of Coregonus pidschian from various areas of Alaska ranged from 21 to 26, with populations of coastal streams having lower counts. Humpback whitefish are mainly distributed north of the Alaska Range and are found in lakes, streams, and brackish water. Feeding migrations into lake and slough areas of many Alaskan waters occur soon after ice breakup, with an outmigration occurring during freeze-up. Many spawning populations migrate upstream during summer and fall and spawn in upper reaches of rivers. Spawning generally occurs during late September and October over gravel bottoms. Humpback whitefish studied reached 540 mm fork length and age XIV. Populations from interior Alaska waters grow faster than coastal populations, with Chatanika River fish reaching 442 mm at age VIII. First maturity is usually reached between ages V and VII. Main utilization of the humpback whitefish in Alaska is for subsistence but small commercial and sport fisheries exist in interior Alaska.
The Influence of Gender and Self-Efficacy on Healthy Eating in a Low-Income Urban Population Affected by Structural Changes to the Food Environment

Although U.S. obesity prevention efforts have begun to implement a variety of system and environmental change strategies to address the underlying socioecological barriers to healthy eating, factors which can impede or facilitate community acceptance of such interventions are often poorly understood. This is due, in part, to the paucity of subpopulation health data that are available to help guide local planning and decision-making. We contribute to this gap in practice by examining area-specific health data for a population targeted by federally funded nutrition interventions in Los Angeles County. Using data from a local health assessment that collected information on sociodemographics, self-reported health behaviors, and objectively measured height, weight, and blood pressure for a subset of low-income adults (n = 720), we compared health risks and predictors of healthy eating across at-risk groups using multivariable modeling analyses. Our main findings indicate being a woman and having high self-efficacy in reading Nutrition Facts labels were strong predictors of healthy eating (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that intervening with women may help increase the reach of these nutrition interventions, and that improving self-efficacy in healthy eating through public education and/or by other means can help prime at-risk groups to accept and take advantage of these food environment changes.
THE ANNUAL MEETING: A FOUR YEAR STUDY

Professional organizations have a responsibility for program evaluation. This paper describes a method and reports evaluative data from 4 annual pediatric meetings. Three components were assessed: a general plenary session, special topic sessions, and workshops. Data from 2,008 evaluations were analyzed. General and special topic presentations were assessed for the following factors: method, appropriateness, organization, quality of visual aides, and adequacy of data base. Special topic sessions were also evaluated for: over-all quality, performance of the moderator, and opportunity for discussion. Workshop content was evaluated using 3 factors: quality, currentness, and relevance. Assessment of participant satisfaction was based on the following 9 descriptives: rewarding, encouraging, educational, should be repeated, organized, helpful, at participant's level, met participant's needs, and group orientation. Content evaluation was also accomplished by evaluator identification of major points made by the presenter or workshop leader. General and special topic presentations were judged “good” with an average score of 3.0 based on a scale of 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). Workshop satisfaction and content were both judged “good” with respective average scores of 3.9 and 4.0 on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Results are being used to effect changes in abstract selection, performance of participants, planning future conventions, and improvements in evaluation method.
Experimental study of local thermal non-equilibrium phenomena during phase change in porous media

This study presents a systematic experimental method of estimating the extent of the phase front under the local thermal non-equilibrium condition in porous media saturated with phase change materials (PCM). It describes a comparison of measured temperature of the solid matrix at pre-selected sites with the average pore temperature in order to substantiate the existence of the local thermal non-equilibrium condition. Also, the measured data are compared with the theoretical predictions reported in the literature. The agreement between the experimental and theoretical prediction is highly satisfactory. The results clearly show that, early during the phase change process, the Sparrow number is relatively small and the solid matrix is not at the local thermal equilibrium with the pore materials. At larger time, the Sparrow number rapidly increases and the system approaches the local thermal equilibrium condition.
Diet and children's behavior disorders: A review of the research

Abstract Research investigating the relationship between diet and children's behavior disorders was reviewed. Controlled and double-blind challenge studies were evaluated, and the issues of toxic effects, allergy effects, and idiosyncratic responses discussed. The evaluation of the research suggests that there is only a small subgroup of children affected by changes in diet and not the large group of children claimed by Feingold and others. The need for further research to identify such children and the need for controlled studies to investigate the relationship between sugar consumption and behavior problems are addressed.
Hispanic women's beliefs about breast cancer and mammography.

Although breast cancer rates are lower among Hispanic women than among White women, Hispanics are more likely to die from this disease if they do get it. This may be related to the fact that Hispanic women are less likely to participate in mammographic screening. This study used a two-stage decision
Reaction-time and response dynamics

The experiments reported were designed to examine the relationship between reaction time and the response dynamics of a finger-press task. Experiments 1 and 2 manipulated force duration and peak fo...
Long‐term Effects of Micronized Alloderm Injection for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Objectives: Micronized Alloderm (Cymetra) is a relatively new product used for vocal fold augmentation. Previous studies evaluating possible long-term effectiveness of this product have shown mixed results. The objective of this present study is to reassess possible long-term results of Cymetra injection laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis. Study Design: Retrospective review of patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis who received Cymetra injection laryngoplasty between March 2001 and March 2004. Methods: Preoperative voice samples and videostroboscopic findings were compared with the most recently available postoperative data to assess efficacy of the procedure. A panel of voice experts analyzed both vocal and vibratory function in these samples. In addition, pre- and postoperative voice-related quality of life measures and patients' self-ratings of voice outcomes were compared. Results: Twenty patients (7 male, 13 female; 14 with left-sided paralysis, 6 with right-sided paralysis) were identified in the study population. Cymetra injection was performed an average of 45.1 months after onset of vocal fold paralysis (range –216 months), and average follow-up postinjection was 11.2 (range –35) months. Comparing pre- and postoperative measures, voice quality (P < .0001), glottal closure (P < .0001), and degree of vocal fold bowing (P < .0001) were all improved by injection. Quality of life measures and patients' self-perceptions of vocal quality were also improved (P < .01). Fifteen (75%) patients showed long-lasting results. Eight patients showed improvement for more than 12 months after injection. Conclusion: Cymetra injection laryngoplasty offers improved vocal and vibratory function to patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis. The benefits of such medialization may be longer lasting than previously reported, and further long-term study is warranted.
Le Monde, French Secular Republicanism and `The Mohammed Cartoons Affair' Journalistic `Re-Presentation' of the Sacred Right to Offend

/ This article explores how France's leading newspaper, Le Monde , `re-presented', or presented anew, French secular republican ideology and the right of free expression at the height of the `affai...
Intra-articular hip injections for lateral hip pain

Occult intra-articular hip pathology is commonly found in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and may be a possible pain generator in patients with recalcitrant lateral hip pain. We investigated the effect of intra-articular hip injections in patients with recalcitrant lateral hip pain. Between September 2012 and May 2013, patients over the age of 18 with a history lateral hip pain who had received prior treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and peritrochanteric corticostroid injections were enrolled. Treatment consisted of an ultrasound guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection followed by a course of directed physical therapy and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients performed GaitRite analysis at baseline and 12 weeks following the injection. In addition, the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Scores (HOS), Short Form 36 (SF-36) and a visual analogue pain score (VAS) were collected at baseline, 1, 6 and 12 weeks.A total of 16 patients were studied. Patients experienced significant improvements from their baseline mHHS at 1 and 12 weeks (P = 0.03, P = 0.04). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was exceeded at multiple timepoints on various clinical outcome surveys. Velocity and stride length were not significantly improved at 12 weeks. Intra-articular hip injections may decrease pain and improve function in patients with recalcitrant lateral hip pain, and occult intra-articular hip pathology should be considered in the etiology of lateral hip pain. Though low enrollment numbers left this study underpowered, MCID comparisons demonstrated potential benefit from this treatment.
Legal Standing for Animals and Advocates

For animal advocates, one of the most significant barriers to the courtroom is standing. In order to litigate on behalf of an animal’s interests in federal court, the advocate must first establish standing by meeting three requirements: (1) the plaintiff must have suffered an injury in fact, (2) the injury must be causally connected to the act about which the plaintiff is complaining, and (3) the court must be able to redress the injury. When it comes to non-human animals, how does an advocate demonstrate an injury to establish standing? In this panel, experts in animal litigation discuss the concept of establishing legal standing for animals and animal advocates; the panelists’ own experiences, including specific cases and creative methods used; and the future of legal standing for animals.
Individualizing therapy for oropharyngeal cancer patients.

. While traditional prognostic factors, such as tumor extent and size, typically dictate the choice of therapy and its intensity, in recent years, additional powerful prog-nostic factors have emerged that can add to our ability to individualize therapy. In addition, new treatment modalities, including new chemotherapeutic agents and strategies for using chemotherapy, new targeted treatments and new radiotherapy treatment modalities, such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), pro-vide us with means to tailor treatment to these prognostic factors. This editorial will concentrate on recently recognized specific prognostic factors for oropharyngeal can-cer (OPC), and on new radiotherapy tech-niques, as examples of the need, as well as the ability, to individualize therapy of head and neck cancer.
Simulation Techniques for Evaluating Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is unique in its ability to reflect contrast on the basis of several different mechanisms. The signal is related to the hydrogen density, N(H), and the rates of relaxation, T1 and T2. Each of these factors can be exploited individually to provide contrast. The direct dependence of signal on the number of spins present, i.e., the hydrogen density, is obvious. The relationships involving T1 and T2 are less intuitive and in some sense reflect competing behaviors. T1 involves a regrowth of magnetization; T2 represents a decay.
Tradeoffs between synchronization, communication, and computation in parallel linear algebra computations

This paper derives tradeoffs between three basic costs of a parallel algorithm: synchronization, data movement, and computational cost. These tradeoffs are lower bounds on the execution time of the algorithm which are independent of the number of processors, but dependent on the problem size. Therefore, they provide lower bounds on the parallel execution time of any algorithm computed by a system composed of any number of homogeneous components, each with associated computational, communication, and synchronization payloads. We employ a theoretical model counts the amount of work and data movement as a maximum of any execution path during the parallel computation. By considering this metric, rather than the total communication volume over the whole machine, we obtain new insights into the characteristics of parallel schedules for algorithms with non-trivial dependency structures. We also present reductions from BSP and LogP algorithms to our execution model, extending our lower bounds to these two models of parallel computation. We first develop our results for general dependency graphs and hypergraphs based on their expansion properties, then we apply the theorem to a number of specific algorithms in numerical linear algebra, namely triangular substitution, Gaussian elimination, and Krylov subspace methods. Our lower bound for LU factorization demonstrates the optimality of Tiskin's LU algorithm answering an open question posed in his paper, as well as of the 2.5D LU algorithm which has analogous costs. We treat the computations in a general manner by noting that the computations share a similar dependency hypergraph structure and analyzing the communication requirements of lattice hypergraph structures.