cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metrics for image-based modeling of target acquisition

This paper presents an image-based system performance model. The image-based system model uses an image metric to compare a given degraded image of a target, as seen through the modeled system, to the set of possible targets in the target set. This is repeated for all possible targets to generate a confusion matrix. The confusion matrix is used to determine the probability of identifying a target from the target set when using a particular system in a particular set of conditions. The image metric used in the image-based model should correspond closely to human performance. The image-based model performance is compared to human perception data on Contrast Threshold Function (CTF) tests, naked eye Triangle Orientation Discrimination (TOD), and TOD including an infrared camera system. Image-based system performance modeling is useful because it allows modeling of arbitrary image processing. Modern camera systems include more complex image processing, much of which is nonlinear. Existing linear system models, such as the TTP metric model implemented in NVESD models such as NV-IPM, assume that the entire system is linear and shift invariant (LSI). The LSI assumption makes modeling nonlinear processes difficult, such as local area processing/contrast enhancement (LAP/LACE), turbulence reduction, and image fusion.
Imaginary part of the gravitational action at asymptotic boundaries and horizons

We study the imaginary part of the Lorentzian gravitational action for bounded regions, as described in previous work [Y. Neiman, arXiv:1301.7041]. By comparison to a Euclidean calculation, we explain the agreement between the formula for this imaginary part and the formula for black hole entropy. We also clarify the topological structure of the imaginary part in Lovelock gravity. We then evaluate the action's imaginary part for some special regions. These include cylindrical slabs spanning the exterior of a stationary black hole spacetime and ``maximal diamonds'' in various symmetric spacetimes, as well as local near-horizon regions. In the first setup, the black hole's entropy and conserved charges contribute to the action's imaginary and real parts, respectively. In the other two setups, the imaginary part coincides with the relevant entropy.
Biodiesel production via peanut oil extraction using diesel-based reverse-micellar microemulsions

Abstract Vegetable oils have been studied as a feasible substitute for diesel fuel, and short term tests using neat vegetable oils have shown results comparable to those of diesel fuel. However, engine problems arise due to the high oil viscosity after long-term usage. Vegetable oil/diesel blending as biodiesel fuel has been shown to be one technique to reduce vegetable oil viscosity. The goal of this research is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing this biodiesel fuel via vegetable oil extraction using diesel-based reverse-micellar microemulsions as an extraction solvent. In this extraction technique, peanut oil is directly extracted into the oil phase of the microemulsion based on the “likes dissolve likes” principle and the product of the extraction process is peanut oil/diesel blend. The results show that diesel-based reverse micellar extract oil from peanuts more effectively than both diesel and hexane alone under the same extraction condition. An extraction efficiency of 95% was achieved at room temperature and short extraction time of 10 min in just a single extraction step. The extracted peanut oil/diesel blend was tested for peanut oil fraction, viscosity, cloud point and pour point, which all meet the requirements for biodiesel fuel.
Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Demonstrated Cardiogenic Potential in Indirect Co-culture with Human Cardiac Cells

Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) have been shown to be broadly multipotent and non-tumorogenic. Previous studies of direct mixing of AFSC and neonatal rat ventricle myocytes indicated evidence of AFSC cardiogenesis. In this study, we examined human AFSC cardiogenic potential in indirect co-culture with human cardiac cells in conditions that eliminated the possibility of cell fusion. Human AFSC in contact with human cardiac cells showed expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in immunohistochemistry, and no evidence of cell fusion was found through fluorescent in situ hybridization. When indirectly co-cultured with cardiac cells, human AFSC in contact with cardiac cells across a thin porous membrane showed a statistically significant increase in cTnT expression compared to non-contact conditions but lacked upregulation of calcium modulating proteins and did not have functional or morphological characteristics of mature cardiomyocytes. This suggests that contact is a necessary but not sufficient condition for AFSC cardiac differentiation in co-culture with cardiac cells.
Lincoln and the American Manifesto – By Allen Jayne

Although the author wants to give the impression that this book is about Abraham Lincoln's understanding of the Declaration of Independence (hence the title), it starts to disappoint the reader on ...
Use of the thermal lens effect at TC = 855K in Ba2NaNb5O15 to measure order parameter evolution

Abstract By measuring the beam divergence θ (T) as a function of temperature in the recently discovered thermal lens effect in ferroelectrics (J. F. Scott et al., Phys. Rev. B, in press, 1989), we have been able to determine preliminary values of the critical exponent β. We find that 2β = 0.50 ± 0.05 in agreement with mean field predictions. We also find an unexpected deviation from mean field within ∼ 5K of TC. This is probably due to defect mechanisms and agrees quantitatively with birefringence results elsewhere (E. Salje, U. Bismayer, and M. Jansen, J. Phys. C20, 3613 (1987); I. G. Wood and A. M. Glazer, J. Appl. Cryst. 13, 217 (1980)).
Acrylamide neurotoxicity in the mouse: A behavioral, electrophysiological and morphological study

The development of acrylamide induced neurotoxicity was followed for 3 weeks in the mouse by behavioral testing, determination of conduction velocities and electron microscopic examination of peripheral nerves. Neurotoxic signs began to appear during the second week of treatment. A condition of severe intoxication developed within 21 days. Behavioral assessment for neurological deficits proved to be more sensitive than sensory or motor conduction velocity determinations either in isolated preparations or in situ. In general, such electrophysiological determinations did not result in reproducible, statistically significant, differences from control animals until the third week of acrylamide administration. However, there was a suggestion that temperature reduction may provide a provocative change to increase the sensitivity of such electrophysiological measurements. Electron microscopic examination of the nerves of severely poisoned animals revealed myelin corrugation and delamination to be the most consistent damage. Acrylamide appeared to produce a nonselective attack since degenerating fibers were found intermingled with almost normal fibers of approximately the same diameter. In general, the production of neurotoxicity in the mouse closely resembled that seen in the rat but some differences were noted.
Distinctive modulation of ethanol place preference by delta opioid receptor-selective agonists.

Background Naltrexone is one of the few drugs approved by the Federal Drug Administration for the treatment of alcoholism. However, naltrexone is only effective in a subpopulation of treatment-seeking alcohol abusers, and suffers from compliance issues. The non-selective nature of this opioid antagonist likely contributes to its side effects and poor therapeutic efficacy. Drugs selectively targeting delta opioid receptor subtypes offer a potential way to treat alcohol abuse disorders. We have recently shown that delta subtype-selective agonists TAN-67 and SNC80 can have opposing effects on alcohol consumption, while having similar effects on alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety.
Steroid receptor specificity with reference to the estrogen receptor

A variety of mechanisms are used by individual cells to modulate the response of specific genes to steroid hormones. In addition to the classical presence or absence of a steroid nuclear receptor, there are several mechanisms for determining tissue specificity: (i) changes in the receptor structure induced by different ligands, (ii) the role of specific transcription factors, (iii) the presence of alternate steroid hormone DNA binding sites which preferentially interact with some but not all members of a particular class, and (iv) the presence of extra receptor enzyme systems which can modify the steroid before it can interact with its nuclear receptor. All these mechanisms participate in turning a potentially homogeneous response system into a very heterogeneous one with a high degree of tissue and substrate specificity. Most of these mechanisms are involved in modifying the reponse of an individual tissue to estrogen agonists and antagonists.
Which trees are link graphs

is called a link graph. We investigate the trees of order p < 9 to see which are link graphs. Group theoretic methods are used to obtain constructions of graphs G with constant link L for certain trees L. Necessary conditions are derived for the existence of a graph having a given graph L as its constant link. These conditions show that many trees are not link graphs. An example is given to show that a connected graph with constant link need not be point symmetric.
Pluripotent stem cell heterogeneity and the evolving role of proteomic technologies in stem cell biology

Stem cells represent obvious choices for regenerative medicine and are invaluable for studies of human development and drug testing. The proteomic landscape of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), in particular, is not yet clearly defined; consequently, this field of research would greatly benefit from concerted efforts designed to better characterize these cells. In this concise review, we provide an overview of stem cell potency, highlight the types and practical implications of heterogeneity in PSCs and provide a detailed analysis of the current view of the pluripotent proteome in a unique resource for this rapidly evolving field. Our goal in this review is to provide specific insights into the current status of the known proteome of both mouse and human PSCs. This has been accomplished by integrating published data into a unified PSC proteome to facilitate the identification of proteins, which may be informative for the stem cell state as well as to reveal areas where our current view is limited. These analyses provide insight into the challenges faced in the proteomic analysis of PSCs and reveal one area--the cell surface subproteome--that would especially benefit from enhanced research efforts.
A Sparse Matrix Algorithm on the Boolean Vector Machine

The Boolean Vector Machine (BVM) is a large network of extremely small processors with very small memories operating in SIMD mode using bit-serial arithmetic. Individual processors communicate via a hardware implementation of the Cube Connected Cycles (CCC) network. A prototype BVM with 2048 processing elements, each with 200 binary bits of memory, is currently being built using VLSI technology. The BVM''s bit-serial arithmetic and the small memories of individual processors are apparently a drawback to its effectiveness when applied to large numerical problems. In this paper we relate our experiences in implementing a basic matrix-vector iteration algorithm for sparse matrices on the BVM. We show that a $2^{20}$ PE BVM can deliver over 1 billion $(10^9)$ useful floating point operations per second for this problem. The algorithm is expressed in a new language (BVL) which has been defined for programming the BVM.
Mechanical dyssynchrony from the perspective of a cardiac electrophysiologist.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been shown to improve survival, quality of life, exercise capacity, left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class in patients with a prolonged QRS and moderate-to-severe heart failure resistant to optimal medical treatment. This patient population has an approximately 30-40% nonresponder rate to cardiac resynchronization therapy. It has been proposed that the use of echocardiographic imaging could be a more specific marker of intraventricular conduction delay rather than the surrogate marker of electrical delay demonstrated by prolonged QRS duration. RECENT FINDINGS Recent clinical trials have evaluated not only how well imaging predicts dyssynchrony (Predictors of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy--PROSPECT) but also clinical outcomes in patients with dyssynchrony and narrow QRS duration (resynchronization therapy in narrow QRS--RETHINQ, evaluation of CRT in narrow QRS patients with mechanical dyssynchrony from a multicenter study--ESTEEM-CRT). The former trial failed to demonstrate a single reliable parameter for predicting dyssynchrony, whereas the latter trials did not demonstrate a clinical benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with narrow QRS and evidence of dyssynchrony. SUMMARY Results of recent clinical trials have challenged the applicability of contemporary echocardiographic techniques in evaluating dyssynchrony to clinical practice at the present time. Currently the optimal lead position is a lateral or posterolateral position with reasonable capture threshold and lack of diaphragm stimulation. With the refining of echocardiographic techniques and technology, perhaps areas of greatest delay may be targeted and used for guiding lead placement.
Integrating an Obesity Simulation into Baccalaureate Nursing Education

Abstract As obesity becomes more prevalent, it is vital that student nurses understand the impact of obesity and have the tools and resources necessary to provide comprehensive patient care. This article describes the use of an evolving case study that combines a problem-based learning approach with standardized patient simulation as a unique method for the delivery of obesity education in a baccalaureate nursing program. Learners apply theoretical knowledge to a clinical scenario, which can enhance the ability to manage complex clinical situations. This teaching strategy broadens the traditional classroom approach to encourage learning that goes beyond understanding content and additionally focuses on the development of problem-solving skills. Additionally, the educational format aided the students in understanding the chronic nature of obesity and the challenges, both physical and psychological, that patients face. A simulation storyboard is presented to outline the details of the simulation and align the simulation with learning objectives. Teaching-learning strategies and evaluation methods for each stage of the simulation are described.
Macro-structural influences on child development and the need for childhood social indicators.

Dr. Brim was President of the American Orthopsychiatric Association, 1974–75. This address was presented at the Presidential Session of the Association's 1975 annual meeting, in Washington, D.C.
Relationship-specific alcohol expectancies and relationship-drinking contexts: reciprocal influence and gender-specific effects over the first 9 years of marriage.

Previous research has suggested that individuals in romantic relationships hold beliefs about the effects of relationship-drinking contexts (e.g., drinking with one’s partner) on later relationship functioning, as well as the effects of relationship functioning on later relationship-drinking contexts, and that these reciprocal effects may be stronger among women compared to men. However, little research has directly examined relationship-specific alcohol expectancies, and no studies have tested the reciprocal associations between these expectancies and the extent of drinking in specific relationship contexts. The current study examined these reciprocal effects by testing time-lagged multilevel models using data from a community sample of 470 married couples across the first 9 years of marriage. As expected, results showed reciprocal effects between intimacy and social expectancies, respectively, and the extent of drinking-with-partner when both partners were drinking, which appeared to be adaptive mechanisms for relationships. Also as expected, some of these effects differed or were stronger for wives compared to husbands. Unexpectedly, reciprocal effects were also found between power expectancies and the extent of drinking apart from one’s partner, which appeared to be maladaptive mechanisms for relationships. The current study supports and extends previous research on alcohol use in romantic relationships by showing how relationship-specific alcohol expectancies influence and are influenced from relationship-drinking contexts, and which processes might be adaptive vs. maladaptive for romantic relationships. Implications for future research and theory are discussed.
Rapid release tablet formulation of micronized danazol powder produced by spray-freezing into liquid (SFL)

To prepare a rapid release tablet formulation containing SFL micronized powders by direct compression and to investigate the effects of SFL powder compositions and tabletting excipient compositions on drug release. Three SFL micronized powder formulations were studied including danazol/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-15 (2:1), danazol/PVP K-15/poloxamer 407 (4:1:1), and danazol/PVP K-15/sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (4:1:1). The physicochemical properties of SFL micronized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area analysis, contact angle, and dissolution. Five tablet formulations containing SFL micronized powders were investigated. The excipients used in the study included microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose. Tablets containing SFL micronized powder were analyzed for hardness, disintegration, friability, and dissolution. XRD results indicated that danazol was amorphous regardless of excipient type used in the SFL micronized powder. The surface area of SFL danazol/PVP K-15 powder, 79.9 m 2 /g, exceeded that of danazol/PVP K-15/SLS (48.0 m 2 /g) and danazol/poloxamer 407 (30.0 m 2 /g). Each of these powders exhibited similar and significantly enhanced dissolution rates compared to the micronized crystalline danazol. A rapid release tablet formulation containing SFL danazol/PVP K-15/SLS (4:1:1) was developed. The dissolution rate of micronized crystalline danazol control from the tablet was slow; only 40% of danazol dissolved in 10 min. However, 94% dissolved in only 10 min from tablets containing SFL micronized danazol/PVP K-15/SLS powder. This rapid dissolution rate was similar to the value for the SFL danazol/PVP K-15/SLS powder prior to tableting. Amorphous SFL powders with high glass transition temperatures (T g ), were physically stable during the direct compression process, based on dissolution rates and DSC measurements. Direct compression tablet formulation of SFL amorphous micronized powder led to desirable mechanical properties and a very rapid release profile approaching that of the SFL powder before tableting. A high T g excipient was utilized to prevent crystallization of the danazol during the process.
Are women underrepresented as authors and editors of Educational Psychology journals

Abstract To determine the progress women have made in the last 20 years in terms of contributions to the knowledge base (i.e., authorship) and reputations as leading contributors (i.e., appointments as editors and editorial board members) in educational psychology, we analyzed data from six journals: theAmerican Educational Research Journal, Contemporary Educational Psychology,theEducational Psychologist, Educational Psychology Review,theJournal of Experimental Education,and theJournal of Educational Psychology.Results indicated that (a) women's progress in terms of authorships could be predicted by their increasing representation as educational psychologists, (b) opportunities for females to become editorial board members seem to be getting better, and (c) opportunities for females to become editors seem to be getting worse.
Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin production in pre-cooked tuna meat

This study investigated growth of enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus and time–temperature combinations needed for enterotoxin production in pre-cooked tuna meat. Frozen samples (50 ± 5 g) of pre-cooked albacore tuna (loin, chunk and flake) and skipjack tuna (chunk and flake) were thawed overnight at 5–7 °C, inoculated with five strains of S. aureus (2–4 log CFU/g), and incubated at 37 and 27 °C for up to 36 h. Changes of S. aureus populations in samples during incubation were determined by plating on Baird–Parker media. Results indicate that increases in S. aureus populations varied among the 5 types of tuna samples. Incubation at 37 °C for at least 6 or 8 h was required to allow an increase in S. aureus populations by >3 log CFU/g in inoculated albacore or skipjack tuna meat. A similar increase of S. aureus counts (>3 log CFU/g) in albacore and skipjack samples required more than 8 and 10 h, respectively, when samples were incubated at 27 °C. No enterotoxin was produced in albacore or skipjack tuna meat inoculated with five strains of enterotoxin-producing S. aureus and exposed to 37 °C for 12 h or 27 °C for 16 h. All the samples showed clear sign of spoilage before enterotoxin was detected.
A crystallographic study of mercuric iodide

Abstract Mercuric iodide crystals grow from the liquid or vapor state by the spread of successive parallel layers over the crystal surface. The crystals also sublime and melt by the recession of layers. Transformation from the yellow to the red form occurs by two distinctly different mechanisms. The red transformation product has a definite and known orientation with respect to the parent lattice. The nucleation kinetics of the yellow ⇆ red transformation indicate that the interfacial energies between red-yellow, yellow-vapor, and red-vapor phases increase in that order. Approximate values for these interfacial energies are given.
Metabolic control and auditory information processing at altered glucose levels in insulin-dependent diabetes

Previous work with a visual reaction time (RT) paradigm showed rate of mental processing to be slowed during a state of brain energy depletion (i.e., hypoglycemia). The present study employed an analog auditory RT paradigm to determine if modality differences in processing information might occur in response to glucose alteration. A balanced crossover design was used in which men with insulin-dependent diabetes completed RT tasks of increasing complexity at each of the following glucose levels: hypoglycemia (60 mg/dL), normoglycemia/control (110 mg/dL), and hyperglycemia (300 mg/dL). Results revealed two performance groups. A convergent group displayed slower RT responding during hypoglycemia, consistent with the visual RT pattern of results. A divergent group displayed better responding on one RT measure during hypoglycemia, and generally poorer responding on all RT measures during the other glucose conditions. Subjects in the divergent group maintained more stringent metabolic control and tended to have experienced more episodes of hypoglycemic unconsciousness. The present results provide the first evidence that more stringent metabolic control may be related to generally slower rates of processing auditory information. Possible explanations for these findings include hypotheses of immutable structual derangement, state-dependent performance effects, and a U-shaped response curve.
Genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer disease: Motivation to obtain information and control as precursors to coping with increased risk

Abstract Objective This study investigated appraisals, including motivation, and coping preferences for undergoing Apolipoprotein E (APOE) susceptibility testing for Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods Participants were 60 adult children of individuals affected with AD enrolled in a trial investigating use and impact of APOE susceptibility testing. An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken in which participants were interviewed about their testing experience. Results Most participants viewed genetic testing as providing valuable information that could help direct future health care decisions and meet their emotional concerns about living at increased risk. Participants related their motivation for genetic testing to their worries about developing AD, preference to seek information about health threats, and need to feel in control of their health. Conclusion Even without prevention or treatment options, genetic testing may be a useful coping strategy for some at-risk individuals. Practice implications Once testing becomes clinically available, practitioners need to address the value and limitations of testing as well as appraisals and efforts to cope.
Naloxone injections into the periaqueductal grey area and arcuate nucleus block analgesia in defeated mice.

In a situation of social conflict, mice that are defeated by an opponent exhibit a marked analgesia. Microinjections of naloxone (1 or 10 μg) into the periaqueductal grey area (PAG) or into the region of the arcuate nucleus prior to the defeat prevented the emergence of analgesia. Microinjections of morphine (5 μg) into these sites had previously been shown to produce profound analgesia. Mice whose adrenals were removed rapidly developed analgesia when attacked by a stimulus animal. Injection of naloxone into PAG also antagonized defeat-induced analgesia in adrenalectomized mice. These observations indicate that sites and processes in the brain rather than in the periphery are responsible for the development of analgesia in mice that are subjected to social defeat.
Synchrotron radiation studies of CO and H 2 O adsorbed on Pt

Synchrotron radiation ($100lh\ensuremath{\nu}l190$ eV) was used for photoemission studies of CO chemisorbed and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O condensed on a Pt crystal. In this paper, we compare and contrast the features of the absorbate-metal interaction as seen at high $h\ensuremath{\nu}$ and as reflected in the photoelectron spectra of these two small molecules. We report the observation of the CO $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ orbital and the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O $2{a}_{1}$ orbital for the respective gases adsorbed on the metal surface. We find that, for the CO $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ orbital, there is an additional relaxation relative to the $4\ensuremath{\sigma}$ orbital on chemisorption similar in magnitude to the reported C and O $1s$ core-level relaxation. On the other hand, the $2{a}_{1}$ ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O molecular level, similar to the $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ in atomic character and spatial extent, shows no differential relaxation. For CO chemisorption, the $5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ undergoes a large bonding shift; however, for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, as might be expected for a condensed molecule, no bonding shifts (0.3 eV) are observed. We observe energy-loss structure between the $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and $4\ensuremath{\sigma}$ levels of CO, reminiscent of the shake-up satellites in transition-metal carbonyls. Although shake-up structure in the gas phase occurs between the $2{a}_{1}$ and the $1{b}_{2}$, no shake-up is observed in the condensed ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O.
DPCM Quantization Error Reduction For Image Coding

A method for optimally reducing the error incurred during the quantization operation in DPCM image coding is presented. The method is optimum with respect to a mean-square error criterion and is applied a posteriori. The technique is based on knowledge of the multidimensional probability density function of the DPCM difference signal. The quantizer operates on this difference signal to achieve a data compression. The coarser the quantization, the greater the compression, but also the greater the degradation of the encoded image. To minimize the degradation, a reconstruction should utilize all of the knowledge that is available about the difference samples, such as their distribution, the quantization levels, and any correlation which remains after the differencing operation. An estimation equation which embodies this information is derived and solved. The solution is applied to images which have been either DPCM or deltamodulation encoded. The resultant images have lower mean-square error and exhibit an improvement in subjective quality.
Metabolic and behavioral consequences of lidocaine-kindled seizures

Daily administration of lidocaine results in progressive increases in frequency and duration of convulsions in response to a dose of drug which was previously subconvulsive—a pharmacological kindling phenomenon. The effects of such lidocaine-kindling on local cerebral glucose utilization were determined by the 2-[14C]deoxyglucose method. Lidocaine-treated animals, in the absence of convulsions, exhibited decreased glucose utilization in most brain structures compared to saline-treated animals and showed to increase in aggressive behavior. In animals displaying lidocaine-kindled convulsions there were marked increases in glucose utilization in either the hippocampus and amygdala or in perirhinal cortical areas during the seizure administration; these animals also displayed long-lasting increases in irritable behavior. Seizure duration was positively correlated with the rate of glucose utilization in the hippocampus, amygdala and septum, but inversely correlated in several non-limbic areas. These data suggest that lidocaine-kindled seizures are highly localizes to limbic and perirhinal structures and are associated with important behavioral consequences.
Semigeostrophic Flow over Orography in a Stratified Rotating Atmosphere. Part I: Steady Three-Dimensional Solutions over Finite Ridges

Abstract Three-dimensional, steady and inviscid flow over orography is examined by means of a semigeostrophic model. A constant Coriolis parameter f, uniform potential vorticity and a uniform basic flow characterize this model, first used by Merkine and Kalnay-Rivas. It is demonstrated that the neglect of ageostrophic accelerations, which characterize a semigeostrophic model, essentially requires low Rosssby number flow Ro≲0.3, and relatively small values of the nondimensional mountain height ϵ/D ≲ 0.5, where D ∼3 × 103 m is the deformation depth. In this parameter range the disturbance potential is a solution of Laplace's equation; the atmosphere is semi-infinite and the finite-amplitude lower boundary is an isentropic surface. The basic solution, expressed in prolate spheroidal coordinates, provides disturbance flows over an isolated mountain, finite ridges, and the limiting flow over a two-dimensional ridge. A comparison between the quasi-geostrophic and semigeostrophic responses to flow over the isola...
Role of cadmium in enhancing optical properties and chlorine doping of photo-assisted OMVPE-grown ZnSe

The influence of cadmium doping in enhancing: (i) near-band edge (NBE) to deep-level emissions (DLE) photoluminescence intensity ratio, and (ii) chlorine incorporation in HCl doped ZnSe films, has been studied. The epitaxial ZnSe was grown using low-temperature photo-assisted organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) using DMSe, DMZn, and DMCd alkyl sources. More intense near band-edge emission is observed when the growth temperature is reduced from 400 to 360°C. The deep-level emissions show a threshold-like dependence on UV light intensity for a given temperature. Cadmium doping is found to improve the NBE/DLE photoluminescence intensity ratio, and this improvement is more pronounced at higher growth temperature. Properties of n-type ZnSe films codoped with cadmium and chlorine, using HCl and DMCd as dopant sources have also been investigated. Samples co-doped with Cd showed higher electron concentrations and this effect was more pronounced at lower UV intensities. By the use of Cd co-doping, we have achieved the highest electron concentrations (2.4 x 1018 cm-3) yet reported for HCl doping of OMVPE-grown ZnSe.
The Membership Problem in Jump Systems

A jump system is a set of lattice points satisfying a certain exchange axiom. This notion was introduced by Bouchet and Cunningham [2], as a common generalization of (among others) the sets of bases of a matroid and degree sequences of subgraphs of a graph. We prove, under additional assumptions, a min-max formula for the distance of a lattice point from a jump system. The conditions are met in the examples above, and so our formula contains, as special cases, Tutte'sf-factor-theorem and Edmonds' matroid intersection theorem.
Raman scattering studies of the impurity-induced ferroelectric phase transition in KTa O 3 :Li

Raman scattering and optical depolarization measurements have been employed in investigations of the phase transition induced by the substitution of lithium for potassium in KTa${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ to form ${\mathrm{K}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Li}}_{x}\mathrm{Ta}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. Lithium concentrations as high as 5.4 mol% were studied. At low concentrations, $xl~0.004$, the intensities of the disorder-induced scattering features observed for pure KTa${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ increase as the Li fraction increases. A low-frequency feature, which was previously associated with a Li resonance mode, appears to be scattering from the coupled TA and TO branches due to disorder introduced by the lithium. For $x\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.01$, a clearly defined step in the optical depolarization is observed at a temperature ${T}_{c}$ which increases rapidly with lithium concentration and reaches a value of ${T}_{c}=70$ K at $x=0.054$. The dependence on the polarization direction of the incident light indicates that a tetragonal or orthorhombic low-temperature phase is formed with $〈100〉$ symmetry axes. New Raman-active phonons are observed near and below ${T}_{c}$. The anisotropy of the energy of the extraordinary phonon expected from polar modes is not observed in the unpoled samples. Poling can be accomplished by cooling the crystals through ${T}_{c}$ with an applied electric field, after which the polar character of these phonons is observed. The lack of anisotropy in unpoled samples is the result of the presence of ferroelectric domains with diameters smaller than optical wavelengths. Additionally, the depolarization measurements imply domain sizes of at least a few thousand \AA{}. These results clearly disagree with the previous claims that ${\mathrm{K}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Li}}_{x}\mathrm{Ta}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is not ferroelectric for $xl0.24$ and that the Li centers form a polar glass at low temperatures. Finally, the presence of the lithium impurities stiffens the TO branch at the zone center, and the ferroelectric phase results from an order-disorder transition of the off-center lithium ions.
Inorganic Nanodots from Thin Films of Block Copolymers

However, most of the works still havelimitations in terms of the complexity of fabrication steps,synthesis of novel architectures, mass production withreasonable costs, and control of the morphology of the finalstructures.Recently, Russell and co-workers have reported a rapidroute by which the cylindrical nanodomains of an asymmetricpoly(styrene-co-ethyleneoxide) block copolymer (PS-b-PEO)could be oriented normal to the surface.
Kinetics of precipitation of surfactants. II. Anionic surfactant mixtures

Precipitation kinetics were measured for calcium-induced precipitation of mixtures of two anionic surfactants. The overall time required for precipitation to occur increased dramatically in specific ranges of compositions for the surfactant mixtures when compared to single components. Adsorption of the nonprecipitating surfactant onto the precipitate surface was shown to be responsible for this remarkable synergism. The higher the supersaturation of surfactant monomers, the more rapidly precipitation occurred. Under conditions where both surfactants were supersaturated, precipitation sometimes occurred in stepwise fashion, where crystals of different composition were formed with different induction times. Image analysis of the crystalline precipitate showed that crystal habit was affected when the two surfactants were mixed, indicating that processes such as adsorption and coprecipitation (most likely by inclusion) were occurring. When the crystals were allowed to age in solution for a period of 1 wk, the crystalline phase from the mixed surfactant solutions was found to separate into two types of crystals, which resembled week-old crystals formed from single surfactant systems.
Transverse relaxation in the rotating frame induced by chemical exchange.

In the presence of radiofrequency irradiation, relaxation of magnetization aligned with the effective magnetic field is characterized by the time constant T1ρ. On the other hand, the time constant T2ρ characterizes the relaxation of magnetization that is perpendicular to the effective field. Here, it is shown that T2ρ can be measured directly with Carr–Purcell sequences composed of a train of adiabatic full-passage (AFP) pulses. During adiabatic rotation, T2ρ characterizes the relaxation of the magnetization, which under adiabatic conditions remains approximately perpendicular to the time-dependent effective field. Theory is derived to describe the influence of chemical exchange on T2ρ relaxation in the fast-exchange regime, with time constant defined as T2ρ,ex. The derived theory predicts the rate constant R2ρ,ex(=1/T2ρ,ex) to be dependent on the choice of amplitude- and frequency-modulation functions used in the AFP pulses. Measurements of R2ρ,ex of the water/ethanol exchanging system confirm the predicted dependence on modulation functions. The described theoretical framework and adiabatic methods represent new tools to probe exchanging systems.
Nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes of amphibian liver. II. Changes in the protein moiety during development.

Abstract Ribonucleoprotein complexes composed of small molecular weight nuclear RNA (4–9 S) and proteins were isolated from hepatic nuclei of Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) and the protein moiety of this nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex compared during different stages of development. SDS-polyacrylamide gel analysis of premetamorphic tadpoles and adult frog nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes revealed that while the protein profiles of these two particles were very similar polypeptides of 47 000, 70 000, and 11 000 molecular weight were present in significantly higher concentrations in the frog ribonucleoprotein complexes. Comparison of the chromatin proteins isolated from these two developmental stages demonstrated that these three polypeptides of frog ribonucleoprotein were not contaminants from chromatin. Since these three polypeptides could not be preferentially extracted from the frog ribonucleoprotein complex by 0.5 M KCl or 1 M urea, it was unlikely that these polypeptides were bound nonspecifically to the ribonucleoprotein particle. Polypeptide analysis of the nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes isolated from tadpoles immersed in the thyroid hormone l -thyroxine revealed an increase in two polypeptides of 37 000 and 45 000 molecular weight during metamorphosis. The absence of reduced amount of these two polypeptides in either the premetamorphic tadpole or adult frog demonstrated that their presence in Rana catesbeiana nuclear ribonucleoprotein was transient during development and specifically associated with tadpole metamorphosis. We conclude from these experiments that the nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex is a dynamic structure during Rana catesbeiana development and that specific changes in its protein composition are associated with discrete stages of amphibian development.
Population-based study of microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Abstract Objective: To analyze lymph node status and survival rates of women with microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IA1 and IA2). Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Public-Use Database was used to identify cases of microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 1988 and 1997. Variables analyzed included stage, extent of surgery, lymph node status, radiation therapy, and age. Statistics included analysis of trends, analysis of variance, log-rank test, one-sided binomial confidence interval estimation, and power analysis. Results: Among 301 reported cases, 131 had stage IA1 and 170 IA2 disease. Simple hysterectomies were done in 54 women with IA1 and 64 with IA2 disease and radical hysterectomies were done in 50 and 83 women, respectively. Only one of 140 women who had lymphadenectomy had a single positive lymph node. There were four tumor-related deaths (one with IA1, and three with IA2 disease). There were no deaths among 96 women (47, IA1; 49, IA2) treated by simple hysterectomy alone. The mean follow-up was 46.5 months (range 1–119). The censored survival rate was 98.7% overall (99.2% IA1, 98.2% IA2). Power analysis estimated that 720 patients would be required in each group to detect a 2% difference in survival. Using one-sided 95% confidence interval estimations, the risk-adverse events rate for IA1 was no more than 3.57%, and 4.50% for IA2 disease. Conclusion: Prognosis is excellent for microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. In 96 cases (31.9%), simple hysterectomy alone proved adequate.
On the dynamics of small continuous-time recurrent neural networks

Dynamical neural networks are being increasingly employed in a variety of contexts, including as simple model nervous systems for autonomous agents. For this reason, there is a growing need for a comprehensive understanding of their dynamical properties. Using a combination of elementary analysis and numerical studies, this article begins a systematic examination of the dynamics of continuous-time recurrent neural networks. Specifically, a fairly complete description of the possible dynamical behavior and bifurcations of one- and two-neuron circuits is given, along with a few specific results for larger networks. This analysis provides both qualitative insight and, in many cases, quantitative formulas for predicting the dynamical behavior of particular circuits and how that behavior changes as network parameters are varied. These results demonstrate that even small circuits are capable of a rich variety of dynamical behavior (including chaotic dynamics). An approach to understanding the dynamics of circui...
The role of rapid-acting insulin analogues and inhaled insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract sBackground: The availability of rapid-acting insulin analogues and inhaled insulin gives clinicians additional treatmentoptions in the management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Combining rapid-acting insulin analogues with basal insulin can more closely mimic physiologic insulin release to maximize glycemic control. Objective: The objective of this article was to discuss the role of rapid-acting insulin analogues and inhaled insulin inthe treatment of patients with type 2 DM. Methods: Materials for this article were obtained through an online search of MEDLINE/PubMed and Google(1996-2006) using the search terms bolus insulin, postprandial, rapid-acting insulin analogues, titration, hypoglycemia, glycemic control, inhaled insulin, and insulins lispro, aspart, and glulisine. Results: Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels and number of all hypoglycemic episodes were similar in patients withtype 2 DM taking either mealtime rapid-acting insulin analogues or regular human insulin (RHI). Rapid-acting insulins have been successfully used in basal-bolus regimens with a variety of long- and intermediate-acting insulins, as well as with oral hypoglycemic agents. Injectable rapid-acting insulin analogues markedly decreased postprandial glucose (PPG) levels compared with RHI. Better reduction in PPG levels may be key to achieving target A1C levels in some patients, but long-term outcome studies are needed to assess whether lowering PPG levels decreases cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 DM. Inhaled insulin may be an option for patients who cannot inject insulin, but route of administration and dosing issues limit its use in many patients. The effect of inhaled insulin on PPG is unclear at this time. Conclusions: Although rapid-acting insulin analogues are effective in the management of patients with type 2 DM, the limited numbers of studies have yet to demonstrate that these agents have any significant long-term advantage compared with RHI. In addition, they cost more than RHI. Further studies are needed to compare the efficacy of the rapid-acting insulin analogues, to compare the different dosing regimens used with mealtime insulin administration, and to ascertain if the decrease in PPG levels seen with the use of rapid-acting insulin analogues translates into improved glycemic control and perhaps even a reduction in cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 DM. (Insulin. 2007;2:61-67) Copyright 2007 Excerpta Medica, Inc.
Optical properties of woven arrays of bi-component extruded polymer fibers

Directionally reflective fiber arrays were woven with polymer fibers. Fiber cross sections produced using a tricomponent fiber extruder comprised standard circular as well as right angle retro-reflection features that run the entire length of the fiber. The fiber features are formed by an extrusion process where the polymer fiber material is forced through a series of plates resulting in the cross section having the desired shape. The woven fiber arrays were evaluated for their optical properties. Results for spectral reflectivity and spatial reflectance signature properties are presented. A comparison of the results obtained for the woven fiber arrays and those obtained for bundles of similar fibers are discussed. The implementation of fiber arrays through the use of weaving techniques allows for the realization of a number of unique and useful optical effects. As evidenced by the spectral measurements, the color of the woven arrays can be controlled by a number of means: for example by the inclusion of dyes, nanoparticles, and by post-processing applications of thin films. The present work represents a logical extension of previously reported experiments with unwoven fibers with retro-reflective features1.
Racial disparities in adoption of axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymphedema risk in women with breast cancer.

Importance Racial disparities exist in many aspects of breast cancer care. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was developed to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for staging early breast cancer to minimize complications. Racial disparities in the use of SLNB remain incompletely characterized, and their effect on lymphedema risk is not known. Objective To determine racial differences in SLNB use among patients with pathologically node-negative breast cancer during the period when SLNB became the preferred method for axillary staging as well as whether such differences affect lymphedema risk. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective study was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare–linked database from 2002 through 2007 to identify cases of incident, nonmetastatic, pathologically node-negative breast cancer in women aged 66 years or older. Main Outcomes and Measures Sentinel lymph node biopsy use and 5-year cumulative incidence of lymphedema by race. Results Of 31 274 women identified, 1767 (5.6%) were black, 27 856 (89.1%) were white, and 1651 (5.3%) were of other or unknown race. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 73.7% of white patients and 62.4% of black patients ( P P P P P = .03), 12.2% in whites undergoing ALND (1.79; 1.63-1.96; P P Conclusions and Relevance Although SLNB use increased in both black and white patients with pathologically node-negative breast cancer from 2002 through 2007, the rates of SLNB remained lower in black than white patients during this entire period by approximately 12 percentage points. This racial disparity in SLNB use contributed to racial disparities in lymphedema risk. Improvements in the dissemination of new techniques are needed to avoid disparities in breast cancer care and patient outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged groups.