cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic relatedness of Pearl Grey guinea fowl and Single Comb White Leghorn chickens.

The Pearl Grey (PG) guinea fowl and the Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) chickens are considered egg layers among their species. The SCWL chicken has been developed extensively for commercial egg production whereas the PG guinea fowl is a seasonal and a poor egg producer. The objective of this study was to establish genetic relatedness of the two avian species to aid future programs of improving egg production in guinea fowl using the available resources such as genetic markers developed for the SCWL chicken. The genetic similarity between the PG guinea fowl and the SCWL chickens was evaluated using the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 220 and 185 RAPD alleles were amplified in SCWL chickens and PG guinea fowl, respectively. The alleles ranged in size from 150-2650 and 200-2600bp in chickens and guinea fowl, respectively. The RAPD analysis yielded polymorphic bands in SCWL chickens and PG guinea fowl that constituted 13% and 9%, respectively, of the total number of alleles amplified in each species. Genetic similarity within SCWL chickens and PG guinea fowl was 95.6 and 92.2%, respectively. However, genetic similarity between SCWL chickens and PG guinea fowl was 31.3%. While the RAPD analyses seem useful in estimating genetic similarity between SCWL chickens and PG guinea fowl, the level of polymorphisms and the genetic diversity between the two avian species suggest the need to generate genetic resource information specific to guinea fowl for genetic improvement of the PG guinea fowl.
Simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction in the analysis of transgenic plants and their progeny

We describe the simultaneous amplification of different segments of foreign DNA in transgenic plants using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We used PCR to simultaneously amplify different regions of transformed T-DNA in order to assay the integrity of transformed constructions in primary tomato transformants. We also used simultaneous PCR amplification to examine the segregation of transformed sequences in progeny of primary transformants. A tomato transformant containing the maize transposable elementAc was crossed to transformants containing the non-autonomousDs1 element flanked by maizeAdh1 sequences. We then ran PCR reactions on DNA from F1 progeny using two sets of primers, one set homologous toAc and one set homologous toAdh1 sequences on either side ofDs1. Because theAc andAdh1 primers resulted in amplification of fragments of different sizes, it was possible to monitor the inheritance ofAc and theDs1 containingAdh1 genein a single reaction. Additionally, it was possible to identify F1 plants in whichDs1 had excised by the amplification of a fragment the size predicted for an empty donor site. In order to run these reactions, we have constructed a simple and inexpensive thermal cycler which, when used in conjunction with the rapid miniscreen plant DNA isolation procedure described, allows the processing of a large number of samples in a single day. Therefore, we have shown that PCR can be a useful tool to monitor the integrity of foreign genes in transgenic plants, to follow the segregation of foreign DNA in progeny, and to assay for the excision of transposable elements.
A survey of ovine parasite control practices in Tennessee.

Abstract A sample of 126 sheep producers in Tennessee was randomly selected from the members of a state-wide organization of sheep producers. Data about the participants' farms, sheep, parasite control practices and sources of information regarding ovine parasite control were obtained by a telephone survey. The response rate was 99%. The typical respondent kept 20 lambs, 20 ewes and 2 rams on three pastures totalling 20 acres. In order of decreasing frequency, anthelmintics were given according to a regular schedule, to coincide with breeding management procedures, or to treat clinical signs of parasitism. Proportions of producers dewroming the various classes of sheep zero, one, tow, three, four or more than four times annually were as follows: lambs—3, 28, 40, 16,9 and 8%, respectively; ewes—3, 8, 20, 16, 34, and 22%, respectively; rams—1, 9, 15, 15, 38 and 19%, respectively. The majority of respondents planned to deworm lambs (89%) and ewes (82%) the same number of times in the following year. Of the producers who dewormed sheep two or more times during 1989, 39–49% (ranges include different proportions for lambs, ewes and rams) used the same anthelmintic exclusively, and 51–61% used two or more drug classes. Of the owners using a single anthelmintic exclusively, most (39–66%) used ivermectin, followed by levamisole (19–33%) and benzimidazoles (13–24%). One hundred and three of 124 (83%) producers intended to use the same anthelmintics in the future. Sixty-four of 124 (52%) producers had discontinued using at least one ovine anthelmintic. The most common reasons for discontinuace were dissatisfaction with the clinical response after treatment and inconvenience of administration. Sheep-oriented publications, other sheep producers and veterinarians were considered the most important sources of information about deworming programs and choice of anthelmintics.
Model alignment of anthrax attack simulations

This paper describes our experience aligning two simulation models of disease progression after biological attacks. The first model is the Incubation-Prodromal-Fulminant (IPF) model, a variation of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) epidemiological model, and the second is an agent-based model called BioWar. We run Bio War simulations to see whether the results will, at the population level, match the IPF results. We showed that Bio War can generate population level results that are close to IPF. In addition, BioWar outputs emergent properties that cannot be simulated in IPF. This study provides insights for modelers who are developing simulation tools for investigating bioterrorism attacks and for decision makers who use these tools.
Public Election Funding: An Assessment of What We Would Like to Know

The implementation and expansion of public funding programs around the U.S. over the past decade raised the possibility of major changes in the financing of campaigns at the state and local level. Advocates claimed that these programs increased electoral competition, reduced the influence of campaign contributors and lobbyists, and change the distribution of political power. While there was evidence of a modest increase in competitiveness (primarily through reducing the number of incumbents who ran uncontested), the longer term pattern has shown no significant change in incumbency reelection rates, margins of victory, or legislature demographics. Claims of major policy change have also been overstated. The Supreme Court’s rejection of spending triggers for additional grant awards (in Arizona Free Enterprise PAC v. Bennett) makes full public funding programs less attractive, since public funding candidates are less able to keep pace with high-spending opponents or independent expenditures. Future research should focus on how these programs affect how candidates and legislators engage with the public.
Evaluation of the MODIS LAI product using independent lidar-derived LAI: A case study in mixed conifer forest

article i nfo This study presents an alternative assessment of the MODIS LAI product for a 58,000 ha evergreen needleleaf forest located in the western Rocky Mountain range in northern Idaho by using lidar data to model (R 2 =0.86, RMSE=0.76) and map LAI at higher resolution across a large number of MODIS pixels in their entirety. Moderate resolution (30 m) lidar-based LAI estimates were aggregated to the resolution of the 1-km MODIS LAI product and compared to temporally-coincident MODIS retrievals. Differences in the MODIS and lidar-derived values of LAI were grouped and analyzed by several different factors, including MODIS retrieval algorithm, sun/sensor geometry, and sub-pixel heterogeneity in both vegetation and terrain characteristics. Of particular interest is the disparity in the results when MODIS LAI was analyzed according to algorithm retrieval class. We observed relatively good agreement between lidar-derived and MODIS LAI values for pixels retrieved with the main RT algorithm without saturation for LAI LAI ≤4. Moreover, for the entire range of LAI values, considerable overestimation of LAI (relative to lidar-derived LAI) occurred when either the main RT with saturation or back-up algorithm retrievals were used to populate the composite product regardless of sub-pixel vegetation structural complexity or sun/sensor geometry. These results are significant because algorithm retrievals based on the main radiative transfer algorithm with or without saturation are characterized as suitable for validation and subsequent ecosystem modeling, yet the magnitude of difference appears to be specifi ct o retrieval quality class and vegetation structural characteristics.
Temperature dependence of lysozyme hydration and the role of elastic energy.

Water plays a critical role in protein dynamics and functions. However, the most basic property of hydration---the water sorption isotherm---remains inadequately understood. Surface adsorption is the commonly adopted picture of hydration. Since it does not account for changes in the conformational entropy of proteins, it is difficult to explain why protein dynamics and activity change upon hydration. The solution picture of hydration provides an alternative approach to describe the thermodynamics of hydration. Here, the flexibility of proteins could influence the hydration level through the change of elastic energy upon hydration. Using nuclear magnetic resonance to measure the isotherms of lysozyme in situ between 18 and 2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, the present work provides evidence that the part of water uptake associated with the onset of protein function is significantly reduced below 8 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Quantitative analysis shows that such reduction is directly related to the reduction of protein flexibility and enhanced cost in elastic energy upon hydration at lower temperature. The elastic property derived from the water isotherm agrees with direct mechanical measurements, providing independent support for the solution model. This result also implies that water adsorption at charged and polar groups occurring at low vapor pressure, which is known for softening the protein, is crucial for the later stage of water uptake, leading to the activation of protein dynamics. The present work sheds light on the mutual influence of protein flexibility and hydration, providing the basis for understanding the role of hydration on protein dynamics.
A Study on the Use of Internal Grading to Improve the Performance of Insulators

As transmission line voltages keep increasing, the length of insulator strings has to keep pace. Owingto the non-linear voltage distribution along a string as a result of stray capacitances, the marginal effectiveness of each additional unit of insulator decreases. With an anticipated transmission voltage of up to 1200 kV in the not too distant future, it is likely that the detrimental effects of non-uniform voltage distribution may pose as the ultimate limiting factor. By studying the effect of stray capacitances along a string, it is found that this nonuniform voltage distribution can be reduced by increasing the intrinsic capacitance of each insulator unit. Computer models have been developed as a first step to investigate the effectiveness of using internally capacitivelygraded insulators. Results from these computer studies are presented. These models together with experimental data have been integrated into a computer aided general design procedure which is discussed here. A practical measuring technique for mapping the equipotential field is also described.
Evaluating the Influence of Antecedent Soil Moisture on Variability of the North American Monsoon Precipitation in the Coupled MM5/VIC Modeling System

The influence of antecedent soil moisture on North American monsoon system (NAMS) precipitation variability was explored using the MM5 mesoscale model coupled with the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model. Sensitivity experiments were performed with extreme wet and dry initial soil moisture conditions for both the 1984 wet monsoon year and the 1989 dry year. The MM5-VIC model reproduced the key features of NAMS in 1984 and 1989 especially over northwestern Mexico. Our modeling results indicate that the land surface has memory of the initial soil wetness prescribed at the onset of the monsoon that persists over most of the region well into the monsoon season (e.g. until August). However, in contrast to the classical thermal contrast concept, where wetter soils lead to cooler surface temperatures, less land-sea thermal contrast, weaker monsoon circulations and less precipitation, the coupled model consistently demonstrated a positive soil moisture – precipitation feedback. Specifically, anomalously wet premonsoon soil moisture always lead to enhanced monsoon precipitation, and the reverse was also true. The surface temperature changes induced by differences in surface energy flux partitioning associated with pre-monsoon soil moisture anomalies changed the surface pressure and consequently the flow field in the coupled model, which inmore » turn changed moisture convergence and, accordingly, precipitation patterns. Both the largescale circulation change and local land-atmospheric interactions in response to premonsoon soil moisture anomalies play important roles in the coupled model’s positive soil moisture monsoon precipitation feedback. However, the former may be sensitive to the strength and location of the thermal anomalies, thus leaving open the possibility of both positive and negative soil moisture precipitation feedbacks.« less
Meaning and orthography in L2 French

Abstract While considerable research has been conducted on the acquisition of vocabulary in L2 learning, less attention has been paid to the acquisition of L2 orthography. The present research looks at the acquisition of one aspect of L2 orthography—accent marks in L2 French—for learners whose L1, English, does not feature accent marks. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of the knowledge of a word's meaning, or lack thereof, on learners’ ability to place accent marks on target items as well as to recognise accented versions of the same target items. Results suggest that exposure to a word's meaning increases learners’ ability to recognise the correctly accented version, but not the ability to place the missing accent.
Solute diffusion in swollen membranes. Part V: Solute diffusion in poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Studies with phenylalanine diffusing in well-characterized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) membranes swollen in water at 37°C were conducted. Films were prepared by reaction of HEMA monomer with the cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) at cross-linking ratios, X, of 0.005, 0.01, 0.0128, 0.025, and 0.050 mole EGDMA/mole HEMA in the presence of 40 weight percent water at 60°C for 12 hours. These membranes were subsequently swollen in water at 37°C and their structure analyzed using a modified Gaussian distribution equation of swelling. The calculated values of Mc varied between 1,700 and 3,425 daltons, which corresponded to a correlation length of the mesh size, egr, of 24 to 35 A. The phenylalanine solute diffusion coefficient varied from 0.17 × 10−6 to 0.97 × 10−6 cm2/s, and depended on the aforementioned structural parameters of the membranes.
Mixed isotope electrical conductivity in lithium borate glasses

Abstract Electrical conductivity of (Li 6 /Li 7 ) 2 O·3B 2 O 3 glasses with varying Li 6 /Li 7 ratios has been measured as a function of temperature. The conductivity obtained after complex impedance analysis decreases continously and the activation enthalpy increases slightly as Li 7 is substituted for Li 6 . This suggest that the difference in mass of the alkali ions is not the cause of the mixed alkali effect.
Spinal deformity and back surface asymmetry in idiopathic scoliosis

Stereo radiography and stereotopography were used to record simultaneously the three-dimensional spinal and back surface shape of 141 patients with a clinical diagnosis of adolescent onset idiopathic scoliosis. Radiography confirmed 80 patients with single lateral curves (Cobb angle 5–87°); 59 with double curves (Cobb angle 5–61°). and two patients with triple curves. Orientation of each vertebra was measured by the lateral deviation from the spinal axis and the axial rotation. For each curve detected, the Cobb angle, the maximum deviation, the maximum axial rotation, and the sagittal plane curvature was measured. Topographic data were used to generate a profile of a cross-section through the back of each vertebral level. This section was characterized by its axial rotation, deviation of its midpoint from the spinal axis, and area symmetry about the midpoint. Maximum values of these measurements in the region of each radiographic scoliosis curve were noted. Regression and correlation analysis showed (for each curve) a high correlation of apical vertebral lateral deviation with back surface axial rotation (r = 0.79) and with vertebral axial rotation (r = 0.79). The back surface rotation was less than vertebral rotation in magnitude, however, by a mean factor of 0.55. The measurement of the back surface asymmetry that gave the highest correlation with the skeletal deformity was the axial rotation. Relationships between skeletal and surface measures were similar for curves in thoracic and lumber regions and for patients with single and double curves. There is potential for clinical application of surface measurement techniques to prescription of orthoses and monitoring of changes due to progression or treatment.
Digital doctoring: how to tell the real from the fake

Seeing is no longer believing. The technology that allows digital media to be manipulated and distorted is developing at breakneck speed. How do we contend with the implications? Hany Farid describes the impact of digital tampering and the development of mathematical and computational algorithms to expose digital fakes.
Magnetic susceptibility of superconducting granular aluminum

Measurements have been made of the magnetic susceptibility of samples of superconducting granular aluminum with different metal volume fractions. The penetration depth, determined from the results below the transition temperatureT c , is found to diverge at the volume fraction where the discontinuity atT c in heat capacity measurements disappears. The results near and aboveT c have been interpreted in terms of both fluctuation and percolation models as showing effects of grain clustering. Possible evidence for the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition is discussed.
A rewarding approach: Coordinated composition and psychology

(1981). A rewarding approach: Coordinated composition and psychology. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 168-172.
Neonatal Coinfection Model of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Candida albicans: Fluconazole Prophylaxis Enhances Survival and Growth

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Candida are among the most common causes of single infections and coinfections in neonates after 72 h of age. In neonates, coinfection increases the rate of mortality threefold and results in significantly greater morbidity compared to those that result from single infections. In an effort to better understand this phenomenon, we developed the first neonatal animal model of coinfection (with CoNS and Candida) and evaluated its effects on mortality and morbidity and the impact of antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole. Neonatal Wistar rats were infected with Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus epidermidis with doses of 2x10(8) and 2x10(6) CFU subcutaneously in different combinations and were monitored for mortality, weight gain, and bacteremia. The in vitro sensitivity of C. albicans to fluconazole was evaluated and the MIC was determined. A subset of rats in these experiments received fluconazole at 10 mg/kg of body weight/dose intraperitoneally starting 24 h before infection for 4 days, and the serum trough levels of fluconazole were measured. Coinfection in the suckling rat significantly increased the rate of mortality compared to that after infection with a single species (P<0.001) and resulted in deaths even at sublethal doses. Coinfection also impaired weight gain significantly in severely infected pups compared to that achieved after infection with a single species (P<0.001). Fluconazole prophylaxis significantly reduced mortality by 30% in the Candida group and 36% in the coinfection group and improved weight gain in this neonatal model of coinfection (P<0.001). We developed a neonatal model of coinfection with Candida and CoNS, observed significantly greater mortality and morbidity with coinfection, and found that fluconazole prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of both mortality and morbidity. Further research on neonatal coinfection is urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes.
Analysis and computation of the vibration spectrum of the shallow circular cylindrical shell with rectangular domain

An asymptotic method of Bolotin, for the computation of eigenvalues of self-adjoint problems on rectangular domains, is extended to the shallow shell equations for the vibrating circular cylindrical shell. These same eigenfrequencies are then computed using the Legendre-tau spectral method. The asymptotic and numerical results are seen to be in good agreement and, as expected, approach those of the flat plate as the curvature tends to zero.
Evolving team tactics using potential fields

This paper investigates the evolution of group tactics and counter tactics for wargaming and real-time strategy games. Inspired by potential field methods in robotics, we compactly represent group behavior as a combination of several potential fields and evolve potential field parameters against hand-coded opponent groups. A novel real-coded evolutionary algorithm encourages tactic diversity by using a new diversity metric to mediate parent selection for recombination. Preliminary results indicate that we can quickly evolve counter tactics that beat hard coded opponent groups.
INI1 expression is retained in composite rhabdoid tumors, including rhabdoid meningiomas.

Rhabdoid cells are encountered in specific entities, such as malignant rhabdoid tumor and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, as well as in composite rhabdoid tumors derived secondarily from other tumor types. Although rhabdoid tumors are uniformly aggressive, distinction of the entity from the phenotype remains important for its therapeutic implications. The majority of malignant rhabdoid tumors and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors affect infants and young children, harbor chromosome 22q deletions, and inactivate the INI1/hSNF5/BAF47 tumor suppressor gene on 22q11.2. In contrast, most composite rhabdoid tumors are diagnosed in adults, with FISH detectable 22q losses the exception rather than the rule. However, this assay remains limited since 22q dosages are maintained in 20–30% of malignant rhabdoid tumors and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Furthermore, chromosome 22 losses are common in some parent tumor types, particularly meningiomas. The recently developed INI1 antibody shows loss of nuclear expression in malignant rhabdoid tumors and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, though its status in composite rhabdoid tumors is largely unknown. Therefore, we utilized immunohistochemistry and FISH to study INI1 expression and 22q dosages, respectively, in 40 composite rhabdoid tumors, including 16 meningiomas, 15 carcinomas, three melanomas, two sarcomas, two glioblastomas, and 1 neuroblastoma. Approximately 70% of rhabdoid meningiomas had a 22q deletion, but this was rare in other tumor types. Except for one retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, nuclear INI1 expression was retained in all composite rhabdoid tumors, including meningiomas with 22q deletion. Therefore, we conclude that INI1 immunohistochemistry is a relatively simple, sensitive, and specific technique for distinguishing malignant rhabdoid tumor and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor from composite rhabdoid tumor.
Realities associated with parallel processing

At the T. J. Watson Research Center, there is a very active Condensed Matter Physics Group engaged in the study of semiconductors such as silicon (Si) and gallium-arsenide (Ga-As)1. One of the most important computer codes developed at Watson is a Density Functional Program which is used to study the electronic structure of semiconductors. This program also consumes the most CPU time of all other production applications at Watson. Thus, it was decided to undertake the parallelization of this code not only with the hope of reducing elapsed time, improving turnaround on the IBM 30902, and conserving other system resources such as memory and disk space, but also in an attempt to test the IBM Parallel FORTRAN Compiler3 on a production program while developing an understanding of the impact of parallel jobs from a system standpoint. A speedup of 4.4 using 6 processors was achieved for this important scientific production code.
Crowd Control at English Football Matches

Abstract This study examines the crowd control techniques of English police at football (soccer) matches. Data were gathered using participant observation procedures at football matches in the Midlands of England. The study concluded that English police are effective in nonlethal crowd control because they have subtle techniques which allows effective and quick responses to the changing dynamics of football crowds.
Carbon dynamics in Appalachian peatlands of West Virginia and Western Maryland

Abundant production of organic matter that decomposes slowly under anaerobic conditions can result in substantial accumulation of soil organic matter in wetlands. Tedious means for estimating production and decomposition of plant material, especially roots, hampers our understanding of organic matter dynamics in such systems. In this paper, I describe a study that amended typical estimates for both production and decomposition of organic matter by measuring net flux of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the peat surface within a conifer swamp, a sedge-dominated marsh, and a bog in the Appalachian Mountain region of West Virginia and western Maryland, USA. The sites are relatively productive, with net primary production (NPP) of 30 to 82.5 mol C m−2 yr−1, but peat deposits are shallow with an average depth of about 1 m. In summer, all three sites showed net CO2 flux from the atmosphere to the peat during the daytime (−20.0 to −30.5 mmol m−2 d−1), supported by net photosynthesis, which was less than net CO2 flux from the peat into the atmosphere at nighttime (39.2 to 84.5 mmol m−2 d−1), supported by ecosystem respiration. The imbalance between these estimates suggests a net loss of carbon (C) from these ecosystems. The positive net CO2 flux seems to be so high because organic matter decomposition occurs throughout the peat deposit — and as a result concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in peat pore waters reached 4,000 Μmol L−1 by late November, and concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in peat pore waters reached 12,000 Μmol L−1. Comparing different approaches revealed several features of organic matter dynamics: (i) peat accretion in the top 30 cm of the peat deposit results in a C accumulation rate of about 15 mmol m−2 d−1; however, (ii) the entire peat deposit has a negative C balance losing about 20 mmol m−2 d−1.
Evaluating predictive errors of a complex environmental model using a general linear model and least square means

A general linear model (GLM) was used to evaluate the deviation of predicted values from expected values for a complex environmental model. For this demonstration, we used the default level interface of the regional mercury cycling model (R-MCM) to simulate epilimnetic total mercury concentrations in Vermont and New Hampshire lakes based on data gathered through the EPAs Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP). The response variable for the GLM was defined as R-MCMs predictive error: the difference between observed mercury concentrations and modeled mercury concentrations in each lake. Least square means of the response variable are used as an estimate of the magnitude and significance of bias, i.e., a statistically discernable trend in predictive errors for a given lake type, e.g., acidic, stratified, or oligotrophic. Using our approach, we determined lake types where significant over-prediction and under-prediction of epilimnetic total mercury concentration was occurring, i.e., regions in parameter space where the model demonstrated significant bias was distinguished from regions where no significant bias existed. This technique is most effective for finding regions of parameter space where bias is significant. Drawing conclusions concerning regions that show no significant bias can be misleading. The significant interaction terms in the GLM demonstrated that addressing this problem using univariate statistical techniques would lead to a loss of important information.
Automatic segmentation and Co-registration of gated CT angiography datasets: measuring abdominal aortic pulsatility

Purpose: To develop robust, novel segmentation and co-registration software to analyze temporally overlapping CT angiography datasets, with an aim to permit automated measurement of regional aortic pulsatility in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods: We perform retrospective gated CT angiography in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Multiple, temporally overlapping, time-resolved CT angiography datasets are reconstructed over the cardiac cycle, with aortic segmentation performed using a priori anatomic assumptions for the aorta and heart. Visual quality assessment is performed following automatic segmentation with manual editing. Following subsequent centerline generation, centerlines are cross-registered across phases, with internal validation of co-registration performed by examining registration at the regions of greatest diameter change (i.e. when the second derivative is maximal). Results: We have performed gated CT angiography in 60 patients. Automatic seed placement is successful in 79% of datasets, requiring either no editing (70%) or minimal editing (less than 1 minute; 12%). Causes of error include segmentation into adjacent, high-attenuating, nonvascular tissues; small segmentation errors associated with calcified plaque; and segmentation of non-renal, small paralumbar arteries. Internal validation of cross-registration demonstrates appropriate registration in our patient population. In general, we observed that aortic pulsatility can vary along the course of the abdominal aorta. Pulsation can also vary within an aneurysm as well as between aneurysms, but the clinical significance of these findings remain unknown. Conclusions: Visualization of large vessel pulsatility is possible using ECG-gated CT angiography, partial scan reconstruction, automatic segmentation, centerline generation, and coregistration of temporally resolved datasets.
Assessment of morbidity and mortality in primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian carcinoma

Even with wider application of cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, there is still a lack of adequate documentation concerning morbidity and mortality associated with this surgery. The purpose of this paper is to provide such information. This report is based on a retrospective analysis of 60 patients with Stage III and IV disease who had maximal cytoreductive surgery at the Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center between January 1975 and February 1982. This analysis was focused on variables related to morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. The results indicated that operating time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative morbidity, and the length of hospital stay were acceptable. Only one operative mortality was encountered. The presence of a gynecologic oncologist in the operating room was crucial in carrying out optimal cytoreductive surgery. It is concluded that morbidity and mortality in primary maximal cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian carcinoma are acceptable and the surgery should be performed if feasible.
Political influence on historical ESA listings by state: a count data analysis

We use count data analysis to examine the influence that a state’s congressional subcommittee representation (with oversight of the US Fish and Wildlife Service) has on the number of species that are added to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list in each state each year (1973–2004). Explanatory variables include: (1) ecological—species type, NatureServe’s “at-risk” assessment, federal land area, rainfall, and coastal location; (2) demographic—population density, hunting/fishing participation, and farming area; (3) political—League of Conservation Voters’ environmental scores and party affiliation. “Pro-environment” (“pro-development”) representatives appear to have increased (reduced) ESA listings in their states.
Role of Lewis Basicity and van der Waals Forces in Adhesion of Silica MFI Zeolites (010) with Polyimides

Adhesion between zeolites and polymers is a central factor in achieving defect-free mixed-matrix membranes for energy-efficient gas separations. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure adhesion forces between a pure silica MFI (ZSM-5: Zeolite Socony Mobil-Five) (010) zeolite probe and a series of polyimide (Matrimid 5218, 6FDA-DAM, 6FDA-6FpDA, and 6FDA-DAM:DABA (3:2)) and polyetherimide (Ultem 1000) polymers in air. Combined with measurements of surface energy of the polymer surfaces, the dependence of adhesion on polymer structure was determined. Adhesion force was strongly dependent on the Lewis basicity component of polymer surface energy and was less dependent on van der Waals (VDW) components, by a factor of about 6. Hydrogen bonding likely occurs between the acidic (electron acceptor) component of the zeolite surface (silanols or adsorbed water) and the basic (electron donor) component of the polymer surface. Adhesion force was strongly correlated with the mole fraction of ca...
Some empirical evidence for Erikson's concept of negative identity in delinquent adolescent drug abusers.

RIKSON’S’,’ FORMULATION of identity formation as a significant developmental task of adolescence has been widely accepted. It occupies a particularly important position in current psychoanalytic formulations of both normal and abnormal adolescence. In Erikson’s schema, adolescence is characterized by a developmental crisis, the successful outcome of which is “ego identity,” and the opposite, unsuccessful outcome of which is “identity confusion.“* In this view, if the adolescent, as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, finds himself barred from attaining a sense of ego identity, the threat of its opposite, identity confusion, is such an intolerable experience that many defensively adopt a “negative identity,” which embodies those values diametrically opposed to those of the individual’s upbringing. It is as if any identit! were better than none. Erikson’s great contribution to the field has been his insistence that the exclu.sive consideration of intrapsychic factors is incomplete, and that there is a need to develop concepts that would express the mutuality of interaction between the indi.vidual and the broader sociocultural matrix. Though Erikson himself focuses more on the broader global aspects of this interaction, he clearly acknowledges that ir. takes place in the individual’s personal interactions with significant others. From another, complementary point of view, BIOS”,’ describes the major task of adolescence as separation from certain significant others, the parents. One oi BIOS’ principal theoretical constructs in understanding this process is the ego ideal. He describes its formation as consisting of a reworking of values previously contained in the superego into a new system, unique to the individual adolescent in his own environment. Our view is that the conscious elements of this ideal are those expressed in the goals and values the adolescent would endorse and that he considers worth striving for. The particular form or structure of this ideal. achieved in adolescence, has profound implications for the rest of the person’s life. In the adolescent who achieves “ego identity,” one expects an ideal self that is *This term is a renaming by Erikson of his earlier phrase “identity diffusion.” Both terms arc found
Structure and morphology of nanostructured oxides synthesized by thermal vaporization/magnetron sputtering and gas condensation

Abstract A new class of oxides with three-dimensional nanoscale structures, called nanostructured oxides, is studied and reviewed in this paper. These materials were assembled from clusters of 5–15 nm, produced through vaporization by Joule-heating or magnetron sputtering in an inert atmosphere. The volatilized monomers were condensed by the “cold” inert gas atoms, and were aggregated into clusters by collisions between monomers. The bulk and interfacial structures of nanostructured oxides were studied with photoacoustic Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (PAS-FTIR). Morphology of the nanometer-sized crystals was elucidated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The structure and morphology of the fine-grained materials were related to their various unique properties for potential applications as structural and catalytic materials.
Experimental system for the study of gas-solid heterogeneous catalysis in microreactors

An experimental system has been designed and constructed to conduct gas- solid heterogeneous catalytic reactions in microreactors. This apparatus is inteded to be used for any exothermic or endothermic reaction, including those with multiple feeds. It can be used to test the effectiveness of a microreactor design for a particular catalyst or to test the behavior of the catalyst itself. The system uses a test block that is plumbed for multiple feeds and vacuum to hold down a standard size microreactor chip. This chip has two exit vias, which includes one for the reactor effluent and one for the exit stream from a possible reactor membrane wall. The reactors are systems of channels with a smallest cross-dimension as small as 5 micrometers. The experimental system is equipped with temperature control and automatic data acquisition. The reactors can be stacked in order to scale up to higher throughput. A simulator has been developed that accounts for the unique physical aspects of reaction and flow in very small channels. Along with design, it assist in determining operating conditions and interpreting experimental results.
Analysis of three-dimensional grids: four- and five-point cubes

The estimation of quadratic coefficients on four or five data in prismatic array has been regarded as impossible. Estimates of these coefficients can be obtained by means of operational equations that use exponential representation. The coefficients are compared to the true values as obtained by Taylor expansions of the generating functions. If the data are monotonic, the accuracy of the estimations may be sufficient to interest experimentalists.
Benign cysts of the parotid gland

Benign cysts of the parotid gland are rare. They present with equal distribution between males and females as unilateral painless swelling in the area of the parotid gland without fixation to the overlying skin or involvement of the facial nerve. These cysts can be congenital, acquired, or occasionally may arise from surrounding structures. The preoperative diagnosis is very difficult and the treatment of choice consists of superficial parotidectomy. Our 10-year experience with benign cyst of the parotid gland at Roswell Park Memorial Institute is presented in this paper.
Creative action as a dynamic strategy: Using imagination to improve strategic solutions in unstable environments

Abstract Confronted with rapidly changing, ambiguous environments, senior managers report that creative problem solving and the generation of new ideas are among the most important and valued traits in their workers. Managers are finding creative, action-based techniques more helpful when facing ambiguity and rapid change than rational—logical techniques designed to reduce uncertainty by collecting and analyzing data. However, imagination has surprisingly been largely neglected in the study of strategy and strategic decision making. This article takes a different approach than previous research. Bringing together research from behavioral decision theory, creativity, and strategic management, it takes an action-based view and posits that organizations should use dynamic, creative action-based decision-making processes to introduce new thinking into organizations that have severe performance problems. Creativity is important because taking creative action provides decision makers information that is different, and perhaps more helpful, than that educed from typical analytical methods.
Subjective indicators and the comparative evaluation of the quality of community life

Use of subjective indicators in the many efforts of comparative evaluation of community life has been confined primarily to the estimation of the proportions of people who are satisfied or dissatisfied with their life experiences. A sample of 1,488 persons in seven Illinois cities were interviewed by telephone and asked to rate their satisfaction with five community services. Findings showed that the measurement of central tendency characteristics of subjective indicators alone can result in an incomplete and misleading picture of the quality of community life.
Analytical Considerations in the Study of Spatial Patterns Arising from Nonlocal Interaction Effects

Simple analytical considerations are applied to recently discovered patterns in a generalized Fisher equation. The generalization consists of the inclusion of nonlocal competition interactions among the constituents of the field exhibiting patterns. We show here how stability arguments yield a necessary condition for pattern formation involving the ratio of the pattern wavelength and the effective diffusion length of the individual constituents. We also remark on how a mode-mode coupling analysis may be developed that might be useful in shedding some light on the amplitude of the patterns.
Linearity for actions on vector groups

Abstract Let k be an arbitrary field, let G be a (smooth) linear algebraic group over k, and let U be a vector group over k on which G acts by automorphisms of algebraic groups. The action of G on U is said to be linear if there is a G-equivariant isomorphism of algebraic groups U ≃ Lie ( U ) . Suppose that G is connected and that the unipotent radical of G is defined over k. If the G-module Lie ( U ) is simple, we show that the action of G on U is linear. If G acts by automorphisms on a connected, split unipotent group U, we deduce that U has a filtration by G-invariant closed subgroups for which the successive factors are vector groups with a linear action of G. When G is connected and the unipotent radical of G is defined and split over k, this verifies an assumption made in earlier work of the author on the existence of Levi factors. On the other hand, for any field k of positive characteristic we show that if the category of representations of G is not semisimple, there is an action of G on a suitable vector group U which is not linear.
Cation Distribution in Mixed-Alkali Silicate Glasses. NMR Studies by 23Na−{7Li} and 23Na−{6Li} Spin Echo Double Resonance

The relative arrangement of sodium and lithium ions in mixed-alkali silicate glases of composition [(Li2O)1-y(Na2O)y]x[SiO2]1-x (y = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75; x = 0.40 and 0.50) is studied by 23Na−{7Li} spin echo double-resonance (SEDOR) NMR spectroscopy, supplemented by additional 23Na−{6Li} experiments on isotopically labeled materials. The experimental results are compared with various cation distribution scenarios and found to be quantitatively most consistent with a model in which lithium and sodium ions occupy random positions on a cubic lattice mimicking a uniform (homogeneous) spatial cation distribution. The experimental data give no evidence for preferred interactions among unlike cations or cation-pairing models previously invoked to describe the structure of mixed-alkali glasses. To the contrary, if the overall cation distribution were to diverge from homogeneous, the data would be most consistent with preferred interactions among like cations.
Streamline simulation of counter-current imbibition in naturally fractured reservoirs

Abstract Describing fluid transport in naturally fractured reservoirs entails additional challenge because of the complicated physics arising from matrix–fracture interactions. In this paper, the streamline-based simulation is generalized to describe fluid transport in naturally fractured reservoirs through a dual-media approach. The fractures and matrix are treated as separate continua that are connected through a transfer function, as in conventional finite difference simulators for modeling fractured systems. The transfer functions that describe fluid exchange between the fracture and matrix system can be implemented easily within the framework of the current single-porosity streamline models. In particular, the streamline time of flight concept is utilized to develop a general dual-porosity, dual-permeability system of equations for water injection in naturally fractured reservoirs. The saturations equations are solved using an operator splitting approach that involves ‘convection’ along streamline followed ‘matrix–fracture’ exchange calculations on the grid. The proposed formulation reduces to the commonly used dual-porosity model when the flow in the matrix is considered negligible. For modeling matrix–fracture interactions, two different transfer functions are examined: an empirical transfer function (ETF) and a conventional transfer function (CTF). The ETF allows for analytical solution of the saturation equation for dual porosity systems and is used to validate numerical implementation. Results obtained using the CTF are compared with a commercial finite-difference simulator (ECLIPSE) for waterflooding in five-spot and nine-spot patterns. The streamline approach shows close agreement in terms of recovery histories and saturation profiles with a marked reduction in numerical dispersion and grid orientation effects. Finally, an examination of the scaling behavior of the computation time indicates that the streamline approach is likely to result in significant savings for large-scale field applications.
Sparse inverse solution methods for signal and image processing applications

This paper addresses image and signal processing problems where the result most consistent with prior knowledge is the minimum order, or "maximally sparse" solution. These problems arise in such diverse areas as astronomical star image deblurring, neuromagnetic image reconstruction, seismic deconvolution, and thinned array beamformer design. An optimization theoretic formulation for sparse solutions is presented, and its relationship to the MUSIC algorithm is discussed. Two algorithms for sparse inverse problems are introduced, and examples of their application to beamforming array design and star image deblurring are presented.