cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hotelling trace criterion as a figure of merit for the optimization of chromatogram alignment

We present a methodology for optimization of chromatogram alignment using a class separability measure called the Hotelling trace criterion (HTC). This metric is a multi-class distance measure that accounts for within-class and between-class variation. We chose the correlation optimized warping algorithm as our alignment method and used the HTC to judge the effectiveness of the alignment based on algorithm parameters called segment length and max warp. Biodiesel feedstock samples representing classes of soy, canola, tallow, waste grease, and hybrid were used in our experiments. Fatty acid methyl esters in each biodiesel were separated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The entire data set was baseline corrected, aligned, normalized, and mean-centered prior to principal components (PCs) analysis. The aligned, baseline corrected data sets were used to compute a figure of merit called warping effect, while the PC-transformed data sets were used to evaluate the HTC. The segment length and max warp parameters that maximized the warping effect and/or HTC were then determined. Scores plots of pairs of PCs, along with 95% confidence ellipses, were created and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the parameters derived from maximizing the HTC more effectively aligned the data, as evidenced by better clustering of the biodiesels in the scores plots. This behavior was robust to the number of PCs used in the computation of the HTC. We conclude that the HTC is an objective measure of alignment quality that allows for optimal class separability and can be applied to optimize other methods of chromatogram alignment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors Influencing Lactose Crystallization

Abstract The role of various factors in lactose crystallization was determined by measuring weight gains of lactose crystals during 20h storage in lactose solutions (30g α -hydrate/100ml water) containing various additives. Supersaturation was not varied and crystal growth was not diffusion-controlled under the test conditions. Washing the crystals with distilled water speeded subsequent growth in pure solutions. In edible and fermentation grades of lactose, impurities accelerated growth initially and then slowed it abruptly. In demineralized wheys also, growth was accelerated but continued fast in subsequent tests. Acceleration of growth by alcohol supports the step theory rather than supersaturation. High acidity (pH β -Lactose, glucose, and maltose accelerated crystal growth rather than being inhibitory as suggested in the literature.
Characteristics of target areas selected by the ensemble transform Kalman filter for medium-range forecasts of high-impact winter weather

Abstract The characteristics of “target” locations of tropospheric wind and temperature identified by a modified version of the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF), in order to reduce 0–7-day forecast errors over North America, are explored from the perspective of a field program planner. Twenty cases of potential high-impact weather over the continent were investigated, using a 145-member ensemble comprising perturbations from NCEP, ECMWF, and the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC). Multiple targets were found to exist in the midlatitude storm track. In half of the cases, distinctive targets could be traced upstream near Japan at lead times of 4–7 days. In these cases, the flow was predominantly zonal and a coherent Rossby wave packet was present over the northern Pacific Ocean. The targets at the longest lead times were often located within propagating areas of baroclinic energy conversion far upstream. As the lead time was reduced, these targets were found to diminish in importance, with downstre...
Intersection numbers on moduli spaces and symmetries of a Verlinde formula II

We investigate the geometry and topology of a standard moduli space of stable bundles on a Riemann surface, and use a generalization of the Verlinde formula to derive results on intersection pairings.
Synergistic effects of multiple natural products in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the fourth most common cause of cancer related death in the United States. Therefore, novel strategies for the prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Numerous dietary and pharmacological agents have been proposed as alternative strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of PC. Isoflavone is a prominent flavonoid found in soy products and has been proposed to be responsible for lowering the incidence of PC in Asians. Similarly, curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, that inhibits growth of malignant neoplasms, has a promising role in the prevention and/or treatment of PC. Here we examined whether isoflavone together with curcumin could elicit a greater inhibition of growth of PC cells than either agent alone, and also sought to determine the molecular mechanism of action. We found that the inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis was significantly greater in the combination group than that could be achieved by either agent alone. These changes were associated with decreased Notch-1 expression and DNA binding activity of NF-κB and its target genes such as Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL. Moreover, we found that the combination of four natural agents at lower concentration was much more effective. Collectively, our results suggest that diet containing multiple natural products should be preferable over single agents for the prevention and/or treatment of PC. The superior effects of the combinatorial treatment could partly be attributed to the inhibition of constitutive activation of Notch-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Optical Absorption and Fluorescence of Oxygen in Alkali Halide Crystals

Single crystals of NaCl, KCl, and KBr were grown from the melt in an oxygen atmosphere, and their optical absorption, fluorescence excitation, and fluorescence emission spectra were measured at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The weak absorption band caused by oxygen was the same in all three crystals, and did not vary with temperature. The band had maximum absorption at 5.0 ev and a half-width of 1.0 ev. All fluorescence excitation spectra contained a component identical to this absorption band. The fluorescence emission spectra consisted of a series of peaks in the wavelength range 4000-10 000 A, with an approximately equal energy separation of 1000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. At 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, 12 to 15 peaks were resolved, and at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K each of these peaks split into 4 to 6 components. From these optical results and from paramagnetic resonance experiments, it is concluded that ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ molecule-ions located in anion sites in the crystal are responsible for the absorption and fluorescence.
Determination of VA health care costs

In the absence of billing data, alternative methods are used to estimate the cost of hospital stays, outpatient visits, and treatment innovations in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The choice of method represents a trade-off between accuracy and research cost. The direct measurement method gathers information on staff activities, supplies, equipment, space, and workload. Since it is expensive, direct measurement should be reserved for finding short-run costs, evaluating provider efficiency, or determining the cost of treatments that are innovative or unique to VA. The pseudo-bill method combines utilization data with a non-VA reimbursement schedule. The cost regression method estimates the cost of VA hospital stays by applying the relationship between cost and characteristics of non-VA hospitalizations. The Health Economics Resource Center uses pseudo-bill and cost regression methods to create an encounter-level database of VA costs. Researchers are also beginning to use the VA activity-based cost allocation system.
New prediction of glass-forming ability in binary alloys using a temperature-composition map

Abstract It was found that the presence of an extensive terminal solid solution is a major stumbling block to the prediction of the glass-forming ability of alloy systems. In a new model an additional parameter dealing with the effect of extensive solubility on the glass-forming ability is incorporated with the existing parameter, the reduced liquidus temperature. The glass-forming ability of the alloy systems TiM, ZrM, MSi, AlM and MAl, where M is a metal, was predicted by the new model in a two-parameter plot. Excellent agreement between experiments and predictions for the investigated systems was found. The prediction of the glass-forming compositional range for a number of binary alloys was carried out using the present model. The results are reasonably consistent with experiments. The successful application of this model indicates that To may be a key parameter together with Tg in determining the glass-forming ability.
Breast self-examination: defining a cohort still in need.

Abstract Background The value of breast self-examination (BSE) to detect early breast cancer is controversial. Methods Within an institutional review board–approved prospective study, 147 high-risk women were enrolled from 2004 to 2007. Yearly clinical examination, BSE teaching, and mammography were performed simultaneously followed by interval breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Women underwent additional BSE teaching at 6 months. Women reporting a mass on BSE underwent clinical evaluation. Results Fourteen breast cancers were detected in 12 women. BSE detected 6/14 breast cancers versus 6/14 detected by MRI and 2/14 by mammography. Of 24 masses detected by BSE, 6/24 were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of BSE to detect breast cancer were 58.3%, 87.4%, and 29.2%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a Breast Image Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score of ≥4 on MRI were 66.7%, 88.9%, and 34.8%, respectively. Conclusions BSE detects new breast cancers in high-risk women undergoing screening mammogram, CBE, and yearly breast MRI.
Estradiol replacement extends the window of opportunity for hippocampal function.

Abstract We previously reported that treating aged female rats, ovariectomized (OVX) as young adults, with acute proestrous levels of 17β estradiol (E2) increases CA1 spine density, NMDAR to AMPAR ratio, GluN2B-mediated NMDAR current, and long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 synapses if administered by 15, but not at 19-month post-OVX, defining the critical window of opportunity. Importantly, when rats are aged with ovaries intact until OVX at 20 months, hippocampal E2 responsiveness is maintained, indicating the deficit at 19-month post-OVX is a consequence of the duration of hormone deprivation and not chronological age. Here, we find the beneficial effect of E2 on novel object recognition in OVX rats was constrained by the same critical window. Furthermore, chronic low-level E2 replacement, commenced by 11-month post-OVX using subcutaneous capsules removed 2 weeks before acute proestrous E2 treatment, prevents the loss of hippocampal responsiveness at 19-month post-OVX. These data define the dynamic nature of the critical window showing that chronic replacement with physiological E2 levels within a certain period post-OVX can lengthen the window.
Creatures of habit (and control): a multi-level learning perspective on the modulation of congruency effects.

The congruency sequence effect (CSE) describes the finding that congruency effects in classic probes of selective attention (like the Stroop, Simon, and flanker tasks) are smaller following an incongruent than following a congruent trial. The past two decades have generated a large literature on determinants and boundary conditions for the CSE and similar, congruency-proportion based modulations of congruency effects. A prolonged and heated theoretical discussion has been guided primarily by a historically motivated dichotomy between “top-down control” versus “associative bottom-up” explanations for these effects. In the present article, I attempt to integrate and contextualize the major empirical findings in this field by arguing that CSEs (and related effects) are best understood as reflecting a composite of multiple levels of learning that differ in their level of abstraction. Specifically, learning does not only involve the trial-by-trial encoding, binding, and cued retrieval of specific stimulus-response associations, but also of more abstract trial features, including the spatial and temporal context in which a stimulus occurs, as well as internal states, like the experience of difficulty, and the attentional control settings that were employed in dealing with the stimulus. From this perspective, top-down control and bottom-up priming processes work in concert rather than in opposition. They represent different levels of abstraction in the same learning scheme and they serve a single, common goal: forming memory ensembles that will facilitate fast and appropriate responding to recurring stimuli or events in the environment.
Trout use of woody debris and habitat in Wine Spring Creek, North Carolina

Wine Spring Creek basin, in the mountains of North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest, is an ecosystem management demonstration site, in which ecological concepts for management and restoration are tested. Large woody debris (LWD) is an important link between streams and the adjacent riparian forest, but evidence for the connection between LWD and trout in southern Appalachian streams is limited. Woody debris loadings, trout habitat, and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were inventoried for the entire 9.8 km that trout occupy in Wine Spring Creek. Compared to two reference streams in North Carolina old-growth forests, Wine Spring Creek had less LWD, evidence of conditions associated with mid-successional riparian forests. More units in Wine Spring Creek lacked LWD altogether and accumulations of two or more pieces of LWD were less common than was the case in the reference watersheds. On average, about 71% of pools and riffles in Wine Spring Creek were occupied by trout, compared to about 90% in reference streams. Trout nearly always occupied pools with at least two pieces of LWD, but rates of occupancy for pools with one or no LWD pieces and riffles were unusually low compared to reference streams. Habitats on the lower and middle reaches on the mainstem of Wine Spring Creek had highest trout numbers and were nearly always occupied by trout. In these reaches, riparian ages were older and stream habitat had abundant LWD or boulder substrate. Upper reaches of Wine Spring Creek and its tributaries, however, were characterized by less mature riparian forest, less LWD and little boulder substrate, low rates of trout occupancy, and lower trout numbers. These conditions are the basis for an LWD addition experiment in headwater reaches.
Serre duality, Abel’s theorem, and Jacobi inversion for supercurves over a thick superpoint

Abstract The principal aim of this paper is to extend Abel’s theorem to the setting of complex supermanifolds of dimension 1 | q over a finite-dimensional local supercommutative C -algebra. The theorem is proved by establishing a compatibility of Serre duality for the supercurve with Poincare duality on the reduced curve. We include an elementary algebraic proof of the requisite form of Serre duality, closely based on the account of the reduced case given by Serre in Algebraic groups and class fields , combined with an invariance result for the topology on the dual of the space of repartitions. Our Abel map, taking Cartier divisors of degree zero to the dual of the space of sections of the Berezinian sheaf, modulo periods, is defined via Penkov’s characterization of the Berezinian sheaf as the cohomology of the de Rham complex of the sheaf D of differential operators. We discuss the Jacobi inversion problem for the Abel map and give an example demonstrating that if n is an integer sufficiently large that the generic divisor of degree n is linearly equivalent to an effective divisor, this need not be the case for all divisors of degree n .
Inhibitory Effect on LH Release of Estradiol Injected into the Third Ventricle

Injection of 5 ng of estradiol benzoate (Eb) into the third ventricle of ovariectomized rats resulted in a decline in plasma LH at 2 and 4 hr after the injection as determined by radioimmunoassay. Control injections of saline into the ventricle or of the same amount of Eb intravenously failed to alter plasma LH significantly. The responsiveness of the pituitary to LRF was not altered at either 2 or 4 hr following the intraventricular injection of estradiol. It is concluded that minute doses of estradiol can act on the central nervous system to inhibit LH release in the ovariectomized rat. No changes in plasma FSH followed these injections. (Endocrinology 94: 852, 1974)
Species differences in red blood cell phosphatides separated by column and paper chromatography.

Abstract The phosphatides of the erythrocytes of several species of mammals have been analysed chromatographically. The cells of the true ruminants contained substantial amounts of cephalin and sphingomyelin but usually no lecithin. The cells of dog and guinea-pig contained lecithin but relatively small amounts of sphingomyelin. The biological implications of the lack of lecithin in ruminant cells have been discussed.
Immunological Nonidentity of 19K Protein and TP0 in Peripheral Nervous System Myelin

: Peripheral nervous system myelin contains as the major structural protein a glycoprotein known as P0. Another glycoprotein present in smaller amounts, known as the 19K or X protein, has been previously identified as derived from P0 and identical with the main tryptic degradation product of P0 (TP0). Although both P0 and 19K protein incorporated fucose in vitro and stained on polyacrylamide gels with the periodic acid-Schiff stain for carbohydrate, only the P0 blotted to nitrocellulose paper showed immunoreactivity to an antibody to P0, whereas the 19K protein did not. Furthermore, when P0 was hydrolyzed with trypsin or elastase, the main degradation products reacted with P0 on immunoblots, whereas the 19K protein showed no immunoreactivity. From these studies and those of others, it may be concluded that the 19K protein shows some similarities to TP0, but probably has a different structure. P0 and 19K protein do not appear to be related as shown by lack of cross-immunoreac-tivity.
Predicted energy densities for nickel-hydrogen and silver-hydrogen cells embodying metallic hydrides for hydrogen storage

Simplified design concepts were used to estimate gravimetric and volumetric energy densities for metal hydrogen battery cells for assessing the characteristics of cells containing metal hydrides as compared to gaseous storage cells, and for comparing nickel cathode and silver cathode systems. The silver cathode was found to yield superior energy densities in all cases considered. The inclusion of hydride forming materials yields cells with very high volumetric energy densities that also retain gravimetric energy densities nearly as high as those of gaseous storage cells.
An Improved Experimental Situation for Studying Visual Psychophysics in the Goldfish, with Data on Discrimination of the Vertical:

A technique similar to that used by Yager was developed which permits economical behavioral assessment of visual discriminations in the goldfish, Carassius auratus. 4 large goldfish ran approximately 50 trials per day on a horizontal-vertical discrimination using this technique. Investigation of the discrimination of single versus redundant stimuli confirmed earlier findings of Sutherland and extended those findings by showing good discrimination of small stimuli after hundreds of trials. A subsequent experiment in which stimulus size was varied systematically suggested that the length of the stimulus is more important than its width and that if the ratio of length to width is held constant, the discrimination is a function, within limits, of over-all stimulus size.
Application of Thermogravimetric Analysis for the Proximate Analysis of Livestock Wastes

There is worldwide interest in deriving increasing amounts of energy from bio-based agricultural materials including not only lignocellulosic residues but also a significant quantity of available livestock manure. This manure can be used as a feedstock for various thermochemical conversion processes such as pyrolysis and gasification. In order to apply these processes, the manure must be properly characterized for volatile matter (VM) and ash contents. The determination of these components is not mentioned specifically in current ASTM standards for livestock manure. In this study, we employed the use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the rapid assessment of VM and ash content in swine, dairy, rabbit, and poultry manures using references from the ASTM coal and coke standards. The TGA assessment of VM in the manures were the same as those values found by non-automated means (ASTM D3175-07) ranging from 47 to 78 wt%db. The TGA assessment of the ash was also the same when compared to ash results via non-instrumental means following ASTM D3174-04. Ash values ranged from 4 to 47 wt%db. There was one exception when testing a high ash containing swine lagoon sludge. Under the TGA method, this sludge underwent more complete devolatilization and oxidation. This was primarily attributed to the small sample size leading to uniform internal heating. The modification of the TGA ash method aimed at shortening the run time generated similar results as both the original TGA method and non-automated method. Thus, TGA ash determination in manure should occur above 600°C with preferences for the following method: Zero-grade air at 2–4 furnace volumes/min, heating rate of 11°C⋅min−1, temperature range of 110–950°C, and isothermal hold at 950°C for 10 min. VM determination via TGA should follow ASTM D3175-07.
Amelioration of teratogenesis. I. Modification of hydroxyurea-induced teratogenesis by the antioxidant propyl gallate

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a potent teratogen which caused 100% embryotoxic effects in New Zealand white rabbits when injected sc on gestational day 12. These included a high percentage of resorptions and severe craniofacial, trunk and limb deformities of all survivors. Co-treatment of pregnant animals with the phenolic antioxidant propyl gallate (PG) resulted in amelioration of the embryotoxicity. Various amounts of PG (362–906 mg/kg) and HU (600–750 mg/ kg) were either injected simultaneously or mixed together for periods of time up to 45 min. The extent of amelioration was dependent upon the amount of PG, although the highest dose of PG caused maternal toxicity. Simultaneous injections of HU and PG were not as efficacious as mixture of the two chemicals prior to injection. The length of time which the HU and PG mixture was allowed to stand prior to injection had no effect on the extent of amelioration. The protective action of PG resulted in significant linear reductions in both resorptions and specific malformations with increasing doses of PG. Histologic analysis of HU and HU-PG embryos disclosed that HU produced rapid cell death in the mesenchymal compartment of the embryo, particularly in the limb-buds, beginning at 2 h after treatment. Cell debris increased in amount until 8 h and remained extensive at 16 h. In contrast, HU-PG delayed the onset for cell death until 8 h. Nevertheless, at 16 h, the amount of cell debris in the limb-buds was appreciable. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of HU-PG solution revealed no breakdown products or intermediate compounds suggesting that HU and PG do not react chemically. The presence of HU within both HU and HU-PG treated embryos was confirmed by TLC of embryonic sonicants. In contrast, TLC of embryonic extracts revealed PG only in HU-PG embryos. Light microscopy of other embryos from those same litters demonstrated extensive cell debris in the HU embryos but not in HU-PG embryos. It is suggested that the delay in onset of HU cytotoxicity is caused by the antioxidant properties of PG acting within the embryos, and that this may account for the amelioration of HU teratogenesis by PG.
On averaging principle for diffusion processes with null-recurrent fast component

Abstract An averaging principle is proved for diffusion processes of type (Xe(t),Ye(t)) with null-recurrent fast component Xe(t). In contrast with positive recurrent setting, the slow component Ye(t) alone cannot be approximated by diffusion processes. However, one can approximate the pair (Xe(t),Ye(t)) by a Markov diffusion with coefficients averaged in some sense.
Pore-scale model for fluid injection and in situ gelation in porous media

We examine immiscible fluid displacement in a porous material for the case where a polymerization reaction occurs at the interface between two fluid phases. A three-dimensional sphere-based network model is used to study the process. An in situ reaction may affect the pore morphology, interfacial forces, or viscous forces, thereby altering the pressure distribution and displacement pattern. The amount and manner in which the displacement pattern is affected depends on competing rates of reaction versus convection. The model shows that at high-capillary-number displacements, a narrow range of reaction rates affects the displacement process, below which no effect is seen and above which the flow stops. As the capillary number decreases, this range widens but at the expense of the overall hydraulic conductivity. This phenomenon is explained using microscopic displacement patterns. An operating window can be drawn showing the flow and reaction domain in which one would expect an interfacial reaction of this type to affect fluid displacement.
Fatal Attraction: “Willful Liberalism” and the Denial of Public Transparency

Liberals often seek to ground public rules and institutions in values and beliefs that can make sense to all citizens despite their ethical diffeences. For Richard Flathman, however, this search fo...
STAGE-I INTERSTITIALS IN ELECTRON-IRRADIATED TUNGSTEN.

Internal friction, Young modulus and resistivity measurements for stage I interstitials in electron irradiated tungsten
Schwinger terms in charge-density commutators.

The necessity for $q$-number Schwinger terms in the equal-time commutators between flavor charge densities for chiral fermions in 3+1 dimensions is shown. The charge densities here are not coupled to any gauge field. The number of quark species (colors) gives the central charge of an infinite-dimensional Lie algebra. The result is obtained by considering the analogue of the double spectral function in current-current correlation functions.
Physiological-intellectual components of rehabilitation success in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Abstract Intelligence test scores (IQ) and physiological measures were evaluated to determine their relationship in predicting vocational rehabilitation (VR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). From a population of COPD patients unrestricted as to age or degree of impairment in a previous study, 52 patients most appropriate for VR in terms of age and severity of disease were selected for retrospective analysis. Intelligence scores were able to predict VR outcome with 83% accuracy. A regression analysis with first-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1.0) and IQ as the predictors increased the accuracy of prediction of VR outcome to 90%. While the FEV1.0 relation to VR outcome has been previously shown, the strong IQ influence as a predictor of VR success in a COPD population was not expected. It was hypothesized that differences in job energy requirements among various IQ levels may be the underlying reason for this finding.
The development of categories at the semantics/syntax interface

This work aimed to reveal the thematic and grammatical role categories that are accessible to preschool children, and to determine how access to these categories changes with age. Three experiments explored categories associated with subjects of predicate adjectives and intransitive verbs, and with arguments of actional and experiential transitive verbs. A metalinguistic task was used in which children placed tokens on the objects in a picture according to the role they played in a sentence describing the scene. The results provide evidence for the psychological reality of a number of categorical distinctions. They also show greater salience of semantic categories relative to grammatical categories in young children, as compared with older children and adults, and they provide evidence bearing on theories of the development basis of subject. In particular, they are hard to reconcile with current versions of either Pinker's (1984) bootstrapping or Schlesinger, 1982 , Schlesinger, 1988 semantic assimilation theories, and a third theory is proposed.
Modal analysis of homogeneous optical waveguides by the boundary integral formulation and the Nyström method

The optical field in a weakly guiding homogeneous waveguide satisfies scalar Helmholtz equations in both the core and the cladding and the transmission conditions on the boundary. Two different systems of boundary integral equations are derived for numerical solutions of the discrete propagation constants of the optical field; one of them is in the form of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind, and the other is a mixed first and second kind. The Nystrom method is used to solve the boundary integral equations numerically. The numerical results show that the two boundary integral formulations are both very efficient in the numerical simulations of homogeneous waveguides but that the second kind is superior because it controls spurious modes better.
The Boundary Behavior of Heat Kernels of Dirichlet Laplacians

We prove the following complete and qualitatively sharp description of heat kernels G of Dirichlet Laplacians on bounded C1,1 domains D. There exist positive constants c1,c2 and T>0 depending on D such that, for ρ(x)=dist(x,∂D), ρ(x)ρ(y)t∧1c1tn/2e−c2∣x−y∣2/t⩽G(x,t;y,0)⩽ρ(x)ρ(y)t∧11c1tn/2e−∣x−y∣2/(c2t) for all x,y∈D and 0 T are known.) Bounds when D is unbounded are also given.
Image enhancement filters significantly improve reading performance for low vision observers

As people age, so do their photoreceptors; many photoreceptors in central vision stop functioning when a person reaches their late sixties or early seventies. Low vision observers with losses in central vision, those with age-related maculopathies, were studied. Low vision observers no longer see high spatial frequencies, being unable to resolve fine edge detail. We developed image enhancement filters to compensate for the low vision observer's losses in contrast sensitivity to intermediate and high spatial frequencies. The filters work by boosting the amplitude of the less visible intermediate spatial frequencies. The lower spatial frequencies. These image enhancement filters not only reduce the magnification needed for reading by up to 70 percent, but they also increase the observer's reading speed by 2-4 times. A summary of this research is presented.
Application of Electronic Differential Analyzers to Engineering Problems

The basic elements comprising an electronic differential analyzer are described. Fundamental concepts employed in the application of electronic differential analyzers to engineering problems are discussed, and an effective method of studying complicated dynamic systems is demonstrated. Data are presented on the types of problems which such machines are known to be capable of solving and on the extent to which they are being used in research, development and industrial organizations.
The Ghetto of Exclusion and the Fortified Enclave: New Patterns in the United States

Three key developments are described: (a) the transformation of the earlier racial ghettos into excluded ghettos, class/racial ghettos of the excluded and abandoned, resulting from a combination of hyperpauperization and racism; (b) a qualitatively new phase of the totalizing suburb, in which “edge cities” are created combining residential, business, social, and cultural areas that are removed from older central cities and overlaid on earlier patterns of suburbanization, representing a dramatic and expanded form of the exclusionary enclave; and (c) the parallel transformation of luxury and upper-class residences (and, increasingly, businesses and social and cultural facilities—thus similarly totalizing) into separate areas, appropriately called fortified citadels, each again separated from the other parts of the city by social, economic, and often physical barriers. The three developments are intimately connected with each other and mutually reinforcing.
Determination of Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry in Reclaimed Marsh Sediments in Southwest Louisiana

Abstract This work describes the measurement of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples originating from restored marsh at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Louisiana. The analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The sediments used to restore the marsh were taken from the Calcasieu River ship channel. Large quantities of refined and crude petroleum hydrocarbons are transported along the ship channel, which has long been suspected to be highly contaminated. No PAHs were detected in any samples above lower levels of detection. However, hexachlorobenzene and hexachlorobutadiene were detected at levels just below the practical quantitation limit. Based on these results, use of Calcasieu River Ship Channel dredge spoils to restore Sabine National Wildlife Refuge marsh sediments should not lead to ecological problems.
Worship Models and Music in Spiritual Formation

Senior believers are encouraged to make daily worship a vital part of their lives. Theological, philosophical, and historical materials are presented in support of the practice of using music and prayers as vital components in the spiritual development of senior adults. Several types of worship are presented and discussed.
Union Catalog of Letters to Clemens

This work describes more than 18,000 letters to or about Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) by correspondent name, date of writing, and source (consisting of hundreds of repositories and printed sources). This volume and the previously published "Union Catalog of Clemens Letters" (1986) provide access to nearly 30,000 documents of Mark Twain correspondence.
Processing High Performance Multilayer Boards of Fluoropolymer Composite Materials

Methods for producing multilayer boards of highly reinforced fluoropolymer composite systems are detailed. Both similarities and contrasts to conventional fabrication processes are discussed, as well as the relative processing effects on final electrical, mechanical, and physical properties of the MLB. Special emphasis encompasses the dimensional properties of these fluoropolymer MLBs and the overall simplicity of manufacture.
High Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Content of Human Cirrhosis and Its Possible Conference of Metastasis Resistance

Human cirrhotic livers exhibited a strong resistance to metastasis and demonstrated high levels of both soluble and 3 M NaCl extractable metalloproteinase inhibitor(s) directed against tumor type I and type IV collagenases. This inhibitory activity was detected in human cirrhosis from diverse causes, including alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, alcoholic liver disease, postviral hepatitis, and biliary cirrhosis, but was nearly undetectable in normal liver. The inhibitory activity was able to be purified by carboxymethyl cellulose chromatography and gel filtration, had a molecular weight of approximately 40,000, and was relatively heat stable. Such metalloproteinase inhibitory activity was also present in conditioned media of human myofibroblast primary cultures obtained from cirrhotic liver explants but absent in conditioned media of primary normal liver explants. Purified fractions of the metalloproteinase inhibitor activity obtained from both myofibroblast conditioned media and extracts of cirrhotic liver blocked invasion but not attachment of MCF-7 cells on human amnion in vitro. The results further support the role of myofibroblasts in inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis and provide one possible mechanism by which cirrhotic livers resist metastasis.
Combined differential evolution and surface magnetic charge model algorithm for discrimination of UXO from non-UXO items: simple and general inversions

This paper presents an application of a combined differential evolution (DE) and surface magnetic charge (SMC) model to discriminate objects of interest, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), from innocuous items. In entire electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing considered here (tens of Hertz up to several hundreds of kHz), the scattered magnetic field outside the object can be represented in terms of scalar magnetic potential, from which one can obtain all scattered magnetic fields. Such fields are appropriately and readily produced mathematically by equivalent magnetic charges. The amplitudes of these charges are determined from measurement data. The surface magnetic charge model takes into account the scatterer's heterogeneity and near- and far-field effects. It is very fast and simple to implement in EMI inverse scattering algorithms. For simplification of discrimination algorithms, the frequency spectrum of the total normalized equivalent charge is investigated here as a discriminant. Two inversions scenarios are discussed: 1. Simple, when we assume that a buried object's location and orientation are known but its identity is not; and 2. General when both identity and all positional parameters are unknown. In the first case, because the task is only to identify the object, only the SMC model is required and this serves as a test of it alone. In the second case the combined DE and SMC model approach is required for identifying the object as well as its location and orientation. In this case an iterative two-step inversion procedure is used together with measured data. One step calculates an object's location and orientation, and the other calculates the amplitudes of the responding fictitious magnetic charges. Once the object's location, orientation, and spectrum of total magnetic charge are all determined, then that spectrum is compared to cataloged library data for UXO's of interest. To illustrate the applicability of the combined DE and SMC algorithm for UXO discrimination, first a simple inversion methodology is given for an actual UXO and then a general inversion approach is tested for a single object.
Interactions of 3,4-diaminopyridine and choline in stimulating acetylcholine release and protecting membrane phospholipids.

Abstract We investigated the effects of 3,4-DAP on ACh release from rat striatal sliers superfused with or without choline, at rest and during electrical stimulation. In a choline-free medium, 3,4-DAP increased basal and stimulated ACh release while lowering the net efflux of choline; thus while thesum of ACh plus choline released remained constant, theratio of released ACh to that of choline was increased. The drug failed to affect tissue ACh, choline or membrane phospholipid levels (including those of phosphatidylcholine). In a choline-containing medium, 3,4-DAP potentiated the enhancement by choline of both basal and electrically stimulated ACh release. Electrical stimulation alone increased ACh release from the slices without altering choline efflux or depleting tissue choline or ACh stores; however, this treatment did deplete membranes of phosphatidylcholine and of other major phospholipids. Superfusion of the slices with 3,4-DAP protected the slices from stimulation-induced phospholipid depletion. Calcium-dependent activation of high-affinity choline uptake may underlie the observed effects of 3,4-DAP.
Older Adolescents, a Group at Special Risk: What Have 2 Years Achieved?

Had I written this reprise 6 months ago, I probably would have lamented the lack of progress in addressing the issues I raised in the article in May 1991 1 about the need to focus efforts on the "forgotten half" of youth. Members of this group, roughly 17 through 25 years of age, are still in a rapidly developing period of life. Their health care needs are poorly met, and their health is even more closely related to social factors, ie, education, jobs, minority status, as well as personal characteristics, than is the case for younger groups. However, momentum for change was building in this country during these 2 years. As part of this momentum, a new president was elected who promised change. At the economic summit in mid-December, President-elect Clinton specifically drew attention to the interrelated needs of youth and the necessity that we as a nation address them
Providing endoscopy for underserved patients benefits public health and resident education.

Objective To determine the clinical and educational value of a new model for providing endoscopy for medically indigent patients. Hypothesis A model can be developed at minimal cost to provide essential endoscopy services for underserved patients while providing resident education. Design In our community, there was limited access to endoscopy for indigent patients, and surgical resident endoscopy experience was inadequate. To address these problems, a new endoscopy program was developed. Procedures were performed during underused times in a hospital endoscopy clinic. Endoscopies were performed on patients referred from the public health clinics. All procedures were performed by senior surgical residents supervised by attending endoscopists. The data were collected over 30 months. Colonoscopies were performed for both diagnostic and screening purposes. Interventions In all, 205 colonoscopies, 65 upper endoscopies, and 14 combined endoscopies were performed. Outcome Measures Positive findings on endoscopy were documented. The cost-effectiveness was calculated. Results Of 205 colonoscopies, 35% had positive findings. Sixty-six (32%) patients had polyps and 6 (3%) patients had carcinomas. Of 65 upper endoscopies, 34 (55%) patients had positive findings. Thirty (47%) patients had moderate to severe gastritis/esophagitis or ulcers, 2 (3%) patients had esophageal varices, 2 (5%) patients had carcinomas, 10 (15%) patients had positive H. pylori biopsies, and 2 (3%) patients had Barrett's esophagus. The program incurred minimal incremental costs, and large cost savings were realized in prevention and early detection of colon and gastric carcinomas. Conclusions Our 30-month experience resulted in clinical benefits to patients at minimal incremental cost while reducing future medical costs by preventing and detecting disease. Surgical residents received essential training.
Readability of Online Patient Education Materials Related to IR.

Abstract Purpose To assess the readability of online patient education materials (OPEM) related to common diseases treated by and procedures performed by interventional radiology (IR). Materials and Methods The following websites were chosen based on their average Google search return for each IR OPEM content area examined in this study: Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE), National Library of Medicine, RadiologyInfo, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and Wikipedia. IR OPEM content area was assessed for the following: peripheral arterial disease, central venous catheter, varicocele, uterine artery embolization, vertebroplasty, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and deep vein thrombosis. The following algorithms were used to estimate and compare readability levels: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Formula, Flesch Reading Ease Score, Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and Coleman-Liau Index. Data were analyzed using general mixed modeling. Results On average, online sources that required beyond high school grade–level readability were Wikipedia (15.0), SIR (14.2), and RadiologyInfo (12.4); sources that required high school grade–level readability were CIRSE (11.3), Mayo Clinic (11.0), WebMD (10.6), and National Library of Medicine (9.0). On average, OPEM on uterine artery embolization, vertebroplasty, varicocele, and peripheral arterial disease required the highest level of readability (12.5, 12.3, 12.3, and 12.2, respectively). Conclusions The IR OPEM assessed in this study were written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level and the health literacy level of the average American adult. Many patients in the general public may not have the ability to read and understand health information in IR OPEM.
Effect of inhibitors of protein synthesis on the development of kindled seizures in rats.

Abstract The rate of development of kindled amygdaloid seizures in male Holzman rats was significantly reduced by injection of anisomycin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) or cycloheximide (1.5 or 2 mg/kg, s.c.), 30 min prior to each stimulation. This effect coincided with severe inhibition of brain protein synthesis, but not with anticonvulsant effects of either drug as judged by crossover of treatments or by seizure threshold testing. These results demonstrated that the retarding effect of inhibitors of protein synthesis on kindling is not due to an anticonvulsant action of these drugs.
Femtosecond Dynamics of Dioxygen – Picket-Fence Cobalt Porphyrins: Ultrafast Release of O2 and the Nature of Dative Bonding

The ultrafast release of O_2 from the O_2 adduct of picket-fence cobalt porphyrin (see picture) has been probed in real time, and has a total reaction time of 2 ps, without subsequent recombination over several nanoseconds. The dynamics of this ultrafast release of O_2 shows that relaxation within the porphyrin system (200 fs) precedes porphyrin-to-metal electron transfer, but the latter occurs at an enhanced rate (500 fs as opposed to the more usual 1 – 2 ps) because of the dative bonding of cobalt and O_2, which gives the adduct ground state significant Co^(III)−O_2^− character.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Root Cap Cells of Cultured Roots of Convolvulus

Isolated cultured roots of Convolvulus arvensis L. were incubated in 0.2 microcurie per milliliter methyl-3H-thymidine for 14 hours, for 64 hours, or for 14 hours followed by transfer to fresh nutrient medium without tritiated thymidine. Autoradiographs of serial, longitudinal sections of roots which were continuously incubated with tritiated thymidine showed that cells of the root cap columella did not undergo DNA synthesis after their formation from the root cap initials. In roots pulse-labeled with tritiated thymidine, the movement of labeled cells through the root cap columella was followed. Labeled cells were displaced at a constant rate of 72 microns per day over a period of 6 to 9 days before they were sloughed off from the root cap. The specialized role of the root cap cells in relation to their distinctive metabolism and longevity is discussed.
Stability of sublevel set estimates and sharp L^2 regularity of Radon transforms in the plane

Thus Tf(x) is the average of f over a curve ”centered at x”. The condition ∂γ ∂t (x, t) 6= 0 ensures that the averaging is smooth; T doesn’t degenerate into a fractional or singular Radon transform. Our goal will be to prove sharp L estimates for T . In the semitranslationinvariant case, this has been done for real-analytic γ(x, t) by Phong and Stein [PS], and for general γ(x, t) (not just semi-translation invariant) this was done up to derivatives by Seeger [Se]. In this paper we will relate L regularity of T to uniform sublevel set estimates for a certain determinant function that arises. The estimates will be sharp for a significant class of T many of which are not semitranslation-invariant; for such operators the results of this paper are not covered by [Se] or [PS].