cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning and Career Specialty Preferences of Medical School Applicants.

Abstract The present research examined relationships among medical school applicants’ preferred approaches to learning, methods of instruction, and specialty areas ( n = 912). Based on confidential responses to a progressive series of paired comparisons, applicants’ preferences for lecture (L), self-study (SS), group discussion (GD), and computers (C) were assessed across three dimensions: (1) comfort; (2) effectiveness; and (3) interest. Using cluster analysis to generate four instructional “profiles,” participants’ comparative preferences for self-study/lecture versus group discussion/computers (+SS, L/−GD, C) were positively associated with interests in surgery and neurology, whereas opposing preferences (+GD, C/−L, SS) corresponded with the practice of family medicine. Using a matriculant subset ( N = 160), analyses indicated that these relationships remained after controlling for sex and psychological type.
Gender orientation and emergent leader behavior

Two studies compared the effects of masculinity and femininity on rater and ratee evaluations of emergent leader behavior in mixed- and same-sex groups. Data were collected in two consensus-seeking studies using the same procedures; only the gender composition of the task groups was changed. The first study was composed of 39 female and 21 male students in 15 mixed-sex groups, and the second study included 96 female students in 22 same-sex groups. Masculinity and femininity were measured with the Bem Sex Role Inventory [L. Bem, (1974) “The Measurement of Psychology Androgyny,” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 42, pp. 155–162]. Contrary to research and theory, masculinity was not associated with peer-rated leadership, yet femininity was correlated with two measures of self-rated leadership.
General Principles and Pharmacology of Biologics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The pharmacology of each biologic agent is important regarding the dose required to achieve benefits, duration of therapeutic effect, and the induction of immunogenicity. Comprehension of the individual pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics, in addition to the impact of concomitant immunomodulation on immunogenicity allows optimization of each biologic agent in the appropriate inductive or maintenance setting of IBD.
The hypersomnia-sleep apnea syndrome: Its recognition in clinical cardiology

Le bilan cardiovasculaire de tous les malades, specialement s'il s'agit d'hommes, obeses et d'âge moyen, devrait comporter une attention specifique a deux types sommeil-veille. Un profile clinique positif de syndrome d'hypersomnie-apnee du sommeil est caracteristique et devrait conduire a une confirmation diagnostique rapide avec des enregistrements polysomnographiques de nuits entieres. Les effets benefiques apparents de la tracheotomie sur les arythmies cardiaques, la desaturation en oxygene et l'hypertension et l'evitement possible des accidents vasculaires cerebraux et de la mort subite ajoutent de l'interet au diagnostic
Dynamic control of performance monitoring on large scale parallel systems

Performance monitoring of large scale parallel computers creates a dilemma: we need to collect detailed information to find performance bottlenecks, yet collecting all this data can introduce serious data collection bottlenecks. At the same time, users are being inundated with volumes of complex graphs and tables that require a performance expert to interpret. We present a new approach called the W3 Search Model, that addresses both these problems by combining dynamic on-the-fly selection of what performance data to collect with decision support to assist users with the selection and presentation of performance data. We present a case study describing how a prototype implementation of our technique was able to identify the bottlenecks in three real programs. In addition, we were able to reduce the amount of performance data collected by a factor ranging from 13 to 700 compared to traditional sampling and trace based instrumentation techniques.
Hyperfine Level-changing Collisions of Hydrogen Atoms and Tomography of the Dark Age Universe

We present accurate rates for spin exchange processes in collisions of hydrogen atoms for temperatures in the range 1 K < T < 300 K. A fully quantal, multichannel theory is employed in the calculations. We discuss the respective roles of spin exchange and long-range magnetic interactions in collisional redistribution of sublevel populations. We use the rates to calculate the spin temperature of hydrogen in the universe at 20 < z < 200 and explore its sensitivity to the collision data. We stress the important role of atomic collisions in enabling 21 cm tomography, recently proposed by Loeb & Zaldarriaga, of the "dark age" universe.
Effects of some polymethylene bis(hydroxyethyl) dimethylammonium compounds on acetylcholine synthesis.

Summary 1 The effects of some polymethylene bis(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium compounds have been studied on acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis and as substrates for choline acetyltransferase (ChAc). 2 The decamethylene analogue (C10-dichol) inhibited ACh synthesis by mitochondrial (P2) fractions of guinea-pig cerebral cortex suspended in Tris buffer but had no effect on ACh synthesis by P2 fractions when the membranes surrounding the ChAc enzyme were broken down by homogenization in Triton X-100. 3 C10-Dichol was acetylated by ChAc almost to the same extent as choline. The initial rate of acetylation, at a concentration of 10−3m, was more rapid than for choline; however, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant for C10-dichol was greater than the Km for choline, showing a lower affinity for the ChAc enzyme. 4 All the dicholine compounds were acetylated to some extent by ChAc and the rate of acetylation increased with an increase in the length of the methylene chain between the two quaternary nitrogen atoms in each dicholine molecule. 5 The rate of acetylation of the dicholine compounds paralleled the activity of these analogues at the prejunctional site at the neuromuscular junction. The possibility is suggested that part of the pharmacological activity of these compounds may be due to their incorporation into cholinergic nerve endings followed by acetylation by ChAc before subsequent release as a false transmitter.
Coherence measurements applied to critical and Köhler vortex illumination

Both coherence and polarization play an important role in microscopy. It was long ago established that, in the context of scalar treatments, Kohler and critical illumination produce equivalent coherence functions in an object plane. This paper examines this equivalence in the context of polarization vortex illumination. Using a reversed-wavefront Young interferometer (RWYI), we show measurements of the coherence and correlation properties of the output illumination plane of various illumination systems. We compare the coherence properties of critical and Kohler vortex illumination schemes and look at the effects these properties have in an imaging system.
Using Benefit Transfer to Estimate Average Relative Marginal Values for Wildland Fire Program Planning

We developed a set of generalized value categories and average relative marginal values using resource and valuation information collected at seven federal land management planning units in the USA. The categories and average values are intended to be used for rapid strategic wildland fire program planning or as foundation values for a more extended planning effort. To divide the original information into logical and statistically valid value categories, we used a k-means cluster analysis combined with expert knowledge of how each resource type is managed with respect to fire. After we established the value categories, we performed a regression tree analysis to estimate an average relative marginal value for each category under different combinations of ecosystem condition and fireline intensity. Average values for each category are as expected and the regression tree fits are excellent with R2 values ranging from .895 to .948. The results of this study can be used to identify general resource types for p...
Resolving Sulfur Oxidation and Removal from Pt and Pt3Co Electrocatalysts Using in Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Adsorbed sulfur is a poison to the Pt catalysts used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, but it can be removed by potential cycling. This process is studied for Sx-poisoned nanoscale Pt− and Pt3Co− on Vulcan carbon (Pt/VC and Pt3Co/VC) in perchloric acid electrolyte using the Δμ adsorbate isolation technique for in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The Δμ technique is modified to better distinguish the Δμ signatures for H, O, and Sx on Pt. The resulting Δμ analysis suggests that SO2 on nanoscale Pt is oxidized to bisulfate or sulfate species in two regions, near 1.05 V on the cluster edges of the Pt nanoparticle, and at higher potentials from the Pt(111) faces where oxygen is less strongly bound. The bisulfate or sulfate species desorb from the Pt surface at high potentials due to O(OH) adsorption/replacement and at low potentials due to loss of the Coulomb attraction between the bisulfate anion and the Pt. A similar oxidation process occurs for Sx-poisoned Pt3Co/VC, but at lower potentials because ...
The Fiber Composite With Nonlinear Interface—Part II: Antiplane Shear

This paper treats the effective antiplane shear response of a composite consisting of fibers that interact with the matrix through nonlinear Needleman-type cohesive zones. The first paper (Part I) examines effective axial tension response. The composite cylinders representation of a representative volume element (RVE) is employed throughout. For antiplane shear loading the elastic field solution for a single composite cylinder is found in the form of a series expansion whose coefficients are governed by an infinite set of nonlinear equations. Bounds on the total potential energy and the total complementary energy of an RVE do not coincide although they are shown to differ by a term of order O(c 4 ) where c is the fiber volume concentration. Interaction effects due to finite volume concentration, coupled with nonlinear interface characterization, are shown to precipitate instability in composite response.
Escherichia coli diarrhea

Summary 1. Certain serotypes of Esch. coli can produce diarrhea in infants. 2. In an attempt to establish the etiology of an infant's diarrhea, it is essential to perform routine serotyping of the Esch. coli isolated from the infant's stool. 3. Esch. coli serotyping is simple to perform and can be done in any routine bacteriology laboratory. 4. Esch. coli diarrhea may spread rapidly through hospital wards despite the use of modern isolation techniques. 5. Patients with Esch. coli diarrhea cannot be distinguished on clinical grounds from patients with nonspecific diarrhea. 6. The treatment of patients with Esch. coli diarrhea consists in the employment of well-established principles of treatment of infantile diarrhea plus the administration of oral neomycin.
Ethnic differences in pain coping: factor structure of the coping strategies questionnaire and coping strategies questionnaire-revised.

Abstract Coping has been examined extensively in the pain literature, although coping instruments have been typically validated in clinical populations with little ethnic diversity. This study examined the factor structure of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and the CSQ-Revised (CSQ-R) in 650 healthy male and female African American (44%) and white (56%) subjects and explored associations of coping to health and pain-related measures. Factor analyses revealed 6 components for each ethnic group, accounting for comparable amounts of variance and resembling previously reported CSQ subscales. Internal consistency for both ethnic groups was acceptable (0.72-0.91). There were significant main effects for ethnicity on 4 of the CSQ-R scales ( P Perspective Coping has been examined extensively in the pain literature, although coping instruments typically have been validated in clinical populations with little ethnic diversity. This study examines the factor structure of the CSQ-Revised in an ethnically diverse population and supports the use of the CSQ-R to assess coping in African Americans and in healthy young adults.
Surface forces in the aggregation of membrane proteins

Abstract The membranes of living cells have specialized protein assemblies called channels that control ion transport. The structural similarities between different channels suggest a common design and mode of operation. We are studying the effect of surface charge on protein aggregation/disaggregation reactions as the basis for channel function and the link to electrical stimuli. Since aggregation/disaggregation reactions appear to involve changes at the interfaces of the subunits rather than in the internal structure, we have assumed that the total free energy change in such reactions can be evaluated in terms of the surface free energy change. This assumption leads to the correct prediction of the variation of the disaggregation constant with pH, as well as the variation of hemoglobin viscosity with concentration and the variation of the oxygenation equilibrium with pH and ionic strength. The model also leads to a simple explanation of the Hill coefficient of cooperative reactions in terms of a Gibbs surface excess. The application of the surface free energy model to the voltage gated channels of excitable membranes leads to an understanding of their opening/closing reactions and their apparent selectivity. The calculated ion fluxes using the surface compartment model equations are similar to those observed in the sodium and potassium channels of excitable membranes.
TRANSLOCATION IN POLYTRICHUM COMMUNE (BRYOPHYTA). III. LOADING OF SUGARS IN SOURCE LEAVES

Polytrichum commune, the common hair-cap moss, possesses a system of long-distance foodconducting cells that can be traced- from leaves into stems and down through underground rhizomes. Cytochemical analysis indicates that high adenosine triphosphatase activity is associated with the membranes of sugar-conducting deuter cells in Polytrichum leaves. Incipient plasmolysis determinations reveal high solute concentrations of leaf deuters. These two lines of evidence suggest that long-distance transport of photosynthate is initiated in this species by a process analogous to phloem loading of minor veins in leaves of flowering plants. Two sets of experimental observations suggest that sugar loading in Polytrichum is coupled with the transport of protons: the moderating effects of N-ethylmaleimide, p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, sodium orthovanadate, and fusicoccin on labeled sucrose uptake (as determined by liquid scintillation techniques), and correlated effects on acid flux from isolated leaves (as determined by computer-aided titrimetry). Polytrichaceous mosses produce leaves that
Reproductive strategy of Cleistes divaricata (Orchidaceae)

In Cleistes divaricata, a hinged anther dispenses a sequence of loosely aggregated pollen tetrad masses onto the dorsal thorax of Bombus and Megachile workers. This mechanism allows more than one bee to receive pollen from a single flower. To determine the effectiveness of this strategy, plants in bud were caged and hand pollinated using pollen from sequential releases. Capsules produced from a flower's first three pollen dumps were significantly larger and heavier and contained more seeds than those produced by later pollen deposits with fewer tetrads. Decreasing pollen dosage did not affect fruit set, capsule development, individual seed weight, or percentage of healthy looking embryos per fruit. Fruit set for artificial pollinations was 93% for pollen dumps 1-3 and 97% for dumps 4-18. As set of naturally pollinated marked plants was only 38%, low frequency of pollinator visits apparently limited seed production. Efficacy of infrequent visits is maximized, however, because a flower's first pollen releases contain the most pollen, but later low-dosage dumps can produce some seeds. An unexpected cost was a higher investment of pericarp per seed in low-dosage capsules (130 ng pericarp seed-' fresh weight) than in high-dosage pollinations (only 27 ng pericarp seed-'). Flower fading in plants receiving low pollen dosage was as slow as that in caged, unpollinated controls, thus increasing opportunity for additional pollination.
Nanoparticles and Apparent Activation Energy of Portland Cement

Although chemically inert nanosize mineral fillers have been shown to modify early cement hydration kinetics, with the effects dependent upon usage rate, particle size, and dispersibility, the effects of such fillers on the “apparent activation energy” (Ea) of cement has not been previously examined. Here, cement Ea was calculated from isothermal calorimetry performed at different temperatures with two different types of fillers (i.e., titanium dioxide and limestone) using a linear method as well as a modified ASTM C1074 method. The use of both types of nanoparticles increased the rate of cement hydration as well as accelerated the reaction rate, due to heterogeneous nucleation effect, as previously demonstrated. Ea increased in the presence of nanosized fillers, demonstrating an increased temperature sensitivity of the filler-cement composites relative to ordinary cement. These results show that chemically inert nanoparticles behave fundamentally differently compared with supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and silica fume which instead decrease temperature sensitivity. The increased temperature sensitivity could thus be used to modify and optimize the reaction mechanism and kinetics of cement hydration, especially to increase the rate of cement hydration, to decrease setting time, and to achieve faster strength gain accounting for higher or lower temperatures during curing.
Fibrodysplastic implications for transvenous embolization of a high-flow pelvic arteriovenous malformation in Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that commonly features high-flow arteriovenous malformations (AVM) within the pulmonary, intracranial, and visceral circulation. We present a patient with a unique case of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome featuring a high-flow pelvic AVM in addition to fibromuscular dysplasia affecting multiple vascular beds. This required a unique modification of our embolic therapeutic approach for adequate treatment of the AVM.
Standardized method for the harvest of nonhuman primate tissue optimized for multiple modes of analyses

Appropriate animal models are critical to conduct translational studies of human disorders without variables that can confound clinical studies. Such analytic methods as patch-clamp electrophysiological and voltammetric recordings of neurons in brain slices require living brain tissue. In order to obtain viable tissue from nonhuman primate brains, tissue collection methods must be designed to preserve cardiovascular and respiratory functions for as long as possible. This paper describes a method of necropsy that has been used in three species of monkeys that satisfies this requirement. At necropsy, animals were maintained under a deep surgical plane of anesthesia while a craniotomy was conducted to expose the brain. Following the craniotomy, animals were perfused with ice-cold, oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid to displace blood and to reduce the temperature of the entire brain. The brain was removed within minutes of death and specific brain regions were immediately dissected for subsequent in vitro electrophysiology or voltammetry experiments. This necropsy method also provided for the collection of tissue blocks containing all brain regions that were immediately frozen and stored for subsequent genomic, proteomic, autoradiographic and histological studies. An added benefit from the design of this necropsy method is that all major peripheral tissues were also collected and are now being utilized in a wide range of genomic, biochemical and histological assays. This necropsy method has resulted in the establishment and growth of a nonhuman primate alcohol tissue bank designed to distribute central nervous system and peripheral tissues to the larger scientific community.
Approximate expected hitting times of certain state variables of physics and economics

Abstract In this paper we study expectations of hitting times of certain physically and economically relevant state variables in the presence of two fixed boundary planes. An asymptotic expansion is developed for the mean of the hitting-time distribution for a process X(t) whose rate of change V(t) is driven by a Brownian motion process and over which a linear deterministic term is superimposed. A truncated version of this expansion is proposed as an approximation to the true mean first passage time. In a series of simulations, the approximation is found to perform well even in nonasymptotic regions.
Selenium isotope fractionation during reduction by Fe(II)-Fe(III) hydroxide-sulfate (green rust)

We have determined the extent of Se isotope fractionation induced by reduction of selenate by sulfate interlayered green rust (GRSO4), a Fe(II)-Fe(III) hydroxide-sulfate. This compound is known to reduce selenate to Se(0), and it is the only naturally relevant abiotic selenate reduction pathway documented to date. Se reduction reactions, when they occur in nature, greatly reduce Se mobility and bioavailability. Se stable isotope analysis shows promise as an indicator of Se reduction, and Se isotope fractionation by various Se reactions must be known in order to refine this tool. We measured the increase in the 80Se/76Se ratio of dissolved selenate as lighter isotopes were preferentially consumed during reduction by GRSO4. Six different experiments that used GRSO4 made by two methods, with varying solution compositions and pH, yielded identical isotopic fractionations. Regression of all the data yielded an instantaneous isotope fractionation of 7.36 ± 0.24‰. Selenate reduction by GRSO4 induces much greater isotopic fractionation than does bacterial selenate reduction. If selenate reduction by GRSO4 occurs in nature, it may be identifiable on the basis of its relatively large isotopic fractionation.
Reaction Kinetics and Mechanisms of Zeolite Dissolution in Hydrochloric Acid

The kinetics of zeolite dissolution in aqueous hydrochloric acid was investigated over a strongly acidic pH range (for pH ≤ 1 and [H+] = 0.1−6 M) in a batch reactor. The apparent reaction order with respect to hydrogen ion concentration decreased with increasing pH. Existing models do not predict this trend. A fundamental rate model derived from an adsorption and surface reaction mechanism is consistent with the experimental dissolution rates. The correlated model parameters suggest that the hydrogen ion strongly adsorbs onto zeolite surfaces and that zeolite dissolution follows Langmuir−Hinshelwood kinetics. A comparison of the Langmuir−Hinshelwood kinetic parameters reveals that the zeolite dissolution rates are dependent on the Si/Al ratio in the zeolite framework. Nonstoichiometric dissolution is observed for analcime and type Y zeolites, indicating a unique mechanism in which aluminum atoms are selectively removed. The ratio of the measured silicon dissolution rate to the stoichiometric dissolution r...
Tissue culture and plant regeneration of okra (Abelmoshus esculentus)

Abstract Explants (hypocotyl, cotyledon, cotyledonary node and leaf segment) were excised from aseptically grown okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedlings. The explants were cultured on a Murashige and Skoog basal nutrient medium supplemented with auxins, cytokinins and auxin-cytokinin combinations. Callus formation and root differentiation occurred in a medium containing naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or indoleacetic acid. There was a greater proliferation of roots on medium supplemented with NAA. The addition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to the growth medium suppressed root formation. No shoot bud or shoot development was observed at any of the auxin levels tested. Both kinetin (KN) and zeatin (Z) also proved ineffective in inducing shoot buds or shoots. Shoots were produced on cotyledon and cotyledonary node explants cultured in a medium supplemented with benzyladenine and NAA. These shoots developed roots on the same medium. The plantlets, on transfer to soil, grew normally.
UNCOUPLERS OF OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION AND TERATOGENIC ACTIVITY OF INSULIN.

TREATMENT with insulin has well-established teratogenic effects in chick development. When administered during the earliest stages of incubation (first 2 days), it is responsible for the occurrence of rumplessness (chiefly absence of the tail vertebrae), whereas somewhat later (4th or 5th) day) it leads to a syndrome of micromelia and abnormalities of the beak (namely, a shortened upper beak or parrot beak). During these later stages, but not in the early ones, the teratogenic activity of insulin is strikingly exaggerated by the simultaneous administration of chlorpromazine1. The amounts of chlorpromazine which produce this effect were non-teratogenic and only moderately toxic if given alone.
High-pressure solution blending of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) with poly(methyl methacrylate) in acetone + carbon dioxide

Abstract The miscibility of blends of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL, Mw = 14,300) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, Mw = 15K or 540K) in acetone + CO2 mixed solvent has been explored. The liquid–liquid phase boundaries at different temperatures have been determined for mixtures containing 10 wt% total polymer blend, 50 wt% acetone and 40 wt% CO2. The PCL and PMMA contents of the blends were varied while holding the total polymer concentration at 10 wt%. The polymer blend solutions all displayed LCST-type behavior and required higher pressures than individual polymer components for complete miscibility. Complete miscibilities were achieved at pressures within 40 MPa. The DSC scans show that the blends are microphase-separated. The blends display the melting transition of PCL and the glass transition temperature of the PMMA phases. The presence of PMMA is found to influence the crystallization and melting behavior of PCL in the blends. The DSC results on heat of melting and the FTIR spectra, specifically the changes at 1295 cm−1 band show the changes (decrease) in overall crystallinity of the blend upon addition of PMMA.
Special Economic Zones and the Opening of the Chinese Economy: Some Lessons for Economic Liberalization

Abstract This paper studies the implications of special economic zones in China's economic transition, and attempts to draw some policy lessons for economic liberalization in a more general context. Establishing the zones has been the first and most crucial step that China took to reform and open its economy since 1979. The zones' establishment, performance, and impacts on China's transition are examined in addition to related reform efforts and policy issues. It is argued that the zones may serve as a policy means in facilitating trade and financial liberalization, enhancing resource utilization, and promoting economic growth and structural changes.
Trans-arachidonic acids: new mediators of nitro-oxidative stress.

Abstract A reaction of arachidonic acid with the nitrogen dioxide radical ( NO 2 ) or its precursors (peroxynitrite, nitrous acid, nitrogen trioxide) generates a group of nitro lipids named nitroeicosanoids. A distinct feature of this reaction is abundant formation of four trans isomers of arachidonic acid (TAA) via reversible addition of the NO 2 radical to the arachidonic acid cis double bonds. This cis–trans isomerization is biologically relevant because many pathologies that involve NO formation such as inflammation, hyperoxia, hypercapnia or exposure to cigarette smoke increase the TAA levels in cells, tissues and in the systemic circulation. Inflammatory conditions have been known to stimulate formation of a variety of oxidized lipids from unsaturated fatty acid precursors via lipid peroxidation mechanisms; however, nitration-dependent cis–trans -isomerization of arachidonic acid is a characteristic process for NO 2 . TAA are likely to function as specific and selective biomarkers of the pathologic conditions that define nitro-oxidative stress. Diet independent biosynthesis of trans fatty acids as a result of disease is our new observation. In the past, experimental feeding and clinical studies have supported the concerns that dietary trans fatty acids are cardiovascular risk factors, however, clinical consequences of the endogenous formation of trans fatty acids are not known but potentially important given available studies on TAA. This review aims to summarize the emerging role of TAA as a unique group of biomarkers that target microcirculation and other systems. A biological mechanism that generates endogenous trans fatty acids poses new challenges for pharmacologic intervention and we suggest approaches that may limit TAA effects.
A framework for heading-guided recognition of human activity

A combined 2D, 3D approach is presented that allows for robust tracking of moving people and recognition of actions. It is assumed that the system observes multiple moving objects via a single, uncalibrated video camera. Low-level features are often insufficient for detection, segmentation, and tracking of non-rigid moving objects. Therefore, an improved mechanism is proposed that integrates low-level (image processing), mid-level (recursive 3D trajectory estimation), and high-level (action recognition) processes. A novel extended Kalman filter formulation is used in estimating the relative 3D motion trajectories up to a scale factor. The recursive estimation process provides a prediction and error measure that is exploited in higher-level stages of action recognition. Conversely, higher-level mechanisms provide feedback that allows the system to reliably segment and maintain the tracking of moving objects before, during, and after occlusion. Heading-guided recognition (HGR) is proposed as an efficient method for adaptive classification of activity. The HGR approach is demonstrated using "motion history images" that are then recognized via a mixture-of-Gaussians classifier. The system is tested in recognizing various dynamic human outdoor activities: running, walking, roller blading, and cycling. In addition, experiments with real and synthetic data sets are used to evaluate stability of the trajectory estimator with respect to noise.
The effects of endoscopic sinus surgery on level of fatigue in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), but the response of fatigue to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is rarely studied. METHODS A prospective, open cohort of adult patients undergoing ESS for CRS was studied using 10-cm fatigue visual analog scales (VASs), Lund-MacKay computed tomography (CT), and Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopy scoring. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-two patients, followed for a mean (+/-SD) of 16.5 +/- 8.5 months after ESS, noted significant fatigue improvement with an effect size defined as large by Cohen (0.8 [95% CI, 0.5-1.3]). Neither preoperative CT scores nor preoperative endoscopy scores correlated with preoperative fatigue severity. Compared with the mean preoperative fatigue score (6.1 +/- 2.9 cm), preoperative fatigue was more severe in women (6.9 +/- 2.6 cm; p 0.001) with final fatigue severity scores similar to the entire study group. Similarly, patients with severe fatigue (n = 112; mean VAS score, 8.8 +/- 0.8 cm) showed a more pronounced improvement than patients less severely fatigued (n = 160; mean VAS score 4.2 +/- 2.4 cm; effect size = 2.2 [95% CI, 2.0-2.9]; p > 0.001). CONCLUSION Fatigue improves after ESS, with significantly greater improvement in patients with fibromyalgia and in patients that are more severely fatigued at presentation.
Fuzzy subgroups as union of two fuzzy subgroups

Abstract The problem of writing a fuzzy subgroup of a group G as a union of two fuzzy subgroups has been discussed by Dixit et al. In this paper an attempt has been made to study this problem further in a broader framework of nontrivial decomposition of a fuzzy subgroup. Thus something more than the settlement of the question — of the possibility of having nonequivalent fuzzy subgroups in this union — raised by the author at the end of the Section 3 of their paper, has been proved.
Chapter 13 – Salivary Gland Malignancies

The causes of salivary gland malignancies are unknown, although some have suggested that ionizing radiation may play a causal role. There are also suggestions that certain occupational exposures, such as those prevalent in the rubber industry, contribute to increased risk. These malignancies are more common among men than women, and slightly less common in Los Angeles County than in other areas of the country. All racial/ethnic groups are affected to about the same level, but persons of a higher social class are more frequently affected. High-risk census tracts are scattered throughout the county with a few that are contiguous and none showing high risk for both sexes. No census tract stands out on the basis of a particularly high number of excess cases. No systematic pattern of geographical occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation can be proposed.
Corneal Sensitivity in Tear Dysfunction and its Correlation With Clinical Parameters and Blink Rate

Purpose To compare corneal sensitivity in tear dysfunction due to a variety of causes using contact and noncontact esthesiometers and to evaluate correlations between corneal sensitivity, blink rate, and clinical parameters. Design Comparative observational case series. Methods Ten normal and 33 subjects with tear dysfunction (meibomian gland disease [n = 11], aqueous tear deficiency [n = 10]—without (n = 7) and with (n = 3) Sjogren syndrome (SS)—and conjunctivochalasis [n = 12]) were evaluated. Corneal sensitivity was measured with Cochet-Bonnet and air jet esthesiometers and blink rate by electromyography. Eye irritation symptoms, tear meniscus height, tear break-up time (TBUT), and corneal and conjunctival dye staining were measured. Between-group means were compared and correlations calculated. Results Compared with control (Cochet-Bonnet 5.45 mm, air esthesiometer 3.62 mg), mean sensory thresholds were significantly higher in aqueous tear deficiency using either Cochet-Bonnet (3.6 mm; P = .003) or air (11.7 mg; P = .046) esthesiometers, but were not significantly different in the other groups. Reduced corneal sensitivity significantly correlated with more rapid TBUT and blink rate and greater irritation and ocular surface dye staining with 1 or both esthesiometers. Mean blink rates were significantly higher in both aqueous tear deficiency and conjunctivochalasis compared with control. Among all subjects, blink rate positively correlated with ocular surface staining and irritation and inversely correlated with TBUT. Conclusion Among conditions causing tear dysfunction, reduced corneal sensitivity is associated with greater irritation, tear instability, ocular surface disease, and blink rate. Rapid blinking is associated with worse ocular surface disease and tear stability.
On Formation of Singularities in One-Dimensional Nonlinear Thermoelasticity

It is well known that smooth motions of nonlinear elastic bodies generally will break down in finite time due to the formation of shock waves. On the other hand, for thermoelastic materials, the conduction of heat provides dissipation that competes with the destabilizing effects of nonlinearity in the elastic response. The work of Coleman & Gurtin [2] on the growth and decay of acceleration waves provides a great deal of insight concerning the interplay between dissipation and nonlinearity in one-dimensional nonlinear thermoelastic bodies. Assuming that the elastic modulus, specific heat, and thermal conductivity are strictly positive, the stress-temperature modulus is nonzero, and that the elastic response is genuinely nonlinear they show that acceleration waves of small initial amplitude decay but waves of large initial amplitude can explode in finite time. In other words, thermal diffusion manages to restrain waves of small amplitudes but nonlinearity in the elastic response is dominant for waves of large amplitudes.
Temperature memory effect in amorphous shape memory polymers

Temperature memory effect (TME) refers to the ability of shape memory polymers (SMPs) to memorize the temperature at which pre-deformation was conducted. In the past few years, this TME was experimentally demonstrated by comparing the applied programming temperature (Td) with a characteristic recovery temperature (Tc), which corresponds to either the maximum recovery stress or free recovery speed. In these well-designed experiments, Tc was observed to be close to Td, which is consistent with the intuitive understanding of ‘memorization’. However, since the polymer recovery behavior has been proved to be strongly dependent on various programming and recovery conditions, a new question that whether Tc is always equal to Td in any thermo-temporal conditions remains to be addressed. In this paper, we answered this question by examining the free recovery profile of an acrylate based amorphous SMP. The recovery Tc, which is the temperature with the maximum recovery speed, versus the recovery temperature is shown to be strongly dependent on both programming and recovery conditions. Their detailed influence could be explained by using the reduced time. During a thermomechanical working cycle of SMPs, in addition to the Td, any other thermo-temporal conditions, such as the holding time (th), cooling rate, recovery heating rate (q), etc., can affect the observed Tc by changing the reduced programming or recovery time. In this manner, the relationship between Tc and Td is not uniquely determined. Besides, the TME in SMPs can only be achieved within a given temperature range. Both onset and offset of this temperature range are shown to be influenced by the programming history, but are independent of the recovery conditions.
Effects of silane on the properties of wood-plastic composites with polyethylene-polypropylene blends as matrices†

The influence of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate and benzoyl peroxide on gel content, crystal- linity, and mechanical performance of unfilled PP-PE blends, and their composites with wood was investigated. All materials were compounded in a twin screw extruder and then injection molded. Specimens were then exposed to high-humidity and elevated temperature in a humidity chamber to cross-link any unhydrolyzed silane. Adding wood to the PE-PP blends, increased premature cross-linking but also increased gel contents. However, the gel contents of the composites were still low. The PP com- ponent did not appear to cross-link well and our gels were almost entirely HDPE. Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectra provided additional evidence that TMSPM is grafted and cross-linked in unfilled PE-PP blends. Unfortunately, the spectra of wood composites proved dif- ficult to interpret because of the complexity and overlap of the FTIR spectra of the wood. The HDPE component annealed when exposed to high-humidity and elevated temperature, although less so in samples with high-gel contents, presumably because of the decreased mobility. Annealing influenced mechanical performance, especially increasing moduli. Adding peroxide and silane appeared to improve adhesion between the wood flour and matrix in the composites but had little effect on energy absorbed during high-speed puncture tests. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 1398-1409, 2011
Long-term processes affecting restoration and viability of the federal threatened Mead's milkweed (Asclepias meadii).

Restoration is an important tool for reducing extinction risk of endangered plants. Population viabilities of few plant restorations have been modeled over decadal time periods and linked with genetic and ecological factors that drive restoration processes. We modeled viability of restored populations of Mead's milkweed (Asclepias meadii, Asclepiadaceae), a self-incompatible perennial herb of eastern tallgrass prairie (TGP), federally listed as threatened in the U.S. From 1994 to 2004, we planted >600 seeds and >800 juvenile plants representing >50 genotypes across seven TGP sites. Propagule type, genotype, seed source, restoration site, precipitation and fire management significantly affected establishment, growth and viability. Plants established from seed had greater mortality and greater genetic and demographic attrition than did juveniles. Seedling growth rates also projected 20–30 yrs to reach flowering stage, and their survivorship provided a metric of site suitability for life cycle completion. Se...
Assessment of Depression and Cognitive Impairment Among Elders in Rural Housing Facilities

BACKGROUND:Psychiatric disorders are estimated to be 50% higher among elder public housing residents than among the general elderly population.OBJECTIVE:The purpose of the study was to assess for depression and cognitive impairment among rural elders in public housing.STUDY DESIGN:Assessments with 20 rural elders were completed using the PRIMEMD, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), the MedicalOutcomes Study–12-Item Short Form (SF-12), andMini-Mental State Exam. Data were analyzed using SYSTAT software.RESULTS:Major depression (25%,n = 5), minor depression (10%,n = 2), and cognitive impairment (25%,n = 5) were identified in this sample. Using the CES-D, depressive symptoms were reported by 50% of seniors in the previous week. Comparative analysis of instruments showed strong correlations for assessing for depression in this elderly sample.CONCLUSIONS:Because depression and cognitive impairment can often herald nursing home placements, nurses need to assess this at-risk population. ...
First-trimester detection of fetal anomalies in pregestational diabetes using nuchal translucency, ductus venosus Doppler, and maternal glycosylated hemoglobin.

Objective The frequency of fetal anomalies in women with pregestational diabetes correlates with their glycemic control. This study aimed to assess the predictive performance of first-trimester fetal nuchal translucency (NT), ductus venosus (DV) Doppler, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to predict fetal anomalies in women with pregestational diabetes. Study Design This was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing first-trimester NT with DV Doppler. Screening performance was tested for first-trimester parameters to detect fetal anomalies. Results Of 293 patients, 17 had fetal anomalies (11 cardiac, 7 major, 3 multisystem). All anomalous fetuses were suspected prenatally. One had NT >95th centile, 2 had reversed DV a-wave, and 13 had HbA1c >7.0%. The HbA1c was the primary determinant of anomalies (r 2 , 0.15; P 8.35% was the optimal cutoff for prediction of anomalies with an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.88). Therefore, first-trimester prediction of anomalies was best in women with increased NT or HbA1c >8.3% (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 77.4%, positive predictive value 16.2%, negative predictive value 97.7%, P Conclusion In women with pregestational diabetes and poor glycemic control, an increased NT increases risks for major fetal anomalies. Second-trimester follow-up is required to achieve accurate prenatal diagnosis.
Improving frameless rendering by focusing on change

Realtime rendering requires accurate display of a dynamic scene with minimal delay. Frameless rendering [Bishop et al. 1994] offers unique flexibility in this regard: because it samples time per pixel, it can respond to change with very little delay, and at any location in the image. However, sampling is random, resulting in blurring in changing image regions. We present an approach for improving frameless rendering by making sampling sensitive to change in the image, as suggested in [Bishop et al. 1994]. By measuring this change in visual terms, we are able to direct sampling to those regions of change. The resulting algorithm produces sharper imagery, while introducing minimal overhead into the standard frameless algorithm.
Running a Java VM inside an operating system kernel

Operating system extensions have been shown to be beneficial to implement custom kernel functionality. In most implementations, the extensions are made by an administrator with kernel loadable modules. An alternative approach is to provide a run-time system within the operating system itself that can execute user kernel extensions. In this paper, we describe such an approach,where a lightweight Java virtual machine is embedded within the kernel for flexible extension of kernel network I/O. For this purpose, we first implemented a compact Java Virtual Machine with a Just-In-Time compiler on the Intel IA32 instruction set architecture at the user space. Then, the virtual machine was embedded onto the FreeBSDoperating system kernel. We evaluate the system to validate the model, with systematic benchmarking.
The roar behind the door.

In a pediatric office there is always some background noise to which we9ve grown accustomed: phones, children crying from shots, or infants balking at being weighed. But sometimes an unaccustomed commotion, a noise that sounds different, comes from an examination room. If I happen to be nearby or perhaps standing outside the door looking over the family9s chart, I like to go close to the scene and cock my ear for a minute just outside the closed door to get a few snatches of the sounds. "Stop that!" " No, don9t do that!" "Get out of there!" Then, perhaps, a wail, a brief cry, or a thump or two.
In situ drag measurements of sports balls

Aerodynamic drag on sports balls is typically measured in wind tunnels. There is a concern that fixtures needed to support the ball in a wind tunnel may influence its drag. Measurements under game conditions have been attempted, but are difficult to interpret from the data scatter and are not controlled. The following considers drag measurements from a ball propelled through static air in a laboratory setting. High speed light gates were used to measure drag, including the effects of ball rotation. Drag was observed to depend on the ball speed, rotation, roughness, and orientation. A so-called drag crisis was observed for a smooth sphere and was comparable to wind tunnel data. Rough sports balls, such as a baseball, showed evidence of a small drag crisis that was less apparent than the smooth sphere. © 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
1‐Fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene

[70-34-8] C6H3FN2O4 (MW 186.10) InChI = 1S/C6H3FN2O4/c7-5-2-1-4(8(10)11)3-6(5)9(12)13/h1-3H InChIKey = LOTKRQAVGJMPNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (identification of terminal amino acid residues in peptides;1 amine protecting group;4 deoxygenation of phenols;11, 12 thioamide protecting group14) Alternate Names: dinitrofluorobenzene; DNFB; Sanger's reagent. Physical Data: mp 27.5–30 °C; bp 178 °C/25 mmHg; d 1.48 g cm−3. Solubility: sol benzene, Et2O, EtOAc, acetone, DMF, propylene glycol. Form Supplied in: 99% pale yellow crystals; widely available. Purification: commercial sample can be recrystallized from diethyl ether. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: stored at room temperature. Considered as highly toxic and cancer suspect agent. Use in a fume hood.
Participation of Central Noradrenergic Neurons in Arterial Baroreceptor Reflexes in the Rabbit

Arterial baroreceptor reflex action in rabbits, noting central noradrenergic neuron participation
Practicing participatory research in American Indian communities

The purpose of this article is to explore the historical issues that affect research in American Indian communities and examine the implications of these issues as they relate to culturally sensitive, respectful, and appropriate research with this population. Methods include review and analysis of the literature and examination of our collective experience and that of our colleagues. Recommendations are given for conducting culturally sensitive, participatory research. We conclude that research efforts must build on the establishment of partnerships between investigators and American Indian communities to ensure accurate findings and analyses and to implement culturally relevant benefits.