cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Crystallization of Ba-Substituted CsTiSi2O6.5 Pollucite Using CsTiSi2O6.5 Seed Crystals

Barium (Ba)-substituted CsTiSi2O6.5 materials of two types, CsxBa1−xTiSi2O(7−x/2) and CsxBa(1−x)/2TiSi2O6.5 were synthesized with the pollucite structure with 1≥x≥0.6. When the Ba-substituted precursor materials were heat treated to 850°C for 4 h, a mixture of amorphous and unidentifiable phases formed. However, with the addition of 10 wt% of crystalline CsTiSi2O6.5 to the Ba-containing precursors, nearly single-phase pollucite was obtained after 20 h at 750°C for x≥0.6. The added crystalline CsTiSi2O6.5 particles act as nuclei that allow the Ba-containing materials to crystallize into the pollucite phase and to avoid the formation of unwanted phases that would otherwise nucleate and grow. These new materials can be used to study the stability of CsTiSi2O6.5 as a durable ceramic waste form, which could accommodate with time both Cs and its decay product, Ba.
Teaching learning disabled students goal-implementation skills

Eight learning disabled (LD) junior high school students were taught goal-setting and self-regulatory skills in a resource room setting. The training program was designed to help students set realistic goals, develop plans to achieve these goals, monitor and evaluate their own behavior, and accept responsibility for the outcome of goal-directed activities. The goal-implementation strategy was effective in increasing some students' rates of assignment completion in the resource room and the regular classroom. Following the training program, students attributed success to effort; failure was attributed to effort, luck, and task difficulty.
Application of a novel symmetrical shape factor to gastroretentive matrices as a measure of swelling synchronization and its impact on drug release kinetics under standard and modified dissolution conditions.

Objectives We have assessed the kinetics of drug release in relation to the full or partial hydration and swelling of matrices under standard and modified United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus II using a novel index, defined as the symmetrical shape factor. The symmetrical shape factor describes the regularity of the hydration rate of the matrix perimeter relative to its central regions. Methods Monolithic and three-layer matrices based on hypromellose, polyethylene oxide, Kollidon SR, theophylline, diltiazem hydrochloride and alfuzosin hydrochloride were subjected to dissolution testing. Key findings Our results indicated that Kollidon SR matrices and the three-layer composite systems with and without effervescing components were not significantly affected by the dissolution conditions. However, in the case of the floating monolithic systems based on hypromellose and polyethylene oxide, both release profiles and swelling dynamics in accordance with the similarity factor (f2) and symmetrical shape factor values were significantly influenced. Conclusions The symmetrical shape factor values were positively impacted. Consequently the drug release kinetics were more predictable and reproducible. The modified USP method resulted in a more synchronized axial and radial swelling with symmetrical shape factor values approaching unity. Data further indicated that the modified USP method provided for complete matrix hydration and swelling as the dosage form remained fully submerged, allowing for more reliable release mimicking the in-vivo conditions.
Peer Victimization and Harsh Parenting Predict Cognitive Diatheses for Depression in Children and Adolescents

The current study examined peer victimization and harsh parenting as longitudinal predictors of broadband and narrowband cognitions associated with the etiology of depression in children and adolescents. The sample consisted of 214 elementary and middle school students. At the start of the study, their average age was 12.2 years (SD = 1.0). The sex ratio was 112 girls to 102 boys. The sample was ethnically diverse (58.9% Caucasian, 34.1% African American, 10.7% Hispanic, 3.3% Asian, and 5.2% other). Children and their parents completed measures of peer victimization and harsh parenting. At two waves 1 year apart, children also completed questionnaire measures of negative and positive broadband cognitive style (e.g., personal failure, global self-worth) and narrowband self-perceptions (e.g., perceived social threat, social acceptance). Every Wave 2 cognitive variable was predicted by peer victimization or harsh parenting or both, even after controlling for a Wave 1 measure of the same cognitive variable. P...
A HIF-1alpha-dependent autocrine feedback loop promotes survival of serum-deprived prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND We previously reported that normoxic, serum-deprived prostate cancer (PCa) cells upregulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein, which promotes survival during serum deprivation via insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) upregulation. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of autocrine regulation of HIF-1α, IGF-2 and cell survival in serum-deprived PC-3 and LNCaP PCa cells. METHODS Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue assay. PI3K activity was inhibited with LY294002, and PTEN overexpression. mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR, and IGF-2 protein by ELISA. Activated insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) was detected by probing immunoprecipitated IGF-IR for phospho-tyrosine. IGF-IR activity was inhibited with IGF-2 neutralizing antibody and IGF-IR-specific siRNA. HIF-1α, phospho-Akt, total-Akt and IGF-IR protein was assessed by immunoblots. HIF-1α was suppressed with siRNA. RESULTS We detected a time-dependent increase in Akt activation during serum deprivation, and inhibition of Akt activation attenuated the serum deprivation-mediated increase in HIF-1α and cell survival. Importantly, IGF-2 secretion significantly increased during serum deprivation, and was accompanied by increased activation of its receptor, IGF-IR. Additionally, inhibition of IGF-2 activity markedly attenuated the serum deprivation-mediated increase in IGF-IR and Akt activation, HIF-1α expression, and also its own transcription, suggesting autocrine regulation of HIF-1α expression via IGF-2. Cross-talk between IGF-2/ IGF-IR system and PI3K-Akt pathway was further demonstrated by findings wherein IGF-IR suppression inhibited Akt activation, and IGF-IR activation was inhibited following PI3K inhibition. Furthermore, HIF-1α suppression attenuated the serum deprivation-mediated increase in Akt and IGF-IR activation. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study demonstrates existence of a pro-survival HIF-1α-dependent autocrine feedback loop in normoxic, serum-deprived PCa cells. Prostate 69:263–275, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The invariant algorithm for identification and detection of multiple gas plumes and weak releases

The ability to detect and identify gaseous effluents is a problem that has been pursued with limited success. It has been shown to be possible using the Invariant algorithm on synthetic hyperspectral scenes with a strong single gas release. That however, is a very specific case and leaves room for further investigation. This study looks at more realistic detection and release scenarios. Our implementation of the Invariant algorithm uses Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to select basis vectors from a subspace of target gases in conjunction with a Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) to determine on a pixel by pixel basis how ``like" the target gas each pixel is. The target gases are modeled in the image radiance space including atmospheric effects. Target spectra are modeled in both emission and absorption. This study investigates how well weak plumes are detected. Also, there will be a test of a mixed gas in a strong plume release. Finally, a situation where a weak multiple gas release will be discussed. Synthetic hyperspectral imagery in the long wave infrared region (LWIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum will be the predominate data used in this study. This algorithm has been found to be applicable for these detection and identification scenarios.
Post-sphincterotomy Transampullary Balloon Dilation Is a Safe and Effective Technique

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing ampullary balloon dilation (ABD) following endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Methods Retrospective review of patients that underwent ABD at Thomas Jefferson University from 2000 to 2007. In all cases, dilation was performed with Hurricane® RX hydrostatic balloons (Boston Scientific, Natick MA) or CRETM esophageal dilating balloons (Boston Scientific, Natick MA). Results ABD following ES was performed in 69 patients. The procedure was performed for choledocholithiasis in 58%, abnormal imaging in 26%, and abnormal liver enzymes in 23% of patients. ABD following ES was 86% successful in achieving the intended therapeutic goal of the procedure. Pancreatitis (2.9%) post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) occurred in two individuals, with one case of hemorrhage (1.5%) and one perforation (1.5%). Conclusion ABD following ES is a safe and effective alternative to ES alone, particularly for the extraction of large common bile duct (CBD) stones.
Investigation and Remediation of Petroleum Product Releases from Residential Storage Tanks

Releases of petroleum products from leaking residential storage tanks are a growing problem in the stale of New Jersey. Approximately two releases per day have been reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Product releases may cause aquifers to become contaminated, may affect surface water, or cause vapor problems inside households. As of 1992, there arc no federal or state regulations pertaining to the maintenance and monitoring of residential petroleum storage tanks. Regulations are essential for protecting drinking water supplies. The regulations must address installation procedures, lank materials, monitoring, and tank location.
Delays in auditory-cued step initiation are related to increased volume of white matter hyperintensities in older adults

An increased volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI has been associated with mobility impairments in older adults. The objective of this preliminary study was to investigate the relationship between the volume of WMH and the delays in auditory-cued step initiation. Eight subjects aged 75–83 years participated. The WMH volume in the corticospinal tracts and anterior thalamic radiations were summed. Subjects performed an auditory-cued stepping task that included two simple reaction time (SRT) trials and three choice reaction time (CRT) trials. SRT trials required subjects to step as quickly as possible with the right foot from a symmetric standing position to a single target position in response to an auditory stimulus. For the CRT trials, subjects stepped as quickly as possible to one of two possible locations, depending on the auditory stimulus. The time from the stimulus onset to the reaction time of the anticipatory postural adjustment (APART) and liftoff (LO) of the right foot was computed for each stimulus. The mean APART and LO were greater for the CRT steps compared with the SRT steps to the same location. Increases in WMH were significantly associated with larger APART and LO during both SRT and CRT for both target locations. These data suggest that increased volume of WMH is associated with greater central processing time during voluntary step initiation, and highlight a possible mechanism that can help to explain how damage to white matter tracts affects mobility in older adults.
Accelerated Destructive Degradation Test Planning

Accelerated destructive degradation tests (ADDTs) provide reliability information quickly. An ADDT plan specifies factor-level combinations of an accelerating variable (e.g., temperature) and evaluation time and the allocations of test units to these combinations. This article describes methods for finding good ADDT plans for an important class of destructive degradation models. First, a collection of optimum plans is derived. These plans minimize the large sample approximate variance of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator of a specified quantile of the failure-time distribution. The general equivalence theorem is used to verify the optimality of these plans. Because an optimum plan is not robust to the model specification and the planning information used in deriving the plan, a more robust and useful compromise plan is proposed. Sensitivity analyses show the effects that changes in sample size, time duration of the experiment, levels of the accelerating variable, and misspecification of the planning i...
The question of the comparability of the WISC and WISC-R: Review of the research and implications for school psychologists

The paper reviews WISC/WISC-R comparison studies which have been conducted with a wide variety of samples. Significant WISC/WISC-R IQ score differences have been reported with the WISC-R yielding consistently lower scores of approximately 5-8 IQ points for the three major scales. Several studies do report variable WISC/WISC-R differences for various ages, races, and ability levels. These results have implications for practicing school psychologists. Caution is advised in the interpretation of a WISC/WISC-R difference, as a discrepancy of one SD may not be meaningful. Many students who scored in the borderline classification range on the WISC and who are currently being readministered the WISC-R are scoring in the mentally impaired classification range. This does not necessarily reflect negatively on the validity of the WISC-R, but does document the need to keep intelligence tests up to date. There is a continuing need to exercise caution in the use of individual intelligence tests and to utilize data in addition to WISC-R scores in order to make special education placement decisions.
Chiropractic and the Changing US Health Care Marketplace: Where We are Going and What Needs to be Done

This editorial reviews the current health care marketplace in the United States as it relates to chiropractic and the complementary and alternative medicine community. A 4-part strategy of research, education, alliance-building, and politics, is offered to address current obstacles.
What You Should Know About Approximate Dynamic Programming

Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is a broad umbrella for a modeling and algorithmic strategy for solving problems that are sometimes large and complex, and are usually (but not always) stochastic. It is most often presented as a method for overcoming the classic curse of dimensionality that is well-known to plague the use of Bellman's equation. For many problems, there are actually up to three curses of dimensionality. But the richer message of approximate dynamic programming is learning what to learn, and how to learn it, to make better decisions over time. This article provides a brief review of approximate dynamic programming, without intending to be a complete tutorial. Instead, our goal is to provide a broader perspective of ADP and how it should be approached from the perspective of different problem classes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 56: 239-249, 2009
The predictive value of LEEP specimen margin status for residual/recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Robinson WR, Lund ED, Adams J. The predictive value of LEEP specimen margin status for residual/recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Int J Gynecol Cancer 1998; 8: 109–112. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of margin status of LEEP specimens on the rate of recurrent/residual cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Also, we determined the effect of other clinical or pathologic factors on recurrent/residual disease. In this prospective cohort study, 227 women underwent LEEP excision of the cervix using standard techniques. Data concerning clinical factors and pathologic and cytologic results were collected. Patients had follow-up at three month intervals with Pap smears and indicated colposcopy/biopsy. 145/227 were confirmed as having CIN in the LEEP specimen. 66/145 (45%) had involved (positive) margins, and 79/145 (55%) had noninvolved (negative) margins. 27/57 (47%) with positive margins had recurrent disease compared with 22/65 (34%) with negative margins. (P = 0.18) HIV infection was found in 8/227 (3.6%). 8/8 HIV-infected patients had involved margins and recurrent/residual disease. Endocervical curettage (ECC) was positive in 39 cases and negative in 106. 13/34 (38%) cases with a positive ECC had recurrent disease vs. 32/88 (36%) with a negative ECC. (P = 0.85) Also, 8/58 (14%) patients whose specimens did not show CIN were found to have CIN at follow-up. In conclusion, the risk of residual/recurrent CIN at follow-up after undergoing LEEP is not statistically different in margin positive vs. margin negative patients (47% vs. 34%) (P = 0.18) or ECC positive vs. ECC negative patients. (38% vs. 36%) (P = 0.85) If HIV infected patients are excluded, the rate of recurrent disease in the two groups is very similar. (39% vs. 34%) (P = 0.73) Follow-up is important for patients with negative LEEP specimens as 14% were later diagnosed with CIN.
Spin-spin relaxation in slightly ferroelectric KH2AsO4 and BaTiO3:Mn2+

An approximate theory of dipolar relaxation by the soft modes of magnetic vacancies and dislocations gives 23 and 1 for the power-law exponents of T2, while proton T1 and EPR linewidth measurements yield 0.67 ± 0.04 and 1.0 ± 0.1.
Effects of Buoyancy on Laminar Flow in Curved Elliptic Ducts

A numerical investigation of the effects of buoyancy on a fully developed laminar flow in a curved duct with an elliptic cross section is presented. The curved elliptic duct is subjected to thermal boundary conditions of axially uniform heat flux and peripherally uniform wall temperature. The numerically generated boundary-fitted coordinate system is applied to discretize the solution domain of the elliptic duct, and the Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equation, including the curvature ratio, are resolved using the control volume-based finite difference method. The results are displayed graphically and in tabular form to illustrate the buoyancy effect. It is shown that buoyancy acts to increase both the Nusselt number and the friction factor, and changes the distribution of the velocity and the temperature. The results for the curved circular duct with and without buoyancy are compared with the data available in the literature for all cases. 19 refs.
TEQUEL: An engineering relational DBMS

A relational database management system is presented that is tailored for engineering applications. A wide variety of engineering data types is supported and the data definition language (DDL) and data manipulation language (DML) are extended to handle engineering operations. The system can be used either in the stand‐alone mode or through a FORTRAN or PASCAL application program. The query language is of the relational calculus type and allows the user to store, retrieve, update and delete tuples from relations. The relational operations including union, intersect and differ facilitate creation of temporary relations that can be used for manipulating information in a powerful manner. Sample applications are shown to illustrate the creation of data through a FORTRAN program and data manipulation using the TEQUEL DML.
A simple method for the detection of imaginal diapause in beetles

: Investigations on Ips typographus and Leptinotarsa decemlineata revealed that the activity of mitochondrial enzymes in the flight muscles provides a reliable criterion for the discrimination of diapausing and non-diapausing adults. Enzyme activity is conveniently detected in situ with commercially available tetrazolium salts. Staining intensity is correlated with the flight ability and often also with reproduction.
Saltwater flushing by freshwater in a laboratory beach

summary Experiments were conducted to investigate the flushing of saltwater out of a laboratory aquifer (or beach) by freshwater propagating seaward. After a steady state distribution was achieved with a seaward hydraulic gradient, freshwater was introduced while keeping the total head constant at each boundary. This caused the propagation of freshwater seaward. Two initial uniform concentrations were used: Case 1: 2.0 g/L (low salinity case) and Case 2: 34.0 g/L (high salinity case). The observed salinity and pressure data were closely reproduced using the MARUN (Boufadel et al. 1999a) numerical code.
Structure of oxidized flavodoxin from Anacystis nidulans

The structure of oxidized flavodoxin from the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans has been determined at 2.5 A resolution with phases calculated from ethylmercury phosphate and dimercuriacetate derivatives. The determination of partial sequences, including a total of 85 residues, has assisted in the interpretation of the electron density. Preliminary refinement of a partial model (1072 atoms) has reduced R to 0.349 for the 10.997 reflections between 2.0 and 5.0 A with 1 greater than 2 sigma. The polypeptide backbone, which comprises 167 residues in the current model, adopts the familiar beta-alpha-beta conformation found in other flavodoxins and in the nucleotide-binding domains of the pyridine-nucleotide dehydrogenases, with five parallel strands in the central sheet. Comparison with flavodoxin from Clostridium MP (138 residues) shows that extra residues of A. nidulans flavodoxin are accommodated in a major insertion about 20 residues in length, which forms a lobe adjacent to the fifth strand of parallel sheet, and in additions to several external segments. Residues added between the fourth sheet strand and the start of the third helix alter the environment of the pyrimidine end of the flavin mononucleotide ring. The flavin mononucleotide phosphate binds to the start of helix 1, interacting with hydroxyamino acids and with main-chain amide groups. Two hydrophobic residues, both tentatively identified as Trp, enclose the isoalloxazine ring; the solvent-exposed Trp is nearly parallel to the flavin ring. The hydrophobic environment provided by these residues must be partly responsible for the pronounced vibrational resolution of the flavin spectrum near 450 nm. The flavin ring is tilted relative to its orientation in Clostridium MP flavodoxin. In addition, atoms N-3 and O-2 alpha of the isoalloxazine appear to form hydrogen bonds to the backbone at CO97 and NH99 in a conformation entirely different from that found in Clostridium MP flavodoxin but structurally analogous to Desulfovibrio vulgaris flavodoxin.
Lessons in Learning

Machine learning has become an indispensible tool for the multimedia community. Given large amounts of data, computers using machine learning are able to create rich representations and accomplish impressive discrimination tasks. Yet, the way machines learn is still differs significantly from how humans learn. EIC John R. Smith explains that the way forward is for the multimedia field to create appropriate lesson plans or more generally develop curriculum-based approaches to multimedia machine learning.
Studies on the mechanism of decreased NMR-measured free magnesium in stored erythrocytes.

Abstract 31P-NMR spectra have been recorded on erythrocytes stored at 4°C in various preservation media. Storage was always associated with an upfield shift of the inorganic phosphate (Pi) resonance and a pronounced upfield shift of the ATPβ resonance, indicating decreased intracellular pH (pHi) and decreased intracellular free magnesium ([Mg2+]i). The decreased [Mg2+]i occurred in preservation media not containing citrate and even in media supplemented with Mg2+. It could not be attributed to the changes in pHi, Na+, K+, lactate, Pi or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, that occur with storage. The decrease in [Mg2+]i was largely reversed when stored cells were incubated for 1 h at 37°C in fresh plasma. Stored cells were found to contain significant amounts of inorganic pyrophosphate, up to about 200 μmol per liter cell water. Being a tight binder of Mg2+, pyrophosphate could account for some of the observed decrease in [Mg2+]i. Additional mechanisms may involve precipitation of some other Mg2+ complex during cold storage or enhancement of Mg2+ binding to membrane components.
Root‐Knot Nematode Resistant Cowpea Cover Crops in Tomato Production Systems

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are serious pests of many crops worldwide. Recent limitations on the use of nematicides have enhanced the need to develop alternative management strategies, including host plant resistance. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nematode-resistant cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes used as cover crops for suppressing populations of M. incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and M.javanica (Treub) Chitwood and protecting susceptible tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown in rotation. In six field experiments, susceptible and resistant cowpea was grown to flowering stage and the dried tops incorporated or not incorporated into the soil. These treatments were compared to wet and dry fallowing and were conducted on nematode-infested and noninfested plots. The experiments were conducted in the Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys, California. Resistance conferred by genes Rk and Rk2 reduced loss of cowpea biomass and M. incognita soil populations and partially suppressed M. javanica compared with susceptible cowpea, but not as effectively as fallow treatments. Incorporation of cowpea tops into the soil promoted tomato growth irrespective of nematode presence. On infested plots, tomato fruit yield was higher following growth and incorporation of resistant cowpea compared with growth and incorporation of susceptible cowpea or nonincorporation of cowpea and fallow treatments. We conclude that root-knot nematode-resistant cowpea is an effective cover crop for protecting susceptible vegetable crops grown under irrigation, and its beneficial effects are enhanced by incorporation of its green biomass.
Skewness preference and the measurement of abnormal returns

In performing an empirical analysis of stock market returns there are certain conditions under which the quadratic characteristic line (QCL) will be the appropriate return-generating process compared to the linear characteristic line (LCL). These conditions are whether the parameter associated with the squared market term (the deviation from the mean) is significantly different from zero and whether the return on the market portfolio is asymmetrically distributed (or skewness is present). Examining abnormal returns surrounding stock splits, we find that these conditions hold for our data set. Having ascertained that the conditions for QCL hold, we find that the cumulative average returns (CARs) obtained using QCL dominate the CARs obtained using LCL in the event time and the CAR space for the dividend-increase sub-sample. Furthermore, the standardized abnormal returns for the QCL model are significantly different than those obtained using the LCL model. We find that neither the LCL nor the QCL paradigm re...
Wavelet based lossless image compression using partial SPIHT and bit plane based arithmetic coding

In this paper, we are proposing an enhanced lossless image compression called partial SPIRT that is based on SPIRT. The new method uses thresholds that are based on the frequency of ones in each bit plane. The algorithm uses the conventional SPHIT in each bit plane as long as the frequency of ones is less than 0.2; otherwise, SPHIT will not be used for that particular bit plane and two new options are used instead. Option_l is used if the frequency of ones is less than 0.3 and option_2 is used if it is greater than 0.3. The proposed algorithm provides higher lossless compression than SPHIT, because the SPHIT losses its efficiency as it transmits the lower bit planes. Also, a bit plane based arithmetic coder is used in which the frequency table and the cumulative frequency table are reset to their initial values at each bit plane.
Enhanced sensitivity for the detection of trace gases using multiple line integrated absorption spectroscopy

We describe a technique that enhances the sensitivity of a spectrometer for trace gas detection employing an external cavity continuously tunable CW quantum cascade laser and integrating the absorption spectra across multiple lines of the species. We demonstrate the power of this method by continuously recording the absorption spectra of NO2 across the R branch from 1628.8 to 1634.5 cm(-1). By integrating the resulting spectra, the detection sensitivity of NO2 is improved by a factor of 15 compared to the sensitivity achieved using single line laser absorption spectroscopy with the same apparatus. This procedure offers much shorter data acquisition times for the real-time monitoring of trace gas species compared to adding repeated scans of the spectra to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Photochemical production of dissolved organic carbon from resuspended sediments

A series of controlled photolysis experiments using simulated sunlight was conducted in the presence and absence of estuarine bottom sediments to address the role of sediment resuspension on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) cycling in estuarine and coastal waters. In 0.2-mm-filtered estuarine water samples with no added sediment, DOC concentrations decreased from 0.4 to 3 mmol L21 h21 as a result of photooxidation. When 0.2-mm-filtered water samples with the addition of 1–2 grams of estuarine sediment per liter were irradiated, DOC was produced at rates of 3 to 150 mmol L21 DOC per gram dry sediment. Photoproduction of DOC from resuspended sediments increased in direct proportion to the percent organic carbon content of the added sediment. Highenergy ultraviolet light was the most effective for photodegrading DOC in filtered samples and for photoproducing DOC from resuspended sediments. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm) did not significantly degrade DOC in filtered water. However, PAR did produce half as much DOC from resuspended sediments in organic-rich regions of the estuary relative to full spectrum sunlight irradiations. The photoproduction of DOC from resuspended sediments, calculated for the top 1 m of coastal waters, resulted in fluxes that were significantly larger than benthic and riverine fluxes of DOC. Photoproduction from resuspended sediments therefore represents an episodically significant but previously unrecognized source of DOC to estuarine and coastal ecosystems receiving large sediment plumes. Estuarine sediments are naturally resuspended and mobilized by wind-driven, wave-induced water movement as well as tidal and riverine currents. Anthropogenic sources of resuspended sediments in estuaries include dredging, bow waves, propeller wash, and bottom-trawling fishing devices. In the typically shallow waters of estuaries, sediment-water interactions are a fundamental, yet commonly neglected, set of processes that can significantly impact a host of important biogeochemical processes, such as trace-metal mobilization, nutrient and organic carbon (OC) cycling, and release of anthropogenic contaminants (Komada and Reimers 2001; Komada et al. 2002; Koel
In Vivo and In Vitro Heterogeneity of Segment Length Changes in the Semimembranosus Muscle of the Toad

Many studies examine sarcomere dynamics in single fibres or length–tension dynamics in whole muscles in vivo or in vitro, but few studies link the various levels of organisation. To relate data addressing in vitro muscle segment behaviour with in vivo whole muscle behaviour during locomotion, we measured in vivo strain patterns of muscle segments using three sonomicrometry crystals implanted along a fascicle of the semimembranosus muscle in the American toad (Bufo americanus; n= 6) during hopping. The centre crystal emitted an ultrasonic signal, while the outer crystals received the signal allowing the instantaneous measurement of lengths from two adjacent muscle segments. On the first day, we recorded from the central and distal segments. On the second day of recordings, the most distal crystal was moved to a proximal position to record from a proximal segment and the same central segment. When the toads hopped a distance of two body lengths, the proximal and central segments strained −15.1 ± 6.1 and −14.0 ± 4.9 % (i.e. shortening), respectively. Strain of the distal segment, however, was significantly lower and more variable in pattern, often lengthening before shortening during a hop. From rest length, the distal segment initially lengthened by 2.6 ± 2.0 % before shortening by 6.5 ± 3.2 % at the same hop distance. Under in vitro conditions, the central segment always shortened more than the distal segment, except when passively cycled, during which the segments strained similarly. When the whole muscle was cycled sinusoidally and stimulated phasically in vitro, the two adjacent segments strained in opposite directions over much (up to 34 %) of the cycle. These differences in strain amplitude and direction imply that two adjacent segments can not only produce and/or absorb varying amounts of mechanical energy, but can also operate on different regions of their force–length and force–velocity relationships when activated by the same neural signal. Understanding regional differences in contractile dynamics within muscles is therefore important to linking our understanding of sarcomere behaviour with whole muscle behaviour during locomotion.
The Effects of Relational Demography and Person-Culture Fit on Group Process and Performance

The authors integrate two complementary streams of research on “fit” that document positive impacts of similarity and negative effects of dissimilarity. Fit with an organization’s culture typically focuses on similarity in values whereas relational demography examines similarity in demographic attributes. Although both streams emphasize fit and draw on similar underlying theories, little research investigates both simultaneously. In a field study with intact teams, both cultural and demographic fit had independent effects on subsequent performance; however, “deeper” value fit effects were stronger than “surface” demographic fit. Analyses by demographic group suggest that person-group fit has the greatest impact for individuals whose demographic background puts them at risk for poorer outcomes, particularly for socioeconomic status.
Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Although not life-threatening, onychomycosis (a fungal infection of the nail, usually caused by a dermatophyte) constitutes an important public health problem because of its high prevalence (about 10% of the U.S. population) and associated morbidity. The disease can have certain negative consequences for patients, such as pain, and can potentially undermine work and social lives. This review discusses the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of onychomycosis. Four types of onychomycosis are recognized based on the site and pattern of fungal invasion. Dermatophyte fungi are the predominant pathogens, but yeasts (especially Candida albicans) and nondermatophyte molds may also be implicated. Accurate diagnosis requires direct microscopy and fungal culture. The differential diagnosis includes psoriasis, lichen planus, onychogryphosis, and nail trauma. Onychomycosis is more difficult to treat than most dermatophytoses because of the inherent slow growth of the nail. Older antifungal agents (ketoconazole and griseofulvin) are unsuitable for onychomycosis because of their relatively poor efficacy and potential adverse effects. Three recently developed antimycotic agents (fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine) offer high cure rates and good safety profiles. In addition, the short treatment times (< 3 months) and intermittent dosing schedules are likely to enhance compliance and reduce the costs of therapy.
The integumentary, pulmonary, and cardiac modifications correlated with increased cutaneous respiration in the amphibia: A solution of the ‘hairy frog’ problem

Astylosternus robustus has greatly reduced lungs. All Amphibia exhibiting such a reduction have their epidermis either penetrated by capillaries or thinned to facilitate greater cutaneous respiration. The epidermis of both sexes of A. robustus is penetrated by capillaries. The «hairs» of the adult male are merely extensions of this vasculated epidermis to compensate for the greater muscularity, size, and activity of this sex. The digits of terrestrial urodeles do not serve as special centers of cutaneous respiration. Digital sinuses are present in all urodeles. The abdominal and femoral tubercles of arboreal and some terrestrial frogs may function greatly in respiration, for their epidermis is penetrated by capillaries. All urodeles and frogs having well-developed and frequently emptied lungs possess a functionally complete auricular septum and a spiral valve. Injection experiments demonstrate a complete separation of arterial and venous blood in living specimens. A reduction of the lungs conditions a reduction of the left auricle, but disuse causes no change in size. A great decrease of the lungs, or even a disuse of them, conditions a fenestration of the auricular septum and a loss of the spiral valve. The spiral valve is formed by a backward growth of one of the synangial valves and is not homologous with the accessory valves of dipnoans. Lungless salamanders have no left auricle and no spiral valve.
D3 dopamine receptors in rat spinal cord: implications for sensory and motor function

Quantitative autoradiography was used to determine the distribution of D3 receptors in rat spinal cord and compare it with the distribution of D1-like and D2 (and D4) receptors. [3H]PD 128907-labeled D3 sites were observed in roughly 6-fold lower density than [3H]spiperone-labeled D2 (D4) sites and 60-fold lower density than [3H]SCH 23390-labeled D1-like sites. Highest densities of D3 binding were observed in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn at cervical and lumbar levels followed by the pars centralis and dorsal horn. Lowest densities of D3 sites were detected in the ventral horn. These observations suggest that spinal D3 receptors may play a role in sensory and/or motor function or contribute to the pharmacological effects of dopaminergic drugs.
Random-Walk Term Weighting for Improved Text Classification

This paper describes a new approach for estimating term weights in a document, and shows how the new weighting scheme can be used to improve the accuracy of a text classifier. The method uses term co-occurrence as a measure of dependency between word features. A random-walk model is applied on a graph encoding words and co-occurrence dependencies, resulting in scores that represent a quantification of how a particular word feature contributes to a given context. Experiments performed on three standard classification datasets show that the new random-walk based approach outperforms the traditional term frequency approach of feature weighting.
Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Techniques on Efficiency in Pituitary Surgery

Objective. To assess the impact of the introduction of endoscopic surgical techniques into a neurosurgical practice for pituitary surgery on operative efficiency.Study Design. Case series with chart review.Setting. Tertiary referral center.Subjects and Methods. Patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery over a 4-year period were identified. The approach over this period evolved from classic transseptal surgery to exclusively endoscopic techniques. Patients were classified as having transseptal surgery, endoscopic approach with microsurgical resection, aborted endoscopic resection with subsequent microsurgery, and exclusive endoscopic techniques. Patient and surgeon demographics, operative times, total operating room times, and room setup time were examined. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling were used to assess outcome measures.Results. One hundred seven patients were identified. The use of the endoscope for either sphenoid exposure alone (n = 41) or for the entire procedu...
Distributed Decision Making by Categorically-Thinking Agents

Human decision makers think categorically when facing a great variety of objects due to their limited information processing capacities. The categorical thinking by Bayesian decision makers is modeled as classifying objects into a small number of categories with respect to their prior probabilities. The classification follows a quantization rule for the prior probabilities. The categorical thinking enables decision makers to handle infinitely many objects but simultaneously causes them to lose precision of prior probabilities and, consequently, of decisions. This chapter considers group decision making by imperfect agents that only knowquantized prior probabilities for use in Bayesian likelihood ratio tests. Global decisions are made by information fusion of local decisions, but information sharing among agents before local decision making is forbidden. The quantization rule of the agents is investigated so as to achieve the minimum mean Bayes risk; optimal quantizers are designed by a novel extension to the Lloyd-Max algorithm. It is proven that agents using identical quantizers are not optimal. Thus diversity in the individual agents’ quantizers leads to optimal performance. In addition, for comparison, it is shown how much their performance gets better when information sharing and collaboration among agents before local decision making is allowed.
A Survey of Pancreatic Lesions in Nonhuman Primates

Approximately 3,000 microslides of hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections of pancreas from 1,000 nonhuman primates were reviewed. Sections were from 557 females and 443 males; 658 were adults of unknown age and 342 were laboratory-born animals of known age. The latter included 94 animals less than one year old, 92 from one to five years old, and 156 from five to more than 20 years old. There were 326 squirrel monkeys, 319 rhesus monkeys, 100 great apes, 123 other macaques, 61 other Old World monkeys, 39 other New World monkeys, and 32 prosimians. Pancreatic lesions of varied severity found in 187 (18.7%) of these nonhuman primates included focal parenchymal or periductal accumulations of mononuclear inflammatory cells with varied degrees of periductal fibrosis in 77; hyalinized islets (amyloidosis) in 29; acute or chronic diffuse pancreatitis in 18; chronic focal pancreatitis with or without ductal hyperplasia in ten; neoplasms in 11; hemorrhage of the parenchyma or islets in eight; parasites in seven; lymphoid or ectopic splenic nodules of the parenchyma in six; acinar ectasia in six; focal parenchymal fat in six; ectopic pancreas in four; parenchymal cysts without fibrosis in three; acinar cell atrophy in one; and cystic fibrosis-like changes in one.
The Interrelationship of Nutritional Risk Factors, Indicators of Nutritional Risk, and Severity of Disability Among Home-Delivered Meal Participants

Purpose: This study examines the direct and indirect relationships between individual components of nutritional risk and increased severity of disability among a large and diverse sample of homebound older adults. Design and Methods: Using routinely collected nutrition and function data, structural equation modeling of recursive and nonrecursive models examined the interrelationships of nutritional risk factors, indicators of nutritional risk, and disability severity among 1,010 home-delivered meals program participants in Wake County, NC. Results: The equally good fit for both the recursive and nonrecursive structural models revealed that specific nutritional risk factors were directly and indirectly associated with indicators of nutritional risk and increased severity of disability. The nonrecursive model also revealed significant reciprocal associations of increased disability with unintended weight change and medication use. Implications: The findings from this study acknowledge aspects of the complex direct and indirect relationships between nutrition and function among homebound older persons. This knowledge will help service providers with the development of effective elderly nutrition programs with nutritional and functional status outcomes.
Esmolol reduces autonomic hypersensitivity and length of seizures induced by electroconvulsive therapy.

We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of esmolol, an ultra-short-acting beta 1-adrenergic receptor blocking drug, to control the sinus tachycardia and increase in arterial blood pressures induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Each of 20 patients, ASA physical status I-III, participated in a double-blind, randomized study, involving four match-pair trials (placebo versus esmolol) during ECT. Each patient acted as his or her own control (total number of ECT procedures, 160). We administered a 4-min infusion of either placebo or esmolol at the rate of 500 micrograms.kg-1.min-1. We then induced anesthesia with methohexital and succinylcholine. After administration of electrical stimulation for ECT, the rate of infusion decreased to 300 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for three additional minutes and was then discontinued. Statistically significant reductions in mean heart rate from minute 2 until minute 15 and in maximum heart rate (the mean of each patient's maximum heart rate after seizure changed from 152 +/- 23 to 115 +/- 24 beats/min) occurred in patients given esmolol. During and immediately after infusion, arterial blood pressure also decreased. Finally, the length of seizures decreased, as manifested clinically from 48 +/- 18 to 39 +/- 14 s and on electroencephalogram from 86 +/- 41 to 67 +/- 28 s. We conclude that esmolol effectively controls the hyperdynamic response to ECT and reduces the length of seizures. The significance of the latter to the overall effectiveness of ECT is not known.
The meaning of natural childbirth.

The term "natural childbirth" encompasses a variety of methods, including the Lamaze, Bradley, and home-birth approaches, which place more or less reliance on medical technology. Aristotle's analysis of three levels of human activity— digestion and reproduction, perception and locomotion, and abstract thinking—and Pellegrino and Thomasma's classification of the "living body," "lived body," and "lived self," provide a principled framework in which each of these childbirth practices can be considered natural.
Linear scan control of tunable lasers using a scanning Fabry-Perot

A simple technique is described for servo control of the scan rate and drift of tunable cw lasers based on peak position readout in a repetitively swept Fabry-Perot interferometer referenced to a stabilized laser.