cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research and Assessment in the Twenty-First Century

Because thresholds for climatic triggers of environmental change are poorly understood, additional empirical data are needed to confirm thresholds, and research is needed to improve the accuracy of process modeling at different spatial scales. Understanding of stress complexes in forest ecosystems needs to be expanded to additional ecosystems, including better quantitative descriptions of stressor interactions. Priorities for future research and development include: (1) develop new approaches to understand the effects of elevated carbon dioxide in mature and diverse forests, (2) develop a standard approach for tracking carbon dynamics over space and time, (3) identify appropriate uses and limitations of remote sensing imagery for detecting climate change effects, (4) determine which long-term measurements are useful for tracking climate change effects, (5) identify standard approaches for evaluating uncertainty and risk, and (6) evaluate recently developed processes and tools for vulnerability assessment and adaptation to identify which ones are effective for “climate smart” management. These topics need to be framed at the appropriate spatial and temporal scales for different climate change issues, and the effects of land use on climate-ecosystem relationships need to be quantified at large spatial and temporal scales. Inferences about climate change effects will be more relevant if various land uses, including evaluation of future alternatives, are considered in a context that incorporates people and ecosystem services. Resource assessments will be more powerful if the work of stakeholders and scientists across the United States is integrated in an ongoing, continuous process by tracking climatic stressors, observing and projecting climate change effects within regions, and delivering data and Web-based products for decision making.
Beyond attention: the role of deictic gesture in intention recognition in multimodal conversational interfaces

In a multimodal conversational interface supporting speech and deictic gesture, deictic gestures on the graphical display have been traditionally used to identify user attention, for example, through reference resolution. Since the context of the identified attention can potentially constrain the associated intention, our hypothesis is that deictic gestures can go beyond attention and apply to intention recognition. Driven by this assumption, this paper systematically investigates the role of deictic gestures in intention recognition. We experiment with different model-based methods and instancebased methods to incorporate gestural information for intention recognition. We examine the effects of utilizing gestural information in two different processing stages: speech recognition stage and language understanding stage. Our empirical results have shown that utilizing gestural information improves intention recognition. The performance is further improved when gestures are incorporated in both speech recognition and language understanding stages compared to either stage alone.
Binormal cooling errors in crossed hot-wire measurements

In crossed hot-wire measurements, cooling of the filament in the direction normal to the hot-wire measurement plane will cause additional heat transfer, called binormal cooling. It is shown that binormal cooling can lead to significant errors in measuring the mean velocity and the turbulence levels in regions where the turbulence level is high, such as the near-wall region of pipes and boundary layers. In a near-wall measurement of a pipe flow, binormal cooling effects lead to errors up to 1.5% in mean velocity and 4% in turbulent shear stress.
Erotismo en El mejor alcalde, el rey de Lope

A pesar de que El mejor alcalde, el rey 1 ha sido una de las obras de Lope mas editadas, los criticos no han tenido en cuenta que bajo numerosos subterfugios linguisticos se ocultan imagenes eroticas. El estudio de estas imagenes eroticas es el objeto de este articulo.
The Use of Multiple Family Marathon as a Teaching Device

This paper discusses the rationale and methods for using a multiple family marathon as a teaching device in the context of an intensive group-supervision family therapy training program conducted by the authors. Procedures used in the marathon are described, as well as how the concept stimulates increased focus on issues common to family therapy and broadens the experience of the students. The effects of the marathon on the students' views of their therapy families and of themselves as family therapists are explored.
Agent-based model of fecal microbial transplant effect on bile acid metabolism on suppressing Clostridium difficile infection: an example of agent-based modeling of intestinal bacterial infection

Agent-based modeling is a computational modeling method that represents system-level behavior as arising from multiple interactions between the multiple components that make up a system. Biological systems are thus readily described using agent-based models (ABMs), as multi-cellular organisms can be viewed as populations of interacting cells, and microbial systems manifest as colonies of individual microbes. Intersections between these two domains underlie an increasing number of pathophysiological processes, and the intestinal tract represents one of the most significant locations for these inter-domain interactions, so much so that it can be considered an internal ecology of varying robustness and function. Intestinal infections represent significant disturbances of this internal ecology, and one of the most clinically relevant intestinal infections is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). CDI is precipitated by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, involves the depletion of commensal microbiota, and alterations in bile acid composition in the intestinal lumen. We present an example ABM of CDI (the C. difficile Infection ABM, or CDIABM) to examine fundamental dynamics of the pathogenesis of CDI and its response to treatment with anti-CDI antibiotics and a newer treatment therapy, fecal microbial transplant. The CDIABM focuses on one specific mechanism of potential CDI suppression: commensal modulation of bile acid composition. Even given its abstraction, the CDIABM reproduces essential dynamics of CDI and its response to therapy, and identifies a paradoxical zone of behavior that provides insight into the role of intestinal nutritional status and the efficacy of anti-CDI therapies. It is hoped that this use case example of the CDIABM can demonstrate the usefulness of both agent-based modeling and the application of abstract functional representation as the biomedical community seeks to address the challenges of increasingly complex diseases with the goal of personalized medicine.
Binding Properties of 2‐Pentyl Pyridine to Soy Protein as Measured by Solid Phase Microextraction

The binding properties of 2-pentyl pyridine (2-pp) were investigated for soybean protein isolates (SPI) and the beta-conglycinin and glycinin soy protein fractions. The glycinin fraction had the highest binding affinities for 2-pp, followed by beta-conglycinin fraction, and then SPI. More 2-pp was bound by SPI and beta-conglycinin or glycinin fractions under alkaline conditions than under neutral conditions, which exhibited more binding than acidic conditions. More 2-pp was also bound at high temperature (74 °C) than at 25 °C, but greater binding affinity of 2-pp was observed at 4 °C than at 25 °C. With increased NaCl concentrations, the binding affinity of 2-pp decreased. Exposure to UV light increased binding of 2-pp to all types of soy protein. Le 2-pentyl pyridine est responsable de defauts de flaveur. La capacite de fixation du 2-pentyl pyridine sur les isolats de proteines de soja, sur la β-conglycinine et la glycinine sont etudies. Les effets du pH, de la temperature, et de la concentration en NaCl sur l'interaction sont observes. La fixation est meilleure a haute temperature (74°), mais l'affinite est plus forte a 4° qu'a 25°. Quand la concentration en sel augmente, la fixation diminue. L'exposition aux UV stimule la fixation pour les 3 fractions proteiques.
Intracellular processing of human vs. rat immunoglobulin A in the rat liver.

It is well established that in the rat, rat dimeric IgA is transported from blood to bile across rat liver parenchymal cells via a series of minute smooth membrane-limited vesicles. This pathway is unique from that taken by a number of other ligands, which are internalized for degradation, in that there appears to be little involvement of coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes. The transmembrane receptor for IgA, secretory component, is not recycled but is secreted in part with the ligand into bile and must be produced continuously within the liver cell. Several recent studies have suggested that the receptor for asialoglycoproteins, as well as the structures involved in its processing, may play an important role in IgA processing. It was noted, however, that in all of these studies human polymeric IgA1 was used in the rat model. Using purified rat and human IgA preparations, we have demonstrated by light and quantitative electron microscopic autora-diography, as well as by certain biochemical procedures, that the two ligands are processed quite differently from one another in the rat. Human IgA disappears from the plasma at a slower rate and is much less efficiently transported into the bile. In addition, up to as much as 30% of the human IgA is diverted to the lysosomal pathway. This diversion of human polymeric IgA may be related to either the association of a serine-linked oligosaccharide at the hinge region of the human polymeric IgA1 or that large polymers, often found in human IgA preparations may initiate secretory component receptor aggregation, which in turn, interferes with the normal physiological processing of the IgA molecule.
Microwave-Optical Double Resonance and Intermodulated Fluorescence Studies of Thioformaldehyde

Studies of the 410 band of the A 1A2 X1A1 transition of thioformaldehyde by means of intermodulated fluorescence and microwave-optical double resonance have revealed numerous small perturbations in the excited state levels caused by high rovibronic levels of the ground state. Singlet-triplet perturbations have been studied by the same techniques and also by anticrossings produced in the presence of a magnetic field. The use of microwave-optical double resonance for studying collisional processes is discussed.
Kinetic Phases in the Electron Transfer from P+QA-QB to P+QAQB- and the Associated Processes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26 Reaction Centers†

Electron transfer from P + QA - QB to form P + QAQB - was measured in Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26 reaction centers (RCs) where the native primary quinone, ubiquinone-10 (UQA), was replaced by 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (MQA). The native secondary quinone, UQ-10, was retained as UQB. The difference spectrum of the semiquinone MQA - minus UQB - absorption is very similar to that of MQ - minus UQ - in solution (398-480 nm). Thus, the absorption change provides a direct monitor of the electron transfer from MQA - to UQB. In contrast, when both QA and QB are UQ-10 the spectral difference between UQA - and UQB - arises from electrochromic responses of RC chromophores. Three kinetic processes are seen in the near UV (390-480 nm) and near-IR (740-820 nm). Analysis of the time-correlated spectra support the conclusion that the changes at U1 3 Is are mostly due to electron transfer, electron transfer and charge compensation are mixed in U2 80 Is, while little or no electron transfer occurs at 200-600 I s( U3 )i n MQ AUQB RCs. The 80-Is rate has been previously observed, while the fast component has not. The fast phase represents 60% of the electron-transfer reaction (398 nm). The activation energy for electron transfer is ¢G 3.5 kcal/mol for both U1 and U2 between 0 and 30 °C. In isolated RCs with UQA, if there is any fast component, it appears to be faster and less important than in the MQA reconstituted RCs.
The stereocontrolled photoaddition of allene to cyclopent-1-ene-1-carboxaldehydes. A total synthesis of (±) steviol methyl ester and isosteviol methyl ester

Abstract The stereochemistry of the photoaddition of allene to hydroindenal 19 is explored. The stereochemistry is proven by conversion into steviol methyl ester 22b and isosteviol methyl ester 24 .
EAST-WEST DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES ABOUT EMPLOYMENT AND FAMILY IN GERMANY

This article examines East-West differences in attitudes toward the traditional gender division of labor among German women and men, using data from the 1991 German Social Survey (ALLBUS). We test ...
Slow Coherency and Angle Modulated Particle Swarm Optimization Based Islanding of Large Scale Power Systems

Power system islanding is an efficient way to avoid catastrophic wide area blackouts, such as the 2003 North American blackout. Islanding of large-scale power systems is a combinatorial explosion problem. Thus, it is very difficult to find an optimal solution within reasonable time using analytical methods. This paper presents a new method to solve this problem. In the proposed method, angle modulated particle swarm optimization (AMPSO) is utilized to find a number of efficient islanding solutions for large-scale power systems due to its computational efficiency. First, desired generators groups is obtained using slow coherency algorithm. AMPSO is then used to optimize a fitness function defined according to both generation/load balance and similarity to the desired generator grouping. In doing so, the resulted islanding solutions provide good static and dynamic stability. Simulations for power systems of different scales demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Activated chemisorption: Internal degrees of freedom and measured activation energies.

In activated chemisorption occurring both by direct impact from the gas and by conversion from a precursor on the surface, the measured activation energy can provide information about the mechanism of activation. If translational motion is dominant in promoting passage over the adsorption barrier, a single activation energy describes the reaction whether gas and surface are isothermal or hot gas strikes a cold surface. When internal degrees of freedom must be excited for chemisorption to occur, different activation energies characterize these two regimes of measurement.
Measurement of the Doppler Shift of Radio Transmissions from Satellites

This paper describes a receiving station network that was designed to produce Doppler data for use in a satellite Doppler navigation system. As a result of practical exigencies, this equipment is not optimum for its intended purpose, and a continuous effort is being maintained to improve the system. Current and projected changes are described briefly. Some experimental results obtained with the present system are presented.
Using undersown clovers as living mulches: effects on yields, lepidopterous pest infestations, and spider densities in a Hawaiian broccoli agroecosystem

A field study was conducted to examine the influence of undersowing broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) with living mulches (cover crops grown concurrently with a primary crop) on lepidopteran pest and spider densities and crop yield. In the present study, broccoli was grown in bare ground or undersown in strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), or yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.). Lepidopteran egg and larval densities were significantly greater in broccoli monoculture compared with broccoli – living mulch habitats during the latter part of the broccoli growth cycle. Although spiders were found more frequently on bare ground broccoli during early crop growth, during the ladder growth period, spiders counts were significantly higher on broccoli in living mulch habitats. Lepidopteran contaminants of harvested broccoli heads were significantly fewer in undersown than in monoculture broccoli. Broccoli heads were of similar size in living mulch and...
Single parent adoptive homes

Abstract A review of research, and a report of a longitudinal study of fifteen single parent adoptive homes over a 14 year period, demonstrate that these homes have the capacity to be successful adoptive placements. The unique characteristics of single parent adoptive homes are identified. The author notes the need for additional research to identify the children for whom these homes would be particularly appropriate.
The removal of alpha from the VECP by means of selective averaging.

Abstract The alpha component of the electroencephalogram often hinders evoked potential recording—particularly when the stimulus is restricted to the retinal periphery. In the present report stimulus, electronic, and computer techniques are described for comparing responses to central and peripheral retinal stimulation in the presence of differing degrees of background alpha. The techniques not only improve recordings but also make it possible to gain information regarding the nature of the alpha rhythm. With increases in stimulus luminance, evoked potentials averaged when alpha had low amplitude increased monotonically for several stimulus conditions; those averaged in the presence of high alpha were more variable. An examination of phase relations failed to give evidence of alpha driving. Alpha occurred with no demonstrable temporal relation to the visual stimulus and was independent of the visually evoked cortical potential.
Withdrawal-induced activation of locus coeruleus neurons in opiate-dependent rats: attenuation by lesions of the nucleus paragigantocellularis.

Abstract Single unit activity was recorded in the locus coeruleus (LC) of anesthetized, morphine-dependent rats during naltrexone-precipitated withdrawal. As has been reported previously, LC neurons displayed a strong withdrawal-induced activation of firing rate. Radio-frequency lesions of the nucleus paragigantocellularis (PGi), a major LC afferent, greatly attenuated withdrawal-induced activation of neurons in the LC ipsilateral but not contralateral to the PGi lesion. Lesions of the prepositus hypoglossi,]another major LC afferent, did not prevent the withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. Kynurenic acid, a non-selective excitatory amino acid antagonist known to block PGi-induced excitations of LC neurons, also blocked the withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. These studies indicate that withdrawal-induced activation of the LC in opiate-dependent rats is mediated at least in part by afferents from the PGi which utilize an excitatory amino acid transmitter.
Identification of a Novel Intracellular Interaction Domain Essential for Bves Function

While Blood vessel epicardial substance (Bves) confers adhesive properties, the molecular mechanism of regulating this activity is unknown. No predicted functional motifs in this highly conserved integral membrane protein, other than the transmembrane domain, have been identified. Here, we report for the first time that Bves interacts with itself through an intracellular interaction domain that is essential for its intercellular adhesion activity. Glutathion-S-transferase (GST) pull-down and SPOTs analyses mapped this domain to amino acids 268-274 in the intracellular C-terminus. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that lysines 272 and 273 are essential for homodimerization and cell adhesion. Human corneal cells transfected with wild-type Bves trafficked the protein to the cell surface, assembled junction complexes and formed epithelial sheets. In contrast, cells expressing Bves mutated at these positions did not form continuous epithelial sheets or maintain junctional proteins such as ZO-1 and E-cadherin at the membrane. A dramatic reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance was also observed indicating a functional loss of tight junctions. Importantly, expression of mutated Bves in epithelial cells promoted the transformation of cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype. This study is the first to demonstrate the essential nature of any domain within Bves for maintenance of epithelial phenotype and function.
It's all about scale

By scaling transistor dimensions down into the nanometer realm and scaling manufacturing capabilities up to produce billions of individual chips, the semiconductor industry has achieved economies of scale over the past 40 years that allow what was once mainframe capability to be affordable to everyone in the world in something as small as a cell phone. With many fundamental physical scaling limits still far away, this progress can and will continue if demand for the applications supports the increased investment necessary to get there.
Future strategies for the treatment of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in pediatric patients

Introduction: Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is a rare infection in pediatric patients, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Since symptoms of this infection are nonspecific, the diagnosis relies on risk assessment and laboratory-confirmed clinical findings. Initial management commonly utilizes amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by prolonged fluconazole to clear the yeast and prevent relapse. Since no prospective clinical trials have been performed in pediatric patients, much of the data are extrapolated from adult studies and pediatric pharmacokinetic data. This highlights the need for this review and additional studies. Areas covered: Here, the pathophysiology, epidemiology, presentation and treatment of CM in pediatric patients are described. Additionally, the relative safety and pharmacokinetic differences in pharmacologic treatment between pediatric and adult patients are highlighted. Expert opinion: Guidelines for the management of pediatric patients with CM are...
Conceptualizing and organizing content for teaching and learning in selected Chinese, Japanese and US mathematics textbooks: the case of fraction division

In this study, selected Chinese, Japanese and US mathematics textbooks were examined in terms of their ways of conceptualizing and organizing content for the teaching and learning of fraction division. Three Chinese mathematics textbook series, three Japanese textbook series, and four US textbook series were selected and examined to locate the content instruction of fraction division. Textbook organization of fraction division and other content topics were described. Further analyses were then conducted to specify how the content topic of fraction division was conceptualized and introduced. Specific attention was also given to the textbooks’ uses of content constructs including examples, representations, and exercise problems in order to show their approaches for the teaching and learning of fraction division. The results provide a glimpse of the metaphors of mathematics teaching and learning that have been employed in Chinese, Japanese, and US textbooks. In particular, the results from the textbook analyses demonstrate how conceptual underpinnings were developed while targeting procedures and operations. Implications of the study are then discussed.
Memory at the front The struggle over revolutionary commemoration in Occupied France, 1940–1944

The period of Occupied France presents a striking example of the failure of memory studies thus far to penetrate certain essential questions in French historiography. Despite its paramount importance, the memory of the French Revolution during the Occupation years has received little serious examination. This article argues that the central revolutionary commemoration of le 14 juillet assumed a critical role during the Occupation. Le 14 juillet was the occasion when Vichy, the collaborationists and the Resistance each chose to glorify, qualify or condemn the Revolution. Their respective selected symbols, words, and ceremonies projected narratives of the proper French past and visions for the postwar future that competed for legitimacy. Each year, this anniversary also served to gauge the French public’s response to the conflicting manipulations of the Revolution’s memory, thereby becoming a vital testing ground for the political direction of the nation. Ultimately, the evolution of the holiday’s meaning d...
Motility-modifying agents and management of disorders of gastrointestinal motility

Some of the most frequent clinical syndromes encountered in gastroenterology pertain to real or perceived aberrations of gastrointestinal transit: dysphagia, reflux, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. This, coupled with tremendous advances in our understanding of enteric nervous system physiology and gastrointestinal motor function, has led to the concept of motility-altering agents as a desirable therapeutic class of drugs. However, in relatively few instances has there been a well-defined physiological aberration in motor function to which a clinical syndrome can be attributed, achalasia and Hirschsprung’s disease being examples. More commonly, there is a delicate interplay between subtle, nonspecific variations in function and altered perception, exemplified by nonspecific esophageal motor disorders or the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Finally, in some instances there is no definable abnormality of function, and altered perception seems to be the entire basis of symptom generation; functional dyspepsia would be an example in this case. Thus, the scope of this treatise on motility-modifying agents could conceivably cover nearly the entire spectrum of clinical gastroenterology or, alternatively, could become mired in a discussion of advances in the understanding of gastrointestinal motor and sensory physiology. However, with the interests of the clinical gastroenterologist in mind, we elected not to approach the topic from either of these perspectives. Rather, we adopted the practical approach of classifying present and future pharmacological compounds by their targeted physiological effect and examining the evidence of their efficacy in treating illustrative ‘‘motility disorders’’ in which that physiological effect is deemed desirable. In broad terms, motility-modifying agents can be nonspecific or specific. Nonspecific agents are intended to augment or attenuate smooth muscle contraction. For example, cisapride augments smooth muscle contraction via 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors, whereas calcium channel blockers directly inhibit smooth muscle
Farm Type Classification Systems: Another Look at an Old Problem

Farm record classification criteria vary greatly among states. Taking a given set of records and applying the various typing criteria gave widely divergent groupings. Hence, comparison of results based on varying criteria will likely be misleading. However, dairy farms can be classified consistently with any of the methods considered.
Dynamic low-temperature elastic properties of two austenitic nickel-chromium-iron alloys

Abstract The zero-magnetic-field low-temperature elastic properties of two polycrystalline nickel-chromium-iron alloys were determined ultrasonically between 4 and 300 K. Results are given for: longitudinal and transverse sound velocities, Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, Poisson's ratio and elastic Debye temperature. Effects of alloying are discussed. The elastic property changes due to additions of chromium and iron to nickel are reviewed comprehensively.
The effectiveness of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and renewable power in support of holistic environmental goals: Part 2 – Design and operation implications for load-balancing resources on the electric grid

Abstract A study has been performed that analyzes the effectiveness of utilizing plug-in vehicles to meet holistic environmental goals across the combined electricity and transportation sectors. In this study, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) penetration levels are varied from 0 to 60% and base renewable penetration levels are varied from 10 to 63%. The first part focused on the effect of installing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the environmental performance of the combined electricity and transportation sectors. The second part addresses impacts on the design and operation of load-balancing resources on the electric grid associated with fleet capacity factor, peaking and load-following generator capacity, efficiency, ramp rates, start-up events and the levelized cost of electricity. PHEVs using smart charging are found to counteract many of the disruptive impacts of intermittent renewable power on balancing generators for a wide range of renewable penetration levels, only becoming limited at high renewable penetration levels due to lack of flexibility and finite load size. This study highlights synergy between sustainability measures in the electric and transportation sectors and the importance of communicative dispatch of these vehicles.
Measuring Electrocatalytic Activity on a Local Scale with Scanning Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry

This paper describes a new technique entitled scanning differential electrochemical mass spectrometry ~SDEMS! that combines a quadrupole mass spectrometer with a membrane-covered capillary inlet and a high resolution positioning system that is designed to perform spatial mapping in solution near an electrode interface. Potential applications of this technique include the local characterization of anode catalysts for fuel cells as well as a range of analytical measurements and combinatorial screening studies. The capabilities of this technique are demonstrated by monitoring product evolution in several model electrocatalytic reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, carbon monoxide oxidation, and the direct oxidation of methanol on platinum and platinum-ruthenium electrodes. The inlet of the SDEMS is based upon a small diameter capillary tube to which a nanoporous, hydrophobic membrane is attached. The capillary inlet is positioned near a substrate electrode using a three-dimensional positioning system. The effect of capillary substrate separation and substrate current on the sensitivity and time response of mass spectrometer’s ion current are illustrated during hydrogen evolution at a platinum substrate. The sensitivity is demonstrated further by detection of carbon dioxide evolution during the oxidation of a monolayer of carbon monoxide adsorbed on platinum. The ability to address more complex reactions involving complete and partial oxidation products is illustrated with methanol oxidation. In order to demonstrate the ability of this technique to perform spatial mapping, an eight-element band electrode was interrogated for hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation. Detection of ion currents associated with complete and partial oxidation products of methanol on a set of platinum-ruthenium band electrodes illustrates the ability of this method to spatially discriminate between various reactive sites on a surface, which has potential utility in analytical characterization as well as application as a screening tool in combinatorial catalysis studies.
Modeling and Simulation of Elastic Structures with Parameter Uncertainties and Relaxation of Joints

Joint preload uncertainties and associated geometrical nonlinearities have a direct impact on the design process and decision making of structural systems. Thus, it is important to develop analytical models of elastic structures with bolted joint stiffness uncertainties. The conventional boundary value problem of these systems usually involves time-dependent boundary conditions that will be converted into autonomous ones using a special coordinate transformation. The resulting boundary conditions will be combined with the governing nonhomogeneous, nonlinear partial differential equation that will include the influence of the boundary conditions uncertainty. Two models of the joint stiffness uncertainty are considered. The first represents the uncertainty by a random variable, while the second considers the relaxation process of the joint under dynamic loading. For a single mode random excitation the response statistics will be estimated using Monte Carlo simulation. The influence of joint uncertainty on the response center frequency, mean square, and power spectral density will be determined for the case of clamped-clamped beam. For the case of joints with time relaxation the response process is found to be nonstationary and its spectral density varies with time. Under random excitation, the response bandwidth is found to increase as the excitation level increases and becomes more stationary. Under sinusoidal excitation, it is shown that the relaxation process of the joints may result in bifurcation of the response amplitude, when even all excitation parameters are fixed.
The natural history of regional wall motion in the acutely infarcted canine ventricle.

Two-dimensional echocardiography was employed to define the natural history of regional wall motion abnormalities in a canine model of acute experimental myocardial infarction. Serial short-axis two-dimensional echocardiograms were recorded in 11 closed chest dogs before coronary occlusion and 10, 30, 60, 180 and 360 minutes after permanent coronary ligation. Radiolabeled microsphere-derived blood flows were obtained in each study period and the histochemical (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) extent of infarction was determined at 6 hours. Previously published methods were used to quantitate field by field (every 16.7 ms) excursion of 36 evenly spaced endocardial targets. The circumferential extent of abnormal wall motion was followed sequentially using previously published definitions of abnormality: 1) systolic fractional radial change of less than 20%; 2) dyskinesia (systolic bulging) at the point in time (echocardiographic field) in which there is maximal dyskinesia; and 3) correlation with composite normal ray motion falling outside the 95 % confidence limits defined in the control period. On the basis of the triphenyltet razolium chloride staining pattern, the ventricle was divided into five zones: central infarct zone, zone with greater than 25% transmural infarction, total infarct zone, border zones and normal zone. Mean systolic fractional radial change was calculated for each zone and used as an index of the magnitude of abnormal wall motion. Regardless of the definition of abnormality employed, the circumferential extent of abnormal wall motion manifested at 10 minutes after occlusion did not significantly change, even up to 6 hours later. Similarly, 10 minutes after coronary occlusion the three infarct zones and border zones demonstrated significantly reduced systolic fractional radial change. This remained stable over the remainder of the 6 hour study period. It is concluded that once established at 10 minutes after coronary occlusion, the circumferential extent and magnitude of abnormal wall motion do not significantly change in the immediate postinfarct (6 hour) period.
Non-Fermi-liquid and multichannel Kondo phenomena in Y1−xUxPd3 and related alloys

Abstract A brief review of experimental results which reveal non-Ferni-liquid behavior in the low-temperature properties of the M1−xUxPd3 (M = rare earth or Th) Kondo alloy system is presented. Measurements of lattice parameters, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, low-temperature specific heat, and magnetic neutron scattering are compared to predictions of the multichannel Kondo model, and are generaly consistent with a two-channel spin- 1 2 quadrupolar Kondo effect. Possible deviations from the model due to crystalline electric field effects, interionic interactions, disorder, and Fermi-level tuning aspects are discussed.
Feline thyroid surgery

Hyperthyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease in cats. Surgery is a widely available curative therapy for hyperthyroid cats. Because of the multiple metabolic changes associated with hyperthyroidism, surgical management can be challenging. Multiple methods of thyroidectomy and their associated levels of morbidity are reviewed.
Effect of public programs on family size, child education and health.

Abstract A bulk of public resources in developing countries is devoted to the subvention of population control and health investments. The effects of these programs have been evaluated in this study with household and community data from Bangladesh. The results suggest that subsidy on family planning and secondary school would be most effective in the achievement of harmonious goals of reducing fertility and mortality and fostering investments in child education.
18D. Yoga Promotes Relaxation in Children and Adolescents With Recurrent Headache

Focus Areas: Integrative Approaches to Care, Supporting Behavioral Change, Alleviating Pain Objective: Recurrent headaches are prevalent in children and adolescents. Up to 89% of these individuals identify stress as a trigger. Yoga offers a complementary and alternative method for this population who often lacks effective relaxation tools for stress relief. This presentation describes the yoga group offered as part of the Integrative Headache Clinic (IHC) at Children's Hospital Colorado. One of the objectives is to determine the effect of the yoga group for children and adolescents with recurrent headaches on pain and relaxation scores. Description: Over the course of 18 months (January 2011 to June 2012), a retrospective chart review was conducted of 40 children and adolescents with an average age of 15 years, 62.5% of whom were female. During the first hour of clinic, every individual takes part in a 50-minute group yoga session consisting of 10 asanas that promote relaxation and pain relief. Before and...
The role of behavior in poultry production: A review of research

Abstract Historically, behavior has played a subtle but primary role in chicken meat and egg production. Although the implications of behavior to husbandry practices have become more visible in recent years, resarch has lagged behind the technological changes which have occurred in poultry production. Additional information is needed regarding the relationships between behavior and husbandry, as well as the interface of these with other disciplines, in determining production practices. This paper addresses these topics in the context of group structure, sexual behavior, dietary habits and general adaptation.
Building skeleton models via 3-D medial surface/axis thinning algorithms

Abstract In this paper, we present an efficient three-dimensional (3-D) parallel thinning algorithm for extracting both the medial surfaces and the medial axes of a 3-D object (given as a 3-D binary image). A new Euler table is derived to ensure the invariance of the Euler characteristic of the object, during thinning. An octree data structure of 3 × 3 × 3 lattice points is built to examine the local connectivity. The sets of "simple" points found by different researchers are compared with the constructed set. Different definitions of "surface" points including ours are given. By preserving the topological and the geometrical conditions, our algorithm produces desirable skeletons and performs better than others in terms of noise sensitivity and speed. Pre- and postprocessors can be used to remove additional noise spurs. Its use in defect analysis of objects produced by casting and forging is discussed.
The Impact of Divided Government on Legislative Production

It seems obvious that divided governments should produce less legislation than unified governments. Yet studies have consistently failed to find such an effect. Because almost all existing studies focus on the experience of the U.S. national government, the data have limited analysis to a consideration of executive–legislative division and ignore the impact of division between bicameral chambers. The state-level data set employed in this study is not so limited. The results show that divided legislatures decrease the production of laws by almost 30%. Nonetheless, consistent with previous studies using national-level data, executive–legislative divisions have no impact of legislative production. The reason for this asymmetry is theoretically motivated. Additional hypotheses of interest are also tested, including whether Republican-controlled legislative chambers are more “conservative” than Democratic chambers in the sense of producing fewer laws than their Democratic counterparts.
Sorption promotors in biopharmaceutics.

The absorption of drugs depends on the physico-chemical properties of the constituent substances. Drugs that are absorbed only with difficulty or only slowly, or even not at all, can be made to penetrate into the skin and the mucous membrane (penetration) or to pass through them (permeation) with the aid of “sorption promotors”. The search for substances of this type and the elucidation of their principles of action form part of the field of biopharmaceutics.
A SYNTACTIC OMNI-FONT CHARACTER RECOGNITION SYSTEM

This paper introduces a syntactic omni-font character recognition system. The "omni-font" attribute reflects the wide range of fonts that fall within the class of characters that can be recognized. This includes hand-printed characters as well. A structural pattern-matching approach is employed. Essentially, a set of loosely constrained rules specify pattern components and their interrelationships. The robustness of the system is derived from the orthogonal set of pattern descriptors, location functions, and the manner in which they are combined to exploit the topological structure of characters. By virtue of the new pattern description language, PDL, developed in this paper, the user may easily write rules to define new patterns for the system to recognize. The system also features scale-invariance and user-definable sensitivity to tilt orientation.
Preparation and properties of PdPSe single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of PdPSe were shown to be n-type semiconductors. Weak Pauli paramagnetic behavior was observed, which is consistent with the presence of delocalized electrons. Electrical measurements showed a room-temperature resistivity ϱ = 70 ohm-cm, activation energy of resistivity Ea = 0.32 eV, and Hall mobility μ = 34 cm2 V−1 sec−1. Photoelectronic measurements in aqueous solutions of I − I − 3 indicate that PdPSe has high quantum efficiencies below 800 nm. The indirect optical band gap is 1.28(2) eV.
Dynamical study of ion-beam oxidation: Incorporation of hyperthermal oxygen ions into silicon oxide thin films

The complex dynamics associated with ion-beam oxidation of Si(001) by 5--100-eV ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+}$ is studied in situ. Room-temperature oxidation of silicon under ultrahigh vacuum conditions is accomplished with a mass-selected, monoenergetic, oxygen ion beam. Initially, a thin ${\mathrm{Si}}^{16}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ film is prepared by bombarding clean Si(001) with hyperthermal energy ${}^{16}{\mathrm{O}}^{+}.$ Switching the incident ion flux to ${}^{18}{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ or ${}^{36}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+}$ creates an isotopically labeled tracer for monitoring the rate at which subsequent incident oxygen ions are incorporated into the topmost layer of the growing silicon oxide film. The cross section for oxygen incorporation is found to depend strongly on (i) the conditions under which the underlying oxide layer was grown, (ii) the kinetic energy of the incorporating ion, and (iii) whether the incident ion is atomic or molecular oxygen.
Prehospital thrombolytic therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Reply

We appreciate Dr. Geddes’ interest and comments on our report of the results of the ER-TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) 19 trial [(1)][1]. We concur that it will be important for emergency medical systems implementing prehospital thrombolytic programs to develop carefully considered
Scattering of Surface Plasmon Polaritons by one-dimensional Surface Defects

The reduced Rayleigh equation for the scattering of a surface plasmon polariton incident normally on a one-dimensional ridge or groove on an otherwise planar metal surface is solved by a purely numerical approach. The solution is used to calculate the reflectivity and transmissivity of the surface plasmon polariton and its conversion into volume electromagnetic waves in the vacuum above the metal surface. The results obtained are compared with those of earlier calculations of these quantities.
The effects of VEGF on survival of a random flap in the rat: examination of various routes of administration

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on survival of a full thickness random pattern, McFarlane musculocutaneous flap in the rat. In addition, this study examined a number of different methods of VEGF delivery in an attempt to determine the most effective route of administration. A 2 x 8 cm full thickness dorsal flap with the pedicle remaining attached at the anterior end was elevated in 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomised into six groups and immediately received the following treatment: Group I (n = 12): systemic VEGF injection into the femoral vein (50 microg/ml); Group II (n = 10): multiple systemic VEGF injections at 0, 24 and 48 h post flap elevation (50 microg/ml); Group III (n = 12): subdermal VEGF injection into the flap (1 microg/ml); Group IV (n = 12): subfascial VEGF injections into the recipient bed (1 microg/ml); Group V (n = 10): topical VEGF onto the recipient bed (1 microg/ml); Group VI (n = 16): control group with no treatment. Following 5 days recovery, the area of flap survival was measured. Mean flap survival ranged from 91% in Group II to 78% in Group V, and was significantly greater in all experimental groups (P< 0.001 for Groups I-IV and P< 0.05 for Group V) as compared to the control group (mean survival of 66%). The only significant difference between the experimental groups was between the mean survival in Group II and Group V (P< 0. 05). Histological analysis demonstrated a qualitatively greater amount of granulation tissue and neovascularisation in the experimental groups. These results support the notion that VEGF rescues tissue at risk of hypoxic damage by inducing angiogenesis, and the use of growth factors such as VEGF holds promise as a method of increasing skin viability.
Patent Writing as a Heuristic for Teaching Technical Description

Patent specifications have heuristic benefits as structural models for teaching technical description. Once taught how to read patents, students can use the specification's four main sections for writing assignments, structurally adapt ing a single topic-an invention-to different rhetorical contexts: (1) Back ground of the Invention describes the context into which the invention fits; (2) Summary of the Invention explains what makes the invention special; (3) Brief Description of the Drawings focuses on pictorial description; (4) Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention explains how to make the invention work. Parts 1 and 2 correspond to Aristotelian definition, while part 3 can work as physical description and part 4 as functional description or even performance instructions.