cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tactile imaging using watershed-based image segmentation

A new image segmentation method is proposed for the automatic conversion of images from visual to tactile form. The proposed method utilizes a watershed-based algorithm for obtaining the initial segmentation. A new joint region merging criterion is developed to reduce the number of initial regions in a more appropriate way. The joint criterion combines, in a weighted fashion, criteria based on region homogeneity and edge integrity, which have each been applied marginally with some relative success. However, each criteria has shown some significant drawbacks when applied independently. The new criterion takes joint advantage of these two methods, giving a final segmentation that is more visually appropriate. Experimental results are presented showing the advantages of the new merging criterion. Also, the proposed method is compared with multiresolution (MR) edge detection techniques for tactile imaging applications. Additional results are included showing the advantages of the segmentation procedure over MR edge detection techniques.
Acute cardiovascular and autonomic effects of WR-2721: a radioprotective compound.

CALDWELL, R. W., AND HEIFFER, M. H. Acute Cardiovascular Effects of WR-2721: A Radioprotective Compound. Radiat. Res. 62, 62-69 (1975). WR-2721 is a chemical which has shown much promise as a protective agent in animals exposed to ionizing radiation. Our experiments on anesthetized dogs and cats indicate that WR-2721 has little acute cardiovascular action in these animals when given intravenously in doses of 50-200 mg/kg. A total cumulative dose of 600 mg/kg within 2 hr was not lethal and, indeed, was well tolerated. Arterial blood pressure was not markedly lowered in dogs and cats given these doses. In dogs, a slight vasodilation was noted in the femoral vascular bed after intra-arterial injection. Mydriasis and watery salivation were observed in all animals. In the dog, WR-2721 (100 mg/kg) was observed to produce blockade of the bilateral carotid artery-occlusion pressor response, the pressor response to the ganglionic stimulant DMPP, and the bradycardia to vagus nerve stimulation. In the cat, WR-2721 (100 mg/kg) also blocked the contraction of the cat nictitating membrane due to stimulation of the preganglionic fibers of the superior cervical ganglion, but not the contraction seen with postganglionic fiber stimulation. Our experiments indicate that WR-2721 is a ganglionic blocking agent. It does not share this property
Anterior Myocardial Infarction With Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

We present the case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with acute anterior myocardial infraction. An intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram revealed an akinetic apex with hyperkinesis of the basal segments causing systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The patient was immediately placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. Her postoperative course was uneventful. We present transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiographic videos showing this unique complication and describing the challenge of managing a patient who required opposing therapies.
Male pragmatism in negotiators’ ethical reasoning

Abstract Across four studies, we explored why a gender gap emerges in negotiator ethics, such that men set lower ethical standards than women. The male pragmatism hypothesis suggests men, more than women, are motivationally biased in setting ethical standards. Experiment 1 demonstrated how negotiations’ masculinity implications underlie this gender gap in ethics. Experiment 2 demonstrated that, by viewing ethics from a self-interested perspective, men were more egocentric in their ethical reasoning than women. Experiment 3 demonstrated that, by granting themselves more leniency in ethics than others, men exhibited more moral hypocrisy than women. Experiment 4 examined how implicit negotiation beliefs affect the relation between gender and ethical standards. As hypothesized, fixed beliefs predicted lower ethical standards, particularly for men. These findings suggest a robust pattern by which men are more pragmatic in their ethical reasoning at the bargaining table than women.
Optimal order of servers in a tandem queue with general blocking

In this paper, using the bivariate characterizations of thereversed hazard rate ordering and thestochastic ordering, and thepairwise interchange argument, we characterize the “best” strategy for allocating servers in a tandem system controlled using thegeneral blocking or theproduction authorization card (PAC) schemes. We show that when there is no buffer space between the first (resp. the last) two servers, it is “better” to allocate the “slower” server to the first (resp. the last) stage. The result extends previous results to systems where the number of buffers at the interior stages may be greater than one and the blocking mechanism may be more general. In particular, our results apply to manufacturing blocking, kanban blocking, a variation of kanban blocking, and the integral control scheme previously studied in the literature.
MEAT MASSAGING: THE EFFECTS OF SALT, PHOSPHATE AND MASSAGING ON COOKING LOSS, BINDING STRENGTH AND EXUDATE COMPOSITION IN SECTIONED AND FORMED HAM

Excised muscles from cured hams were massaged with 0, 1, 2 or 3% of added salt in the presence and absence of 0.5% phosphate. At intervals of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hr of massaging, muscles were removed and stuffed into fibrous casing for further processing. Samples of the tacky exudate formed on the meat surfaces were also removed at the same time intervals and analyzed for fat, moisture and protein. Results showed that as the massaging time increased, the percentage of fat and protein in the exudate increased in all treatments. The binding quality and cooking loss of the prepared ham rolls, were also improved by the massaging process. A salt treatment of 2% appeared to be optimal for the development of adequate binding with decreased cooking loss. It was found that the presence of phosphate and absence of massaging resulted in the production of a product exhibiting cooking loss and binding properties superior to those of a product prepared in the absence of phosphate and presence of massaging, although the presence of both massaging and phosphate is beneficial for the production of an overall superior product.
Synthesis of hydroxy-substituted unsaturated fatty acids and the amino-acid insect-derivative volicitin

Abstract An efficient synthesis of N -(17 S -hydroxylinolenoyl)- l -glutamine (volicitin), a chemical elicitor from the herbivore-pest beet armyworm is presented. The synthesis, which utilizes a copper-catalyzed acetylene coupling, links ( S )-3,6-heptadiyne-2-ol with a C-8 propargylic iodine methyl ester to form the ( S )-17-hydroxylinolenate skeleton. By substituting different heptadiyne-2-ol groups, a series of methylene interrupted polyacetylene analogues were generated.
Correctional Officers’ Perceptions of Equitable Treatment in the Masculinized Prison Environment:

Research suggests that employee perceptions of an organization’s support for policies that promote an equitable work environment may differ significantly by race and gender groups. This study examines such perceptual differences and their attitudinal effects on employee experiences within the unique context of a prison setting. Significant differences in correctional officer perceptions of policies are found to exist by race and gender groups. Contrary to expectations, all race and gender groups perceive strong organizational support for equal treatment policies. Moreover, the work experiences of White males are not negatively affected by perceptions of organizational support for equal treatment as had been hypothesized.
A voluminous avalanche-induced lahar from Citlaltépetl volcano, Mexico: Implications for hazard assessment

Abstract During the late Pleistocene the ancestral edifice of Citlaltepetl volcano (also known as Pico de Orizaba) collapsed to form a clay-rich deposit that extends 85 km from its source, has a volume of 1.8 km 3 , and covers an area of 143 km 2 east of the volcano. The deposit has clay content ranging from 10 to 16% and contains secondary alteration minerals such as smectite and kaolinite. The deposit's features suggest that it had an origin as a sector collapse of hydrothermally altered rock that transformed from a debris avalanche to a cohesive lahar very close to its source. The presence of glacier ice and a hydrothermal system during late Pleistocene times apparently provided a source of pore water which enhanced the hydrothermal alteration of the summit of Citlaltepetl and was the origin of most of the water for the lahar. This deposit and several others suggest that glaciated volcanoes are sites where hydrothermal alteration and resulting cohesive lahars are most likely. Although cohesive lahars and debris avalanches both have origins as sector collapses, cohesive lahars are more mobile than similar-sized debris avalanches. Thus potential hazard of edifice collapse at glaciated volcanoes, especially those with large volumes of hydrothermally altered rock, includes the possibility of large-volume cohesive lahars.
Sex-related differences in iodothyronine metabolism in the rat: evidence for differential regulation among various tissues

Various aspects of thyroid hormone metabolism were examined in vitro in age-matched (experiment I) and weight-matched (experiment II) male and female Sprague-Dawley rats; unless specified otherwise, results were similar in both experiments. The activity and content of iodothyronine 5′-monodeiodinase (type I-MD) in the liver of the female rat were markedly reduced, but there was no sex-related difference in these parameters in the kidney. The activity of the brain type III-MD was also not significantly influenced by the sex of the rat. Hepatic triiodothyronine (T3) sulfation activity in the females was only about 20% of that of the males. However, kidney and brain did not show this decrease in T3 sulfation. Similarly, hepatic T3 sulfate (T3S) desulfation activity was significantly reduced in the liver of the female rat (P < .001), whereas the activity in the kidney was either similar to (experiment I) or higher than (experiment II) that in the male, and the activity in the brain was similar in the two sexes. The mean serum T3S concentration in the female rat was no greater than 25% of the corresponding value measured in the male rat. The mean serum thyroxine (T4) concentration in female rats was similar to that in age-matched males (experiment I), whereas it was somewhat lower than that in weight-matched males (P < .05, experiment II). No significant difference in the mean serum T3 concentration was observed in rats of female and male sex. However, the mean serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration in the female rat was significantly lower than that in the male. The serum concentration of growth hormone (GH) was also significantly lower in the female than in the male in one experiment (II), but not in the other (I). Our data suggest that (1) the regulation of type I-MD is different among tissues; (2) T3 sulfation activity and T3S desulfation activity in various tissues involve different enzymes or different mechanisms of regulation; (3) hepatic T3-sulfotransferase activity, which is predominant in the male, is the major source of circulating T3S; (4) a complex balance of changes in T3 generation and metabolism (T3 sulfation, T3S desulfation, and deiodination) is involved in the maintenance of normal serum T3 and the euthyroid state in the female versus the male rat.
Temperature and flow rate dependence of the velocity profile during channel flow of a langmuir monolayer

Brewster angle microscopy was used to observe the surface pressure-driven flow of various fatty acid Langmuir monolayers through a narrow channel. In the tilted liquid crystalline phases (L2, L2‘, ...
Detecting active inflammation and fibrosis in pediatric Crohn’s disease: prospective evaluation of MR-E and CT-E

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease (CD) can be due to active inflammation or fibrosis. Differentiating these based on clinical presentation, endoscopy, laboratory parameters, and clinical scoring methods can be inaccurate and/or invasive. As therapy decisions are often directed based on whether active disease or fibrosis is present, a reliable and non-invasive test to distinguish these two etiologies would be a powerful clinical tool. CT enterography (CT-E) and MR enterography (MR-E) are two non-invasive imaging modalities tailored to evaluate the small bowel. The purpose of our study was to compare the ability of MR-E and CT-E to assess for active inflammation and mural fibrosis in patients with known CD as compared to a histologic reference standard. After obtaining MR-E and CT-E on the same day, a total of 61 histologic samples were obtained from twelve subjects aged 12–20 years via full-thickness bowel resection or endoscopy. These were evaluated by the pathologist for active inflammation and fibrosis. We found that while CT-E and MR-E were similar in their accuracies of depicting active inflammation, MR-E was significantly more sensitive in detecting fibrosis. Because of this and the lack of ionizing radiation from MR-E, we believe that MR-E rather than CT-E should serve as the primary imaging modality for the assessment of CD pediatric patients with non-acute clinical exacerbations.
Efficiently secure data privacy on hybrid cloud

The growing concerns about the privacy of data stored in public cloud have hindered the widespread adoption of cloud. On one hand, large part of data, such as medical data, has a lot of images, and this kind of data may be private. On the other hand, the cloud service providers have the full access of data, and they may bleach the data for financial or other reasons. The traditional method to protect the privacy of data is to employ cryptographic algorithms, which unavoidably introduces heavy computation. Another way is hybrid cloud consisting of public and private cloud. The sensitive data is separated from non-sensitive data, and only the non-sensitive data is outsourced to public cloud. If we use hybrid cloud method directly, all the private images have to be stored in private cloud, which makes the adoption of cloud computing meaningless. Besides achieving data privacy, we should reduce computation and storage overhead in private cloud, as well as communication overhead between private and public cloud. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme to achieve the above goals. We test our scheme in real network environments (including Amazon EC2). We also propose a novel algorithm to process private image data. Our experimental results show that: (1) Our algorithm achieves data privacy but only takes about 1/1,000 the time of the AES algorithm. (2) The delay of our hybrid cloud approach (including the private and public cloud communications) is only 3%-5% more compared to the traditional public-cloud-only approach.
Morphometric evaluation of diabetes-associated ovarian atrophy in the C57BL/KsJ mouse: relationship to age and ovarian function

Progressive, diabetes-associated ovarian atrophy was analyzed in C57BL/KsJ diabetic (db/db) and control (+/?) mice between 2 and 16 weeks of age. Tissue changes were histologically and morphometrically analyzed and compared with ovarian functional indices (i.e., serum estradiol and progesterone) and metabolic (i.e., glucose uptake and estradiol sequestration) parameters. No significant differences were found between the ovarian follicular populations of either group at 2 and 4 weeks of age. However, between 4 and 8 weeks, the ovaries of diabetic mice exhibited marked stromal and follicular degeneration and an associated decline in the population of viable follicles as compared with controls. Between 8 and 16 weeks of age the follicular atrophy in the diabetics became more marked, as compared with controls, with the accumulation of intracellular lipid pools accenting the tissue degeneration and adiposity observed in both follicular and stromal compartments. In addition, ovarian function was depressed after 6 weeks of age in diabetic females as compared with controls as indicated by lowered serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Ovarian glucose uptake was enhanced in diabetic females while the ability of the ovary to sequester radiolabeled estradiol declined between 4 and 16 weeks of age as compared with controls. These data indicate that ovarian dysfunction in the (db/db) mutant mouse is associated with follicular atrophy, adiposity, impaired steroidogenesis, and imbalanced glucose utilization. These events occur in temporal association with the onset and progressive exacerbation of the hyperglycemic condition. It is suggested that ovarian involution in these mutants is directly related to an impaired follicular ability to metabolize properly the elevated intracellular glucose concentrations that develop in the (db/db) mice as compared with controls.
Chemotaxonomy of some Paleozoic vascular plants. Part I: Chemical compositions and preliminary cluster analyses

The chemical compositions of plant fossils having trimerophyte (Pertica,Psilophyton princeps, P. cf.jorbesii), rhyniophyte (Taeniocrada), and zosterophyll (Sawdonia) morphological characteristics are chemically analyzed and chemotaxonomically related to vascular ( ?Eohostimella, Renalia, Chahuria) and putative non-vascular plant fossils (Botryococcus, Parka, Pachytheca, Prototaxites,Nematothallus, Spongiophyton, Protosalvinia, Orestovia) whose taxonomic affinities are unknown or speculative. Separation of the material examined into clusters representing higher taxa (i.e., algal, nonalgal, trimerophyte, rhyniophyte, zosterophyll plant groupings) is effected by the weighting of chemical data during cluster analyses. The weighting of phenolic and monohydroxycarboxylic acid constituents is shown to cluster vascular plant material, while the criteria of carbon chainlength ranges and maxima separate vascular from non-vascular plant fossils. Multivariate analysis of the data, using chemical and geological factors, results in the clustering of four groups: (1)Botryococcus, Parka, Pachytheca, (2)Spongiophyton, Prototaxites, Nematothallus, Orestovia, (3)Eohostimella,Taeniocrada, Renalia, and (4)Psilophyton spp.,Pertica, Chaleuria. Sawdonia andProtosalvinia appear as data points showing no observable affinity with any of the above fossils.Protosalvinia, Renalia, andChaleuria are interpreted as being chemotaxonomically intermediate. These data are interpreted as indicating taxonomic affinities on a very broad scale ; possible evolutionary trends in specific chemical compounds, as they relate to vascular and non-vascular plant geochemistry, are discussed.
Lateral asymmetry in the stability of the visual field

Visual targets of low intensity fragment and disappear when fixated in the dark. The present study uses this phenomenon to study the relative perceptual stability of the left and right visual fields. Results indicate a right field superiority.
Quantification of collagen organization using fractal dimensions and Fourier transforms

Collagen fibers and fibrils that comprise tendons and ligaments are disrupted or damaged during injury. Fibrillogenesis during healing produces a matrix that is initially quite disorganized, but remodels over time to resemble, but not replicate, the original roughly parallel microstructure. Quantification of these changes is traditionally a laborious and subjective task. In this work we applied two automated techniques, fast Fourier transformation (FFT) and fractal dimension analysis (FA) to quantify the organization of collagen fibers or fibrils. Using multi-photon images of collagen fibers obtained from rat ligament we showed that for healing ligaments, FA differentiates more clearly between the different time-points during healing. Using scanning electron microscopy images of overstretched porcine flexor tendon, we showed that combining FFT and FA measures distinguishes the damaged and undamaged groups more clearly than either method separately.
A simulation model for studying alternatives in mark-recapture experiments

Abstract The paper describes a simulation model which mimics mark-recapture experiments in a closed population. The model incorporates home-range movements, spatial patterns, and a ‘trap-happy’ or ‘trap-shy’ learning process, and yields typical mark-recapture data. Such a system allows biologists to study alternatives in mark-recapture experiments when the assumption of equal probability of capture is violated. Finally, several applications of the model are illustrated.
Influencing the room temperature oxidative stability of nanoclusters by alloying with more oxophilic elements

Oxidative stabilities of single component nanoclusters are studied in the presence of an oxophilic element. Atomistic simulations are used to study the early stages of heterogeneous oxidation of a representative binary alloy nanoclusters such as Ni–Al. The role of oxophilic Al atoms in enhancing the oxidation of Ni atoms in the Ni–Al alloy is highlighted. The simulated trajectories are used to better elucidate the mechanism of oxidation for two elements with distinct oxidation rates. Increased oxidation kinetics for particles with higher Al content is consistent with higher oxophilicity of Al atoms in comparison with Ni atoms. Ni rich alloys are found to be least oxidized with significant phase segregation between the Ni and Al phases. Furthermore, the oxides formed were found to be non-stoichiometric for Ni rich alloys and near stoichiometric for Al rich alloys. Phase segregation for the alloys is also found to be induced, resulting from the relative differences in the atom mobilities during the oxidation process. Thermodynamic and kinetic considerations are used to understand the higher degree of oxidation of Ni atoms in the presence of a higher composition of Al oxides. The simulations suggest a general strategy that allows for tuning the room temperature oxidative stability of single component nanoclusters by alloying with a higher oxophilic element.
Electronic Structure of Adsorbed Trimethylaluminum on Clean Si(100) Surfaces

The electronic structure of dimerized trimethylaluminum (TMA), Al2(CH3)6. adsorbed on Si(100) surfaces has been investigated using molecular orbital (MO) calculations based on a cluster description of TMA/Si(100). The calculated results suggest that the interactions between TMA and the Si(100) surface are described by overlap of the TMA electron-deficient bond and Si surface dangling-bond orbitals. The electron-deficient bond orbital is the highest occupied MO of TMA and acts as an electron acceptor for charge transfer from a surface Si atom to TMA consistent with observed core-level and valence photoelectron spectra.
El Cardenal Isidro Gomá y la cuestión vasca

One of the many areas of activity of Cardinal Isidro Goma during the Civil War was the attention to the Basque question. After, the controversy with lehendakari Aguirre A, the result of the alignment of Basque nationalism with the Republic. The primate was also a central role regarding the end of conflict in the Basque Country, with negotiations for the surrender of Bilbao. Finally had to face conflict with the national clergy, who remained in Spain, who was victimized who was exiled or those who criticized the position of Cardinal Goma.
Use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II in Neurodevelopmental Follow-up of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II in neurodevelopmental follow-up of extremely low birth weight infants
Iron fouling in membrane gas transfer applications

Abstract Iron fouling characteristics of gas permeable composite and wetted microporous hollow fiber membranes were studied. Membrane modules, operated in the sealed end configuration, were pressurized with oxygen and enclosed within a tubular shell. A solution consisting of tap water and ferrous sulfate was metered though the shell side of the module. The added mass-transfer resistance due to iron fouling was determined from the required increase in oxygen feed pressure to the membranes in order to maintain constant flux across the membranes, and was evaluated as a function of operating time and process parameters. Process parameters investigated include Reynolds number, ferric and ferrous iron concentrations, iron oxidation rate, and oxygen flux. It was found that iron oxidation rate, ferric iron concentration, and oxygen flux had no impact on the rate of membrane fouling, whereas the rate and maximum extent of membrane fouling increased with Reynolds number and ferrous iron concentration. The induction period was also found to increase with Reynolds number. A maximum fouling resistance of 2779 s/cm was measured at 17 h for a Reynolds number of 9000 and ferrous iron concentration of 14.0 mg/l. This is 7.2 times greater than the overall mass-transfer resistance for the clean membrane. For all conditions in this study, constant flux across the membrane was maintained, and the impacts of fouling compensated for by operating at higher driving forces. For membrane gas transfer systems where the driving forces can be controlled, such as membrane oxygenation, driving forces can be used to compensate for increases in mass-transfer resistance. However, for applications where driving forces cannot be as easily manipulated, such as VOC stripping, iron fouling is likely to have significant impact on transfer performance.
Formation of ethionine from homocysteine and of S-methylmethionine from methionine in apple tissue

Abstract Conversion of l -homocysteine into ethionine and of methionine into S -methylcysteine in apple tissues is demonstrated.
Transmutation Fuel Cycle Analyses of the SABR Fission-Fusion Hybrid Burner Reactor for Transuranic and Minor Actinide Fuels

Fuel cycle analyses of the transmutation of (a) all of the transuranics (TRUs) in light water reactor (LWR) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and of (b) the minor actinides (MAs) remaining in SNF (after separation of much of the plutonium for starting up fast reactors) have been performed for the conceptual subcritical advanced burner reactor (SABR) fission-fusion hybrid sodium-cooled fast burner reactor. Both metallic and oxide burner reactor fuels were considered, and the effect of clad radiation damage limit on fuel residence time was investigated. For a radiation damage limit of 200 displacements per atom, the support ratio (LWR power/SABR power) for transmuting all of the TRUs produced by LWRs is 3/1, and for transmuting just the MAs produced by LWRs the support ratio is 25/1. The reduction in high-level waste repository capacity required due to this transmutation is a factor of 10, based on a decay heat at a 100000-yr limit on capacity.
Gain-scheduling control of vapor compression cycle for transient heat-flux removal

Abstract Two-phase cooling is attractive for high heat-flux applications arising in high-power electronics such as LEDs, all-electric vehicles, and radar systems. A key challenge is critical heat-flux that could cause device damage due to dryout. This paper discusses a systematic design of robust and gain-scheduled controls for dryout avoidance in vapor compression cycles. Linear models from various operating points (OP) are clustered to reduce model nonlinearity. H ∞ controllers are synthesized to reach local robust stability. The gain-scheduled controller combining local controllers and OP switching shows excellent disturbance rejection performance in experimental comparison with the open-loop operation.
PROTEIN CONCENTRATES FROM WHEAT SHORTS, RICE BRAN, AND SOY FLOUR BY EXTRACTION WITH CHEESE WHEYS

A wet alkaline process to prepare protein concentrates from wheat millfeeds was modified by substitution of sweet or acid whey for water in the system. Extraction variables including pH, millfeed concentration, time and temperature were studied. A depression in protein extraction in the whey system was investigated by using model systems containing particular whey components. Optimum conditions were determined for co-precipitation by heat, of wheat and whey proteins. The whey-wheat protein concentrates were nutritionally superior to those prepared in a simple aqueous system. Protein concentrates also were prepared from soy flour and rice by extraction with sweet or acid whey. Use of whey as a processing medium in aqueous processing systems could provide products with improved nutritive value and, by substituting for water, indirectly provide energy savings.
Marine hydrokinetic turbine technology and the environment: Device-biota interactions

Because marine hydrokinetic (MHK) turbine technologies are still in their infancy, their impacts on the environment remain largely unknown. Although few empirical data exist for MHK technologies, more data are available for other man-made structures. This paper discusses fish, mammal, bird, and benthic organism interactions with MHK devices and other man-made structures that may be analogous to these MHK technologies. In experiments conducted on the Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 2, the survival of several species of small and large fish that passed through an MHK turbine was 99%. No data on mammal, sea turtle, or bird interactions with MHK turbines were available, but other types of anthropogenic mortality and traumatic injuries to these groups of animals have been well documented. Collisions with ships and fishing gear have greatly impacted most groups of marine mammals. Large whales that inhabit shallow coastal waters and diving birds that use sight to pursue prey underwater are at risk for collision. However, many devices have a positive impact on fish or benthic organism populations because they act as fish aggregation devices or artificial reefs.
Tests of an Ensemble Kalman Filter for Mesoscale and Regional-Scale Data Assimilation. Part IV: Comparison with 3DVAR in a Month-Long Experiment

In previous works in this series study, an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) was demonstrated to be promising for mesoscale and regional-scale data assimilation in increasingly realistic environments. Parts I and II examined the performance of the EnKF by assimilating simulated observations under both perfectand imperfect-model assumptions. Part III explored the application of the EnKF to a real-data case study in comparison to a three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) method in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The current study extends the single-case real-data experiments over a period of 1 month to examine the long-term performance and comparison of both methods at the regional scales. It is found that the EnKF systematically outperforms 3DVAR for the 1-month period of interest in which both methods assimilate the same standard rawinsonde observations every 12 h over the central United States. Consistent with results from the real-data case study of Part III, the EnKF can benefit from using a multischeme ensemble that partially accounts for model errors in physical parameterizations. The benefit of using a multischeme ensemble (over a single-scheme ensemble) is more pronounced in the thermodynamic variables (including temperature and moisture) than in the wind fields. On average, the EnKF analyses lead to more accurate forecasts than the 3DVAR analyses when they are used to initialize 60 consecutive, deterministic 60-h forecast experiments for the month. Results also show that deterministic forecasts of up to 60 h initiated from the EnKF analyses consistently outperform the WRF forecasts initiated from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction final analysis field of the Global Forecast System.
Language Skills of Cleft Palate Children: A Review.

Recently, various studies (Moll, 1968; Morris, 1962; Philips, 1969; Smith, 1965, 1968, 1968; Spriestersbach, 1958), have investigated the language skills of cleft palate children. There is general agreement that children with cleft palate are delayed in language development. Furthermore, it has been reported that in cleft palate children there is a relationship between articulation skills and expressive language development (Morris, 1962; Spriestersbach, 1958).
Living fencerows of the Rio San Miguel, Sonora, Mexico: Traditional technology for floodplain management

In southwestern North America, agriculture is limited by both arable land and available water supplies. In the upper Rio San Miguel, as well as in other narrow river valleys of eastern Sonora, Mexico, floodplain farming is dependent upon living fencerows for its environmental stability. Propagated fencerows of willow and cottonwood maintain, extend, and enhance floodplain fields. These ecological filters also protect fields from cattle, harbor agents of biological control of pests, and provide renewable supplies of wood. Traditional Sonoran farmers do not perceive cottonwoods and willows as phreatophytic pests, as their Anglo-American neighbors do. The stability of the upper San Miguelagroecosystem con-trasts with severely eroded conditions within the region's other arid watersheds.
Glycogene expression in conjunctiva of patients with dry eye: downregulation of Notch signaling.

PURPOSE. Glycoconjugates regulate a variety of biological events in mucosal surfaces, such as differentiation of postmitotic epithelial cells and maintenance of the wet-surfaced phenotype. This study aimed to identify the repertoire of genes (glycogenes) involved in biosynthesis of glycoconjugates in conjunctiva of normal subjects and patients with dry eye. METHODS. RNA from conjunctival impression cytology samples was amplified and hybridized to a custom-designed glycogene microarray. Intensity data were converted to expression values and analyzed by ANOVA. Microarray data for selected Notch glycogenes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Notch receptors and ligands were immunolocalized on conjunctival biopsies by confocal microscopy. RESULTS. By microarray, 424 glycogenes were identified in normal conjunctival epithelium; galectins, glycosyltransferases, mucins, Notch signaling molecules, and proteoglycans were among the most highly expressed. In dry eye, 46 glycogenes were significantly downregulated, including five members of the Notch signaling pathway (Notch1, Notch 2, Notch 3, Jagged1, Delta1), four Wnt signaling molecules (Wnt4, -5A, Frizzled6, -7), and three heparan sulfate glycotransferases (HS2ST1, HS3ST6, EXTL2). Only interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 was upregulated. By real-time PCR, expression ratios of Notchl, Notch 3, and Jagged1 in dry eye were 0.43, 0.56, and 0.50, respectively, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Notch1, Notch3, and Jagged1 were immunolocalized throughout the conjunctival epithelium, whereas Notch2 and Delta1 were distributed apically. CONCLUSIONS. This study revealed the differential glycogene expression profiles in normal subjects and patients with dry eye. Downregulation of Notch signaling in dry eye may result in abnormal differentiation of the conjunctival epithelium and have implications in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Psychometric properties of a valuations scale for the Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire

Abstract Given that marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit substance, identification of the role of potentially malleable cognitive factors in marijuana-related behaviors remains an important goal. The Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire (MEEQ; Schafer & Brown, 1991 ) assesses marijuana effect expectancies that are differentially related to marijuana use and use-related problems. Evaluation of the desirability of marijuana effect expectancies may provide additional information regarding cognitions related to marijuana use behaviors. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Marijuana Effect Expectancy Questionnaire — Valuations Scale (MEEQ-V) which was developed for this study to assess the desirability of marijuana effect expectancies. The sample was comprised of 925 (73.0% female) undergraduate participants, 41.9% of whom endorsed lifetime marijuana use and 24.7% of whom reported current (past three-month) use. The MEEQ-V scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Most (but not all) MEEQ-V scales were correlated with their corresponding MEEQ scale. There was some support for convergent validity. MEEQ-V scales were differentially related to frequency of marijuana use and use-related problems. Most MEEQ-V scales were related to frequency of marijuana use above and beyond variance attributable to corresponding MEEQ scales. Results suggest that assessment of desirability of marijuana's effects could provide unique and important information about cognitions related to marijuana use behaviors.
Phenomenological description of dynamics in diluted isotropic Heisenberg paramagnet at high temperatures

We consider a diluted isotropic Heisenberg paramagnet at infinite temperature. Frequency moments of the wave-vector-frequency-dependent spin correlation function are calculated up to the fourth moment for arbitrary concentration $m$ of the magnetic atoms. Employing phenomenological procedures based upon the use of a two-parameter Gaussian form for the generalized diffusivity, we estimate the concentration dependence of the spin-diffusion coefficient. This result is expected to be qualitatively reasonable as long as the concentration of nonmagnetic atoms is small, i.e., for $1\ensuremath{-}m\ensuremath{\ll}1$. However, for large vacancy concentration, i.e., $m\ensuremath{\ll}1$, our mean-field-theory-like result must break down because we expect the magnetization diffusion to cease below some critical concentration ${m}_{c}$, because then all the exchange connected clusters will be of finite size. This is an interesting point and we note that it should be investigated by computer-experiment techniques (which are well established for the undiluted case when $S=\ensuremath{\infty}$). Finally, we present results for the frequency- (or time-) and wave-vector- (or space-) dependent correlation functions for the simple cubic lattice for the two limiting cases, $S=\frac{1}{2}$ and $S=\ensuremath{\infty}$.
Intensified Image Dissector Scanner Ultraviolet Blue Visual (UBV) Surface Photometry Of Barred Galaxies

Image processing techniques employed in both the acquisition and analysis of UBV surface photometry of galaxies are described. Results are presented in the form of greyscale coded maps for the barred galaxies NGC 4314, NGC 6181, and NGC 7479.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A phase I study of carboplatin and etoposide administered in conjunction with dipyridamole, prochlorperazine and cyclosporine A.

Purpose: In recognition of the variety of available chemotherapeutic modulating agents and their potential to enhance the efficacy of platinum-based therapy, we embarked upon a phase I study to investigate the feasibility of combining fixed doses of carboplatinum (CBDCA) and etoposide (VP-16) with 24-h concurrent infusions of dipyridamole (DP), prochlorperazine (PCZ) and cyclosporine A (CSA) administered in escalating doses. Methods: Patients received intravenous VP-16 (200 mg/m2) and CBDCA (300 mg/m2), each over 30 min, starting at hour 6 of the modulator infusions. Resistance modulators were escalated sequentially to determine their respective maximally tolerated doses (MTDs). The pharmacokinetics (PK) of VP-16, CBDCA, and the three drug resistance (DR) modifiers were studied in eight patients. Results: A total of 59 patients were entered on study. The MTD was established at DP 5 mg/kg per day, PCZ 24 mg/h, and CSA 9.5 mg/kg per day. Dose-limiting toxicities included hypotension and severe sedation, presumably related to PCZ. No objective responses were seen. PK studies were performed when PCZ and DP doses were 24 mg/h and 3.3 mg/kg, and the CSA dose was either 8.5 mg/kg (five patients) or 9.5 mg/kg (three patients). The median clearance of VP-16 was 0.96 l/h per m2 (range 0.8–1.5 l/h per m2), which is lower than for VP-16 alone and similar to previously reported effects of CSA on VP-16 elimination. The median measured CBDCA AUC was 3.0 mg/ml · min (range 2.4–4.8 mg/ml · min). CBDCA AUC predicted by the Calvert formula using measured creatinine clearance underestimated the actual AUC in seven of the eight patients, in one case by as much as twofold. The median end of infusion PCZ and total DP plasma concentrations were 1.2 μM (range 0.5–2.2 μM) and 4.4 μM (range 1.3–5.9 μM), respectively, consistent with in vitro resistance modulatory levels. However, free DP was only 0.02 μM (range 0.004–0.04 μM). The median CSA level at 24 h of 1450 μg/l (range 1075–1640 μg/l) is in agreement with concentrations required for partial DR reversal in vitro, although it is much lower than levels achieved in our previous phase I study of CBDCA + CSA alone using similar doses of CSA. The CSA dose on the current trial was escalated beyond the MTD for the previous phase I study, suggesting that there may be an interaction between CSA and one of the other modulators. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that in vitro DR- reversing levels of two of the three agents used in this study can be achieved in vivo, and that this combination of DR modulators has significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of VP-16.
Stereoselective polymerization of γ‐Benzyl Glutamate NCA

The polymerization of γ-benzyl glutamate NCAs has been investigated. The results indicate that a coil-to-helix transformation is not responsible for the kinetic data. The results were rationalized by assuming formation of polymer aggregates coupled with the stereoselective adsorption of monomer onto growing polymer prior to reaction. From kinetic data a ratio of equilibrium constants for adsorption was determined. Independent data confirmed the assumption that adsorption of monomer onto polymer occurred. Equilibrium constants were evaluated, and their ratio was found to be comparable with that obtained from the kinetic data.
Rugged telemetry system: testing results and design improvements

A rugged telemetry system for coiled-tubing drilling and other hostile environment applications is briefly described. System performance before and after being tested in drilling operations (rotating, drilling, and reaming) was unchanged. However, in a laboratory test at 150 degrees Celsius, signal- to-noise ratio performance at higher carrier frequencies was degraded. Design improvements are also presented.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
AP-1 complexes containing cJun and JunB cause cellular transformation of Rat1a fibroblasts and share transcriptional targets

To investigate the role of individual Jun proteins in cell growth and transformation, we have used a doxycycline-inducible retroviral vector to regulate their expression in rat fibroblasts. AP-1 complexes enriched with cJun and JunB result in morphological alterations and anchorage-independent cell growth consistent with a transformation-like phenotype, whereas complexes enriched with JunD had an antiproliferative effect. These results suggest that genes regulated by both cJun and JunB are potentially involved in transformation and that they can be distinguished from those regulated by AP-1 complexes containing JunD. To identify genes regulated by cJun and JunB that may have a role in anchorage-independent growth, we investigated differential gene expression by each of the Jun family members using the Affymetrix Rat oligonucleotide microarray, RG_U34A containing approximately 8000 genes. Differentially regulated genes were identified and grouped for correlation with regulation by the different Jun proteins. A total of 33 candidate genes were found to be differentially regulated by both cJun and JunB and not by JunD. These genes have roles in cell metabolism, growth, signal transduction, migration and adhesion. We validated the differential regulation by cJun and JunB of 10 candidate genes by Northern blot analysis. Of these, eight were further characterized as potential direct targets of AP-1 regulation based on Northern blot results showing differential regulation that correlate with cJun expression. Our results show that inducible cJun and JunB expression result in anchorage-independent growth of Rat1a cells, distinct from JunD-expressing cells. This model system and a functional genomic approach enabled us to differentiate AP-1-regulated genes involved in transformation from AP-1-regulated genes known as bystander genes. This approach significantly reduces the number of bystanders and allows for the targeting of genes specifically involved in transformation.
Napthyridines. IV. Synthesis of benzo[f]-1,7-naphthyridines†

Benzo[f]-1,7-naphthyridines have been synthesized from 3-nitrolepidine (3) by a sequence involving monobromination of the methyl group of 3, oxidation of the bromomethyl group to the carboxyladehyde group by Franzen's trimethylamine N-oxide procedure, and conversion of the resultant 3-nitro-1-quinoline-carboxaldehyde (6) to the benzo[f]-1,7-naphthyridine by the Borsche modification of the Friedlander cyclization.
Physiologic and psychologic symptoms associated with use of injectable contraception and 20 μg oral contraceptive pills

Objective The objective of the study was to compare menstrual, physiologic, and psychologic symptoms over 2 years among women initiating use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or an oral contraceptive pill with a reduced pill-free interval and those not using hormonal contraception. Study Design A total of 608 women reported their experience regarding 17 symptoms prior to initiating contraception and every 6 months thereafter for 24 months. Longitudinal relationships between symptoms and contraceptives were assessed after adjusting for age, visits, and baseline status of symptoms. Results Oral contraceptive pills were protective against mastalgia (odds ratio [OR], 0.7), cramping (OR, 0.5), hair loss (OR, 0.6), acne (OR, 0.4), nervousness (OR, 0.5), and mood swings (OR, 0.7). Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) was protective against bloating (OR, 0.5) and mood swings (OR, 0.7) but caused weight gain (OR, 2.3), bleeding episodes more than 20 days (OR, 13.4), and missed periods (OR, 96.9). Both methods caused intermenstrual bleeding. Conclusion Evidence-based data regarding beneficial and adverse symptoms associated with these methods may help clinicians counsel patients appropriately prior to contraceptive initiation.
A novel classification system of lumbar disc degeneration

The Pfirrmann and modified Pfirrmann grading systems are currently used to classify lumbar disc degeneration. These systems, however, do not incorporate variables that have been associated with lumbar disc degeneration, including Modic changes, a high intensity zone, and a significant reduction in disc height. A system that incorporates these variables that is easy to apply may be useful for research and clinical purposes. A grading system was developed that incorporates disc structure and brightness, presence or absence of Modic changes, presence or absence of a high intensity zone, and reduction in disc height (disc height less than 5mm). MRI of 300 lumbar discs in 60 patients were analyzed twice by two neurosurgeons. Intra and inter-observer reliabilities were assessed by calculating Cohen's κ values. There were 156 grade zero ("normal"), 50 grade one, 57 grade two, 26 grade three, 10 grade four, and one grade five ("worst") discs. Inter-observer reliability was substantial (κ = 0.66 to 0.77) for disc brightness/structure, Modic changes, and disc height. Inter-observer reliability was moderate (κ = 0.41) for high intensity zone. Intra-observer reliability was moderate to excellent (κ = 0.53 to 0.94) in all categories. Agreement on the total grade between reviewers occurred 71% of the time and a difference of one grade occurred in an additional 25% of cases. Lumbar disc degeneration can be graded reliably by this novel system. The advantage of this system is that it incorporates disc brightness/structure, Modic changes, high intensity zone, and a rigid definition of loss of disc height. This system might be useful in research studies evaluating disc degeneration. Further studies are required to demonstrate possible clinical utility in predicting outcomes after spinal treatments such as fusion.