cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single thalamic neurons which project to both the rostral cortex and caudate nucleus studied with the fluorescent double labeling method

After injections of fast blue into the rostral cortex and Evans blue into the caudate nucleus in cats, doubly labeled neurons were present in the ventral anterior, ventral lateral, rhomboid, and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei. Doubly labeled cells were also found in most members of the intralaminar group, including the central medial, paracentral, central lateral, and parafascicular nuclei. Although the centromedian nucleus contained large numbers of cells labeled with Evans blue which project to the caudate nucleus, and a few fast-blue labeled cells which projected to the cortex, doubly labeled neurons were absent from this posterior intralaminar nucleus in this study.
Development of the postsynaptic membrane in xenopus neuromuscular cultures observed by freeze-fracture and thin-section electron microscopy

Abstract The formation of synapses between cultured neurons and muscle cells from Xenopus embryos has been studied with freeze-fracture and thin-section techniques. Clusters of large P-face intramembranous particles (about 11–12 nm) were observed in both innervated and non-innervated muscle cells. They presumably represented clusters of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors because of their close resemblance to the post-junctional particle clusters at the adult neuromuscular (N-M) junctions. In one-day cocultures, particle aggregates could be observed in more than 50% of the N-M contacts. At this stage, these aggregates were diffusely distributed along the contacts. After two days of coculture, extensive and tight clustering of large particles was seen along the length of persisting N-M contacts. Each particle cluster was composed of many particle aggregates and a particle-free groove demarcated each aggregate from its neighbor, thus producing a convoluted appearance of the membrane, which corresponded well with the thin-section image of the membrane profiles at the N-M contacts. In both freeze-fracture and thin-section images, membrane depressions with a diameter of about 0.1 μm were often observed in the vicinity of N-M contacts in newly innervated muscle cells. Within the pits of these depressions a small aggregate of large particles similar to those in the sarcolemma was often encountered. Such particle-rich membrane depressions were also observed in non-innervated muscle cells. They may represent sites for the incorporation of new ACh receptors in light of current theories. Particle aggregates were also closely associated with certain deep membrane invaginations, suggesting that these structures may be involved in the concentration of ACh receptors.
Coupling Chain Length Dependent and Reaction Diffusion Controlled Termination in the Free Radical Polymerization of Multivinyl (Meth)acrylates

The importance of kinetic chain length on termination kinetics has been investigated in cross-linking free radical polymerizations both experimentally and using a kinetic model. The model differs f...
Soluble Variable Color Carbazole-Containing Electrochromic Polymers

Three new carbazole-containing polymers were synthesized through Suzuki cross-coupling between N-octylcarbazole-3,6-bis(ethyleneboronate) (NOctCz(BO2Et)2) and several arylene dibromides. 2,5-Dibromothiophene (DBT), 2,2‘-dibromo-5,5‘-bithiophene (DBBT), and 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBBTD) gave the three polymers PCzTh, PCzBi, and PCzBTD, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry showed two separate redox processes for each polymer, PCzTh (E1/2 = 0.33 V and E1/2 = 0.65 V vs Fc/Fc+), PCzBi (E1/2 = 0.32 V and E1/2 = 0.60 V vs Fc/Fc+), and PCzBTD (E1/2 = 0.56 V and E1/2 = 0.84 V vs Fc/Fc+). The two redox couples signify the presence of stable radical cation and dication oxidation states. In addition, the three materials were observed to display electrochromic properties. UV/vis/NIR absorbance spectroscopy revealed that each of the polymers displayed a unique absorbance maximum (345 nm for PCzTh, 375 nm for PCzBi, and 460 nm for PCzBTD) in their neutral states. Spectroelectrochemical analyses demonstrated tha...
Adaptive Periodic-Correlation Algorithm for Extended Scene Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing

We present an adaptive periodic-correlation algorithm for large dynamic range extended-scene Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing. We show that it accurately measures very fine image shifts over many pixels under a variety of practical imaging conditions.
Patient selection for left-ventricular assist devices.

Purpose of reviewSelection of appropriate candidates is one of the most important determinants of successful outcomes of left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The review describes a step-by-step approach to evaluation of patients with end-stage heart failure for LVAD implantation.Recen
Gender differences in lipoprotein lipase activity after acute exercise

Objective: To determine whether gender differences exist in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in response to exercise and/or insulin. Exercise and insulin are known modulators of LPL activity in men, but this is less clear in women. LPL activity may predict propensity for obesity; therefore, understanding its modulators is of considerable importance. Research Methods and Procedures: Gender differences in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue LPL activity were determined after a single bout of exercise followed by a hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp and compared with an identical rest day in healthy lean men (n = 10) and women (n = 10). Muscle and adipose tissue biopsies were obtained pre- (post-exercise vs. rest) and post-clamp. Results: Basal levels of muscle and adipose tissue LPL activity were not different between men and women. There was, however, a significant gender by day interaction for muscle LPL activity (p = 0.023) and adipose tissue LPL activity (p = 0.013). In muscle, this was because of a significant increase in LPL activity on the exercise vs. rest day in men (p < 0.001) but not women. Adipose tissue LPL activity also increased significantly in men on the exercise day relative to rest day (p = 0.04) but decreased in women (p = 0.10). The hyperinulinemic/euglycemic clamp had no independent effect on tissue LPL activity, in either gender, after rest or exercise. Discussion: In the 3 to 4 hours after exercise, muscle and adipose tissue LPL activity increased significantly in men, whereas LPL activity remained unchanged in women.
The political freedom of African-Americans: a contextual analysis of racial attitudes, political tolerance, and individual liberty

Abstract The general hypothesis of this research is that community values are connected to individual perceptions of their political freedom. Focusing on a survey of African-Americans, the ways in which majorities coerce and constrain minorities are analyzed. In particular, it is hypothesized that where communities are more racist, and more tolerant of racists, Blacks will perceive less freedom. The analysis takes advantage of a decade of surveys conducted by the General Social Surveys in developing measures of the degree of tolerance and racism in local communities, and then relates those measures to individual-level perceptions of freedom. A variety of contextual hypotheses is tested. The data indicate that anti-Black sentiment in the community does limit the freedom of African-Americans. What is more important, political tolerance in the community, even if it is tolerance of racists, contributes to both Black and White political freedom. Environments in which all ideas, even those that are repugnant and pernicious, can be expressed openly seem to create the conditions for individuals to express their political preferences.
Hypoxia, HIF1 and glucose metabolism in the solid tumour

It has been known for many years that cellular metabolism within the solid tumour is markedly different from that of the corresponding normal tissue. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) has been implicated in regulating many of the genes that are responsible for the metabolic difference. However, it remains unclear how this 'aerobic glycolysis', originally described by Otto Warburg, offers tumour cells a growth advantage. As discussed in this Perspective, new data suggests that this metabolic switch may provide a benefit to the tumour not by increasing glycolysis but by decreasing mitochondrial activity.
Liquid Crystalline Order and Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy in Magnetically Doped Semiconducting ZnO Nanowires

Controlled alignment of nanomaterials over large length scales (>1 cm) presents a challenge in the utilization of low-cost solution processing techniques in emerging nanotechnologies. Here, we report on the lyotropic liquid crystalline behavior of transition-metal-doped zinc oxide nanowires and their facile alignment over large length scales under external fields. High aspect ratio Co- and Mn-doped ZnO nanowires were prepared by solvothermal synthesis with uniform incorporation of dopant ions into the ZnO wurtzite crystal lattice. The resulting nanowires exhibited characteristic paramagnetic behavior. Suspensions of surface-functionalized doped nanowires spontaneously formed stable homogeneous nematic liquid crystalline phases in organic solvent above a critical concentration. Large-area uniaxially aligned thin films of doped nanowires were obtained from the lyotropic phase by applying mechanical shear and, in the case of Co-doped nanowires, magnetic fields. Application of shear produced thin films in whi...
The significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction after preoperative chemoradiation

BACKGROUND. Esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinomas frequently have neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, but the significance of NE differentiation in patients who have undergone preoperative chemoradiation and resection remains unclear. METHODS. The authors evaluated the presence of NE differentiation in esophageal and EGJ adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry for chromogranin A and synaptophysin and evaluated the clinical significance of NE differentiation in 83 patients (10 patients who had a complete tumor response and 73 patients who had residual tumor in resection specimens) who received preoperative chemoradiation. RESULTS. Of 73 patients who had residual tumor after preoperative treatment, 52% showed NE differentiation. The proportion of tumor cells with NE differentiation had increased from 6% 6 18% in pretreatment biopsy specimens to 47% 6 42% (P ¼ .00003) in posttreatment resection specimens in 30 patients who had paired pretreatment biopsy and resection specimens available. Disease-free survival (P ¼ .002) and overall survival (P ¼ .006) were significantly better in patients who had a complete tumor response than in patients who had residual tumor. Among patients who had residual tumor after preoperative chemoradiation, disease-free survival (P ¼ .03) and overall survival (P ¼ .045) were significantly better in patients who had residual tumor without NE differentiation than in patients who had residual tumor with NE differentiation. In multivariate analysis, the presence of NE differentiation in residual tumor was a prognostic factor for worse disease-free survival (P ¼ .02) independent of pathologic stage and extent of residual tumor. CONCLUSIONS. The results from this study suggested that tumor cells with NE differentiation were more resistant to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with esophageal and EGJ adenocarcinomas. The presence of NE differentiation in residual tumor was associated with poor survival after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. Cancer 2006;107:1467–74. � 2006 American Cancer Society.
X-ray-absorption fine structure determination of pressure-induced bond-angle changes in ReO 3

We report here on a Marquardt-type method to fit the x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) of ${\mathrm{ReO}}_{3}.$ We find that, when the ambient-pressure structure of ${\mathrm{ReO}}_{3}$ is used as a starting point, the pressure dependence of the angle of the Re-O-Re bond in ${\mathrm{ReO}}_{3}$ is fairly straightforwardly and robustly determined using FEFF curved-wave, multiple-scattering programs and is accurate to about \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} or better. We present an argument that XAFS and scattering experiments fundamentally differ in what they measure in the case of nearly linear atomic bridges. Focussed multiple-scattering paths involving the Re-O-Re bridge make a contribution to the XAFS spectrum that is sensitive to the rms deviation of oxygen from the [100]-type directions. Fits to simulated spectra back up our contention that for XAFS experiments the effective position of the oxygen atom is its rms displacement whether the average displacement is zero or not.
Novel approach for a non-etching adhesion promoter for the next generation of IC substrates

Targeted for meeting the requirements of advanced IC manufactures for a non-etching adhesion promoter (NEAP) in the manufacture of sub 10/10 mum line and space, the Securetrade HFz process represents an innovative approach to enhancing the bonding of Ajinomoto buildup film (ABF) materials and comparable films as well as solder masks while not significantly etching the copper conductor to promote adhesion but rather using Silane based chemical adhesion promoters. A complete description of the process and its operating parameters will be presented. As this technical paper will demonstrate, this process achieves superior bonding strength and thermal reliability for not only ABF materials but also high-performance substrates and prepregs in comparison to more traditional copper roughening treatment methods. A complete process characterization has been done to illustrate the merits of Securetrade HFz. The surface was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser interference microscopy (LIM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. While the adhesion and thermal performance was done using standard industrial methods such as peel strength.
Highly pure amorphous silica nano-disks from rice straw

Abstract White ash, containing majority of SiO2 with trace amounts of Al2O3, CaO, MgO, K2O, P2O5, etc., was successfully produced by heating rice straw at 10 °C/min and holding at 250, 325 and 575 °C to facilitate decomposition and gasification of the organics while avoiding auto-ignition. Highly pure amorphous silica was derived from the resultant rice straw ash by a base dissolution and acid precipitation process at a 90.8% yield (or 11.47% from rice straw). The SiO2 chemical composition was confirmed by EDS and FTIR and the amorphous nature by XRD. Freeze-drying of silica gel produced mesoporous silica powders with a 5.8 nm average pore size (2 to 22 nm pore size distribution) and very high specific surface (509.5 m2/g BET and 637.0 m2/g BJH) and pore volume (0.925 cm3/g). These silica powders were dispersible in water and shown to consist of nano-disks with an average 172 nm diameter and 3.09 nm thickness as measured by TEM and AFM, respectively.
Chemical composition, statistical analysis of the unit cell, and electrostatic modeling of the structure of Al-saturated chlorite from metamorphosed rocks

Natural Al-saturated chlorite having a wide range of Mg:Fe ratios [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.357 to 0.943] was studied to determine the effect of Mg-Fe substitution on the unit-cell parameters. With a nearly constant Al content [Al T /(Al T + Mg + Fe) = 0.362 to 0.416, where Al T represents total Al contents in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites], the only major variable affecting the unit-cell dimensions of natural chlorite is the Mg:Fe ratio. The value of about 0.4 for the Al content represents apparent Al saturation for chlorites in metamorphosed rocks. Unit-cell parameters were determined by least-squares refinement from 39 chlorite samples obtained over a large range in metamorphic grades, from X-ray data derived from Gandolfi pattern simulations (via single crystals and a single-crystal diffractometer) from this study and from traditional powder diffractometer data from the literature. Nine of the samples were analyzed for their Fe 3+ contents (= 0.147 to 0.304 atoms) by Mossbauer spectroscopy; chemical compositions were generally obtained by electron-microprobe analysis. Statistical tests show that the change of the crystallographic a and b axes are linear over the range of Mg:Fe ratios studied, whereas the crystallographic c axis and the β angle have no significant relationship to these Mg:Fe ratios. Equations relating the effect of Mg:Fe ratio on a and b are: a (A) = −0.092 x + 5.408; x = Mg/(Mg + Fe) and b (A) = −0.162 x + 9.370, respectively. Electrostatic models involving Pauling’s electrostatic valency principle for Al-saturated chlorite were determined assuming: (1) Al-Al avoidance for Al-substituted tetrahedra, (2) no vacancies, and (3) no Al 3+ substitution in the M1 sites. Electrostatic restrictions occur for R 3+ → R 2+ substitutions in the M2 sites of the 2:1 layer. These restrictions produce an Al saturation in chlorite at Al T /(Al T + Mg + Fe) ratios of near 0.4. This saturation limit requires that 37.5% of the tetrahedral sites (1.5 out of 4 sites) are occupied by Al, and the electrostatic charge (electrostatic valency units, e.v.u.) close to +1 e.v.u. is favored for the interlayer to offset the net negative charge on the 2:1 layer.
Photochemical reactions of dibromothymoquinone.

The photosynthetic electron transport inhibitor dibromothymoquinone was found to mediate the photoreduction of horse heart cytochrome c in aqueous solution. This process appears to involve the reduction of dibromothymoquinone to the corresponding hydroquinone followed by direct electron transfer to cytochrome c. A subsequent‘autoxidation’of the reduced cytochrome c takes place which requires the presence of both oxygen and quinone. Irradiation of ethanolic stock solutions of dibromothymoquinone generates a hydroquinone species which is (1) capable of reducing cytochrome c directly in aqueous solution in the dark and (2) chemically distinct from the parent compound. This photore-duced species is stabilized in ethanolic solution but undergoes autoxidation (t1/2= 24 s) when placed in an aqueous medium. Because dibromothymoquinone is used in photosynthetic studies, some care must be taken to avoid complications which might arise from the above reactions; suitable precautions are discussed.
The Political Economy of Banking Regulation, 1864–1933

The laws and regulations that shaped the structure of the banking industry from the Civil War to the Great Depression were strongly influenced by the banking community. In this period legal constraints on banks were weakened by competition between state and federal regulators trying to increase membership in their banking systems. The elimination of regulation was not completed, however, because the politically most powerful group in the industry, the unit banks, had an interest in preserving some regulations.
The Association Between Anti-Ribosomal P Antibodies and Active Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract Autoantibodies to anti-ribosomal P protein have been recognized in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in widely variable proportions of unselected patients. Presence of anti-ribosomal P antibodies was retrospectively studied in 69 patients with SLE during disease exacerbations and remissions or during continuously active disease. Anti-ribosomal P antibodies were positive in 21/69 patients during active disease, with an overall prevalence of 30.4%. Prevalence in patients with active nephritis was 75.0% (15/20), P value by Fisher's exact test of 8.39 × 10 −7 . In 12/13 patients (92.3%), anti-P disappeared during periods of disease remission, P = 0.0002. In 17/21 patients (81.0%) with anti-ribosomal P antibodies, anti-dsDNA antibodies were also positive. In 47 patients without anti-P, 23/47 (48.9%) were also positive for anti-dsDNA. In 9/12 patients (75.0%) titers of anti-dsDNA antibodies correlated with anti-P during disease exacerbations and remissions, P = 0.004. The higher prevalence of anti-P in patients with lupus nephritis with disappearance during disease remissions supports the hypothesis of an immunopathogenetic role of these antibodies in lupus nephritis. There was also a strong association between anti-dsDNA and anti-P antibodies.
Initial results using an LCD polarization imaging camera

The SALSA camera from Bossa Nova Technologies uses an electronically rotated polarization filter to measure four states of polarization nearly simultaneously. Initial imagery results are presented, with an investigation of polarization invariants, as affected by illumination, sensing geometry, and atmospheric effects. Applications for the system as it is being developed are in change detection and surface characterization. Preliminary results indicate an ability to distinguish new from old asphalt and disturbed earth from undisturbed earth with some image processing.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in common variable immunodeficiency.

The association between cancer and immunodeficiency is well established. In common variable immunodeficiency (CVI), a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by low serum immunoglobulins and poor antibody production, we previously reported a total of 13 cancers in 11 individuals arising in continuously observed group of patients. Of the 13, 7 were NHL and 1 was a myeloma which progressed to lymphoma. We report here the histologic, immunologic, cytogenetic, and clinical features of these 8 NHL along with 3 new lymphomas which have appeared in this group (now 117 patients). From our studies, the lymphomas which have arisen in CVI share certain features with the lymphomas which appear in the childhood immunodeficient syndromes, Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, Ataxia Telangiectasia, or severe combined immunodeficiency: they are similar in overall frequency (13%), are often B-cell in origin, and extranodal in location. However, unlike the lymphomas of the immunodeficient child, lymphomas in CVI may be more differentiated and secrete immunoglobulin. For CVI patients with stage I or II disease, as for non-Hodgkin lymphomas in general, the prognosis is good. In our group, NHL in CVI have appeared most often in females of the 5th to 7th decade and not in childhood. Cytogenetic studies in lymphomas show that cytogenic abnormalities, including chromosomal translocation, can be found in this group, but more studies will be needed to assess the frequency of these events.
A REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer for mafic and ultramafic rocks

Abstract A REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer for mafic and ultramafic rocks has been developed on the basis of the temperature and pyroxene composition dependent rare earth element (REE) partitioning between coexisting orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene. This trace element based two-pyroxene thermometer is built on two parameterized lattice strain models for REE partitioning between pyroxene and basaltic melt that were independently calibrated using data from pyroxene-melt partitioning experiments ( Sun and Liang, 2012 , Yao et al., 2012 ). By treating REE and Y as a group in temperature calculations, one can reduce analytical uncertainties in trace element analysis through least squares inversion of orthopyroxene–clinopyroxene partitioning data, and identify and exclude variations induced by secondary or metasomatic processes. For convenience, a simple robust regression program is provided for temperature inversion. Application of the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer to well-equilibrated spinel lherzolite and harzburgite xenoliths from the continental lithosphere demonstrates the internal consistency of the two pyroxene-melt REE partitioning models and the trace and major element based pyroxene thermometers: temperatures derived from the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer agree very well with temperatures calculated using major element based pyroxene thermometers. Applications of the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer to abyssal peridotites and mafic cumulates reveal a significant difference in the calculated temperatures between the REE and major element based pyroxene thermometers: temperatures derived from the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer are consistently higher than those derived from the major element based pyroxene thermometers. This discrepancy in temperature likely results from a difference in diffusion rate and hence closure temperature between the 2+ and 3+ cations in the pyroxenes. An independently calibrated REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer may offer new insight into the thermal history of mafic and ultramafic rocks from the upper mantle and lower crust.
Patterns of groundwater discharge into Florida Bay

Natural chemical tracers of groundwater discharge ( 222 Rn and CH4) were surveyed to evaluate possible patterns of groundwater interactions with surface water in Florida Bay. Radon and methane concentrations in water samples collected from wells, solution holes, canals, and Florida Bay showed a significant correlation, despite the fact that these two trace gases have independent sources. Groundwater flux was also measured directly via seepage meters in several Florida Bay locations. Natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes measured on attached algae and seagrass showed the greatest 15 N enrichment near the Keys. Collectively, our results suggested greater groundwater flow along the bay side of the Florida Keys. Nutrient flux estimates, based on interstitial nutrient concentrations and groundwater flux measurements, suggested that groundwater in the eastern part of Florida Bay may provide as much nitrogen (110 6 60 mmol N m 22 yr 21 ) and phosphate (0.21 6 0.11 mmol PO4 32 m 22 yr 21
Cryptographic key protection module in hardware for the Need2Know system

Traditional public key cryptographic methods provide access control to sensitive data by allowing the message sender to grant a single recipient permission to read the encrypted message. The Need2Knowreg system (N2K) improves upon these methods by providing role-based access control. N2K defines data access permissions similar to those of a multiuser file system, but N2K strictly enforces access through cryptographic standards. Since custom hardware can efficiently implement many cryptographic algorithms and can provide additional security, N2K stands to benefit greatly from a hardware implementation. To this end, the main N2K algorithm, the Key Protection Module (KPM), is being specified in VHDL. The design is being built and tested incrementally: this first phase implements the core control logic of the KPM without integrating its cryptographic sub-modules. Both RTL simulation and formal verification are used to test the design. This is the first N2K implementation in hardware, and it promises to provide an accelerated and secured alternative to the software-based system. A hardware implementation is a necessary step toward highly secure and flexible deployments of the N2K system
Laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients: a review of three cases.

OBJECTIVES To report our experience with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma in 3 renal transplant recipients. METHODS We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone laparoscopic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1999 and 2006 at our institution (n = 1067). Of these patients, 3 were renal transplant recipients (dual cadaveric renal transplant, simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant, and a cadaveric renal transplant that had failed owing to chronic rejection by the time of surgery). We reviewed all available clinicopathological data. RESULTS All three patients underwent successful laparoscopic radical prostatectomy without major complications. The average operative time was 237 minutes (range, 180 to 290 minutes) with a mean estimated blood loss of 425 mL (range, 75 to 1000 mL). No changes in renal graft function, measured by serum creatinine, were noted. Pathological outcomes revealed negative surgical margins with organ-confined disease in each case. All three patients tolerated the procedure well and had an average hospital stay of 3.3 days (range, 2 to 5 days). CONCLUSIONS The data from our 3 patients suggest that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a technically feasible and safe treatment of localized prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients.
Visualizing the magnitude and direction of three-dimensional vector fields

An algorithm is presented for plotting the magnitude and direction of a vector field described over a triangular mesh. Once the critical points (zeros) of the vector field are found, the plotting procedure becomes a function of the paradigms of the viewer. The algorithm is developed for any three-dimensional surface represented by a triangular grid. The method uses color-shaded magnitude contours and directed vector lines to characterize a vector field. The algorithm was tested by plotting the far-zone field vector direction and magnitude. >
The Changing Political Environment for Tobacco—Implications for Southern Tobacco Farmers, Rural Economies, Taxpayers, and Consumers: Discussion

This paper is a discussion of the Brown, Snell, and Tiller article. The economic accuracy, conciseness, and organization is noteworthy with the major strengthbeing the analysis of the tobacco system with the absence of a Federal program, The base paper discusses economic consequences of the U.S. tobacco program, within-industrystructuraldifferences, and recent/potential future changes such as the buy-out, industry uncertainty, and the possibility of program elimination.
Spam double-funnel: connecting web spammers with advertisers

Spammers use questionable search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to promote their spam links into top search results. In this paper, we focus on one prevalent type of spam - redirection spam - where one can identify spam pages by the third-party domains that these pages redirect traffic to. We propose a five-layer, double-funnel model for describing end-to-end redirection spam, present a methodology for analyzing the layers, and identify prominent domains on each layer using two sets of commercial keywords. one targeting spammers and the other targeting advertisers. The methodology and findings are useful for search engines to strengthen their ranking algorithms against spam, for legitimate website owners to locate and remove spam doorway pages, and for legitimate advertisers to identify unscrupulous syndicators who serve ads on spam pages.
Sequences within the last intron function in RNA 3'-end formation in cultured cells.

In cultured cells, little if any mRNA accumulates from an intronless version of the human gene for triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), a gene that normally contains six introns. By deleting introns either individually or in combinations, it was demonstrated by Northern (RNA) blot hybridization that while the deletion of a greater number of introns generally results in a lower level of product mRNA, not all introns contribute equally to mRNA formation. For example, intron 1 appeared to be dispensable, at least when the remaining introns are present, but deletion of the last intron, intron 6, reduced the level of product mRNA to 51% of normal. To determine how intron 6 contributes to mRNA formation, partial deletions of intron 6 were constructed and analyzed. Deletion of the lariat and acceptor splice sites or the donor, lariat, and acceptor splice sites, each of which precluded removal of the intron 6 sequences that remained, reduced the level of product mRNA to < 1 or 27% of normal, respectively. As measured by RNase mapping and cDNA sequencing, the decrease in mRNA abundance that was attributable to the complete and partial intron 6 deletions was accompanied by an increase in the abundance of pre-mRNA that lacked a mature 3' end, i.e., that was neither cleaved nor polyadenylated. We infer from these and other data that sequences within the final intron facilitate proper 3'-end formation, possibly through an association with the components of a productive spliceosome.
Lifting-line theory as a singular-perturbation problem

Abstract : The method of matched asymptotic expansions, recently developed for treating singularperturbation problems, is applied to the flat unswept lifting wing of high aspect ratio. This yields a simplified equivalent of Prandtl's lifting-line theory, with the solution of an integral equation replaced by quadratures. The next approximation is calculated in general terms. Specific application is made to cusped, lenticular, elliptic, and rectangular planforms, and comparison drawn where possible with previous work. Additional non-uniformities at tips and other discontinuities are described, and procedures outlined for their correction. (Author)
Benefit-Cost Analysis of International Instructional Methods for Construction Management and Engineering Students

In the last five years, the construction management department at Southern Illinois University (SIUE) has offered two semester travel study courses with weeklong travel study trips for students. One trip was to Mexico and one to Panama. The objective of these courses was to provide students with an opportunity to learn about and be exposed to international construction projects and the culture of another country. Two other courses and similar trips are being considered for the future, but SIUE faculty found that trips to international destinations can be challenging to plan and are quite costly in time and money. Are the benefits of a travel study experience worth the cost? Are there less costly alternatives that can achieve similar benefits? In this paper a number of methods for providing international educational experience to students are examined. The fiscal costs of travel studies were found to be readily available, but the benefits were not so easily quantified. Overall it was determined that given the international nature of construction projects in the world today, students do need some type of international awareness and exposure as part of their educational program, but traditional travel study courses may not be the best option.
An Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Intron 1 Polymorphism Mediates Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors

This study tested the hypothesis that the number of CA single sequence repeat (CA-SSR) in the intron 1 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (egfr) gene, which affects transcription efficiency of the gene, is associated with the response to EGFR inhibitors. To this end, we determined the number of CA dinucleotides in the intron 1 of the egfr gene in a panel of 12 head and neck cancer cell lines that lack egfr gene amplification and measured the expression of EGFR (mRNA and protein), as well as response to EGFR inhibition. Cells with lower number of CA dinucleotides in the CA-SSR had higher expression of the EGFR gene and protein and were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of erlotinib, a small molecule inhibitor of the EGFR tyrosine-kinase. Phenotypic modification by silencing EGFR mRNA expression in a susceptible cell line induced resistance to the drug. The number of CA dinucleotide was equivalent in genomic and tumor DNA obtained from 30 patients with head and neck cancer. In a clinical study in colorectal cancer, subjects with lower number of CA dinucleotide frequently developed skin toxicity, a feature that is related to the antitumor activity of this class of drugs. These results suggest that polymorphic variations in the intron 1 of the egfr gene is associated with response to EGFR inhibitors and may provide an explanation as to why the development of skin toxicity is associated with a favorable outcome in patients treated with these agents.
Experimental Transmission of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus from the Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis, to Cohabitating Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Smolts

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) reduces the environmental impacts of commercial aquaculture systems by combining the cultivation of fed species with extractive species. Shellfish play a critical role in IMTA systems by filter-feeding particulate-bound organic nutrients. As bioaccumulating organisms, shellfish may also increase disease risk on farms by serving as reservoirs for important finfish pathogens such as infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). The ability of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) to bioaccumulate and transmit IPNV to naive Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts was investigated. To determine the ability of mussels to filter and accumulate viable IPNV, mussels were held in water containing log 4.6 50% tissue culture infective dose(s) (TCID50) of the West Buxton strain of IPNV ml(-1). Viable IPNV was detected in the digestive glands (DGs) of IPNV-exposed mussels as early as 2 h postexposure. The viral load in mussel DG tissue significantly increased with time and reached log 5.35 ± 0.25 TCID50 g of DG tissue(-1) after 120 h of exposure. IPNV titers never reached levels that were significantly greater than that in the water. Viable IPNV was detected in mussel feces out to 7 days postdepuration, and the virus persisted in DG tissues for at least 18 days of depuration. To determine whether IPNV can be transmitted from mussels to Atlantic salmon, IPNV-exposed mussels were cohabitated with naive Atlantic salmon smolts. Transmission of IPNV did occur from mussels to smolts at a low frequency. The results demonstrate that a nonenveloped virus, such as IPNV, can accumulate in mussels and be transferred to naive fish.
Loneliness and Risk of Alzheimer Disease

Context Social isolation in old age has been associated with risk of developing dementia, but the risk associated with perceived isolation, or loneliness, is not well understood. Objective To test the hypothesis that loneliness is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). Design Longitudinal clinicopathologic cohort study with up to 4 years of annual in-home follow-up. Participants A total of 823 older persons free of dementia at enrollment were recruited from senior citizen facilities in and around Chicago, Ill. Loneliness was assessed with a 5-item scale at baseline (mean +/- SD, 2.3 +/- 0.6) and annually thereafter. At death, a uniform postmortem examination of the brain was conducted to quantify AD pathology in multiple brain regions and the presence of cerebral infarctions. Main outcome measures Clinical diagnosis of AD and change in previously established composite measures of global cognition and specific cognitive functions. Results During follow-up, 76 subjects developed clinical AD. Risk of AD was more than doubled in lonely persons (score 3.2, 90th percentile) compared with persons who were not lonely (score 1.4, 10th percentile), and controlling for indicators of social isolation did not affect the finding. Loneliness was associated with lower level of cognition at baseline and with more rapid cognitive decline during follow-up. There was no significant change in loneliness, and mean degree of loneliness during the study was robustly associated with cognitive decline and development of AD. In 90 participants who died and in whom autopsy of the brain was performed, loneliness was unrelated to summary measures of AD pathology or to cerebral infarction. Conclusion Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of late-life dementia but not with its leading causes.
OPN07-4: Maximum Survivability using Two Disjoint Paths under Multiple Failures in Mesh Networks

This paper investigates the problem of finding two link-disjoint paths in mesh networks. Different from traditional studies, such as MIN-SUM, MIN-MAX, and MIN-MIN, the objective in this paper is to minimize the end-to-end failure probability, or equivalently, maximize the survivability under multiple link failures. We refer to this problem as MAX-SURV. Solving MAX-SURV provides 100% protection against single failure while maximizing the survivability under multiple failures. We prove that this problem is NP-complete, and we propose a heuristic algorithm for finding a solution. The corresponding upper bound and lower bound for given networks are also found. The time efficiency of the algorithms is analyzed, and the performance of the algorithms is evaluated through simulation.
Firm real-time system scheduling based on a novel QoS constraint

Many real-time systems have firm real-time requirements which allow occasional deadline violations but discard any jobs that are not finished by their deadlines. To measure the performance of such a system, a quality of service (QoS) metric is needed. Examples of often used QoS metrics for firm real-time systems are average deadline miss rates and (m, k)-firm constraints. However, for certain applications, these metrics may not be adequate measures of system performance. This paper introduces a novel QoS constraint for firm real-time systems. The new QoS constraint generalizes existing firm real-time constraints. Furthermore, using networked control system as an example, we show that this constraint can be directly related to the control system's performance. We then present three different scheduling approaches with respect to this QoS constraint. Experimental results are provided to show the effectiveness of these approaches.
Digital Baseband Compensation for Mobile SFBC-OFDM Systems with Receiver I/Q Imbalance

In-phase and quadrature-phase (I/Q) imbalance is a major performance-limiting impairment for direct- conversion orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transceivers. I/Q imbalance degrades the signal-to-noise-ratio in an OFDM system by causing inter-channel-interference (ICI) between image subcarriers. Doppler spread due to mobility also causes ICI but mainly between adjacent subcarriers. In this work, we investigate the combined effects of mobility and I/Q imbalance in a multiple-input-multiple-output-OFDM system with the alamouti space-frequency block-coding scheme and design an effective compensation technique. Furthermore, we propose a novel pilot allocation and channel estimation scheme, and exploit the problem structure to reduce complexity.
The effects of study abroad during college on attitudes toward other cultures

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to assess changes in attitudes and perceptions toward international understanding by university students who had spent a year of study abroad at a European university. Using a quasi-experimental design, a questionnaire was sent to 450 students who spent their junior year abroad and 800 students who remained on their home campus during their junior year. The response rates were 67% and 65% respectively. The questionnaire asked for retrospective views before the junior year as well as for views presently held. In addition, subjects were queried concerning shifts in attitudes during the junior year. Factor analytic and analysis of variance procedures were used to analyze the data. Consistent with the main hypotheses guiding the study, the results indicated increased levels of international political concern, crosscultural interest, and cultural cosmopolitanism for the study abroad group. This group also reported more positive, yet also more critical views of the United States than did the comparison group. The results were discussed in terms of the general goals of international educational exchange programs.
Nursing Leadership Interprofessional Education and Practice

The column presents a scholarly dialogue about nursing's role in interprofessional education, practice, and collaboration. Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) senior adviser for nursing. In this role, she shapes and leads the foundation's strategies to address nurse and nurse faculty shortages and ensures that RWJF's commitments in nursing have a broad and lasting national impact. In partnership with AARP, Hassmiller directs the foundation's Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action. This effort, active in 50 states plus the District of Columbia, strives to implement the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine's 2011 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, for which Hassmiller served as the study director.
Linear Difference Equations

This brief section treats linear difference equations, which play a role in the theory of discrete-time linear systems similar to that played by linear differential equations in the theory of continuous-time linear systems. The existence and uniqueness theorems for difference equations are much easier than those for differential equations; as we shall see, there is essentially “nothing to prove.” On the other hand, there is a certain temporal asymmetry associated with difference equations which will manifest itself later on as a stumbling block that prevents a fully parallel discussion of continuous- and discrete-time linear systems.
Terahertz Spectroscopy Applications

An introductory overview of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is presented for an audience of non-expert scientists and engineers. Basic properties of THz waves are defined. The specifications of state-of-the-art THz spectrometers are summarized and various measurement modalities enabled by the instrumentation are described. The fundamental aspects of THz wave matter interactions for inorganic and organic materials in the gas, liquid, and solid phase are outlined. Emerging industrial and non-industrial applications of THz spectroscopy are reported.
Analysis of Pilot Eye Behavior during Glass Cockpit Simulations

Abstract Equipment failure and poor visibility conditions are factors that private pilots do not typically encounter. However, pilots can inadvertently encounter those conditions. Glass cockpits have improved pilot safety. As the aircraft's industry grows, unexpected flight conditions will become more frequent safety hazards. There is limited information about these conditions to support governmental training guidelines for such situations. The objective of this study is to expand the knowledge on pilot's visual attention during unexpected conditions. This study analyzed the average eye fixations per second of flight time (fix/s) of 30 certified private pilots. Randomized treatments of visibility and of either equipment failure or no failure were encountered during glass cockpit simulations. All participants looked more to the outside view and GPS during all conditions. This study showed common characteristic of visual attention during failure and weather conditions. Participants eye behavior changes with the introduction of unexpected conditions. However, the limited training on what to do when facing unexpected situations of equipment failure and poor visibility, led participants to focus more on the outside view than on the instruments missing information about the aircraft status. This research could help designers and trainers identify the visual focus areas for private pilots during adverse conditions.
Joint PP-PS Traveltime And Amplitude Inversions For Reservoir Characterization At Rulison Field, Colorado

Converted-wave analysis shows that the reservoir interval in Rulison Field has to be modeled as an anisotropic medium. From simple isotropic models, it has been proved that the physical parameters κ0 and κe f f control the PS-wave kinematics and the conversion point offsets. These simple models applied to Rulison data infered that the reservoir can be locally modeled as a VTI medium. The Thomsen anisotropy parameters were then inverted using PP and PS traveltime data. The parameter γ(S) that relates to shear-wave splitting is determined spacially highliting areas of high fracture density. Two isotropic amplitude inversions using fast and slow convertedwave data successfully imaged the producing fluvial sand bodies in the Rulison Field and localized in time the intervals responsible for shear-wave splitting. High resolution Vp/Vs volumes were generated from the joint PP-PS amplitude inversion showing the interfingering geometry of sandstones and shales in the reservoir.