cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Background velocity estimation using non-linear optimization for reflection tomography and migration misfit

We show that it is possible to estimate the background velocity for prestack depth migration in 2D laterally varying media using a non-linear optimization technique called very fast simulated annealing (VFSA). We use cubic splines in the velocity model parametrization and make use of either successive pairs of shot gathers or several constant-offset sections as input data for the inversion. A Kirchhoff summation scheme based on first-arrival traveltimes is used to migrate/model the input data during the velocity analysis. We evaluate and compare two different measures of error. The first is defined in the recorded data or (x,t) domain and is based on a reflection-tomography criterion. The second is defined in the migrated data or (x,z) domain and is based on a migration-misfit criterion. Depth relaxation is used to improve the convergence and quality of the velocity analysis while simultaneously reducing the computational cost. Further, we show that by coarse sampling in the offset domain the method is still robust. Our non-linear optimization approach to migration velocity analysis is evaluated for both synthetic and real seismic data. For the velocity-analysis method based on the reflection-tomography criterion, traveltimes do not have to be picked. Similarly, the migration-misfit criterion does not require that depth images be manually compared. Interpreter intervention is required only to restrict the search space used in the velocity-analysis problem. Extension of the proposed schemes to 3D models is straightforward but practical only for the fastest available computers.
Some problems in interstellar chemistry

Abstract The chemistry of interstellar clouds is summarised and a number of outstanding problems are discussed whose resolution requires laboratory and theoretical studies of the specific molecular processes of dissociative recombination, photodissociation and ion/molecule reactions.
Plastic Deformation of Cuprous Oxide

Slip line and transmission electron microscopy observations on the plastic deformation of cuprous oxide were made on large-grained polycrystalline specimens. The specimens were prepared by the complete oxidation of OFHC copper strips in air followed by a high-temperature anneal. Plastic deformation occurred by motion of α(100) dislocations on (100) glide planes. Some dislocation segments of a(110) Burgers vector were present but were probably formed by recombination reactions between α(100) dislocations. The unusual structure of Cu20, which can be described as two interpenetrating and identical frameworks of copper and oxygen which are not cross-connected by any primary copper–oxygen bonds, did not result in any unusual behavior of dislocations. The effect of temperature on plasticity was explained in the same way as for other materials of less complex structure, such as MgO.
General approach to formulation and solution of simulation models

This paper will report on a general approach to the formulation and solution to simulation models.
The spectra of charging events due to the collision of natural ice particles with an ice surface

A sensitive, solid state electrometer has been built which is capable of measuring the individual charges acquired by an ice surface exposed to precipitation or cloud particles. Measurements made in natural snowfall show that the individual charges fluctuate widely both in sign and magnitude. Individual charges ranging from -10−2 e.s.u. to 10−2 e.s.u. have been recorded within an interval of a few seconds. In most cases the ice surface received a net positive charge, and the median charge per collision was about 2 × 10−4 e.s.u. The charging spectra commonly followed a log-normal distribution. It is suggested that two important mechanisms for the charging were the direct transfer to the ice surface of some of the charge residing on the ice particles in the air and the fragmentation of the ice particles as they collided with the ice surface.
Factors that influence Chinese automotive suppliers’ mass customization capabilities

Abstract China is one of the largest and most rapidly growing automotive markets in the world. In such a dynamic environment, mass customization (MC) is considered crucial to developing and maintaining the competitiveness of automotive suppliers. Literature has suggested that the MC capability of a firm can be achieved by systematically (1) coordinating suppliers, (2) implementing modularity-based manufacturing practices, and (3) postponing key production steps that determine specialized product features and performance. However, since research has also indicated that the Chinese manufacturing context differs substantially from others around the world; it is unclear if these same MC practices are as applicable for Chinese automotive suppliers. This study applies social dilemma and resource dependency theories to explore MC capabilities in Chinese automotive suppliers, and determines that some, but not all, MC practices are pertinent in the Chinese market. The practices which were found to be significant were: tactical alignment increases product and process modularity design; and product modularity design, process modularity design, and supplier segmentation can directly or indirectly increase mass customization capabilities. Relationships between tactical alignment and postponement practices and between postponement practices and mass customization capabilities were not found to be statistically significant in the Chinese context. These novel MC results are valuable since they can help guide automotive manufacturers and suppliers in their expansion into and throughout the Chinese market.
Quantifying the benefit of a pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Purpose To better define the benefit of a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal and gastroesophageal cancer, we undertook a comprehensive review of the literature to derive a pooled analysis of crude survival data and quantify the survival benefit of pCR vs. residual disease at esophagectomy. Methods and Materials In all, 22 articles were reviewed. Crude overall survival data, stratified by patients with pCR vs. those with residual disease at esophagectomy, were collected and analyzed using a chi-square analysis. The relative and absolute survival benefit of achieving a pCR were calculated and analyzed. Finally, stratified median survival times were also analyzed. Results Overall survival for patients with pCR was 93.1%, 75.0%, and 50.0% at 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively, whereas it was 36.8%, 29.0%, and 22.6% for patients with residual tumor ( p p = 0.011). Conclusion In esophageal and gastroesophageal cancers, pCR seems to significantly increase overall survival in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Specifically, the data suggest that patients with pCR are two to three times more likely to survive than are those with residual tumor at esophagectomy. Moreover, these data suggest that 33–36% more patients survive when pCR is achieved than when it is not.
An A.C. technique for determining the rates of rapid electrode reactions of aromatic compounds in aprotic media

Abstract An a.c. technique for measuring the rate constants for rapid electrode reactions in aprotic solvents using commercially available instrumentation with applied a.c. frequencies of 425 to 4250 Hz is described. A.c. Phase sensitive detection using a lock-in amplifier and a hanging mercury drop electrode was employed. Electrode kinetic parameters are given for phthalonitrile, terephthalonitrile, t -stilbene, nitrobenzene, m -dinitrobenzene, anthracene and perylene in N,N-dimethylformamide. Experimental details and the comparisons with previously reported results are discussed. The technical simplicity and good precision of this method makes it suitable for studying rapid electrode reactions in nonaqueous systems.
In vivo and in vitro reactions of toluene diisocyanate isomers with guinea pig hemoglobin.

Guinea pig hemoglobin (Hb) adducts of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (2,4- and 2,6-TDI) were individually prepared, each at a Hb tetramer to diisocyanate ratio of 1:1, and compared with adducts ...
K-Vacancy Production in Heavy-Ion-Atom Collisions at Small Impact Parameters

The probability P(b) of forming K vacancies in 60-MeV I + Ag collisions with center-of-mass scattering angles ?cm between 20° and 144° was measured. The measured probability varies approximately as sin2?cm, as predicted for the kinematic peak part of 2p?-2p? rotatational coupling. We conclude that while the shape of P(b) indicates that 2p?-2p? rotational coupling is important in the creation of K vacancies, the probability of creating the initial 2p? vacancy must be impact parameter dependent. In other collisions where a rise in P(b) has been observed at low impact parameters, it is possible that the rise is due not to a kinematic peak, but to a contribution from 1s? vacancy production.
Pollen-Based Reconstructions of the Ek1 and the Lower Part of Es4 of the Paleogene Vegetation and Climatic Characteristics in Dongying Depression

Based on the analyses of pollen samples from Well Haoke-1, this paper studies the Paleogene pollen sub-assemblage sequences of the Ek1 and the lower part of Es4 in Dongying Depression. Four sub-assemblages are distinguished, and then four phases are recognized. Through the study, it is found that the Ek1 and the lower part of Es4 in Dongying Depression belonged to the climate of subtropical semi-arid zone and the seasonal differences of climate became increasingly great with the evolution of the earth.
Initiation of Escape Behavior by the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)

Abstract Horned lizards are difficult to detect because of their cryptic coloration and behavior, but often flee from approaching predators and use specialized behavioral, morphological, and physiological defenses at close quarters. Escape theory predicts that flight initiation distance (predator–prey distance when escape begins) increases as predation risk increases. We predicted that, despite relying on crypsis, Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) would have greater flight initiation distances when approached rapidly than slowly and when approached directly than indirectly. Flight initiation distance was greater for rapid than slow and direct than indirect approach, verifying the predictions for prey that do not rely exclusively on crypsis, forgoing escape. Effect size was larger for approach speed than for directness of approach, in part because the difference between minimum bypass distances was small (0.0 m for direct and 0.6 m for indirect approaches). We also investigated responses to a shad...
Tide gauges measure tectonic movements

Abstract Glacial unloading of the crust, subduction, volcanoes, faults and folds, compaction of deltas, pumping of fluids and hydrostatic weighting cause changes in land levels that mask changes by modern eustatic rise of sea level as shown by tide-gauge records. Essentially the study of the “noise” in the measurement of sea-level changes by tide gauges provides information about neotectonics of the Earth's crust.
The Validity and Reliability of Photographic Documentation of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Abstract The Silicone Study is a multicentered, randomized surgical trial designed to compare the tamponade effectiveness of silicone oil versus longacting gas in the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) by vitrectomy and associated techniques. Fundus photographs are taken to provide documentation of the anatomic status of eyes proposed for entry and are graded at an independent Reading Center. This article describes the protocol for photographic documentation of PVR as a continuum of increasing pathology, in which the pathology may only be present in the anterior retina, and the retina is usually highly elevated. In a validity and reliability study, agreement between photographic and clinical observation within one step was obtained for 88% of the eyes; intra- and inter-observer agreement within one step was 85 and 80%, respectively. Differences between the surgeon's grade and the Reading Center's were caused about equally by disagreement regarding extent of fixed folds and width of the funnel. Rarely did peripheral folds not visible in the photographs appear to be the sole explanation of the disagreement. Differences among readers were concerned mainly with differentiation of true full-thickness fixed folds from folds due to simple redundancy of the detached retina. These results demonstrate that complicated retinal detachment (RD) can be photographically documented and independently assessed.
Multimodality Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare disease for which neither single modality nor bimodality therapy improves survival. For this reason, from 1980 to 1995, we used trimodality therapy in an attempt to improve survival in selected patients at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. One hundred twenty patients underwent trimodality treatment involving extrapleural pneumonectomy followed by combination chemoradiotherapy. Twenty-seven women and 93 men (mean age, 56 years) were evaluable for response and treatment-related morbidity. The operative mortality rate was 5%, and 22% of patients experienced major morbidity. Cell type and nodal status were significant prognostic variables. The respective 2- and 5-year survival rates were 45% and 22% overall, 70% and 37% for patients with epithelial cell type, 20% and 0% for patients with sarcomatous or mixed-histologic-type tumors, and 74% and 39% for patients who were node-negative with epithelial histologic type. Positive resection margins impacted survival only in the case of full-thickness, transdiaphragmatic invasion. A revised staging system stratified survival with median intervals of 22, 17, and 11 months for stages I, II, and III disease, respectively (p=0.04). Thus, extrapleural pneumonectomy with adjuvant therapy is appropriate and effective treatment for patients with stage I disease according to the revised staging system.
Adsorption and Thermogravimetric Studies of Mesoporous Silica Coated with Siloxane Polymer.

Abstract Nitrogen adsorption and high-resolution thermogravimetry were used to study a series of samples prepared by coating porous silica with different amounts of siloxane polymer. Thermogravimetry was employed to investigate the thermal behavior of the coated samples as well as the polymer–silica interactions. Nitrogen adsorption was used to monitor the changes in the specific surface area, porosity, and surface properties upon polymer coating. It is shown that the gradual changes in the aforementioned properties are observed up to some limiting coating level. Also, in this coating range a rather uniform film is formed by siloxane polymer on the silica surface.
Comparison of 2 preferred methods used for frontal sinus obliteration.

Purpose This study was undertaken to compare total operating room cost, total operating time, and potential complications in frontal sinus obliteration using 2 different techniques. Patients and methods Hospital records of all patients with frontal sinus fractures treated by the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Florida, Jacksonville between October 1998 and December 2003 were reviewed. Twelve patients required frontal sinus obliteration based on the severity and location of injury. All cases were caused by traumatic etiology. Patients were divided into group A or B. Six patients (group A) were treated using autogenous abdominal fat for obliteration purposes, while the other 6 patients (group B) underwent frontal sinus obliteration using a hydroxyapatite cement. Total operating cost, total operating time, and any complications were recorded and analyzed for each group and then statistically evaluated using a t test. Results Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months. Patients in group A had a lower total operating cost compared with group B. This cost difference was statistically significant. Total operating time was slightly greater in group A versus group B, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Frontal sinus obliteration using autogenous abdominal fat appears to be more cost effective compared with hydroxyapatite cement. The slight difference in total operating time was not statistically significant and this factor alone should not be a deterrent from performing this surgical procedure.
Scale-Up Synthesis of the Dopamine Uptake Inhibitor GBR-12909

1-[2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR-12909) is a dopamine uptake inhibitor. The development of a robust process for the preparation of this compound in kilogram quantities is described. The primary aims of the development work were to eliminate chromatographic purifications, to minimize the use of environmentally unacceptable reagents, and to improve the overall yield of the three-step convergent process. These objectives were met, with significant improvements obtained in the key coupling reaction of N-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine dihydrochloride salt with 1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-2-chloroethane, which was previously low-yielding and lacking in reproducibility.
Induction of cell DNA replication in G1-specific ts mutants by microinjection of SV40 DNA☆

Abstract ts13 and tsAF8 are temperature-sensitive mutants of BHK cells that become arrested in G1 at the non-permissive temperatures of 39.6–40.6 °C. When these mutants are made quiescent by serum deprivation and are subsequently stimulated by serum, they enter S phase at the permissive but not at the non-permissive temperature. The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether Simian Virus 40 (SV40) could induce cellular DNA synthesis in these mutants at the non-permissive temperatures. Because both cell lines are resistant to SV40 infection we cloned an SV40 DNA fragment (from residue 1705 counter-clockwise to residue 2455) inclusive of the A gene into the plasmid pBR322, and we microinjected the recombinant plasmid DNA in both ts13 and tsAF8 cells. Cells microinjected with the cloned SV40 DNA fragment entered DNA synthesis at both permissive and non-permissive temperatures. The newly synthesized DNA in the microinjected cells was shown to be cellular in origin. Stimulation of cell DNA replication was inhibited when antibodies against T-antigen were microinjected together with the recombinant plasmid DNA. In addition SV40-specific mRNA microinjected into ts13 cells also stimulated cellular DNA synthesis. We conclude that the product(s) of the SV40 A gene can induce cell DNA synthesis in ts13 and tsAF8 at either permissive or non-permissive temperatures, thus dispensing with at least two cellular functions that are required by serum-stimulated cells for progression through G1.
The worst absolute surplus loss in the problem of commons: random priority versus average cost

A good is produced with increasing marginal cost. A group of agents want at most one unit of that good. The two classic methods that solve this problem are average cost and random priority. In the first method users request a unit ex ante and every agent who gets a unit pay average cost of the number of produced units. Under random priority users are ordered without bias and the mechanism successively offers the units at price equal to marginal cost. We compare these mechanisms by the worst absolute surplus loss and find that random priority unambiguously performs better than average cost for any cost function and any number of agents. Fixing the cost function, we show that the ratio of worst absolute surplus losses will be bounded by positive constants for any number of agents, hence the above advantage of random priority is not very large.
An Enhanced Effect of Arginine Vasopressin in Bradykinin B2 Receptor Null Mutant Mice

Under water restriction, arginine vasopressin (AVP) is released and promotes water reabsorption in the distal nephron, mainly through AVP V2-receptors. It has been proposed that renal kinins counteract the hydro-osmotic effect of AVP. We hypothesized that kinins acting through B2 receptors antagonize the urinary concentrating effect of AVP. To test this, bradykinin B2 receptor knockout mice (B2-KO) and 129/SvEv mice (controls) were placed in metabolic cages and urine collected for 24 hours (water ad libitum). After that, urine was again collected from the same mice during 24 hours of water restriction. Urinary volume (UV), urinary osmolarity (UOsm), and urinary Na+ (UNaV) and K+ (UKV) excretion were determined. On water restriction, UV in controls decreased by approximately 25%, whereas in B2-KO mice there was almost a 60% drop in urinary output (P=0.001 versus controls). In the controls, water restriction increased UOsm by 347 mOsm/kg H2O, approximately 14% above baseline (NS), whereas in knockout mice the increase was 3 times that seen in the controls: >1000 mOsm/kg H2O (P=0.001 versus controls). Compared with normohydration, UNaV and UKV in the water-restricted state increased more in controls than in B2-KO mice. This difference in electrolyte excretion could be explained by greater dehydration in the controls (dehydration natriuresis). In a second protocol, we tried to mimic the effect of endogenous AVP by exogenous administration of an AVP V2-receptor agonist, desmopressin (DDAVP). To suppress endogenous AVP levels before DDAVP administration, mice were volume-overloaded with dextrose and alcohol. UOsm was 685+/-125 and 561+/-58 mOsm/kg H2O in water-loaded controls and B2-KO mice, respectively. After DDAVP was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 1 microgram/kg, UOsm increased to 1175+/-86 mOsm/kg H2O (Delta+490 mOsm) in the controls and 2347+/-518 mOsm/kg H2O (Delta+1786 mOsm) in B2-KO mice (P<0.05 versus controls). We concluded that water restriction or exogenous administration of an AVP V2-receptor agonist has a greater urinary concentrating effect in B2-KO mice than in controls, suggesting that endogenous kinins acting through B2 receptors oppose the antidiuretic effect of AVP in vivo.
Assessment of Recurrent Heart Failure Associated with Left Ventricular Assist Device Dysfunction

Background Patients with advanced heart failure may require long-term support with an intracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) before cardiac transplant, while awaiting myocardial recovery, or during destination therapy. Compared with the diagnosis of native heart dysfunction, there is less experience with the assessment of recurrent heart failure after LVAD placement. Methods Ten patients (9 men, 1 woman; age, 58 ± 11 years) were studied after LVAD placement. Six patients were studied because of recurrent heart failure; the remaining 4 had other indications for study and are reported here as controls. Cardiac catheterization, including LVAD and cannulae catheterization, and angiography were performed. Results Inflow cannula valve regurgitation by LVAD angiography was found in 3 cases. Patients with regurgitation had a mean increased resting LVAD rate of 105 beats/min (range, 90–120); LVAD output exceeded forward cardiac output (LVAD − thermodilution cardiac output = +3.7 liters/min [0.6–6.4]). Inflow cannula obstruction identified with a filling phase pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the LVAD was found in 3 additional patients. Patients with obstruction had decreased resting LVAD rates (50 beats/min, all patients); LVAD output was less than the forward cardiac output (LVAD − thermodilution cardiac output = −2.3 liters/min [−0.8 to −3.5]). Compared with those with inflow valve regurgitation, patients with cannula obstruction had higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressures; phasic left ventricular pressure variation was reduced. Patients with cannula dysfunction underwent surgical intervention, and 4 of 6 were long-term survivors. Conclusions When heart failure recurs after LVAD placement, abnormalities of the inflow cannula are common. Cardiac catheterization can confirm the diagnosis before surgical intervention. Hemodynamic coupling between the left ventricle and the LVAD is increased with inflow valve regurgitation and reduced with cannula obstruction.
Relating crop yield to topographic attributes using Spatial Analysis Neural Networks and regression

Land-surface topographic attributes can be useful for estimating stable spatial patterns of crop yield caused by spatial variability in soils and water availability. We present spatial analyses of grain yield for three fields of dryland winter wheat in northeastern Colorado using topographic attributes as explanatory variables. Topographic attributes including elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, specific contributing area, and wetness index were computed from a 10-m digital elevation model. A Spatial Analysis Neural Network (SANN) algorithm was used for joint spatial interpolation and yield prediction from the topographic attributes. SANN prediction errors were compared with the results of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). SANN and MLR were assessed in terms of bias and relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) using validation data. SANN out-performed MLR in multivariate estimation, but not for the univariate cases. The greatest advantage of SANN was seen using four or more topographic attributes, whereas MLR showed diminishing efficiency with more than three explanatory variables. Prediction/interpolation errors within a given field were reduced substantially by using the spatial coordinates (latitude and longitude) in tandem with topographic attributes. The rRMSE value reached a minimum of 0.44 (model efficiency, E = 0.80) for interpolation with SANN on the West field. Using only topographic attributes as input, the minimum rRMSE values were 0.59 (E = 0.65) for SANN with 5 variables and 0.72 (E = 0.48) for MLR with 4 or 5 explanatory variables. Thus, this study demonstrated the utility of SANN with topographic attributes that contain implicit soil and water information for estimating spatial patterns of dryland crop yield.
Visually Guided Navigation: Head-Mounted Eye-Tracking of Natural Locomotion in Children and Adults

The current study showed that visual fixation of obstacles is not required for rapid and adaptive navigation of obstacles. Children and adults wore a wireless, head-mounted eye-tracker during a visual search task in a room cluttered with obstacles. They spontaneously walked, jumped, and ran through the room, stepping up, down, and over obstacles. Both children and adults navigated adaptively without fixating obstacles, however, adults fixated less often than children. We discuss several possibilities for why obstacle navigation may shift from foveal to peripheral control over development.
MUP: a minimal unsatisfiability prover

After establishing the unsatisfiability of a SAT instance encoding a typical design task, there is a practical need to identify its minimal unsatisfiable subsets, which pinpoint the reasons for the infeasibility of the design. Due to the potentially expensive computation, existing tools for the extraction of unsatisfiable subformulas do not guarantee the minimality of the results. This paper describes a practical algorithm that decides the minimal unsatisfiability of any CNF formula through BDD manipulation. This algorithm has a worse-case complexity that is exponential only in the treewidth of the CNF formula. We provide an empirical evaluation of the algorithm, highlighting its efficiency on a set of hard problems as well as its ability to work with existing subformula extraction tools to achieve optimal results.
Starvation favors glioma stem cells

High-grade glioblastomas survive glucose-poor environments by becoming more stem cell–like. Increased glucose uptake by the transporter Glut3, a new biomarker of poor clinical outcome, drives this enhanced malignant progression.
Calculation of Actuarial Life Tables with Use of a Microcomputer Spreadsheet Program

Purpose To simplify the calculation of the life-table method of survival analysis. Materials and methods A template was developed for use with a popular microcomputer spreadsheet program to perform life-table survival calculations and to perform statistical comparisons between the survivals of groups of patients with use of the log-rank test. Results The template successfully performed life-table and log-rank calculations when compared with two standard, accepted statistical computing programs. Conclusion The template can be used to quickly perform life-table calculations that can be used in the long-term follow-up of patients undergoing interventional radiologic procedures.
ROTATION OF TWO FACTOR MATRICES TO A COMMON RESOLUTION

A computer program to rotate two factor matrices to maximum congruence is described. The program is based upon the confactor principle and not upon simple structure principles. The two factor matrices must contain the same variables and number of factors but should be from disparate populations or treatment phases.
Templated assembly of biomembranes on silica microspheres using bacteriorhodopsin conjugates as structural anchors.

Membrane proteins are some of the most sophisticated molecules found in nature. These molecules have extraordinary recognition properties; hence, they represent a vast source of specialized materials with potential uses in sensing and screening applications. However, the strict requirement of the native lipid environment to preserve their structure and functionality presents an impediment in building biofunctional materials from these molecules. In general, the purification protocols remove the native lipid support structures found in the cellular environment that stabilize the membrane proteins. Furthermore, the membrane protein structure is often highly complex, typified by large, multisubunit complexes that not only span the lipid bilayer but also contain large (>2 nm) cytoplasmic and extracellular domains that protrude from the membrane. The present study is focused on using a biomimetic approach to build a stable, fluid microenvironment to be used to incorporate larger membrane proteins of interest i...
Keeping an Eye on the Rest of the Body

The health problems of the elderly are multiplying exponentially with the demographic changes in our aging population. Visual impairment represents one of the most significant of these problems, not only in terms of eye diseases, but because of the associated dangers affecting the rest of the body. The gradual loss of vision, especially if it first affects one eye, is often ignored or denied until it is far advanced with marked functional impairment or causes serious accident. A high percentage of falls, often with resulting fractures, is a direct result of poor vision, but in the elderly this risk is frequently compounded by unsteady gait, osteoporosis, and poor lighting. Misuse of medication, especially with overdose is frequent when directions are in small print. Misuse can be exacerbated by poor memory. The risk of driving accidents is increased. Although notable progress has been made in technical approaches to ophthalmology, many serious problems such as macular and retinal degeneration remain unsolved. The American Federation for Aging Research, which is dedicated to the support of research in all biomedical changes associated with aging, has an active interest in basic research in the field of visual impairment with other changes and diseases in our elderly population.
“Pluie” de Francis Ponge: Pour Une Lecture Sans Parti Pris

(1980). “Pluie” de Francis Ponge: Pour Une Lecture Sans Parti Pris. Kentucky Romance Quarterly: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 121-129.
Reliability of CARD-FISH Procedure for Enumeration of Archaea in Deep-Sea Surficial Sediments

The enumeration of Archaea in deep-sea sediment samples is still limited, although different methodological procedures have been applied. Among these, catalysed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridisation (CARD-FISH) technique is a promising tool for estimation of archaeal abundance in deep-sea sediment samples. Comparing different permeabilisation treatments, the best results obtained both on archaeal pure cultures and on natural assemblages were with hydrochloric acid (0.1 M) and proteinase K (0.004 U/ml) treatments. The application of CARD-FISH on deep-sea sediments revealed that Archaea reach up to 41% of total prokaryotic cells. Specific probes for planktonic Archaea showed that marine Crenarchaea dominated archaeal seafloor communities. No clear bathymetric trends were observed for archaeal abundances and the morphology of continental margin (slope vs. canyon) seems not to have a direct influence on archaeal relative abundances. The site-specific sediment habitat—both abiotic environmental setting and sedimentary organic matter quality—explain up to 65% of variance of archaeal, crenarchaeal and euryarchaeal relative abundance, suggesting a wide ecophysiological adaptation to deep-sea benthic ecosystems. The findings demonstrate that Archaea are an important component of benthic microbial assemblages so far neglected, and hence they lay the groundwork for more focused research on their ecological importance in the functioning of deep-sea benthic ecosystems.
Comparison of instruments addressing quality of life in patients with ALS and their caregivers

Most quality of life (QoL) instruments for ALS focus on function. An open instrument, the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weight (SEIQoL-DW) that asks subjects to nominate and rate QoL areas important at the time of evaluation, was given to patients and caregiver spouses. Patients also completed function-based instruments. Correlations were poor between SEIQoL-DW and function-based instruments. SEIQoL-DW scores were worse for caregivers than for patients, probably explained by shifts in patient expectations with disease progression.
Brutal Serendipity: Criminological Verstehen and Victimization

This article explores police use of force and its aftermath by focusing on the immediacy of police–citizen interactions via an autoethnographic account that invokes the concept of criminological verstehen. Specifically, the article explores issues of constructed meaning via Yuen’s interpretive constructs of ‘safe spaces’ and ‘creative analytic practice’ as a way of coming to terms with the first author’s lived experience of police brutality and its consequent legal process. Based on document analysis of official records such as police citations, medical files, and court transcripts, along with media accounts and the first author’s personal notes, the process of memoing provides an immersion into and an exploration of the data, and a tool for ascertaining meaning from it. Resultant themes of presentation of self, identity accomplishment, and silence are discussed in relation to the sorts of experiences and emotions necessary to a verstehen-oriented victimology. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of this exercise in criminological verstehen.
Herstellung von Benzothiazinen durch [3+3]‐Anellierung in einer Eintopfreaktion und in einem Arbeitsgang

Enantiomerenreine 2,1-Benzothiazine lassen sich leicht durch palladiumkatalysierte Arylaminierung eines ortho-Brombenzaldehyds mit einem Sulfoximin und anschliesende intramolekulare Kondensation herstellen [Gl. (1)]. Das Verfahren kann in einem einzigen Arbeitsgang und als Eintopfverfahren durchgefuhrt werden. BINAP = 1,1′-Binaphthalin-2,2′-diylbis(diphenylphosphan).
Quantification of C60 fullerene concentrations in water.

The growing usage of nanomaterials is causing emerging concern regarding their environmental behavior in aquatic environments. A major need is the capability to detect and quantify nanomaterials in complex water matrices. Carbon60 fullerene is of special interest because of the widespread application of nanocarbon technology. The present study focuses on how to separate and concentrate fullerenes from water containing salts and organic matter and then quantify their concentrations using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The stable aqueous C60 aggregates (nC60) prepared in the present study were approximately 60 to 70 nm in diameter and had an ultraviolet (UV) extinction coefficient of 0.0263 L/mg-cm at 347 nm, which equated to a UV detection limit of 0.4 mg/L based upon an absorbance of 0.01 cm−1. Ultraviolet analysis is not applicable to use in waters containing salts or organics (e.g., tap water) because of their interferences and potential to aggregate nC60 The LS/MS analysis detected C60 as single fullerene rather than aggregates. Three techniques were developed to separate and concentrate nC60 from ultrapure and tap water into toluene to facilitate LC/MS determination: Evaporation of sample to dryness; extraction using 20% NaCl into toluene; and solid-phase extraction. The first two methods had limitations for use in complex water matrices, but aqueous nC60 concentration as low as 300 ng/L in water were quantified using solid-phase extraction (SPE) separation method. This is the first publication on the application of extraction methods for nC60 from ultrapure and tap waters and determination of detection limits by LC/MS.
Unicompartmental osteoarthritis in the active patient: the role of high tibial osteotomy.

Proximal tibial osteotomies are an important component of the surgical treatment options in the management of knee osteoarthritis. The value of osteotomy is in the knee with localized osteoarthritis and a corresponding malalignment that is either causative or contributory to the arthritis. The principle of correcting malalignment to transfer load to the relatively unaffected compartment of the knee, to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression, is a concept that has been used for many years, 1 with techniques becoming more refined with time. In addition, despite good long-term results with total knee arthroplasty, there remains a significant concern regarding the longevity of these prostheses, particularly in younger patients. In contrast, osteotomy provides an alternative that preserves the knee joint, which, when appropriately performed, should not compromise later arthroplasty should this be necessary. The reported results of high tibial osteotomy vary considerably across the literature, but in general the procedure provides good relief of pain and restoration of function in approximately 80% to 90% of patients at 5 years, and 50% to 65% at 10 years. 2-7 In the analysis of these results, most authors have found that success is directly related to achieving optimal alignment. 3,6,8 Accurate preoperative assessment and technical precision are therefore essential to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Many techniques have been described for proximal tibial osteotomies. This instructional course discusses the various options available for alignment correction in the treatment of osteoarthritis using proximal tibial osteotomy, outlining the appropriate indications and technique. CLINICAL INDICATIONS
Demography, ranging patterns, and activity budgets of black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus chamek) in the Manu National Park, Peru.

Results of a long-term field study on the ecology and social organization of two groups of black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus chamek) in Peru are reported. Demography, ranging patterns, and activity budgets provide insight into some of the proximate determinants of fission-fusion social organization in this species and illustrate the different strategies used by males and females to gain access to critical resources. Longitudinal data on known individuals provide evidence for male natal philopatry and female emigration at sexual maturity in this population. Interbirth intervals are long (mean = 34.5 months) in comparison with most other primate species, and 5 of 15 infants seen within a few days of birth died or disappeared before they were a year old. Home ranges are large (150-250 ha) and fairly discrete; overlap with neighboring groups is on the order of 10-15%. Males and females differed substantially in their ranging patterns; females, particularly those with infants, restricted much of their ranging to a "core area" 20-33% the size of the total group range, whereas males ranged more evenly over the entire area occupied by the group. Daily path length varied over almost an order of magnitude from 465 m to 4,070 m, with a mean of 1977 m. Males spent more time traveling and less time feeding than most females. These results are compared with those obtained in previous studies of Ateles and with similar data from other primate species to assess their implications for the evolution of fission-fusion sociality in spider monkeys. The ecological factors responsible for the evolution of very similar social organizations in spider monkeys and chimpanzees are discussed.
Wettability of Nematic Liquid Crystals

Organic liquids such as nematic liquid crystals should wet solids with high surface energies like mica, yet they generally do not. In the model proposed here, the affinity to wet the solid in form of Hamaker forces is opposed by elastic effects due to nematic order. Results predict correctly that such liquids show small contact angles and the formation of ultrathin liquid films ahead of the bulk drops.
Birefringence Mode Of Operation Of 9/65/35 Plzt Ceramic

Ferroelectric ceramic material lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) has the unusual property that thin plates of fine grained material are transparent. PLZT offers a variety of properties of interest, including electrically controlled birefringence (Ref. 1) and electrically controlled scattering of light (Ref. 2), and ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. The first two properties are of particular interest as the basis for constructing light switches, insulators, displays, and optical memories. Parameters entering into the material preparation process, such as impurities, modifiers, dopants, conditions of hot pressing, and the grain size of the ceramic influence the device performance characteristics (Ref. 3). Materials in the PLZT family can exhibit an electro-optic memory effect (related to variations of ceramic birefringence with remanent polarization), a quadratic (Kerr) electro-optic effect, or a linear (Pockels) electro-optic effect depending on the lanthanum content and the Zr/Ti ratio. Land (Ref. 4) indicates that electro-optic memory effects are found in low coercivity rhombohedral and tetragonal PLZT compositions. The Kerr quad-ratic electro-optic effect occurs in slim-loop ferroelectric PLZT compositions for electric fields in the range 0 s lE 1 <Es , where ES is the value of electric field at which the ferroelectric polarization begins to saturate. The linear electro-optic effect is found in high-coercivity tetragonal PLZT compositions.© (1973) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determining vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal effectiveness by monitoring P status of subleaflets of an indicator plant.

The development of rapid and reliable techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi is crucial in optimizing conditions for enhancing the benefits of the fungi in crop production. In this study we have proposed and tested such a technique. It is based on the monitoring of P status of subleaflets of indicator plant (Leucaena leucocephala) grown in sand‐soil mixture optimized for VAM activity. Individual subleaflets (pinnules) are regularly removed from the plant, dried and their P contents determined colorimetrically. P contents monitored by this technique were linearly related to shoot P contents (r = 0.97). The technique was useful for evaluating the influence of propagule density on VAM activity, for separating soils into categories of VAM effectiveness and for assessing the effects of soil biotic factors on VAM activity. The technique is a simple but powerful tool for selecting host‐endophyte combinations and for creating environmental conditions favorable ...
Lightweight preliminary peer review: does in-class peer review make sense?

Peer review is widely recognized for advancing student learning, in particular for developing reflective processes like critical thinking. The classroom is ripe for peer review because the subject matter is fresh and in-depth interactivity is possible. Yet the limited time available in class conflicts with peer review's deliberative nature. We hypothesize that peer review -- at least the initial stages of it -- can be supported in the classroom with tools for facilitating the rapid identification of interesting issues for discussion. The potential benefits of such a tool include: furthering the student-focus of in-class active learning activities, further implanting critical analysis skills through frequent in-class use, supporting immediate feedback, and enabling comparison of student and instructor-modeled critical analysis.This paper explores tool support for in-class lightweight preliminary peer-review (LPPR): peer review that is instigated in the classroom, but does not necessarily end there. We proposed that students classify peer solutions in 4 dimensions: correctness, comprehension (e.g., "do I understand this solution"), worthiness for discussion, and similarity to the evaluator's own solution. We designed an LPPR extension to Ubiquitous Presenter, and then conducted an exploratory study in a mock classroom setting. We found that LPPR can quickly identify a subset of student solutions that warrant immediate discussion, and that modest amounts of reflection arise from the LPPR process.
RNAi Therapeutics in Autoimmune Disease

Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), excitement has grown over its potential therapeutic uses. Targeting RNAi pathways provides a powerful tool to change biological processes post-transcriptionally in various health conditions such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. Optimum design of shRNA, siRNA, and miRNA enhances stability and specificity of RNAi-based approaches whereas it has to reduce or prevent undesirable immune responses or off-target effects. Recent advances in understanding pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have allowed application of these tools in vitro as well as in vivo with some degree of success. Further research on the design and delivery of effectors of RNAi pathway and underlying molecular basis of RNAi would warrant practical use of RNAi-based therapeutics in human applications. This review will focus on the approaches used for current therapeutics and their applications in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome.
Amplification of the complete polyomavirus JC genome from brain, cerebrospinal fluid and urine using pre-PCR restriction enzyme digestion

A method is described for amplification of the complete genome of the human polyomavirus JC (JCV) from progressive multifocal leukuencephalopathy (PML) brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PML patients, and from the urine of controls without neurological disease. Efficient amplification with the 'long PCR' method is achieved with primers overlapping the single BamHI or EcoRI site following digestion of the DNA sample with the restriction enzyme BamHI or EcoRI, respectively. Cutting of the supercoiled JCV genome allows full separation of the strands during the denaturation step, and permits primer annealing to compete successfully with reassociation of the genomic DNA. With this method a single PCR amplification allows restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and direct cycle sequencing of any part of the viral genome. RFLP analysis of JCV amplified from CSF has identified a new mutant sequence. Sequencing of clinical samples is useful for typing of JC virus isolates as Type 1 or Type 2 and for characterization of the JCV regulatory region as archetypal or rearranged.