cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercise Self-Regulation Among Older Women Participating in a Heart Disease-Management Intervention

Using behavioral self-regulation processes may facilitate exercise among older women with heart disease. Data from women in a heart disease-management program (n = 658, mean 73 years), was used to explore associations among exercise self-regulation components (i.e., choosing to improve exercise and observing, judging, and reacting to one's behavior) and exercise capacity. General linear models showed that choosing exercise predicted higher exercise self-regulation scores postprogram and 8 months later. In turn, these scores predicted greater improvements in exercise capacity concurrently and 8 months later. Interaction analyses revealed that the effect of self-regulation on exercise capacity was stronger among women who chose to work on exercise.
The presence of higher levels of thyroglobulin, but not thyroid autoantibodies, in the thyroid vein in Graves’ disease

To investigate the possible major source of thyroid autoantibodies production, blood samples were obtained from thyroid vein, jugular vein and peripheral vein during subtotal thyroidectomy in 12 patients with Graves' disease (11F, 1M; age 16-39 yr). Among them, 7 were treated preoperatively by methimazole, 4 by iopanoic acid and 1 by propranolol. All blood samples were assayed for thyroglobulin (Tg), thyrotropin binding inhibition immunoglobulin (TBII), antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and antimicrosomal antibody (McAb). Tg, a native product of thyroid gland, was markedly elevated in the thyroid veins, over 4 to 6 folds that of jugular veins or peripheral veins. However, the level of thyroid autoantibodies including TBII, TgAb and McAb in the thyroid veins were not significantly different from that in the jugular or peripheral veins. Our preliminary data suggest that it is thyroglobulin, and not thyroid antibodies that is present at higher level in the thyroid vein than the periphery.
Thalamic label patterns suggest primary and ventral auditory fields are distinct core regions.

A hierarchical scheme proposed by Kaas and colleagues suggests that primate auditory cortex can be divided into core and belt regions based on anatomic connections with thalamus and distinctions among response properties. According to their model, core auditory cortex receives predominantly unimodal sensory input from the ventral nucleus of the medial geniculate body (MGBv); whereas belt cortex receives predominantly cross-modal sensory input from nuclei outside the MGBv. We previously characterized distinct response properties in rat primary (A1) versus ventral auditory field (VAF) cortex; however, it has been unclear whether VAF should be categorized as a core or belt auditory cortex. The current study employed high-resolution functional imaging to map intrinsic metabolic responses to tones and to guide retrograde tracer injections into A1 and VAF. The size and density of retrogradely labeled somas in the medial geniculate body (MGB) were examined as a function of their position along the caudal-to-rostral axis, subdivision of origin, and cortical projection target. A1 and VAF projecting neurons were found in the same subdivisions of the MGB but in rostral and caudal parts, respectively. Less than 3% of the cells projected to both regions. VAF projecting neurons were smaller than A1 projecting neurons located in dorsal (MGBd) and suprageniculate (SG) nuclei. Thus, soma size varied with both caudal-rostral position and cortical target. Finally, the majority (>70%) of A1 and VAF projecting neurons were located in MGBv. These MGB connection profiles suggest that rat auditory cortex, like primate auditory cortex, is made up of multiple distinct core regions. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1630–1646, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Creating and protecting digital worlds

Mobile devices are becoming smarter and less reliant on wireless communication, giving users real-time access to an entire digital world. The exponential growth in flash and disk storage is likely to continue for several years as manufacturers digitally encode more types of media and demand increasingly compact formats.
Security of IoT systems: design challenges and opportunities

Computer-aided design (CAD), in its quest to facilitate new design revolutions, is again on the brink of changing its scope. Following both historical and recent technological and application trends, one can identify several emerging research and development directions in which CAD approaches and techniques may have major impacts. Among them, due to the potential to fundamentally alter everyday life as well as how science and engineering systems are designed and operated, the Internet of Things (IoT) stands out. IoT also poses an extraordinary system replete with conceptual and technical challenges. For instance, greatly reduced quantitative bounds on acceptable area and energy metrics require qualitative breakthroughs in design and optimization techniques. Most likely the most demanding of requirements for the widespread realization of many IoT visions is security. IoT security has an exceptionally wide scope in at least four dimensions. In terms of security scope it includes rarely addressed tasks such as trusted sensing, computation, communication, privacy, and digital forgetting. It also asks for new and better techniques for the protection of hardware, software, and data that considers the possibility of physical access to IoT devices. Sensors and actuators are common components of IoT devices and pose several unique security challenges including the integrity of physical signals and actuating events. Finally, during processing of collected data, one can envision many semantic attacks. Our strategic objective is to provide an impetus for the development of IoT CAD security techniques. We start by presenting a brief survey of IoT challenges and opportunities with an emphasis on security issues. Next, we discuss the potential of hardware-based IoT security approaches. Finally, we conclude with several case studies that advocate the use of stable PUFs and digital PPUFs for several IoT security protocols.
Sequence Conservation in the Major Outer Membrane Protein Gene among Chlamydia trachomatis Strains Isolated from the Upper and Lower Urogenital Tract

To determine the extent of nucleotide sequence variation in the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) gene among 27 clinical isolates of Chlamydia trachomatis, the MOMP gene was amplified from 13 strains isolated from the endometrium of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and high titers of anti-chlamydial antibodies and from 14 strains isolated from the cervix of patients with presumed first-time chlamydial infection. Amplified MOMP variable domain DNA from these isolates was directly sequenced and compared with previously published results. Very little sequence heterogeneity in the MOMP variable domains was found in all 27 clinical isolates, suggesting that MOMP sequence heterogeneity is not often associated with the spread of C. trachomatis to the upper genital tract and is not common in the chlamydial strains in the patient population studied.
Prophylactic lidocaine in suspected acute myocardial infarction.

The incidence of serious ventricular arrhythmias following acute myocardial infarction is highest during the first few hours after injury, and there after declines. Several investigations into the prophylactic use of lidocaine to prevent the development of arrhythmias have shown that lidocaine, given in therapeutic doses, is effective in preventing ventricular fibrillation and in reducing early mortality. Lidocaine was found to be effective when given either by the intravenous or by the intramuscular routes. The recommended dosage is 100 mg given as an intravenous bolus followed by 2 to 4 mg/min as an infusion, which should be given by infusion pump. Another recommendation is to use two 100 mg boluses 20 minutes apart, along with the same infusion. We recommend that lidocaine be started as soon as possible in all patients suspected of having suffered an acute myocardial infarction.
Physical Factors Control Phytoplankton Production and Nitrogen Fixation in Eight Texas Reservoirs

We compared regression tree analyses and multiple linear regression models to explore the relative importance of physical factors, land use, and water quality in predicting phytoplankton production and N2 fixation potentials at 85 locations along riverine to lacustrine gradients within eight southern reservoirs. The regression tree model (r2 = 0.73) revealed that differences in phytoplankton production were primarily a function of water depth. The highest rates of production (mg C m−3 h−1) occurred at shallow sites (<0.9 m), where rates were also related to total phosphorus (TP) levels. At deeper sites, production rates were higher at sites with relative drainage area (RDA, ratio of drainage area to water surface area) below 45, potentially due to longer hydraulic residence times. In contrast, multiple linear regression selected TP, RDA, dissolved phosphorus, and percent developed land as significant model variables (r2 = 0.63). The regression tree model (r2 = 0.67) revealed that N2 fixation potentials (mg N m−3 h−1) were substantially higher at sites with relatively smaller drainage areas (RDA < 45). Within this subgroup, fixation rates were additionally related to TP values (threshold = 41 μg l−1). The multiple linear regression model (r2 = 0.67) also selected RDA as the primary predictor of N2 fixation. Regression tree models suggest that nutrient controls (phosphorus) were subordinate to physical factors such as depth and RDA. We concluded that regression tree analysis was well suited to revealing nonlinear trends in data (for example, depth), but yielded large uncertainty estimates when applied to linear data (for example, phosphorus).
Smallness of the transverse force on moving vortices in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract We report the results of longitudinal and transverse force measurements on vortices in YBa2Cu3O7−δ using a mechanical oscillator technique. In contrast to recent theories, the data indicate that the transverse force is smaller than the hydrodynamic value by a factor α ≤ 0.2.
Deficiency in Bak and Bax perturbs thymic selection and lymphoid homeostasis.

Bak and Bax are required and redundant regulators of an intrinsic mitochondrial cell death pathway. To analyze this pathway in T cell development and homeostasis, we reconstituted mice with Bak−/−Bax−/− hematopoietic cells. We found that the development and selection of Bak−/−Bax−/− thymocytes was disrupted, with altered representation of thymic subsets and resistance to both death-by-neglect and antigen receptor–induced apoptosis. Elimination of Bak−/−Bax−/− T cells that responded to endogenous superantigen was also reduced. Despite more efficient early reconstitution and apoptotic resistance of Bak−/−Bax−/− thymocytes, thymic cellularity declined over time. Reduced thymic cellularity resulted from a progressive cessation of thymopoiesis. However, animals developed splenomegaly as a result of accumulated memory T cells that were not deleted after antigen-driven expansion. These data indicate that Bak and Bax are required for thymic selection and peripheral lymphoid homeostasis and suggest that thymopoiesis can be negatively regulated by the accumulation of cells that would normally be eliminated by pro-apoptotic Bcl-2–related genes.
X-ray photoemission studies of silicon and germanium

X-ray-induced electron-emission measurements were used to study the electronic structure of silicon and germanium in a range extending from the top of the valence band to about 1250 eV below the Fermi level. Measured core level values agree very well with previously reported values except for the splitting of the germanium 3p level and the location of the silicon 2s level. “Plasma replicas” were observed for several of the core levels and their valence band photoemission spectra are compared with theoretical density-of-states distributions. Two maxima in the germanium conduction-band density of states are located by comparing the photoemission data with UV absorption data. Aus Elektronenemissionsspektren, induziert durch Rontgenstrahlen, wurden die elektronische Struktur von Silizium und Germanium im Energiebereich zwischen dem Valenzband und etwa 1250 eV unter dem Ferminiveau bestimmt. Die gemessenen Rumpfniveaus stimmen mit fruher angegebenen Werten mit Ausnahme der Aufspaltung des Ge 3p-Niveaus und der Lage des Si 2s-Niveaus uberein. „Plasma-Satelliten” wurden beobachtet. Ihre relativen Intensitaten und Frequenzen werden mitgeteilt. Photoemissionsspektren des Valenzbandes, korrigiert fur den Betrag der inelastischen Elektronen, werden mit den theoretischen Zustandsdichten verglichen. Zwei Maxima der Zustandsdichte des Ge-Leitungsbandes werden durch einen Vergleich der Photoemissionsdaten fur d- und p-Rumpf-elektronen mit entsprechenden UV-Absorptionsmessungen lokalisiert.
Examining Local Government Service Delivery Arrangements Over Time

While scholars of local service delivery arrangements are fully aware the process is dynamic, research has tended to take the form of cross-sectional studies that are inherently static in nature. I...
Current research in robotics and automation-electronic prototyping

Electronic prototyping, i.e. building a computer model of an object to verify its design, faces a number of obstacles. The Cornell modeling and simulation project, which was created to develop the necessary science base to overcome these barriers, is discussed. In particular, the project's progress in improving robustness of solid modelers and its ongoing research in electronic prototyping are examined. A key component of the project, a model-driven simulator capable of supporting a wide range of multidisciplinary research, is described. >
Localization of Fe(2+) at an RTGR sequence within a DNA duplex explains preferential cleavage by Fe(2+) and H2O2.

Abstract Nicking of duplex DNA by the iron-mediated Fenton reaction occurs preferentially at a limited number of sequences. Of these, purine-T-G-purine (RTGR) is of particular interest because it is a required element in the upstream regulatory regions of many genes involved in iron and oxidative-stress responses. In order to study the basis of this preferential nicking, NMR studies were undertaken on the RTGR-containing duplex oligonucleotide, d(CGCGAT ATGA CACTAG)/d(CTAGTG TCAT ATCGCG). One-dimensional and two-dimensional 1 H NMR measurements show that Fe 2+ interacts preferentially and reversibly at the ATGA site within the duplex at a rate that is rapid relative to the chemical-shift timescale, while selective paramagnetic NMR line-broadening of the ATGA guanine H8 suggests that Fe 2+ interacts with the guanine N7 moiety. Localization at this site is supported by Fe 2+ titrations of a duplex containing a 7-deazaguanine substitution in place of the guanine in the ATGA sequence. The addition of a 100-fold excess of Mg 2+ over Fe 2+ does not affect the Fe 2+ -dependent broadening. When the ATGA site in the duplex is replaced by ATGT, an RTGR site (GTGA) is created on the opposite strand. Preferential iron localization then takes place at the 3′ guanine in GTGA but no longer at the guanine in ATGT, consistent with the lack of preferential cleavage of ATGT sites relative to ATGA sites.
Phthalate esters and semen quality parameters.

Analysis of reports in the world's literature suggests that average sperm densities for groups of unselected males were relatively constant at about 108 million cells per ml prior to 1950. Subsequent to that time mean sperm densities appear to have declined. Regression analysis indicates the existence of significant negative correlations between mean sperm densities and production of synthetic organic chemicals among other parameters. Phthalate esters are one class of large volume organic chemicals that are known to disturb testicular function in laboratory animals. These compounds are also the most abundant man-made chemicals in the environment. Plots of the concentration of dibutylphthalate in the cellular fraction of ejaculates against either the sperm density or the total number of sperm for the same ejaculates gave two clusters of points. These clusters suggest the existence of two or more populations vis a vis phthalate metabolism; both of which show a negative correlation between phthalate concentration and sperm production.
Color differences scaled by chromatic modulation sensitivity functions

Abstract Chromatically-modulated spatial stimuli were produced by superimposing two equally bright sine-wave gratings 180° out of phase on a uniform background field. Each of the gratings was illuminated with a different monochromatic light, and the background field contained an equal-brightness mixture of the same two lights as in the gratings. The only modulation present in the stimulus was chromatic, and its amplitude could be varied by manipulating the relative intensities of the background and grating portions of the stimulus. Eleven different monochromatic lights, ranging from 450 to 650 nm. were used and each light was paired with all other lights in the set in a stimulus of this type. Detection thresholds for two subjects are shown. Threshold modulation amplitudes are viewed as an inverse measure of the chromatic difference between the lights in a pair.
MARKETING MIX STANDARDIZATION: A CROSS CULTURAL STUDY OF FOUR COUNTRIES

Abstract The study researched the possibility of standardizing the marketing mix by investigating the cross-cultural responses from the United States, Brazil, France and India. The study tested the premise of standardization by determining if respondents perceived specific attributes of a common non-durable consumer product the same or differently. The results indicate the opportunity for dynamic marketing standardization remains limited but applicable within specific cultural country markets. Several attribute perceptions between US and foreign respondents are found to be more similar than dissimilar suggesting advantages may exist for a limited implementation of marketing mix standardization as part of a global marketing strategy.
The Prevalence of Imaging Fetal Cardiac Anatomy

One hundred thirty fetuses were consecutively scanned to determine the prevalence of normal fetal cardiac anatomy. Gestational ages ranged from 20-40 weeks. The four-chamber, five-chamber, and short-axis views were sought in each fetus. Gestational age and fetal spine position were also documented. The fetal spine position was described as spine up, down, left, or right. Gestational ages were categorized into four sonographic age groups; 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35-40 weeks. The number and percentage of echocardiographic views visualized were then calculated for overall population and individual gestational groups in relation to fetal spine position. In the overall gestational group, the fourchamber view was visualized in 99% of the fetuses, whereas the five-chamber and short-axis views were imaged in 95% and 69%, respectively. A three-view average was also calculated for each gestational age group. The highest combined view average was obtained in the 30-34 week group (94%), whereas the lowest was in the...
Raman scattering and electron spin resonance studies of fluorozirconate glasses

Abstract Electron spin resonance and Raman spectra are reported for fluorozirconate glasses which contain transition metal impurities. From the observed g values at 2.0 and a broad signal from 1 to 10, it is concluded that the dominant contribution to the ESR signal is due to Fe3+ in sites with rhombic distortion. The Raman spectra are shown to be superposed by luminescence emissions for paramagnetic impurity concentrations as low as ∼1016 spin/mol of ZrF4. However, the amplitude and frequency of the dominant polarized Raman mode near 580 cm−1 are observed to be relatively independent of impurities.
Mechanically Chopped γ Rays; Quantitative Treatment of the Sideband Intensities

We report the generation of sidebands in the energy spectrum of 14.4-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays by a periodic modulation of the properties of the medium between the emitting and absorbing atoms. The observed spectrum agrees in detail with a "chopping" calculation that encompasses both amplitude and phase modulation, although the modulator may equally well be viewed as a moving multislit grating. This is the first experiment in which the observed sidebands in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrum have been quantitatively understood.
Intraosseous "Chordoid" Sarcoma, Chondroblastic or Lipoblastic Origin?

An unusual sarcoma with myxoid features that apparently originated within the scapula and has been locally aggressive for 10 years is reported. Clinically and by light microscopy it was considered to be a cartilaginous tumor, possibly chordoid sarcoma. By histochemical techniques and electron microscopy it most closely resembles a tumor of brown fat.
Assessment of root-associated fungal communities colonizing two species of tropical grasses reveals incongruence to fungal communities of North American native grasses

Abstract This study characterized the root-associated fungal (RAF) communities inhabiting Eustachys petraea and Panicum maximum , two tropical and weedy grass species on an island off the coast of Honduras, Central America. Media-based analyses revealed that fungi colonizing these grasses exhibited similar morphotypes (albeit in different proportions). Conversely, molecular-based analyses suggested that the community of fungal OTUs were dissimilar, with several OTUs commonly present on only one plant and no AMF sequences present in either plant species. When compared to various datasets of RAF obtained from the North American mainland (with similar methods), the Honduran grasses harbored a different set of fungal OTUs. Interestingly, some cosmopolitan taxonomic clades commonly encountered on the mainland were also isolated in Honduras, though based on ITS rDNA the fungi were only related distantly to those on the mainland. Additional work is necessary to determine how the RAF communities change over geographic distance and whether invasive grasses are constitutionally set up to accept relationships with a different suite of RAF species.
Surgical implications of atrial septal defect complicating aortic balloon valvuloplasty

Abstract An 80-year-old man underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis. The procedure was performed by the antegrade atrial transseptal approach and was complicated by a persistent atrial septal defect. Symptoms recurred 6 months later, restenosis of the aortic valve was confirmed, and the atrial septal defect yielded a substantially greater left-to-right shunt. This complication of percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty poses important problems in hemodynamic assesment and operative management of patients who undergo subsequent aortic valve replacement.
The etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Recent advances

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in at least three different genes: PKD1, PKD2, and PKD3. ADPKD1 is an inherited disorder that has led to the discovery of a novel protein, polycystin. Polycystin, a 460 kd protein with a host of domains implicating a potential role in cell-cell and cell-matrix regulation, is encoded by a 52 kb gene with a 14 kb mRNA. The PKD2 protein is also large (110 kd) and is thought to interact with polycystin. ADPKD1 is caused by mutated DNA that encodes an abnormal form of polycystin. Polycystin appears to have a normal role in the differentiation of epithelial cells, and when defective, these cells fail to maturate fully. These incompletely differentiated cells proliferate abnormally and express altered amounts of otherwise normal electrolyte transport proteins that result in excessive secretion of solute and fluid into the cysts. The proliferation of the cells and the associated apoptosis, and the secretion of the fluid into the cysts created by the enlarging tubule segments appear to be regulated by growth factors, hormones, and cytokines that can alter the extent to which the disease is clinically expressed among individuals. The formation of the cysts is associated with complex changes in the extracellular matrix of the kidneys and other organs that may be directly or indirectly tied to mutated polycystin. The summation of these pathogenetic elements leads to renal interstitial infiltration, with monocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts culminating in fibrosis and progressive loss of renal function. The modem understanding of cyst pathogenesis opens opportunities to develop treatments that may diminish or halt altogether the progression of this disease.
Field practice supervision of social work students: a psychodynamic view on the emotional context of the process and the setting during the client assessment phase

This empirical study is a psychodynamic view of the supervision setting and key emotional parameters during the client assessment process. The supervisor, through reflectivity, studied his own supervision practice with undergraduate social work students during their first field practice placement. By using supervision critical incidents, he formulated the basic characteristics of the supervision setting, and followed it up with discussion on the key emotional parameters of the supervision process. Particular emphasis was laid on psychodynamic understanding of the supervision process and the consequences of supervisor's interventions for both supervisees and clients. The emotional context of the supervision process during the client assessment phase was predominantly shaped by four emotional parameters: (i) the supervisor identifying with both client and supervisee needs; (ii) the supervisor concentrating on exclusively the educational character of supervision by avoiding dealing with student's personality...
High Molecular Weight Poly(methacrylic acid) with Narrow Polydispersity by RAFT Polymerization

Poly(methacrylic acid) is an adaptable macromolecule that offers many benefits in the development of new materials for a host of applications. Herein we report the reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) under a range of synthesis conditions by adjusting the ratio of reactants and the type of solvent employed. The RAFT system was composed of 4,4-azobis(cyanopentanoic acid) and 4-cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate as the radical initiator (I) and chain transfer agent (CTA), respectively. This system was previously applied to synthesize MAA oligomers, but high molecular weight MAA homopolymers, to our knowledge, have yet to be reported. Three distinct [MAA]0:[I]0:[CTA]0 ratios (150:0.25:1, 250:0.25:1, and 150:0.1:1), in addition to two solvents (methanol and water/1,4-dioxane), initial monomer concentration and pH were evaluated and contrasted. It was determined that the polymerization evolved in a controlled fashion particularly in methanol. In addit...
Coronal Shift of Distal Radius Fractures: Influence of the Distal Interosseous Membrane on Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

ISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES ARE frequently associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) injury and a substantial proportion of patients develop symptomatic instability after fracture union. Distal radioulnar joint instability can lead to ulnarsided wrist pain, painful or limited forearm rotation, grip strength weakness, and/or degenerative arthritis. Distal radioulnar joint stability depends on the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), bony articulation between the ulnar head and sigmoid notch of the radius with its fibrocartilaginous rim, dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments, distal interosseous membrane (DIOM), and the musculotendinous units of the extensor carpi ulnaris and pronator quadratus. Cadaveric studies have demonstrated that the primary stabilizer of the DRUJ is the TFCC (specifically the radioulnar ligaments) and that the DIOM is an important secondary stabilizer of the DRUJ. 1,2 In the setting of a distal radius fracture, the usually intact DIOM has a central role in DRUJ stability because the TFCC is frequently injured. The DIOM is an isometric stabilizer of the forearm and its stabilizing effect has been attributed to its resting tension. 1 A recent anatomic study defined the DIOM as originating palmar and proximal on the ulna and inserting distal and dorsal on the radius, thus providing a structural basis for its function in resisting dorsal translation of the radius in supination. 3 In addition, approximately 40% of patients have a distinct ligamentous thickening of the DIOM known
Char nitrogen conversion: implications to emissions from coal-fired utility boilers

Abstract The contribution of nitrogen present in the char on the production of nitrogen oxides during char combustion was analyzed. A literature review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms that account for the formation of NO and N2O from the nitrogen present in char. The review focused on: (1) the functionalities in which nitrogen is present in the coal and how they evolve during coal devolatilization; (2) the mechanism of nitrogen release from the char to the homogeneous phase and its further oxidation to NO; and (3) the reduction of NO on the surface of the char. The critical analysis of these three issues allowed identification of uncertainties and well-founded conclusions observed in the literature for this system. The existing models for the production of nitrogen oxides from char-N were also reviewed. A critical analysis of the assumptions made in these models and how they affect the final predictions is presented. Finally, a simplified version of these models was used to perform a parametric analysis evaluating the impact of several parameters on the total conversion of char-N to NO. These parameters include: (1) the rate of NO reduction on the char surface; (2) the rate of carbon oxidation; and (3) early vs. late nitrogen release during the char oxidation process. The results underscore the importance of the reaction of NO reduction on the char surface to the final conversion of char-N to NO.
Landscape Models of Brook Trout Abundance and Distribution in Lotic Habitat with Field Validation

Abstract Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis are native fish in decline owing to environmental changes. Predictions of their potential distribution and a better understanding of their relationship to habitat conditions would enhance the management and conservation of this valuable species. We used over 7,800 brook trout observations throughout New York State and georeferenced, multiscale landscape condition data to develop four regionally specific artificial neural network models to predict brook trout abundance in rivers and streams. Land cover data provided a general signature of human activity, but other habitat variables were resistant to anthropogenic changes (i.e., changing on a geological time scale). The resulting models predict the potential for any stream to support brook trout. The models were validated by holding 20% of the data out as a test set and by comparison with additional field collections from a variety of habitat types. The models performed well, explaining more than 90% of data variab...
Building hourly thermal load prediction using an indexed ARX model

Abstract This paper introduces an easily implementable and computationally efficient, ARX ( a uto r egressive with e x ogenous, i.e., external, inputs) time and temperature indexed model for 1 h ahead building thermal load prediction. Time and temperature indexing implies that different sets of coefficients are used in the predictive equation depending on the time of the day or the ambient temperature. The indexing and proposed structure of the model follows physically motivated interpretations of the loading conditions and thermal response of the building. One of the main contributions of the proposed model is that it allows determining the dominant factors that affect the thermal load at a given time. A free and widely adopted building energy and thermal load simulation program from the U.S. Department of Energy is used to determine the prediction accuracy of the proposed model on several different benchmark-building types: a small office building, a medium office building, a midrise apartment, and a high-rise apartment.
Daytime Evolution of Relative Humidity at the Boundary Layer Top

Abstract Data from the Hydrological and Atmospheric Pilot Experiment-Modelisation du Bilan Hydrigue (HAPEX-MOBILHY) field program and results from a one-dimensional model of the soil and atmospheric boundary layer are analyzed to study the daytime evolution of the relative humidity at the boundary layer top. This evolution is thought to control the development of boundary layer clouds. This study examines the dependence of boundary layer relative humidity on soil moisture, large-scale vertical motion, and the moisture content and temperature stratification above the boundary layer. The response of the boundary layer relative humidity to external forcing involves competing mechanisms and the net effect on relative humidity is difficult to predict without complete analysis of the relative humidity tendency equation. As one example, drier soil leads to smaller boundary layer specific humidity but also leads to cooler temperatures at the boundary layer top due to greater boundary layer growth. When the latter...
PEDESTRIANS PAY TO PUSH

![Figure][1] Have you ever thought about walking as a mode of locomotion, I mean really thought about it? What muscles are involved? How much force do limbs exert against the ground? What energetic cost is incurred? How is it different from running? While such questions may not occupy your
Experimental and Computational Study of the Intramolecular Reactivity of Free tert-Butylphenylmethylene. Modification of the Chemistry of tert-Butylmethylene by the Introduction of a Phenyl Group

The chemistry of tert-butylphenylmethylene, 2, has been investigated experimentally and computationally. Free carbene 2 was generated by the thermal rearrangement of p-tert-butylphenylmethylene and observed to rearrange by C−H insertion to give 1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylcyclopropane, 3, and by C−C insertion to yield 2-methyl-3-phenyl-2-butene, 4. An examination of the 3:4 ratio led to the conclusion that C−H insertion is favored over C−C insertion by 1.6 ± 0.1 kcal/mol in good agreement with a calculated (PMP2/6-31G(d)//MP2/6-31G(d)+ZPC/6-31(d)) value of 2.0 kcal/mol. The S−T gap in 2 is estimated to be 5−6 kcal/mol.
Transfer of nitric oxide by blood from upstream to downstream resistance vessels causes microvascular dilation.

The discovery that hemoglobin, albumin, and glutathione carry and release nitric oxide (NO) may have consequences for movement of NO by blood within microvessels. We hypothesize that NO in plasma o...
Hepatic arterial changes following iodized oil chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: Incidence and technical consequence

Abstract Objective To describe the nature, incidence, and therapeutic consequence of hepatic arterial changes seen following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In this retrospective study, 46 patients with HCC underwent ≥ 2 TACE treatment sessions between 2004 and 2010. All patients had hepatic angiography on days of treatment. Sequential angiographic studies were reviewed to assess for abnormalities in appearance of the hepatic vasculature. Angiographic abnormalities were graded in a binary fashion: present or absent. When present, abnormalities and effect on drug delivery were recorded. Results 123 (mean 2.7, range 2–5) successful lobar ( n = 34), segmental ( n = 88), or superselective ( n = 1) TACE procedures were performed in 46 patients (M:F = 36:10, mean age 59 years). TACE was performed using 1:1 chemotherapy to iodized oil mixture without ( n = 102) or with ( n = 21) particle embolization. An abnormal angiographic appearance was identified in 21/46 (38%) patients and in 23/123 (19%) procedures, with first appearance after mean 1.5 (range 1–3) TACE sessions and mean 176 (range 27–509) days after initial TACE. Abnormalities included new vessel attenuation or stenosis ( n = 10, 43%), slow flow ( n = 2, 9%), and new vascular occlusions ( n = 11, 48%). These vascular changes did not result in inability to perform repeat TACE in 16/16 (100%) cases where vascular changes were present and TACE was repeated to the same liver lobe. Conclusion While the hepatic vasculature is altered in many patients undergoing TACE, arterial abnormalities did not preclude therapy.Further investigation is warranted.
Recovery of erectile function after salvage radical prostatectomy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy.

Abstract Objectives To analyze the feasibility of neurovascular bundle (NVB) preservation and peripheral nerve grafting during salvage radical prostatectomy (RP) for radiorecurrent prostate cancer and analyze their effect on the recovery of potency. Methods Of 100 patients who underwent salvage RP with curative intent from 1984 to 2003, 7 patients had bilateral NVBs preserved, 22 had a unilateral NVB preserved with (n = 11) and without (n = 11) a unilateral nerve graft, and 9 had bilateral NVBs resected with bilateral nerve grafts. Preoperative erections were graded as normal (grade 1) in 12 patients and full but recently diminished (grade 2) in 16. Recovery of potency after salvage RP was defined as erections satisfactory for intercourse, with or without the use of sildenafil. Results Overall, 6 patients recovered potency after salvage RP, and the 5-year actuarial recovery rate was 16% (95% confidence interval 4% to 28%). The 6 patients who recovered erections all had preoperative grade 1 to 2 erections, and 5 had bilateral NVBs preserved. Only 1 of 11 patients who had a unilateral nerve graft recovered potency. No patient with bilateral nerve grafts recovered potency. The 5-year actuarial recovery rate among patients with preoperative grade 1 to 2 erections was 45% (95% confidence interval 16% to 75%). Conclusions Compared with standard RP, the overall potency results after salvage RP are poor. However, select patients with good preoperative erectile function who have bilateral NVB preservation may recover erections sufficient for intercourse aided by sildenafil. Peripheral nerve grafts did not appear to influence the recovery of erections in this patient population.
An analysis of an implicit finite element algorithm for geometrically nonlinear problems of structural dynamics part 1. Stability

Abstract A series of implicit finite element algorithms for the geometrically nonlinear structural dynamics problem are proposed. The proposed algorithms require only the solution of a linear system at each time step. Thus, they are computationally efficient. In addition, the algorithms are discrete conservation laws. The conservative nature of the proposed schemes has a positive effect in providing a stable approximation. The stability of the algorithms is analyzed using energy methods. One of the proposed computational methods is shown to be unconditionally stable.
Ocean Storage of CO2

One method for minimizing climate change is to capture CO2 from power plants and inject it into the deep ocean, thus reducing the magnitude and rate of change of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere and the surface ocean. Many discharge options are possible, with varied mixing and retention characteristics. The ocean's capacity is vast, and mathematical models suggest that injected CO2 could remain sequestered for several hundred years. While theoretical and laboratory studies support the viability of ocean storage, field experiments are necessary to realistically evaluate the environmental impact.
Effect of 4-Hydroxyphenylretinamide on Human Cervical Epithelial and Cancer Cell Lines

Topical trans-retinoic acid treatment produced a statistically significant regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, but not CIN 3, in trials. A promising oral retinoid, 4-hydroxyphenylretinamide (4-HPR) induced apoptosis through non-retinoic acid-mediated pathways and is being studied in National Cancer Institute phase II trials in several organ sites. We studied the effects of 4-HPR on cervical cancer cell lines and on cervical epithelial cell lines immortalized by human papillomavirus (HPV). Four immortalized cervical epithelial cell lines (in vitro models of precancerous CIN lesions) and nine cervical carcinoma cell lines were studied. The growth inhibitory effect of 4-HPR was tested in monolayer culture and in semisolid medium, and concentrations required for a 50% growth inhibition within 5 days were determined. The agent 4-HPR inhibited the growth of cervical carcinoma cell lines and HPV-immortalized cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Doses of 5 and 10 microM were more effective than 1 microM. The C33A cell line was most sensitive to 4-HPR, and HeLa and HT3 were the least sensitive. Of the HPV-immortalized cell lines, Z132, an HPV-16 immortalized cell line, was sensitive; the HPV 18-immortalized cell lines (Z173, Z183, and TCL-1) were not, although they were sensitive when grown in colonies. The agent 4-HPR is active against several cervical cancer cells lines and HPV-immortalized cervical epithelial cell lines. These findings are consistent with data from other laboratories studying other organ systems. This study helps establish a relevant biologically active dose for clinical trials in the cervix, one corresponding to the 5- and 10-microM tissue doses.
The measurement of phase distortion due to filtering in digital pictures

This paper introduces a measure of phase distortion due to filtering in digital pictures. Given the amplitude spectrum of an input picture and the desired and actual frequency responses of a digital filter, the measure may be calculated. When the measure is applied to output pictures of a filter, the acceptability of the phase response of the filter may be judged. When the amplitude response of the input picture is modeled by a simple function, an estimate of the measure may be calculated with greatly reduced storage requirements and computation time. Examples illustrating the results are included.
An Unusual Cause of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We describe the case of a patient with the Carney syndrome and several resections for recurrent left atrial myxomas who underwent autotransplantation of the heart with resection of the left and right atria and reconstruction of both atria with bovine pericardium. She subsequently presented with severe shortness of breath, ascites, and peripheral edema. She was found to have stenosis of all four pulmonary veins and severe pulmonary hypertension. We describe the echocardiographic findings and review the literature on assessment of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis.
Symbolic Dynamics for Discrete Adaptive Games

We use symbolic dynamics to study discrete adaptive games, such as the minority game and the El Farol Bar problem. We show that no such game can have deterministic chaos. We put upper bounds on the statistical complexity and period of these games; the former is at most linear in the number agents and the size of their memories. We extend our results to cases where the players have infinite-duration memory (they are still non-chaotic) and to cases where there is ``noise'' in the play (leaving the complexity unchanged or even reduced). We conclude with a mechanism that can reconcile our findings with the phenomenology, and reflections on the merits of simple models of mutual adaptation.
Multi-rate hidden Markov models and their application to machining tool-wear classification

The paper introduces a multi-rate hidden Markov model (multi-rate HMM) for multi-scale stochastic modeling of non-stationary processes. The multi-rate HMM decomposes the process variability into scale-based components, and characterizes both the intra-scale temporal evolution of the process and the inter-scale interactions. Applying these models to the machine tool-wear classification problem in a titanium milling task shows that multi-rate HMMs outperform HMMs in terms of both accuracy and confidence of predictions.
Thermal Degradation Study of Polymerization of Monomeric Reactants (PMR) Polyimides

A novel PMR polyimides (TMBZ-15) based on substituted benzidines is examined and compared to state-of-the-art PMR-15. The mechanism for the thermal decomposition of two specific PMR polyimides is obtained using TG/FTIR/MS techniques. In order to verify the pathway of polyimide degradation, a pyrolysis/GC-MS technique was employed to evaluate the organic degradation products, particularly the larger components that are destroyed in traditional TG/MS. A proposed degradation mechanism involves two main stages of decomposition, each of which produce a variety of products. The first group includes aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines and nitriles, which correspond to partial fragments of polymer chains. The second group consists largely of fluorene, naphthalene and phenanthrene, which are attributed to the isomerization, rearrangements and cyclizations of the aforementioned pyrolyzates at high temperature.
An Active Identification Method of Rotor Unbalance Parameters

This note presents a new method for identifying the unknown unbalance parameters of a rotor. The active feedback method asymptotically learns the unbalance-induced disturbance forces. From the resulting disturbance estimates, we show how to identify the unbalance parameters. Simulation results illustrate the proposed identification method.
Academic delay of gratification and expectancy-value

Abstract Academic delay of gratification (ADOG) is defined as the postponement of immediately available rewards in order to pursue temporally remote but more valuable academic goals. The present study examined delay of gratification from motivational perspectives. This study (N = 196) examined whether preferences to delay gratification in typical academic situations would be associated with motivational determinants of the alternatives in those settings. The results provide support for conceptualizing ADOG as a motivationally-determined choice between delay and non-delay alternatives.
Haptic Feedback Enhances Force Skill Learning

This paper explores the use of haptic feedback to teach an abstract motor skill that requires recalling a sequence of forces. Participants are guided along a trajectory and are asked to learn a sequence of one-dimensional forces via three paradigms: haptic training, visual training, or combined visuohaptic training. The extent of learning is measured by accuracy of force recall. We find that recall following visuohaptic training is significantly more accurate than recall following visual or haptic training alone, although haptic training alone is inferior to visual training alone. This suggests that in conjunction with visual feedback, haptic training may be an effective tool for teaching sensorimotor skills that have a force-sensitive component to them, such as surgery. We also present a dynamic programming paradigm to align and compare spatiotemporal haptic trajectories
Performance of Thin Piezoelectric Materials for Pyroelectric Energy Harvesting

This article considers pyroelectric energy harvesting using piezoelectric materi- als such as PZT-5A, PMN-PT, PVDF, and thin-films. A model is developed to predict the power generation based on the temporal change in temperature of the material. The measured and predicted power measurements are compared, where the maximum power density of 0.36mW/cm 2 is calculated with PMN-PT. The predicted peak power density under similar boundary conditions for thin-film lead scandium tantalate is over 125mW/cm 2 . The study concludes that the power density is highly dependent upon the surface area and the pyroelectric coefficient of the material, underlining the importance of maximizing these parameters.