cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of uncertain topographic input data on two‐dimensional flow modeling in a gravel‐bed river

[1] Many applications in river research and management rely upon two-dimensional (2D) numerical models to characterize flow fields, assess habitat conditions, and evaluate channel stability. Predictions from such models are potentially highly uncertain due to the uncertainty associated with the topographic data provided as input. This study used a spatial stochastic simulation strategy to examine the effects of topographic uncertainty on flow modeling. Many, equally likely bed elevation realizations for a simple meander bend were generated and propagated through a typical 2D model to produce distributions of water-surface elevation, depth, velocity, and boundary shear stress at each node of the model's computational grid. Ensemble summary statistics were used to characterize the uncertainty associated with these predictions and to examine the spatial structure of this uncertainty in relation to channel morphology. Simulations conditioned to different data configurations indicated that model predictions became increasingly uncertain as the spacing between surveyed cross sections increased. Model sensitivity to topographic uncertainty was greater for base flow conditions than for a higher, subbankfull flow (75% of bankfull discharge). The degree of sensitivity also varied spatially throughout the bend, with the greatest uncertainty occurring over the point bar where the flow field was influenced by topographic steering effects. Uncertain topography can therefore introduce significant uncertainty to analyses of habitat suitability and bed mobility based on flow model output. In the presence of such uncertainty, the results of these studies are most appropriately represented in probabilistic terms using distributions of model predictions derived from a series of topographic realizations.
Calibrating subjective probabilities using hierarchical bayesian models

A body of psychological research has examined the correspondence between a judge's subjective probability of an event's outcome and the event's actual outcome. The research generally shows that subjective probabilities are noisy and do not match the “true” probabilities. However, subjective probabilities are still useful for forecasting purposes if they bear some relationship to true probabilities. The purpose of the current research is to exploit relationships between subjective probabilities and outcomes to create improved, model-based probabilities for forecasting. Once the model has been trained in situations where the outcome is known, it can then be used in forecasting situations where the outcome is unknown. These concepts are demonstrated using experimental psychology data, and potential applications are discussed.
Leucoplast of the cryptomonad Chilomonas paramecium: Evidence for presence of a true plastid in a colorless flagellate☆

Abstract Chilomonas paramecium is a colorless cryptomonad flagellate which contains a leucoplast. The structural features of the leucoplast parallel those shown in the cryptomonad chloroplast, exemplified by Cryptomonas ovata. An electron microscopic study of this colorless organelle shows it to be divided into two compartments: the outer compartment contains starch granules and 220 A ribosomes similar to cytoplasmic RNP particles. The inner compartment often contains carotenoid-like masses, 160 A ribosomes significantly smaller than those in the outer compartment, and DNA-like filaments. Cesium-chloride density gradients of the whole-cell DNAs show three DNase-sensitive satellites in addition to the major fraction. One of them is presumed to be associated with the leucoplast. Evidence for the existence of true plastids in bleached and colorless flagellates is reviewed.
Measurement of the C 3 Pi u radiative lifetime of N2 by laser-induced fluorescence.

The ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ C $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathrm{u}}$ lifetime was measured by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in a low-density plasma. To take account of radiation trapping efects, the lifetime was measured as a function of LIF signal amplitude, which is also a measure of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ B $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathit{g}}$ density. To first order, radiation trapping is linearly proportional to B-state density. By extrapolating the data to zero density, values around 40.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 nsec were found for the C-state lifetime.
A Graph Bottleneck Inequality

For a weighted directed multigraph, let fij be the total weight of spanning converging forests that have vertex i in a tree converging to j. We prove that fij fjk = fik fjj if and only if every directed path from i to k contains j (a graph bottleneck equality). Otherwise, fij fjk < fik fjj (a graph bottleneck inequality). In a companion paper [1] (P. Chebotarev, A new family of graph distances, arXiv preprint math.CO/0810.2717, 2008. http://arXiv.org/abs/0810.2717. Submitted), this inequality underlies, by ensuring the triangle inequality, the construction of a new family of graph distances. This stems from the fact that the graph bottleneck inequality is a multiplicative counterpart of the triangle inequality for proximities.
Approximability of Adaptive Seeding under Knapsack Constraints

Adapting Seeding is a key algorithmic challenge of influence maximization in social networks. One seeks to select among certain available nodes in a network, and then, adaptively, among neighbors of those nodes as they become available, in order to maximize influence in the overall network. Despite recent strong approximation results [Seeman and Singer 2013; Badanidiyuru et al. 2015], very little is known about the problem when nodes can take on different activation costs. Surprisingly, designing adaptive seeding algorithms that can appropriately incentivize users with heterogeneous activation costs introduces fundamental challenges that do not exist in the simplified version of the problem. In this paper we study the approximability of adaptive seeding algorithms that incentivize nodes with heterogeneous activation costs. We first show a tight inapproximability result which applies even for a very restricted version of the problem. We then complement this inapproximability with a constant-factor approximation for general submodular functions, showing that the difficulties caused by the stochastic nature of the problem can be overcome. In addition, we show stronger approximation results for additive influence functions and cases where the nodes' activation costs constitute a small fraction of the budget.
Efficient removal of ruthenium byproducts from olefin metathesis products by simple aqueous extraction

Simple aqueous extraction removed ruthenium byproducts efficiently from ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions catalyzed by a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) supported N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium complex.
Emergency Room Care of the Poisoned Child

(1980). Emergency Room Care of the Poisoned Child. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 1-21.
Object tracking from medium level stereo camera data providing detailed shape estimation using local grid maps

This paper presents a novel approach to environment perception providing consistent information about stationary obstacles, from an occupancy grid, and dynamic objects, from a model based object tracking at the same level of detail. Raw ranging data from dynamic objects is disregarded for the stationary grid map. A detailed shape representation of dynamic objects is achieved by using dedicated local grid maps for each track. In addition to that, a technique for evaluating tracking algorithms via assigned local object grid maps is presented and discussed. The algorithm is tested on different data sets and the obtained results are presented and discussed.
Predator Feeding Preferences for a Benthic Stream Fish: Effects of Visible Injected Marks

ABSTRACT Externally visible injected marks provide valuable information to scientists, but their presence may increase an individual's susceptibility to predation. In a laboratory experiment, we evaluated the feeding preferences of rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) for unmarked, green-VIE-marked, and yellow-VIE-marked fantail darters (Etheostoma flabellare). Although neither predator exhibited significant selectivity for a particular treatment (ANOVA, p>0.05), smallmouth bass appeared to prefer green-marked over control or yellow-marked darters. Contrasting diel feeding strategies may explain these preferences. In a mark/recapture field study, we examined the influences of mark color and mark location on predation rate by examining variation in darter recapture rates. Again, no significant differences were detected among treatments (ANOVA, p>0.05), but dorsal-marked darters had slightly lower recapture rates than did ventral-marked ones. The effects of mark color...
High‐transmittance in‐plane‐switching liquid‐crystal displays using a positive‐dielectric‐anisotropy liquid crystal

— The in-plane-switching (IPS) mode exhibits an inherently wide viewing angle and has been widely used for liquid-crystal-display (LCD) TVs. However, its transmittance is limited to ∼76% compared to that of a twisted-nematic (TN) cell if a positive-dielectric-anisotropy LC is employed. A special electrode configuration that fuses the switching mechanism of the conventional IPS and the fringe-field switching (FFS) to boost the transmittance to ∼90% using a positive LC has been developed. The new mode exhibits an equally wide viewing angle as the IPS and FFS modes.
Three-dimensional shock structure in a transonic flutter cascade

Rapid double-pulse holography was employed to obtain detailed, two-dimensional images of the shock forming during simulated flutter in a transonic flowfield. The experiment comprised a linear cascade of airfoils externally oscillated in torsion and viewed tangentially at the shock surface. Three biconvex airfoils were subjected to harmonic pitching motion about the midchord axis at a frequency of 0.53 while immersed in a Mach 0.81 flow. Failure to produce observable shocks led to use of choked flow with a Mach number near one, of which 50 holograms were taken. The images revealed a narrow shock surface with a spanwise variation in the shock properties. The method is concluded to be useful for examining transonic flowfield shocks in the presence of airfoil flutter.
Spectral function for a conducting sheet containing circular inclusions

The conductivity ~or dielectric behavior! of a binary composite system is conveniently expressed in terms of a spectral function, which is determined by the geometry of the composite. In this paper we examine the case of circular inclusions in a conducting sheet and keep terms up to second order in the inclusion concentration f . The two-inclusion problem can be solved exactly using multiple images, and we use this solution to construct the spectral function. We show that the spectral function is a truncated Lorentzian that can be calculated in a simple closed form. Both the weight and the width of the spectral function are linear in f . @S0163-1829~96!05022-9#
Effects of Management on Carbon Sequestration in Forest Biomass in Southeast Alaska

The Tongass National Forest (Tongass) is the largest national forest and largest area of old-growth forest in the United States. Spatial geographic information system data for the Tongass were combined with forest inventory data to estimate and map total carbon stock in the Tongass; the result was 2.8 ± 0.5 Pg C, or 8% of the total carbon in the forests of the conterminous USA and 0.25% of the carbon in global forest vegetation and soils. Cumulative net carbon loss from the Tongass due to management of the forest for the period 1900–95 was estimated at 6.4–17.2 Tg C. Using our spatially explicit data for carbon stock and net flux, we modeled the potential effect of five management regimes on future net carbon flux. Estimates of net carbon flux were sensitive to projections of the rate of carbon accumulation in second-growth forests and to the amount of carbon left in standing biomass after harvest. Projections of net carbon flux in the Tongass range from 0.33 Tg C annual sequestration to 2.3 Tg C annual emission for the period 1995–2095. For the period 1995–2195, net flux estimates range from 0.19 Tg C annual sequestration to 1.6 Tg C annual emission. If all timber harvesting in the Tongass were halted from 1995 to 2095, the economic value of the net carbon sequestered during the 100-year hiatus, assuming $20/Mg C, would be $4 to $7 million/y (1995 US dollars). If a prohibition on logging were extended to 2195, the annual economic value of the carbon sequestered would be largely unaffected ($3 to $6 million/y). The potential annual economic value of carbon sequestration with management maximizing carbon storage in the Tongass is comparable to revenue from annual timber sales historically authorized for the forest.
Ionization Processes in Decaying Plasmas. I. Helium

The current theories of the helium afterglow are shown not to be substantiated by published experimental results. The experimental data are reanalyzed to obtain a more consistent interpretation of the ionization mechanisms. The primary conclusion of this analysis is that the enhancement of ionization in the afterglow occurs by the conversion of metastable helium atoms to molecular ions: ${\mathrm{He}}^{*}+{\mathrm{He}}^{*}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{{\mathrm{He}}_{2}}^{+}+e$. The analysis yields specific rate constants for the important reactions in the plasma.
Determination of polygalacturonic acid content in pectin extracts by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract A simple, rapid diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) method was developed for pectin measurement. Pectin calibration standards were prepared by blending polygalacturonic acid with potassium bromide to cover a range of polygalacturonic acid concentrations (10–98%). A linear relationship between pectin content and total carbonyl absorption band area was found ( R 2 =0.982). Linearity was up to 80% pectin, since there was no significant difference in peak areas of 80% and greater. Pectin contents of various commercial pectin samples were calculated from the linear fit equation. Accuracy of the DRIFTS method was determined by comparing the pectin contents to the values obtained by colorimetric and HPLC methods. For four different sources of samples, the pectin contents by FTIR method were 78.2, 89.4, 65.9 and 67.1%, which were comparable to values obtained by colorimetric analysis (79.1, 87.9, 64.7 and 57.7%) and HPLC (84.1, 91.4, 69.5 and 67.9%).
Origins of Sequence Selectivity in Homologous Genetic Recombination: Insights from Rapid Kinetic Probing of RecA-mediated DNA Strand Exchange

Despite intense effort over the past 30 years, the molecular determinants of sequence selectivity in RecA-mediated homologous recombination have remained elusive. Here, we describe when and how sequence homology is recognized between DNA strands during recombination in the context of a kinetic model for RecA-mediated DNA strand exchange. We characterized the transient intermediates of the reaction using pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of strand exchange using oligonucleotide substrates containing a single fluorescent G analog. We observed that the reaction system was sensitive to heterology between the DNA substrates; however, such a "heterology effect" was not manifest when functional groups were added to or removed from the edges of the base-pairs facing the minor groove of the substrate duplex. Hence, RecA-mediated recombination must occur without the involvement of a triple helix, even as a transient intermediate in the process. The fastest detectable reaction phase was accelerated when the structure or stability of the substrate duplex was perturbed by internal mismatches or the replacement of G.C by I.C base-pairs. These findings indicate that the sequence specificity in recombination is achieved by Watson-Crick pairing in the context of base-pair dynamics inherent to the extended DNA structure bound by RecA during strand exchange.
3H-paroxetine binding in brains of alcoholics.

Abstract High affinity 3H-paroxetine binding was studied in human frontal cortex and hippocampus obtained from normal controls and alcoholics. On the basis of Scatchard analyses, a significant decrease in the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) was found in the hippocampus of alcoholics (n=8) as compared with that of controls (n = 10) (mean±SD=63±35 vs. 114±70 fmoles/mg protein). There was no significant difference in the dissociation constants (Kd) between the two groups. The presumed effect of chronic alcohol abuse on 3H-paroxetine binding may be region-specific since no significant difference in either Bmax or Kd for 3H-paroxetine binding was found in the frontal cortex between normal controls and alcoholics. No significant correlation of 3H-paroxetine binding with age or postmortem interval was observed. The decrease in 3H-paroxetine binding in the hippocampus of alcoholics is probably indicative of reduced density of serotonergic nerve terminals either as a preexisting condition or as a result of neuronal damage caused by ethanol or the sequelae of alcoholism, such as nutritional deficiencies.
Location Coding by the Human Visual System: Multiple Topological Adaptations in a Case of Strabismic Amblyopia

Amblyopia, a major cause of vision loss, is a developmental disorder of visual perception commonly associated with strabismus (squint). Although defined by a reduction in visual acuity, severe distortions of perceived visual location are common in strabismic amblyopia. These distortions can help us understand the cortical coding of visual location and its development in normal vision, as well as in amblyopia. The history of retinotopic mapping in the visual cortex highlights the potential impact of amblyopia. Theories of amblyopia include topological disarray of receptors in primary visual cortex, undersampling from the amblyopic eye compared with normal eyes, and the presence of anomalous retinal correspondence or multiple cortical representations of the strabismic fovea. We examined the distortions in a strabismic amblyope, using a pop-out localization task, in which normal observers made errors dependent on the visual context of the stimulus. The localization errors of the strabismic amblyope were abnormal. We found that none of the available theories could fully explain this one patient's localization performance. Instead, the observed behavior suggests that multiple adaptations of the underlying cortical topology are possible simultaneously in different parts of the visual field.
A modification of the thiobarbituric acid reaction.

A simple modification of the thiobarbituric acid reaction, which removes nonspecific chromogenic reaction products, involves incubation at room temperature for 16–20 hr and a column chromatographic step. The chromogen-concentrating capacity of the latter step is useful for determination of low concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive materials in biological preparations.
Two entomopathogenic nematode species with different search strategies for insect suppression

Combining two species of entomopathogenic nematodes with different search strategies suppressed two pest species of soil insects when they occurred in the same habitat. The majority of individuals of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) have a sit and wait (ambusher) strategy and tend to be near the soil surface. This species was effective against larvae of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which feeds near or at the soil surface. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar has an active foraging (cruiser) strategy and occurs deeper in the soil profile. It was effective against larvae of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), which occurs near roots. Soil temperature influenced the results. At 22°C, both nematode species killed their respective target insect within 1 wk. At 16°C, S. carpocapsae killed black cutworm larvae, but H. bacteriophora was not effective against black vine weevil larvae 2 wk after treatment. A few black vine weevil larvae were infected with H. bacteriophora at that temperature, and a longer exposure of the black vine weevil larvae to the nematode may have increased efficacy. In addition to search strategies, the susceptibility of the insects to the nematode species plays an important role in pest suppression.
Giant cell tumor of the skull.

Background. Most giant cell tumors (GCT) occur at the ends of long bones. There is little information about GCT of the skull bones. Methods. The authors reviewed the Mayo Clinic files, which contained 546 cases of GCT, and their own consultation files, which contained approximately 1500 cases. Results. Eleven tumors occurred in the sphenoid bone with extension to the surrounding bones and structures in 8 patients. One tumor (in Pagets disease) occurred in the frontal bone, one tumor was in the occipital bone, and one tumor was in the temporal bone. There were 4 men and 11 women whose ages ranged from 8 to 78 years, with a mean of 36.5 years. Radiographic findings were not suggestive of a specific diagnosis, although the features were those of an aggressive lesion. Histologically, the tumors had features typical of GCT. However, a prominent spindle cell component was seen in five tumors. The initial treatment in all patients but one was intralesional excision that was as complete as possible. The last patient had a wide excision and had soft tissue recurrence at 1 year. This was excised and she was free of disease at 2.7 years. Three patients died, one in the immediate postoperative period and the other two at 1.6 and 4 years with progression of tumor. One patient had postoperative radiation therapy and was without evidence of disease for 2 years when he was lost to follow-up. The remaining 10 patients all had postoperative radiation therapy; 6 patients were alive without disease from 4 to 34 years. However, one of these six patients had a recurrence that was treated surgically with additional radiation. Four patients were alive with tumor from 2.1 to 26 years at the time of this report. Conclusions. GCT of the skull bones is rare but should be distinguished from giant cell reparative granuloma because of the tendency for progression. Surgical ablation (as complete as possible) and postoperative radiation therapy seem to be the treatment of choice for GCT of the skull bones.
Design of x-ray microscopes for laser-fusion applications

Design techniques for Wolter grazing incidence x-ray microscopes are discussed, and considerations applicable to diamond point micro-machining fabrication are described. Also preliminary results of tests on a micro-machined mandrel replicated system are presented.
Effect of immunization of channel catfish with inactivated trophonts on serum and cutaneous antibody titers and survival against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Abstract Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of immunization of channel catfish with inactivated trophonts on serum and cutaneous antibody titers and survival against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet (Ich). In trial I, catfish were immunized intraperitoneally (IP) with: 1) 1% formalin-inactivated trophonts, 2) 3% formalin-inactivated trophonts and 3) freeze-thawed trophonts. Positive and negative control catfish were immunized with live theronts and 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively. At day 14, 28 and 50 post-immunizations, no statistical difference was noted in serum or cutaneous anti-Ich antibody titers to formalin-inactivated trophonts or freeze-thawed trophonts. The survival of catfish challenged with live theronts ranged from 33.3% to 43.3% for the formalin-inactivated or freeze-thawed trophonts at 50 d post-immunization. The survival of catfish immunized with live theront and BSA was 93.3 and 0%, respectively. In trial II, catfish were IP immunized with sonicated trophonts at doses of 1) 5 trophonts or 10.2 μg protein g −1 fish, 2) 10 trophonts or 20.4 μg protein g −1 fish, 3) 20 trophonts or 40.8 μg protein g −1 fish, and 4) 5% BSA as the control. Fish immunized with 10 or 20 trophonts g −1 fish showed highest serum (1/210 to 1/480) and cutaneous antibody titers (1/48 to 1/52), respectively, at 22 d post-immunization and survival (63.3–60.0%). The fish immunized with 5 trophonts g −1 fish had titers of 1/52 and 1/12 for serum and cutaneous antibody and survival of 23.3%. BSA immunized catfish had background titers and a survival of 6.7%. There was a significant correlation between doses of sonicated trophonts used to immunize and catfish survival (correlation coefficient = 0.859, p
Microcracking of Eu2O3=Ta2O5 Bodies

Europium sesquioxide is of interest as a control material for reactors because it has several large-cross-section isotopes which form successively on neutron capture. Pure monoclinic Eu/sub 2/O/sub 3/ tends to grow large grains during sintering, causing microcracks to develop and leading to anomalous mechanical prperties. The effect of doping the Eu/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with the grain growth suppressant Ta/sub 2/O/sub 3/ was determined using studies of the elastic properties and internal friction by the sonic resonance technique. Compositions with <3 at.% Ta cation substitution had anomalously low room temperature elastic moduli values and showed a hysteresis on thermal cycling. These specimens also had high internal frictions. The finer-grained specimens which resulted when the dopant level exceeded 3 at.% Ta did not show these anomalous characteristics.
Upper airway obstruction in neurofibromatosis

Summary A patient with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis developed severe upper airway obstruction at the induction of anaesthesia and required emergency cricothyroidotomy. The cause was a neurofibroma at the base of the tongue. Features of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis which may be of importance to the anaesthetist are reviewed.
From Agrarian Dreams to Democratic Realities A Deweyan Alternative to Jeffersonian Food Politics

Wendell Berry’s claim that local food economies are the only viable alternative to an agro-food system that cares more about profit than either environmental health or human well-being has generated considerable controversy. The strengths and limitations of Berry’s vision, I argue, stem from its indebtedness to Jeffersonian republicanism. Furthermore, I demonstrate that John Dewey’s The Public and Its Problems offers an alternative to Jeffersonian republicanism that embraces the third president’s faith in popular rule but lacks his preoccupation with economic self-sufficiency. Dewey gives contemporary citizens a framework for resisting the industrial food system that is more open to diverse perspectives and experiences, and more attentive to human interdependency. He also provides criteria that can be used to differentiate romantic and potentially reactionary forms of localism from efforts to build communities capable of challenging undemocratic concentrations of power.
Interaction between neuronal nitric oxide synthase and inhibitory G protein activity in heart rate regulation in conscious mice.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized within mammalian sinoatrial cells has been shown to participate in cholinergic control of heart rate (HR). However, it is not known whether NO synthesized within neurons plays a role in HR regulation. HR dynamics were measured in 24 wild-type (WT) mice and 24 mice in which the gene for neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) was absent (nNOS-/- mice). Mean HR and HR variability were compared in subsets of these animals at baseline, after parasympathetic blockade with atropine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol (1 mg/kg i.p.), and after combined autonomic blockade. Other animals underwent pressor challenge with phenylephrine (3 mg/kg i.p.) after beta-adrenergic blockade to test for a baroreflex-mediated cardioinhibitory response. The latter experiments were then repeated after inactivation of inhibitory G proteins with pertussis toxin (PTX) (30 microgram/kg i.p.). At baseline, nNOS-/- mice had higher mean HR (711+/-8 vs. 650+/-8 bpm, P = 0.0004) and lower HR variance (424+/-70 vs. 1,112+/-174 bpm2, P = 0.001) compared with WT mice. In nNOS-/- mice, atropine administration led to a much smaller change in mean HR (-2+/-9 vs. 49+/-5 bpm, P = 0.0008) and in HR variance (64+/-24 vs. -903+/-295 bpm2, P = 0.02) than in WT mice. In contrast, propranolol administration and combined autonomic blockade led to similar changes in mean HR between the two groups. After beta-adrenergic blockade, phenylephrine injection elicited a fall in mean HR and rise in HR variance in WT mice that was partially attenuated after treatment with PTX. The response to pressor challenge in nNOS-/- mice before PTX administration was similar to that in WT mice. However, PTX-treated nNOS-/- mice had a dramatically attenuated response to phenylephrine. These findings suggest that the absence of nNOS activity leads to reduced baseline parasympathetic tone, but does not prevent baroreflex-mediated cardioinhibition unless inhibitory G proteins are also inactivated. Thus, neuronally derived NO and cardiac inhibitory G protein activity serve as parallel pathways to mediate autonomic slowing of heart rate in the mouse.
The knock-on electrons of fast μ-mesons

An experiment to determine the dependence of knock-on production upon the thickness and type of material is discussed and a summary of a literature survey dealing with other aspects of this problem is presented.
Arterial switch operation: Factors impacting survival in the current era

Abstract Background . The arterial switch procedure has become the preferred procedure for the transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and Taussig-Bing anomaly. This analysis is intended to identify potential factors affecting survival in the current era. Methods . From 1986 to 1999, 201 consecutive patients underwent an arterial switch operation for TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly. Multivariate analysis of perioperative variables was performed for operative morbidity/mortality. Patients were separated into two groups. Phase 1 (n = 29) included patients before mid-1989 who underwent an open coronary reimplantation technique. Phase 2 (n = 172) included the patients undergoing a technique of reimplanting coronary buttons after neoaortic reconstruction. Results . The patient population included TGA with intact ventricular septum (58.7%, 118 of 201), with ventricular septal defect (31.3%, 61 of 201), and Taussig-Bing anomaly (10.0%, 22 of 201). Overall, early mortality was 9.5% (19 of 201) and there were five late deaths (2.7%). One-month, 1-year, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 90.4%, 87.9%, and 87.9%, respectively. Reoperation rate for late pulmonary stenosis was 2.7% (5 of 182). The freedom from reoperation at 3 and 5 years was 97.5% and 93.3%, respectively. In the analysis by time period, the operative mortality declined from 27.6% (8 of 29) to 6.4% (11 of 172) ( p = 0.002). Risk factors for operative death were coronary artery patterns (usual vs retropulmonary left coronary artery, p = 0.009) in phase 1 and preoperative instability in phase 2 ( p = 0.002). Conclusions . The arterial switch operation for TGA and Taussig-Bing anomaly has early low and late mortality and reoperation rates. Technical modifications in coronary reimplantation have minimized coronary artery pattern-related risks.
Sliding surface vehicle envelope control: A cooperative design between controller and envelope

While aircraft envelope control has become widespread, vehicle envelope control is still in its infancy. With the ability to estimate sideslip angle and friction coefficient through new methods, stability control systems can assimilate this information for a more complete view of the car's planar dynamics. This paper presents a vehicle envelope controller centered around a computationally simple sliding surface control scheme, in which a cooperative design between the vehicle envelope and the controller mitigates negative aspects of the sliding surface controller while allowing the driver full access to the stable vehicle states. Finally, the sliding surface control scheme is augmented by a proportional control law that eliminates the remaining undesirable effects. The combined control law and envelope are verified with experimental results, using steer-by-wire as a control input.
Changes in Vision- and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Pegaptanib Sodium or Sham

PURPOSE To compare vision function and self-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreous pegaptanib 0.3 mg or sham injection. METHODS This randomized (1:1), controlled, multicenter trial included subjects with DME (center point thickness on OCT, ≥ 250 μm) and visual acuity (VA) ≤ 65 letters and ≥ 35 letters. In year 1, pegaptanib or sham was administered every 6 weeks with focal/grid photocoagulation at investigator discretion after week 18. Subjects received injections as often as every 6 weeks per pre-specified criteria in year 2. Primary efficacy endpoint: proportion gaining ≥10 letters of VA from baseline to week 54. Change in QoL from baseline to weeks 54 and 102 was assessed with the 25-item National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) and the EQ-5D. RESULTS One hundred thirty-three pegaptanib- and 127 sham-treated subjects were in the year 1 intent-to-treat population. From baseline to week 54, ≥ 10 letter gains seen in 49 (36.8%) pegaptanib- and 25 (19.7%) sham-treated subjects (odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.38 [1.32-4.30]; P = 0.0047). At 2 years, the VA trend favored pegaptanib. The NEI-VFQ 25 domains of Near Vision, Distance Vision, and Social Functioning (week 54) and Distance Vision, Social Functioning, Mental Health, and Composite Score (week 102) demonstrated clinically meaningful (>5-point between-group difference) and statistically significant (P < 0.05) benefits favoring pegaptanib. No significant difference in the mean change in generic EQ-5D-weighted utility scores was seen. CONCLUSIONS The VA improvement from pegaptanib treatment versus sham is reflected by improved vision-related QoL as reported by the DME patient (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00605280).
Genitourinary Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Over Time In Younger Versus Older Men Treated for Prostate Cancer

This study examined the relation of age to genitourinary functioning and depressive symptoms over time and examined how age influences the relation between genitourinary functioning and depressive symptoms over time in men treated for localized prostate cancer. Participants were 234 men who completed interviews that assessed genitourinary functioning and depressive symptoms at 2, 4, 10 and 16 months after treatment. Analyses were statistically controlled for potential confounds. Compared with younger men (≤65.5), older men had significantly poorer sexual function and slower improvement. Level of urinary functioning was inversely associated with level of depressive symptoms regardless of age. Level of sexual functioning was inversely associated with level of depressive symptoms but only in younger men. Interventions may be particularly helpful for all men with urinary dysfunction and for younger men with sexual dysfunction in order to improve symptoms of depression.
Novel neural circuit mechanism for visual edge detection

The primary visual cortex is organized in a way that assigns a specific collection of neurons the job of providing the rest of the brain with all of the information it needs about each small part of the image present on the retina: Neighboring patches of the visual cortex provide the information about neighboring patches of the visual world. Each one of these cortical patches—often identified as a “pinwheel”—contains thousands of neurons, and its corresponding image patch is centered on a particular location in the retina. For stimuli within their image patch, neurons respond selectively to lines or edges with a particular slope (orientation tuning) and to regions of the patch of different sizes (known as spatial frequency tuning). The same number of neurons is devoted to reporting each possible slope (orientation). For the cells that cover different-sized regions of their image patch, however, the number of neurons assigned depends strongly on their preferred region size. Only a few neurons report on large and small parts of the image patch, but many neurons report visual information from medium-sized areas. I show here that having different numbers of neurons responsible for image regions of different sizes actually carries out a computation: Edges in the image patch are extracted. I also explain how this edge-detection computation is done.
Estimates for wavelet coefficients on some classes of functions

Let ψmD be orthogonal Daubechies wavelets that have m zero moments and let {fx1791-01}. We prove that {fx1791-02}.
A comparative ab-initio molecular orbital study of ammonia oxide and trifluoramine oxide

Abstract Geometry optimizations using various basis sets in the LCAO-SCF-MO method have been applied to F 3 NO and H 3 NO. Making use of the electronic wave-functions bonding is discussed in terms of donation from the oxygen lone pair into the N-F(H)o* orbitals and d-type orbitals on the nitrogen. Participation of d orbitals in the bonding is of modest importance for F 3 NO but not H 3 NO at least as far as the overlap population analysis is concerned.
Local Hormone Networks and Intestinal T Cell Homeostasis

Neuroendocrine hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis can exert positive or negative immunoregulatory effects on intestinal lymphocytes. Small intestine epithelial cells were found to express receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and to be a primary source of intestine-derived thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The gene for the TSH receptor (TSH-R) was expressed in intestinal T cells but not in epithelial cells, which suggested a hormone-mediated link between lymphoid and nonhematopoietic components of the intestine. Because mice with congenitally mutant TSH-R (hyt/hyt mice) have a selectively impaired intestinal T cell repertoire, TSH may be a key immunoregulatory mediator in the intestine.
Associations between olfactory identification and verbal memory in patients with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives, and non-psychiatric controls.

Abstract Objective Olfactory identification deficits and verbal memory impairments may represent trait markers for schizophrenia. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess olfactory identification in patients, first-degree relatives, and non-psychiatric controls, (2) determine differences in verbal memory functioning in these three groups, and (3) study correlations between olfactory identification and three specific verbal memory domains. Method A total of 106 participants–41 patients with schizophrenia or related disorders, 27 relatives, and 38 controls–were assessed with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Third Edition. Linear mixed models, accounting for clustering within families and relevant covariates, were used to compare scores across groups and to examine associations between olfactory identification ability and the three verbal memory domains. Results A group effect was apparent for all four measures, and relatives scored midway between patients and controls on all three memory domains. UPSIT scores were significantly correlated with all three forms of verbal memory. Age, verbal working memory, and auditory recognition delayed memory were independently predictive of UPSIT scores. Conclusions Impairments in olfactory identification and verbal memory appear to represent two correlated risk markers for schizophrenia, and frontal–temporal deficits likely account for both impairments.
Using Visual Imaging in Recreation Programming

(2003). Using Visual Imaging in Recreation Programming. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 44-47.
Semantics of Directly Manipulating Spatializations

When high-dimensional data is visualized in a 2D plane by using parametric projection algorithms, users may wish to manipulate the layout of the data points to better reflect their domain knowledge or to explore alternative structures. However, few users are well-versed in the algorithms behind the visualizations, making parameter tweaking more of a guessing game than a series of decisive interactions. Translating user interactions into algorithmic input is a key component of Visual to Parametric Interaction (V2PI) [13]. Instead of adjusting parameters, users directly move data points on the screen, which then updates the underlying statistical model. However, we have found that some data points that are not moved by the user are just as important in the interactions as the data points that are moved. Users frequently move some data points with respect to some other 'unmoved' data points that they consider as spatially contextual. However, in current V2PI interactions, these points are not explicitly identified when directly manipulating the moved points. We design a richer set of interactions that makes this context more explicit, and a new algorithm and sophisticated weighting scheme that incorporates the importance of these unmoved data points into V2PI.
Research issues in the evaluation of cognitive impairment in intensive care unit survivors

Neuropsychological assessment has been utilized extensively in the research of cognitive outcomes associated with medical illnesses, such as HIV, and post-surgical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass graft. However, few investigations of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors have examined cognitive function as a clinical outcome. Significant clinical questions exist regarding the impact of critical illness on long-term cognitive function. Many of these questions can be systematically evaluated through the use of standardized neuropsychological assessment instruments within the context of well designed, prospective research trials. This review will provide information for clinical researchers interested in the study of neuropsychological outcomes in intensive care unit survivors ( a comparison article in this issue will address clinical issues related to cognitive functioning).
Styles of parenting.

In this brief overview, the author contrasts two current parenting styles: Attachment Parenting and Babywise Parenting.
International legal norms and the preservation of peace, 1820–1964: Some evidence and Bivariate relationships

The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in international legal norms have historically been associated with changes in the frequency of war, uses of force short of war, and arbitral activity among major powers. International legal norms are conceptualized as quasi‐authoritative statements that communicate the prevailing attitudes held by members of the state system regarding the acceptability of certain types of behavior. The results from a time‐series regression analysis of data collected under the auspices of Correlates of War and Transnational Rules Indicators Projects indicate that while there is a substantial positive association between the importance attributed by these norms to arbitration and the frequency with which major powers arbitrate their disputes, there is only a weak association between norms regulating dispute settlement through self‐help and the frequency with which major powers resort to war and uses of force short of war.
Disability + Relevant Design: Empathic Design Strategies Supporting More Effective New Product Design Outcomes

ABSTRACTPeople are living longer and over their lifespan may develop a range of disabilities that are no longer perceived as a barrier to enjoying a high quality of life. With increased user expectation of products, a balanced approach to functionality and supra-functionality in product design is more important than ever. Users (consumers of products) are acknowledged as being significant sources of insight and innovation. Empathic design strategies rely on the user being an active partner within the information creation and designing process to ensure that more intuitive design outcomes are generated.This paper addresses empathy and the empathic horizon (the boundaries to a designer's knowledge and understanding) in the context of ensuring relevant design outcomes. We also consider the importance of the products that surround us, referred to collectively as our ‘material landscapes'. These concepts are illustrated through discussion of design research and a design course within a university context where...
924-119 Angiographic Findings in Diabetics Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy After Acute Myocardial Infarction

The GUSTO Angiographic Study has shown that some Subgroups with particularly high mortality rates (such as elderly patients) have less recovery of left ventricular (LV) function despite documented infarct related artery (IRA) patency. In order to investigate the correlates of a known higher mortality associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we examined IRA patency and LV function in the GUSTO Angiographic Study cohort of 160 patients with DM and 1019 non-diabetics (NDM) randomized to 90 minute and 5 – 7 day follow-up catheterization after initiation of thrombolytic therapy. The thirty day mortality for DM was 11.9% and 5.8% for NDM (p = 0.004). At 90 min angiography, 65 (40.6%) of DM had normal (TIMI3) IRA flow compared with 385 (37.8%) of NDM (p = NS). Total patency rates at 90 min (TIMI 2 and 3 combined) were 70.1% for DM and 66.6% for NDM (p = NS). Left ventricular (LV) function indices expressed by ejection fraction (EF), extent of infarct (# of abnormal chords) and regional wall motion (SD/Chord) at 90 min and 5 – 7 day follow-up ventriculography are shown below (all p = NS). 90 Min Ventriculography 5 – 7 Day Ventriculography DM NDM DM NDM EF(%) 60 ± 45 60 ± 0.7 59 ± 1.7 60 ± 0.7 # Chords 20 ± 1.9 22 ± 0.9 15 ± 19 17 ± 0.9 SD/Chords - 2.4 ± 0.1 - 2.4 ± 0.1 - 2.0 ± 0.2 - 19 ± 0.1 Conclusion The excess mortality in AMI in diabetic patients cannot be explained by patency rates (equivalent to non-diabetics) nor by initial or followup regional or global left ventricular function.
Evaluation of NF3 versus dimethylhydrazine as N sources for GaAsN

Presented at the 2001 NCPV Program Review Meeting: Hydrazine, NF{sub 3}, dimethylhydrazine, trimethylgallium, and triethylgallium are studied for the growth of GaAs{sub 1-x}N{sub x} by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition (MOCVD). NF{sub 3} is shown to incorporate nitrogen very much like hydrazine, both of which are more efficient nitrogen sources than di-methylhydrazine. The choice of gallium precursor (triethyl-gallium or trimethylgallium) also affects the nitrogen incorporation. The growth rate of the GaAsN is decreased at low temperatures when trimethylgallium is used and at high temperatures when NF{sub 3} is used. The carbon and hydrogen impurity levels are relatively unaffected by changing nitrogen precursors, but the use of triethylgallium decreases the carbon contamination. These lower carbon levels are not correlated with a significant change in the background hole concentration except for x < 0.2%. The photoluminescence and Hall data for as-grown GaAsN are also unaffected by the choice of nitrogen precursor.