cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verification watermarks on fingerprint recognition and retrieval

Current 'invisible' watermarking techniques aim at producing watermarked data that suffer no or little quality degradation and perceptually identical to the original versions. The most common utility of a watermarked image is (1) for image viewing and display, and (2) for extracting the embedded watermark in subsequent copy protection applications. The issue is often centered on the robustness of the watermark for detection and extraction. In addition to robustness studies, a fundamental question will center on the utilization value of the watermarked images beyond perceptual quality evaluation. Essentially we have to study how the watermarks inserted affect the subsequent processing and utility of images, and what watermarking schemes we can develop that will cater to these processing tasks. This work focuses on the study of watermarking on images used in automatic personal identification technology based fingerprints. We investigate the effects of watermarking fingerprint images on the recognition and retrieval accuracy using a proposed invisible fragile watermarking technique for image verification applications on a specific fingerprint recognition system. We shall also describe the watermarking scheme, fingerprint recognition and feature extraction techniques used. We believe that watermarking of images will provided value-added protection, as well as copyright notification capability, to the fingerprint data collection processes and subsequent usage.
Peritoneoscopy: its value in the diagnosis of liver disease

The value of peritoneoscopy in the diagnosis of liver disease was determined in a prospective way by examining the livers of 36 consecutive cadavers and comparing the results of routine closed liver biopsy with those of peritoneoscopy and guided needle biopsy. Peritoneoscopy appears to offer a distinct advantage over closed needle biopsy in the diagnosis of metastatic liver disease and may be helpful in the evaluation of acute intra-abdominal processes.
High-density CO2 inclusions in the Colorado Front Range

A fluid density in an inclusion is commonly observed to be too low for the P-T estimates for the postulated time of trapping, and is generally attributed to a fluid loss during the uplift process. It is more difficult to explain a fluid density which is too high. In the 1700 m.y. Front Range migmatites, such high densities occur in some of CO2 inclusions which were deduced to have formed during the migmatization episode. The peak P-T estimates for migmatization in the Front Range are 4–6 kb and 650°–700° C (in sillimanite field) but pressures required to form the most dense inclusions are >7.6 kb (in kyanite field). The high density is not likely to be a relic of a higher pressure condition earlier than the main migmatization episode for the following reasons: (a) no kyanite (or any other relic high pressure phase) has been found in the Precambrian Front Range; (b) the high density inclusions are rare in zones with least signs of deformation and melting (paleosomes and quartz inclusions within feldspar grains) which instead contain relatively undisturbed early inclusions; (c) high density inclusions with Th <−30° C are associated with heavily altered plagioclase caused by hydrothermal activity which was a late event in leucosome formation. Further, there is evidence for post-entrapment change(s) in density: an intragranular trail in quartz contains CO2 inclusions that exhibit almost the whole range in Th (−40 to +24° C) as displayed by the entire population of the early CO2 inclusions (−66 to +30° C). The density of an inclusion in the trail is not related to inclusion size but to the position of the inclusion relative to apparent micro-shear zones crossing the CO2 trail. A change to a higher density (=a smaller volume) could have resulted from an initially isobaric cooling path which intersects CO2 isochores with increasingly higher densities. Additional excess pressure may have resulted from overthrusting. However, because high density inclusions occur selectively in the zones in which plagioclase shows alteration indicating a high \(a_{H_2 O}\) and because there is a correlation between shear zones and high density inclusions, it is postulated that local hydrolytic weakening of quartz was necessary for the decrease of inclusion volume which occurred during deformation. The localized deformation may also result in an excess pressure. However, the introduction of a small amount of H2O into these inclusions as a possible cause of high density inclusions cannot be ruled out.
Interferon-mediated inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in human mononuclear leukocytes

In this study, the question of whether human leukocyte-derived and fibroblast-derived interferon had an effect on prostaglandin metabolism in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been considered. Both leukocyte- and fibroblast-derived interferon were potent inhibitors of mononuclear cell prostaglandin synthesis at low physiological concentrations. Inhibition required a minimum incubation of 1 hr. Interferon had no effect on release of arachidonic acid; synthesis of hydroxy fatty acids was slightly increased.
Capsule endoscopy at the University of Florida: initial experience and a cost-benefit analysis

Capsule endoscopy at the University of Florida: initial experience and a cost-benefit analysis
The uses and gratifications of online care pages: a study of CaringBridge.

This study investigated how online care pages help people connect with others and gain social support during a health care event. It reports the results of a survey of 1035 CaringBridge authors who set up personalized web pages because of hospitalization, serious illness, or other reasons, regarding the uses and gratifications obtained from their sites. Four primary benefits were found to be important to all authors of CaringBridge sites: providing information, receiving encouragement from messages, convenience, and psychological support. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed significant effects for six demographic and health-related variables: gender, age, religiosity, Internet usage, the purpose for which the site was set up, and sufficiency of information received from health care providers. Support was obtained for the perspective that online care pages provide new media gratifications for authors, and that health-related antecedents of media use may affect media selection and gratifications. The ...
Acoustic measurements on trees and logs: a review and analysis

Acoustic technologies have been well established as material evaluation tools in the past several decades, and their use has become widely accepted in the forest products industry for online quality control and products grading. Recent research developments on acoustic sensing technology offer further opportunities to evaluate standing trees and logs for general wood quality and intrinsic wood properties. Although the concept of using acoustic velocity as an effective measure of stiffness applies to both standing trees and felled logs, the method typically used to measure acoustic velocity in trees is different from that used in logs. Consequently, there is a significant difference in measured velocity values between trees and logs. Other factors affecting tree–log velocity relationships include tree diameter, stand age, operating temperature, and wood moisture content. This paper presents the fundamentals of acoustic wave propagation in trees and logs and discusses two different mechanisms of acoustic velocity measurement, time-of-flight for standing trees and resonance for logs. Experimental data from previous studies are reviewed and analyzed to examine the strength of the tree–log velocity relationships and discuss the factors that influence tree velocity deviation.
PROBLEMS IN ESTABLISHING DRY–LAND PASTURES IN RHODESIA

Among the many problems of pasture establishment in Rhodesia, those which appear the most serious are: (a) poor seed germination, leading to patchy and weak seedling growth; (b) erratic rainfall, in which heavy storms are followed by hot, dry periods; (c) soil crusting, which forms a surface layer impenetrable from below by the seedling, and from above by rainwater; (d) weed competition, where rank and copious weed growth suppresses establishment of pasture seedlings. Suggestions are made as to how these problems might be overcome.
Subcutaneous administration of the cardiac hormone BNP in symptomatic human heart failure

Abstract Background Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac hormone with vasodilating, natriuretic, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone–inhibiting and lusitropic properties. We have demonstrated that acute subcutaneous (SQ) administration of BNP in experimental congestive heart failure results in elevation of plasma BNP and its second messenger 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with natriuresis and reduction in cardiac filling pressures. Furthermore, chronic subcutaneous BNP in experimental congestive heart failure also resulted in increases in cardiac output and decreases in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Methods The objective of the current study was to assess the safety and efficacy of repeated doses of subcutaneous human BNP, nesiritide, a recombinant form of human BNP (Scios Inc, Fremont, CA) in human subjects with New York Heart Association class II-III congestive heart failure. We defined the cardiorenal and humoral responses to subcutaneous BNP (nesiritide) administered every 12 hours with a total of 5 doses over 72 hours in a single-blind placebo-controlled design (n = 8). The mean dose of nesiritide was 10 μg/kg every 12 hours. Results Initial saline placebo resulted in no change in any measured parameters ( P .05 versus baseline). With the first dose of BNP (nesiritide), cardiac output increased (4.8±0.4 to 6.4±0.5 L/min) and systolic blood pressure decreased (125±5 to 104±3 mm Hg) without a change in heart rate. Plasma BNP (167±115 to 830±470 pg/mL), cGMP (4±2 to 14±4 pmol/mL), and urinary cGMP excretion (3900±930 to 10,600±5000 pmol/min) increased with natriuresis and diuresis. Both plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone decreased. These favorable biologic responses were observed with the fifth dose 72 hours after the initial dose. All the subjects tolerated the study well without any adverse events except for 1 subject who had a vasovagal episode during micturition after receiving the fifth dose on day 3. Conclusion We conclude that subcutaneous administration of BNP (nesiritide) represents a novel and efficacious therapeutic strategy in human congestive heart failure to deliver BNP, a cardiac hormone which possesses unique cardiorenal and neurohumoral properties.
Human Health Impact as a Boundary Selection Criterion in the Life Cycle Assessment of Pultruded Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials

Summary The human health impact of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials manufactured by the pultrusion industry is not fully understood. In particular, it is unclear whether the human health impact of toxic chemicals present in low concentrations in fire retardant pultruded FRP materials is disproportionately high. This impact may be an important criterion when making boundary selection decisions in the life cycle assessment (LCA) of these materials. The North American pultrusion industry was surveyed to determine resin mix concentration levels and workplace inhalation toxicity exposure levels. LCAs were then conducted on three building panel resin mixes to determine whether the human health impact of toxic chemicals used in the mixes was low enough to exclude the chemicals from the life cycle inventory (LCI) boundary. The first resin mix represented a typical pultruded product, the second mix removed toxic chemicals present in small concentrations, and the third mix replaced toxic chemicals present in small concentrations with a nontoxic chemical. Results showed that toxicity levels fell below exposure limits and no significant difference in human health impact existed among the LCAs. The research concludes that human health impact is a useful criterion when defining an LCI boundary. Toxic chemicals present in small concentrations in pultruded FRP materials may be excluded from the LCI boundary, as their human health impacts are low. Because these levels are marginal in North American pultrusion factories, no changes in resin mixes are recommended for the pultrusion industry.
Extreme isotopic variations in the upper mantle: evidence from Ronda

The Ronda Ultramafic Complex in southern Spain represents a piece of the Earth's mantle which has been tectonically emplaced into the crust. Nd and Sr isotopic analyses are presented for leached, hand-picked Cr-diopside separates prepared from 15 rock and 18 river sediment samples from Ronda. These results demonstrate that within this small, contiguous body there exists the entire range of Nd isotopic compositions, and much of the range of Sr compositions, found in rocks derived from the sub-oceanic mantle. The sediment cpx samples show that the average isotopic composition of the massif becomes progressively less “depleted” moving from SW to NE along the long axis of the massif. The rock cpx samples document143Nd/144Nd variations from 0.5129 to 0.5126 and87Sr/86Sr variations from 0.7031 to 0.7039 within a uniform outcrop less than 10 m in extent. Thus, extreme isotopic fluctuations exist over a wide range of wavelengths. Sr and Nd isotopes are generally inversely correlated, forming a trend on a Nd-Sr diagram that sharply crosscuts that of the “mantle array”. Many of the143Nd/144Nd values, and all of the Sm/Nd values, from one section of the massif are lower than that SCV015SCV0 of the bulk earth, implying that this region existed, or was influenced by a component which existed, in a LREE-enriched environment for a significant period of time. Among the sediment cpxs there is a positive correlation between143Nd/144Nd and147Sm/144Nd. The rock cpx separates display considerably more scatter. A simple, single-stage differentiation event starting with a uniform mantle source cannot explain these results. At least one episode of mixing with a LREE-enriched component is required. If these results from Ronda are typical of the upper mantle, basalts with different isotopic compositions need not derive from spatially separated mantle sources.
Covalent capture of phospho-dependent protein oligomerization by site-specific incorporation of a diazirine photo-cross-linker.

In this paper, we describe the efficient synthesis of a diazirine cross-linker (photo-Met) and demonstrate that this amino acid is compatible with solid-phase peptide synthesis and expressed protein ligation (EPL). Accordingly, we have exploited the unique power of semi-synthesis to incorporate multiple different probes into the same protein by preparing a version of Smad2 signaling protein containing both photo-Met and an activating phospho-serine. Through judicious placement of the cross-linker, we have been able to covalently capture a transient MH2−MH2 interaction that is dependent upon the PTM in the protein.
The treatment of coronary artery disease in the elderly.

Changing population demographics dictate that in the next decade physicians will be increasingly faced with treating coronary artery disease in the elderly. Despite this, there is a paucity of data to guide management decisions in this population. Currently, it appears that “low-risk” or mild coronary artery disease can be treated medically so long as appropriate adjustments are made for aging changes in renal function, hepatic metabolism, noncompliance, multisystem disease, etc. Unfortunately, most elderly patients have “high-risk” or severe coronary artery disease. Balloon dilatation can yield excellent results in certain highly selected “high-risk” patients, but its role in the frequently encountered multivessel disease patient is unclear until current studies are completed. Coronary bypass grafting in selected patients clearly prolongs survival, but careful patient selection and meticulous preoperative and postoperative is required. Finally, the importance of issues such as quality of life, function independence, and cost must be addressed in more detail if physicians are to make rational decisions in treating this expanding population.
Dynamics of polyploid formation in Tragopogon (Asteraceae): recurrent formation, gene flow, and population structure.

Polyploidy is a major feature of angiosperm evolution and diversification. Most polyploid species have formed multiple times, yet we know little about the genetic consequences of recurrent formations. Among the clearest examples of recurrent polyploidy are Tragopogon mirus and T. miscellus (Asteraceae), each of which has formed repeatedly in the last ∼80 years from known diploid progenitors in western North America. Here, we apply progenitor-specific microsatellite markers to examine the genetic contributions to each tetraploid species and to assess gene flow among populations of independent formation. These data provide fine-scale resolution of independent origins for both polyploid species. Importantly, multiple origins have resulted in considerable genetic variation within both polyploid species; however, the patterns of variation detected in the polyploids contrast with those observed in extant populations of the diploid progenitors. The genotypes detected in the two polyploid species appear to represent a snapshot of historical population structure in the diploid progenitors, rather than modern diploid genotypes. Our data also indicate a lack of gene flow among polyploid plants of independent origin, even when they co-occur, suggesting potential reproductive barriers among separate lineages in both polyploid species.
Attachment-focused integrative reminiscence with older African Americans: a randomized controlled intervention study.

Objectives: Prior integrative reminiscence interventions have had a limited focus on attachment themes. The attachment-focused integrative reminiscence (AFIR) intervention differs from these in its central emphasis on attachment themes. The wide range of health benefits resulting from integrative reminiscence may be due in part to reminiscing about, mourning, and integrating unresolved attachment experiences.Method: Participants were randomized into treatment and wait-list control conditions, completed a pre-test, met for eight consecutive weekly two-hour sessions of largely attachment-focused reminiscence, then completed post-tests immediately following the intervention and again six months later.Results: Results show treatment effects for depression (p = .01 and .05 at eight weeks and six months), perceived stress (p = .01 and .04), and emergency room (ER) visits at six months (p = .04), with the intervention group showing lower depression and stress and fewer ER visits.Conclusion: Integrative reminisce...
Role of cytoarchitecture in cytoplasmic transport

Abstract Cytoplasm is a thick viscoelastic gel consisting of a highly concentrated protein solution interspersed through a matrix of cytoskeletal filaments and organellar structures. Diffusion of soluble low-molecular-weight molecules through cytoplasm is slowed by a factor of 5–10 relative to a dilute aqueous solution, reflecting increased solvent viscosity, molecular crowding, tortuosity imposed by cytoplasmic membranes and organelles, and transient binding to immobile structures. Larger molecules are further slowed by cytoskeletal sieving. Messenger RNA and ribosomes may be prevented from entering certain parts of cytoplasm due to their size and may follow preferential channels as they exit the nucleus. Mechanisms also exist for energy-dependent transport of larger molecules and organelles
Continuous planning with winding constraints using optimal heuristic-driven front propagation

Recent work has produced methods to solve the winding-constrained optimal feedback navigation problem. Given the start and the goal positions and the winding constraints, the solution to this problem is a feedback vector field such that, when integrated from the start, the trajectory is the shortest path connecting the start and the goal which satisfies given constraints. Such constraints intuitively restrict the direction and the number of times the path winds around given planar regions. We formulate a continuous version of this problem that contrasts with the discrete treatments previously presented. This leads to a geometrical characterization of the problem for which simplicial complex approximation is particularly useful. Thus, it yields theoretical insight as well as a practical algorithm for approximating the continuous problem using an efficient and high-accuracy heuristic-driven front propagation method on simplicial meshes. Experimental results are given evaluating the solution quality and efficiency of the method versus methods based on the discrete formulation and without using heuristics.
Rumination in infancy: Recent behavioral approaches

The published literature on behavioral treatments of rumination is reviewed, and new case material on two recently reported procedures is presented. Rumination, a medical condition of infancy involving repeated regurgitation of previously ingested food, has historically been treated from a psychodynamic approach involving extended in-patient treatment by mother surrogates. This procedure is both time-consuming and very costly. The initial behavioral approach involved electric shock. Single-case studies reflect the utility of this procedure, but widespread resistance to this form of punishment makes this a difficult procedure to utilize. More recent behavioral procedures reported in single-case studies have included delivering aversive taste stimuli as consequences for ruminating. This procedure has met with mixed success, and has the added drawback of being difficult to implement technically and because of staff resistance. A combination of punishment by scolding, time-out, and reinforcement of retaining the food constitutes a useful alternative. This procedure has the added advantage of being more acceptable to staff and implementable at home. The possibility of individual differences among ruminators that might predict success is also raised.
Cyanide Destruction in Molten Carbonate Bath: Melt and Gas Analyses

Oxidation of combustible wastes in molten salt baths is being considered as an alternative to incineration. This paper examines the oxidation of cyanide ions (present in molten carbonate bath) by molecular oxygen as a function of the total gas mixture (O 2 -Ar) flow rate, input gas composition (vol % O 2 in O 2 -Ar mixtures), melt composition (initial mol % CN- in CN - -CO 3 2- baths), and melt temperature. The melts were sampled for the presence of CN - , CNO - , NO 2 - , and NO 3 - while the gas streams were sampled for N 2 , N 2 O, NO, NO 2 , CO, and CO 2 . While cyanide destruction proceeds rapidly (>90% loss of CN-at 486 standard cm 3 per min, 40 vol % O 2 , and 1243 K), NO 2 and CO emissions remain within the limits of air quality standards. Under all conditions CN - and CNO - were the major components, while NO 2 - and NO 3 - were the minor components of the melt. The amount of CNO - present in the melt after any period of reaction was always smaller than the amount of CN - lost from the melt during the same time period. The CO + CO 2 content of the gas was always much larger than the NO + NO 2 content. The CO/CO 2 ratio was always small while the NO/NO 2 ratio was always large. While N 2 content was larger than the NO + NO 2 content, no N 2 O was ever detected. Material balance indicated that most of the nitrogen input to the system remained unaccounted after the reaction. Significance of the data are discussed.
Clinical and laboratory evaluation of the treatment of von Willebrand's disease patients with heat-treated factor VIII concentrate (BPL 8Y).

Adequate rises of vWF:activity and satisfactory haemostasis have been obtained in six von Willebrand patients treated with heated 8Y factor VIII concentrate, despite multimeric analysis showing the concentrate to have an alteration in the proportions of the different vWF:Ag multimers including slight loss of the highest molecular weight multimers and an abnormal triplet. As heat-treated concentrates reduce the risk of transmitting blood borne viruses 8Y concentrate should be considered as a possible first line treatment of vWD patients in the U.K. if they do not have mild forms of type I von Willebrand's disease which can be treated with desmopressin (DDAVP) infusions.
Collection development in California Indian tribal libraries

The tribal library is a community center that serves the unique information needs of a Native American community. A tribal library can be a kind of public library for the community, an education and literacy center, as well as an archive that records and preserves the heritage of a tribe. However, tribal libraries typically struggle with inadequate and unstable funding, and in California are often denied the benefits of resource‐sharing agreements within library networks. Tribal library collection development also presents special challenges in terms of identifying, locating and acquiring the materials most needed. This paper provides guidelines for selection of materials, suggestions for sources of Native American materials with an emphasis on California Indians, as well as selected titles for California tribal libraries.
Offender Ethnicity and Mental Health Service Referrals from Juvenile Courts

Juvenile courts play a critical role in facilitating access to mental health services for the large number of offenders with or at risk of emotional or behavioral problems. This research examines the decision of the court to refer offenders to treatment and whether offender ethnicity affects the referral decision. Results suggest that ethnicity has no independent effect on treatment recommendations. Rather, ethnicity modifies the effects of other variables, particularly legalistic variables such as petitioning and adjudication. Implications of the findings for research on ethnic disparities in juvenile court decision making as well as for Black offenders who are disproportionately involved in the juvenile justice system are discussed.
Arc Fault Detection Schemes for an Automotive 42 V Wire Harness

Introduction of higher DC system voltage distribution networks greater than 24V in future passenger vehicles appears to be an unavoidable consequence of meeting the increasing future electrical power demand. Higher voltage electrical distribution networks in vehicles force considerable component and system changes regarding electrical safety and reliability. In the event of an arc fault, e.g. when a wire is pinched or cut, or disengaged terminals under load etc., the resulting current may be significantly lower than the trip current of the protection devices such as fuses and circuit breakers. In these cases either the fault is cleared late (depending on the time/current characteristics of the fuse) or, in some cases fault may not clear, causing considerable damage and safety hazards. Two cost effective arc fault detection schemes were developed, built and tested with different loads including motor loads to clear both parallel and series arc faults in a 42 V DC network. This paper presents the details of the developed arc fault detection schemes and test results under several fault conditions.
Application of a Bioeconomic Production Model to Improve Wildlife Management

Faced with limited budgets, wildlife managers need to determine the set of management activities that achieve management objectives at least cost, which requires using both ecological and economic principles to make management decisions. We used data from a biological simulation model of breeding waterfowl to embed biological response within an economic optimization model. Nonlinearity of the response function was attributable to density dependence and interactions between jointly applied management activities. We then used the bioeconomic model to solve a waterfowl manager's least-cost problem. Model results demonstrated that 1) biological response and economic cost jointly determine the least-cost management plan, 2) nonlinearity of the biological response function should be modeled explicitly to identify cost-effective management plans, and 3) least-cost management plans depend on the chosen population objective. We demonstrate how concepts from production economics can aid decision making in a wide range of applied wildlife management settings; however, though applied to waterfowl management, we did not intend to provide a robust prescription for waterfowl managers.
Quality Attributes of Whole Egg and Albumen Mixtures Cooked by Different Methods

Whole egg and albumer mixtures were prepared and cooked by the following methods: (1) pan scrambled in a double boiler; (2) pan scrambled in a Teflon coated skillet; (3) boil-in-bag in boiling water; and (4) cook-in-bag in microwave oven. Yields, weeping, and content of volatile flavor components in the cooked products were measured. Cooking yields were higher for those cooked by the boil-in-bag and cook-in-bag methods than those pan scrambled. Regardless of cooking method, yields of the albumen product were lower than the whole egg product. Products prepared by the cook-in-bag method were also lower in weeping percentages. The methods of cooking affected the major volatile contents of the products slightly. Double boiler scrambled whole egg product contained less H2S, NH3 and total carbonyls as compared to those prepared by other methods.
Historical perspective of nonlinear optics and its applications

Nonlinear optics in the past 60 years has been full of excitement and created tremendous impact in many disciplines. New laser technology has been the prime motive force behind the advances of the field.
Optical measurements of an electrothermal plasma

Summary form only given. Presented in this paper are the results of optical measurements from electrothermal (ET) plasmas generated by firing Lexan samples in the SIRENS and PIPE facilities at North Carolina State University. Analyses of visible light emission from the ET plasmas at various energies (in the range of 0.5 to 6 kJ) were done to determine edge and core plasma densities and temperatures. Time-integrated measurements were made using a Tracor Northern Optical Multi-Channel Analyzer System (TN-6500), while time-resolved measurements were performed using Instruments S.A. H-20 monochromators and photomultipliers, looking at a single expected bright line. The transient current carried by the plasma through the Lexan sleeve was monitored by a Rogowski coil and Pearson current monitor. Applied potential was measured using a high voltage probe and chamber pressure measurements were done using Kistler piezo-electric pressure transducers. Fluctuations in the spectral intensity are being analyzed in order to relate them with the development of the electrical discharge.
Psychometric properties of the DSM scale for depression (DSD) with Korean-American youths.

As a first step in developing a reliable and culturally sensitive instrument to assess depression in Korean-American youths, this community-based methodological study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of the DSM Scale for Depression (DSD). A total of 104 Korean Americans, 11 to 13 years, participated in this study, and the response patterns of this group were compared with Korean- ( n = 20) and Anglo- ( n = 557) American youths assessed by the Teen Life Changes Survey (TLCS). Overall, Korean-American youths showed significantly higher mental distress scores than Anglos. The DSD was found to be a culturally appropriate instrument for Korean Americans with good reliability ( &#102 =. 92) and validity demonstrated by correlating with related constructs (loneliness, self-esteem, coping, social support, mastery, and somatic symptoms). The highest correlation coefficient was observed between depression and somatic symptoms ( r =. 61). These findings are informative for the design of further studies o...
Multilayer Space-Time-Frequency Coding for MIMO-OFDM

We present a multilayer space-time-frequency (STF) coding scheme for wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems employing orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). With multiple receive antennas, we employ an iterative demodulator consisting of a low-complexity multilayer detector and a simple soft combiner. The system performance is optimized by efficient power allocation among layers, as well as interleaver design and extrinsic scaling. The results show that the proposed multilayer STF coding scheme performs close to or even better than the optimized linear dispersion (LD) STF codes with maximum likelihood (ML) decoding. Unlike the existing STF codes, the proposed multilayer STF strategy is a universal scheme that exhibit excellent performance under various system configurations and channel statistics.
The Social construction of our inner selves

Abstract This paper contains an elaboration of a dialogic, relational paradigm for psychology. The dialogical view is based upon three major assumptions drawn from the works of Bakhtin, Wittgenstein, and others. The dialogical viewpoint focuses on (a) human activity as the product of joint action between individuals, (b) actual, lived utterances as the formative units of situations and joint action, and (c) the ways in which utterances are actualized within speech genres and other social organizations that frame joint action. From this relational view, it is argued that we create our sense of our inner lives through speakings that occur within joint activity and larger forms of social and spoken life. Thus, what psychologists often take to be existing cognitive entitites–intentions, memories, motives, perceptions, emotions, etc.–are not objective and finalized, but are in the process of construction as a function of one's sense of how one is placed in relation to others within varied discursive circumstances.
The role of plastic anisotropy in the fatigue behavior of zircaloy

The changes in the plastic properties and the mode of fracture were examined with highly textured Zircaloy under strain-controlled push-pull cyclic loading condition. Since the loading direction was nearly normal to the (0002) poles of hcp structure, deformation occurred predominantly by prism slip. Different twinning systems were also activated when the sign of shear stress changed. The magnitude of plastic anisotropy also changed differently for warm cross-rolled and recrystallized materials. In spite of these structural anomalies, the Coffin-Manson relationship was obeyed, independent of the particular method used for control of diametral strain limits. Depending on the particular orientation of specimen surface, the process of crack initiation could be closely related to the detailed slip morphology. The crack propagation, however, occurred in the direction normal to the surface where the corresponding plastic strain range was the largest. Twinning was also shown to contribute importantly to the process of fracture in the cyclic loading condition.
Angiotensin II Elevates Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Expression and Nitric Oxide Production Via a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade in Ovine Fetoplacental Artery Endothelial Cells

Normal pregnancy is associated with high angiotensin II (ANG II) concentrations in the maternal and fetal circulation. These high levels of ANG II may promote production vasodilators such as nitric oxide (NO). ANG II receptors are expressed in ovine fetoplacental artery endothelial (OFPAE) cells and mediate ANG II-stimulated OFPAE cell proliferation. Herein, we tested whether ANG II stimulated NO synthase 3 (NOS3, also known as eNOS) expression and total NO (NOx) production via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1, also known as ERK1/2) in OFPAE cells. ANG II elevated (P , 0.05) eNOS protein, but not mRNA levels with a maximum effect at 10 nM. ANG II also dose dependently increased (P , 0.05) NOx production with a maximal effect at doses of 1‐100 nM. Activation of ERK1/2 by ANG II was determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. ANG II rapidly induced positive staining for phosphorylated ERK1/2, appearing in cytosol after 1‐5 min of ANG II treatment, accumulating in nuclei after 10 min, and disappearing at 15 min. ANG II increased (P , 0.05) phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein levels. Activation of ERK1/2 was confirmed by an immunocomplex kinase assay using ELK1 as a substrate. PD98059 significantly inhibited ANG II-induced ERK1/2 activation, and the ANG II-elevated eNOS protein levels but only partially reduced ANG II-increased NOx production. Thus, in OFPAE cells, the ANG II increased NOx production is associated with elevated eNOS protein expression, which is mediated at least in part via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 and kinase2 (MAP2K1 and MAP2K2, known also as MEK1/2)/ERK1/2 cascade. Together with our previous observation that ANG II stimulates OFPAE cell proliferation, these data suggest that ANG II is a key regulator for both vasodilation and angiogenesis in the ovine fetoplacenta. growth factors, kinases, nitric oxide, placenta, signal transduction
Multiscale factors control community and species distribution in mountain peatlands

We studied the vegetation of 166 fens in Yellowstone National Park, USA, to determine the relationship between species distribution in mountain peatlands and regional-, landscape-, and local-scale ...
A self-mixing active antenna for communication and vehicle identification applications

A cavity backed, Gunn diode driven, self-mixing active inverted stripline circular patch antenna has been developed. The active antenna provides good radiation patterns with cross-polarization levels 18 dB below copolarization at boresight. The self-mixing performance shows that the circuit has a 2 dB conversion gain for IFs up to 450 MHz and a double sideband noise figure of 15 dB at 200 MHz. The antenna is suitable for use as a transceiver for short communications links or as a microwave identification transceiver.
Postprogram follow-up effects of paraprofessional intervention with high-risk women who abused alcohol and drugs during pregnancy

This study examined the postprogram follow-up status of mothers who abused alcohol and drugs heavily during a target pregnancy, were enrolled in the Parent–Child Assistance Program (PCAP), and received paraprofessional home visitation and advocacy for 3 years after delivery. Outcomes were examined across two time intervals: between program enrollment and 3-year exit, and between 3-year exit and postprogram follow-up an average of 2.5 years later. At postprogram follow-up we observed a significant increase in abstinence from alcohol and drugs for 6 months or more, and significant decreases in subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. These outcomes are of special importance because PCAP intervention efforts target behaviors that put mothers at risk for future alcohol and drug exposed births. A significant postprogram increase in living in permanent housing and a significant decrease in incarceration were other notable findings. We conclude that given specific program goals, facilitated linkages to appropriate community services, and the necessary time for gradual change to occur, supportive paraprofessional advocacy can assist many high-risk mothers in moving toward sustained recovery and improved stability even years after intervention. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 31: 211–222, 2003.
Optimal Design of Optimization Experiments

Experimental optimization methods are used to determine optimal decision policies in the cases where the functional form or parameter values are unknown. The optimal design of such experiments is developed in this paper for a variety of methods of experimentation. Parameter values are estimated, an optimal decision policy is obtained, and estimates of the expected gain from experimentation are derived. Expected gains are compared for alternative experimental designs. In particular, methods are derived for obtaining the optimal size, organization structure, and duration time of the experiment. The general methods are applied to the problem of design of a maintenance experiment to obtain the scheduled maintenance frequency that achieves maximum cost savings.
An iterative joint codebook and classifier improvement algorithm for finite-state vector quantization

A finite-state vector quantizer (FSVQ) is a multicodebook system in, which the current state (or codebook) is chosen as a function of the previously quantized vectors. The authors introduce a novel iterative algorithm for joint codebook and next state function design of full search finite-state vector quantizers. They consider the fixed-rate case, for which no optimal design strategy is known. A locally optimal set of codebooks is designed for the training data and then predecessors to the training vectors associated with each codebook are appropriately labelled and used in designing the classifier. The algorithm iterates between next state function and state codebook design until it arrives at a suitable solution. The proposed design consistently yields better performance than the traditional FSVQ design method (under identical state space and codebook constraints). >
Boundary Value Problems

A discussion is given of elliptic–hyperbolic boundary value problems, emphasizing quasilinear methods and Tricomi problems, and including examples of sonic lines having curvature. Recent work of S.-X. Chen on the nonlinear Lavrent’ev–Bitsadze equation is emphasized. A mixed Dirichlet–Neumann problem for an equation that arises in the context of plasma heating is reviewed; that problem introduces a tiny part of the deep theory on weak solutions to elliptic–hyperbolic boundary problems that is mainly due to Lupo, Morawetz, and Payne. The chapter also includes remarks on a nonuniformly elliptic Dirichlet problem, due to D. Serre, which arises in the context of an elliptic–hyperbolic problem in the plane with conditions at infinity.
Flow Visualization of Multi-Hole Film-Cooling Flow under Varying Freestream Turbulence Levels

A flat plate film cooling flow from a multi-exit hole configuration has been numerically simulated using both steady and unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS and URANS) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) formulations. This multi-exit hole concept, the Anti-Vortex Hole (AVH), has been developed and studied by previous research groups and shown to mitigate or counter the vorticity generated by conventional holes resulting in a more attached film cooling layer and higher film cooling effectiveness. The film cooling jets interaction with the free stream flow is a long studied area in gas turbine heat transfer. The present study numerically simulates the jet interaction with the multi-exit hole concept at a high blowing ratio (M = 2.0) and density ratio (DR = 2.0) in order to provide a more detailed, graphical explanation of the improvement in film cooling effectiveness. This paper presents a numerical study of the flow visualization of the interaction of film cooling jets with a subsonic crossflow. The contour plots of adiabatic cooling effectiveness were used to compare the multi-exit hole and conventional single hole configurations. The vortex structures in the flow were analyzed by URANS formulations and the effect of these vortices on the cooling effectiveness was investigated together with the coolant jet lift-off predictions. Quasi-Instantaneous Temperature Isosurface plots are used in the investigations of the effect of turbulence intensity on the cooling effectiveness and coolant jet coverage. The effect of varying turbulence intensity was investigated when analyzing the jets’ interaction with the cross flow and the corresponding temperatures at the wall. The results show that as the turbulence intensity is increased, the cooling flow will stay more attached to the wall and have more pronounced lateral spreading far downstream of the cooling holes.
Gravimetric Measurements of Moisture Uptake in Polyimide Films Used in Integrated Circuit Packaging

Polyimide is used extensively in a variety of integrated circuit packaging applications. It is a good dielectric material with excellent planarizing capabilities, but like most polymers, it absorbs moisture. This hygroscopic behavior can lead to reliability problems in integrated circuit packages. The effects of variations in process history on moisture uptake are examined using gravimetric measurement techniques. In particular, the effects of cure schedule and exposure to high temperature/high humidity environments on steady state moisture uptake are reported. Steady state moisture uptake is shown to be a decreasing function of cure temperature. Moreover, the steady state moisture uptake in polyimide is greater after the samples have been “aged” in a high temperature and humidity ambient. Electrical measurements are used to examine the effects of cure temperature on diffusion kinetics of moisture in polyimide. The diffusion coefficient decreases with increasing cure temperature.
ABSENCE OF CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM IDENTIFIES ASYMPTOMATIC DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS AT LOW SHORT-TERM BUT NOT LONG-TERM RISK OF MORTALITY

Data regarding coronary artery calcification (CAC) prognosis in diabetics are limited to 5 years follow-up. We investigated the long-term risk prediction of CAC in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. 9715 asymptomatic individuals undergoing CAC scoring were followed over 14.6 (12.9-16.8) years.
Mechanism of changes of cardiac β-adrenergic signal transduction and effects of β-adrenergic receptor blocker during heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats

Objectives To elucidate the molecular changes of the β-adrenoceptor (β-AR)system in a rat model of heart failure affer myocardial infarction,to study the role of β-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 (βARK1) in the progression of congestive heart failure,and to explore the mechanisms of β-adrenergic receptor blocker carvedilol in therapy of heart failure.Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left descending coronary artery ligation to produce myocardial infarction(MI) , or thoracotomy only(sham operation).The MI rats were randomly divided into 3-week group,4-week group,12-week group and carvedilol-treated group after operation. Simultaneously,the sham-operated rats were randomly divided into 3-week group,4-week group and 12-week group. Four weeks after operation, the rats in carvedilol-treated group were given carvedilol by gastric gavage for 8 weeks. The alteration of left ventricular function and remodeling,noradrenaline release in circulation,myocardial β-ARK1 levels and activity,β-AR signaling characteristics were observed.The effect of carvedilol on left ventricular function and remodeling,as well as the possible implication of the β-ARK1 during heart failure due to MI were investigated. Results (1) Physiological parameters of cardiac dysfunction in MI rats indicated cardiac remodeling and failing heart.(2) MI rats accompanied by heart failure showed reduced myocardial β-AR signaling,exhibiting functional uncoupling of myocardial β adrenergic receptors suggestive of β-AR desensitization.(3) MI rats accompanied by heart failure presented enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in elevated βARK1 expression and activity,which was consistent with cardiac remodeling and heart failure.(4) Heart failure due to MI can be attenuated by carvedilol via inhibiting βARK1 expression and βAKK1 activity.Conclusions Enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity was present in heart failure subsequent to MI and was the trigger for elevated βARK1 expression and βARK1 activity,resulting in functional uncoupling of myocardial β adrenergic receptors, β-AH desensitization,and reduced cardiac function.This suggests that βARK1-induced β-AR desensitization plays a critical role in the development of heart failure. βARK1 appears to be a novel target for carvedilol in the treatment of heart failure.