cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF LABORATORY TESTS TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHEMICAL SURFACE WASHING AGENTS

ABSTRACT When spilled oil reaches a shoreline, it coats a myriad of surfaces. In many cases, chemical agents are used to clean the shoreline substrates, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Both dispersants and surface washing agents have been used. In this study, the Environmental Protection Agency evaluated two of the four laboratory tests currently available to measure the effectiveness of surface washing agents: the inclined trough test and the swirling coupon test. The agency used two standard reference oils (Prudhoe Bay and bunker C), two test surfaces (stainless steel and porcelain tile), and three cleaning agents (Corexit 9580, Corexit 7664, and Citrikleen XPC) to evaluate the precision, cost, and ease of operations of the two tests. The study concluded that the overall performance of the two tests is similar but that costs for the inclined trough test are lower. Overall, there is concern as to whether any of the four existing tests are appropriate measures of surface washing agent effectiveness...
Interstitial Silica in Deep-Sea Sediments from the North Pacific

Dissolved silica concentrations in pore waters from North Pacific deep-sea sediments fall into two groups. Oxidized deposits contain 22 to 35 ppm, whereas reduced sediments contain 10 to 19 ppm. All pore waters were extracted at in situ temperatures, and all sediments contain opaline silica in the form of diatom frustules and radiolarian tests. At 2°C, it appears that the pore waters are grossly undersaturated with respect to sepiolite and undersaturated relative to amorphous silica, but are slightly supersaturated relative to talc. The reduced deposits appear nearest to equilibrium with talc, suggesting that reactions in the oxidized sediments may be inhibited by “armoring” of particles by ferric hydroxide coatings.
Increased latencies to initiate cocaine self-administration following laterodorsal tegmental nucleus lesions.

Abstract Cholinergic input to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), origin of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system that is critical for cocaine reward, is important for both cocaine seeking and cocaine taking. The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) provides one of the two major sources of excitatory cholinergic input to the VTA, but little is known of the role of the LDTg in cocaine reward. LDTg cholinergic cells express urotensin-II receptors and here we used local microinjections of a conjugate of the endogenous ligand for these receptors with diphtheria toxin (Dtx::UII) to lesion the cholinergic cells of the LDTg in rats previously trained to self-administer cocaine (1 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.). Lesioned rats showed long latencies to initiate cocaine self-administration after treatment with the toxin, which resulted in a reduction in cocaine intake per session. Priming injections reduced latencies to initiate responding for cocaine in lesioned rats, and once they began to respond the rats regulated their moment-to-moment cocaine intake within normal limits. Thus we conclude that while LDTg cholinergic cell loss does not significantly alter the rewarding effects of cocaine, LDTg lesions can reduce the rat's responsiveness to cocaine-predictive stimuli.
Relapse prevention strategies and techniques in sex therapy

Research and clinical reports have documented the effectiveness of sex therapy interventions, but surprisingly little work has been done on how to maintain therapeutic gains and prevent relapse. This clinically oriented paper describes successful use of techniques, including keeping couple dates after the termination of formal sessions, use of six-month follow-ups for two years, continual utilization of nonintercourse pleasuring sessions, making sure lapses do not become relapses, setting realistic couple goals, initiating intimacy dates, and designing a generalization program. The clinician's goal is not simply to restore sexual functioning, but to help the couple build a satisfying sexual style which will continue to reinforce and energize the marital bond.
Modification of the quantitative DNA assay using adriamycin.

Abstract A modification of the adriamycin quantitative assay for DNA is presented which is sensitive to 1–20 μg DNA. The assay is simple, rapid, and highly reproducible but, contrary to previous claims, not specific for DNA, RNA interferes with the assay while protein does not. The mechanism and sensitivity of the assay is interpreted with reference to published data on adriamycin DNA binding.
Composite models of modular intermeshing corotating and tangential counter‐rotating twin screw extruders

Composite models of the flow rate and pressure profiles in modular intermeshing corotating and tangenital counter-rotating twin screw extruders are developed. The simulation of the intermeshing corotating machine involves both screw and kneading disc elements, including left- and right-handed sections. The conditions under which starvation behavior develops in sections of the screws are discussed.
Radiation protection design for a clinical positron emission tomography imaging suite.

AbstractRadiation exposures due to patient sources, a pneumatic transport system, and gas lines in a positron emission tomography imaging facility are estimated for heavy clinical work loads. For simple source approximations and estimated study activities and times, exposure rates are computed that
On the finite sample breakdown points of redescending M-estimates of location

Abstract The finite sample breakdown points of scale equivariate redescending M -estimates of location are studied. In particular, a simple lower bound for the finite sample breakdown point of redescending M -estimates of location is given whenever the M -estimate of location is defined using the median absolute deviation about the median (MAD) as a scaling term. This lower bound is close to 0.49 for many common cases and depends on the configuration of the “good” data only through breakdown point of the MAD.
Microscopic stationary states for stochastic systems with particle flux

Let ηt be the symmetric nearest neighbor simple exclusion process on ℤ3 modified to allow the spontaneous creation and destruction of particles at the origin. We study the invariant measures for the system in this non-equilibrium situation, for which a net current of particles flows from the origin. We analyze the n-point correlations of the invariant measures, which for n=2 behave like max (x1x2)−4.
Incremental four-dimensional variational data assimilation of positive-definite oceanic variables using a logarithm transformation

Abstract A data assimilation method for positive-definite variables is investigated and applied to a 1-Dimensional (1D) advection–diffusion model and a 3-variable nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton (NPZ) model. Conventional data assimilation methods that assume Gaussian distributed errors are problematic for most biogeochemical models because they do not constrain posterior estimates for concentration-based variables to be positive-definite. We apply the approach outlined by Fletcher (2010) that formulates the 4-dimensional variational (4DVAR) assimilation problem assuming lognormally distributed errors. This approach is sensible because many biogeochemical variables are better represented by lognormal than by Gaussian statistics, and it ensures positive-definite state variables. We introduce the incremental formulation of lognormal 4DVAR (L4DVAR) and consider two solutions – incremental mode (imode) and incremental median (imedian) which approximate the mode and the median of different posterior probability density functions. In a simple 0D test case, the two solutions performed similarly with small observation and background uncertainty, but the imedian solution resulted in smaller geometric bias and root-mean-squared error as uncertainty increased. Both solutions of incremental L4DVAR using a 1D linear advection–diffusion model and a nonlinear NPZ model reduce misfit between the model and observations significantly in various assimilation settings and yield a positive-definite adjusted state. We report also on the success of the incremental L4DVAR approach when model error is introduced.
Oxidation-Reduction Kinetics in MnO

The oxidation-reduction kinetics of MnO in CO/CO2 atmospheres at 1230°C were measured by gravimetric and electrical conductivity techniques. The dependence of the kinetics on time, inert gas dilution, total pressure, and specimen thickness indicates that the kinetics are controlled by a slow surface reaction step. Attempts to analyze the data quantitatively using equations for linear heat flow in a solid with a radiation boundary condition were unsuccessful.
Nature-deficit disorder: evidence, dosage, and treatment

Claims have long been made of the health-promoting effects of contact with ‘nature’, but these claims have only recently been subjected to rigorous scientific testing. A strong body of evidence is now in hand. An array of studies ranging from rigorous experiments to large-scale epidemiological work has tied nature to health for outcomes ranging from childhood obesity, to immune functioning and rates of physician-diagnosed disease in adults, to longevity in older adults. Moreover, enough evidence has accumulated to begin to answer key questions about the dosage of nature needed to promote health. Do all forms of nature seem to help? Do small bits of nature help, or is some minimum level required for an effect? Similarly, to what extent is an explicit focus on nature necessary – are effects limited to fishing, hiking, gardening, and the like? The evidence to date suggests, broadly, that total exposure is important; all forms and quantities of exposure are helpful; and the greener the better. From these insi...
Heat transfer of an impinging jet on a flat surface

Abstract Heat transfer between a uniformly heated flat plate and an impinging circular air jet was investigated experimentally to determine the values of the local and average Nusselt numbers, particularly for small values of Reynolds number and jet spacing. A heat transfer correlation was developed, which extends the existing database to Reynolds number and jet spacing values as low as 6000 and one jet diameter, respectively. Experimental results provided useful information of interest to potential industrial applications regarding the radius of the heat transfer area and jet spacing for maximizing the average Nusselt number.
The death of the Count: Novelesque Invention in the "Crónica de Fernán González"

Many of the monastically-inspired legends associated with the historical Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar are thought to have formed part of a lost *Estoria del Cid 1 whose final section, known as the *Leyenda de Cardena, was transcribed into chapters 947–62 of the Primera Cronica General.2 The Leyenda recounts a series of novelesque episodes that both precede and follow the death of the hero. These include the embassy of the Sultan of Persia who sends balsam and unguents with which the Cid's body is ultimately embalmed, the appearance of St Peter who announces Rodrigo's imminent death, the Castilian victory over the Moorish King Bucar and his forces, the hero's funeral at Cardena, and the final miracle performed when a Jewish visitor to the Cid's tabernacle attempts to pluck the dead warrior's beard.
Evaluating Implementation of Schoolwide Behavior Support: Are We Doing It Well?

This article describes the procedures and utility of the Benchmarks of Quality as part of a comprehensive evaluation plan to assess the universal level of implementation fidelity of behavior support for a school. However, results can also be examined to determine the level of implementation fidelity across a district or state for ongoing behavioral training and technical assistance planning. A recent factor analysis and validation of various administration techniques has changed the content of the instrument and are discussed. The purpose of this article is to describe how practitioners can use the Benchmarks of Quality from administration to analysis and eventually to corrective action planning in addressing behavior successfully across individual schools and districts.
Analysis of gene-derived SNP marker polymorphism in US wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

In this study, we developed 359 detection primers for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously discovered within intron sequences of wheat genes and used them to evaluate SNP polymorphism in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These SNPs showed an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.18 among 20 US elite wheat cultivars, representing seven market classes. This value increased to 0.23 when SNPs were pre-selected for polymorphisms among a diverse set of 13 hexaploid wheat accessions (excluding synthetic wheats) used in the wheat SNP discovery project (http://wheat.pw.usda.gov/SNP). PIC values for SNP markers in the D genome were approximately half of those for the A and B genomes. D genome SNPs also showed a larger PIC reduction relative to the other genomes (P < 0.05) when US cultivars were compared with the more diverse set of 13 wheat accessions. Within those accessions, D genome SNPs show a higher proportion of alleles with low minor allele frequencies (<0.125) than found in the other two genomes. These data suggest that the reduction of PIC values in the D genome was caused by differential loss of low frequency alleles during the population size bottleneck that accompanied the development of modern commercial cultivars. Additional SNP discovery efforts targeted to the D genome in elite wheat germplasm will likely be required to offset the lower diversity of this genome. With increasing SNP discovery projects and the development of high-throughput SNP assay technologies, it is anticipated that SNP markers will play an increasingly important role in wheat genetics and breeding applications.
Resection of Left Ventricular Tumor Using Videocardioscopy and Echocardiography

Assessment of large cardiac tumors requires careful definition of the extent, cell type, and degree of invasiveness to determine the best operative management. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography were helpful, but limited in the assessment and management in the case of a 19-year-old pregnant woman with a large (9 x 5.5-cm) left ventricular mass. Intraoperative echocardiography and videocardioscopy facilitated precise operative decisions and management. Successful resection was achieved without the need for cardiac transplantation. This case demonstrates the complexity of the diagnosis and management of large cardiac tumors.
HUR DEPENDENT REGULATION OF CENTROSOMES

BACKGROUND: The RNA-binding protein, HuR is over-expressed in glioma and controls mRNA stabilization and translation in centrosomes. Alterations in HuR phosphorylation promote centrosomal abnormalities. METHODS: Primary and established glioma cell lines were utilized. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence techniques were used to confirm localization of HuR in the PCM. Immunoprecipitation and kinase assays were used to document HuR interaction with and phosphorylation by SRC and ABL1. RESULTS: HuR association with the pericentriolar matrix (PCM) is growth factor dependent and facilitates centrosome amplification and genomic instability in glioma. The SRC and ABL1 kinases are possible regulators of the HuR association with pericentriolar matrix and phosphorylate HuR. CONCLUSIONS: HuR is involved in the regulation of genomic instability through growth factor and centrosome dependent pathways in glioma. We provide the evidence of HuR regulation by SRC and ABL1 kinases in U251 cells and discuss molecular and cellular consequences of this interaction. SECONDARY CATEGORY: n/a.
Weakly embedded 2-local subgroups of finite groups

In [6], we obtained a strengthened form of Gorenstein’s signalizer functor theorem. In this paper, we apply this result to obtain a classification of finite simple groups which contain a “weakly embedded” 2-local subgroup. As an application, we then give a characterization of the smallest Suzuki group by its SyIow Z-subgroup, a result also obtained by Brauer (unpublished). In a forthcoming paper, we will derive further consequences. For example, we will prove that the exponent of a Sylow 2-subgroup of a simple group is bounded as a function of its nilpotence class. The proof is basically an application of the signalizer functor theorem [6]> which is used to show that the minimal counterexample contains a “stronglyembedded” subgroup, at which point we quote the fundamental classification theorem of Bender [2].
Regulation of Follicle Differentiation by Gonadotropins and Growth Factors

The rate of ovulation is determined by, among other things, the availability of small follicles that can be recruited into the follicular hierarchy. A decrease in the rate of lay with, for instance, aging has been attributed to both an increase in the rate of atresia and a decrease in the number of small, growing follicles that provide the pool from which follicles are selected into the final growth phase (the preovulatory hierarchy). Among the most important endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors that mediate follicle growth and differentiation are the gonadotropins and growth factors. A better understanding of gonadotropin-growth factor interactions that occur during follicle selection and differentiation should lead to the development of management practices or genetic manipulations (Mendelian or molecular) that will enhance the rate of lay at times during the production cycle when egg production is suboptimal.
A group-based spatial decision support system for wind farm site selection in Northwest Ohio

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of applying a spatial decision support system (SDSS) framework for evaluating the suitability for wind farm siting in Northwest Ohio. The multiple criteria evaluation (MCE) prototype system is intended for regional planning but also for promoting group decision making that could involve participants with different interests in the development of decision alternatives. The framework integrates environmental and economic criteria and builds a hierarchy for wind farm siting using weighted linear combination (WLC) techniques and GIS functionality. The SDSS allows the multiple participants to interact and develop an understanding of the spatial data for assigning importance values to each factor. The WLC technique is used to combine the assigned values with map layers, which are standardized using fuzzy set theory, to produce individual suitability maps. The maps created by personal preferences from the participants are aggregated for producing a group solution using the Borda method. Sensitivity analysis is performed on the group solution to examine how small changes in the factor weights affect the calculated suitability scores. The results from the sensitivity analysis are intended to aid understanding of compromised solutions through changes in the input data from the participant's perspective.
Molecular Interaction between Organophosphorus Acid Anhydrolase and Diisopropylfluorophosphate

Organophosphorus acid anhydrolases (OPAA; E.C.3.1.8.2) are a class of enzymes that hydrolyze a variety of toxic acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including pesticides and fluorine-containing chemical nerve agents. In this paper, subphase conditions have been optimized to obtain stable OPAA Langmuir films, and the diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by OPAA in aqueous solution and at the air-water interface was studied. OPAA-DFP interactions were investigated utilizing different spectroscopic techniques, that is, circular dichroism and fluorescence in aqueous solution and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopies at the air-water interface. The characterization of OPAA and its secondary structure in aqueous solution and as a monolayer at the air-water interface in the absence and in the presence of DFP dissolved in aqueous solution or in the aqueous subphase demonstrated significantly distinctive features. The research described herein demonstrated that OPAA can be used in an enzyme-based biosensor for DFP detection.
A note on the isometry group of the hyperbolic plane

This note concerns \(G\), the connected component of the identity of the isometries of the hyperbolic plane. \(G\) operates on the closed unit disk. Here we characterize \(G\) both as a Lie group among the centerless, connected, real semisimple Lie groups of noncompact type as having no two dimensional abelian Lie subgroups, then as a transformation group: any two nontrivial isometries of \(G\) commute if and only if they have the same fixed point set, this property being particular to \(G\) among all isometry groups of irreducible symmetric spaces of noncompact type. From this it follows that any subgroup of \(G\) with a nontrivial center is abelian. In particular, each nilpotent subgroup of \(G\) is abelian. Finally, we uniquely characterize SO\((2,1)\) among the centerless, connected, real simple Lie groups of noncompact type with this property.
Tailor-made macromolecules by carbocationic techniques.

Recent insight into the mechanism of carbocationic polymerizations have led to significant advances toward the synthesis of many types of unique well-defined macromolecules. Elucidation of details of initiation yielded polyisobutylylstyrene macromer CH2=CH–C6H4–PIB, the free-radical solution copolymerization of which with various acrylates led to new grafts, e.g., poly(butyl acrylate-g-isobutylene). The inifer technique led to α,ω)-di(t-chloro)polyisobutylene which was converted in 100% yield to α,ω)-bis(2-methyl-2-propenyl)polyisobutylene which upon hydroboration and alkaline oxidation resulted in 100% yield in α,ω-bis(3-hydroxyl-2-methylpropyl)polyisobutylene, HOCH2–PIB-CH2OH. Extensive characterization research of the latter α,ω-primary diol indicated Fn (average terminal functionality)=2.0. This α,ω-primary diol in conjunction with 2,4-toluene diisocyanate gave new polyurethanes with polyisobutylene soft segments. On account of their saturated hydrocarbon soft-segments these polyurethanes promise to exhibit improved UV, chemical and hydrolytic stability. Analysis of kinetic factors that control the rates of termination, chain transfer to monomer, initiation and propagation, Rt, Rtr,M, Ri, Rp, led to the prediction and subsequent experimental demonstration of quasiliving carbocationic polymerizations. Under quasiliving conditions the system behaves as though Rt=0, Rtr,M=0, and Ri>Rp. Quasiliving polymerizations have been obtained with α-methylstyrene and isobutylene monomers. The molecular weights of polymers obtained under quasiliving conditions obey DPn=Mtotal/[I]0, where Mtotal is monomer input and [I]0 is initial initiator concentration. Increased understanding of termination processes led to polymers with desirable terminal functionalities, e.g., chlorine, cyclopentadiene, and phenyl. The controlled combination of mechanistic elements, i.e., controlled initiation, propagation (absence of chain transfer to monomer) and termination has resulted in the synthesis of the first graft-block copolymer, poly[chloroprene-g-(isobutylene-b-α-methylstyrene)] by carbocationic techniques.
Somatosensory feedback refines the perception of hand shape with respect to external constraints

Motor commands issued by the CNS are based upon memories of past experiences with similar objects, the current state of the hand and arm postures, and sensory input. Thus widespread somatosensory information is available to form precise representations of hand shape on which to base motor commands to match a desired posture or movement. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which somatosensory information reflecting external influences on independent finger movement is incorporated into the perception of hand shape driving the motor command. To address this issue, a matching task was performed while pairs of fingers in the grasping hand were constrained to move in tandem when grasping familiar objects. The hypothesis was that motor commands would be driven by comparison of the online sensory information from the matching hand to a desired somatosensory state determined by the current somatosensory input from the grasping hand. The results demonstrated that multi-muscle patterns of activation and hand postures were altered with respect to the external constraint on independent finger movement. A secondary aim of this study was to examine the influence of sensory information on the structure of the multi-muscle patterns. The hypothesis was that the same synergies (patterns of activation across muscles) would be used to complete the task but would be rescaled with respect to condition. The results demonstrated that rescaling the patterns of multi-muscle activity from the unconstrained condition could not equivalently represent those from the constrained conditions. Thus it appears that external restriction of independent finger movement was signaled by somatosensory feedback and incorporated into the desired state driving the motor command resulting in selective activation of groups of muscles.
Is Love Seen as Different for the Obese?1

In order to assess how actual obesity and stereotypes of obesity affect perceptions of love, 222 college students completed an anonymous questionnaire concerning their experiences with love, including the Love Attitudes Scale (LAS) of Hendrick and Hendrick (1986). They then saw a photograph of a male or female who appeared fat or normal weight and responded to an identical questionnaire as they thought the pictured person would. Subjects' obesity was unrelated to dating or marital experience, self-esteem, or LAS subscales. However, fatter stimulus persons were judged to be less attractive, lower in self-esteem, less likely to be dating, less Erotic, less Ludic, and more Manic on the LAS, and to deserve a fatter, uglier love partner. Gender differences were similar to those found in previous studies, with gender stereotypes generally reflecting an exaggeration of actual sex differences. These findings were consistent with the theory that obese people are stereotyped as having fewer resources to contribute to a relationship.
Using OMNITAB interactively in a statistics laboratory

OMNITAB is an interpretive computing system that enables the nonprogrammer to use a large digital computer to perform a large variety of calculations and manipulations on tabulated data without any prior knowledge of computers and computer languages. This language has been used successfully in an undergraduate statistics laboratory, and a description of this use is given. Modifications designed to make OMNITAB more efficient for teaching purposes are also described.
Comparative Study of Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Detection Methods for Liquid-Phase Photoionization

The photovoltaic method for the detection of liquid-phase photoionization in the absence of an applied electric field is compared to the traditional photoconductive method. Each system is characterized by means of signal and signal-to-noise ratio measurements with respect to laser pulse energy, applied voltage, electrode separation distance, solute concentration, and solvent composition. Although both techniques exhibit similar detection limits (1 × 10-7 M) for solutes in polar solvents such as methanol and water, the photovoltaic technique has a more extensive linear dynamic range (103). Moreover, this technique allows detection of solutes in ionic solutions with comparable detectability and linearity.
Tourette's syndrome: when habit-forming systems form habits of their own?

Current conceptualizations of TS have been shaped by advances in systems neuroscience and the emerging understanding of the role of the basal ganglia in implicit learning and habit formation. Although the evidence that the same mechanisms are involved in both habit formation and tics is circumstantial, recent progress in neuroanatomy, systems neuroscience, and functional in vivo neuroimaging has set the stage for a major advance in our understanding of TS. Continued success in these areas will lead to the targeting of specific brain circuits for more intensive study. Diagnostic, treatment, and prognostic advances can also be anticipated, e.g., which circuits are involved and to what degree? How does that degree of involvement affect the patient's symptomatic course and outcome? Will it be possible to track treatment response using neuroimaging techniques? And will specific circuit-based therapies using deep-brain stimulation emerge to treat refractory cases (Vandewalle et al. 1999xStereotactic treatment of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome by high frequency stimulation of thalamus. Vandewalle, V, van der Linden, C, Groenewegen, H.J, and Caemaert, J. Lancet. 1999; 353: 724Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all ReferencesVandewalle et al. 1999)?The identification of susceptibility genes in TS will doubtless point in new therapeutic directions for treatment, as will the characterization of the putative autoimmune mechanisms active in the PANDAS subgroup of patients. Given this potential, TS can be considered a model disorder to study the dynamic interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, epigenetic events, and neurobiological systems active during early brain development. It is likely that the research paradigms utilized in these studies and many of the empirical findings resulting from them will be relevant to other disorders of childhood onset and to our understanding of normal development.‡To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail: james.leckman@yale.edu).
Protein complexes in transport vesicle targeting

The transport of material between membrane-bounded organelles in eukaryotic cells requires the accurate delivery of different classes of carrier vesicles to specific target compartments. Recent studies indicate that different targeting reactions involve distinct protein complexes that act to mark the target organelle for incoming vesicles. This review focuses on the proteins and protein complexes that have been implicated in various targeting reactions.
Common Cardiac Pathologies Associated with Aortic Stenosis

Given the inoperability of many patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), numerous other cardiac pathologies are often present. These can be represented a myriad of conditions that may alter the planned approach to TAVR. The evaluation of these conditions include traditional techniques such as echocardiography but often require advanced imaging methods including multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This chapter delineates the diagnostic approach to three commonly encountered pathologies in patients with critical aortic stenosis, including mitral regurgitation, prior myocardial infarction, asymmetric septal hypertrophy. Further we describe the current practice and highlight the needs for specific research pertaining to this concomitant cardiac pathologies in patients undergoing TAVR.
Children's Emotional Security in the Interparental Relationship

In response to the societal premium placed on understanding the difficulties faced by children from high-conflict homes, emotional security theory aims to understand precisely how and why interparental discord is associated with children's psychological problems. One of its main premises is that interparental discord increases children's vulnerability to mental illness by undermining their sense of safety or security in the context of the interparental relationship. In this article, we highlight the main assumptions of a new ethological formulation of emotional security theory and its predictions and findings regarding the organization, precursors, and consequences of individual differences in children's emotional insecurity. We conclude with a synopsis of the value of the new formulation for future work.
Persistence modeling of angularly dependent synthetic aperture radar imagery

An image persistence framework is developed to analyze azimuthally varying synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The model focuses on cases containing rich aspect data from a single depression angle. The goal is to replace the data's intrinsic viewing geometry dependencies with target-specific dependencies. Both direct mapping functions and cost functions are presented for data transformation. An intensity-only mapping function is realized to illustrate the persistence model in terms of a canonical example, visualization, and classification. The limitations of an intensity-only mapping function are also discussed. Because the new image-space output from the persistence model is closely tied to the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of two different targets and not to the collection geometry, it shows promise for integration into various automated target recognition (ATR) algorithms. Target classification potential was tested using the MSTAR database and simplified template matching schemes. The intensity-only transformation function permits a very low number of persistence images to represent the general RF target characteristics of an assortment of vehicles. The ability to represent target characteristics with relatively low resources could also be beneficial in ATR applications. Overall, the persistence framework shows strong potential as a new tool that can be used in the analysis of multiaspect SAR images.
Training Faculty To Use Technology In The Classroom

Universities across the globe have in recent years been presented with unparalleled opportunities associated with advances in technology, but these opportunities are paired with numerous challenges. One such challenge is to ensure that faculty and staff are adequately trained in the new technologies. This paper describes the efforts of one College of Business in the Midwestern United States to prepare its faculty to operate in a technologically advanced environment in which both faculty and students use laptop computers in the classroom. This paper details the process the College went through to design and implement the training program and discusses the challenges and accomplishments of the program.
An Integrated Approach to Analyzing the Nature of Multicomponent Fiber Blending: Part II: Experimental Analysis of Structural and Attributive Blending

In this part of our study, we report the results of an experimental analysis of the structural and attributive blending modes discussed in Part I. This analysis results in a number of interesting findings relevant to the nature of multiple-component fiber blends. In the case of cotton/cotton blends, cotton fibers of substantially different length and fineness values can be blended together, provided that an adjustment is made to yield a proportionally balanced structural blending. The results also indicate that blending cotton fibers with substantially different levels of maturity and elongation may result in an attributive bias toward the fiber component exhibiting poor maturity and low elongation. When cotton and polyester fibers are blended together, there is severe bi-modality in the blended fiber length distribution. This bi-modality can occur even if the blend profile exhibits a linear pattern. When low-strength/high-elongation polyester is blended with high-strength/low-elongation cotton, nonlinear...
Immune Complex Disease With a Lupus-like Pattern of Deposition in an Antinuclear Antibody–Negative Patient

Immune complex–mediated glomerulonephritis can be caused by a multitude of disease processes and may manifest in a variety of histologic patterns. Lupus nephritis is an immune complex disease, the diagnosis of which requires that the affected patient have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the absence of SLE, the finding of glomerulonephritis with certain patterns of immune complex deposition characteristic of lupus nephritis has been referred to as lupus-like glomerulonephritis. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, complement C3, and C1q deposition in glomerular immune deposits is one such pattern. We report a case of immune complex disease in a primarily membranous distribution with mesangial, subendothelial, and tubular basement membrane deposits with IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and C1q deposition in a patient with proteinuria, photosensitive dermatitis, and a positive lupus anticoagulant test. The patient had 3 of the clinical criteria for SLE, thus failing to meet the diagnosis based on the American College of Rheumatology definition. In this case, a diagnosis of lupus-like glomerulonephritis was made after other causes of membranous glomerulopathy were excluded. This teaching case highlights the broad differential diagnosis of this pattern of injury and reviews similar cases in the literature.
Effect of nephrotic syndrome on homocysteine metabolism

Background. Proteinuria and hyperhomocysteinaemia are independently associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The available data on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are contradictory with increased, decreased and unchanged values reported by different investigators. The majority of Hcy in the plasma is bound to albumin whose urinary losses and diminished plasma concentration are the defining features of NS. The present study was designed to explore the effect of NS on plasma concentration and urinary excretion of Hcy and hepatic expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), the key enzymes in remethylation and trans-sulphuration of Hcy, respectively. Methods.Sprague–DawleyratswererenderednephroticbyIP injection of puromycin aminonucleoside. Urine and plasma were used for measurement of Hcy, and the liver was processed for assessment of MTHFR and CBS protein expression. Results. Compared with the controls, nephrotic rats showed heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, normal plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance, reduced plasma Hcy, increased urinary Hcy, and downregulation of CBS but not MTHFR expression. Plasma Hcy correlated directly with plasma albumin and inversely with urinary protein excretion. The urinary Hcy excretion correlated directly with urine protein excretion. Conclusions. NS results in significant reduction in plasma total Hcy concentration which is due to the reduction in albumin-bound Hcy as opposed to the free Hcy fraction. This is coupled with increased urinary excretion of albuminbound Hcy. In addition, NS results in down-regulation of CBS which can curtail conversion of Hcy to cysteine and reduce production of H2S which is an important endogenous signalling molecule.
Ovine Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: Nucleotide Sequence and Expression in Fetal Tissues

To examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mediating angiogenesis and vascular permeability during fetal development, we determined the gene expression of VEGF in ovine fetal tissues. Further, we cloned and sequenced the ovine VEGF cDNA encoding VEGF164 from sheep placenta. VEGF protein was localized in epithelial cells of the placenta and fetal kidney, and in hepatocytes of the fetal liver. By Northern analysis, a major VEGF mRNA species of 3.7 kb was identified in all tissues examined, with abundance highest in the lung and lowest in the liver. The most prominent molecular form expressed in ovine fetal tissues appeared to be VEGF164 with low levels of expression of VEGF120 and VEGF188. Cloning and sequence analysis of the most abundant form of ovine VEGF cDNA in the placenta confirmed the prediction of a 164-amino acid peptide, with a putative N-terminal signal sequence of 26 amino acids. Comparison of the VEGF cDNA sequence among different species revealed that VEGF is highly c...
Bayesian image reconstruction

A Bayesian method is described for solving problems in image reconstruction from projections. The approach utilizes a Gibbs distribution to incorporate a priori spatial information. The model has been used for reconstruction of simulated data, data from phantom studies, and real scanning data. The results indicate that the technique has the potential to provide both improvement in spatial resolution and reduction of noise. >
Land plant extinction at the end of the Cretaceous: a quantitative analysis of the North Dakota megafloral record

We present a quantitative analysis of megafloral turnover across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (K/T) based on the most complete record, which comes from the Williston Basin in southwestern North Dakota. More than 22,000 specimens of 353 species have been recovered from 161 localities in a stratigraphic section that is continuous across and temporally calibrated to the K/T and two paleomagnetic reversals. Floral composition changes dynamically during the Cretaceous, shifts sharply at the K/T, and is virtually static during the Paleocene. The K/T is associated with the loss of nearly all dominant species, a significant drop in species richness, and no subsequent recovery. Only 29 of 130 Cretaceous species that appear in more than one stratigraphic level (non-singletons) cross the K/T. Only 11 non-singletons appear first during the Paleocene. The survivors, most of which were minor elements of Cretaceous floras, dominate the impoverished Paleocene floras. Confidence intervals show that the range terminations of most Cretaceous plant taxa are well sampled. We infer that nearly all species with last appearances more than about 5 m below (approximately 70 Kyr before) the K/T truly disappeared before the boundary because of normal turnover dynamics and climate changes; these species should not be counted as K/T victims. Maxima of last appearances occur from 5 to 3 m below the K/T. Interpretation of these last appearances at a fine stratigraphic scale is problematic because of local facies changes, and megafloral data alone, even with confidence intervals, are not sufficient for precise location of an extinction horizon. For this purpose, we rely on high-resolution palynological data previously recovered from continuous facies in the same sections; these place a major plant extinction event precisely at the K/T impact horizon. Accordingly, we interpret the significant cluster of last appearances less than 5 m below the K/T as the signal of a real extinction at the K/T that is recorded slightly down section. A maximum estimate of plant extinction, based on species lost that were present in the uppermost 5 m of Cretaceous strata, is 57%. Palynological data, with higher stratigraphic but lower taxonomic resolution than the megafloral results, provide a minimum estimate of a 30% extinction. The 57% estimate is significantly lower than previous megafloral observations, but these were based on a larger thickness of latest Cretaceous strata, including most of a globally warm interval, and were less sensitive to turnover before the K/T. The loss of one-third to three-fifths of plant species supports a scenario of sudden ecosystem collapse, presumably caused by the Chicxulub impact.
GridCopy: Moving Data Fast on the Grid

An important type of communication in grid and distributed computing environments is bulk data transfer. GridFTP has emerged as a de facto standard for secure, reliable, high-performance data transfer across resources on the grid. GridCopy provides a simple GridFTP client interface to users and extensible configuration that can be changed dynamically by administrators to make efficient data movement in the Grid easier for users.
CRP: A Routing Protocol for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks

Cognitive radio (CR) technology enables the opportunistic use of the vacant licensed frequency bands, thereby improving the spectrum utilization. However, the CR operation must not interfere with the transmissions of the licensed or primary users (PUs), and this is generally achieved by incurring a trade-off in the CR network performance. In order to evaluate this trade-off, a distributed CR routing protocol for ad hoc networks (CRP) is proposed that makes the following contributions: (i) explicit protection for PU receivers that are generally not detected during spectrum sensing, (ii) allowing multiple classes of routes based on service differentiation in CR networks, and (iii) scalable, joint route-spectrum selection. A key novelty of CRP is the mapping of spectrum selection metrics, and local PU interference observations to a packet forwarding delay over the control channel. This allows the route formation undertaken over a control channel to capture the environmental and spectrum information for all the intermediate nodes, thereby reducing the computational overhead at the destination. Results reveal the importance of formulating the routing problem from the viewpoint of safeguarding the PU communication, which is a unique feature in CR networks.
What is Neurofeedback: An Update

Written to educate both professionals and the general public, this article provides an update and overview of the field of neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback). The process of assessment and neurofeedback training is explained. Then, areas in which neurofeedback is being used as a treatment are identified and a survey of research findings is presented. Potential risks, side effects, and adverse reactions are cited and guidelines provided for selecting a legitimately qualified practitioner.
Charge and Photoionization Properties of Single Semiconductor Nanocrystals

The electrostatic charge and photoionization characteristics of 5-nm CdSe nanocrystals were directly observed with electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) in dry air at room temperature. Measurements were made on individual nanocrystals, as well as on those in self-assembled rafts. Nanocrystals are initially charge neutral if protected from sources of light. However, over a few weeks some nanocrystals develop a single positive charge if exposed to ambient light. The determination of the charge magnitude per nanocrystal within the framework of EFM theory is described. EFM measurements with simultaneous above band gap laser photoexcitation provide direct evidence of nanocrystal photoionization. A small percentage of photoionized nanocrystals exhibit a blinking behavior in their charge. The linear dependence of nanocrystal photoionization rates on excitation intensity indicates that the ionization process occurs via a single photon. EFM measurements of core/shell CdSe nanocrystals show that photoionization is slower in the presence of an electron barrier at the nanocrystal surface. Photoionization and subsequent neutralization are quantitatively modeled with a twolevel system.
A Rhetorician's View of Religious Speech in Civic Argument

This paper examines the role of religious speech in democratic civic argument by challenging liberal methods of addressing the issue of religious speech with a more rhetorical view of civic argument. The primary issue, from this perspective, is whether or not rhetoric's own constitutive restraints are adequate to address the risks of religious speech. After a brief analysis of liberal methods, the rhetorical nature of civic argument is described, and both the risks of religious speech and the constitutive restraints are examined.
The Palo Alto Group: Difficulties and Directions of the Interactional View for Human Communication Research.

During the past two decades the network of communication researchers known informally as the “Palo Alto Group” has published several hundred articles and more than 20 books on what has been variously termed the “New Communication” and the “Interactional View.” The work of this group, however, has been largely neglected in human communication research. The objectives of this essay are: (1) to summarize the theoretical and epistemological bases of the Interactional View, noting the pragmatic instances for which this framework is invoked as explanation and justification; (2) to introduce some of the conceptual and methodological difficulties which need be addressed in formulating appropriate research; and (3) to suggest several general and specific directions for research in human communication.