cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation of Heart-to-Mediastinal Ratio in 123I-mIBG Cardiac Sympathetic Imaging: Its Affecting Factors and Potential Corrections

Studies have repeatedly shown the utility of 123I-mIBG cardiac sympathetic imaging for identifying symptomatic heart failure patients most likely to experience adverse cardiac events. Delayed heart-to-mediastinal ratio (H/M) and washout rate derived from meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) scintigraphy have been used to monitor response to medical treatment. However, there is great variation of H/M ratio among publications from various institutions. The current article systemically reviews factors that can potentially affect H/M ratio, particularly the acquisition parameters, and proposes new approaches and/or procedures to standardize the imaging procedure and minimize the variation of H/M among institutions.
Voxel-shift and interpolation for hadamard-encoded MR images.

While Fourier gradient phase-encoding and Hadamard radio-frequency encoding are two established spatial MR localization techniques, the absence of voxel-shift and interpolation post-processing algorithms for the latter has always placed it at a discouraging disadvantage. This paper presents a method for voxel-shift and interpolation of Hadamard-encoded data and demonstrates both theoretically and experimentally the similarities of the respective operations between the two localization methods.
The physiological role of kainate receptors in the amygdala

The kainate subtype of glutamate receptors has received considerable attention in recent years, and a wealth of knowledge has been obtained regarding the function of these receptors. Kainate receptors have been shown to mediate synaptic transmission in some brain regions, modulate presynaptic release of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and mediate synaptic plasticity or the development of seizure activity. This article focuses on the function of kainate receptors in the amygdala, a brain region that plays a central role in emotional behavior and certain psychiatric illnesses. Evidence is reviewed indicating that postsynaptic kainate receptors containing the glutamate receptor 5 kainate receptor (GLUk5) subunit are present on interneurons and pyramidal cells in the basolateral amygdala and mediate a component of the synaptic responses of these neurons to glutamatergic input. In addition, GLUk5-containing kainate receptors are present on presynaptic terminals of GABAergic neurons, where they modulate the release of GABA in an agonist concentration-dependent, bidirectional manner. GLUk5-containing kainate receptors also mediate a longlasting synaptic facilitation induced by low-frequency stimulation in the external capsule to the basolateral nucleus pathway, and they appear to be party responsible for the susceptibility of the amygdala to epileptogenesis. Taken together, these findings have suggested a prominent role of GLUk5-containing kainate receptors in the regulation of neuronal excitability in the amygdala.
Pituitary adenoma producing thyrotropin and prolactin. An immunocytochemical and electron microscopic study.

A pituitary adenoma with suprasellar extension that had caused hyperthyroidism due to secretion of excess thyrotropin (TSH), as well as mild hyperprolactinemia, was studied with differential staining, immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Most cells of the tumor stained lightly with aldehyde thionin, which demonstrates the granules of normal thyrotrops, and immunocytochemically with antiserum to the hormone-specific Β chain of TSH. A minority of the cells was immunoreactive for prolactin. Electron microscopy revealed light cells interspersed with highly pleomorphic dark cells. Both were sometimes multinucleated, and contained variable numbers of small secretion granules, multiple Golgi complexes, and abundant endoplasmic reticulum.
Dendrimer optimization for a glucose-sensitive fluorescent assay

A fluorescent assay based on the competitive binding between glycosylated PAMAM dendrimer and glucose with the sugar-binding lectin Concanavalin A has been developed. This assay, composed of the glycodendrimer and Alexa Fluor 647 labeled Concanavalin A, has shown a large dynamic response to physiological concentrations of glucose. The larger dynamic range is believed to be due to the spheriodal shape of the dendrimer molecule, which eliminates the multiple binding of the same dextran chain to the Concanavalin A tetramer that plagued previous approaches. However, in order to further understand the operation of the assay and optimize the dynamic response, the dendrimer construction must be modified to determine the optimum degree of glycosylation. In this paper, a description of the assay function and the change in fluorescence response with various formulations of glycodendrimers are shown. Theories are also presented as means of understanding the various assay responses with different degrees of dendrimer functionalization.
HOMOLOGOUS AND HETEROLOGOUS PROTECTION IN MICE VACCINATED WITH THE TWO TYPES OF MOUSE TYPHOID BACILLUS

A saline vaccine prepared from our stock strain of M. T. II produces in mice definite protection against the homologous strain, and perhaps some slight cross-protection against M. T. I also. Two vaccines prepared with our stock strain of M. T. I failed to produce any definite protection in mice even against the homologous strain, nor was any cross-protection afforded against M. T. II.
Impact of chronic disease self-management programs on type 2 diabetes management in primary care.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) on glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and selected self-reported measures. METHODS: We compared patients who received a diabetes self-care behavioral intervention, the CDSMP developed at the Stanford University, with controls who received usual care on their HbA1c and selected self-reported measures, including diabetes self-care activities, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), pain and fatigue. The subjects were a subset of participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial that took place at seven regional clinics of a university-affiliated integrated healthcare system of a multi-specialty group practice between January 2009 and June 2011. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from randomization to 12 mo. Data were analyzed using multilevel statistical models and linear mixed models to provide unbiased estimates of intervention effects. RESULTS: Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were generally comparable between the two groups. The average baseline HbA1c values in the CDSMP and control groups were 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively. Significant reductions in HbA1c were seen at 12 mo for the two groups, with adjusted changes around 0.6% (P < 0.0001), but the reductions did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.885). Few significant differences were observed in participants’ diabetes self-care activities. No significant differences were observed in the participants’ HRQOL, pain, or fatigue measures. CONCLUSION: The CDSMP intervention may not lower HbA1c any better than good routine care in an integrated healthcare system. More research is needed to understand the benefits of self-management programs in primary care in different settings and populations.
EFFECTS OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE ADMINISTRATION ON OESTRADIOL-INDUCED CYSTIC OVARIES IN GUINEA PIGS

A consistent defect in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion is seen in humans with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); therefore, we evaluated whether Metrodin (a highly purified urinary FSH) administration concurrent with cyst induction or following cyst induction inhibits estrogen-induced cyst development and augments ovarian follicular growth in an established guinea pig model. All animals in these studies received subcutaneous implants containing oestradiol-17 beta (E2)-filled Silastic capsules for a 48-hour period. Guinea pigs in study #1 were administered four 0.25 mL injections of FSH or placebo at twelve-hour intervals simultaneously with the E2 treatment; guinea pigs assigned to study #2 were administered four 0.25 mL injections of FSH or placebo at twelve-hour intervals following the induction of the cystic condition by E2. Exogenous FSH appears to negate cyst formation when superimposed upon the cyst-inducing agent (E2). Further, treatment with FSH augmented the number of mid-sized follicles in both paradigms. This study is the first to establish evidence of an anti-cystic effect of FSH in an animal model.
Coherent Raman Beat Detection of Nuclear Coherences: An Alternative to Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation

The use of coherent Raman beats for the detection of nuclear coherences in solids from nuclei with hyperfine couplings to unpaired electron spins is discussed. The coherent Raman beats do not require refocusing of the electron spins and therefore are not strongly affected by spectral diffusion of the electron spins. Several methods for generating nuclear coherences using a single microwave pulse, two microwave pulses, or a combination of microwave and radiofrequency pulses are discussed. One-dimensional and two-dimensional spectroscopies for the measurement of hyperfine interactions in solids are proposed.
Magnetic circular dichroism of matrix isolated noble gas monohalides

Abstract MCD measurements on XeF, XeCl, XeBr and XeI matrix isolated in Ar at low temperature are reported. Some relationships among the various spectroscopic parameters are established by combining these data existing absorption and ESR measurements.
Electron transport in acetate-grown Methanosarcina acetivorans

Background Acetate is the major source of methane in nature. The majority of investigations have focused on acetotrophic methanogens for which energy-conserving electron transport is dependent on the production and consumption of H2 as an intermediate, although the great majority of acetotrophs are unable to metabolize H2. The presence of cytochrome c and a complex (Ma-Rnf) homologous to the Rnf (Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complexes distributed in the domain Bacteria distinguishes non-H2-utilizing Methanosarcina acetivorans from H2-utilizing species suggesting fundamentally different electron transport pathways. Thus, the membrane-bound electron transport chain of acetate-grown M. acetivorans was investigated to advance a more complete understanding of acetotrophic methanogens.
Altruism and the Decision to Vote Explaining and Testing High Voter Turnout

A core problem at the foundation of rational-actor models for politics is the seeming irrationality of voting, i.e. that it is irrational for voters to vote and to be informed about politics. Myers...
α‐L‐iduronidase deficiency in mucopolysaccharidosis type I against a radio‐labelled sulfated disaccharide substrate derived from dermatan sulfate

alpha-L-Iduronidase activity was assayed by incubation of a radiolabelled disaccharide, O-(alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid)-(1----3)-2,5 anhydro-D-[1,3H]-talitol 4-sulfate (IdoA-anT4S) derived from dermatan sulfate, with homogenates of leucocytes, cultured amniotic cells and skin fibroblasts from normal individuals and patients affected with an alpha-L-iduronidase-deficiency disorder (mucopolysaccharidosis type I, MPS I), parents of such patients and patients affected with other mucopolysaccharidoses. The assay clearly distinguished affected homozygotes from normal controls, heterozygotes and other mucopolysaccharidosis types. Preliminary results show that fibroblast homogenates from patients with the MPS I Hurler phenotype were virtually unable to hydrolyse IdoA-anT4S, whereas fibroblast homogenates from a patient with a relatively mild (Scheie) phenotype exhibited a residual activity with Vmax value of 2.5 pmol/min/mg protein and an apparent Km of 21 mumol/l compared to a range of 1020-2105 pmol/min/mg for Vmax and 12-35 mumol/l for Km for fibroblasts from normal controls.
The variable course of women with X-linked Alport Syndrome

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) arises from mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding the α5-chain of type IV collagen and is associated with hematuria, ocular abnormalities and high-tone sensorineural hearing loss. Nearly all affected males have decreased kidney function resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as early as the second decade of life. It was long thought that affected females had a benign outcome; however, in recent decades, it has become quite clear that they too are at risk for developing nephrotic syndrome, decreased kidney function and ESRD. We report two young females presenting with microscopic hematuria and proteinuria diagnosed with XLAS on renal biopsy. Both developed nephrotic-range proteinuria and progressive renal insufficiency. Additionally, both developed extra-renal manifestations of XLAS. The ultrastructural and immunofluorescence features on kidney biopsy were instrumental in making the diagnosis of heterozygous XLAS as neither patient had a family history of AS.
Compact modeling of stress effects in scaled CMOS

Strained Si is implemented into the standard CMOS process to enhance carrier transport properties since the 90 nm technology node. However, due to the non-uniform stress distribution in the channel, the enhancement of carrier mobility and threshold voltage strongly depend on layout parameters, such as channel length (L) and source/drain diffusion length (Lsd). In this work, a compact model that physically captures these behaviors is developed for circuit simulation with strained CMOS technology.
Norrie disease: extraocular clinical manifestations in 56 patients.

Norrie disease (ND) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by congenital blindness, progressive sensorineural hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The ocular phenotype has been well described, while the extraocular manifestations of the disorder are not well understood. We present the data from the Norrie Disease Registry, which consists of 56 patients with detailed clinical histories and genotype data. This study represents the largest, detailed investigation into the phenotypic spectrum of ND to date and more importantly expands knowledge of the extraocular clinical manifestations. We identify several novel aspects of the syndrome that will improve the management of these patients. In particular, we expand our understanding of the neurologic manifestations in ND and identify a chronic seizure disorder in approximately 10% of all patients. In addition, details of the hearing phenotype are described including the median age of onset (12 years of age) and how genotype affects onset. Moreover, we find vascular disease to be a significant component of ND; and vascular health should be, in the future, a component of patient clinical care. In summary, the results expand our understanding of the phenotypic variability and genotypic heterogeneity in ND patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radial distribution power flow studies in a remotely distributed environment

With the continued push toward dispersed generation and distributed intelligent devices throughout the distribution system, a proper analysis method for understanding the operation of the evolving overall system is required. This work aims to demonstrate a method for distribution system power flow studies in a remotely distributed environment. The method involves distributing the simulation of a power system across physically remote sites through the creation of a network of stand-alone power system simulations. To gain knowledge of larger system behavior, these simulations share measurement information and locally calculated results via the Internet. A software implementation of the proposed method will be presented along with results from a 97 bus test distribution system.
How might epigenetic dysregulation in early embryonic life contribute to autism spectrum disorder

The potential for non-genetic susceptibility to mediate part of the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has prompted a number of studies to date, all showing evidence for epigenetic differences characterizing the individuals with ASD. The modest differences in DNA methylation observed have indicated an underlying cellular mosaicism for epigenetic dysregulation. The studies to date have not comprehensively addressed potential confounding issues like cell subcomposition differences, transcriptional and DNA sequence variability. Additionally, it is possible that mutations in protein-coding genes encoding transcriptional and chromatin regulatory proteins lead to the epigenetic changes in a subset of individuals with ASD. More definitive studies are now needed to allow higher confidence insights into epigenetic events occurring in early embryogenesis in individuals with ASD.
A multiple-partition token ring network

A token-ring local area network capable of operating in multiple parallel segments which are interconnected via a central switch (called a bridge) is the focus of this study. It is shown that while it is beneficial to operate the network as a single token ring at light loads, the single-ring mode also has a limited channel capacity, and that it is preferable to operate the ring in multiple partitions for heavier loads. In particular, it is found that if the switch processing delay is insignificant compared to the mean packet transmission time, it is preferable to operate the network either as a single large ring or as a star network. An approximate analytical model is used. The results are verified via simulation. >
EGFR, p16, HPV Titer, Bcl-xL and p53, Sex, and Smoking As Indicators of Response to Therapy and Survival in Oropharyngeal Cancer

Purpose To prospectively identify markers of response to therapy and outcome in an organ-sparing trial for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Patients and Methods Pretreatment biopsies were examined for expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p16, Bcl-xL, and p53 as well as for p53 mutation. These markers were assessed for association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), response to therapy, and survival. Patient variables included smoking history, sex, age, primary site, tumor stage, and nodal status. Results EGFR expression was inversely associated with response to induction chemotherapy (IC) (P = .01), chemotherapy/radiotherapy (CRT; P = .055), overall survival (OS; P = .001), and disease-specific survival (DSS; P = .002) and was directly associated with current smoking (P = .04), female sex (P = .053), and lower HPV titer (P = .03). HPV titer was significantly associated with p16 expression (P < .0001); p16 was significantly associated with response to IC (P = .008), CRT (P = .009), O...
Intelligent bounds on modeling uncertainties: applications to sliding mode control of a magnetic levitation system

Robust control techniques such as sliding mode control (SMC) require a dynamic model of the plant and bounds on modeling uncertainties to formulate control laws with guaranteed stability. Although techniques for modeling dynamic systems and estimating model parameters are well established, very few procedures exist for estimating uncertainty bounds. In the case of SMC design, a conservative global bound is usually chosen to ensure closed-loop stability over the entire operating space. The primary drawbacks of this conservative approach are excessive control activity and reduced performance, particularly in regions of the operating space where the model is accurate. In this paper, a novel approach to estimating uncertainty bounds for dynamic systems is introduced. This approach uses a unique artificial neural network (ANN), the 2-sigma network, to bound modeling uncertainties online. This intelligent bounding technique is applied to an industrial SMC problem, magnetic levitation of a ball bearing rotor, where experiments demonstrate improved tracking performance and reduced control activity.
Enantioselective Nitroaldol Reaction of α-Keto Esters Catalyzed by a Copper(II)—Bisoxazolidine Complex.

Optimized reaction conditions are developed for the title reaction where the use of NMM instead of triethylamine significantly increases the enantioselectivity.
Group Codes Outperform Binary-Coset Codes on Nonbinary Symmetric Memoryless Channels

Typical minimum distances and error exponents are analyzed on the 8-PSK Gaussian channel for two capacity-achieving code ensembles with different algebraic structure. It is proved that the typical group code over the cyclic group of order eight achieves both the Gilbert-Varshamov bound and the expurgated error exponent. On the other hand, the typical binary-coset codes (under any labeling) is shown to be bounded away both from the Gilbert-Varshamov bound (at any rate) and the expurgated exponent (at low rates). The reason for this phenomenon is shown to rely on the symmetry structure of the 8-PSK constellation, which is known to match the cyclic group of order eight, but not the direct product of three copies of the binary group. The presented results indicate that designing group codes matching the symmetry of the channel guarantees better typical-code performance than designing codes whose algebraic structure does not match the channel. This contrasts the well-known fact that the average binary-coset code achieves both the capacity and the random-coding error exponent of any discrete memoryless channel.
Undergraduate education in psychology: United States

Until the last quarter of the 19th century, many colleges and universities in the USA did not have separate departments of psychology. Now, psychology undergraduate degrees are among the most popular and frequently awarded in US higher education. Undergraduate psychology programs appeal to students for many reasons, including self‐understanding as well as their relatedness to other career paths of interest. Unlike undergraduate programs in most of the world, which are 5 years in length and designed to prepare professional psychologists, programs in the US are 4 years in length and do not prepare professional psychologists. Licensed psychologists in the US are generally required to hold doctoral degrees. Graduate programs to prepare psychologists are accredited by the American Psychological Association, but undergraduate programs vary widely and are evaluated by state and regional accrediting entities. Teaching methods, materials, and forms of student assessment also differ widely. Providing specific infor...
History in contemporary design

Contemporary design practice is aggressive and fast paced. As a direct result, it is not often that landscape architects are afforded the luxury or time to find inspiration through fortuity or chan...
SocialTube: P2P-assisted video sharing in online social networks

Video sharing has been an increasingly popular application in online social networks (OSNs). However, its sustainable development is severely hindered by the intrinsic limit of the client/server architecture deployed in current OSN video systems, which is not only costly in terms of server bandwidth and storage but also not scalable. The peer-assisted Video-on-Demand (VOD) technique, in which participating peers assist the server in delivering video content has been proposed recently. Unfortunately, videos can only be disseminated through friends in OSNs. Therefore, current VOD works that explore clustering nodes with similar interests or close location for high performance are suboptimal, if not entirely inapplicable, in OSNs. Based on our long-term real-world measurement of over 1,000,000 users and 2,500 videos in Facebook, we propose SocialTube, a novel peer-assisted video sharing system that explores social relationship, interest similarity, and physical location between peers in OSNs. Specifically, SocialTube incorporates three algorithms: a social network (SN)-based P2P overlay construction algorithm, a SN-based chunk prefetch algorithm, and a buffer management algorithm. The trace driven based simulation results show that SocialTube can improve the quality of user experience and system scalability over current P2P VOD techniques.
Mentoring the Organization: Helping Principals Bring Schools to Higher Levels of Effectiveness:

Drawing on the work of Frances Fuller's stages of concern, David Hunt's conceptual levels, and Jean Piaget's model of equilibration, a new view of principal leadership is presented. By attending to the preferred learning style of a group, taking into account the level of stress present as a result of initiatives, and listening to the level of concern through conversation, principals can construct a prescriptive strategyfor successful organizational change.
Design for switched optical datapaths in computer systems

Recognising the advantages of photonics for scalability and bandwidth, we aim to design computer systems using switched optical datapaths. For acceptable system performance, we must address issues of cost, stability and latency. Starting from the system design perspective, we have identified integrated digital control of optical devices and multiwavelength coding as enabling technologies. Avoiding optical buffering, bit level synchronization and regeneration, we present an architecture which has applications to storage, desk area networks and optical chip interconnects. We draw upon well-understood computer networking concepts, and use wavelength striping of the packets to achieving low latency and high capacity.
GAS EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OF HETEROMELES ARBUTIFOLIA DURING FUMIGATION WITH SULPHUR DIOXIDE

SUMMARY The objectives of this study were to determine the gas exchange responses of Heteromeles arbutifolia (Ait.) Roem. to a range of sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations applied in various sequences including possible ambient levels. Carbon dioxide and light-response curves were used to determine the mechanisms of SO2 responses. These experiments were performed with greenhouse-grown plants. Net photosynthesis (A) of H. arbutifolia was shown to be depressed by SO2 concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 43.8 μmol m−3 (0.04 to 1 μl l−1). In most cases on first exposure to SO2 a larger decrease in stomatal conductance to water vapour (gH) occurred than on subsequent exposures to either the same or greater SO2 concentrations. Acclimation of gH to SO2 appeared to occur with repeated exposure. Light-response curves determined during exposure to 25 μmol SO2 m−3 (0.6 μl l−1) for a leaf repeatedly exposed to SO2 indicated that inefficiency of photon utilization in the primary reaction of energy transduction or reduction in photosynthetic capacity was unlikely. The maximum rates of A (Amax) determined from these curves were similar in both SO2 and SO2− free air. The limitations of gH to carbon acquisition were removed using CO2−response curves [photosynthesis expressed relative to the internal CO2 concentration (Ci)]. This analysis shows that A may have been limited during repeated exposures by reduced carboxylation efficiency. It appeared that at similar values of gH, plants exposed to SO2 would fix less carbon and water use efficiency (WUE) would decrease in polluted plants.
Computational Models for Neuromuscular Function

Computational models of the neuromuscular system hold the potential to allow us to reach a deeper understanding of neuromuscular function and clinical rehabilitation by complementing experimentation. By serving as a means to distill and explore specific hypotheses, computational models emerge from prior experimental data and motivate future experimental work. Here we review computational tools used to understand neuromuscular function including musculoskeletal modeling, machine learning, control theory, and statistical model analysis. We conclude that these tools, when used in combination, have the potential to further our understanding of neuromuscular function by serving as a rigorous means to test scientific hypotheses in ways that complement and leverage experimental data.
Cardio-respiratory outcomes associated with exposure to wildfire smoke are modified by measures of community health

Characterizing factors which determine susceptibility to air pollution is an important step in understanding the distribution of risk in a population and is critical for setting appropriate policies. We evaluate general and specific measures of community health as modifiers of risk for asthma and congestive heart failure following an episode of acute exposure to wildfire smoke. A population-based study of emergency department visits and daily concentrations of fine particulate matter during a wildfire in North Carolina was performed. Determinants of community health defined by County Health Rankings were evaluated as modifiers of the relative risk. A total of 40 mostly rural counties were included in the study. These rankings measure factors influencing health: health behaviors, access and quality of clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment, as well as, the outcomes of health: premature mortality and morbidity. Pollutant concentrations were obtained from a mathematically modeled smoke forecasting system. Estimates of relative risk for emergency department visits were based on Poisson mixed effects regression models applied to daily visit counts. For asthma, the strongest association was observed at lag day 0 with excess relative risk of 66%(28,117). For congestive heart failure the excess relative risk was 42%(5,93). The largest difference in risk was observed after stratifying on the basis of Socio-Economic Factors. Difference in risk between bottom and top ranked counties by Socio-Economic Factors was 85% and 124% for asthma and congestive heart failure respectively. The results indicate that Socio-Economic Factors should be considered as modifying risk factors in air pollution studies and be evaluated in the assessment of air pollution impacts.
Blebbistatin extends culture life of adult mouse cardiac myocytes and allows efficient and stable transgene expression

The characterization of cellular phenotypes of heart disorders can be achieved by isolating cardiac myocytes from mouse models or genetically modifying wild-type cells in culture. However, adult mo...
The Influence of Individual-level Cultural Orientation on ERP System Adoption

As the global implementation of IS becomes popular, cross-cultural IS research is gaining interests from both academic researchers and practitioners. This research-in-progress paper applies individual-level measurement of cultural orientation provided by Dorfman and Howell (1988) to the recent findings of motivation and computer self-efficacy research in order to predict ERP system adoption. A survey will be administered to the Glovia International ERP system user group, and the results will be used to check the individual-level factors of system adoption in two different countries (U.S. and Japan). The direct effect of individual-level cultural orientation on the usefulness and ease of use as well as mediating effect through enjoyment, personal innovativeness of IT, and computer self-efficacy will be tested. Data will be collected before the conference and presented at the conference using Partial Least Square (PLS) technique.
A handoff scheme for wireless ATM networks

In this paper, we investigate the issue of extending the ATM protocol to support connection handoffs. A VP-based hierarchical handoff scheme is proposed to support the ATM protocol over the integration of the wireless and wireline networks. This scheme provides a fast and efficient handoff connection processing mechanism. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol, we implement it on our ATM network testbed. The mobility of mobile hosts is investigated by using the Ethernet network to simulate the wireless segment between mobile hosts and base stations.
Chromism and molecular weight of polyaniline derivatives

Abstract The striking solvatochromic shift observed in polyaniline derivatives correlates with two solvent polarity scales, donor number (DN) and hydrogen bond acceptor scale (Taft's β -scale). The large shift is caused by conformational changes in solution that result in dramatic differences in relative molecular weight values obtained by gel permeation chromatography (MW GPC ) in different solvents. For example, for poly- o -toluidine base in the emeraldine oxidation state, a low transition energy solvent like NMP (excitonic transition, λ max 608 nm) yields a very high molecular weight value ( M w ∼ 15,000 g mol −1 ) whereas a high transition energy solvent like CHCl 3 (excitonic transition, λ max 570 nm) yields an absurdly low value ( M w ∼ 650 g mol −1 ). An absolute molecular weight value, M w ∼ 4700 g mol −1 , was obtained for the first time using laser light scattering (MW LS ) suggesting that CHCl 3 promotes a highly coiled chain conformation whereas NMP promotes a more expanded, rod-like conformation. A similar trend is observed for poly- o -toluidine base in the fully oxidized pernigraniline oxidation state (Pierels transition). This suggests that even though the Pierels and excitonic transitions have different molecular origins their conformation driven solvatochromic shifts trend in a similar fashion which is different from thermochromic trends reported in previous studies.
Resonant Wind-Driven Mixing in the Ocean Boundary Layer

Abstract The role of resonant wind forcing in the ocean boundary layer was examined using an ocean large-eddy simulation (LES) model. The model simulates turbulent flow in a box, measuring ∼100–300 m on a side, whose top coincides with the ocean surface. Horizontal boundary conditions are periodic, and time-dependent wind forcing is applied at the surface. Two wind forcing scenarios were studied: one with resonant winds, that is, winds that rotated at exactly the inertial frequency (at 45°N), and a second with off-resonance winds from a constant direction. The evolution of momentum and temperature for both cases showed that resonant wind forcing produces much stronger surface currents and vertical mixing in comparison to the off-resonance case. Surface wave effects were also examined and found to be of secondary importance relative to the wind forcing. The main goal was to quantify the main processes via which kinetic energy input by the wind is converted to potential energy in the form of changes in the ...
Dark pretreatment improves adventitious shoot organogenesis from cotyledons of diploid watermelon

The influence of light incubation during embryo germination on shoot organogenesis from cotyledons of four diploid watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum. & Nakai cultivars was examined. Germinating embryos in darkness significantly improved the number of explants that produced harvestable shoots during the 6 week incubation period on shoot regeneration medium under a 16-h photoperiod. The percentage of explants with shoots more than doubled for `Crimson Sweet' and was about 1.5-fold greater for `Sweet Gem' and `Yellow Doll' when embryos were germinated in darkness. The percentage of explants with shoots was not significantly improved for `Minilee' by pretreating seedlings in darkness. This study demonstrates that optimal shoot regeneration can be obtained by germinating embryos in darkness before preparing cotyledon explants.
Mapping Self-Guided Learners’ Searches for Video Tutorials on YouTube

While YouTube has a wealth of educational videos, how self-guided learners use these resources has not been fully described. An analysis of search engine queries for help with the use of Microsoft ...
A Portrait of Contemplative Teaching: Embracing Wholeness

The aim of this article is to investigate how a contemplative orientation to teaching may facilitate wholeness for teachers and students through a portrait of Diana, a kindergarten teacher working ...
The Libration Points In An n-Body Problem

1. Statement of problem. Let us consider the restricted problem of n bodies in which n -1 of the bodies have equal mass and are assumed fixed in the vertices of a regular (n 1)-sided polygon while the nth body is an infinitesimal mass, lying in the same plane, whose motion is influenced by the other n -1 bodies but which is unable to exert any influence upon them. The n -1 bodies are assumed to attract one another according to the Newtonian inverse square law and to be rotating in a circle about their common center of mass. We shall choose the unit of mass as the sum of the masses of the n -1 bodies, the unit of distance as the distance from one of these bodies to the center of mass of the other n -2 bodies, and the unit of time such that the angular velocity of the system is unity. We shall introduce a system of rectangular coordinates moving with the bodies such that the origin is at the center of the regular (n 1)-sided polygon. The x-axis shall be so chosen that for n even, one vertex of the polygon lies on the negative half of the x-axis and if n is odd, such vertices fall on both positive and negative sides of the axis. Then if the vertices of the regular polygon are denoted by Pi, their coordinates by (xi, yi), (i = 1, 2, . . ., n-1), and the infinitesimal mass by P with coordinates (x, y), the potential function may be written
Ambient Ionization–Accurate Mass Spectrometry (AMI-AMS) for the Identification of Nonvisible Set-off in Food-Contact Materials

Set-off is the unintentional transfer of substances used in printing from the external printed surface of food packaging to the inner, food-contact surface. Ambient ionization–accurate mass spectrometry (AMI-AMS) detected and identified compounds from print set-off not visible to the human eye. AMI mass spectra from inner and outer surfaces of printed and nonprinted food packaging were compared to detect and identify nonvisible set-off components. A protocol to identify unknowns was developed using a custom open-source database of printing inks and food-packaging compounds. The protocol matched print-related food-contact surface ions with the molecular formulas of common ions, isotopes, and fragments of compounds from the database. AMI-AMS was able to detect print set-off and identify seven different compounds. Set-off on the packaging samples was confirmed using gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis of single-sided solvent extracts. N-Ethyl-2(and 4)-methylbenzenesulfonamide, 2,4-dipheny...
Cardiocladius (Diptera: Chironomidae) Larvae Ectoparasitic on Pupae of Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera)

Larvae of Cardiocladius sp. were found to feed on pupae of several species of Hydropsyche and Cheumatopsyche . The chironomid larvae enter the pupal cases after closure and feed on the immobile caddisflies, often consuming the host. In one collection, over 61% of all hydropsychid pupal cases contained Cardiocladius sp. larvae. This represents a very significant source of mortality for the caddisfly population.
Trajectory Design and Coverage Control for Solar-Powered UAVs

This paper explores the benefits and challenges of using solar energy to power unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance purposes. The task of persistent surveillance requires constant supply of input energy and is of particular significance in a number of applications such as weather monitoring, wildfire control, pollution or contamination detection, target search and other long endurance missions. Here, we consider the task of monitoring a geographical area for events of varying priorities and design optimal trajectories for sufficient continuous coverage of the region and eliminate the need to devise a refueling policy. Trajectories are designed based on how the UAVs collect the solar energy to carry out the mission under a variety of dynamic and endurance constraints. An algorithm is proposed to handle the energy collection and the coverage of the target area. Different goals are set and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the ability of the UAVs to meet these goals.
Radiation's Lingering Dread

(1991). Radiation's Lingering Dread. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 34-39.
The Application of Model Design in Quality Control of Pharmaceutical Research,Development and Manufacturing

The concept of Quality by design(QbD) which emphasized quality control during the entire lifecycle of drug product was introduced by ICH.The key point of QbD was model design.The application,mechanism and predicted results of model design in quality control of pharmaceutical research,development and manufacturing were introduced.Meanwhile the predicted results of tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release capsules with physiologically based GI tract absorption model were also considered.Model design was evaluated in quality control of pharmaceutical research,development and manufacturing in this paper.
Analysis on Influencing Factors of Distribution Network Line Loss

Influencing factors of distribution network line loss are from four aspects of each as planning and construction of power grid,power grid technology,operation and management of power grid,and exterior factors.This paper analyzes these factors and how these factors contribute to line loss in distribution network.Among these factors,three-phase low voltage load imbalance is discussed in detail.
VELOCITY FEEDBACK COMPENSATION OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SPEAKERS FOR ACOUSTIC APPLICATIONS

Electromechanical speakers are commonly used as actuators in acoustic control applications and have non-constant velocity frequency response making them poor actuators. Velocity feedback compensation designed to minimize magnitude and phase variations in speaker velocity response is developed in this work. A proportional feedback compensator acting on the error between desired velocity input and measured speaker velocity is used to drive the speaker. Speaker cone velocity is sensed using velocity induced voltage in a secondary speaker coil. Laboratory tests on a dual-wound coil subwoofer are presented to demonstrate the performance of sensor and feedback compensation. As the compensation gain is increased, the compensated speaker velocity response magnitude and phase variations are reduced. The compensated speaker velocity accurately follows any desired velocity input from 4 Hz to over 400 Hz and makes feedback compensated speakers effective acoustic control actuators.
Linear Dynamical Systems

Linear dynamical systems (whether they be linear differential equations with constant coefficients or iterative systems) are the only important class of higher dimensional systems that can be solved in terms of elementary functions.
André von Gronicka, Thomas Mann: Profile and Perspectives: New York: Random House, 1970. Pp. xiv +237

(1972). Andre von Gronicka, Thomas Mann: Profile and Perspectives. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 47, No. 4, pp. 314-315.
Aneural Systems and Neurobiology: A Point of View

It has become increasingly apparent in the last several years that invertebrate neural systems have much to offer in the attempt to understand complex mammalian systems (Wiersma, 1967). Two or three generations ago this might have been a trivial statement as neuroscientists of that bygone era often worked across the phylogenetic kingdom and were well aware of evolutionary continuity. Somehow in the twentieth century an intellectual cleavage between comparative and strictly mammalian neurobiology developed. Since this gap has recently begun to close, perhaps it is not unreasonable at this time to ask whether even an aneural system might not have important contributions to make in understanding more complex neural systems.
Criteria for Continuous EEG Monitoring

The use of continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring has grown significantly over the last 15 years. Monitoring for nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is currently driving most cEEG utilization, but other uses are recognized and are becoming common indications. As with other areas in health care, the growth of EEG and information technology (IT) is increasing the capabilities of this century-old technology. As cEEG monitoring evolves, there is a small but growing base of evidence on how to use it. With time, that evidence base will become larger and provide better guidance on the most efficient and effective way to monitor patients. At this time though, institutions must rely on consensus statements, expert opinion, and their own resources to determine how cEEG will be deployed in their practice. Many institutions develop their own guideline such as the truncated example seen in Table 5.1 from Duke University Hospital. It is critical that any such service line has some form of guideline or service agreement to direct the use of this important resource.
Rectal Prolapse in the Elderly

Pelvic floor disorders are a challenging and poorly understood clinical entity. These disorders are most commonly found among the elderly. In fact, 1 out of 10 women by the age of 80 will require surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. An understanding about the treatment of these disorders is especially timely given our aging US population. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the diagnosis and treatment of rectal prolapse with a focus on the elderly patient.
Sparse Memoryless LQR Design for Uncertain Linear Time-Delay Systems

Abstract The sparse memoryless LQR design problem is formulated for uncertain linear time-delay systems. In such a problem, the goal is to minimize a quadratic cost supplemented by sparsity-promoting term (weighted-l1 in our case) subject to stability of closed-loop system under norm-bounded uncertainty. It is shown that such an optimization problem can be reformulated as a rank-constrained optimization problem which consists of convex constraints except one rank constraint. Utilizing the bi-linear rank penalty technique, the sparse memoryless LQR is designed. Numerous numerical results depict that there exists a trade-off between time-delay and sparsification quality. In addition, the larger time-delay, the poorer performance-sparsity trade-off is observed.
Decidual granulomatous reaction in a placenta from a preeclamptic pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of decidual perivascular non-necrotizing granulomas in a placenta from a pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia with no evidence of infection. The mother was a 20-year-old primigravida with severe preeclampsia diagnosed in the third trimester with subsequent delivery of a healthy baby boy at 37 weeks 5 days gestation. Pathologic examination of the placenta showed scattered non-necrotizing granulomas in decidua, often adjacent to remodeled decidual arteries without fibrinoid necrosis. These were well-formed, non-necrotizing granulomas with scant lymphoid cuffs. Polarization microscopy did not show foreign material. There were no histopathologic or clinical findings suggestive of maternal-fetal infection or systemic vasculitis at the time of delivery, and the mother had no other reported conditions associated with granulomatous inflammation. Our case demonstrates that granulomatous reaction may be seen in the placenta from a pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia, although work-up for infection may be indicated.
Geospatial content summarization of UAV aerial imagery using mosaicking

In this study, we devise a method for summarizing geospatial content of aerial imagery using mosaicking. Mosaicking has been a popular method for combining large sequence of image information and providing a wide field of view in computer vision. We propose a feature based registration method which brings the complexity and homogeneity nature of maize data under consideration and formulates a two step registration method which reduces error accumulation acquired through traditional frame-to-frame registration. Experimental result shows good quality mosaic generation without any metadata information available for long sequence of aerial video. This geospatial summarization of crop field data can be helpful for phenotypic analysis, monitoring of field, checking movement and growth of plants, change in field dynamics, etc.