cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P132 Improving pre-kidney transplantation laboratory utilization in an era of increasing waitlist size

Aim Beginning on March 25, 2015, our institution’s kidney transplant program has implemented a “readiness” protocol, whereby patients are listed after limited workup and comprehensive testing is deferred until the anticipated time to transplantation is approximately 6–12 months. Prior to implementation of this protocol, our histocompatibility laboratory would receive monthly sera for anti-HLA antibody screening immediately upon listing. However, as part of the readiness strategy, the lab now requests monthly samples only when a candidate is predicted to have 6–12 months of waitlist time remaining. The monthly samples are stored and screened in the lab per protocol (every 3 months for most patients). All candidates are also screened once prior to listing and again immediately after listing. Methods Data from our laboratory database and UNOS were analyzed to determine the number of samples received from waitlisted kidney transplant candidates and the number tested in the three-year period before and after implementation of the readiness protocol. Results Our kidney transplant waitlist has grown from 379 candidates on 7/1/2012 to 948 as of 4/5/2018. Despite this rapid growth, the number of samples received from kidney transplant candidates has decreased from 9171 during the three-year period prior to the implementation of readiness (∼3057/year) to 7924 during the subsequent three-year period (∼2641/year). Based on a sample submission rate of ∼7 samples/patient/year, an estimated 4961 samples per year would have been received without the readiness protocol, with an estimated 6669 samples expected for 2018. From 3/25/12–3/24/15, 4730 antibody screening tests on kidney waitlist candidates were performed by Luminex (∼1577 tests/year), compared to a slight increase to 5082 from 3/25/15–3/24/18 (∼1694 tests/year), despite a 2.5-fold increase in patients on the waitlist from 2012–2018. Conclusions Implementation of the readiness protocol has streamlined the pre-transplant testing process and reduced both the number of samples received and the number tested. This has allowed us to manage a greatly increased waitlist with the same level of resources and has resulted in reduced cost per patient.
Ventricular force-frequency relationships during biventricular or multisite pacing in congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND Traditional indices to evaluate biventricular (BiV) pacing are load dependent, fail to assess dynamic changes, and may not be appropriate in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). We therefore measured the force-frequency relationship (FFR) using tissue Doppler-derived isovolumic acceleration (IVA) to assess the dynamic adaption of the myocardium and its variability with different ventricular pacing strategies. METHODS This was a prospective pilot study of pediatric and young adult CHD patients with biventricular or multisite pacing systems. Color-coded myocardial velocities were recorded at the base of the systemic ventricular free wall. IVA was calculated at resting heart rate and with incremental pacing. FFR curves were obtained by plotting IVA against heart rate for different ventricular pacing strategies. RESULTS Ten patients were included (mean: 22 ± 7 years). The FFR identified a best and worst ventricular pacing strategy for each patient, based on the AUC at baseline, submaximal, and peak heart rates (P < .001). However, there was no single best ventricular pacing strategy that was optimal for all patients. Additionally, the best ventricular pacing strategy often differed within the same patient at different heart rates. CONCLUSION This novel assessment demonstrates a wide variability in optimal ventricular pacing strategy. These inherent differences may play a role in the unpredictable clinical response to BiV pacing in CHD, and emphasizes an individualized approach. Furthermore, the optimal ventricular pacing varies with heart rate within individuals, suggesting that rate-responsive ventricular pacing modulation may be required to optimize ventricular performance.
Second-Order Trajectory Sensitivity Analysis of Hybrid Systems

Hybrid dynamical systems are characterized by intrinsic coupling between continuous dynamics and discrete events. This paper has adopted a differential-algebraic impulsive switched (DAIS) model to capture such dynamic behavior. For such systems, trajectory sensitivity analysis provides a valuable approach for describing perturbations of system trajectories resulting from small variations in initial conditions and/or uncertain parameters. The first-order sensitivities have been fully described for hybrid system and used in a variety of applications. This paper formulates the differential-algebraic equations (DAE) that govern second-order sensitivities over regions where dynamics are smooth, i.e., away from events. It also establishes the jump conditions that describe the step change in second-order sensitivities at discrete (switching and state reset) events. These results together fully characterize second-order sensitivities for general hybrid dynamical system.
Coefficient datasets for high-order, stable, and conservative boundary schemes for central and compact finite differences.

Abstract Stable and conservative numerical boundary schemes, for both compact and explicit (central) finite differences require a number of parameters that must be tuned for stability. Values of these coefficients for 4th, 6th, and 8th boundary schemes are given in this article. The stability of the schemes is demonstrated through a series of numerical tests in “High-Order, Stable, and Conservative Boundary Schemes for Central and Compact Finite Differences” Brady and Livescu, 2019. These tests include: a neutrally stable constant coefficient hyperbolic system, a two-dimensional varying coefficient hyperbolic scalar equation and, examining the transport of an inviscid vortex using the compressible Euler equations. The error norms for the variety of tests associated with different the schemes for different grid resolutions and time-step constraints are given in the accompanying databases.
Empowering Synthesis of Complex Natural Products

Synthesis of natural products remains a daring task. Their richly diverse and intricate structures often encompass a large degree of unsaturation, contain fused and/or bridged rings, or possess numerous stereogenic centers. Thus, their preparation requires significant synthetic overhead, detracting from their overall practicality as well as hampering the ability of medicinal chemists to synthesize derivatives for pharmaceutical optimization and structure-activity relationship studies. The purpose of this Minireview is to showcase recent examples of efficient total syntheses. Emphasis was not given to the evaluation of ideality or economies (quality), but rather to the practicality (quality with quantity).
The Generalized Regression Neural Network Oracle

In this chapter, we describe what are best characterized as complex adaptive systems and give several mixture of expert systems as examples of these complex systems. This background discussion is followed by three theoretical sections covering the topics of kernel-based probability estimation systems, a generalized neural network example, and a derivation of an ensemble combination and finally, a two-view ensemble combination. A summary of the equations describing the oracle follows these sections for those readers who do not want to work through all that mathematics. The next section introduces Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis, a popular method for quantitatively assessing the performance of learning classifier systems. Next is the definition of “trouble-makers”, and how they were discovered, followed by a discussion of the development of two hybrids: an Evolutionary Programming-Adaptive boosting (EP-AB) and a Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) oracle for the purpose of demonstrating the existence of the trouble-makers by using an ROC measure of performance analysis. That discussion is followed by a detailed discussion of how to perform and evaluate an ROC analysis as well as a detailed practice example for those readers not familiar with this measure of performance technology. This chapter concludes with a research study on how to use the oracle to establish if the data sample size is adequate to accurately meet a 95% confidence interval imposed on the variance (or standard deviation) for the oracle. This is an important research study as very little effort is generally put into establishing the correct data set size for accurate, predictable, and repeatable performance results.
Mitral valve reconstruction were performed in infants with congenital heart disease

Objective:To summarize the experience of Mitral valve reconstruction in infants with congenital heart disease.Methods:There were 108 infants with mitral regurgitation(total and partial atrioventricular canal defect were not included) were performed Mitral valve reconstruction,after surgical repair 3 patients(2.7%) were underwent reoperation from Oct 2007 to Oct 2012.Ring annuloplasty,Wooler commissural annuloplasty,closure of the cleft chordal shortening technique,complex techinique.The mitral regurgitation were evaluated with echocardiogram and clinical symptoms during and after the reoperation.Results:There were no early and later death during the follow-up.Echocardiogram showed the mitral was minimal regurgitation in 23(21.3%) patient s,mild regurgitation in 12 patients(11.1%),maximal regurgitation in 3(2.7%),after reoperation of mitral regurgitation,1 patient was no regurgitate,2 patients were minimal regurgitate.Conclusion:Mitral valve reconstruction is still the first choice during mitral valvuloplasty in infants with congenital heart disease,and the result was excellent.
Accumulation of Skeletal Muscle T-cells and the Repeated Bout Effect in Rats.

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to characterize skeletal muscle T-cell accumulation after contraction-induced muscle damage and test the hypothesis that T cells contribute to postdamage muscle protection (i.e., the repeated bout effect) in a way reminiscent of their role in adaptive immunity. Methods In vivo lengthening contractions were used to model the repeated bout effect and contralateral repeated bout effect in rats. Intramuscular T-cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry after single and repeated bouts of lengthening contractions, and an adoptive T-cell transfer experiment was done to test whether T cells from muscle damage-experienced rats can confer protection from injury to damage-naive rats. Results Electrically stimulated lengthening contractions elicited the repeated bout effect, but not the contralateral repeated bout effect. Although leukocytes (CD45+) were scarce in undamaged muscle (2.1% of all cells), substantially more (63% of all cells) were observed after a single bout of lengthening contractions. Within the leukocyte population were several subsets of T cells, including conventional CD4+, CD8+, memory, and regulatory T cells. In contrast, a minimal increase in T cells was observed after a second bout of lengthening contractions. Conventional CD4+ T cells (FoxP3-) were the most abundant subset in muscle after lengthening contractions. Adoptive T-cell transfer from damage-experienced rats did not confer protection to damage-naive recipient rats. Conclusions The robust T-cell accumulation, particularly the CD4 subset, after contraction-induced damage suggests a role for these cells in muscle repair and adaptation to muscle damaging contractions. Moreover, T cells are unlikely to mediate the protective adaptations of the repeated bout effect in a manner similar to their role in adaptive immunity.
Future perspectives of mumps vaccine

Because of the concerns about aseptic meningitis due to Japanese domestic mumps vaccine strains, the routine mumps immunization program has not yet been introduced in Japan, and it resulted in the situation where the major mumps epidemics occur every 4-5 years. However, the fact that at least 348 mumps hearing loss cases were reported during the recent epidemic period in 2015-2016, argues that the introduction of the routine mumps immunization program is an urgent issue for us. In contrast, 122 countries employ mumps-containing vaccines for nationwide immunization programs by 2018, of which 117 apply 2-dose vaccination regimens, and many of them use Jeryl-Lynn containing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. While in these countries, where mumps seemed to have been controlled, mumps resurgented in the 2000s. Although, the concerns surrounding mumps vaccination are extremely different in Japan and abroad, both of them link to the inherent characteristics of mumps vaccine, in which it is hard to balance the safety and the efficacy. In order to promptly introduce the routine mumps immunization program in Japan, Japanese domestic mumps vaccine strains need to be re-evaluated based on the latest evidence. Furthermore, from a long-range viewpoint, a novel mumps vaccine should be developed, which combines the safety and the efficacy.
Correction to: Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on perioperative outcomes following minimally invasive retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction: a comparative analysis

Morbidity and recurrence rates are higher in obese patients undergoing open abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Historically, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 has served as a relative contraindication to open AWR. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on outcomes after AWR for higher versus lower BMI patients. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted of all patients who underwent MIS AWR between September 2015 and April 2019 at our institution. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on their BMI: BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 and BMI > 35 kg/m2. Patient demographics and perioperative data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. 461 patients were identified and divided into two groups: BMI ≤ 35 (n = 310) and BMI > 35 (n = 151). The two groups were similar in age (BMI ≤ 35: 56.3 ± 14.1 years vs. BMI > 35: 54.4 ± 11.9, p = .154). BMI > 35 group had more patients with ASA score of 3 (81% vs. 32%, p 35 group underwent a robotic approach at higher rates (74% vs. 45%, p 35: 11.1 ± 4.6 cm, p = .069). Both groups benefited similarly from a short length of stay, similar hospital charges, and lower postoperative complications. Initial findings of our data support the benefits of elective MIS approach to AWR for patients with higher BMI. These patients derive similar benefits, such as faster recovery with low recurrence rates, when compared to lower BMI patients, while avoiding preoperative hernia incarceration, postoperative wound complications, and hernia recurrences. Future follow-up is required to establish long-term perioperative and quality of life outcomes in this patient cohort.
Insights into secondary ion formation during dynamic SIMS analysis: Evidence from sputtering of laboratory synthesized uranium compounds with a high-energy O - primary beam on a NanoSIMS 50L

Abstract We investigate the sputtering and ionization process that takes place during secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis in order to develop a better understanding of the underlying controls on elemental and molecular oxide secondary ion yields. Using data from a suite of uranium compounds that were sputtered with an O- primary beam on a NanoSIMS 50L, our goal is to understand whether a compound’s intrinsic properties, or processes operating at the sputtering site, exert the greatest influence over the relative abundances of uranium elemental and molecular oxide secondary ions observed during an analysis. While the observed 238U/238U16O and 238U/238U16O2 of the various compounds exhibit considerable overlap, there are relationships between the weighted mean 238U/238U16O and 238U/238U16O2 ratios for the various compounds and their enthalpies of formation. This reinforces the existing theory that the nature of the material being sputtered can influence relative ion yields (e.g. the SIMS matrix effect), but we also document significant evidence for the influence of processes operating at the sputtering site as a major factor. The existence of a strong relationship between the relative uranium molecular oxide production rate and the mass fractionation regimes taking place within an analysis, as well as the existence of sudden shifts in molecular oxide production rates taking place within an analysis, provide further evidence for the importance of processes related to the sputtering and ionization dynamics as exerting the most control over observed ion yields. Evaluation of our data within the context of existing models for secondary ion production during SIMS analysis highlights the need for additional models that consider the competing influences of a sample’s chemical and/or structural form, reactions taking place at the sputtering site, as well as the ionization and ion extraction dynamics of the various elemental and molecular oxide species.
Evaluating the impact of a "grand rounds" elective course on students' perceived motivations, comfort, and confidence in providing constructive and reinforcing feedback to guest lecturers.

Abstract Background and purpose Providing feedback is an important skill for all healthcare professionals both within and outside of their discipline. Although student pharmacists frequently receive feedback during both didactic and experiential education, training on how to provide feedback to others is less common. Educational activity and setting An elective was designed to expose second-year pharmacy students to “grand rounds” with practicing pharmacists as the presenters. Students provided feedback to presenters on presentation style and assessment questions. The primary objective of this research project was to determine if the elective improved students' motivations, comfort, and confidence in providing constructive written feedback. Findings Over two course offerings, 54% (19 of 35) of enrolled students completed both the pre- and post-surveys. At baseline, the majority of students self-identified as being motivated, comfortable, and confident with providing quality written feedback with the exception of two specific areas: motivation to provide quality written feedback and comfort with providing difficult or sensitive written feedback. At the end of the course, the majority of students self-identified as being motivated, comfortable, and confident across all areas queried. All students agreed or strongly agreed that the efficiency and quality of their written feedback improved during the course. Summary The course offered several benefits to students, including learning clinical topics from a variety of presenters and developing feedback skills. The implementation of the grand rounds elective provided students an opportunity to develop their motivation, comfort, and confidence with providing quality constructive written feedback.
The Scatterometer: Data and Applications

The application of a new class of data such as that furnished by a satellite scatterometer requires a basic understanding of the nature of the data. Here are examined the assumptions and techniques required to translate backscatter cross-section into surface stress, airsea fluxes, wind profiles and pressure fields. Although these are extensive, the results are convincing and rewarding.
Unexpected variation in unique features of the lens-specific type I cytokeratin CP49.

PURPOSE. CP49 is a fiber cell-specific type 1 cytokeratin, but its function as part of the fiber cell-beaded filament remains unknown. To provide a rational basis for mutational studies that would contribute to an elucidation of function, the study was designed to define elements of CP49s that are highly conserved, discriminate conserved features from species-specific variations, and identify where CP49s have diverged from concensus type I features in their adaptation to selective pressures in the lens. METHODS. The primary sequence and gene structure of CP49 from a third vertebrate order was determined from a combination of cDNA and genomic sequencing. Protein product was characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Consensus features and phylogenetic relationships were identified by multiple alignment. Coiled-coil analysis was conducted to define central rod domains. RESULTS. Trout CP49 is unique among CP49s in having a 39-amino-acid tail domain and shows both unique sequence and allelic variation at the LNDR motif, comparison of consensus sequences identified unprecedented divergence between CP49s and other type I cytokeratins, including a shortened central rod domain that is conserved among CP49s, but distinct from type I cytokeratins. CONCLUSIONS. The considerable differences that have emerged between the consensus features of the type 1 cytokeratins and the CP49s suggest that the headed filament serves a significantly different function from intermediate filaments in other epithelia and that type I cytokeratins may have limited utility as a model for studies on lens beaded filaments. These differences, in concert with consensus features identified among CP49s, suggest sites that are probably critical to CP49 function in the lens fiber cell.
Dichotomous behavior of capillary surfaces in zero gravity

A mathematical procedure is described for determining the behavior of the free surface of a fluid in static equilibrium and partly filling a cylindrical container with cross-section of general form in zero gravity. Either of two qualitatively distinct situations must prevail, depending on geometry and contact angle. Several illustrative examples are discussed, and the procedure is applied in detail to a container with a rectangular section on which the corners have been rounded, thereby determining the effect of rounding on the 'critical' contact angle that separates the two types of behavior. This last example is intended in part as a guide for application to general geometries.
Individual Action and Community Context: The Health Intervention Project

Background HIV risk-reduction efforts have traditionally focused on the individual. The need for including the role of the social context and community is being recognized. Social capital provides social relationships and potential resources that may hinder or trigger risk or protective health behaviors, especially for individuals with limited economic means. Methods Sixty-five adult inner-city female drug users, who were included in a woman-focused HIV risk-reduction intervention trial, participated in in-depth interviews in Atlanta, Georgia, between 2002 and 2004. The interviews focused on the women’s individual behavioral changes during the 6 months since completion of the intervention as well as on the impact of community conditions. Topics discussed were sexual and drug use behaviors, social relationships, social capital, and community physical and social infrastructure. The data were analyzed using the constant comparison methods. Results The respondents indicated that poor physical and social infrastructure led to alienation and negatively affected their behavioral change efforts. Social capital and social support mediated these negative influences. Drug-related violence was especially debilitating in their efforts to reduce HIV risk associated with crack cocaine or injection drug use and associated sexual behavior. Environmental conditions and opportunity structures played salient roles in the women’s success. Conclusions Individual actions and community context must be considered simultaneously when facilitating and assessing behavioral interventions.
The state of strategic planning : What went wrong? What goes right?

Abstract After a heyday in the 1970s, strategic planning flagged in popularity. Disillusionment among many executives about the results of strategic planning, together with the recessions of the early 1980s, led to the decimation of many corporate planning staffs. However, the need for systematic, comprehensive, and long-term planning still exists. This analysis examines why strategic planning failed and discusses new approaches to strategic management that are designed to avoid past problems. It derives from a presentation to The Greater St. Louis Planning Forum in April 1988.
Functional activities of isolated lymphocytes following drying by sublimation of ice in vacuo. I. Rosette formation, stimulation by plant lectins (mitogens), and the mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Abstract The following activities of isolated human lymphocytes were used for evaluating the effects of freezing and thawing and freeze-drying and rehydration on these cells: (a) spontaneous rosette formation, (b) responses to plant lectins (mitogens), and (c) the one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction. The successes achieved in drying of isolated lymphocytes by sublimation of ice in vacuo and rehydration with water with retention of the functions above, all of which appear to require living cells, were dependent upon a freeze-drying apparatus of unique design and the ability to freeze-dry suspending media containing dimethylsulfoxide. Best results were obtained when lymphocytes were: (a) isolated from blood collected in citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD); (b) suspended in Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium-1640 (RPMI-1640) in sufficient amount to make 100%, 20% fetal calf serum, 8% serum albumin, 5% dimethylsulfoxide, and 1% L-glutamine; (c) cooled at approximately 1 °C/min from +4 to −25 °C and approximately 5 °C/min from −25 to −70 °C, and (d) rehydrated at low temperatures.
Minimizing Synaptic Depression by Control of Release Probability

Transmission at the end-bulb synapse formed by auditory nerve terminals onto the soma of neurons in the avian nucleus magnocellularis is characterized by high transmitter release probability and strong synaptic depression. Activation of presynaptic GABA(B) receptors minimizes depression at this synapse and significantly enhances synaptic strength during high-frequency activity. Here we investigate synaptic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. EPSC amplitudes evoked by 200 Hz trains increased more than twofold when release probability was reduced with Cd(2+) or baclofen. This effect was not exhibited by a transmitter depletion model of presynaptic depression, which predicts that EPSC amplitudes reach a common steady-state amplitude during high-frequency trains, despite alterations of initial release probability. However, an additional source of postsynaptic depression was sufficient to explain our findings. Aniracetam, a modulator of AMPA receptors that reduces desensitization, decreased the amount of synaptic depression during trains, indicating that desensitization occurred during trains of stimuli. However, this effect of aniracetam was absent when release probability was lowered with baclofen or Cd(2+). No effect of aniracetam on the NMDA component of the EPSC was seen, confirming a postsynaptic site of action of aniracetam. When desensitization was reduced with aniracetam, steady-state EPSC amplitudes during trains were found to converge over a wide range of release probabilities, as predicted by the depletion model. Additional evidence of AMPA receptor desensitization was provided by direct measurement of quantal amplitudes immediately after stimulus trains. Thus, presynaptic modulation by GABA(B) receptors regulates the extent of AMPA receptor desensitization and controls synaptic strength, thereby modulating the flow of information at an auditory synapse.
Benign neural sheath neoplasm of the oral cavity: Report of thirty-seven cases

Abstract Thirty-seven cases of neurilemmoma and neurofibroma have been presented. Histologic variations occur within these two types of neoplasm, including myxoid, collagenized, and plexiform varieties of neurofibroma, and classic, Verocay, plexiform, and ancient forms of neurilemmoma. Females are more commonly affected and younger persons are predisposed. Twenty per cent of the neurofibromas were associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis.
Spin wave scattering and interference in ferromagnetic cross

Magnetostatic spin wave scattering and interference across a CoTaZr ferromagnetic spin wave waveguide cross junction were investigated experimentally and by micromagnetic simulations. It is observed that the phase of the scattered waves is dependent on the wavelength, geometry of the junction, and scattering direction. It is found that destructive and constructive interference of the spin waves generates switching characteristics modulated by the input phase of the spin waves. Micromagnetic simulations are used to analyze experimental data and simulate the spin wave scattering and interference.
Computer Modeling of Cracks

The theoretical techniques used in modeling cracks in crystalline lattices are reviewed. It is shown that there is generally a trade-off between sample size and realistic interatomic potentials. Infinite discrete one and two-dimensional lattices can be handled by the methods of lattice statics, but only with simple unrealistic potentials. In the hybrid lattice statics models a very small crystalline region, where the calculations are done with realistic potentials, is imbedded in an infinite elastic continuum. In this approach the boundary matching between the two regions is the difficulty. At the other end of the scale, molecular dynamic techniques can be used on an unconstrained system of a “large” number of atoms interacting with a reasonably realistic interatomic potential (this is the only way dynamic simulations have been done so far). Here, of course, the question is how “large” is large enough to simulate the behavior of the corresponding infinite system.
Inhibition of Ovulation by Systematically Administered Actinomycin D in the Hamster

Actinomycin D (AMD) (60 μg/100 g body wt) was administered by intraperi-toneal injection into both adult and immature female hamsters. In adult animals in which human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was given t o promote the occurrence of ovulation, AMD had a strong inhibitory effect when injected up to 5 hr later, but none at 7 or 9 hr. Similarly, in immature hamsters induced to ovulate with pregnant mares’ serum gonadotropin (PMS) and HCG, inhibition was effected by AMD given within 6 hr of the HCG treatment, but not at 8 hr or later. The findings are consistent with the view that systematically administered AMD inhibits ovulation by acting peripherally, possibly by the same mechanism as that previously proposed for AMD introduced into ovarian follicles, namely, by suppressing the formation of mRNA involved in the induction of ovulation. If this is true, it can be surmised that production of mRNA i n the hamster is complete by about 6 hr after HCG injection. (Endocrinology 83: 177, 1968)
Exploration of methods for estimation of number of endmembers in hyperspectral imagery

An endmember is an idealized, pure signature for a class and provides crucial information for hyperspectral image analysis. Recently, endmember extraction has received considerable attention in hyperspectral imaging due to significantly improved spectral resolution where the likelihood of a hyperspectral image pixel uncovered by a hyperspectral image sensor as an endmember is substantially increased. Many algorithms have been proposed for this purpose. One great challenge in endmember extraction is the determination of number of endmembers, p required for an endmember extraction algorithm (EEA) to generate. Unfortunately, this issue has been overlooked and avoided by making an empirical assumption without justification. However, it has been shown that an appropriate selection of p is critical to success in extracting desired endmembers from image data. This paper explores methods available in the literature that can be used to estimate the value, p . These include the commonly used eigenvalue-based energy method, An Information criterion (AIC), Minimum Description Length (MDL), Gershgorin radii-based method, Signal Subspace Estimation (SSE) and Neyman-Pearson detection method in detection theory. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, two sets of experiments are conducted for performance analysis. The first set consists of synthetic imagebased simulations which allow us to evaluate their performance with a priori knowledge, while the second set comprising of real hyperspectral image experiments which demonstrate utility of these methods in real applications.
Feedback valence, feedback style, task autonomy, and achievement orientation: Interactive effects on creative performance.

This study examined the interactive effects of 3 contextual variables (feedback valence, feedback style, and task autonomy) on creative performance. Data were collected from participants who performed a role-playing task in a laboratory setting (N = 210). Results demonstrated that the 3 contextual variables interacted to affect creative performance such that individuals who received positive feedback delivered in an informational style, and who worked in a high task autonomy work environment, generated the most creative ideas. This 3-way interaction held regardless of the participants' differences in achievement orientation. Implications of these results for future research are discussed.
External egg morphology of the Hawaiian dancing moth, Dryadaula terpsichorella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

The Hawaiian dancing moth, Dryadaula terpsichorella (Busck 1910) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), has been recently introduced into the continental USA, in California and Florida. While the larva and pupa of a few species in the tineid subfamily Dryadaulinae have been described, the morphology of the egg has not been reported for any species in the subfamily. In this study, we report the egg morphology of D. terpsichorella. The egg is scale-like, which is unusual for Tineidae, and the chorion has reticulate sculpturing and numerous micropunctures over its surface. Five to eight obovate primary cells surround the micropylar area. The chorion of D. terpsichorella is similar to other tineid species in its reticulate pattern, but the shape of the egg is distinctively different. We postulate that the flattened shape may be related to the reduction of the ovipositor. While observations from other species are needed, we predict that the flat and singly deposited egg of D. terpsichorella may be shared with congeners in t...
A Training Program for Weather-Modification Pilots

Abstract A training program that has been conducted since 1974 to educate pilots in the principles of weather modification is described. The program offers theoretical and practical instruction in cloud seeding, including on-the-job experience. Some benefits of the program are presented.
Subtropical gyre variability as seen from satellites

A satellite multi-sensor approach is used to analyse the biological response of open ocean regions of the subtropical gyres to changes in physical forcing. Thirteen years (1998-2010) of SeaWiFS chlorophyll a (Chl-a), combined with concurrent satellite records of sea-surface temperature (SST) and sea level height, were analysed to investigate the seasonal and interannual variability of Chl-a concentration within these immense so-called ocean deserts. The seasonal variability of Chl-a within the gyres is driven mostly by the warming/cooling of surface waters. Summer warming promotes shallower mixed layers and lower Chl-a due to a reduction of vertical mixing and consequently a decrease in nutrient supply. The opposite happens during the winter cooling period. Therefore, long-term trends in SST have the potential to cause an impact on the interannual variability of Chl-a. Our analyses show that, during the 13 whole years of SeaWiFS data record, the North Pacific, Indian Ocean, and North Atlantic gyres experienced a decrease in Chl-a of 9%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, with corresponding SST increases of 0.27 C, 0.42 C, and 0.32 C. The South Pacific and South Atlantic gyres also showed warming trends but with weak positive trends in Chl-a that are not statistically significant. We hypothesize that the warming of surface waters in these two gyres are counterbalanced by other interacting physical and biological driving mechanisms, as indicated in previous studies.
Boston Violence Intervention Advocacy Program: a qualitative study of client experiences and perceived effect.

OBJECTIVES: This study intended to explore clients' experiences and provide a contextual basis for understanding their perceptions of the effectiveness of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) Violence Intervention Advocacy Program (VIAP). METHODS: This was an exploratory, qualitative study conducted in an urban, Level I trauma center from July 1, 2011 to February 24, 2012. Emergency department (ED) patients older than 18 years with penetrating trauma, and who were enrolled in the VIAP, were eligible. Two trained, qualitative interviewers who were not part of the VIAP obtained consent and conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, deidentified, coded, and analyzed. Thematic content analysis consistent with grounded theory was used to identify themes related to client experiences with VIAP, life circumstances, challenges to physical and emotional healing postinjury, services provided by VIAP, and perceptions of VIAP's effectiveness. RESULTS: Twenty subjects were interviewed. Most were male, African American, and younger than 30 years of age, reflecting the overall program's clientele. Most subjects perceived their advocates as caring adults in their lives and cited aspects of the peer support model that helped establish trusting relationships. Major challenges to healing were fear and safety, trust, isolation as a coping mechanism, bitterness, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Every subject noted important services provided by VIAP advocates. Most subjects explicitly stated that they had positive experiences with the VIAP and perceived advocates' roles as a positive influence, providing client-centered advocacy, education, and support. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the lives of 20 BMC VIAP clients and contextualizes their unique challenges. Participants described positive, life-changing behaviors on their journey to healing through connections to caring, supportive adults. Information gained from this study will help the VIAP to further support its clients. However, future research is needed to identify best practices for ED-based violence intervention programs and to measure community-wide efficacy in different settings. Language: en
Legal Liabilities, Audit Accuracy and the Market for Audit Services

In quality-differentiated audit markets with client-firms of unknown types, insider-managers of client firms strategically select auditors who respond to legal liabilities to decide their care level. In this signaling game, uninformed-investors use the audit report and the auditors' identity for firm valuation. The analysis shows that increased legal liability increases the auditor's effort and audit accuracy but reduces the demand for high quality auditing because, apart from the increased audit costs, the adverse selection benefit of the worse type reduces with increased accuracy. Furthermore, alternative legal regimes and damage allocation rules alter informational efficiency of the financial market.
UV sensitive mutations in histone H3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that alter specific K79 methylation states genetically act through distinct DNA repair pathways

Chromatin serves as a regulator of various nuclear processes, with post-translational modifications of histone proteins serving as modulators to influence chromatin function. We have previously shown that histone H3 K79 methylation is important for repair of UV-induced DNA damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, acting through multiple repair pathways. To evaluate the potential role of distinct K79 methylation states in DNA repair, we identified four mutations in histone H3 that confer sensitivity to UV, each of which also has a distinct effect on specific K79 methylation states. Epistasis analyses indicate that each mutation exerts its phenotypic effects through distinct subsets of the various DNA damage response pathways, suggesting the existence of discrete roles for histone H3 in DNA damage checkpoint and repair pathways. Furthermore, we find that the distribution of K79 methylation states is altered by mutation of the acetylatable N terminal lysines in histone H4. The combined results suggest that K79 methylation states may be modulated in response to UV damage via a trans-histone regulatory pathway, and that distinct methylation states may provide a means of coordinating specific DNA repair and damage checkpoint pathways.
Scale and resolution of forest structural pattern

An individual tree-based forest succession model was modified to simulate a forest stand as a grid of contiguous 0.01-ha cells. We simulated a 9 ha stand for 750 years and sampled the stand at 50 yr intervals, outputting structural variables for each grid cell. Principal components analysis was used to depict temporal patterns in forest structure as observed in 0.01 ha samples (individual grid cells). We then resampled the grid using square aggregates of 4 to 100 grid cells as quadrats. Principal component scores recalculated for the aggregates, using the original (0.01 ha scale) scoring matrix, depict the effects of obervational scale on perceived patterns in forest structure. Larger quadrats reduce the apparent variation in forest structure and decrease the apparent rate of structural dynamics. Results support a scale-dependent conceptualization of forest systems by illustrating the qualitative difference in forest dynamics as viewed at the scale of individual gap elements as compared to the larger scale steady state mosaic. The aggregation exercise emphasizes the relationship between these two observational scales and serves as a general framework for understanding scaling relationships in ecological phenomena.
Effect of buffer pH, buffer concentration and skin with or without enzyme inhibitors on the stability of [Arg8]-vasopressin

The stability of [Arg(8)]-vasopressin (AVP) as a function of buffer pH, buffer concentration, salt concentration, temperature, and skin with and without enzyme inhibitors was investigated. AVP was analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The results indicated that the buffer's pH affected the degradation rate of AVP. Buffer ions (H(2)PO(4)(-) and HPO(4)(2-)) and salt concentrations had no effect on the degradation of AVP. Maximum stability was achieved at pH 3.35 among pH values tested. The activation energy for the overall reaction was 21.5 kcal mol(-1) at pH 3.35. From the Arrhenius equation, the shelf-life of AVP at 25 degrees C and pH 3.35 was calculated to be 1.38 years. The degradation rate of AVP in the skin (area: 9 cm(2), thickness: 0.5 mm) was 0.22 h(-1). Bestatin (an aminopeptidase inhibitor) had the best stabilizing effect on the degradation of AVP by skin among the three enzyme inhibitors (i.e. aprotinin, bestatin, and leupeptin) studied. The degradation rate of AVP in the skin was reduced to 0. 059 h(-1) in the presence of bestatin in comparison with no inhibitor (0.22 h(-1)).
Expert result analyzer for a field operations simulator

Abstract The paper presents structure, components and test reports of a prototype expert system developed for analyzing results of a field operations simulator. The logic of the three reports - Machinery Usage Report, Operations Analysis Report, and Accumulated Work Report - produced by the system are discussed. The system has been employed as a component of FARMSYS - an integrated machinery management decision-support system for multi-crop production systems. The field operations simulator of FARMSYS uses weather data, the cropping calendar, land, available machinery and labor data; and calculates daily operations that could be performed. The expert result analyzer interprets these results from the standpoint of under-or over-capacity of machinery and labor. A team of experts evaluated FARMSYS and made recommendations, which were incorporated. FARMSYS was also evaluated using real farm data to verify its functionality. The expert system was able to identify a tractor, an operator, and seven implements that could be withdrawn from the test farm without significantly affecting timeliness of the majority of operations.
Representation of the Earth's Gravitational Potential

The paper represents the Earth's gravitational potentialV, outside a sphere bounding the Earth, by means of its difference δV from the author's spheroidal potential. The difference δV is in turn represented as arising from a surface density σ on the sphere bounding the Earth. Because of the slow decrease with ordern of the normalized coefficients in the spherical harmonic expansion ofV, the density anomalies from which the higher coefficients arise must occur in regions close to the Earth's surface. The surface density σ is thus an idealization of the product of the density anomaly Δϱ and the crustal thicknessb. Values of σ are computed from potential coefficients obtained from two sources, Rapp and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The two sources give qualitative agreement for the values of σ and for its contour map. The numerical values obtained for σ are compatible with the idea that the responsible density anomalies are reasonably small, i.e., less than 0.05 g/cm3, and occur in the crust alone.
Using measurements in urban areas to estimate turbulent velocities for modeling dispersion

Abstract This study extends a study [Princevac, M., Venkatram, A., 2007. Estimating micrometeorological inputs for modeling dispersion in urban areas during stable conditions. Atmospheric Environment, doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.02.029 .] in which mean winds and temperatures measured at one or two levels on towers located in urban areas were fitted to Monin–Obukhov similarity equations to obtain estimates of micrometeorological variables required in modeling dispersion in the stable boundary layer. This study shows that such methods are also useful in unstable conditions: measurements of the mean wind speed and the standard deviation of temperature fluctuations, σ T , at one level on a tower yield estimates of surface heat flux, surface friction velocity, and standard deviations of turbulent velocities that are within a factor of two of values observed at two urban sites over 80% of the time.
A microwave equivalent circuit model for semiconductor alloy ramp heterostructure diodes

The microwave impedance of a current-rectifying Alx, Ga1-x, As ramp heterostructure is measured from 0.1 to 12 GHz over a temperature range of 20 to 300 K. The elements of a small-signal equivalent circuit model are optimized to fit the experimental impedance data over the full temperature and dc bias ranges. These circuit elements are identified with the physical structures and carrier transport mechanisms in the device.
The Effect of Victim Attitudes and Behaviors on Sexual Assault Victimization Severity: An Examination of University Women

The current study investigates a number of theoretically relevant victim characteristics to determine their impact on sexual assault victimization severity. Ordinary least squares regression analysis of survey responses from a sample of 204 university women indicated significant relationships between many of the variables of interest and increases in victimization severity. In particular, risk-taking behavior, delayed victim response strategies to sexual risk, increased number of lifetime sexual partners, and more frequent exposure to pornographic media significantly correlated with increasingly more severe forms of sexual assault. Future research directions and policy implications are discussed.