cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Three Orthographic/Phonological Units on First-Grade Reading

This investigation examined whether instruction at the onset—rime level (e.g., "b—at") facilitates first graders' accuracy in word reading more than instruction at the whole word-level (“bat”) or phoneme level (“b—a—t”). Forty-eight first graders were randomly assigned to phoneme, onset—rime, whole-word, or unseen control (receiving whole-language instruction in the classroom) groups and trained with individual cardboard letter sets in 15 twenty-minute sessions over a 6-week period. Groups were comparable on pretests of intellectual ability, phonemic segmentation, reading achievement, and ability to read 40 regular and 20 exception words. On the posttest of these 60 words, the phoneme and onset-rime groups were significantly more accurate than the whole-word groups, and there was a tendency for the onset—rime group to outperform the other three groups. Moreover, there was a tendency for phoneme students to be more accurate on regular words and onset—rime students to be more accurate on exception words.
Preparing for FDA Advisory Committee Presentations: Perspective of an Advisory Committee Member*

Advisory committees play an important role in the interactions that occur between the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This article highlights the time points at which advisory committee meetings are typically held-end of Phase I and end of Phase II; prior to New Drug Application (NDA) submission; and following FDA review of an NDA-and the type of discussions held at each meeting. The role of advisory committees, and the presentations made by the sponsor and the FDA at advisory committee meetings, are explained. Each advisory committee member must satisfy him/herself that the proposed new drug is safe and effective before recommending that it be approved by FDA.
Inhibition of reoviruses in vitro by selected antiviral substances

The antiviral effect of 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide (ribavirin), 3-deazaguanine (3-DG), 3-deazauridine (3-DU) and 9-(S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine ([S]-DHPA) on reovirus types 1, 2 and 3 replication and host cell functions are described. Inhibition of cytopathic effect (CPE) and of immunofluorescent cell counts (IFCC) were determined to assess antiviral activity in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Ribavirin showed the strongest inhibitory effects with inhibition at 3.2 μg/ml. 3-DG and 3-DU had moderate activity and (S)-DHPA exhibited only weak effects. There was little difference in the degree of inhibition among reovirus serotypes. Antiviral effects were reversed by guanosine (for ribavirin and 3-DG), uridine (for 3-DU) and adenosine (for [S]-DHPA). Comparative studies with reovirus type 3 indicated both CPE and IFCC inhibition to be approximately equally sensitive parameters. In radiolabel uptake studies, each compound moderately inhibited uptake of radioactive precursor molecules at dosage levels where viral inhibition was observed, suggesting a lack of specific reovirus inhibitory effects.
Real interest rates and the distribution effects of unanticipated inflation

Abstract The effects on aggregate demand of redistributions of wealth due to unanticipated inflation are typically ignored by macroeconomists. This paper uses the overlapping generations model extended to three periods to show, under plausible assumptions, that an unanticipated increase in inflation results in a decline in aggregate demand. Further this implies that the ex ante real interest rate will decline in response to past unanticipated inflation. This prediction of the model provides an explanation of the results of empirical studies which find that nominal interest rates rise less than one-for-one with anticipated inflation.
Self-Stabilizing Programs: The Fault-Tolerant Capability of Self-Checking Programs

Self-checking programs are programs which meet the following condition. For any legal input, either they return the correct output or they return a message indicating that the output may be incorrect. Self-checking programs are capable of recognizing irregular conditions in their state space and reporting it. Self-stabilizing programs are programs which, in addition to (or instead of) reporting irregular conditions in their state space, take action to recover from them. This correspondence describes how to formally verify that a program is self-checking or self-stabilizing and discusses the relationship between the thoroughness of recovery actions in a self-stabilizing program and the overall quality of the program.
The effect of a vacancy on the STM image of graphite

SUMMARY Theoretical studies have been done on graphite with a vacancy using the extended Huckel tight-binding (EHTB) method. The results of the singly- and doubly-layered samples show that there is an unexpected distance dependence of the charge density directly over the vacancy. Furthermore, the vacancy acts as a perturbation to distinguish two sublattices which exist in pristine graphite and it creates a charge enhancement in the atoms directly surrounding it.
A photoacoustic calorimetry study of horse carboxymyoglobin on the 10-nanosecond time scale

The development of a photoacoustic calorimeter with a time resolution of 10 ns is presented, and the dynamics of the enthalpy and volume changes found in the photodissociation of CO from horse carboxymyoglobin are examined. With this enhanced time resolution a new transient species, the lifetime of which is 29 ns at 20 degrees C, is observed in the ligand dissociation process.
The cointegrating relationship between productivity, real exchange rates and purchasing power parity

Abstract Johansen cointegration and hypotheses tests indicate that a statistically significant cointegrating relationship exists between domestic and foreign productivity differentials and the real exchange rate. Increases in the domestic productivity of traded goods (relative to the domestic productivity of nontraded goods) appreciates the real exchange rate in all six economies. Conversely, increases in the foreign productivity of traded goods causes a real exchange rate depreciation in four of the six economics.
Numerical Modeling of Multidimensional Diffusion in the Radiation Belts using Layer Methods

[1] A new code using layer methods is presented to solve radiation belt diffusion equations and is used to explore effects of cross diffusion on electron fluxes. Previous results indicate that numerical problems arise when solving diffusion equations with cross diffusion when using simple finite difference methods. We show that layer methods, which are based on stochastic differential equations, are capable of solving diffusion equations with cross diffusion and are also generalizable to three dimensions. We run our layer code using two chorus wave models and a combined magnetosonic wave and hiss wave model (MH wave model). Both chorus and magnetosonic waves are capable of accelerating electrons to MeV levels in about a day. However, for the chorus wave models, omitting cross diffusion overestimates fluxes at high energies and small pitch angles, while for the MH wave model, ignoring cross diffusion overestimates fluxes at high energies and large pitch angles. These results show that cross diffusion is not ignorable and should be included when calculating radiation belt electron fluxes.
Trends in cardiovascular surgery (1961 to 1977): Review of the new york city and state experience

Abstract Statistical data on surgery for congenital and acquired heart disease in New York City in the 17 years from 1961 through 1977 and in New York State in 1977 document trends in volume and types of operations. The ratio of open heart surgery for congenital versus acquired heart disease of 2:1 in 1961 was reversed to 1:6 by 1977 as the number of procedures for valvular and coronary heart disease increased. The case load for surgery for congenital heart disease using the open heart technique gradually increased until 1974 and then decreased. The number of closed heart operations was relatively constant. Observations suggest a finite number of open and closed heart operations for congenital cardiac malformations; the total of 1,381 cardiac operations in New York State in 1977 may continue to diminish if the decreasing birth rate persists. The number of operations for valvular heart disease has stabilized, but the number of operations for coronary artery disease has increased 7-fold since 1970. In 1977, coronary arterial bypass grafting in New York State accounted for 63 percent of operations for acquired heart disease (6,407) and the mortality rate was less than 3 percent.
Socioeconomic Assessment: Conversion of I-85 High-Occupancy Vehicle to High-Occupancy Toll in Atlanta, Georgia

High-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes use dynamic pricing to manage demand for lane use and to maintain acceptable traffic flow and traffic speeds. However, minimum occupancy and toll payment requirements raise potential socioeconomic questions concerning disparate negative effects across demographic groups. The objective of this study was to improve the knowledge about socioeconomic aspects of congestion pricing by using the I-85 high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) to HOT conversion in Atlanta, Georgia, as a case study. To evaluate the effects across user groups, more than 1.5 million license plate records were collected during a 2-year period, 1 year before and 1 year after the conversion. Analyses compared collected records with state motor vehicle registration databases to identify the vehicles and link census block group level and marketing household level socioeconomic attributes. In addition, results of a 2-day travel diary survey conducted by Volpe 6 months before and 6 months after the conversion were assessed. This study used all three sources of data in parallel to undertake a socioeconomic evaluation of the HOV-to-HOT conversion. Whereas previous studies were built on only one data source with significantly smaller sample sizes, the use of three distinctive sources of socioeconomic data and an exceptionally large sample size advanced the understanding of the potential socioeconomic effects of managed lanes. Furthermore, with the noted advantages and disadvantages of these data sources, this study provided valuable insight for general demographic analysts.
IMPROVING QUANTITATIVE MODELS THROUGH OPTIMIZATION

Q uantitative active management and Markowitz-type optimization techniques have both become quite popular over the past twenty years. Bernstein and PradhumTn [1993] demonstrate that institutional equity managers appear to have increased their use of more quantitatively derived methods of stock selection such as earnings estimate revision or equity duration over the past five years. The increased popularity of index hnds and, in particular, tilted index funds, combined with the availability of computer optimization packages and data bases, has led to the widespread use of optimization techniques. With the exception of a relatively small group of managers that offer tilted index funds, however, few active equity managers regularly use optimization techniques in conjunction with quantitative stock selection models. Although most quantitative equity managers have been schooled on portfoliobased concepts developed by Markowitz [1959] and Sharpe [1970], such managers seem to focus on stock selection, and forget their quantitative portfolio-oriented “roots.” Many of today’s quantitative models attempt to forecast expected returns on an individual stock basis, and ignore the ramifications of combining those individual stocks into a portfolio. Most models have an implicit assumption that if one buys the model’s most attractive stocks, then one will be investing in the best possible portfolio. Active quantitative managers will often equal-weight the component stocks, market-weight the stocks, or pick individual stocks off the “best buy” list accord-. ing to their feelings regarding their own skill at stock selection. We demonstrate that optimizing a quantitative model’s “best buy” portfolio can provide superior performance when compared to more traditional weighting or stock selection schemes. In addition, the value-added that a mediocre manager can expect to achieve that is attributable to stock selection pales in comparison to that achievable through optimization techniques. In general, ignoring the correlation and covariant risk and weighting of a quantitative model’s “best” stocks can result in hundreds of basis points per year in lost performance. To support these contentions, we studied the results of a traditional quantitative equity technique, the dividend discount model (DDM), and found that returns could be enhanced significantly by simply
Modeling Tonal Tension

THIS STUDY PRESENTS AND TESTS a theory of tonal tension (Lerdahl, 2001). The model has four components: prolongational structure, a pitch-space model, a surfacetension model, and an attraction model. These components combine to predict the rise and fall in tension in the course of listening to a tonal passage or piece. We first apply the theory to predict tension patterns in Classical diatonic music and then extend the theory to chromatic tonal music. In the experimental tasks, listeners record their experience of tension for the excerpts. Comparisons between predictions and data point to alternative analyses within the constraints of the theory. We conclude with a discussion of the underlying perceptual and cognitive principles engaged by the theory9s components.
A Theoretical Model of Pattern Formation in Coral Reefs

We present a mathematical model of the growth of coral subject to unidirectional ocean currents using concepts of porous-media flow and nonlinear dynamics in chemical systems. Linear stability analysis of the system of equations predicts that the growth of solid (coral) structures will be aligned perpendicular to flow, propagating against flow direction. Length scales of spacing between structures are selected based on chemical reaction and flow rates. In the fully nonlinear system, autocatalysis in the chemical reaction accelerates growth. Numerical analysis reveals that the nonlinear growth creates sharp fronts of high solid fraction that, as predicted by the linear stability, advance against the predominating flow direction. The findings of regularly spaced growth areas oriented perpendicular to flow are qualitatively supported on both a colonial and a regional reef scale.
Functional characterization of mouse fetal TnI gene promoters in myocardial cells.

Two major troponin I (TnI) genes, fetal TnI (ssTnI) and adult TnI (cTnI), are expressed in the mammalian heart under the control of a developmentally regulated program. In this study, the up-stream domain (∼1,800 bp) of mouse fetal TnI gene has been cloned and characterized. There is a high homology of this region among mouse, rat and human. Analysis of the sequence revealed several putative regulatory domains and binding sites (Sp1 binding sites, GATA binding site, MyoD, CREB, MEF2, AP1, NFκB, etc). Transfection assays indicated that conserved GA-rich sequences, CREB and a CCAAT box within the first 300 bp upstream of the transcription start site were critical for the gene expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed binding proteins to CREB site in nuclear extracts from myocardial cells. An inhibitory domain was revealed within the sequence between −1,700 to −1,780. Thyroid hormone (T3) caused a significant inhibitory effect on ssTnI expression in myocardial cells whereas this effect was not evident in CHO cells.
Assessing social desirability in family self-report.

This study focused on social desirability in family members' self-reports. 32 clinical families (93 family members) were given self-report measures from the McMaster and Circumplex family-assessment models and a measure of social desirability. Clinicians assessed these families on clinical rating scales from the same models. Regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between self-reports, social desirability scores, and clinicians' ratings. It was expected that social desirability would be a suppressor variable (i.e., when accounted for, the similarity between clinicians' and family members' ratings would be enhanced). This did not occur; instead, social desirability was significantly but negatively correlated with ratings of pathology. Results provide evidence that correcting for social desirability on clinical pencil-and-paper tests is not supported.
Future U.S. ocean color missions—OCI, MODIS and HIRIS

NASA has been working to develop an Ocean Color Imager (OCI). The Earth Observing Satellite Company (EOSAT) is considering flying an ocean and land wide-field color instrument which would meet specified requirements on Landsat 6 or 7 planned for launch in 1989 and 1991, respectively. It would provide eight ocean color channels for improved atmospheric correction and in-water algorithms, global coverage and near real-time data for operational uses. In the mid 1990's NASA is planning to fly a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and a High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS) as part of the Earth Observing System on the Polar Platform of the Space Station. These instruments are array spectrometers which would provide full spectral resolution in the visible and infrared. This opens the possibility of separating different groups of phytoplankton, suspended sediments and other substances in the water.
A Computer Engineering Technology Body of Knowledge

Educational programs in engineering and engineering technology have been developed to address many technical aspects associated with computers. Computer Engineering programs typically focus on the theoretical foundations related to machine and algorithm designs used to develop computers, producing highly skilled design and research engineers. Computer Engineering Technology (CpET) programs span a wide range of focus, from hardware and software development principles and practices to the latest advances in “applications”. Other programs tend to focus on Information Technology concepts and practices for the enterprise. This paper compares and contrasts CpET to other forms of computer, information, and network technology academic disciplines. We identify educational gaps that can be filled by 4-year CpET programs using the 2004 IEEE and ACM Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula “Body of Knowledge” for computer engineering, industry input, and institutional factors. This work also captures situations where combining CET and IT-centric disciplines can be useful to academic institutions, students and employers.
Performance Prediction of Commercial Thermoelectric Cooler Modules using the Effective Material Properties

This work examines the validity of formulating the effective thermoelectric material properties as a way to predict thermoelectric module performance. The three maximum parameters (temperature difference, current, and cooling power) of a thermoelectric cooler were formulated on the basis of the hot junction temperature. Then, the effective material properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistance, and thermal conductivity) were defined in terms of the three maximum parameters that were taken from either a commercial thermoelectric cooler module or the measurements. It is demonstrated that the simple standard equation with the effective material properties predicts well the performance curves of the four selected commercial products. Normalized parameters over the maximum parameters were also formulated to present the characteristics of the thermoelectric coolers along with the normalized charts. The normalized charts would be universal for a given thermoelectric material.
Mitochondria: biogenesis, structure, and function--symposium introduction.

TURCOTTE, L. P. Mitochondria: Biogenesis, Structure, and Function—Symposium Introduction. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 82–85, 2003. During the past three to four decades, a significant amount of data was collected to reinforce the notion that mitochondrial function is irrevocably lin
Recent developments in chemical diversity

Diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) is an important field involving the synthesis of libraries of diverse small molecules for applications including biological screening. The last decade has witnessed major progress in the field, with continued emphasis on structural and functional diversity for DOS library construction. A number of recent reviews have updated the community on this topic, including recent successes of biologically active molecules obtained from DOS compound collections [1–2]. This Thematic Series of the Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry attempts to capture recent developments in the area of chemical diversity and highlights the development of chemical reaction methodologies, the construction of novel chemotypes, and the advances in technology that enable progress in these areas. In the original paradigm for DOS, compound and library design were substantially based on the incorporation of functional, skeletal, and stereochemical diversity elements. An emerging theme in the area, as evident from many of the participating contributions in the Thematic Series, involves the development of novel reaction methodologies as a means to access or discover new “chemotypes”. In this way, organic chemists are empowered by the paradigm of “chemical diversity as a function of novel chemical reactions”. “Recent developments in chemical diversity” in the Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry represents contributions from leading organic chemists exploring a diverse repertoire of approaches to access novel chemical diversity. I would like to thank all the authors for their important contributions to this issue and this vibrant area of research. John A. Porco Jr. Boston, May 2012
Resonant interactions between unstable and neutral baroclinic waves in a continuous model of the atmosphere

Resonant interactions between a finite-amplitude marginally unstable wave and two neutral baroclinic waves are investigated in a quasi-geostrophic, continuous, infinite depth model on the beta-plane channel. Since the neutral waves are characterized by total horizontal wavenumbers less than that of the unstable wave, the kinematic resonant conditions can only be satisfied when the meridional scale of the unstable wave is sufficiently small. Employing asymptotic methods, equations are obtained governing the temporal evolution of the amplitudes and phases of the triad. The neutral waves are scaled smaller in magnitude than the unstable wave as a result of an asymptotic imbalance between the advective non-linearity and instability. Numerical solutions of the amplitude equations reveal a separation between the instability and interaction time scales. The neutral wave amplitudes vacillate on the longer interaction time scale. The unstable wave amplitude vacillates locally on the instability time scale while its envelope vacillates on the interaction time scale in direct proportion to the initial neutral wave amplitudes. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1984.tb00251.x
Teacher Acceptance of Behavioral Principles: An Issue of Values

The question of why teachers tend not to use behavior modification in classrooms has aroused serious concern for behavioral consultants. This paper explores three reasons for low use. First, there are differences in the underlying assumptions concerning causality such that behavioral explanations may be seen to be in conflict with teachers' understanding of human conduct. Second, attributions in behavior modifications place responsibility for solutions to the problem on the teacher, though teachers are not generally held responsible or accountable for solutions to children's learning or behavior problems. Finally, problems in modifying the working knowledge of teachers are considered. The implications of these issues are discussed in terms of how consultants might increase the impact of behavioral interventions.
Quantitative sustainability in a college or university setting

Colleges and universities that adopt the attractive but abstract goal of sustainability are intellectually honest only if they go on to devise operational approaches to meet that goal. Improved environmental performance is laudable, but may or may not be equivalent to sustainability. This paper proposes and discusses five areas in which college and university performance can be definitely linked with sustainability: energy use, water use, use of land, purchase of products and treatment of them at the end of their useful lives, and emissions to air, water, and land. For each, a quantitative target can be defined and defended. Colleges and universities that meet these targets can legitimately call themselves “sustainable”.
Renin system activation and delayed function of the renal transplant.

Abstract Delayed graft function (DGF), defined as persistent renal failure that requires dialysis within the first week after kidney transplantation, occurs commonly after cadaveric renal transplantation (CRT). This has important implications for long-term outcome because the 1-year allograft survival rate is significantly reduced when DGF occurs. The mechanisms contributing to the development of DGF are not well established. However, several lines of evidence indicate that excess renin system activity, in both the cadaver kidney donor and recipient, contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of DGF. If this hypothesis can be verified in clinical studies, then pharmacologic agents that interrupt the renin-angiotensin system (eg, type 1 angiotensin II receptor blockade, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, and β-adrenergic blockade) in the donor and recipient might significantly improve the outcome of cadaveric renal transplants.
ON WUNDT'S THEORY OF HYPNOSIS.

Abstract Wundt's theory of hypnosis is considered as an interesting example of a primarily associationistic explanation. Its treatment of major classes of hypnotic phenomena is evaluated from the standpoint of modern concepts and contrasted with alternative explanations given by his contemporaries. The authors describe the influence of the Zeitgeist and of Wundt's systematic predilections in constructing a theory of hypnotic behavior.
Increased mortality in patients with conflicting diastolic parameters

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and mortality of patients with conflicting diastolic function during follow-up. Up to 30% of patients have conflicting diastolic function by echo Doppler and therefore cannot be classified into a distinct diastolic dysfunction category of stage 1, 2 or 3. Using our established echocardiography data base, we studied a cohort of 250 subjects with conflicting diastolic function. Each individual was compared to two controls with normal diastolic and systolic function. The pre-specified goal of the analysis was a 6-year follow-up. Patients with conflicting diastolic function were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and established coronary artery disease. The Cox proportional hazards model determined that the risk of death was significantly higher for conflicting patients compared to patients with normal diastolic parameters (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.32–2.53), P < 0.001. After adjustment for covariates, the risk of death remained elevated for the conflicting group (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11–2.18), P = 0.009. Conflicting diastolic dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of death compared to individuals with normal function. In conclusion, this emphasizes the need to attain a more precise characterization and categorization for patients with diastolic dysfunction.
Laboratory selection of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) for resistance to fenvalerate and monocrotophos

Sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), larvae collected from selected sites in Louisiana were interbred, and the progeny were divided into separate colonies for laboratory selection with fenvalerate and monocrotophos. After 12 generations, 3.6- and 7.6- fold levels of resistance had developed in the fenvalerate and monocrotophos selected colonies, respectively. The fenvalerate-selected group also was found to be cross resistant (5-15-fold) to the pyrethroids permethrin, cypermethrin, flucythrinate, and Cyfluthrin (cyano(4-fluoro-3-phenoxy-phenyl)-methyl-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-carboxylate) and less susceptible (2-3-fold) to the organophosphate monocrotophos. A reduction in the effectiveness of the pyrethroids was not observed for the monocrotophos selection except for a 2-fold change in response to permethrin. However, this group exhibited a 4- to 5-fold increase in resistance to carbofuran and ca. 2-fold to azinphosmethyl. Based on synergism studies with piperonyl butoxide, S,S,S-tributyl phosphoro trithioate, dimethylmaleate, and the broad spectrum of cross resistance, (1) increased metabolism does not appear to be the primary mechanism of resistance to fenvalerate, and (2) mixed-function oxidase and esterase activity may play a role in resistance to monocrotophos.
The glocalization of time and space: Soccer and meaning in Chota valley, Ecuador

Globalization is commonly defined as time–space compression, a view that relies on an idea of ‘empty’ time and space where these dimensions have been stripped of local meanings by abstraction and s...
The use of the MammoSite balloon applicator in re-irradiation of the breast

Abstract Purpose To examine the feasibility of using the MammoSite brachytherapy applicator in the retreatment of the previously irradiated breast. Methods and materials Between March 2004 and March 2007, three patients previously treated with external beam radiotherapy were retreated using the MammoSite brachytherapy device. Two patients were treated for an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conservation surgery and postoperative irradiation, whereas the third patient developed an in-field breast cancer likely associated with Hodgkin's disease mantle irradiation 27 years before. The recurrent histology of two was ductal carcinoma in situ ([DCIS] one originally presenting as infiltrating ductal carcinoma [IDC] and the other as DCIS), whereas the Hodgkin's disease patient presented with IDC. All patients received a twice-daily tumor dose of 3400 cGy at 340 cGy/fraction. The mean maximum skin dose was 53.4% (range, 49.5–60.3%) of the prescribed dose. Results With a mean followup of 32 months, no patient developed a local recurrence. Cosmesis in all three cases as graded by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, cosmesis criteria was excellent (Grade I) in all cases. Dosimetric calculations demonstrated that the device allows for appropriate local irradiation while sparing the previously irradiated skin of the involved breast as defined by the protocol standard. Conclusions Use of the MammoSite device in the treatment of the previously irradiated breast is feasible and may provide adequate local control as well as acceptable cosmesis in carefully selected patients.
Feature detection and SLAM on embedded processors for micro-robot navigation

We have developed software that allows a micro-robot to localize itself at a 1Hz rate using only onboard hardware. The Surveyor SRV-1 robot and its Blackfin processors were used to perform FAST feature detection on images. Good features selected from these images were then described using the SURF descriptor algorithm. An onboard Gumstix then correlated the features reported by the two processors and used GTSAM to develop an estimate of robot localization and landmark positions. Localization errors in this system were on the same order of magnitude as the size of the robot itself, giving the robot the potential to autonomously operate in a real-world environment.
Temporal Requirements of Thyroid Hormones for Seasonal Changes in LH Secretion

The transition between breeding and anestrous seasons in ewes is driven by an endogenous rhythm in responsiveness to estradiol negative feedback. One stage of this rhythm, the transition to anestrus, requires the presence of thyroid hormone during a window of responsiveness that opens in the late breeding season. The primary goal of this study was to assess when ewes lose responsiveness to thyroid hormone (i.e. when the window closes). In addition, we investigated whether thyroid hormone influences aspects of seasonality other than the transition to anestrus. Ovariectomized ewes maintained in a simulated natural photoperiod were implanted with estradiol, thyroidectomized, and treated with T(4) for 100 d beginning at progressively later dates during the anestrous season. Onset of neuroendocrine anestrus (decrease in LH), latency to anestrus, and time of onset of the subsequent neuroendocrine breeding season (rise in LH) were determined. Ewes gradually lost responsiveness to T(4) during the latter half of the anestrous season, as judged by increasing latency to the decrease in LH and, eventually, failure to exhibit a decrease in LH. Progressively later T(4) replacements also caused progressive delays in the subsequent breeding season. In contrast, the annual PRL cycle was not significantly affected by thyroidectomy or T(4) replacement. These findings indicate that 1) responsiveness to T(4) is lost gradually during the mid to late anestrous season; 2) thyroid hormones can influence the timing of the breeding season and thus may be required for the maintenance or entrainment of the endogenous reproductive rhythm; 3) thyroid hormones are not required for all seasonal neuroendocrine cycles.
Characteristics of the Carbohydrate Moiety and the Intermolecular Associations of the High‐Molecular‐Weight Forms of α2u‐Globulin

We have investigated some of the biochemical characteristics of the glycosylated forms of α2u-globulin, the major protein of adult male rat urine. Labeled α2u-globulin that was secreted into the culture medium of primary monolayer cultures of hepatocytes was immunoprecipitated from the medium with antibody specific for urinary α2u-globulin and the complex used for further study. α2u-Globulin existed in the medium as a high-molecular-weight aggregate that could be dissociated with reducing agents and detergents into two glycosylated molecules of Mr 75000 and 50000 and one nonglycosylated molecule of Mr 20000. The glycosylated forms of α2u-globulin were shown by kinetic studies not to be precursors of the molecule of Mr 20000. When the glycoproteins were synthesized in the presence of radioactive sugar and amino acid precursors, the ratio of sugar to amino acid suggested that the highest-molecular-weight glycoprotein had 1.5–2 times the carbohydrate content of the faster-migrating glycoprotein. The oligosaccharide moiety, isolated from an exhaustive pronase digest of the combined glycoprotein molecules, was of Mr 5000 as determined by gel nitration methods. Sequential glycosidase digestion with neuraminidase, β-galactosidase, and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase produced a core oligosaccharide of Mr 1200. Anion-exchange chromatography demonstrated that the charge microheterogeneity of the α2u-globulin glycopeptides could be abolished by treatment with neuraminidase. Our results indicate that the oligosaccharide moiety of α2u-globulin is similar to those oligosaccharides found on other serum proteins, and suggest that formation of the species of α2u-globulin of Mr 75000 and 50000 requires either the attachment of many oligosaccharide chains to a single polypeptide of Mr 20000 or the covalent linkage of poly-peptides containing one or more oligosaccharide chains to form dimers and trimers.
Metabolic studies of adipose tissue in acute uremia

The effect of acute uremia on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in rat adipose tissue and on the response of the isolated adipocytes to insulin was assessed. LPL activity in adipose tissue and in adipocytes of the uremic rats was decreased compared with values in sham-operated controls. Also, the adipocytes from uremic rats released significantly less than control amounts of LPL. In contrast, glucose oxidation by adipocytes isolated from uremic rats was not different from controls, and there was no difference in insulin binding or in insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation in the two groups. Triglyceride injected into the uremic rats was cleared at about half the control rate. Thus, the specific reduction in LPL activity in adipose tissue may be responsible, at least in part, for the defective removal of triglyceride. However, it is unlikely that the reduced LPL is due to a generalized toxic effect of uremia on adipose tissue since no significant alteration in insulin binding and glucose oxidation was found.
Retrieval of Urban Boundary Layer Structures from Doppler Lidar Data. Part II: Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Abstract The proper orthogonal decomposition technique is applied to 74 snapshots of 3D wind and temperature fields to study turbulent coherent structures and their interplay in the urban boundary layer over Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These snapshots of data are extracted from single-lidar data via a four-dimensional variational data assimilation technique. The total velocities and fluctuating temperature are used to construct the data matrix for the decomposition; thus the first eigenmode represents the temporal mean of these data. Roll vortices with a wavelength–height ratio of 3.2 are identified in the first, most energetic eigenmode and are attributed to the inflection-point instability. The second and third spatial eigenmodes also exhibit roll characteristics with different time and length scales, resulting in clockwise- and counterclockwise-rotating roll vortices above the airport and the central business districts. Their positive correlation with temperature fluctuation suggests that those roll struc...
Risk factors for the development of vesicovaginal fistula after incidental cystotomy at the time of a benign hysterectomy

Objective We sought to evaluate risk factors for vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) after incidental cystotomy during benign hysterectomies. Study Design All benign hysterectomies between January 2000 and May 2004 were reviewed. Demographic and operative data were abstracted. Cystotomies were graded using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) system. Patients developing VVF after cystotomy were compared to those who did not. Categorical variables were analyzed with Fisher exact test while Student t test was used for continuous data. Results A total of 1317 benign hysterectomies were reviewed (46% abdominal, 48% vaginal, and 6% laparoscopically assisted vaginal). In all, 34 cystotomies occurred with 4 (11.7%) developing a VVF. Patients developing VVF were more likely to have an AAST grade V cystotomy (75% vs 7%; P = .004). Patients developing VVF trended toward greater tobacco use, larger uterine size, and more operative blood loss. Conclusion Patients with an AAST grade V cystotomy are at increased risk for VVF formation.
Visualizing viral transduction of a cocaine-hydrolyzing, human butyrylcholinesterase in rats.

Abstract Human plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is essential for cocaine detoxification even though its catalytic efficiency for that substrate is relatively poor. Site-directed mutagenesis of this protein has recently been used to obtain much-improved cocaine esterases, one of which we designate CocE. We previously showed that adenoviral transduction of such esterases caused up to 50,000-fold increases in circulating cocaine hydrolase activity, led to drastically shortened cocaine half-life, and blunted the cardiovascular responses to cocaine in rats. In those experiments, gene transduction of cocaine esterase was sustained at high levels for up to 1 week but then declined steeply. Our eventual goal is to use long-term esterase expression as a means of reducing drug reward and extinguishing intake in models of cocaine-addiction. Therefore, we investigated the site of enzyme transduction for clues to the local reactions that may limit the duration of CocE expression. Histological and immunohistochemical observations demonstrated that hepatocytes were the primary focus for transduction of modified human BChE. Rats were administered 2.2 × 1010 plaque forming units of a replication-incompetent, type-5 adenoviral vector incorporating CocE cDNA. Within days the livers showed intense thiocholine staining for BChE activity. Selective immunohistochemistry for human BChE proved that this activity represented CocE transgene. By 5 days, however, pockets of mononuclear cells had invaded the hepatic parenchyma, and a meshwork of IgM-like immunoreactivity had lined the hepatic sinusoids. These phenomena probably represent early responses of the immune system, either to the transduced CocE or to the hepatocytes producing this protein.
Antifibrillizing agents catalyze the formation of unstable intermediate aggregates of beta-amyloid

Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the extracellular deposition of fibrillar aggregates of beta-amyloid (Abeta), transient oligomeric species of Abeta are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Natively unfolded monomeric Abeta can misfold and progressively assemble into fibrillar aggregates, following a well-established "on pathway" seeded-nucleation mechanism. Here, we show that three simple saccharides, mannose, sucrose, and raffinose, alter Abeta aggregation kinetics and morphology. The saccharides inhibit formation of Abeta fibrils but promote formation of various oligomeric aggregate species through different "off pathway" aggregation mechanisms at 37 degrees C but not at 60 degrees C. The various oligomeric Abeta aggregates formed when coincubated with the different saccharides are morphologically distinct but all are toxic toward SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, increasing the level of toxicity and greatly prolonging toxicity compared with Abeta alone. As a wide variety of anti-Abeta aggregation strategies are being actively pursued as potential therapeutics for AD, these studies suggest that care must be taken to ensure that the therapeutic agents also block toxic oligomeric Abeta assembly as well as inhibit fibril formation.
Decoding techniques for fine-fine geometry multi-anode microchannel arrays

The Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) is a photon-counting detector which decodes the position of an event through coincidence discrimination. The decoding algorithm which associates a given event with the appropriate pixel is determined by the geometry of the array. The decoding process can be divided into two tasks: anode encoding and pixel decoding. Techniques for performing both tasks are described and contrasted in light of application requirements. Decode times of 75 nanoseconds have been achieved, and considerably faster decoders are possible given new architectures and technologies.
TROPICS AND INCOME: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE U.S. STATES

A simple regression of personal income per capita for the U.S. states is estimated from cross-section data for the years 1929, 1950, 1970 and 1990 with each state's distance from the equator as the regressor. While proximity to the equator is noted to have a sizable adverse effect on income, elasticity of personal income per capita with respect to “tropicality” shows a steady and somewhat dramatic decline during this 60-year period. The estimates indicate that the disadvantage of tropicality is not immutable, and need not imply a developmental determinism.
Bisphosphonate inhibitors of ATP-mediated HIV-1 reverse transcriptase catalyzed excision of chain-terminating 3'-azido, 3'-deoxythymidine: a QSAR investigation.

Abstract We report the results of an investigation of the inhibition of the ATP-mediated HIV-1 reverse transcriptase catalyzed phosphorolysis in vitro of AZT from AZT-terminated DNA primers by a series of 42 bisphosphonates. The four most active compounds possess neutral, halogen-substituted phenyl or biphenyl sidechains and have IC50 values 200 μM). These results are of general interest since they suggest that it may be possible to develop potent bisphosphonate-based AZT-excision inhibitors with little cellular toxicity, opening up a new route to restoring AZT sensitivity in otherwise resistant HIV-1 strains.
Smart Lead-Free Solders via Shape-Memory Alloy Reinforcement

Microelectronic solder joints are exposed to aggressive thermo-mechanical cycling (TMC) during service, resulting in strain localization near solder / bond-pad interfaces, which eventually leads to low-cycle fatigue (LCF) failure of the joint. In order to mitigate these strain concentrations and thereby improve LCF life, a ‘smart solder’ reinforced with a martensitic NiTi based shape memory alloy (SMA) is being developed. This paper presents an overview of processing, characterization and modeling of these composite solders, and articulates the role of NiTi particles on strain evolution in composite solders. Based on finite element modeling and experiments on model single fiber composites, it is shown that NiTi pariculate reinforcements can reduce inelastic strain levels in the solder via shape recovery associated with the B19′→B2 transformation. In situ TMC studies in the SEM, in conjunction with strain analysis via digital image correlation, show evidence of reverse deformation in the solder commensurate with the NiTi phase transformation, demonstrating the conceptual viability of the smart solder approach. Details of processing and joint formation, and the resultant microstructures of smart solder are discussed. Finally, results of TMC experiments on monolithic solder and NiTi/solder composite joints are reported, highlighting the beneficial effect of shape-memory transformation in reducing inelastic strain range, and hence enhancing the LCF life, of solders.
Peripatetic in the City: De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium‐Eater and the Birth of the Flâneur

This article focuses on the distinctive modes of urban spectatorship Thomas De Quincey adopts in his autobiographical Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821). In keeping with De Quincey’s tendency to pastoralize his childhood, Part I of Confessions presents a young man who initially walks and reads London as if it were a village, unwilling, or perhaps unable, to register the cityscape. In these passages, which correspond to his first, 1802–1803 residence in London, De Quincey embodies a recognizably Wordsworthian subjectivity and a recognizably peripatetic perspective. Through a careful reconstruction of his younger self as an urban peripatetic, De Quincey reveals the insufficiency of a rural subjectivity to modernity and the metropolis, and examining Confessions in these terms provides new insight into De Quincey’s richly ambivalent relationship with Wordsworth and The Prelude. When De Quincey depicts his second (1804) stay in London in Part II of Confessions, he depicts a younger self now able to digest – and, one might say, to artistically and sympathetically exploit – the city. In this mode, De Quincey may be properly understood as the earliest flâneur; with characteristic prescience, moreover, De Quincey anticipates the limits of flânerie that Charles Baudelaire would eventually come to register and that Walter Benjamin later described and theorized. In depicting the self as urban peripatetic and (proto-)flâneur, De Quincey’s Confessions marks a key moment in the history of modern urban spectatorship and practices of walking, constituting a provocative early attempt at negotiating the relationships between the eye and the crowd, the body and the pavement, the self and the modern metropolis.
A weighted least squares method for first‐order hyperbolic systems

SUMMARY The paper presents a generalization of the classical L2-norm weighted least squares method for the numerical solution of a first-order h erbolic system. This alternative least squares method consists of the minimization of the weighted sum of the L residuals for each equation of the system. The order of accuracy of global conservation of each equation of the system is shown to be inversely proportional to the weight associated with the equation. The optimal relative weights between the equations are then determined in order to satisfy global conservation of the energy of the physical system. As an application of the algorithm, the shallow water equations on an irregular domain are first discretized in time and then solved using Laplace modification and the proposed least squares method. YP.