cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blending SMAP, Noah and In Situ Soil Moisture Using Multiple Methods

Abstract. Soil moisture can be obtained from in-situ measurements, satellite observations, and model simulations. This study evaluates different methods of combining model, satellite, and in-situ soil moisture data to provide an accurate and spatially-continuous soil moisture product. Three independent soil moisture datasets are used, including an in situ-based product that uses regression kriging (RK) with precipitation, SMAP L4 soil moisture, and model-simulated soil moisture from the Noah model as part of the North American Land Data Assimilation System. Triple collocation (TC), relative error variance (REV), and RK were used to estimate the error variance of each parent dataset, based on which the least squares weighting (LSW) was applied to blend the parent datasets. These results were also compared with that using simple average (AVE). The results indicated no significant differences between blended soil moisture datasets using errors estimated from TC, REV or RK. Moreover, the LSW did not outperform AVE. The SMAP L4 data have a significant negative bias (−18 %) comparing with in-situ measurements, and in-situ measurements are valuable for improving the accuracy of hybrid results. In addition, datasets using anomalies and percentiles have smaller errors than using volumetric water content, mainly due to the reduced bias. Finally, the in situ-based soil moisture and the simple-averaged product from in situ-based and Noah soil moisture are the two optimal datasets for soil moisture mapping. The in situ-based product performs better when the sample density is high, while the simple-averaged product performs better when the station density is low, or measurement sites are less representative.
Complications in Rhinoplasty: A Literature Review and Comparison with a Survey of Consent Forms

Importance: Informed consent in rhinoplasty is a challenging process due to the technically demanding surgery with a wide array of potential complications. Objective: To underscore the significance of informed consent in rhinoplasty, its complications, and identify gaps in the consent process. Design, Setting, and Participants: Dual search and comparison. First a review of the literature for rhinoplasty articles was carried out between January 2000 and November 2017 with at least 100 patients to identify complications and their incidences. Then a comprehensive online search for rhinoplasty consent forms was carried out to identify consent form topics and their incidences. Main Outcomes and Measures: Consent form topics and complication rates from the literature review were reported and directly compared. Results: A total of 117 articles were included, with 36 different complications reported. Twenty-four consent forms were evaluated, yielding 80 different topics. Common complications within the literature included skin problems such as acne (18.3%), numbness (16.7%), hospital revisit (6.5%), primary source revision rate (5.3%), and dissatisfaction (5.0%). The most commonly covered consent topics included infection (100%), bleeding (95.8%), and scarring (95.8%). Unsatisfactory results and need for revision were only covered in 83.3% and 75.0% of consent forms, respectively, despite both being in the top 5 complications cited in the literature. Conclusions and Relevance: Rhinoplasty consent forms generally cover a wide range of topics, with varying incidences of complications cited within the literature. Certain complications such as dissatisfaction and revision surgery should be included in every consent process. These data help provide a contextual framework as well as valuable information in preoperative counseling for patients and physicians regarding rhinoplasty and its potential complications Level of Evidence: NA.
PAC Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for General-Sum Markov Games.

This paper presents a theoretical framework for probably approximately correct (PAC) multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) algorithms for Markov games. The paper offers an extension to the well-known Nash Q-learning algorithm, using the idea of delayed Q-learning, in order to build a new PAC MARL algorithm for general-sum Markov games. In addition to guiding the design of a provably PAC MARL algorithm, the framework enables checking whether an arbitrary MARL algorithm is PAC. Comparative numerical results demonstrate performance and robustness.
Optical Spectroscopy of K-selected Extremely Red Galaxies

We have obtained spectroscopic redshifts for 24 red galaxies from a sample with median Ks=18.7 and F814W - Ks > 4, using the Keck telescope. These EROshave high resolution morphologies from HST (Yan & Thompson 2003). Among the 24 redshifts, the majority (92%) are at $ 0.9 $L$^*$ massive galaxies is at most about 0.7 magnitude. Combining the morphologies and deep spectroscopy revealed the following properties: (1) 86% of the spectra have absorption features from old stars, suggesting that the dominant stellar populations seen in the rest-frame UV are old stars. 50% of the sources have pure absorption lines, while the remaining 50% have emission lines, indicating recent star formation. We conclude that the color criterion for EROs is very effective in selecting old stellar populations at $z \sim 1$, and a large fraction of these systems with prominent old stellar populations also have recent star formation. (2) The 12 emission line systems have the same number of disk and bulge galaxies as in the remaining 12 pure absorption line systems. We conclude that spectral classes do not have a simple, direct correspondence with morphological types. (3) Three EROs could be isolated, pure passively evolving early-type galaxies at $z\sim 1$. This implies that only a small fraction (10%--15%) of early-type galaxies are formed in a rapid burst of star formation at high redshifts and evolved passively since then. (Abridged).
On the crystal chemistry of inorganic nitrides: crystal-chemical parameters, bonding behavior, and opportunities in the exploration of their compositional space.

The scarcity of nitrogen in Earth's crust, combined with challenging synthesis, have made inorganic nitrides a relatively unexplored class of compounds compared to their naturally abundant oxide counterparts. To facilitate exploration of their compositional space via a priori modeling, and to help a posteriori structure verification not limited to inferring the oxidation state of redox-active cations, we derive a suite of bond-valence parameters and Lewis acid strength values for 76 cations observed bonding to N3−, and further outline a baseline statistical knowledge of bond lengths for these compounds. Examination of structural and electronic effects responsible for the functional properties and anomalous bonding behavior of inorganic nitrides shows that many mechanisms of bond-length variation ubiquitous to oxide and oxysalt compounds (e.g., lone-pair stereoactivity, the Jahn–Teller and pseudo Jahn–Teller effects) are similarly pervasive in inorganic nitrides, and are occasionally observed to result in greater distortion magnitude than their oxide counterparts. We identify promising functional units for exploring uncharted chemical spaces of inorganic nitrides, e.g. multiple-bond metal centers with promise regarding the development of a post-Haber–Bosch process proceeding at milder reaction conditions, and promote an atomistic understanding of chemical bonding in nitrides relevant to such pursuits as the development of a model of ion substitution in solids, a problem of great relevance to semiconductor doping whose solution would fast-track the development of compound solar cells, battery materials, electronics, and more.
Fragment-Based Ligand Discovery Using Protein-Observed 19F NMR: A Second Semester Organic Chemistry CURE Project

Curriculum-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been shown to increase student retention in STEM fields and are starting to become more widely adopted in chemistry curricula. Here we describe a 10-week CURE that is suitable for a second-semester organic chemistry laboratory course. Students synthesize small molecules and use protein-observed 19F (PrOF) NMR to assess the small molecule’s binding affinity to a target protein. The research project introduced students to multistep organic synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies, quantitative biophysical measurements (measuring Kd from PrOF NMR experiments), and scientific literacy. Docking experiments could be added to help students understand how changes in a ligand structure may affect binding to a protein. Assessment using the CURE survey indicates self-perceived skill gains from the course that exceed gains measured in a traditional and an inquiry-based laboratory experience. Given the speed of the binding experiment and the alignment of the synthetic methods with a second-semester organic chemistry laboratory course, a PrOF NMR fragment-based ligand discovery lab can be readily implemented in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum.
Optimizing Optical Compressed Sensing for Multispectral DNN-Based Image Segmentation

In various medical applications, the acquisition of a full-resolution multispectral image requires advanced spectrometers and prohibitive sensing time. Instead, compressed sensing (CS) circumvents this sensing process usually using a random sensing matrix to acquire fewer measurements and reconstructs the multispectral image based on a sparsity assumption. However, a random matrix may not be physically realizable nor the best fit for extracting information pertaining a high-level vision task such as segmentation. Here, we use a deep neural network to jointly optimize the sensing scheme subject to optical realizability constraints, and segment the multispectral image in the compressed domain. We use a synthetic dataset and a tumor biopsy dataset to verify the improvement of the obtained sensing scheme and compare the performance of the neural network with that of a known optimal decision rule.
Acute changes in muscle thickness, edema, and blood flow are not different between low-load blood flow restriction and non-blood flow restriction.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute changes in muscle swelling (as assessed by muscle thickness and echo intensity) and muscle blood flow associated with an acute bout of low-load blood flow restriction (LLBFR) and low-load non-blood flow restriction (LL) exercise. Twenty women (mean ± SD; 22 ± 2years) volunteered to perform an acute exercise bout that consisted of 75 (1 × 30, 3 × 15) isokinetic, reciprocal, concentric-only, submaximal (30% of peak torque), forearm flexion and extension muscle actions. Pretest, immediately after (posttest), and 5-min after (recovery) completing the 75 repetitions, muscle thickness and echo intensity were assessed from the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles and muscle blood flow was assessed from the brachial artery. There were no between group differences for any of the dependent variables, but there were significant simple and main effects for muscle and time. Biceps and triceps brachii muscle thickness increased from pretest (2.13 ± 0.39 cm and 1.88 ± 0.40 cm, respectively) to posttest (2.58 ± 0.49 cm and 2.17 ± 0.43 cm, respectively) for both muscles and remained elevated for the biceps brachii (2.53 ± 0.43 cm), but partially returned to pretest levels for the triceps brachii (2.06 ± 0.41 cm). Echo intensity and muscle blood flow increased from pretest (98.0 ± 13.6 Au and 94.5 ± 31.6 ml min-1 , respectively) to posttest (109.2 ± 16.9 Au and 312.2 ± 106.5 ml min-1 , respectively) and pretest to recovery (110.1 ± 18.3 Au and 206.7 ± 92.9 ml min-1 , respectively) and remained elevated for echo intensity, but partially returned to pretest levels for muscle blood flow. The findings of the present study indicated that LLBFR and LL elicited comparable acute responses as a result of reciprocal, concentric-only, forearm flexion and extension muscle actions.
Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South

1. Why this Book? 2. Approaches to Poverty Reduction in Towns and Cities of the Global South 3. The Work of Local, National and International Agencies 4. Citizen led Povery Reduction 5. Understanding Pro-poor Politics and Pro-poor Transformation 6. A Future that Low-income Dwellers want - and can Help Secure
Violence and the International Word

This article explores critical approaches to international law and examines the ways in which violence is assumed and even reinforced in the international liberal legal order.
Tourism and technology: interactions and implications.

Abstract This paper discusses interactions between various types of technology and tourism, illustrating these with examples from the industry in several countries including the USA and New Zealand. The paper establishes six major roles for technology within tourism: creator, protector, enhancer, focal point, tool and destroyer. The nature of these roles is defined and examples provided. Relevant literature pertaining to these various roles is identified as are possible research topics or areas which may be fruitful for further scholarship. Industry opportunities to consider technology linkages are also identified and examples given. The focus of the paper on technologies other than information or computer technologies represents a broadening of the technology discussion beyond that typically found in the current tourism and technology literature.
Small bowel obstruction from breast cancer metastasis: A case report and review of the literature

Small bowel obstruction from luminal gastrointestinal metastasis is a rare, but recognized, presentation of metastatic breast cancer. Herein, we report a case of a small bowel obstruction from lobular breast cancer metastasis to the terminal ileum, occurring over a decade after diagnosis and treatment of the initial primary cancer. Our review highlights the presentation and management of this unusual disease manifestation, including diagnosis of the gastrointestinal process, identification of the primary cancer, surgical treatment of the abdominal pathology, systemic therapy for metastatic disease, and survival data for patients with this disease process.
Investigation of the PECVD TiO2–Si(1 0 0) interface

Abstract Continuous wave (CW) and equivalently powered, pulsed radio frequency plasmas were used to deposit thin films of titanium dioxide on to Si(1 0 0) substrates. Plasmas were created by feeding oxygen gas through the coil region, TIP was introduced downstream from the coil region. These films have been characterized using XPS, SEM and AES. Results show high quality amorphous films were produced with some carbon incorporation. Sputtering the TiO2 films to the Si interface results in the formation of TiSi2. Annealing the films in vacuum at 900 °C results in the reduction of TiO2 to Ti2O3 at the interfacial region, while Si is oxidized to SiOx. Upon annealing at 950 °C, further reduction of the TiO2 film was noted to include TiO. The 950 °C film is partially reoxidized upon exposure to atmosphere. SEM of the TiO2 film surfaces showed the as deposited films were smooth and structureless and remained so even after being annealed at 850 °C. Annealing at 950 °C, however, caused the surface to become very rough, resulting in the rupturing of the TiO2 surface, thus exposing areas of the underlying Si/SiO2 substrate.
Biomechanics of the knee joint in deep flexion: a prelude to a total knee replacement that allows for maximum flexion

A two-dimensional anatomically based mathematical model of the human knee joint was developed to understand its biomechanics in deep flexion. The model was used to determine the internal knee loads as it simulates isometric quadriceps and hamstring co-contractions at different flexion angles during deep squat. It was found that in order to achieve deep flexion, large muscle forces are required, resulting in large tibio-femoral contact forces. In deep flexion, the femoral contact point was located on the most proximal point of the posterior condyle, location which was not affected by the level of quad activation. Conversely, the location of the tibial contact point was highly affected by the level of quad activation. Both anterior and posterior fiber bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament were found to carry high loads when the knee is maximally flexed. These results point to the important role of the posterior cruciate ligament in this position, and suggest the necessity of retaining this ligament during total knee replacement (TKR) procedures that allows for maximum flexion angles. Furthermore, the present data provide an explanation why most TKR's do not allow deep flexion: while contact occurs on the most proximal points of the posterior condyles in normal knees, this portion of the condyles is not presently resurfaced when performing a TKR.
Macdonald Conjectures and the Selberg Integral

In 1962 Dyson proposed the value (nk)!/k!n for the constant term in the expansion of the product II, (1 — xi/xj)k. In 1980 Macdonald stated several conjectures that generalize Dyson’s conjecture, by considering some products associated to root systems. We will present various forms of Macdonald’s conjectures and describe the results obtained so far. A useful tool in this study is Selberg’s integral, a multivariate extension of the beta integral. We will also give the connections between Selberg’s integral and Macdonald’s conjectures, and explain some other extensions of Selberg’s integral.
Reproductive physiology of the female Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus): Insights from the study of a zoological colony

Eight captive female Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) were monitored over a 10week period, commencing at 5weeks prior to egg lay (EL), to increase our understanding of the species' reproductive biology. Females in cordoned nest sites underwent cloacal artificial insemination (AI) every 4-7days with different semen donors for each insemination. The EL interval was 97.9±3.6h (range: 84-108h) and paternity analyses revealed that conceptive inseminations occurred from 11.5 to 4.5days before oviposition. A biphasic pattern of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and the biochemical analytes triglyceride, iron, calcium and phosphorus occurred in relation to EL, with values increasing (P<0.05) to maximal concentrations during the three weeks preceding oviposition, then decreasing (P<0.05) rapidly after oviposition completion. In comparison with post-lay (baseline) values, concentrations of estradiol and testosterone relative to the first oviposition were elevated at Week-5, and those of triglyceride, a yolk formation index, as well as iron, calcium and phosphorus, became elevated at Week-4 (P<0.05). Collective data indicate an estimated total egg formation interval of 29days, with oviducal transit of the ovulated ovum occurring over the majority of the ∼4day EL interval. These findings indicate that egg formation is prolonged with folliculogenesis initiated at 5weeks or more prior to oviposition. Consequently, the period of folliculogenesis and egg formation is estimated to overlap with the final ∼3weeks that wild females spend at sea prior to returning to land for breeding.
Efficient 3D analysis of laminate structures using ABD-equivalent material models

Laminate composites are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and increasingly in consumer industries, due to their reduced weight and superior structural properties. However, structural analysis of complex laminate structures remains challenging. 2D finite element methods based on plate/shell theories may be accurate and efficient, but they generally do not apply to the whole structure and require identification and preprocessing of the regions where the underlying assumptions hold. Fully automated structural analysis using solid 3D elements with sufficiently high order basis functions is possible in principle, but is rarely practiced due to the significant increase in the cost of computational integration over a large number of laminate plies.We propose a procedure to replace the original laminate by much simpler new virtual material models. These virtual material models, under the usual assumptions made in lamination theory, have the same constitutive relationship as the corresponding 2D plate model of the original laminate, but require only a small fraction of computational integration costs in 3D FEA. We describe implementation of 3D FEA using these material models in a meshfree system using second order B-spline basis functions. Finally, we demonstrate their validity by showing agreement between computed and known results for standard problems. HighlightsA new method for efficient 3D FEA of laminated composite structures.Any laminated composite structure may be replaced by a phantom ABD-equivalent material.The new method gives identical results at greatly reduced cost whenever assumption of lamination theories apply.The approach may be easily implemented in any existing FEA system.The method is fully implemented in a mesh free system and validated by extensive numerical experiments.
Estimated vitamin intakes of toddlers: predicted prevalence of inadequacy in village populations in Egypt, Kenya, and Mexico.

Intakes of minerals and factors that might affect their bioavailability were estimated for 255 toddlers aged 18-30 mo living in villages in Egypt, Kenya, and Mexico. Mean intakes over 1 y were compared with international-requirement estimates by using a probability approach. The prevalence of iron intakes likely to be inadequate to prevent anemia was estimated as 35% in Egypt, 13% in Kenya, and 43% in Mexico. The prevalence of zinc intakes likely to be inadequate to meet basal requirements was estimated as 57% and 25% in Kenya and Mexico, respectively, but only 10% in Egypt, where the use of yeast-leavened breads was judged to have improved zinc availability. There was no suggestion that estimated copper or magnesium intakes were inadequate, but calcium intakes in Kenya and Egypt were well below recommended amounts. Studies of factors affecting mineral bioavailability in the diets of these countries' populations could suggest dietary changes that might improve effective mineral intake with minimal cost.
Factorial structure of the perception of risk factors for type 2 diabetes scale: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Rationale, aims and objectives The extent to which individuals’ perceptions of risk for type 2 diabetes are related to their actual risks and health-promoting behaviours is not well known. Yet perception of risk for type 2 diabetes may influence the likelihood that individual would engage in preventive behaviours. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the perception of risk factors for type 2 diabetes (PRF-T2DM). Methods A descriptive, correlational, methodological design was used to conduct this study. The sample consisted of 629 adults from 42 states of the United States. A demographic questionnaire, the PRF-T2DM, the health-promoting lifestyle profile II and the depressive cognition scale were used to collect the data. Data analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, scale and item analyses, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results The PRF-T2DM has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81. Both extracted factors had Cronbach’s alphas of 0.74 and 0.80, respectively. Most inter-item and item-to-total correlation coefficients for factor 1 and factor 2 met the recommended criteria of r = 0.30 to r = 0.70. The PRF-T2DM achieved all minimum recommended criteria for model fit (c 2 /d.f. = 2.33, goodness of fit index = 0.95, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.93, comparative fit index = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, root mean residual = 0.05 and the P value for test of close fit = 0.33). Conclusions All statistical estimates and measures of model fit were above the standard recommended criteria. The scale has potential uses in research and clinical practice. Further development and psychometric evaluation of the PRF-T2DM is warranted.
Capturing damage assessment with a spatial video : an example of a building and street-scale analysis of tornado-related mortality in Joplin, Missouri, 2011

To reduce the potential loss of life during future significant tornadoes, it is important to understand building and street-scale patterns of damage and mortality from past events. To achieve this, methods of posttornado data collection and damage classification should be rethought. This article addresses these needs through the use of a spatial video and a new Tornado Injury Scale, which has evolved from the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Building damage for Joplin, Missouri, collected three weeks after the May 2011 tornado, is analyzed using a filtering approach more commonly employed in epidemiological studies. Tornado-related fatalities are linked to damage rate maps constructed at two relatively fine scales. Mortality patterns are also investigated with regard to social vulnerability, especially the disproportionate burden faced by the elderly. Results reveal fine-scale damage patterns even within the main tornado path, often with variations occurring along the same street segment. In Joplin the number of el...
Hubbard theory for high-Tc superconductivity in oxides and fullerenes

Abstract When holes are introduced into the upper Hubbard band of a solid, then the system may become unstable toward electron density fluctuations for sufficiently strong dependences of the Hubbard parameter on the local electron density. This instability may lead to high-T c superconductivity. The theoretical results from a BCS-like theory are consistent with the experimental data on YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5+3z and on the fullerene-alkali metal compounds. For Cu-O compounds, it is necessary to have ϵ d −ϵ p ∼O and to have the holes on oxygen sites.
Parallelism in graph-partitioning

Abstract Graph partitioning is an important NP-complete problem with applications in VLSI CAD, processor allocation, and many other areas. The problem is to partition vertices of a graph into two equal-sized sets so that the number of edges joining the sets is minimum. In this paper we show that the Kernighan-Lin heuristic is P-complete and the simulated annealing heuristic is P-hard, which suggests that they are both hard to parallelize. We also describe a new parallel heuristic (which we call the Mob heuristic) that on the 32K-processor CM-2 Connection Machine handles graphs with more than two million edges and gives in 9-min partitions that are within 2% of the best ever found.
Arginine as an eluent for automated on-line Protein A/size exclusion chromatographic analysis of monoclonal antibody aggregates in cell culture

An automated two-dimensional method using Protein A chromatography followed by size exclusion HPLC was developed for analysis of aggregates of monoclonal antibodies in mammalian cell culture samples. The method development was intended to address the analysis of IgG2 monoclonal antibody products that are particularly prone to aggregation at pH<3.5. An aqueous solution of sodium phosphate at pH 4.3 containing arginine was demonstrated in this work as an excellent eluent for Protein A chromatography. In addition, the arginine solution is a compatible mobile phase for the analysis of these samples by size exclusion HPLC, separating aggregates from the monomer of the monoclonal antibody. The effect of arginine concentration in the eluent on parameters such as protein recovery from Protein A chromatography and resolution of aggregates from the monomer are reported. The developed method was shown to provide accuracy of reported aggregates greater than 98%, and intermediate precision of 4.4% RSD. The method limit of quantitation for aggregates was determined to be 0.1%. Application of the method is demonstrated for analysis of aggregates in cell culture samples to aid in the development of cell culture conditions for the production of antibodies.
Fixed abrasive diamond wire machining—part I: process monitoring and wire tension force

The process monitoring and mechanics of fixed abrasive diamond wire saw machining are investigated in this study. New techniques to affix diamond particles to a steel wire core have advanced to make this process feasible for the machining of ceramics, wood, and foam materials. Developments in fixed abrasive diamond wire machining are first reviewed. Advantages of using fixed abrasive diamond wire machining are then introduced. The process monitoring and signal processing techniques for measuring the cutting forces, wire speed, down feed rate, and wire bow angle in diamond wire saw machining are developed. The application of a capacitance sensor to measure the wire bow and a procedure to convert the wire bow to vertical cutting force in a rocking motion wire saw machine are developed. The tension force of the wire during cutting is also derived and discussed.
Genetic variants of the human obesity (OB) gene in subjects with and without Prader-Willi syndrome : Comparison with body mass index and weight

We investigated whether an association exists between genetic variants of the human obesity (OB or leptin) gene and body mass index (BMI) or weight in subjects with Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) and in age- and gender-matched lean and obese subjects without PWS. The study included 51 subjects with PWS (mean age = 17.7 +/- 9.5 years, BMI = 29.7 +/- 8.3 kg/m2); 50 non-PWS obese subjects (mean age = 18.2 +/- 10.8 years, BMI = 33.3 +/- 9.5 kg/m2); and 53 non-PWS lean subjects (mean age = 17.8 +/- 9.5 years, BMI = 19.5 +/- 2.9 kg/m2). Allele sizes were determined via standard polymerase chain reaction of the D7S1875 locus, a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism close to the OB gene and classified as trichotomous (homozygous or = 208 bp, homozygous > or = 208 bp) or dichotomous (homozygous < 208 bp or not). Non-PWS males showed a marked decrease in weight with larger alleles while females did not (interaction effect, p < 0.05). Comparable effects were not observed among the PWS subjects. Associations between BMI and genotype were statistically significant (r = 0.22, one-tailed p < 0.05) and comparable to previous research among the non-PWS subjects < 18 years, but not the adults (r = 0.05, one-tailed p = 0.38). Correlations were not statistically significant among either the adult or non-adult PWS subjects.
Effects of Mesotrione on Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Carotenoid Concentrations under Varying Environmental Conditions

Mesotrione is a carotenoid biosynthesis inhibiting herbicide, which is being evaluated for use in turfgrass. Carotenoids are important light harvesting and photoprotecting pigments that dissipate and quench excess light energy. The effects of mesotrione on carotenoid concentrations in turf and weed species, such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), are poorly understood. Mesotrione injury to perennial ryegrass has been reported, and symptomology may differ due to postapplication environmental factors such as irradiance and temperature. Research was conducted to investigate the effects of mesotrione on perennial ryegrass under varying irradiance (600, 1100, or 1600 micromol/m (2)/s) at three different temperatures (18, 26, and 34 degrees C). Postapplication irradiance and temperature levels did not affect visual injury symptoms in perennial ryegrass. Bleaching of treated plants was highest 7 days after treatment (DAT; 8%) and recovered to nontreated levels by 21 DAT. Mesotrione applications did not decrease perennial ryegrass foliar biomass accumulations. Carotenoid concentrations of nontreated plants were similar to those reported in creeping bentgrass and many green leafy vegetable crops. However, chlorophyll a and b, beta-carotene, lutein, and violaxanthin concentrations decreased due to mesotrione applications, while phytoene and zeaxanthin, a photoprotecting carotenoid, increased. The photochemical efficiency (F v/ F m) of treated plants was lower than nontreated plants at 3 and 7 DAT; however, treated plants recovered to nontreated levels 21 DAT. Results indicate that postapplication irradiance and temperature levels may not affect mesotrione efficacy in perennial ryegrass. Preferential accumulation of zeaxanthin following mesotrione applications may be a stress-related response, which may reduce light harvesting complex size and directly quench excess light energy.
Investigating Factors That Influence Item Performance on ACS Exams

General chemistry tests from the Examinations Institute of the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society have been analyzed to identify factors that may influence how individual test items perform. In this paper, issues of item order (position within a set of items that comprise a test) and answer order (position of correct answer relative to incorrect distractors) are discussed. Answer order is identified as potentially important, particularly for conceptually based items. When the correct answer appears earlier among the answer choices, there is some greater propensity for student performance to be better. Item-order effects are also possible, particularly when students encounter several challenging items consecutively. Performance on the next item may be lower than expected, possibly because of cognitive-load effects.
Religiosity in Christian Educational Leadership

This study investigated the primary leadership orientations of Christian school leaders and their association with religiosity. To this end, this study adopted two lines of thought and research; the religiosity theory proposed by Batson, Schoenrade, and Ventis (1993) and the leadership theory proposed by Bolman and Deal (1997). Participants of this study were 206 K-12 school leaders affiliated with a Protestant church in the United States. According to the analysis, the human resource frame was the primary leadership frame of the school leaders, and the structural frame was a close second. Quest religiosity was inversely related to the four frames of structural, human resource, political, and symbolic leadership, whereas intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientations were positively related to the frames. Despite this pattern of relationship, in general, the analysis found little statistically meaningful relationship between religiosity and leadership, and this fact engenders an important question whether...
Field of an antenna submerged in a dissipative dielectric medium

The field components due to a horizontal dipole antenna submerged in a lake are represented in integral forms. The integrals are then evaluated using three techniques: 1) numerical integration along branch cuts where the integrands are smoothly varying as a function of the integration variable, 2) integration along the real axis with the fast Fourier transform technique, and 3) analytical integration with the modified saddle point method. Both the transmitter and the receiver are placed very near the interface. While the analytical result is good only at the larger distances from the transmitter, the numerical integration methods provide savings in computer time for small distances from the transmitter. Thus the analytical and numerical methods are good complements of each other. All three approaches yield essentially identical results over the distance ranges of interest. The theoretical results are compared with recent experimental measurements.
Improvement of surface flatness in face milling based on 3-D holographic laser metrology

This paper presents two approaches to improve the flatness of face milled surface based on 3-D holographic laser measurement. The first approach, cutting depth compensation method, generates a compensation cutting profile that is ideally a mirror image of the surface profile from a straight cutting path. The surface profile describes the machined surface along the feed direction and is extracted using surface decomposition technique developed in this study. Issues of back-cutting and gouging, which limit the applicability of this approach, are also addressed. The second prescribed approach is the feed rate optimization method. In this technique, the tool feed rate is altered to match the axial force on the cutter with the local compliance of the workpiece. This is performed with the aim of reducing force-induced distortion. Experiments using aluminum workpieces and 50.8 mm diameter face mill demonstrate that the surface flatness can be reduced from 32 to 7 μm with the cutting depth compensation method. With the optimized feed rate, the flatness can be reduced by 19 μm with the same cycle time as that of the original constant feed rate.
Synaptic localization of p39, a neuronal activator of cdk5

The expression and kinase activity of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) parallels the extent of neuronal differentiation. Cdk5 activity has been shown to be required for neurite outgrowth, cortical lamination and the overall development of the nervous system. p35 was identified as the first regulatory activator of cdk5 whose presence is required for cdk5 activation. p39 is a homolog of p35, and the only one identified in mammals thus far. We show here that p39 expression is mainly postnatal. In addition, we provide evidence for the presence of p39 at synaptic junctions through co-fractionation experiment, electron microscopy and immunostaining. The temporal and spatial expression of p39 indicate a possible role of the p39/cdk5 kinase at the synapse.
Complications and long-term outcome after percutaneous coronary angioplasty in chronic hemodialysis patients

The objective of this investigation was to assess the acute and long-term outcome after coronary angioplasty in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Previous studies have suggested a high incidence of restenosis after coronary angioplasty performed in patients with renal failure. Medical discharge abstracts for 8342 patients undergoing angioplasty during a 5-year period were searched to identify all coronary angioplasty procedures performed in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Procedural and follow-up coronary angiograms were reviewed in a core angiographic laboratory. Hospital records and office visit notes were obtained to assess acute and long-term outcome. Twenty-one patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis had been treated by coronary angioplasty. The 9 men and 12 women had a mean age of 59 +/- 10 years (range 37 to 78 years) and had been undergoing hemodialysis for 6.2 +/- 6.4 years (range 1 to 19 years). Procedural success was achieved in 12 (57%) of 21 patients. Three (14%) patients died; 4 suffered nonfatal myocardial infarctions (19%); 1 (5%) required emergency bypass surgery; and 1 (5%) had abrupt vessel closure without complications. Of the 15 (71%) patients who were discharged with a patent angioplasty vessel, 4 (27%) died and 9 (60%) had recurrence of angina within 1 year. Of 9 patients with recurrent angina, 7 underwent a second angiography, and all showed evidence of restenosis at the previous angioplasty site. The results of coronary angioplasty in these 21 hemodialysis patients suggest a high rate of acute complications and poor long-term prognosis in this subgroup. Other strategies for revascularization should be considered for these patients.
Response-Shift Bias A Problem in Evaluating Interventions with Pre/Post Self-Reports

Evaluations of experimental interventions which employ self-report measures are subject to an instrumentation-related source of contamination known as response-shift bias. The difficulty arises when the experimental intervention changes the subject's evaluation standard with regard to the dimension measured with the self-report instrument. In such cases even the true experimental designs (Designs 4, 5, and 6; Campbell and Stanlev, 1963) can provide internally invalid results. Retrospective pretest ratings are recommended as one way in which response-shift bias might be attenuated. Research demonstrating re sponse-shift effects and the superiority of retrospective ratings over tradittonal self-report pretest ratings in providing a measure of change is reviewed. Finally, the current status of retrospection in psychological research is reviewed, and issues are considered for future research needed to identify the unique strengths and limitations of retrospective approaches.
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF AN N-PARAFFIN BINARY EUTECTIC SOLID. AN ELECTRON DIFFRACTION DETERMINATION

The crystal structure of a paraffin binary eutectic formed from a nearly 1:1 combination of n-C30H62/n-C40H82 was determined with electron diffraction intensities from epitaxially oriented microareas. A pure n-C40H82 component could be isolated, and its diffraction pattern could be shown to match the structure expected for the pure even-chain paraffin in the Pca21 orthorhombic crystal structure. Although the microarea itself could not be isolated in electron diffraction experiments, the superlattice component of the lamellar row was separated from that of the pure longer chain species. After assigning a crystallographic phase envelope to these reflections to calculate the reverse Fourier transform, the sequence of lamellae suggested a packing model of pure components similar to the one found earlier for the n-C30H62/n-C36H74 binaries. The packing model also agreed well with the observed intensity data, given the suggested separation of the observed diffraction component from the overlapped patterns.
System Identification of Mistuned Bladed Disks from Traveling Wave Response Measurements

A new approach to modal analysis is presented that allows the modes and natural frequencies of a mistuned bladed disk to be determined from its response to a traveling wave excitation. The resulting modes and natural frequencies are then used as input to a system identification method to determine the bladed disk’s mistuning while it is rotating. This capability is useful since it provides a basis for determining blade frequencies under engine operational conditions and could help monitor the health of the engine.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Sepsis Alters Myocardial and Plasma Concentrations of Endothelin and Nitric Oxide in Rats

Cardiovascular derangements during sepsis may arise from a mismatch between endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that progression of chronic peritoneal sepsis would affect cardiac performance and would modulate the concentrations of NO and ET in the heart and plasma. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (340-390 g) were catheterized and made septic with a cecal slurry (200 mg/kg: i.p.). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and plasma ET and nitrite/nitrate (NOX) were determined at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after induction of sepsis. Septic rats were found to have tachycardia at 48 h following induction of sepsis. Mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure were not altered in septic and non-septic rats. In a separate series of experiments, the function of isolated hearts from septic and non-septic rats was assessed at preload pressures of 2, 5, and 10 mmHg. Sepsis produced a significant decrease in rates of pressure development and relaxation (+/-dP/dt) at 24 and 48 h as compared to the hearts of non-septic rats. In septic rats, plasma concentrations of ET were significantly increased at t = 4, 8, 12 h as compared to basal values, and at 12 h as compared to non-septic rats, and returned to basal levels at 24 and 48 h. In contrast, circulating NO levels did not become elevated until t = 8 h and remained elevated throughout the remaining times. In the left ventricle, the concentration of ET was found to be significantly increased both in septic and non-septic rats at 4 and 8 h as compared to t = 0 h. In the left ventricles of non-septic rats, ET levels returned to baseline values at 12 h, while in septic rats, the concentration of ET remained significantly elevated until 12 h. In septic rats, left ventricular NO levels were found to be significantly increased at t = 12 h. It appeared that induction of sepsis contributed to an imbalance in the plasma concentration of ET and NO 12 h after the induction of sepsis. However, a similar imbalance was not observed in the left ventricle. It is concluded from these observations that peritoneal sepsis in a chronic rat model produced a divergence of plasma NO and ET levels. This suggests a homeostatic imbalance between vasoactive mediators, i.e. ET and NO, could contribute to the cardiovascular derangements that occur during sepsis.
The COMFORT behavioural scale and the modified FLACC scale in paediatric intensive care.

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of the behavioural COMFORT and a modified version of the FLACC scale for assessment of pain and sedation in intubated and ventilated children and to evaluate the construct validity of the FLACC scale for assessment of pain. Background: Few instruments are available for assessment of pain/sedation in paediatric intensive care. Design: A prospective observational study was performed postoperatively in 40 children aged 0–10 years. Methods: Two trained nurses observed the child simultaneously and assessing COMFORT behavioural (COMFORT-B) and FLACC scores. In comparison, two bedside nurses concurrently scored pain using an observational visual analogue scale (VASobs) and sedation using the Nurse Interpretation of Sedation (NIS) score: oversedated, adequately or insufficient sedated. In 20 additional patients, one nurse assessed FLACC scores before and after analgesics. Results: The majority of patients were 3), both COMFORT-B and FLACC scores were significantly different compared with VASobs < 3. The interrater reliability was high for COMFORT-B and FLACC (kappa 0·71 and 0·63, respectively). For bedside nurses’ assessment of pain, the interrater reliability was high (kappa 0·63) but low for the level of sedation (kappa 0·20). After administration of analgesics, the FLACC median score decreased significantly from 5 to 0. Conclusions: The COMFORT-B scale was a more reliable measure of children’s sedation than bedside subjective assessment and gives more substantial information about sedation than the FLACC scale. Concurrent validity for assessment of pain was supported for both scales. The modified FLACC showed construct validity for measuring pain. Relevance to clinical practice: The use of validated scales may improve the assessment and management of pain and sedation in intubated children.
A note on symmetry boundary conditions in finite element methods

Abstract A short discussion on two kinds of symmetry boundary conditions in the context of variational formulations and finite element methods is presented. Applications including modeling of open boundaries in computational fluid mechanics are discussed and a numerical example is presented.
Patient selection criteria for paediatric ambulatory surgery

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to summarize the major issues that must be considered in determining a child's eligibility for ambulatory surgery. Selection criteria for a child with a runny nose, heart murmur, asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital or acquired heart disease, and the expremature infant are discussed. Performing more complex procedures on sicker patients will be a continuing challenge for ambulatory surgery centres. The keys to success are careful patient selection and meticulous intraoperative and postoperative care.
Modifiable risk factors for impaired fertility in women: what nurse practitioners need to know

Purpose: To provide an overview of impaired fertility in childbearing-aged women, to review the current research on modifiable lifestyle risk factors implicated in its development, and to suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to assist women in behavioral changes that will allow them to protect their fertility. Data sources: Original research articles and comprehensive review articles identified through Medline, CINAHL, and OVID databases. Conclusions: Research has shown that advancing age, a history of a sexually transmitted infection and/or pelvic inflammatory disease, extremes of body weight, and tobacco and caffeine use are potentially modifiable risk factors in the development of impaired fertility. Implications for practice: NPs must be aware of the link between these behaviors and the development of impaired fertility in order to assist women in preserving their fertility. Individual counseling, education, and community-wide education strategies are discussed.