cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Cover Cropping, Solarization, and Soil Fumigation on Nematode Communities

Impacts of sustainable soil-borne pest management strategies on the soil ecosystem were compared to that of methyl bromide fumigation using nematode community analysis. A field experiment was conducted in 2003 and repeated in 2004. Soil treatments carried out in summer months included methyl bromide (MB) fumigation, solarization (S) for 6 weeks, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cover cropping for 3 months (CP), combination of solarization and cowpea cover cropping (S + CP), and a weedy fallow throughout the summer used as a control (C). All treated plots were planted to pepper (Capsicum annuum) after the application of the treatments at the end of the summer. In general, responses of nematode communities to soil treatments were more obvious at pepper planting than at 4 months after planting. In 2003, initial population densities of bacterivores and fungivores at pepper planting followed a hypothesized pattern of MB > S > S + CP > CP > C. However, this perturbation did not persist after a cycle of vigorous growth of a pepper crop. Omnivorous nematodes were the most sensitive nematode trophic group, with impact from soil treatment lasting until the end of the pepper crop. Nematode community indices such as ratio of fungivores to fungivores plus bacterivores, richness, and structure index were especially useful in detecting impacts by the various soil treatments. While disturbance from MB on the nematode communities lasted at least until the end of the pepper crop, that from the solarization often reduced or disappeared at the end of the experiment. The CP treatment enhanced many of the beneficial nematodes but failed to suppress the final population densities of herbivorous nematodes at pepper harvest (Pf). However, CP + S consistently reduced the Pf of herbivores to levels equivalent to MB in both years, whereas, this level of suppression could not be achieved by either CP or solarization alone.
Global optimization and finite temperature simulations of atomic clusters: Use of XenArm clusters as test systems

The large potential energy barriers separating local minima on the potential energy surface of cluster systems pose serious problems for optimization and simulation methods. This article discusses algorithms for dealing with these problems. Lennard–Jones clusters are used to illustrate the important issues. In addition, the complexities in going from one-component to binary Lennard–Jones clusters are explored.
152 Retroviral Gene Therapy with the Gene for PDGF‐B Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B) is a potent cell mitogen and chemotactic signal involved in normal wound healing. PDGF-B is present at decreased levels in diabetic wounds and has been shown to improve wound healing when applied in a topical form. However, clinical results with topical PDGF in the treatment of diabetic wounds have been equivocal. In this study, we investigated whether application of PDGF-B via gene therapy can effectively promote wound healing in the diabetic environment in an animal model. Retroviral vectors carrying the gene for human PDGF-B were constructed using the LNCX virus and the G418 resistance gene for selection (LN-PDGF-B), and transduced into mouse dermal fibroblasts. LN-PDGF-B transduced fibroblasts were seeded into alginate hydrogel scaffolds at a concentration of 25 × 106 cells/implant and implanted into 2 cm × 2 cm full thickness excisional dermal wounds created on the dorsae of genetically diabetic db/db mice. At 21 days, animals treated with LN-PDGF-B transduced cells suspended in alginate hydrogel demonstrated a significantly smaller epithelial gap (0.97 +/− 0.34 cm) than animals receiving untransduced mouse dermal fibroblasts alone (1.44 +/− 0.37 cm; P < 0.05) or animals receiving dermal fibroblasts transduced with LNCX viral vector alone (1.40 +/− 0.20 cm; P < 0.01). These results suggest tissue-engineered retroviral gene therapy with PDGF-B specifically promotes diabetic wound healing and may yield advances in the effective treatment of diabetic wounds. Supported by a grant from the American Diabetes Association
Actions of Avermectin Analogs on γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-Sensitive and GABA-Insensitive Chloride Channels in Mouse Brain

Abstract Seven avermectin analogues that exhibited a wide range of anthelminthic and insecticidal activities were evaluated for their effects on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-sensitive and GABA-insensitive components of chloride transport across mouse brain vesicle membranes. All of the compounds except the biologically inactive octahydro analogue of abamectin inhibited GABA-dependent chloride uptake into brain vesicles. The relative inhibitory potencies of the six active analogues varied over a more than 60-fold range and were generally correlated with their potencies as invertebrate toxicants. These six compounds, but not the octahydro analogue, also stimulated GABA-insensitive chloride efflux from preloaded brain vesicles. In this assay, the potencies of the six active compounds varied over a 6-fold range and were not correlated with potencies for the inhibition of GABA-dependent chloride uptake. Moreover, neither potencies nor relative efficacies for the stimulation of chloride efflux were obviously correlated with biological activity against invertebrates. These data show that avermectins are capable of modifying chloride permeability in mouse brain vesicle preparations by two distinct mechanisms, one involving GABA receptors and a second involving one or more additional chloride ionophores unrelated to GABA receptors. Both actions may contribute to the signs of intoxication observed for abamectin and other avermectins in mammals.
New data reflect on the thermal antiquity of the Socorro magma body locale, Rio Grande Rift, New Mexico

New heat flow data and recent relative Vs (ΔVs/Vs) studies suggest differential crustal warming from prolonged intrusions in the Socorro magma body area. Heat flow above the Socorro magma body, relative to the adjacent Colorado Plateau and Datil-Mogollon region, indicates that ∼8 times more heat has been introduced into the crust than contained in a basaltic Socorro magma body. A combination of relative Vs contours and heat flow data suggests this differential is less, a factor ∼4.5. From relative Vs contours, depth of Socorro magma body, and conduction time constants, the minimum time required to increase heat flow resulting from midcrustal intrusions is ∼1–3 m.y. Recent models indicate that observed historic uplift at the Socorro magma body is explained by viscoelastic response of crustal material surrounding the Socorro magma body. Our estimates suggest that a long time scale (∼10 6 yr) for emplacement of basaltic magma sill(s) and surface uplift need not be directly related. Based on heat flow, we estimate >600 m of basaltic intrusion during Pliocene–Pleistocene time. Compared with adjacent rift basins, the Socorro magma body area shows anomalous landscape instability but no significant uplift of stream terraces across the magma body. Contiguous areas in the Rio Grande Rift have high heat flow but no present magma layer, no historic uplift, and little seismicity. Elliptical relative Vs crustal contours for the area suggest conductive heat transfer. The relative Vs model implies that the Socorro magma body is fed by narrow conduits (dikes) from the upper mantle and that the depth of the sill-like Socorro magma body is primarily controlled by rheology.
Broad-Band Pendulum Energy Harvester With Motion Regulation

A novel electromagnetic pendulum energy harvester with motion regulator is proposed and investigated in this paper. The motion regulator is a mechanical design which can mechanically rectify the irregular bidirectional swing motion of the pendulum into unidirectional rotational motion of the motor, so that no electrical rectifier is needed and voltage drops from diodes can be avoided. Therefore, the energy efficiency can be significantly improved. The working principle of this pendulum mechanical motion regulator is that when the input velocity of the motion regulator is smaller than the output velocity of the motion regulator, the output transmission shaft will disengage from the motion regulator. This disengage mechanism of the pendulum energy harvester will lead to a broad bandwidth frequency response because of the inclination of maximizing the velocity output from the system. The dynamic modeling of the switched linear system (either engaged or disengaged) is established. The simulation results illustrate the power generation performance of the pendulum energy harvester, and the comparison with the traditional energy harvester without motion regulator shows the broadband advantage of the proposed energy harvester. Experiment verification has also been carried out. The experiment results verified that at some frequencies over the natural frequency, the efficiency is increased.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Quality assurance standards in the education of psychologists: reliability and validity of objective comprehensive examinations developed at a freestanding professional school

L'auteur evalue pendant 10 ans les connaissances requises par 714 etudiants ayant suivi un programme de formation non universitaire en psychologie clinique (ecole professionnelle) et examine les correlations avec des variables telles que le niveau universitaire a l'entree dans ces ecoles, la competence clinique, etc... Les resultats montrent en particulier les bonnes qualites psychometriques de la batterie d'epreuves utilisees pour l'evaluation, ce qui permet d'argumenter en faveur d'un examen national des etudiants de ces ecoles professionnelles
Response of partially premixed flames to acoustic velocity and equivalence ratio perturbations

Abstract This article describes an experimental investigation of the forced response of a swirl-stabilized partially premixed flame when it is subjected to acoustic velocity and equivalence ratio fluctuations. The flame’s response is analyzed using phase-resolved CH* chemiluminescence images and flame transfer function (FTF) measurements, and compared with the response of a perfectly premixed flame under acoustic perturbations. The nonlinear response of the partially premixed flame is manifested by a partial extinction of the reaction zone, leading to rapid reduction of flame surface area. This nonlinearity, however, is observed only when the phase difference between the acoustic velocity and the equivalence ratio at the combustor inlet is close to zero. The condition, Δ φ Φ ′ - V ′ ≈ 0 ° , indicates that reactant mixtures with high equivalence ratio impinge on the flame front with high velocity, inducing large fluctuations of the rate of heat release. It is found that the phase difference between the acoustic velocity and equivalence ratio nonuniformities is a key parameter governing the linear/nonlinear response of a partially premixed flame, and it is a function of modulation frequency, inlet velocity, fuel injection location, and fuel injector impedance. The results presented in this article will provide insight into the response of a partially premixed flame, which has not been well explored to date.
Lobbying as a Private Good with Intra‐Industry Trade

Intra-industry trade—trade in different varieties of the same product between countries with similar factor endowments—has been an important and surprising feature of the postwar international economy. Economists have explained this trade with models of monopolistic competition, which suggest that intra-industry trade does not have the stark distributional consequences that the more traditional “endowments-based” trade does. I do not dispute that claim here, although I do dispute a political implication drawn from it—that intra-industry trade produces less political action than endowments-based trade. I argue that, because firms involved in intra-industry trade are monopolists, lobbying essentially becomes a private good . If intra-industry trade places costs on firms, they do not have less incentive to take political action to stop it, as the conventional wisdom suggests. I provide evidence for this contention from complaints lodged with the International Trade Commission. The results show that the higher the degree of intra-industry trade the more likely an industry will request protection from the ITC.
Structural instability in zinc-blende semiconductors

Abstract The conditions for the occurrence of off-center atomic displacements in pure zinc-blende semiconductors have been studied. A coupling of a chemically active valence d band with an s-like conduction band is predicted to lead to such a metastability. Total energy calculations confirm that this is the case in CuCl and CuBr. The unusual experimental manifestations of this metastability are outlined.
Cell Culture System for Studying Bovine Neutrophil Diapedesis

Neutrophils are the major defense against bacterial infection in the bovine mammary gland. Neutrophils migrate from blood into the lumen of the gland in response to inflammatory stimuli. This study describes the development of a system of cell culture that can be used to study neutrophil diapedesis through secretory and ductal mammary epithelial barriers. The culture system consists of successive layers of collagen, fibroblasts, collagen, and a confluent monolayer of secretory or ductal epithelial cells layered on a porous membrane. Confluence was determined by electrical resistance and trypan blue diffusion. Neutrophil diapedesis occurred from the basal to the apical surface of the monolayers. Purified complement C5a, fetal bovine serum that had been activated by zymosan, and fetal bovine serum that had been activated by Escherichia coli induced neutrophil diapedesis. Neutrophil diapedesis was greater across ductal cell monolayers. Blood neutrophils from five cows differed in their ability to migrate through the multilayered culture system in response to C5a. Monoclonal antibodies to C5a blocked diapedesis induced by purified C5a but had no effect on diapedesis induced by fetal bovine serum that had been activated by zymosan or by fetal bovine serum that had been activated by E. coli endotoxin, indicating that factors other than C5a were chemotactic for neutrophils. Monomeric IgG2, immune complexes, and E. coli endotoxin did not induce neutrophil diapedesis.
Farmer-oriented assessment of soil quality using field, laboratory, and VNIR spectroscopy methods

Soil quality and health are terms describing similar concepts, but the latter appeals to farmers and crop consultants as part of a holistic approach to soil management. We regard soil health as the integration and optimization of the physical, biological and chemical aspects of soils for improved productivity in an economic and sustainable manner. This paper describes the process used for the selection of soil quality/health indicators that comprise the new Cornell Soil Health Test. Over 1,500 samples collected from controlled research experiments and commercial farms were initially analyzed for 39 potential soil quality indicators. Four physical and four biological indicators were selected based on sensitivity to management, relevance to functional soil processes, ease and cost of sampling, and cost of analysis. Seven chemical indicators were also selected as they are part of the standard soil nutrient test. Soil health test reports were developed to allow for an overall assessment, as well as the identification of specific soil constraints. The new soil health test is being offered on a for-fee basis starting in 2007. In addition, visible near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was evaluated as a possible tool for low-cost soil health assessment. From preliminary analyses, the methodology shows promise for some but not all of the soil quality indicators. In conclusion, an inexpensive soil health test was developed for integrative assessment of the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of soils, thereby facilitating better soil management.
Symmetry of ground reaction forces and muscle activity in asymptomatic subjects during walking, sit-to-stand, and stand-to-sit tasks

In addition to walking, essential activities of daily living include the ability to rise from a seated position and sit from a standing position. Although many high-quality studies have been performed on these common functional tasks, the objective of the current research is to quantify symmetry indices (SI) of ground reaction force (GRF) and electromyographical (EMG) variables between the non-dominant (ND) and dominant (D) sides of the body in asymptomatic subjects during walking, sit-to-stand, and stand-to-sit tasks. Thirty-five healthy subjects consented to participate in the study that included collection of bilateral GRF and muscle activity of the back, trunk, and legs during the stance phase of walking and sit–stand tasks. No significant differences in SI values between the ND and D sides of the body were found, indicating that asymptomatic subjects walk, stand up, and sit down in a rather symmetric manner. Gait stance time, peak vertical GRF at heel strike, and peak vertical GRF during the entire sit–stand cycle were found to be ‘‘perfectly symmetrical’’ with SI values equal to 1. Future studies will involve similar analyses to determine the level of asymmetry among symptomatic subjects.
A polynomial perspective on the stability of multivariable predictive controllers

Abstract A rigorous method for analyzing the stability of unconstrained multivariable predictive controllers is developed using polynomial operators and coprime matrix factorizations. The technique permits deriving explicit expressions for the closed-loop transfer functions that describe the relevant system dynamics. It is shown that the closed-loop poles can be determined by finding the roots of two characteristic polynomial equations, hence allowing a complete characterization of the asymptotic stability of the system. The controllers require the specification of a large number of tuning parameters, including prediction and control horizons for every input and output signal as well as the elements of input and output weighting matrices. The stability analysis tools proposed lend significant support to the tuning task because sets of parameters that produce unstable poles can be identified and rejected. Furthermore, since the location of the poles influences the speed of the closed-loop response, it is also possible to compare the relative merits of alternative sets of stabilizing tuning parameters. Finally, it is shown that the multivariable predictive-control law can be written in standard shift–operator form, facilitating the implementation in a digital control computer using only shift registers, scalar multiplications, and scalar additions. The approach is illustrated in an example involving the control of a multistage gas–liquid absorption column.
Metadata and reference linking

Abstract Reference linking is a broad term that generally means linking from one information object to another. The specific types of linking which have been addressed in most detail in recent years are those having to do with the links between journal articles. These would include the links from citation metadata to the electronic full-text article and links from references following an article (the bibliography) directly to the referred citation and/or article. A basic concept is that there must be a way to identify the work to be ‘linked-to.’ A second concept is that in order to ‘link-to’ an outside system, there must be an identifiable syntax, which often includes an identifier, for creating a query into that system to find the correct article. In this paper we focus on experiences in linking from an A&I database record to full-text and linking from a bibliography to full-text. Accomplishing this required implementing a system that uses metadata to determine the identifiers and the required elements for various ‘link-to’ syntaxes across disparate systems.
Physics of the Mesopause Region

The mesopause is the minimum in the vertical temperature structure of the earth’s atmosphere occurring near 85–90 Km, ranging in value from roughly 140K to 220K from summer to winter polar latitudes (see Figure 1). The altitude region about the mesopause, roughly between 70 and 120 Kin, may well be termed a ‘transition’ or ‘boundary’ region in many respects. Basically, fundamental mechanisms relating to heat deposition, conductive and radiative transfer, wave propagation, etc., applicable in their respective upper or lower altitude regimes, often require special consideration across this region. Most numerical models of the lower atmosphere or the thermosphere do not comprehensively address these difficulties, and consequently do not place confidence in results obtained between 80 and 120 Km. Furthermore, the mesopause region exceeds the altitude limits of most meterological rockets and is too low for in-situ satellite measurements, so that it is the most scantily observed region of the atmosphere as well.
Generalized spatial structural equation models

It is common in public health research to have high-dimensional, multivariate, spatially referenced data representing summaries of geographic regions. Often, it is desirable to examine relationships among these variables both within and across regions. An existing modeling technique called spatial factor analysis has been used and assumes that a common spatial factor underlies all the variables and causes them to be related to one another. An extension of this technique considers that there may be more than one underlying factor, and that relationships among the underlying latent variables are of primary interest. However, due to the complicated nature of the covariance structure of this type of data, existing methods are not satisfactory. We thus propose a generalized spatial structural equation model. In the first level of the model, we assume that the observed variables are related to particular underlying factors. In the second level of the model, we use the structural equation method to model the relationship among the underlying factors and use parametric spatial distributions on the covariance structure of the underlying factors. We apply the model to county-level cancer mortality and census summary data for Minnesota, including socioeconomic status and access to public utilities.
Angular structure of the upward thermal IR radiation and its relevance to the sea surface temperature retrieval

Cross-scanning satellite radiometers such as AVHRR/2 look over the underlying surface at different viewing angles, /spl thetasub v/. The algorithms for retrieval of the surface and atmospheric parameters should overtly account for /spl thetasub v/ to provide the result independent of the variable observation geometry. The authors propose a statistical procedure which allows one to check whether or not the last one is the case. It is used to test the NOAA/AVHRR Multi-Channel Sea Surface Temperature MCSST. >
Deterministic quantum storage, communication and computing with atomic ensembles using light-shift imbalance induced blockade of collective excitations

Collective excitation, the leading technique for quantum information processing, suffers from limitations due to higher order excitations. We describe a blockade mechanism, based on light-shift imbalance in a Raman transition that eliminates this shortcoming.
Laparoscopic Cryptorchidectomy and Ovariectomy in Horses

Laparoscopic surgery has become commonplace in the field of equine urogenital surgery. As with most surgical procedures, the limiting factors in developing new surgical techniques are limited to the patient size and demeanor, the skills of the surgeon, and the available equipment. Some of the greatest benefits of laparoscopic surgery in the horse include better visualization of the important structures; tension-free amputation of the testes or ovaries,which generally leads to less postoperative pain; and the ability to evaluate the transected stump carefully to make sure there is no hemorrhage. This article is limited to the use of laparoscopy for cryptorchidectomy and ovariectomy.
ECONOMIC CALCULATION UNDER SOCIALISM: THE AUSTRIAN CONTRIBUTION

Economic theories of socialism during the 1930's were based on Walrasian general equilibrium models in which the central planning board was to function as the auctioneer. Socialists assumed that “market socialism” would achieve all the efficiencies characteristic of perfect competition while avoiding the serious market failures of real capitalist economies. The Austrians, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, argued that even market socialism would fail to ‘achieve the efficiency of real market capitalism because Walrasian models used to construct the economic theory of socialism left out important features of real markets that generate efficient outcomes. Specifically, the entrepreneurial nature of the adjustment process, the importance of decentralized information and the role of incentives under vaying institutional settings.
High Strain, High Strain Rate Forming of Difficult to Deform Tubular Parts

High demand for formed tubular components and the necessity to increase their strength to weight ratio have established a need for new, effective, and low cost forming technologies. This work investigates the application of a propellant-driven water stream to the formation of high tensile strength alloys such as stainless steel 321, Inconel 625, and Ti-3Al-2.5V The proposed forming technology is based on the utilization of high pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece. This pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion. An experimental setup, used for the study of the technology in question, consisted of a tubular component, inserted into a split die assembly, and a combustion chamber, which generated gas, driving water through a work piece. This setup was successfully used for high strain, high strain rate forming of tubular components. In particular, the formation of various shapes in the course of an expansion of seamless tubing was examined. Despite large strains, exceeding in some cases the static test elongation limit, the generated samples were characterized by a uniform wall thinning and structural integrity. For example, a 55% expansion of Ti-3Al-2.5V tube was attained using a simple setup. The acquired experimental data show that the technology can be applied to form alloys characterized by high tensile strength, low static elongation limits, and low modulus of elasticity. Simplicity and low capital cost of the process determine its competitiveness in comparison to conventional quasistatic hydroexpansion, hot forming, and high-energy rate explosive forming processes.
Impacts of Oil and Gas Development on Wintering Grassland Birds at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Abstract Padre Island National Seashore provides important habitat for declining wintering grassland birds, yet oil and gas development is widespread in the Park. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of resource extraction on the wintering grassland birds of the Park. In January—March 2007 and 2008, we surveyed 5 active and 4 abandoned well sites and 4 road sites to investigate the relationship between distance from disturbance (well pads, access roads) and bird abundance. At road sites, bird abundance was positively correlated with increased distance from road edge, but we found no linear relationship at active or abandoned well sites. However, mean bird abundance in the first (0–30 m) distance interval of active well transects was less than half that at the second interval, and was the lowest value for all active intervals except the ninth. First-interval abundance at active wells was lower than abundance at any abandoned well interval. Road transects likewise showed low abundance in the initial in...
Skeletal Muscle Abnormalities in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Widespread muscle pain and tender points are the most common complaints of fibromyalgia patients, and the underlying mechanisms responsible for these symptoms have been studied intensively during the past decade. It has been suggested that fatigue and pain may lead to decreased levels of physical activity in many patients. The resulting deconditioned state may itself contribute to muscle abnormalities. Associated symptoms such as disturbed sleep, anxiety, depression, or irritable bowel also may have a negative impact on muscle function and level of daily activities. The important interactions between the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems may involve another element, the neuroendocrine stress-response system. This review will consider both the current state of knowledge and also future studies which might be designed to answer more effectively the outstanding questions regarding the underlying pathogenesis of fibromyalgia.
Kinesio taping in stroke: improving functional use of the upper extremity in hemiplegia.

®taping method used to improve the upper extremity function in the adult with hemiplegia. The article discusses various therapeutic methods used in the treatment of stroke patients to achieve a functional upper extremity. The only taping technique for various upper extremity conditions that has been described in the literature is the athletic taping technique. In this article, some interpretation is offered on proper assessment of the nonfunctional upper extremity, including the emphasis on postural alignment, trunk control, and scapula alignment. The Kinesio® taping method in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions may facilitate or inhibit muscle function, support joint structure, reduce pain, and provide proprioceptive feedback to achieve and maintain preferred body alignment. Restoring trunk and scapula alignment after the stroke is critical in an effective treatment program for the upper
A Rare Case of Periosteal Osteoblastoma Located in the Frontal Cranial Bone

Abstract Periosteal osteoblastoma is an extremely rare bone-forming neoplasm located on the surface of cortical bone. Of the fewer than 30 cases of periosteal osteoblastomas found in the literature, 2 have been reported to be located in cranial bone, and these have not been documented in detail with clinical history, radiographic findings, macroscopic features, and microscopic findings. Although the differential diagnoses of periosteal lesions include parosteal and periosteal osteosarcoma, periosteal chondroma and chondrosarcoma, osteochondroma, osteoid osteoma, periostitis ossificans, and myositis ossificans, an important differential diagnosis both radiologically and pathologically of such a lesion in the cranium is meningioma. We report an unusual case of periosteal osteoblastoma located in the frontal cranial bone that was radiologically consistent with a meningioma. The differential diagnosis of metaplastic meningioma with differentiation toward bone is discussed.
ITK and ANALYZE: a synergistic integration

The Insight Toolkit (ITK) is a C++ open-source software toolkit developed under sponsorship of the National Library of Medicine. It provides advanced algorithms for performing image registration and segmentation, but does not provide support for visualization and analysis, nor does it offer any graphical user interface (GUI). The purpose of this integration project is to make ITK readily accessible to end-users with little or no programming skills, and provide interactive processing, visualization and measurement capabilities. This is achieved through the integration of ITK with ANALYZE, a multi-dimension image visualization/analysis application installed in over 300 institutions around the world, with a user-base in excess of 4000. This integration is carried out at both the software foundation and GUI levels. The foundation technology upon which ANALYZE is built is a comprehensive C-function library called AVW. A new set of AVW-ITK functions have been developed and integrated into the AVW library, and four new ITK modules have been added to the ANALYZE interface. Since ITK is a software developer’s toolkit, the only way to access its intrinsic power is to write programs that incorporate it. Integrating ITK with ANALYZE opens the ITK algorithms to end-users who otherwise might never be able to take advantage of the toolkit’s advanced functionality. In addition, this integration provides end-to-end interactive problem solving capabilities which allow all users, including programmers, an integrated system to readily display and quantitatively evaluate the results from the segmentation and registration routines in ITK, regardless of the type or format of input images, which are comprehensively supported in ANALYZE.
The Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Project: California's new outcome study.

The Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Project is a six-year clinical research program specifically mandated by the California State Legislature. Objectives of the project are: (a) to operate an innovative state hospital unit for sex offenders who volunteer for treatment during the last two years of their prison terms, and (b) to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used in the experimental program. The treatment model is Relapse Prevention, a prescriptive and multimodal approach designed to train offenders to interrupt and control the chain of events leading to relapse (recidivism). Treatment effectiveness will be measured by comparing the 5-year recidivism rate for treated subjects with the rates for two control groups: (a) matched volunteers who were randomly assigned to a no-treatment group; and (b) a matched group of inmates who qualified for the program but did not volunteer. At this time, 44 sex offenders (34 child molesters and 10 rapists) are in the experimental treatment program. A majority of this first group of subjects will be released from the hospital in 1987. Language: en
Color and Color Stability of Frozen Restructured Beef Steaks: Effect of Sodium Chloride, Tripolyphosphate, Nitrogen Atmosphere, and Processing Procedures

This study investigated the effect of mixing and grinding, tempering, addition of sodium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate and processing under a nitrogen atmosphere on the color of restructured beef steaks initially and at 1-month intervals for 3 months of frozen storage. Mixing and grinding and manufacture under a nitrogen atmosphere had the greatest detrimental effect on the extent of discoloration initially; this was probably due to low oxygen concentration. Tempering and the addition of sodium chloride without sodium tripolyphosphate produced the most rapid increase in rate of discoloration during frozen storage. Tripolyphosphate partially counteracted the detrimental effect of sodium chloride, however, this effect did not appear to be due to the higher pH produced by the phosphate or the chelating ability of the phosphate. Surface discoloration and overall color were highly correlated with surface metmyoglobin (r= -0.87) and overall met-myoglobin (r= -0.94).
Time Reversal Detection in Clutter: Additional Experimental Results

Time reversal (TR) is a promising technique in detecting weak targets immersed in clutter. This paper reports a series of electromagnetic (EM) domain experiments on TR detection using a single antenna pair in a controlled scattering environment. The TR likelihood ratio detector is compared with the conventional energy detector and the matched filter. The EM experiments demonstrate the superiority of TR detection over conventional detection in rich multipath scattering environments.
Military coercion in interstate crises

In an international crisis, states make demands backed by threats to use force. Although these threats can be explicit in diplomatic communications, they will not generally carry much weight unless substantiated by some show of force— –military measures designed to convey the commitment to resort to arms if one’s demands are not satisfactorily met. To have an impact, this commitment must be credible; it must be in one’s interest to carry out the threat if the opponent refuses to comply. In an environment where states possess private information about their valuations, capabilities, or costs, credibility can be established by actions that a state unwilling to fight would not want, or would not dare, to take. Military moves, such as arms buildups, troop mobilizations, and deployments to the potential zone of operations, can alter incentives in a crisis by changing one’s expected payoff from the use of force. These are tacit bargaining moves that can restructure the strategic context thereby creating and possibly signaling one’s commitments while undermining those of the opponent. How can states use the military instrument to establish commitments, and how does the nature of the instrument affect their ability to communicate them credibly to their adversaries? There are two distinct mechanisms for credible signaling. In economic models, information can be transmitted reliably by sinking costs— –actors burn money to reveal that they value the disputed issue even more. In contrast, theories of interstate crisis bargaining usually rely on choices that increase the difference between backing down and fighting— –actors tie their hands by running higher risks of war to reveal their resolve. The first mechanism involves costs that actors pay regardless of outcome, and the second involves costs that actors pay only if they fail to carry out some threat or promise.
Mesh Representation Driven by Variance Normalized Neighborhood in Scale Space

In this paper, we extend our previous work on regular mesh simplification using scale-space filtering (SSF), to arbitrary meshes. Additional challenges in using arbitrary meshes involve accurately defining a geodesic distance and a structure attribute. Since our SSF method is based on Laplacian smoothing, which filters finer local details before larger global structures, it preserves perceptual quality that is consistent with how the human visual system looks at 3D objects moving from close to farther away. By keeping the simplified mesh vertices as a subset of the denser meshes, versus using the vertex split operation, bandwidth is utilized more efficiently during refinement. Our contribution lies in applying the shortest path normalized by variance, instead of using an un-normalized geodesic distance to weight the influence of a neighborhood. Variance normalization ensures that the global smoothing property is preserved. We build a priority list to facilitate vertex removal and insertion. Experimental results are presented to support our approach.
Rapid Formation of Extended Processes and Engagement of Theiler's Virus-Infected Neurons by CNS-Infiltrating CD8 T Cells

A fundamental question in neuroimmunology is the extent to which CD8 T cells actively engage virus-infected neurons. In the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) model of multiple sclerosis, an effective central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrating antiviral CD8 T cell response offers protection from this demyelinating disease. However, the specific CNS cell types engaged by these protective CD8 T cells in TMEV-resistant strains remains unknown. We used confocal microscopy to visualize the morphology, migration, and specific cellular interactions between adoptively transferred CD8 T cells and specific CNS cell types. Adoptively transferred GFP+ CD8+ splenocytes migrated to the brain and became 93% specific for the immunodominant virus epitope Db:VP2121-130. These CD8 T cells also polarized T cell receptor, CD8 protein, and granzyme B toward target neurons. Furthermore, we observed CD8 T cells forming cytoplasmic processes up to 45 μm in length. Using live tissue imaging, we determined that these T cell–extended processes (TCEPs) could be rapidly formed and were associated with migratory behavior through CNS tissues. These studies provide evidence that antiviral CD8 T cells have the capacity to engage virus-infected neurons in vivo and are the first to document and measure the rapid formation of TCEPs on these brain-infiltrating lymphocytes using live tissue imaging.
Single-junction InGaP/GaAs solar cells grown on Si substrates with SiGe buffer layers

Single junction InGaP/GaAs solar cells displaying high efficiency and record high open circuit voltage values have been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Ge/graded SiGe/Si substrates. Open circuit voltages as high as 980 mV under AM0 conditions have been verified to result from a single GaAs junction, with no evidence of Ge-related sub-cell photoresponse. Current AM0 efficiencies of close to 16% have been measured for a large number of small area cells, whose performance is limited by non-fundamental current losses due to significant surface reflection resulting from greater than 10% front surface metal coverage and wafer handling during the growth sequence for these prototype cells. It is shown that at the material quality currently achieved for GaAs grown on Ge/SiGe/Si substrates, namely a 10 nanosecond minority carrier lifetime that results from complete elimination of anti-phase domains and maintaining a threading dislocation density of approximately 8 x 10(exp 5) per square centimeter, 19-20% AM0 single junction GaAs cells are imminent. Experiments show that the high performance is not degraded for larger area cells, with identical open circuit voltages and higher short circuit current (due to reduced front metal coverage) values being demonstrated, indicating that large area scaling is possible in the near term. Comparison to a simple model indicates that the voltage output of these GaAs on Si cells follows ideal behavior expected for lattice mismatched devices, demonstrating that unaccounted for defects and issues that have plagued other methods to epitaxially integrate III-V cells with Si are resolved using SiGe buffers and proper GaAs nucleation methods. These early results already show the enormous and realistic potential of the virtual SiGe substrate approach for generating high efficiency, lightweight and strong III-V solar cells.
Identification of specific calcitonin-like receptor residues important for calcitonin gene-related peptide high affinity binding.

Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a vasoactive neuropeptide whose biological activity has potential therapeutic value for many vascular related diseases. CGRP is a 37 amino acid neuropeptide that signals through a G protein-coupled receptor belonging to the secretin receptor family. Previous studies on the calcitonin-like receptor (CLR), which requires co-expression of the receptor-activity-modifying protein-1 (RAMP1) to function as a CGRP receptor, have shown an 18 amino acid N-terminus sequence important for binding CGRP. Moreover, several investigations have recognized the C-terminal amidated phenylalanine (F37) of CGRP as essential for docking to the mature receptor. Therefore, we hypothesize that hydrophobic amino acids within the previously characterized 18 amino acid CLR N-terminus domain are important binding contacts for the C-terminal phenylalaninamide of CGRP.
Factors associated with health care professionals' choice of written asthma management plans.

ABSTRACT The objective of this descriptive-comparative study was to determine what factors were associated with health care professionals' choice of written asthma management plans (WAMP) for health care practice. A convenience sample of medical and nursing students and practicing health care professionals was asked to choose the preferred WAMP and give a brief explanation for the choice on the questionnaire. Comparative groups were formed based on the WAMP choice. Independent sample χ2 and content analysis were used to analyze data. Ninety-five percent (n = 192) of all survey respondents (N = 202) preferred the highly readable Global Initiative for Asthma Sample Patient Asthma Management Plan, as compared to the Veterans Administration/Department of Defense (DoD) WAMP. Major themes as to why respondents preferred the Global Initiative for Asthma WAMP include “pictures,” “readability,” “user-friendliness,” and “simplicity.” Use of the current DoD/Veterans Health Administration WAMP within the DoD Military...
Laboratory diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by immunofluorescent demonstration of Rickettsia rickettsii in cutaneous lesions

Direct immunofluorescent staining for Rickettsia rickettsii was performed on cryostat sections of skin biopsies from 27 patients suspected of having Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In nine of the 17 patients whose final diagnosis was Rocky Mountain spotted fever, coccobacillary forms of R. rickettsii were identified in endothelium and vascular walls within the dermis. Facotrs recognized as contributing to false-negative results were prior treatment with tetracycline or chloramphenicol for 24--48 hours or longer and failure to obtain a section through the focus of vasculitis. No false-positive result was obtained in the ten patients whose final diagnoses were not Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The laboratory test offers an immediate, positive laboratory diagnosis for this treatable, life-threatening disease.
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation May Reduce Medication Costs in Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is well-known to reduce medication burden in advanced stage Parkinson’s disease (PD). Preliminary data from a prospective, single blind, controlled pilot trial demonstrated that early stage PD subjects treated with STN-DBS also required less medication than those treated with optimal drug therapy (ODT). Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze medication cost and utilization from the pilot trial of DBS in early stage PD and to project 10 year medication costs. Methods: Medication data collected at each visit were used to calculate medication costs. Medications were converted to levodopa equivalent daily dose, categorized by medication class, and compared. Medication costs were projected to advanced stage PD, the time when a typical patient may be offered DBS. Results: Medication costs increased 72% in the ODT group and decreased 16% in the DBS+ODT group from baseline to 24 months. This cost difference translates into a cumulative savings for the DBS+ODT group of $7,150 over the study period. Projected medication cost savings over 10 years reach $64,590. Additionally, DBS+ODT subjects were 80% less likely to require polypharmacy compared with ODT subjects at 24 months (p < 0.05; OR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.04–0.97). Conclusions: STN-DBS in early PD reduced medication cost over the two-year study period. DBS may offer substantial long-term reduction in medication cost by maintaining a simplified, low dose medication regimen. Further study is needed to confirm these findings, and the FDA has approved a pivotal, multicenter clinical trial evaluating STN-DBS in early PD.
Hydration of cations: a key to understanding of specific cation effects on aggregation behaviors of PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers.

This work reports results from the interactions of a series of monovalent and divalent cations with a triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO). Phase transition temperatures of the polymer in the presence of chloride salts with six monovalent and eight divalent cations were measured using an automated melting point apparatus. The polymer undergoes a two-step phase transition, consisting of micellization of the polymer followed by aggregation of the micelles, in the presence of all the salts studied herein. The results suggest that hydration of cations plays a key role in determining the interactions between the cations and the polymer. The modulation of the phase transition temperature of the polymer by cations can be explained as a balance between three interactions: direct binding of cations to the oxygen in the polymer chains, cations sharing one water molecule with the polymer in their hydration layer, and cations interacting with the polyme...