cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR VEGETABLES GROWN UNDER “COMMERCIAL” AND “ORGANIC” CONDITIONS

The present study was designed to provide experimental data which would bear on undocumented claims as to the superior flavor of so called “organic” or “natural” foods. Four vegetables (lettuce, green beans, broccoli greens, and carrots) were grown under three conditions: depleted soil (no additional fertilizer or pesticides); commercially fertilized (plus pesticides), and organically fertilized (manure, no pesticides). Fifty consumer subjects evaluated the four vegetables individually in separate sessions, using a 1 to 9 hedonic rating scale. A fifth evaluation of beans, broccoli and carrots was conducted on vegetables grown under just the commercial and organic conditions, but with products correctly and incorrectly labelled commercial or organic. Analysis of variance indicated no significant differences for lettuce or green beans due to growing conditions. There was a significant preference for the commercial and depleted samples of carrots over the organic sample in the separate sessions, but not in the label study. Organic broccoli was preferred to depleted and commercial samples in the separate sessions study, and to commercial in the label study. In the latter study there was a significant difference for type of vegetable (beans and carrots preferred to broccoli) and for label (organic preferred to commercial). The data indicated that the consumer would not be getting a more acceptable product if organically grown vegetables were purchased.
Particle Track Enhancement in Cellulose Nitrate by Application of an Electric Field

The number and length of etchable tracks, created by alpha particles in a cellulose nitrate sheet, are significantly enhanced by the application of an electric field across the cellulose nitrate.
Quantum Entangled Dark Solitons Formed by Ultracold Atoms in Optical Lattices

Inspired by experiments on Bose-Einstein condensates in optical lattices, we study the quantum evolution of dark soliton initial conditions in the context of the Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian. An extensive set of quantum measures is utilized in our analysis, including von Neumann and generalized quantum entropies, quantum depletion, and the pair correlation function. We find that quantum effects cause the soliton to fill in. Moreover, soliton-soliton collisions become inelastic, in strong contrast to the predictions of mean-field theory. These features show that the lifetime and collision properties of dark solitons in optical lattices provide clear signals of quantum effects.
Describing organizations as reinforcer systems: A new use for job satisfaction and employee attitude surveys☆

Abstract Job satisfaction data on managerial personnel were used to illustrate how organizations can be differentiated and described as reinforcer systems. Twenty-seven specific satisfaction scales were regressed on overall job satisfaction, separately for each of five groups of managers from five organizations. For all groups, overall satisfaction was found to be determined mainly by scales concerning challenge of the job and prospects of one's chosen career. Application of decremental stepwise multiple regression procedures to obtain minimum-variable-set equations resulted in different, though overlapping, sets of variables in the equations for the different organizations. These results suggest a way of describing organizations as reinforcer systems, in terms of the specific determinants of overall satisfaction for the organization.
Optical and millimeter line-of-sight propagation effects in the turbulent atmosphere

This paper reviews the effect of clear-air turbulence on line-of-sight electromagnetic propagation, with particular attention paid to remote probing. General relations for the amplitude and phase covariance function of an electro-magnetic wave propagated over a line-of-sight path are given. It is shown that theoretically it is possible to invert measured quantities such as the amplitude covariance function to obtain information about the refractive index spectrum, or the intensity of the refractive index fluctuations along the path. However, it is shown that practical considerations may make these theoretical possibilities difficult to achieve in practice.
Cracks in the periodic table.

The article discusses the periodic table of chemical elements. The author argues that the table may be losing its explanatory and predictive power despite the discovery of element 117, which filled the last remaining gap in the periodic table. Topics include the creation of the periodic table in the 1860s by Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev, who left several spaces in the table believing chemists would discover more elements, the publication of more than 1000 versions of the periodic table, nuclear physicists' synthesis of new elements beginning with technetium in 1937, and research by Yuri Oganessian of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR) in Dubna, Russia and colleagues that led to the creation of element 117.
Modelling Space and Time in Narratives about Restaurants

This study investigated the automatic modelling of space and time in narratives involving dining in a restaurant. We built a program that (1) uses information extraction techniques to convert narrative texts into templates containing key information about the dining episodes discussed in the narratives, (2) constructs commonsense reasoning problems from the templates, (3) uses commonsense reasoning and a commonsense knowledge base to build models of the dining episodes, and (4) generates and answers questions by consulting the models. We describe the program and present the results of running it on a corpus of web texts and American literature.
Complex neural codes in rat prelimbic cortex are stable across days on a spatial decision task

The rodent prelimbic cortex has been shown to play an important role in cognitive processing, and has been implicated in encoding many different parameters relevant to solving decision-making tasks. However, it is not known how the prelimbic cortex represents all these disparate variables, and if they are simultaneously represented when the task requires it. In order to investigate this question, we trained rats to run the Multiple-T Left Right Alternate (MT-LRA) task and recorded multi-unit ensembles from their prelimbic regions. Significant populations of cells in the prelimbic cortex represented the strategy controlling reward receipt on a given lap, whether the animal chose to go right or left on a given lap, and whether the animal made a correct decision or an error on a given lap. These populations overlapped in the cells recorded, with several cells demonstrating differential firing to all three variables. The spatial and strategic firing patterns of individual prelimbic cells were highly conserved across several days of running this task, indicating that each cell encoded the same information across days.
The effect of social context on the functional communication skills of autistic children

This study investigated autistic children's use of attention-directing gestures and language in three different interactive situations which varied in social context factors. These behaviors were videotaped and compared in autistic children (n=15), children with developmental language delay (n=14), matched on mental age and mean length of utterance (MLU), and MLU-matched young normal children (n=13). Results supported the hypothesis that autistic children's attention-directing behavior would differ most from that of the other groups in spontaneous interactions. However, contrary to expectation, the autistic children did not produce more attention-directing behavior when a high degree of adult direction was provided. Overall, the autistic group used attention-directing behaviors less frequently than the other groups, and in the autistic group these behavors varied less across social context factors. Results are interpreted in terms of their implications for language intervention programs with autistic children.
Asymmetric synthesis of ()-(+)-ethylmethyl--propylcarbinol in high enantiomeric purity. A 1,3-oxathiane derived from (+)-pulegone as chiral adjuvant

Abstract A chiral, conformationally locked 1,3-oxathiane has been prepared by 1,4-addition of benzyl, mercaptan to (+)-pulegone followed by Na/NH3 reduction and condensation of the resulting hydroxythiol with paraformaldehyde. The utility of this chiral adjuvant is exemplified by the asymmetric synthesis of the title compound in 93% e.e.
Enhanced Diffusion of Phosphorus at Grain Boundaries in Silicon

It is found that the grain boundaries in cast polycrystalline silicon material capable of enhancing diffusion always have strong recombination activities. Both phenomena could be related to the existence of dangling bonds at boundaries. Because the enhanced diffusion is an atomic transport phenomenon and the recombination is an electronic process, the relationship between the two phenomena is still not clear at this moment. The present study gives the first evidence that incoherent second order twins of {111/115} type are phosphorus diffusion-active.
Childhood optic atrophy.

Purpose: To determine the causes, and relative incidence of the common causes, of optic nerve atrophy in children under 10 years old and to compare prevalent aetiologies with those given in previous studies. Methods: The Wilmer Information System database was searched to identify all children, diagnosed between 1987 and 1997 with optic atrophy, who were under 10 years old at diagnosis. The medical records of these children were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 272 children were identified. Complications from premature birth were the most frequent aetiology of optic atrophy (n = 44, 16%); 68% of these premature infants having a history of intraventricular haemorrhage. Tumour was the second most common aetiology (n = 40, 15%). The most frequent tumour was pilocytic astrocytoma (50%), followed by craniopharyngioma (17%). Hydrocephalus, unrelated to tumour, was the third most common aetiology (n = 26, 10%). In 114 cases (42%), the cause of optic atrophy became manifest in the perinatal period and/or could be attributed to adverse events in utero. A cause was not determined in 4% of cases. Conclusions: In the last decade, prematurity and hydrocephalus appear to have become important causes of optic atrophy in childhood. This trend is probably the result of improved survival of infants with extremely low birth weight.
Compaction behavior of Al6061 powder in the semi-solid state

Abstract Semi-solid powder processing involves compaction of metallic alloy powders in temperature ranges when both solid and liquid phases coexist. However, modeling of such process has been very scarce. In this study, compaction behavior of Al6061 powder in the presence of liquid phase was investigated. The relationship between compaction pressure and relative density of powder in the semi-solid state was modeled and verified against experimental measurements. The results showed that the powder compaction behavior can be accurately predicted by Shima–Oyane model when the liquid fraction was below 20%. In this range, all the normalized pressure–relative density curves merged into one, which could be expressed in a simple exponential form. When the liquid fraction was higher than 20%, the model failed to predict the compaction behavior because of the non-uniform distribution of the liquid phase. Squeezing-out of the liquid phase and interlocking of the irregular solid phase were speculated to occur during the compaction process.
Tensile mechanical properties of SiC whiskers

An initial evaluation has been made of the tensile mechanical properties of SiC whiskers synthesized by a vapour-liquid-solid process. A micro-tensile tester and associated testing techniques were developed for this purpose. The SiC whiskers exhibit an average tensile strength of 8.40 GPa (1 220 000 psi) and an average elastic modulus of 581 GPa (84 300 000 psi), and were considerably stronger and stiffer than continuous, polycrystalline SiC fibres. These results indicate the significant potential of SiC whiskers as short-fibre reinforcement elements for ceramic matrix composites.
Probing Wisconsin highbush cranberry (V. trilobum), dotted horsemint (M. punctata), and American hazelnut (C. americana) as potential biodiesel feedstocks

The need for biodiesel feedstocks growing on non-arable lands is widely recognized. We present results of the synthesis and characterization of new biodiesels we produced from oils of highbush cranberry, dotted horsemint, and American hazelnut growing in Northern Wisconsin. These biodiesels, particularly those derived from highbush cranberry, exhibited remarkably good low-temperature properties, a condition that is crucial for wider usage of any biodiesel in cold climates. We also present the results on determination of the oxidative stability of the above biodiesels and discuss the growing conditions and habitats of the related plants.
Characterization of surface contaminants using infrared microspectroscopy

Coupling microscopes and infrared spectrometers result in the technique called microscopy/Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (microscopy/FT-IR), which makes it possible to examine samples, such as particles, droplets, smears, fibers, crystals, inclusions, bubbles, or additives, as small as 10 {mu}m in diameter. This minimum size limitation is a physical constraint based on the diffraction limit of light in the mid-infrared region. Microscopy/FT-IR, when combined with repetitive microscopy stage movements, can be used to both locate and help identify chemical species. This infrared micro-profiling provides an infrared spectrum for each stage position or pixel element. The information is used to map, chemically identify and spatially resolve, a sample. Recent work using this technique include mapping a thin film of solder flux rosin, identifying individual polymers present in a multilayer polymer structure, and identifying a fluid inclusion. This technique, in general, generates a large number of spectra that must be manipulated so that relevant information can be extracted to produce a spatial image. An efficient method for estimating this information is to compress the spectral data at each pixel to a single intensity value and plot this value as a function of pixel position. The method of compressing spectral data by integrating absorbance intensity overmore » a characteristics frequency range was used to manipulate data generated during IR micro-profiling of a single cellulose acetate fiber placed on a gold coated glass slide. 5 refs., 1 fig.« less
Concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose prostaglandin E2 compared with prostaglandin E2 vaginal suppositories for second-trimester pregnancy termination

Objective To examine the efficacy and side effects of concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose prostaglandin (PG) E 2 compared with a standard dose of vaginal PGE 2 for second-trimester pregnancy termination. Methods Patients with obstetric or fetal complications were randomly assigned to receive either a 20-mg PGE 2 vaginal suppository every 4 hours ( n = 81) or a concentrated oxytocin infusion plus a 10-mg PGE 2 vaginal suppository every 6 hours ( n = 73). Treatment success was defined as delivery (or imminent delivery) within 24 hours of therapy. Women who failed their assigned regimen were crossed to the alternate method. Results Indications for delivery were similar in the two groups. The success rate with oxytocin was 89%, compared with 81% with vaginal PGE 2 (relative risk 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.8–1.04; P = .2). Maternal fever ( P P = .02), and vomiting ( P = .003) occurred significantly more often in women who received a 20-mg PGE 2 vaginal suppository every 4 hours. Conclusion Concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose PGE 2 should be considered as an alternative to vaginal PGE 2 for indicated second-trimester pregnancy termination.
Communication competence, self-care behaviors and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective: To examine the relationship between physician communication competence and A1c control among Hispanics and non-Hispanics seen in primary care practices. Study design: Observational. Methods: Direct observation and audio-recording of patient–physician encounters by 155 Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients seen by 40 physicians in 20 different primary care clinics. Audio-recordings were transcribed and coded to derive an overall communication competence score for the physician. An exit survey was administered to each patient to assess self-care activities and their medical record was
Focal Plane Processor Interface Studies For Large Mosaic Focal Planes

As large mosaic focal planes are developed, the interface with the data processor will become a key design issue. A study has been performed to identify the key parameters that affect the interface design, and to determine their interaction. System parameters, multiplexer design, and reliability considerations were examined to define an optimum multiplexer length for on-focal plane multiplexing and a strategy was developed to determine the optimum number of data lines emerging from the focal plane.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Entre el Tango y Hollywood: Hacia una geopolítica argentina en la obra de Roberto Arlt

(2002). Entre el Tango y Hollywood: Hacia una geopolitica argentina en la obra de Roberto Arlt. Romance Quarterly: Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 301-311.
Cloning and localization of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel family in rat brain

Rhythmic firing in brain and heart is mediated by pacemaker channels that are activated by hyperpolarization and regulated directly by cyclic nucleotides. Recent work has identified a new gene family that encodes such channels, which are termed hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. In this study, we report the molecular cloning and localization by in situ hybridization of HCN1-4 in adult rat brain. The rat HCN1-4 clones show high homology to the deduced amino acid sequence of the mouse channels (>97% identity). The mRNA expression of the four channels in adult brain was evaluated in a systematic manner from the olfactory bulb to lower brain stem nuclei. Each mRNA demonstrated a unique pattern of distribution. HCN1 expression is highly enriched in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and facial motor nucleus; HCN2 is highly abundant in mamillary bodies, pontine nucleus, ventral cochlear nucleus, and nucleus of the trapezoid body; HCN3 expression is most pronounced in supraoptic nucleus of hypothalamus; and HCN4 expression is most abundant in medial habenula and anterior and principal relay nuclei of the thalamus. These variations in regional specificity of HCN channels could generate important differences in neuronal pacemaker activity across brain systems.
SPATIOTEMPORAL PREDICTABILITY OF SCHOOLING AND NONSCHOOLING PREY OF PIGEON GUILLEMOTS

Abstract Low spatiotemporal variability in the abundance of nonschooling prey might allow Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphus columba) to maintain the high chick provisioning rates that are characteristic of the species. We tested predictions of this hypothesis with data collected with beach seines and scuba and hydroacoustic surveys in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, during 1996–1999. Coefficients of variability were 20–211% greater for schooling than nonschooling prey on day, seasonal, and km scales. However, the proportion of schooling prey in chick diets explained relatively little variability in Pigeon Guillemot meal delivery rates at the scale of hours (r2 = 0.07) and weeks (r2 = 0.19). Behavioral adaptations such as flexible time budgets likely ameliorate the negative effects of high resource variability, but we propose that these adaptations are only effective when schooling prey are available at distances well below the maximum foraging range of the species. Previsibilidad Espacio-Temporal de Presas que Forman y No...
The Correction Index: Setting the Standard for Recommending Operative Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Background The Haller index, derived from a chest computed tomography scan, remains the standard for determining candidacy for pectus excavatum repair (Haller index ≥3.25). However, it has been suggested that this index may not accurately reflect pectus severity in patients with abnormal chest wall morphologies. This study explores a new, more appropriate criteria for recommending repair based on a correction index, while still incorporating the standard set by the Haller index. Methods A database of 75 patients with pectus excavatum who received computed tomography scans was compiled. For each patient, a staff radiologist calculated the Haller index, a correction index, and an ideal chest index from the computed tomography image with the greatest sternal depression. A correlation was assessed between all Haller and correction indices and separately for those with standard and nonstandard chest dimensions as assessed by an ideal chest index. Results There was a modest correlation between the Haller and correction indices measured in this cohort ( r = 0.79; p r = 0.86; p Conclusions The correction index provides an accurate assessment of pectus severity, and by the nature of the measurement, reflects the potential degree of operative repair. The Haller index correlates well with the correction index in pectus patients with standard chest wall dimensions, but is quite discrepant in the nonstandard chest. We recommend operative repair for pectus excavatum with a correction index of 28% or more, because this value correlates with the long-accepted standard (Haller index ≥3.25) and this index remains accurate even in nonstandard chest morphologies.
Generalized Shear-Lag Analysis Including Imperfect Interfaces

Two recent papers showed that shear-lag analysis can be an eective tool for stress analysis of composites when done properly and when applied to problems for which it is appropriate. This paper extends the prior analysis of concentric cylinders to a generalized shear-lag analysis in which the transverse variations of shear stress are described by arbitrary shape functions. The shear-lag analysis and solution can be derived in terms of averages of the new shape functions. The shape functions can be specied after analysis and tailored to suit specic problems. This paper also extends shear-lag analysis of both concentric cylinders and multilayered structures to model imperfect interfaces between the layers. The generalized methods were applied to several issues in ber/matrix stress transfer modeled as two concentric cylinders. By modifying prior shape functions, it was possible to extend shear-lag analysis to work for any ber volume fraction. Prior shear-lag models were all unacceptable at low ber volume fraction. The full shear-lag analysis can model stress transfer for both isotropic and anisotropic bers. The new imperfect interface capability was used to interpret experimental results for ber/matrix stress transfer in terms of interface quality.
Letter by Joynt and Edelman Regarding Article, “Iatrogenic Giant Osborn Waves”

To the Editor: We read with interest the recent publication by Pavlidis et al, “Iatrogenic Giant Osborn Waves.”1 Joseph Osborn published his manuscript exploring the physiological effects of hypothermia in 1953; the ECG changes he identified in hypothermic dogs have come to be known as the …
Pyroelectric behavior of cement-based materials

The pyroelectric effect, which is useful for temperature sensing, was observed in cement-based materials. The use of short steel fibers (8 mm diameter), together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as admixtures greatly enhances the effect, thereby attaining pyroelectric coefficient 6 � 10 � 8 C/m 2 K (10 kHz). However, due to the high value (2500) of the relative dielectric constant, the pyroelectric voltage is lower than those of plain cement paste or carbon fiber (15 mm diameter) cement paste. Carbon fiber cement paste and plain cement paste are comparable in the pyroelectric voltage, though the pyroelectric coefficient is higher for carbon fiber cement paste than plain cement paste. The pyroelectric effect in cement-based materials is attributed to the increase in mobility of the ions as the temperature increases. D 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Voronoi diagrams for planar shapes

Although many algorithms compute Voronoi diagrams for polygons, few do so for shapes bounded by arbitrary closed curves. The paper presents an algorithm which does this. It also traces the diagrams directly from their differential properties. >
Understanding the Determinants of Political Ideology: Implications of Structural Complexity

There has been a substantial increase in research on the determinants and consequences of political ideology among political scientists and social psychologists. In psychology, researchers have examined the effects of personality and motivational factors on ideological orientations as well as differences in moral reasoning and brain functioning between liberals and conservatives. In political science, studies have investigated possible genetic influences on ideology as well as the role of personality factors. Virtually all of this research begins with the assumption that it is possible to understand the determinants and consequences of ideology via a unidimensional conceptualization. We argue that a unidimensional model of ideology provides an incomplete basis for the study of political ideology. We show that two dimensions—economic and social ideology—are the minimum needed to account for domestic policy preferences. More importantly, we demonstrate that the determinants of these two ideological dimensions are vastly different across a wide range of variables. Focusing on a single ideological dimension obscures these differences and, in some cases, makes it difficult to observe important determinants of ideology. We also show that this multidimensionality leads to a significant amount of heterogeneity in the structure of ideology that must be modeled to fully understand the structure and determinants of political attitudes.
Outcome in hemoglobin SC disease: A four-decade observational study of clinical, hematologic, and genetic factors

Over the past 40 years, we observed 284 subjects with hemoglobin SC disease (Hb SC) for 2,837 person-years. We examined the association of the course of clinical events with hematologic and genetic factors. The mean entry age was 21 years, although 15% entered before one year of age. The mean Hb concentration was 11.3 g/dL, the mean fetal hemoglobin was 2.5%, and the mean MCV was 84.4 fL. Twenty-five subjects died at a median age of 37 years. Chronic organ-specific complications occurred in 112 subjects (39.4%), with advanced retinopathy in 65 subjects (22.9%) and osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) in 42 subjects (14.8%). We identified the -globin haplotypes in 82 subjects and the -gene status in 79. Twenty-nine percent had -thalassemia-2. The CI haplotype was present in 85.4%. We found a decreased incidence of retinopathy in the CI subjects compared to the non- CI subjects (33% vs. 67%; P = 0.049) with a later mean onset age (29 years vs. 21 years; log-rank test, P = 0.026). We also found a consistent pattern of decreased morbidity in subjects who had -thalassemia-2 in comparison to those who did not. We found a reduced risk of chronic organ-specific complications (log-rank test, P = 0.003), lower incidence of sickle crisis (48% vs. 80%, P = 0.001), later onset of gallbladder disease (age of onset: 55 years vs. 34 years; P = 0.055), and lower risk of osteonecrosis (log-rank test, P = 0.024). Our findings suggest that Hb SC subjects who have not inherited -thalassemia-2 might benefit from erythrocyte rehydration therapy. Am. J.
Linear projection methods in face recognition under unconstrained illuminations: a comparative study

Face recognition under unconstrained illuminations (FR/I) received extensive study because of the existence of illumination subspace. P. Belhumer et al. (1996) presented a study on the comparison between principal component analysis (PCA) and subspace linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for this problem. PCA and subspace LDA are two well-known linear projection methods that can be characterized as trace optimization on scatter matrices. Generally, a linear projection method can be derived by applying a specific matrix analysis technique on specific scatter matrices under some optimization criterion. Several novel linear projection methods were proposed recently using generalized singular value decomposition or QR decomposition matrix analysis techniques [H. Park, et al., 2003], [J. Ye and Q. Li, 2004]. In this paper, we present a comparative study on these linear projection methods in FR/I. We further involve multiresolution analysis in the study. Our comparative study is expected to give a relatively comprehensive view on the performance of linear projection methods in FR/I problems.
“Utilizing” Signal Detection Theory

What do inferring what a person is thinking or feeling, judging a defendant's guilt, and navigating a dimly lit room have in common? They involve perceptual uncertainty (e.g., a scowling face might indicate anger or concentration, for which different responses are appropriate) and behavioral risk (e.g., a cost to making the wrong response). Signal detection theory describes these types of decisions. In this tutorial, we show how incorporating the economic concept of utility allows signal detection theory to serve as a model of optimal decision making, going beyond its common use as an analytic method. This utility approach to signal detection theory clarifies otherwise enigmatic influences of perceptual uncertainty on measures of decision-making performance (accuracy and optimality) and on behavior (an inverse relationship between bias magnitude and sensitivity optimizes utility). A "utilized" signal detection theory offers the possibility of expanding the phenomena that can be understood within a decision-making framework.
The evolution of the programming languages course

This paper examines the past, present, and future of the programming languages course as reflected by its textbooks.
On the optimal choice of fourth-order Runge-Kutta formulas

A criterion for optimum stability of Runge-Kutta formulas is suggested. It is shown, for the fourth-order case, that Kutta's formula is optimum.
Towards realtime visual based tracking in cluttered traffic scenes

Concerns automatic traffic scene analysis. Major improvements in performance and quality of results of machine vision based traffic surveillance systems allow connections to symbolic reasoning components that attain a high level of accuracy and reliability. We apply an approach for detecting and tracking vehicles in road traffic scenes using an explicit occlusion reasoning step. We represent moving vehicles by closed contours and employ a contour tracker based on intensity and motion boundaries. Motion and contour estimation is performed by linear Kalman filters based on an affine motion model. Occlusion detection is performed by intersecting the depth ordered regions associated to the objects. The intersection is then excluded in the motion and shape update. A contour associated to a moving region is initialized using a motion segmentation step which is based on differences between filter outputs of an acquired image and a continuously updated background image. Symbolic reasoning of the traffic scene based on the extracted car tracks is performed using a belief network. Belief networks provide a flexible and theoretically sound framework for traffic scene analysis because of their inherent ability to model uncertainties. We show the validity of our approach and present results of experiments with real world traffic scenes. Preliminary results of an implementation on special purpose hardware using C-40 Digital Signal Processors show that near real-time performance can be achieved without further improvements.
Acoustic Investigation of Rod Airfoil Con…guration with DES and FWH

The reduction of noise emission gains increasing importance in a variety of technical …elds. The huge cost of experimental equipment and measurements on one hand, and enhancements in computational technology on the other hand, make computational acoustics a valuable tool in noise prediction and reduction. Sound generated by an airfoil in the wake of a rod is predicted numerically from a Detached-Eddy-Simulation (DES) of the unsteady ‡ow …eld. The Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy is used to model the propagation of the sound. This paper shows that computational acoustics methods can be used to predict both to sound pressure level and frequency spectra with engineering accuracy. The predictions are in good agreement with numerical and experimental data reported in the literature.
Tuberculoma of the central nervous system

Tuberculosis is among the oldest and most devastating infectious diseases worldwide. Nearly one third of the world's population has active or latent disease, resulting in 1.5 million deaths annually. Central nervous system involvement, while rare, is the most severe form of tuberculosis. Manifestations include tuberculoma and tuberculous meningitis, with the majority of cases occurring in children and immunocompromised patients. Despite advancements in imaging and laboratory diagnostics, tuberculomas of the central nervous system remain a diagnostic challenge due to their insidious nature and nonspecific findings. On imaging studies tuberculous meningitis is characterized by diffuse basal enhancement, but tuberculomas may be indistinguishable from neoplasms. Early diagnosis is imperative, since clinical outcomes are largely dependent on timely treatment. Stereotactic biopsy with histopathological analysis can provide a definitive diagnosis, but is only recommended when non-invasive methods are inconclusive. Standard medical treatment includes rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin or ethambutol. In cases of drug resistance, revision of the treatment regimen with second-line agents is recommended over the addition of a single drug to the first-line regimen. Advances in genomics have identified virulent strains of tuberculosis and are improving our understanding of host susceptibility. Neurosurgical referral is advised for patients with elevated intracranial pressure, seizures, or brain or spinal cord compression. This review synthesizes pertinent findings in the literature surrounding central nervous system tuberculoma in an effort to highlight recent advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) for coherent ultrawideband random noise radar

An ultrawideband random noise radar operating in 1 - 2 GHz frequency range has been developed at University of Nebraska. A unique heterodyne correlation technique based on delayed transmit waveform using a photonic delay line has been used to field test this system at a target range of 200 meters. In this paper, we investigate the performance of this radar from a statistical point of view, by developing the theoretical basis for the system's receiver operating characteristics. Explicit analytical expressions for the joint probability density function (PDF) of the in-phase and quadrature components of the receiver output have been obtained under the assumption that the input signals are partially correlated bandpass Gaussian processes. The PDF and cumulative distribution function for the envelope of the receiver output are obtained. These expressions are then used to relate the probability of detection and the probability of false alarm for the system for different values of sample integrated, and the results are presented in the form of graphs.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Discovery of a natural antagonist of macrophage migration inhibitory factor

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Plasma MIF concentrations are significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors of severe sepsis, and administration of antibodies that neutralize MIF activity improves survival in an experimental model of sepsis. Three-dimensional X-ray crystallography shows MIF has a homotrimeric conformation and we have determined that the hydrophobic cavity formed between two adjacent subunits of the homotrimer is required for the pro-inflammatory activity of the molecule. We have designed several small molecules that fit into the site critical for the proinflammatory action of MIF, and confirmed the interaction by the crystal structure of the MIF complex. Binding of MIF in this way inhibits its proinflammatory activity, improves the clinical outcome in sepsis, and recapitulates immunotherapy and gene deletion. However, no natural soluble ligand of MIF has been reported previously.
Lymphoma in soft tissue: a clinicopathologic study of 19 cases

The authors retrospectively reviewed 19 patients who presented with lymphoma as soft tissue masses, without evidence of lymph node or skin involvement. Sites of involvement included lower extremity (seven), upper extremity (six), chest wall (three), gluteal region (two), and frontal subgaleal region (one). Histological and immunophenotypic studies revealed 12 large cell lymphomas (11 B cell and one T cell), two small noncleaved cell lymphomas (B-cell phenotype), and five low grade B-cell lymphomas (two small lymphocytic and three follicular mixed lymphomas). Patients with large cell lymphoma, including seven patients with stages I and II and five patients with stage IV, were treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy. One half of these patients are dead of disease, including four of seven with low stage disease. The two patients with small noncleaved cell lymphoma had stage IE disease and were treated with chemotherapy; one died at 11 months, and the other is alive and disease free at 65 months. Patients with low grade B-cell lymphoma included four stage IE patients who were treated with radiation and one stage IV patient treated with chemotherapy. Two patients are alive and disease free, and three are dead of unrelated causes. The authors conclude that malignant lymphomas initially diagnosed in soft tissues are most commonly large cell lymphomas with a B-cell phenotype.
Nicotine replacement therapy use at home after use during a hospitalization.

Introduction: We assessed whether providing inpatient smokers with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to relieve withdrawal symptoms while hospitalized was associated with self-initiated NRT use soon after hospital discharge.
Group leadership training and supervision: A graduate course

Abstract A graduate course design for the training and supervision of group leaders is presented.
Sandwich allografts for long-bone nonunions in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: a retrospective study.

Background: Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta often develop nonunions, as internal fixation has limited applicability in this condition. We report the outcomes of a modified “sandwich technique” in the treatment of long-bone nonunions in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta; this technique brings circumferential stabilization and normal collagen to the nonunion site. Methods: From May 2003 through February 2012, twelve patients (eight females, four males; median age, 39.0 years; range, eleven to seventy-eight years) who had osteogenesis imperfecta (Sillence type I [three], type III [eight], and type IV [one]) and a combined total of thirteen nonunions (two humeral, two radial, three femoral, four tibial, and two ulnar; median duration, 15.0 months; range, six to 204 months) were treated at our institution with compressed sandwich allograft cortical struts. The struts were fashioned to be wide enough to allow for increased osteoconductive surface area and to approximate a hemicylindrical shape. Treatment history and demographics data were acquired through retrospective chart review. Follow-up radiographs were analyzed by two attending orthopaedic surgeons to determine radiographic findings. The median follow-up time was 4.6 years (range, 2.1 to 10.3 years). Results: All thirteen nonunions, including one requiring a second graft procedure, healed with abundant, smooth allograft incorporation, resulting in an initial healing rate of 92% because of a refracture in one patient. This patient’s nonunion ultimately healed with additional allograft struts and a new intramedullary rod. One patient required removal of prominent screws. The final follow-up examinations revealed no pain or refracture at the original nonunion site. All patients regained their prefracture level of function. Conclusions: Sandwich allograft struts constitute a durable, safe method for the stabilization and healing of persistent long-bone nonunions in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. All patients showed incorporation of the allograft to the native diaphysis. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Molecular biology of neutrophil differentiation

Myeloid precursors undergo striking morphologic and functional changes during the process of granulocytic maturation. These changes are associated with significant changes in cell size and nuclear shape, and with the development of stage-specific organelles which contain proteins necessary for the highly specialized roles of neutrophils in phagocytosis, in bacterial killing, and in mediating the inflammatory response. This complex process reflects a carefully regulated and sequential pattern of gene expression, which only recently has begun to be understood at the molecular level. The critical signals for the neutrophil differentiation program are postulated to derive from cytokines, and these cytokines are thought to induce a series of maturational events primarily by transcriptional regulation of sequentially expressed genes. Recent studies have identified a large number of transcriptional regulators, both positive and negative, that appear to act in concert in the developing neutrophil. These genes drive the complex and delicately timed sequence of genetic events that takes the cell from a progenitor to a functionally active neutrophil. Many of these genes are expressed throughout neutrophil differentiation, however, and the ongoing challenge is to elucidate how the function of these factors is modulated to allow the induction of sequential gene expression.
Twins discordant for Down's syndrome.

An anterior twin with trisomy 21 at the time of amniocentesis was posterior at the termination of the pregnancy. Reversal of position must be considered in twin fetuses discordant for a genetic disorder.
Gender and Sexuality in Modern Chinese History: Same-sex relationships and transgendered performance

For true sensuality in the mortal world, one ought not search among womankind. Why pass through each and every brothel.…In selecting smiles and summoning music [seeking sensual pleasure], one must seek out the Chrysanthemum Registry [the world of actors]. Record of the Flowers of Beijing's Stage , nineteenth century (Joshua Goldstein 2007:39) The operas began in the afternoon of the first day.…Whenever a portion was performed that brought blushes to the women and the young folks in the audience and smirks to the grown men, a servant with a stentorian voice would come out on the stage and read from a festively red slip of paper: “The Honourable Mr. So-and-so presents to such-and-such an actor the sum of so-much!” And the lucky actor (invariably a female impersonator) would at once profusely thank his donor, while the beneficent gentleman beamed with pompous satisfaction. But even this did not satisfy the honourable guests. When an opera was over, the actors who had been rewarded had to drink with them at their tables, still wearing their make-up and costumes. The honourable gentlemen fondled the performers and filled them with wine; they behaved with such crass vulgarity that the younger guests were shocked and the servants whispered among themselves. Ba Jin, Family (1972 [1931]:245–246) It is only since the Republican period that China's long history of cultural tolerance of same-sex eroticism began to fade. In the process of Westernization, what Chinese intellectuals have accepted is not homophobia per se but a scientific discourse of biological determinism that marginalizes and pathologizes all nonreproductive sexuality. Wah-shan Chou (2000:54) “Global gayness,” with its assumptions about the similitude of identity, the homogeneity of values, and a sliding scale of identity development, fails to capture the intricate complexity…of gay life in Beijing.…While the visions of many Chinese gay men in China about what it means to be gay are certainly connected to the knowledge that gay people exist all over the world, these men do not simply imagine a global community of horizontal comradeship. Lisa Rofel (2007:109–110)
EFFECTS OF ALPHA-METHYLDIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE, RESERPINE AND DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE ON PRESSOR RESPONSES TO NOREPINEPHRINE AND TYRAMINE IN HUMANS.

SummaryThe pressor effects of small doses of norepinephrine and tyramine have been studied in normal humans after pre-treatment with therapeutic range doses of methyldopa, reserpine, and DOPA. 1) Methyldopa pretreatment causes an enhanced response to tyramine. 2) Reserpine pretreatment causes a diminished response to tyramine. 3) Methyldopa pretreatment does not affect response to norepinephrine. 4) Reserpine pretreatment causes an enhanced response to norepinephrine. 5) After reserpine, DOPA treatment has no reliable effect on either norepinephrine or tyramine response.
Myocardial revascularization on the beating heart after recent onset of acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after the recent onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been proposed as an alternative technique to treat these patients in an attempt to decrease the operative risks. METHODS From January 1995 to June 1999, 518 patients underwent CABG after the recent onset of AMI (1-20 days): 421 patients were revascularized on-CPB and 97 patients off-CPB. Preoperative risk factors (redo operations, congestive heart failure, stroke, extensive calcification of the aorta, and dialysis) were significantly higher in the off-CPB group (p-value < 0.05). Preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) (off-CPB 5.2% versus on-CPB 2.4%, p-value = NS) and emergent operations (off-CPB 5.2% versus on-CPB 2.6%, p-value = NS) were similar in both groups. Mean number of grafts per patient was 3.46 in the on-CPB group versus 1.82 in the off-CPB group (p-value < 0.005). RESULTS Actual mortality was 2.9% in the on-CPB group versus 6.2% in the off-CPB group (p-value = NS). Morbidity was comparable in the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, preoperative hemodynamic instability, and left ventricular hypertrophy were independent risk factors for death. Global ischemic time and preoperative hypertension were independently related to postoperative AMI. At univariate and multivariate analysis, CPB was not related to mortality or major postoperative complications. CONCLUSION Multivariate analysis demonstrates that CABG can be performed safely with or without CPB in patients with recent AMI. CPB is not independently related to mortality or major adverse outcomes.
Types of NIH Grants

The list of types of grants is long and runs the gamut from small awards to encourage and train new researchers, to huge grants covering groups of senior scientists in collaborative projects. These grants are divided into multiple series. All have in common, however, the same presentation format for the scientific plans (see Chap. 5). Each series has a general theme, and individual grants in the series have a focused goal, whether to support postdoctoral training projects or to fund established researchers doing advanced research. The most common series are F, K, and R awards: