cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Target Identification Using Multifrequency Radar Sensor Networks

We present techniques for target identification using resonance-region, multifrequency radar sensor networks. The majority-vote (MV) and sum-distance (SD) nearest-neighbor (NN) algorithms are used. The NN reference set initially contains samples of target features over the possible ranges of target aspect angles. We use a data condensation rule to condense the initial reference set. Simulation results show that the identification error probabilities can be significantly lowered by 1. increasing the number of radar sensors, 2. increasing the number of frequencies, 3. using the complex features instead of the amplitude ones, 4. using the SD algorithm instead of the MV one.
Abnormal C5-Bound N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Extremely Strong Electron Donor Ligands and Their Iridium(I) and Iridium(III) Complexes

Imidazolium salts are found to bind abnormally via C5 to iridium(I) and iridium(III) to give air-stable monodentate N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. Abnormal ligand binding was verified by X-ray diffraction in both Ir(I) and Ir(III) complexes. In the case of Ir(I), it is necessary to block the C2 and C4 positions to form a stable sterically protected C5-bound complex. Infrared spectroscopy on carbonyl derivatives indicates that abnormally bound N-heterocyclic carbenes are much stronger electron donors than their ubiquitous C2-bound counterparts. The Tolman electronic parameter for 1-isopropyl-2,4-diphenyl-3-methylimidazolin-5-ylidene is 2039 cm-1, compared to ca. 2050 cm-1 for typical NHCs.
Recommending expertise in an organizational setting

This work explores how information systems can be augmented to assist users in finding other individuals who are likely to have specialized, expert information that they need. This paper describes a field study that considers the social and cognitive mechanisms that people use to find candidate sources of expertise. These mechanisms are the basis for a recommender system that can help users find expertise.
The development and evaluation of a low-cost microdensitometer for use with the 2-deoxy-D-glucose method of functional brain mapping.

Abstract The conversion of a standard laboratory compound microscope into a microdensitometer for use in the 2-deoxy- d -glucose autoradiographic method of functional mapping in the brain is described. A solid-state detector was attached to the camera port of a Zeiss Universal Microscope and minor modifications to the microscope optics were made to produce a microdensitometer with a field of view 0.15 mm in diameter. Details are presented showing the modifications to the microscope which do not permanently destroy its functional ability to perform as a viewing microscope. A simple electronic circuit is presented to digitally display the output of the photo detector. Calibration of the instrument in terms of optical density or 2-deoxy- d -glucose activity is also described. The primary design goal was the construction of a simple, reliable, inexpensive microdensitometer that could be assembled by laboratory personnel. This densitometer should allow laboratories on modest budgets to have access to quantitative methods for the study of brain functional activity at a cost considerably less than the price of a commercial microdensitometer.
Teaching the Holocaust through Case Study.

This article responds to the curricular challenges teachers face with Holocaust education, including cursory treatments and a lack of focus on individual experiences. First, the author argues for a case-study approach to help students reengage concrete and complex features of the Holocaust as a point of departure for subsequent inquiry. In addition to providing a rationale and recommended content for teaching about the Holocaust, the author provides a case-study example in the form of a detailed historical explication of the Holocaust in Latvia. Last, the author situates this case study within social studies pedagogy and offers generative possibilities for practice.
Principalism at the bed-side.

Using an actual case, this paper examines a number of ways in which physicians deal with such a case and with the various “principles” and ethical theories to which they are apt to appeal. It goes on to suggest that using Dewey’s method of solving problems is most applicable at the bed-side.
Resin-based versus gutta-percha-based root canal obturation: influence on bacterial leakage in an in vitro model system.

Objective This study evaluated the ability of a resin-based system (Resilon/Epiphany) and gutta-percha/sealer with warm vertical or cold lateral compaction to prevent coronal leakage. Study design A polymicrobial suspension in a dual-chamber model was used. Seventy extracted maxillary incisors were prepared, divided into 4 groups, and obturated: Group 1, lateral compaction/gutta-percha/AH Plus; Group 2, lateral compaction/Resilon; Group 3, continuous wave compaction/gutta-percha/AH Plus; Group 4, continuous wave compaction/Resilon. Upper chambers held a mixed suspension of endodontic pathogens. Apices were suspended in the lower chambers. Leakage was determined daily for 40 days and evaluated for turbidity. Data were analyzed using survival analysis; log-rank test was used to analyze differences in time to leakage. Results Median time to leakage: 16, 15, 11, and 25 days for Groups 1 to 4 respectively (P = .93, log-rank test). Conclusion No difference in time to leakage among the 4 treatment groups existed.
Advances in the discovery and development of heat-shock protein 90 inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Introduction: Over the last 15 – 20 years, targeted anticancer strategies have focused on therapies aimed at abrogating a single malignant protein. Agents that are directed towards the inhibition of a single oncoprotein have resulted in a number of useful drugs in the treatment of cancers (i.e., Gleevec, BCR-ABL; Tarceva and Iressa, EGFR). However, such a strategy relies on the notion that a cancer cell is dependent on a single signaling pathway for its survival. The possibility that a cancer cell may mutate or switch its dependence to another signaling pathway can result in the ineffectiveness of such agents. Recent advances in the biology of heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) have revealed intimate details into the complexity of the chaperoning process that Hsp90 is engaged in and, at the same time, have offered those involved in drug discovery several unique ways to interfere in this process. Areas covered: This review provides the current understanding of the chaperone cycle of Hsp90 and presents the multi...
Selective NMR Measurements of Homonuclear Scalar Couplings in Isotopically Enriched Solids

Scalar (J) couplings in solid-state NMR spectroscopy are sensitive to covalent through-bond interactions that make them informative structural probes for a wide range of complex materials. Until now, however, they have been generally unsuitable for use in isotopically enriched solids, such as proteins or many inorganic solids, because of the complications presented by multiple coupled but nonisolated spins. Such difficulties are overcome by incorporating a z-filter that results in a robust method for measuring pure J-coupling modulations between selected pairs of nuclei in an isotopically enriched spin system. The reliability of the new experimental approach is established by using numerical simulations and tested on fully 13C-labeled polycrystalline l-alanine. It is furthermore shown to be applicable to partially enriched systems, when used in combination with a selective double-quantum (DQ) filter, as demonstrated for the measurement of 2J(29Si−O−29Si) couplings in a 50% 29Si-enriched surfactant-templat...
The mechanics of a constantly growing crack in an elastic power-law creeping material

The mechanics of transient crack growth in an elastic power-law creeping material is investigated using the special case of a suddenly growing crack with constant growth rate \.a0. Small scale yielding assumption is assumed to be valid at the instant when crack growth occurs. The analysis is carried out for the case of antiplane shear mode III and plane strain mode I. The resulting transient stress field for small crack extension is analyzed using perturbation methods. For small crack extension, the HR field, the RR field and the elastic K field coexist near the crack tip, one inside another. The regions of dominance of these near tip fields are estimated and an approximate solution is provided for the near tip stresses. The effect of crack growth rate on the small scale yielding condition is also studied. For large crack extension, it is shown that creep relaxation can be neglected and results of steady state analysis can be modified to describe the near tip stress fields. Extension of these results to more general crack growth histories is also discussed
Five-year radial growth of red oaks in mixed bottomland hardwood stands

We studied the relationships among 5-year radial (diameter and basal area) growth of red oak (genus Quercus, subgenus Erythrobalanus) crop trees and predictor variables representing individual tree vigor, distance-dependant competition measures, and distance-independent competition measures. The red oaks we examined are representative of the commercially and ecologically important oak species of the bottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern US. The crown class score, a quantitative measure of crown class and tree vigor, performed best in accounting for the variability in tree diameter growth. Plot-level variables failed to account for a significant proportion of the variability in tree radial growth. The basal area of the first-order neighbors that were taller than the crop trees and located within 2.4 times the mean overstory crown radius had the highest negative correlation with crop tree 5-year radial growth. Red oaks were a major part of these competitors and likely exerted the greatest competitive pressure. However, crop tree radial growth was positively associated with the basal area of the red oaks which were indirect (second order) neighbors and which were taller than the crop trees. It is possible that indirect neighbors do not compete with the crop trees, but they likely compete with the direct competitors of the crop trees, thus having an indirect positive influence on crop tree growth. Such reasoning is consistent with previously observed spatial dependence up to four times the mean overstory crown radius. The findings may have implications for thinning hardwoods stands and crop tree management in that foresters need to take into account (1) oak intra-genus competition, (2) the negative competitive effect of direct neighbors, and (3) the potentially positive effect of the indirect neighbors, the competitors' competitors.
Calibration of prestained protein molecular weight standards for use in the Western or enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot techniques

Prestained protein molecular weight standards allow easy, direct visual location of electrophoretically transblotted lanes on nitrocellulose. They also provide a simple and accurate means for calibrating the molecular weights of resolved bands. Commercial prestained protein molecular weight standards, however, appear to have significantly different molecular weights from the original unstained proteins. We describe a calibration of these prestained molecular weight standards.
Roles for Homotypic Interactions and Transautophosphorylation in IκB Kinase (IKKβ) Activation

The nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)/Rel family of transcription factors participates in a wide range of biological activities including inflammation, immunity, and apoptosis. NF-kappaB is kept inactive in the cytoplasm in unstimulated cells by virtue of the masking of its nuclear localization sequence by bound IkappaB protein. Cellular stimuli trigger the destruction of IkappaB proteins and the liberation of NF-kappaB to enter the nucleus and activate gene expression. A multisubunit IkappaB kinase complex (IKK) phosphorylates IkappaB proteins and mediates the activation of NF-kappaB by proinflammatory stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor alpha. Phosphorylation of IkappaB proteins triggers their polyubiquitination and their subsequent recognition and degradation by the proteasome. The IKK complex contains two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, and a noncatalytic subunit, NF-kappaB essential modifier/IKKgamma. IKK activation depends upon the phosphorylation of residues in the activation loop of IKKbeta and the subsequent activation of IKKbeta kinase activity. However, the events contributing to IKKbeta phosphorylation are not well understood. Here, we present evidence that the activation of IKKbeta depends on its ability to form homotypic interactions and to transautophosphorylate. We find that an intact leucine zipper in IKKbeta is necessary for homotypic interactions, kinase activation, and phosphorylation on its activation loop. Enforced oligomerization of an IKKbeta mutant defective in forming homotypic interactions restores kinase activation. Homotypic interactions allow IKKbeta molecules to transautophosphorylate one another on their activation loops. Finally, the oligomerization of IKKbeta is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha in cultured cells. Our findings support a model whereby ligand-induced homotypic interactions between IKKbeta molecules result in IKKbeta phosphorylation and consequently IKK activation.
Computational science and scientific method

The process of constructing mathematical models is examined and a case made that the construction process is an integral part of the justification for the model. The role of heuristics in testing and modifying models is described and some consequences for scientific methodology are drawn out. Three different ways of constructing the same model are detailed to demonstrate the claims made here.
Staged reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Contemporary results.

Objective The authors review their experience with staged reconstructive surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and assess current outcome for this condition. Summary Background Data Once considered a uniformly fatal condition, the outlook for newborns with HLHS has been altered dramatically with staged reconstructive procedures. Refinements in operative technique and perioperative management have been largely responsible for this improved outlook. Methods The authors reviewed their experience with 158 consecutive patients undergoing stage 1 reconstruction with a Norwood procedure from January 1990 to August 1995. All patients had classic HLHS, defined as a right ventricular dependent circulation in association with atresia or severe hypoplasia of the aortic valve. Results There were 120 hospital survivors. Among the 127 patients considered at standard risk, survival was significantly higher than that for the 31 patients with important risk factors. Adverse survival was associated most strongly with significant associated noncardiac congenital conditions and severe preoperative obstruction to pulmonary venous return. Second-stage reconstruction with the hemi-Fontan procedure was performed in 106 patients, with 103 hospital survivors and one late death. Three of the late survivors were not considered candidates for the Fontan procedure. To date, the Fontan procedure has been completed in 62 patients, with 53 survivors. Deaths after the Fontan procedure occurred early in our experience and were mostly secondary to left pulmonary artery stenosis or hypoplasia. Significant or potentially significant morbid conditions were noted in 25 of the 120 hospital survivors. Neurologic conditions were found in 6% and cardiovascular conditions in 10%, including dysrhythmia, left pulmonary artery thrombosis, and chronic pleural effusions. Among the patients considered at standard risk with typical anatomy, actuarial survival was 69 ± 8% at 5 years. Survival was 71 ± 17% at 5 years for standard risk patients with variant anatomy and 58 ± 9% for the entire cohort of 158 patients. The largest decrease in survival occurred in the first month of life and late deaths primarily affected those patients in the high-risk group. Conclusions Staged reconstruction has significantly improved the intermediate-term outlook for patients with HLHS. Factors addressing improvements in early (<1 month) first-stage survival would be expected to add significantly to an overall improved late outcome. Currently employed refinements in operative technique are associated with eliminating or reducing pulmonary artery distortion and dysrhythmia.
Corrosion of amalgams under sliding wear.

Abstract Objectives. During mastication, dental amalgams are simultaneously subjected to corrosion by the oral environment and to a sliding-wear process by biting forces. In the present study, the effect of sliding wear on the corrosion behavior of two high-copper dental amalgams was investigated. Methods. An experimental apparatus was utilized that allows electrochemical testing under sliding-wear conditions. Corrosion potential measurements and anodic polarization scans were conducted in 0.1 M NaCl solution under sliding wear to characterize the behavior of two commercial, high-copper, single composition dental amalgams. In addition, long duration tests were conducted to assess possible corrosion and wear synergistic effects. Results. The results showed that sliding wear caused a sharp reduction in the corrosion potential, a significant increase in the corrosion rate and a decrease in the repassivation rate of both amalgams. These effects are due to the mechanical removal by the wear process of the surface protective film formed on dental amalgams. The simultaneous action of sliding wear and corrosion can also induce embrittlement that leads to cracking. Significance. The present evidence suggests that this cracking may be one of the major contributors to marginal failures of dental amalgam restorations.
Renal Cortical Blood Flow, Cortical Fraction, and Cortical Blood Volume in Hypertensive Subjects

In 15 patients with essential hypertension total blood flow to a single kidney (TRBF) was measured by a constant infusion indicator-dilution technic which had previously been validated in dogs. Indocyanine green indicator-dilution curves then were used to calculate the fraction of renal flow traversing the rapid (cortical) circulation and the blood volume in this cortical compartment. TRBF ranged from 152 to 1033 ml/min/1.73m2 per kidney and was closely correlated with cortical flow (r = 0.99). The cortical fraction of TRBF ranged from 46 to 93% and varied directly with total flow (r = 0.69). Noncortical flow ranged from 12 to 85 ml/min/1.73m2 per kidney and showed no correlation with TRBF. Cortical blood volume varied from 12 to 85 ml/1.73m2 and also was closely correlated with TRBF (r = 0.93). These data suggest that diminished TRBF in hypertensive patients is due to reduction in cortical flow with preservation of noncortical (medullary) flow and reduction in cortical blood volume. The reduced cortical ...
Nonlinear compensation for flexible manipulators

This paper presents an analysis on the use of nonlinear feedback to control the tip position of a single-link flexible manipulator. This form of feedback uses products of state variables to obtain a lightly damped system in the beginning of a step response and a more heavily damped system when it is close to the steady state position. A heuristic method to tune the nonlinear feedback gains is proposed. This method results in a design that, compared to a linear optimal controller, reduces the settling time by 32 percent without increasing the percent overshoot
Autism in children with congenital rubella.

In the course of studying the behavioral characteristics of 243 preschool children with congenital rubella, we identified the syndrome of autism in 10 children and a partial syndrome of autism in an additional 8. These findings are discussed against the background of the behavioral investigations of rubella children. The methodology of our psychiatric study and the criteria for a diagnosis of autism are presented. The incidence of autism is considered with regard to the prevalence of other psychiatric disorders in this group and the physical status of the children. Two case histories of autistic rubella children are given and their behavioral characteristics are contrasted with nonautistic rubella children with matching sensory and other defects. The prevalence rate is compared with that found in two epidemiological studies and also with the rate indicated by other centers studying rubella children. Etiological implications of these findings are discussed. It is argued that these data support the concept of organic causation of the syndrome of autism.
The exact solution for the translational acceleration of fluid-filled rigid spherical shells— A model for the development of intracranial pressure

Abstract The head, when subjected to a translational acceleration, has been simulated mathematically as the motion of a rigid spherical shell containing inviscidcompressible fluid. The exact, closed-form wave paopagation solution to the problem of a rectangular translational acceleration pulse applied to the outer shell surface was obtained. The solution to the nondimensional governing equations was accomplished through the Laplace transformation technique. The nondimensional pressure was obtained as a finite series by exploiting the hyperbolic nature of the equations and the use of the shifting theorem for subsequent easy inversion back to the time domain. The pressure, as well as the strain-energy density distribution, is presented. The Green's function for the pressure, i.e., when the applied input acceleration is a Dirac delta function, was also obtained. Thus, for any general acceleration pulse input, the application of the convolution integral yields the response. The maximum pressure magnitude and location have been compared for various cases of a unit impulse input. By varying the rectangular pulse in such a way that the product of the magnitude and duration of acceleration is always unity, we delineated the effects of varying the pulse duration and magnitude. The maximum pressure value is shown to shift from the central region to the surface of the shell as the duration of the acceleration pulse is increased. For a unit step translational acceleration input, the maximum value of negative pressure is at the contrecoup region of the sphere at a nondimensional time of 1.6. Results are also presented for the special case of the incompressible fluid contained in rigid spherical shells.
Astrocytic membrane morphology: differences between mammalian and amphibian astrocytes after axotomy.

Previous studies have shown that astrocytes in some nonmammalian species provide a favorable environment for axonal elongation, whereas mammalian astrocytes are thought to inhibit fiber outgrowth. The present study was performed to determine whether any plasma membrane differences exist between these glial elements which could account for their contrasting effects upon axonal outgrowth. Astrocytic scars were formed in optic nerves of rats, newts, and frogs by enucleation. Subsequently, the astrocytic membranes were examined with the freeze-fracture technique. Orthogonal arrays of small intramembranous particles (IMPs) are a prominent component of the plasma membranes of normal mammalian astrocytes; these arrays are most numerous in astrocytic membranes that form an interface between the CNS and nonneural tissue. Astrocytic membranes within the normal CNS parenchyma, however, possess much lower densities of arrays. Following axotomy and Wallerian degeneration, the density of arrays increased threefold within the parenchyma of the optic nerve, while remaining constant at the, glia limitans. In striking contrast, only a few aggregates of IMPs that resembled orthogonal arrays could be found in normal and reactive astrocytes of amphibians, although the cytology of these glial cells and density of the scars are otherwise similar to those of their mammalian counterparts. These findings suggest (1) that a proliferation of orthogonal arrays in astrocytic plasma membranes is a prominent feature of gliosis in the mammalian CNS and (2) that differences in the composition of reactive mammalian and amphibian astrocytic membranes may account for variations in axonal-glial interactions within the injured CNS.
Homocarnosinase: A hog kidney dipeptidase with a broader specificity than carnosinase

Abstract A dipeptidase was isolated from hog kidney; it is the first enzyme described that has the capacity to cleave homocarnosine. It was purified to apparent homogeneity and split carnosine, anserine, and several other dipeptides in addition to homocarnosine. Homocarnosinase had a molecular weight of 57,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis; it appeared to consist of a single polypeptide chain and did not contain sulfhydryl groups or serine residues essential to its activity. The enzyme was activated by Co 2+ and by Mn 2+ , cobaltous ions being much more effective than manganous ions. Its isoelectric point was 5.6 and no evidence of isozymes was seen during isoelectric focusing. Homocarnosinase had a broader specificity, higher solubility, lower stability, and different metal ion sensitivity than hog kidney carnosinase (EC 3.4.13.3). Carnosinase was present in most tissues of the rat, whereas homocarnosinase was detected only in kidney, uterus, lung, and liver.
Meningoencephalitis Due to Blastomyces dermatitidis: Case Report and Literature Review

Infection of the central nervous system by Blastomyces dermatitidis is a rare cause of meningoencephalitis. The existence of exclusive clinical infection of the meninges in the absence of pulmonary or other foci of infection has been debated. We describe a 20-year-old man presenting with meningoencephalitis caused by B dermatitidis. Blastomycotic infection was confirmed by isolation of the organism from brain tissue obtained at biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated progressive enhancement of basal meninges with involvement of bilateral basal ganglia and thalami. Treatment with amphotericin B arrested further neurologic decline. However, clinical and radiographic follow-up suggested damage to diencephalic structures. The diagnosis of blastomycotic meningoencephalitis is difficult to establish because no sensitive serologic test exists, and attempts to isolate the organism in cerebrospinal fluid obtained by lumbar puncture generally fail. A biopsy specimen of brain tissue is frequently necessary for the diagnosis. Survival is possible with timely initiation of therapy.
Perspectives of Mental Health Stakeholders on Health Care Reform

Because of their extensive use of public benefits programs, people with serious mental illness are disproportionately affected by health care reform legislation. This article is a qualitative exploration of the experiences with health reform of people with mental illness and mental health case managers in a Midwestern urban area. Individuals who participated in these focus groups and interviews had definite opinions on health reform, some similar to the U. S. public and some quite different. In particular, public program beneficiaries were particularly concerned with losing what they perceived to be satisfactory coverage; case managers feared greater bureaucracy and more paperwork.
Death education in paramedic programs: a nationwide assessment.

Abstract In an exploratory study, we obtained information on death education in paramedic programs. A self-administered survey was sent to all U.S. paramedic training programs (N = 537). The survey ascertained the method of instruction, educational supplements, assessment techniques, and integration of death education into general course work. The status of past, present, and future death education offerings in paramedic program was also elicited. Analysis was performed on the usable surveys (response rate = 51%). The overwhelming majority (95%) of programs offer death educatio, with more offerings now than 10 years ago. Legal-thical topics were the most often included death-related instruction. In the majority of programs, a lecture (didactic) format was used for instruction and closed-ended tests were used for assessment. Results on other educational supplements and assessment techniques are also presented.
Distinct morphological and mito-inhibitory effects induced by TGF-beta 1, HGF and EGF on mouse, rat and human hepatocytes.

TGF-β1 is known as a potent inhibitor of proliferation of rat and human hepatocytes. In this study we show that the effects of TGF-β1 are quite different on mouse hepatocytes. In rat and human hepatocytes, TGF-β1 inhibited DNA synthesis and also inhibited the morphological changes induced by growth factors in rat and human hepatocytes. In contrast, addition of TGF-β1 to mouse hepatocytes resulted in pronounced alterations in morphology of these cells. These changes were similar to those induced by HGF and EGF. The induction of structural changes by TGF-β1 was noted only in mouse hepatocytes. Mouse hepatocytes were also much more resistant to the mito-inhibitory effect of TGF-β1. These findings suggest profound differences in hepatocyte growth regulation between these species and may relate to observed differences in susceptibility to carcinogenesis.
An extended evolution equation for liquid film breakup in cylindrical capillaries

Abstract The dynamics of a viscous liquid film forming lenses or stable collars and the static stability of such collars are investigated in straight cylindrical capillaries for various approximations of the Young-Laplace equation. We find that the leading order approximation of the Young-Laplace equation in a thin-film expansion does not predict the known instability of wetting collars forming lenses. Hence, we propose a simple approximation that does. Numerical solution of the new extended evolution equation for a film in a tube of radius R T * gives a critical film thickness of 0.12 R T *, which demarks the transition between films that evolve into stable collars and those that break up to form lenses. New experimental measurements of the critical thickness agree well with the theoretical result, confirming the validity of the proposed evolution equation.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions.

Background: Bone, soft-tissue, and articular lesions are often well visualized by magnetic resonance imaging. Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsies of selected musculoskeletal lesions. Methods: In this retrospective case series, forty-five consecutive biopsies were performed in an open mid-field 0.5-T interventional magnetic resonance imaging unit with a real-time guidance system. The biopsies were performed at twenty bone, eighteen extra-articular soft-tissue, and seven intra-articular soft-tissue sites. The main reasons for using magnetic resonance imaging guidance were the need to improve lesion conspicuity compared with that provided by other imaging modalities, the need for site-specific targeting within the lesion, and the need for real-time guidance. Samples were obtained with fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy, or a combination of these techniques. An independent reference standard was used to confirm the final diagnosis. Diagnostic performance was evaluated on the basis of the diagnostic yield (the proportion of biopsies yielding sufficient material for pathological evaluation) and diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value). Complications were identified as well. Results: The diagnostic yield was 91% (forty-one of forty-five biopsies yielded sufficient material for a diagnosis) overall, 95% (nineteen of twenty) for the bone lesions, 94% (seventeen of eighteen) for the extra-articular soft-tissue lesions, and 71% (five of seven) for the intra-articular soft-tissue lesions. With regard to the diagnostic accuracy, the sensitivity was 0.86, the specificity was 1.00, the positive predictive value was 1.00, and the negative predictive value was 0.76 in the overall group. The respective values were 0.92, 1.00, 1.00, and 0.86 for the bone lesions; 0.77, 1.00, 1.00, and 0.57 for the extra-articular soft-tissue lesions; and 1.00, 1.00, 1.00, and 1.00 for the intra-articular soft-tissue lesions. There was one complication: exacerbation of neuropathic pain related to a biopsy of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided percutaneous biopsies of musculoskeletal lesions for which other imaging modalities might be inadequate have a good diagnostic performance overall. The performance can be very good for bone lesions, moderate for extra-articular soft-tissue lesions, and fair for intra-articular soft-tissue lesions. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The role of free fatty acids in the regulation of lipolysis by human adipose tissue cells

The effect of added fatty acid on lipolysis and cyclic AMP concentration of human adipose tissue cells was studied. The addition of sodium oleate decreased the lipolytic response of adipocytes to 10(-7) M isoproterenol. Inhibition was detectable with the lowest quantity of oleate added, 0.2 mM, and was progressively greater with increasing quantities of added fatty acid. Palmitic and linoleic acids were as effective as oleic acid in suppressing isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. Suppression of cyclic AMP formation was detectable within one minute after the addition of oleate. Cyclic AMP formation, suppressed by accumulated fatty acids, could not be stimulated by the addition of fresh isoproterenol. However, after the accumulated fatty acids were removed by buffer change, cyclic AMP formation was stimulated by fresh isoproterenol. These findings are consistent with the view that fatty acids are physiologically significant regulators of lipolysis.
Nonlinear adhesive behavior effects in a cracked orthotropic sheet stiffened by a semi-infinite orthotropic sheet

The stress-intensity factors are determined for a cracked orthotropic sheet adhesively bonded to an orthotropic stringer where the adhesive layer is modeled with a nonlinear stress-strain curve. By the use of Green's functions and the complex variable theory of orthotropic elasticity, a set of integral equations is obtained. The integral equations are replaced by an equivalent set of algebraic equations, which are solved to obtain the shear stress distribution in the adhesive layer, with which the crack-tip stress-intensity factors are found. When the adhesive was modeled with a nonlinear stress-strain curve, the peak shear stresses in the adhesive were considerably reduced in comparison to the solution for the linear elastic adhesive. This resulted in increases in the stress-intensity factors for the nonlinear adhesive solution compared to the linear adhesive solution. The nonlinear adhesive has no significant effect on the stress-intensity factor unless the near crack tip is beneath the stringer. It is assumed that the adhesive bond remains intact and it is predicted that onset of adhesive failure occurs at decreasing levels of applied stress as the crack propagates beneath the stringer.
The ballistic Mars hopper - An alternative Mars mobility concept

The ballistic Mars hopper is proposed as an alternative mobility concept for unmanned exploration of the martian surface. In the ballistic Mars hopper concept, oxygen and carbon monoxide produced from the martian atmosphere are used as propellants in a rocket propulsion system for an unmanned vehicle on suborbital trajectories between landing sights separated by distances of up to 1000 km. This mobility concept is seen as uniquely capable of allowing both intensive and extensive exploration of the planet using only a single landed vehicle massing approximately 2000 kg. The technical challenges associated with In-Situ Propellant Production (ISPP) on the surface of Mars are reviewed. A rocket propulsion subsystem capable of using oxygen and carbon monoxide as propellants is described. Finally, results of mission analysis and a hopper landing hazard simulation are reported. It is concluded that an attractive Mars hopper can be developed based on relatively near-term technology.
Measurement of soil water content

(1990). Measurement of soil water content. Remote Sensing Reviews: Vol. 5, Instrumentation for studying vegetation canopies for remote sensing in optical and thermal infrared regions, pp. 263-279.
On Detecting a Signal in N Stationarily Correlated Noise Series

A useful model in the analysis of multiple time series is to assume that each series is composed of a fixed signal common to all series and a wide sense stationary normal noise process. If the noise series are uncorrelated with identical autocorrelation functions, we have in the time domain a collection of independent normal vectors with a common covariance matrix. The likelihood ratio statistic for detecting the signal is then a singular version of Hotelling's T 2. In this paper, a likelihood ratio test utilizing the asymptotic properties of the finite Fourier transform leads to an asymptotically non-singular frequency domain version of Hotelling's T 2. It is shown that the F statistic for detecting the signal depends only upon certain spectral power measurements with the Type I error and signal detection probabilities determined from existing tables for the central and non-central F distributions. Several examples are presented illustrating the detection procedure.
In utero exposure to ethanol alters mRNA for insulin-like growth factors and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in placenta and lung of fetal rats

Insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) play a role in regulating fetal growth and development. Their actions in target tissues are modulated in part by binding to IGF binding proteins 1 and 2 (IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2). In this study, we examined the effect of fetal exposure to alcohol IGF-I and on IGF-II and IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 mRNA in placenta and fetal lung tissue. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley dams were fed a diet consisting of 35% ethanol-derived calories [alcohol-fed (AF)], an Isocaloric diet with sucrose substituted for alcohol (pair-fed; PF), or ad libitum rat chow (CF). Alcohol feeding began on gestational age (G) 14. At G20, dams were killed, and we examined placenta and fetal lung for the steady-state levels of mRNA for IGF-1 and IGF-II and for IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. In all dams, body weight increased throughout gestation, and there were no differences between the three groups. At G20, the mean weight for the fetuses from the AF group was lower (p < 0.001) than the fetuses from the CF and PF groups. Steady-state mRNA levels were detected in fetal lung and in placentas by Northern-blot hybridization analysis and semiquantitated by slot-blot hybridization analysis. Multiple transcripts for IGF-I and IGF-II, 1.8 kb species for IG-FBP-1 and 1.6 kb species for IGFBP-2 were detected from total RNA isolated from the fetal lung and placenta, Slot-blot hydridization analysis of fetal lung RNA showed that IGF-I mRNA was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in AF males and females by 4.0 +/- 0.28-fold and by 3.25 +/- 0.2-fold, respectively. IGF-II transcript levels were not affected. IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were increased in AF males, whereas only IGFBP-2 was increased in AF females. In the placenta, there was a significant increase in IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 transcripts [(p < 0.001) 1.75 +/- 0.5-fold and 3 +/- 0.53-fold increase, respectively]. No differences between the groups in serum levels of IGFBP-1 or -2 were detected when measured by Western-blot analysis. The increased gene expression for IGFBPs within fetal lung and placenta may decrease bioavailability of locally synthesized, IGFs that may contribute to the fetal growth retardation observed in this model system.
Performance of frequency hopped noncoherent GFSK in correlated Rayleigh fading channels

An analytical treatment of the performance of frequency hopped Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK) with differential detection in time-varying Rayleigh fading channels corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is presented. Closed-form expressions for the bit error rate (BER) as a function of E/sub b//N/sub 0/, modulation index, channel Doppler shift, and the time-bandwidth product of the pre-modulation filter are derived. A pilot symbol-assisted scheme to lower the error floor caused by frequency hopping is analyzed.
Competing dietary claims for weight loss : Finding the forest through truculent trees

In response to an accelerating obesity pandemic, competing weight-loss diets have propagated; those touting carbohydrate restriction are currently most in vogue. Evidence that sustainable weight loss is enhanced by means other than caloric restriction, however, is lacking. Whereas short-term weight loss is consistently achieved by any dietary approach to the restriction of choice and thereby calories, lasting weight control is not. Competing dietary claims imply that fundamental knowledge of dietary pattern and human health is lacking; an extensive literature belies this notion. The same dietary and lifestyle pattern conducive to health promotion is consistently associated with weight control. A bird's eye view of the literature on diet and weight reveals a forest otherwise difficult to discern through the trees. Competing diet claims are diverting attention and resources from what is actually and urgently needed: a dedicated and concerted effort to make the basic dietary pattern known to support both health and weight control more accessible to all.
Empirical Studies of the Existence of the Biometric Menagerie in the FRGC 2.0 Color Image Corpus

The issue of recognizability of subjects in biometric identification is of particular interest to the designers of these systems. We have applied the concept of Doddingtons biometric menagerie to the area of facial recognition. We performed a series of tests for the presence of goats, lambs, and wolves on FRGC 2.0 color image data. The data for the subjects that appeared at the extreme end of these tests was then visually examined. Even a cursory comparison of images showed that for this set of data, some images fell into the defined menagerie categories. Our tests show the statistical existence of these animal classifications within the constraints of this set of FRGC 2.0 data using the baseline matching algorithm. Ultimately, these tests were limited by the image data set and matching algorithm used. For further confirmation of the existence of the menagerie, the analysis must be expanded to include different image sets and matching algorithms..
The Relationship between the Degree of Professed Religious Belief and Use of Drugs

A systematic examination of data from 4,853 respondents of various demographic characteristics revealed a powerful relationship between the degree of religious belief and consumption of alcohol and intake of psychotropics. In general, people who viewed themselves as ‘very religious’ drank less and used less psychoactives, when compared to those individuals who considered themselves ‘not religious at all.’ Significantly elevated use of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, hashish, and amphetamines was associated with the ‘not religious at all’ group.
Formation of Glass with Embedded Metal and Sulfides from Shock-accelerated Crystalline Dust in Superbubbles

Interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) contain enigmatic submicron components called GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides). The compositions and structures of GEMS indicate that they have been processed by exposure to ionizing radiation, but details of the actual irradiation environment(s) have remained elusive. Here we propose a mechanism and astrophysical site for GEMS formation that explains for the first time the following key properties of GEMS: they are stoichiometrically enriched in oxygen and systematically depleted in S, Mg, Ca, and Fe (relative to solar abundances); most have normal (solar) oxygen isotopic compositions; they exhibit a strikingly narrow size distribution (0.1-0.5 μm diameter); and some of them contain "relict" crystals within their silicate glass matrices. We show that the compositions, size distribution, and survival of relict crystals are inconsistent with amorphization by particles accelerated by diffusive shock acceleration. Instead, we propose that GEMS are formed from crystalline grains that condense in stellar outflows from massive stars in OB associations, are accelerated in encounters with frequent supernova shocks inside the associated superbubble (SB), and are implanted with atoms from the hot gas in the SB interior. We thus reverse the usual roles of target and projectile. Rather than being bombarded at rest by energetic ions, grains are accelerated and bombarded by a nearly monovelocity beam of atoms as viewed in their rest frame. Meyer, Drury, and Ellison have proposed that Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) originate from ions sputtered from such accelerated dust grains. We suggest that GEMS are surviving members of a population of fast grains that constitute the long-sought source material for GCRs. Thus, representatives of the GCR source material may have been awaiting discovery in cosmic dust labs for the last 30 yr.
Cachexia Index in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients:

Introduction: Cancer cachexia affects many advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Cachexia index (CXI) was developed to assess the degree of cachexia in these patients. Methods: Patients with metastatic NSCLC diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2011, at our institution were retrospectively studied. Abdominal computed tomography scans done within 1 month of diagnosis were reviewed to estimate skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the L3 level. CXI was developed as follows: CXI=(SMI x Alb)/NLR ,where SMI is the skeletal muscle index, Alb is the serum albumin, and NLR is the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival among various factors was calculated using the log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression was used to perform survival analysis in order to estimate the effects of various factors. Results: Patients were divided into two groups around the median into stage I cachexia (CXI ≥35, n = 56) and stage II cachexia (CXI <35, n = 56). Groups did not differ in age, gender, ethnicity, or histology of cancer. Patients with stage II cachexia had significantly worse PFS (2.45 vs 5.43 months, P < 0.0001) and OS (3.45 vs 8.8 months, P = 0.0001) than those with stage I cachexia. On multivariate analysis adjusting for gender, race, and histology, patients with stage II cachexia were found to have worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–2.95) and OS (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.0009–2.34). Conclusion: The CXI is a novel index for estimating cachexia that also correlates with prognosis in both men and women with advanced NSCLC.
INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY AIR POLLUTION ON THE LUNGS OF MICE. PART II: IMAGE ANALYSIS QUANTITATION OF LUNG ELASTIN

AbstractTwo groups of 330 male Swiss-Webster mice were equally divided, with each exposed continuously to the outdoor air in central Los Angeles (LA) and Santa Barbara (SB). Nearby monitoring stations provided data on nitrogen dioxide (Nod, ozone (O3, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulates. The left lungs of all mice were perfusion inflated with 70% buffered formalin at 25 cm water pressure, and 6–μm paraffin-embedded lung sections were stained with aldehyde fuchsin for elastic fibers. Quantitative image analysis of the elastin and alveolar walls was carried out. Over the 43-day test period in Los Angeles, there were 21 exceedings of the state O3 standard, but only 2 for Santa Barbara. The mean value for the 1-h average O3 level in LA during the 43 days was 0.11 ppm, versus 0.03 ppm for Santa Barbara. The mean NO2 level in LA was four times higher than that for Santa Barbara, 0.12 versus 0.03 ppm. The levels recorded for other pollutants (carbon monoxide, NO2, sulfur dioxide, part...