cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Implementation and Program Theory to Examine Communication Strategies in National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.

Our evaluative approach used implementation theory and program theory, adapted from Weiss (1998) to examine communication processes and results for a national wildlife habitat stewardship education program. Using a mail survey of 1427 participants certified in National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Backyard Wildlife Habitat (BWH) program and a study of participants at a BWH workshop in Michigan, we examined the communication strategies employed by NWF to assist participants. For each of the five most popular forms of assistance, participants using the assistance performed significantly more wildlife management or resource conservation activities than their counterparts. This study demonstrates that education organizations can use program and implementation theory to clearly articulate desired outcomes for learners and the relationship of these to program elements in order to evaluate programs and make recommendations for future communications strategies.
A Pluralistic Foundation for Training Early Childhood Professionals

Spurred by psychological research contending that early experience affects intelligence, Head Start was conceived and implemented as a means of serving young children and interrupting the cycle of poverty for many families. Private nursery schools, play groups, and parent cooperatives increased in number as more parents became convinced of the advantages of early education. Many parents desired Montessori experiences for their children, thus influencing the spread of Montessori programs throughout the country. Policy makers at both state and local levels sensed the growing concern with the education of young children and acted to improve the availability of public school kindergarten programs. Day care programs increased and moved from emphasis on custodial to developmental care, thus providing yet another vehicle for delivering educational services to young children. Trends in both the public and private sectors led to a considerable increase in both the number and kind of programs available for young children. Much of the psychological research that served as the impetus for the renewal of interest in early childhood programs in the United States has wide applicability and has served similar purposes for educators in other countries.
Improved approximations of the fractional integrator

Abstract An empirical method employing classical m -derived lattices and a frequency renormalization improves the driving point impedance of a cascade of similar RC symmetric lattices approximating √(1/ s ). Comparisons can be made with power spectra. A fractional integrator analog computer is now feasible.
Are there rearrangement hotspots in the human genome

In a landmark paper, Nadeau and Taylor [18] formulated the random breakage model (RBM) of chromosome evolution that postulates that there are no rearrangement hotspots in the human genome. In the next two decades, numerous studies with progressively increasing levels of resolution made RBM the de facto theory of chromosome evolution. Despite the fact that RBM had prophetic prediction power, it was recently refuted by Pevzner and Tesler [4], who introduced the fragile breakage model (FBM), postulating that the human genome is a mosaic of solid regions (with low propensity for rearrangements) and fragile regions (rearrangement hotspots). However, the rebuttal of RBM caused a controversy and led to a split among researchers studying genome evolution. In particular, it remains unclear whether some complex rearrangements (e.g., transpositions) can create an appearance of rearrangement hotspots. We contribute to the ongoing debate by analyzing multi-break rearrangements that break a genome into multiple fragments and further glue them together in a new order. In particular, we demonstrate that (1) even if transpositions were a dominant force in mammalian evolution, the arguments in favor of FBM still stand, and (2) the “gene deletion” argument against FBM is flawed.
Topology-based visualization of transformation pathways in complex chemical systems

Studying transformation in a chemical system by considering its energy as a function of coordinates of the system's components provides insight and changes our understanding of this process. Currently, a lack of effective visualization techniques for high-dimensional energy functions limits chemists to plot energy with respect to one or two coordinates at a time. In some complex systems, developing a comprehensive understanding requires new visualization techniques that show relationships between all coordinates at the same time. We propose a new visualization technique that combines concepts from topological analysis, multi-dimensional scaling, and graph layout to enable the analysis of energy functions for a wide range of molecular structures. We demonstrate our technique by studying the energy function of a dimer of formic and acetic acids and a LTA zeolite structure, in which we consider diffusion of methane.
Monoclonal antibody therapy in the treatment of Reye's syndrome

A role for lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins, LPS) in 7 the pathogenesis of Reye's syndrome (RS) has previously been suggested. Impairment of hepatic LPS clearance can lead to systemic endotoxemia as previous studies by this and other laboratories have suggested for several hepatic disorders including RS. Systemic LPS may mediate many of the clinical findings associated with RS by eliciting monokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8. Monoclonal antibody therapy directed at LPS, and monokines may represent a novel approach to the treatment of RS.
The role of motion sickness in predicting anticipatory nausea.

Susceptibility to motion sickness has been demonstrated to be a predictor of anticipatory nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, previous research did not test whether motion sickness increases anticipatory nausea only by increasing the base rate of posttreatment nausea and vomiting (which has traditionally served as the unconditioned stimulus in the conditioning model for anticipatory nausea) or, alternatively, whether motion sickness might facilitate the association of external stimuli to posttreatment nausea and vomiting. Using two different analytic approaches-a series of logistic analyses that controlled for drug-induced nausea and vomiting following the initial injection, along with an event history analysis which allows for updating on the posttreatment nausea and vomiting factors-motion sickness was found to be an independent predictor of anticipatory nausea. Further, the predictive power of motion sickness is also independent of the effects of pretreatment anxiety, taste during injection, and age.
CARBON-14 STUDIES OF ENERGY METABOLISM IN VARIOUS THYROID STATES.

Abstract Employing isotope equipment which produces a continuous recording of C14O2 specific activity in expired air, the oxidative patterns of palmitate-1-C14, acetate-1-C14, pyruvate-1-C14, glucose-1-C14 and glucose-6-C14 were studied in hyperthyroid, hyyothyroid and hypopituitary patients and compared with normal controls. Several patients were restudied following specific and non-specific treatments. A qualitative estimation of the proportion of glucose oxidation proceeding via the pentose “shunt” was obtained by comparing the oxidative patterns of C-1 versus C-6 labeled glucose-C14. Results indicate that hypothyroidism is characterized by a significant increase in the relative rates of C14-palmitate and acetate oxidation and a decrease in glucose oxidation, particularly in regard to pentose “shunt” activity. In contrast, patients with hyperthyroidism show a variable pattern of C14-palmitate and acetate oxidation, depending on the duration and severity of their disease, increased glucose oxidation and enhanced “shunt” activity. The latter is particularly evident in postmenopausal hyperthyroid females whose “shunt” activity is normally low. Whether or not the relationship between thyroid status and pentose “shunt” metabolism is due to a direct influence of thyroid hormones on glycolytic pathways or secondary to changes in either lipid turnover rates or estrogen metabolism remains speculative. Since the oxidative patterns of both C14-palmitate and acetate seem to reflect intracellular deficiency of thyroid hormone, these parameters can be utilized, within certain limitations, as a test of peripheral thyroid function. The striking “thyromimetic” effects of a DPN infusion, demonstrated in hypothyroid patients, and its lack of metabolic effect in normal controls, suggests that the cellular action of thyroid hormones may be mediated, in large measure, through changes in the ratio of oxidized to reduced DPN. Since C14-palmitate oxidation is within normal limits in patients with panhypopituitarism, this procedure can be a useful adjunct in differentiating primary from secondary thyroid failure in certain problem cases.
A Three Degree-of-Freedom Model for Self-Retracting Fully Compliant Bistable Micromechanisms

A three degree-of-freedom (3DOF) pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) has been developed and used in the design of a new class of self-retracting fully compliant bistable micro-mechanism (SRFBM). The SRFBM provides small-displacement linear travel bistability and is suitable for low-power microswitching applications. The design process involved a combination of single and multiple degree-of-freedom PRBM and finite element models to quickly proceed from a concept rigid-body mechanism to fully compliant fabrication-ready geometry. The 3DOF model presented here was developed to more accurately model the behavior of the tensural pivots-a new class of compliant segment used to avoid combined compressive loading of flexible segments. Four SRFBM designs were fabricated and tested for bistability, on-chip actuation, critical force, and fatigue tests. These tests validate the models used in the design process and demonstrate the functionality and reliability of the SRFBM.
Money, autonomous expenditures, income, and causality in Korea

Abstract This paper investigates the directions of causation among autonomous expenditures, income and the money supply for Korea, using a test of causality proposed by Sims. The findings confirm the causal implication of the simple Keynesian approach that autonomous expenditures cause income. The findings reject the causal implication of the quality theory approach, that the money supply causes income.
Predicting low temperature lubricant rheology using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

The effect of hydrocarbon base-oil composition on the low temperature rheology of lubricants was evaluated in this study. Average structural parameters (ASPs) were derived using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). These ASPs were then used to develop statistical and neural network models capable of predicting the low temperature properties (LTPs) of base-oil. Isoparaffinic structures were found to be most important in defining low temperature rheology.
The Impact of Example Modality and Physical Interactions on Design Creativity

Interacting with example products is an essential and widely practiced method in engineering design, yet little information exists on how the representation (pictorial or physical) or interaction a designer has with an example impacts design creativity. This is problematic because without this knowledge we do not understand how examples affect idea generation or how we can effectively modify or develop design methods to support example usage practices. In this paper, we report the results of a controlled study with first year engineering design students (N = 89) developed to investigate the impact of a designer's interaction with either a two-dimensional (2D) pictorial image or a three-dimensional (3D) product (through visual inspection or product dissection activities) and the resulting functional focus and creativity of the ideas developed. The results of this study reveal that participants who interacted with the physical example produced ideas that were less novel and less functionally focused than those who interacted with the 2D representation. Additionally, the results showed that participants who dissected the product produced a higher variety of ideas than those that visually inspected it. These results contribute to our understanding of the benefits and role of 2D and 3D designer-product interactions during idea development. We use these findings to develop recommendations for the use of designer-product interactions throughout the design process.
When the Book is Better than the Movie: How Contrasting Video Cases Influence Text Learning:

Video usage in educational contexts is on the rise. We examined 3 alternative theories about cognitive mechanisms of learning and their implications for instructional design when video is employed ...
Feasibility of Analyzing Interlibrary Loan Requests to Determine Instruction Needs

The Interlibrary Loan department at the University of Mississippi wished to examine interlibrary loan borrowing data dating back to the implementation of the ILLiad system in August 2001 in order to determine why the number of cancellations due to local availability continues to increase. The patron information was extracted in an attempt to determine whether library instruction should be targeted to patrons according to status, department, database, or frequency of ILL use. All 88,376 article and loan requests from 3,975 users were examined for similarities among request cancellations. The authors found that the fastest-growing reason for cancellation of an ILL request is availability in the stacks. The surge began soon after several subscriptions were converted from paper to electronic format. That, plus fill rate data according to the citation source, suggests that the design of certain databases can be a strong indicator of whether a patron will venture beyond an originating database or submit an inte...
Comparison of attenuation-corrected and non-corrected FDG-PET images for axillary nodal staging in newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this work is to compare the accuracy of non-attenuation-corrected (NAC) and attenuation-corrected (AC) PET images using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) in assessment of the axilla in patients with newly-diagnosed, untreated, primary breast cancers, and to determine the frequency of extra-axillary findings. Patients and Methods: FDG-PET was performed in 36 patients with breast cancer one hour following the intravenous injection of approximately 370 MBq of FDG. Patients were imaged prior to axillary dissection to prospectively confirm the presence or absence of axillary metastases. NAC and AC images were separately and independently reviewed in a blinded fashion by two readers. Imaging results were compared with final diagnoses obtained by surgery and pathology. Results: Ninety-six positive axillary lymph nodes in 15 patients were histopathologically confirmed by surgery. The average areas under the ROC curve for NAC and AC image were 0.682 and 0.721, respectively. In patient-based analysis, the sensitivity in interpreting NAC images for the presence of metastases was low (53.3%) and comparable to that of AC images (46.7%). The specificity of NAC image was high (85.7%), but tended to be lower than that in AC (95.2%). The overall diagnostic accuracy for detecting axillary involvement in AC images (75.0%) was comparable to that of NAC images (72.2%). Extra-axillary disease was found in three patients. Conclusion: NAC images were comparable to AC images, although there were more false positive results with the NAC images. While AC PET has high specificity in this application, it appears insufficiently sensitive to use these methods to avoid axillary tissue sampling, when negative. Extra-axillary findings, while infrequent, may be quite important. Examination of both NAC and AC images is advised when assessing possible metastatic breast cancer to the axilla using PET. (Mol Imag Biol 2002;4:161–169)
Thirty Years Of (Image) Intensified Physics And Biology

The importance of ultra-low light level imaging is now generally recognized in a variety of applications. The purpose of this paper is to describe briefly some pioneering applications of image intensification to observations in physics, biology and biophysics.
A systematic map of direction preference in primary visual cortex

Neurons in the primary visual cortex respond selectively to the orientation of edges and their direction of motion. Orientation preference is mapped in a systematic fashion across the cortical surface, such that neurons in adjacent columns have similar but slightly shifted preferred orientations. Microelectrode studies have suggested that direction preference is also arranged in a systematic fashion, but exactly how this response property is mapped remains unclear. Here we show by optical imaging of intrinsic signals in ferret cortical area 17 that there is a mosaic-like map of direction preference. This map consists of numerous regions within which direction preference changes in a slow, continuous fashion. These regions are separated by winding boundaries (fractures) across which direction preference shifts abruptly, often by 180 degrees. Comparison of direction and orientation preference maps shows that these fractures subdivide iso-orientation domains into regions selective for opposite directions of motion.
Comparative immunosuppression of various glycol ethers orally administered to Fischer 344 rats

Oral dosing of adult male F344 rats with the glycol ether 2-methoxyethanol (ME) or its principal metabolite 2-methoxyacetic acid (MAA) results in the suppression of the primary plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS). In the present study, the PFC response to TNP-LPS was used to evaluate the immunotoxic potential of ethylene glycol (EG) as well as the glycol ethers 2-methoxyethyl acetate (MEA), 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethanol, bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether, 2-ethoxyethanol and its principal metabolite 2-ethoxyacetic acid, 2-ethoxyethyl acetate, and 2-butoxyethanol relative to ME and MAA. Rats were immunized with TNP-LPS and then exposed 4 and 28 hr later to 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of glycol ether or EG. Three days following immunization, the PFC response to TNP-LPS was determined. In addition to ME and MAA, only MEA, which was as effective as ME, suppressed the PFC response to TNP-LPS. Concomitant administration of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole with ME or MEA prevented suppression of the PFC response by these glycol ethers. These results indicate that of the chemicals tested only ME, MEA, and MAA are immunosuppressive, and that oxidative metabolism via alcohol dehydrogenase is necessary for ME- and MEA-suppression of the response to TNP-LPS.
Role of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor dilations of rat middle cerebral arteries.

Very little is known regarding the mechanism of action for the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) response in cerebral vessels. The authors tested two hypotheses: (1) activation of the cytoplasmic form of phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is involved with EDHF-mediated dilations in rat middle cerebral arteries; and (2) activation of the cPLA2 involves an increase in endothelial Ca2+ through activation of phospholipase C. Middle cerebral arteries were isolated from the rat, pressurized to 85 mm Hg, and luminally perfused. The EDHF response was elicited by luminal application of uridine triphosphate (UTP) after NO synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibition (10-5 mol/L N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and 10-5 mol/L indomethacin, respectively). AACOCF3 and PACOCF3, inhibitors of cPLA2 (Ca2+-sensitive) and Ca2+-insensitive PLA2 (iPLA2), dose dependently attenuated the EDHF response. A selective inhibitor for iPLA2, haloenol lactone suicide substrate, had no effect on the EDHF response. The EDHF response elicited by UTP was accompanied by an increase in endothelial Ca2+ (144 to 468 nmol/L), and the EDHF dilation was attenuated with U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. The authors conclude that the EDHF response elicited by luminal UTP in rat middle cerebral arteries involved activation of phospholipase C, an increase in endothelial Ca2+, and activation of cPLA2.
Restriction of Range Corrections When Both Distribution and Selection Assumptions Are Violated

In validating a selection test (x) as a predictor of y, an incomplete xy data set must often be dealt with. A well-known correction formula is available for esti mating the xy correlation in some total group using the xy data of the selected cases and x data of the unse lected cases. The formula yields the ryx correlation (1) when the regression of y on x is linear and homosce dastic and (2) when selection can be assumed to be based on x alone. Although previous research has con sidered the accuracy of the correction formula when either Condition 1 or 2 is violated, no studies have considered the most realistic case where both Condi tions 1 and 2 are simultaneously violated. In the pres ent study six real data sets and five simulated selection models were used to investigate the accuracy of the correction formula when neither assumption is satis fied. Each of the data sets violated the linearity and/or homogeneity assumptions. Further, the selection models represent cases where selection is not a func tio...
ASSOCIATION OF CHLOROPHYLL WITH AMIDES ON PLASTICIZED POLYETHYLENE PARTICLES—I. N, N-DIMETH YLM YRISTAMIDE*

Model systems have been prepared in which chlorophyll a and N,N-dimethylmyristamide (DMMA) are adsorbed together in various ratios to particles of polyethylene swollen with undecane. The adsorption is performed by equilibrating the particles with methanol-water solutions of increasing water content. Absorption spectra of the coated particles in viscous suspensions show sharp well-marked bands over much of the composition range examined. With the aid of second derivative spectra, the red absorption band has been resolved into three components, at 661.5, 674 and 689 nm. Fluorescence spectra have also been resolved into their principal components with some assistance from comparison with spectra of chlorophyll in undecane solution containing DMMA. At room temperature (295 K) the resolvable components are of monomeric chlorophyll at 670 nm, and of associated species at 681 and 725 nm. Fluorescence at 77 K is of similar intensity but is distributed differently, in favor of longer-wave components. Corresponding to the 295 K components are emission bands at 675, 683-5 and 735 nm. Other components appear under certain conditions: at 695 to 700 nm when the chlorophyll and DMMA concentrations are both high, and at 705 nm when the ratio of DMMA to chlorophyll is low. If DMMA is absentmore » or at low concentration, much of the chlorophyll exists as an aggregated form absorbing near 741 nm and fluorescing weakly near 760 nm at 77 K. Adsorption isotherms indicate some degree of cooperativity in the binding of chlorophyll and DMMA to the particles. The photoreduction of p-dinitrobenzene by hydrazobenzene, sensitized by these particles, has been demonstrated.« less
Organizational symbols: A study of their meanings and influences on perceived psychological climate.

Abstract A laboratory study was designed to examine the meanings connoted by various organizational symbols and the influence of symbols on individuals' perceptions of the psychological climate of fictitious organizations. Fifteen college students were randomly assigned to each cell of a 4 × 3 factorial design in which symbols (authority symbols, empathic symbols, reward symbols, and no symbols) and contextual information (bank, motion picture company, or none specified) were manipulated by showing drawings of an organization's reception area and providing a written description of the organization. Subjects completed semantic differential scales on which they evaluated each of the symbols included in the drawing with respect to the meanings connoted by the symbols. They also completed a climate questionnaire. It was found that each of the three types of symbols connoted specific meanings. In addition, the results suggest that symbols are a salient source of information used by people in forming their impressions of psychological climate. Implications for the symbolism and climate literatures are discussed.
Cloning the cDNA encoding the AmbtV allergen from giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) pollen

Ragweed (Ambrosia) pollens contain a number of proteins that cause allergic disease in ragweed-sensitive people. The cloning of the AmbtV cDNA is important, since the 4.4-kDa AmbtV, one of the allergens in giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) pollen, serves as a simple model system to study the basic structural requirements for immune recognition of foreign protein allergens. We report the cloning of the AmbtV cDNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers. We generated three sets of overlapping cDNA clones by a combination of PCR and anchored-PCR, and determined the complete nucleotide (nt) sequence. From the nt sequence, the amino acid (aa) sequence of the protein was confirmed and the leader sequence was deduced. This general approach can be used to clone allergen and other cDNAs from complex biological sources provided partial aa sequence information is available. It may be the best available approach in cases where the isolation of clones from a cDNA library is difficult, which proved to be the case for AmbtV.
Effect of iodine on reproductive performance of female mink

Abstract Female mink were fed a basal diet supplemented with either 0, 10 100, or 1000 ppm iodine, as potassium iodide, from breeding through lactation. In addition, females were housed in pens sanitized just prior to whelping with 100 or 1000 ppm titratable iodine disinfectant to investigate the effects of these treatments on their reproductive performance. The gestation periods of the iodine-treated mink were shorter than the controls. Kit birth weights were not significantly different from the controls. The average number of kits whelped per female mated in the control group was 5.0. No detrimental effects were observed on litter size or kit survival in the group fed 10 ppm supplemental iodine. Only 2.1 kits per female mated were whelped by the mink fed 100 ppm supplemental iodine and none of the females that received the 1000 ppm supplemental iodine diet whelped. Body weights of kits whelped and nursed by the females that received the 100 ppm supplemental iodine diet were significantly lighter at 4 weeks of age. Kits nursed by females housed in pens sanitized with 100 or 1000 ppm titratable iodine had the greatest biomass at 4 weeks of age.
Evaluating erosion susceptibility for land‐use planning in coastal watersheds

Abstract This paper reports on research conducted in support of a coastal zone management effort to reduce erosion and sedimentation impacts in a wetland watershed, Elkhorn Slough, Monterey County, California. The research reviews methods of determining soil erosion susceptibility and relating it to land‐use intensity within the watershed, measured by a land disturbance index. Erosion susceptibility is measured in three ways: by a combination of slope and the erosion factor of the Universal Soil Loss Equation; by field measurement of erosion and deposition on selected sites; and by computer‐assisted terrain analysis of data from secondary sources. Land use is shown to be a more important factor than landform in influencing relative erosion susceptibility.
A characterization of Lévy probability distribution functions on Euclidean spaces

Abstract In 1937, Paul Levy proved two theorems that characterize one-dimensional distribution functions of class L. In 1972, Urbanik generalized Levy's first theorem. In this note, we generalize Levy's second theorem and obtain a new characterization of Levy probability distribution functions on Euclidean spaces. This result is used to obtain a new characterization of operator stable distribution functions on Euclidean spaces and to show that symmetric Levy distribution functions on Euclidean spaces need not be symmetric unimodal.
Outcomes of online support and resources for cancer survivors: a systematic literature review.

Abstract Objective This study aims to review systematically the available literature on health outcomes of online cancer support and resources. Methods We searched major databases with the following selection criteria: (1) empirical study on use of online support or resources by cancer survivors, (2) reporting effects or outcomes of online support or resources, (3) focusing on adult cancer survivors, and (4) peer-reviewed articles published by 2010. Results A total of 24 studies (37 articles) were included in the review. Most studies were focused on breast cancer survivors and had small sample sizes. Fifteen studies employed a cross-sectional design including eight qualitative studies. Only five studies used pre-post design, and four employed RCT design. The outcome measures have focused on psychosocial effects; most studies reported positive effects, although none of the RCT studies reported significant outcomes. Conclusion Existing studies of online cancer support and resources have demonstrated preliminary but inconclusive evidence for positive outcomes. We call for additional studies with rigorous study designs and the inclusion of more diverse participants and cancer conditions. Practice implications Connecting diverse cancer survivors to culturally appropriate, evidence-based online support and resources is a strategy to enhance health outcomes.
Analytical Study of Along-Track InSAR Imaging of a Distributed Evolving Target With Application to Phase and Coherence Signatures of Breakers and Whitecaps

Airborne along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (AT-InSAR) observations of the ocean surface often exhibit peculiar drops in coherence that can be quite compact (a few meters in size) and seem to be associated with breaking waves and whitecaps. Intriguingly, these signatures in the coherence map can be quite sharp and rather conspicuous, whereas the corresponding SAR image intensity in the same area may either suffer from apparent motion-related defocusing or lack any recognizable corresponding feature altogether. Such coherence drops are often accompanied by manifest perturbations in the interferometric phase. While there have been suggestions to use these details for breaker detection and even for breaker velocity retrieval, a basic understanding of why and how the patterns form needs to be developed first. To gain some insight in these phenomena, we consider AT-InSAR imaging of a simplified model feature that is a moving distributed target with a certain decorrelation time. The approach yields closed-form expressions that can be analyzed to identify possible mechanisms for forming such signatures. It appears that the intuitive explanation linking the drop in coherence to faster temporal decorrelation (something expected for a turbulent breaker) has its limitations when the feature is azimuthally small. Interference of the defocused and/or displaced image with the background may be the mechanism in the latter case.
RISK ASSESSMENT IN OPEN-OCEAN AQUACULTURE: A FIRM-LEVEL INVESTMENT-PRODUCTION MODEL

ABSTRACT We develop a framework for risk assessment in open-ocean aquaculture. The framework consists of three components: a firm-level investment-production model simulates a specific grow-out project and estimates the project's benefit-cost values, a second model calculates the risk premium for a risk-averse investor, and a third model quantifies the option value for a risk-neutral investor. We show that under uncertainty, the traditional NPV rule for making an investment should be modified. We illustrate our models using a case study of open-ocean aquaculture of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in New England.
Efficacy of parenteral methotrexate in refractory Crohn’s disease

Background: Methotrexate is steroid-sparing in short-term trials for refractory Crohn’s disease. This study assesses the impact of dosing and administration on the long-term utility of methotrexate in Crohn’s disease. Methods: The efficacy and tolerability of methotrexate were assessed in all refractory Crohn’s disease patients treated at the University of Chicago from 1 September 1989 to 6 June 1997. Results: Seventy-six patients were identified: 43% male, mean age 35 years, mean Crohn’s disease duration 9.5 years. Mean methotrexate duration was 55 weeks; mean dose was 20 mg/week. Drug administration was parenteral (78%), oral (13%), or combination (8%). Improvement occurred in 63% after a mean of 9 weeks, for a mean duration of 65 weeks. Remission occurred in 37% after a mean of 22 weeks, for a mean duration of 59 weeks. Improvement and remission were highest with parenteral therapy, but dose-independent. Parenteral therapy maintained remission in 46%. Improvement (P=0.05) and remission (P=0.01) were more likely for patients under 40. Improvement rates were higher with concurrent steroids (P=0.02) or antibiotics (P=0.01). Side-effects occurred in 46%, resulting in discontinuation in 18%. Prednisone was decreased in 78%, and stopped in 40%. Conclusions: Long-term therapy with methotrexate in Crohn’s disease is safe, effective, steroid-sparing, and most efficacious in younger patients and when given parenterally.
The complex formed between the 5-trifluoromethyl-tetrazolyl ion and some transition metal ions

Abstract The 5-trifluoromethyltetrazolyl anion has been shown to be a weakly co-ordinating ligand in aqueous solutions. The cations used in this investigation were: [Co(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ , [Ni(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ and [Cu(H 2 O) 4 ] 2+ . The anion is unable to displace any water molecules from the first coordination sphere of the [Co(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ ion. Two water molecules can be displaced from the hydrated Ni(II) ion and a weakly bonded [Ni(H 2 O) 4 ] [C 2 N 4 F 3 ] 2 complex is formed. The [Cu(H 2 O) 4 ] 2+ ion forms a rather stable monohydrated complex containing two C 2 N 4 F 3 − ions. The stoichiometry of the reaction was studied by both spectrophotometric means and continuous variations studies. Magnetic susceptibility and infrared data seem to confirm these conclusions.
RECA: a ring-structured energy-efficient clustering architecture for robust communication in wireless sensor networks

Clustering methods have shown their promising effects in the conservation of energy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In this paper, we present a Ring-structured Energy-efficient Clustering Architecture (RECA) for WSNs to prolong the network lifetime. RECA uses deterministic cluster-head management algorithm to evenly distribute the work load among the nodes within a cluster. Nodes within a cluster make local decisions on the fair-share length of their duty cycle according to their remaining energy supply and those of the rest of the nodes within the same cluster. This guarantees that all nodes deplete their energy supply at approximately the same time regardless of the initial amount of energy in their battery. Simulation study has been used to evaluate the performance of RECA. The results show that RECA is efficient in managing energy in a wide range of networks settings. The results also show the importance of even energy dissipation with regard to network lifetime. Finally, we propose mechanisms to improve the robustness of RECA and ensure that there is an upper bound on the period of time during which a cluster remains without a cluster-head.
Interest Points of General Imbalance

The imbalance oriented selection scheme was recently introduced to detect stable interest points in weakly or sparsely textured images. The scheme chooses image points whose one-pixel-wide directional intensity variations can be clustered into two imbalanced classes as candidates. An important property of imbalance oriented selection is that imbalanced points can be contiguous to others, i.e., imbalanced points have local geometry coherent property. In this paper, we propose general imbalance decided by multipixel-wide directional intensity variations. We give a theoretical analysis on a relation between imbalance and general imbalance. In terms of the local geometry coherent property of general imbalanced points, we propose a global-to-local appearance based matching scheme for imbalanced point correspondence. Last, we present an application of general imbalanced points to road sign detection, which demonstrates the good potential of general imbalanced points.
Regional Anesthesia for Vascular Surgery

Patients presenting for vascular surgery present a challenge to anesthesiologists because of their severe systemic comorbidities. Regional anesthesia has been used as a primary anesthetic technique for many vascular procedures to avoid the cardiovascular and pulmonary perturbations associated with general anesthesia. In this article the use of regional anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, infrainguinal arterial bypass, lower extremity amputation, and arteriovenous fistula formation is described. A focus is placed on reviewing the literature comparing anesthetic techniques, with brief descriptions of the techniques themselves.
Cross-platform Qt-based implementation of low level GUI layer of ROOT

Abstract This paper describes an implementation of the low-level layer of the ROOT package based on the multi-platform graphics library. This approach allows ROOT developers and ROOT users to work with a code that has no X11/WIN32 graphics subsystem dependencies and at the same time opens an unrestricted access to a rich set of ready-to-use commercial and free GUI Qt-based widgets, which are available for download from http://root.bnl.gov Web site.
Antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine on vaginal bacteria

The antimicrobial potency of 4 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate was compared with that of 10 per cent povidone-iodine (1 per cent free iodine) on the vaginal bacteria of 150 premenopausal, non-pregnant women. From 30 of the women blood samples were taken before and at either 15, 30 or 60 minutes after vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine for chlorhexidine analysis. Five minutes after applying either chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine almost 99 per cent of bacteria present on the lateral wall of the vagina were killed. Chlorhexidine was significantly more effective than povidone-iodine. Serosanguineous , mucoid or white-yellowish vaginal discharge did not alter the effectiveness of either antimicrobial agent. In contrast to povidone-iodine, vaginally applied chlorhexidine was not absorbed in measurable amounts (sensitivity of detection method: 0 X 1 mg/l) into the bloodstream. Chlorhexidine may therefore prove of value for treating vaginitis especially during pregnancy and also for combating microbes such as Group B streptococci which are potentially harmful to the newly-born child.
Ecological and L-system based simulations of trace fossils

Abstract Trace fossils represent the preserved interactions of trace making organisms with their environment. The form of traces should result from complex interactions among the organism’s morphology, the behavior being carried out, the organism’s perception of the environment, and the heterogeneity of the environment. Existing mathematical models for the biological formation of traces have tended to focus on a limited repertoire of behaviors, such as grazing. They do not include realistic patterns of environmental heterogeneity, differences in perception, or multiple behavioral responses. In addition, there have been almost no attempts to model 3-D traces, or traces that branch or anastomose. New models for grazing and crawling traces can be built on current research by ecologists into animal movement patterns and their interaction with environmental heterogeneity. These models explore the interactions of alternative spatial patterns of environmental heterogeneity with different perceptions and behavioral responses to it. They have the potential for suggesting how behavioral patterns for a given trace making organism might change as a function of environmental differences, such as resource distribution. This could be a useful tool for determining such patterns of spatial heterogeneity in ancient environments. A second approach can be based on recent developments in the computer-based study of morphogenesis. This technique utilizes L-systems and related methods for the generation of branching and 3-D theoretical morphologies. L-system descriptions can be quite complex and can incorporate realistic concepts of growth, including external environmental factors and signal transmission. They have been used previously for the production of simulated plants of startling realism. By altering the parameters used to generate the simulated fossils, a theoretical morphospace for trace morphology could be constructed.
Inclusive Religious Education: Making it Happen

This article calls upon the church to reconsider its current practices and traditions with the goal of moving in new directions that meaningfully include persons with disabilities. Alternatives to traditional programs have been described in this special issue. The failure of the church to step forward as advocates and leaders in creating supportive communities that welcome people with and without disabilities on some level places it in peril. However, as illustrated here, there are those doing innovative work in an effort to bring change. If the church is to be truly responsive to its calling, its culture and practices must be changed.
Sentinel lymph node mapping for grade 1 endometrial cancer: Is it the answer to the surgical staging dilemma?

Objective To describe the accuracy of SLN mapping in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of grade 1 endometrial cancer.
Efficient resource management of multiple traffic in integrated wireless and mobile networks

Any single type of existing wireless and mobile network cannot provide all types of services, e.g., wide coverage and high bandwidth. An integrated wireless and mobile network is introduced by combining different types of networks to provide more comprehensive services. Although an integrated wireless and mobile network provides more connection options for mobile users than a single wireless and mobile network, it also imposes a great challenge to efficiently utilize the resources. Therefore, it may not be suitable to apply existing resource management schemes which mostly are designed to support multiple traffic in a single wireless and mobile network. In this paper, we propose an efficient resource management scheme to support multiple traffic in an integrated wireless and mobile network. The performances of the proposed scheme are evaluated using theoretical model and simulations. Our results show that the proposed scheme can achieve lower blocking probability of voice calls.
Interaction of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus with bovine erythrocytes in vitro: Electron microscope study

The interaction of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) with bovine erythrocytes in t'itro has been studied, and the results are presented herein. EHDV, a member of the Orbit, irus genus in the family Reoviridae, causes fatal hemorrhagic disease in North American white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Other captive and free ranging ruminants may also be infected with the disease [1, 4]. At least 10 serotypes of EHDV are recognised worldwide, but serotypes 1 and 2 are enzootic in the United States. In white-tailed deer, viremia is short and the disease usually follows a peracute course leading to death. In cattle, EHDV infection is common but typically asymptomatic, and viremia in EHDV infected cattle is usually short. However, infection of European breed of cattle with laboratory adapted strain of EHDV induced viremia which persisted for up to 50 days [3], suggesting that cattle may play a role in the epidemiology of the disease [2]. During the later course of EHDV-infection, the virus is principally associated with erythrocytes. Erythrocyte-associated viremia has been reported with a number of orbiviruses including bluetongue virus (BTV); however, there is no information available on the interaction of EHDV with bovine erythrocytes. The mechanism involved in prolonged viremia in EHDV-infected cattle, despite the presence of circulating neutralising antibodies, has yet to be explained. A plaque-purified EHDV serotype 1 (New Jersey strain) was used to inoculate suspended bovine erythrocytes, obtained from 4-month-old calves, at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1, and the inoculated erythrocytes were incubated at 37~>C for 1 h. Uninoculated erythrocytes were used as controls. The details for collection of blood, preparation of erythrocytes, preparation of sections for transmission electron microscope were described previously [5]. EHDV particles were commonly observed in close association with erythrocyte cell membrane and were typically present in invaginations (Fig. 1). The viral particles measure about 50 70 nm in diameter and were recognized as EHDV particles by their morphological appearance. The viral particles were not observed in the erythrocytes from controls. The results of this study indicated that EHDV becomes associated with the erythrocytic cell membrane soon after in vitro infection of bovine erythrocytes, with the virus particles becoming sequestered in invaginations of the cell membrane. The infection of erythrocytes did not progress beyond the cell membrane invagination, as free virons
Stable Isotope Techniques for the Study of Gluconeogenesis in Man

Glucose is produced by gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and its precursors and from glycerol and by glycogenolysis (Fig.1). We introduced a technique using 2H2O to quantitate the contribution of gluconeogenesis to glucose production in the fasted state (1,2). The method removes the uncertainty in older methods using radioactive or stable isotopes of knowing 1) the enrichment or specific activity of the gluconeogenic precursor being traced, 2) the contribution to gluconeogenesis of that precursor compared to contributions by the other precursors, and 3) the extent of dilution of label of that precursor in the Krebs cycle during the course of its conversion to glucose.
Characteristics of amplitude vacillation in a differentially heated rotating fluid annulus

Abstract Experimental results are presented on the characteristics and occurrence of amplitude vacillation observed in the regular wave regime of a differentially heated rotating fluid annulus. The amplitude vacillation appears as the periodic oscillation of the amplitude and frequency of the dominant wave component and its harmonics and occurs, in general, adjacent to a transition to the next lowest wavenumber. The frequency spectra of the amplitude vacillations are characterized by the presence of two distinct frequencies, one from the vacillation and one from the drift of the wave; in general the amplitude vacillations observed can be said to be doubly periodic. The wave interference mechanism of amplitude vacillation is examined but no evidence was found which could be unambiguously interpreted in its favour.
Sudoku and Working Memory Performance for Older Adults

In recent years interest has increased toward mental exercise as a way to promote healthy cognitive aging. Consistent findings have shown that declines in working memory performance are associated with aging. Sudoku is a popular puzzle game that has task demands similar to working memory processes. Younger and older adults completed a battery of tests and solved Sudoku puzzles. The results showed that Sudoku performance had a significant relationship to working memory. This suggests that Sudoku has the potential to become a new focus in the study of mental exercise and cognitive aging.