cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image Coding By Adaptive Vector Quantization With Least Squares Approximation

An image may have different local statistics, or different local properties of detailed content. According to the information theory, a fixed bit rate coding scheme will result in more distortion in higher-detail (or active) areas than in lower-detail (or non-active) areas. Consequently, an edge degradation occurs. In this paper, an adaptive vector quantization with least squares approximation method is proposed to address this problem. The scheme is based upon a variable block size. The basic idea is to partition the image blocks into two parts; high-detail and low-detail or active and non-active, according to the activity index measurement. The active blocks are further divided into smaller blocks. The values of pixels in the non-active block are approximated by a smaller number of samples with least spuares method. The two sets which are designed to have same dimensionality are used to form a vector set and vector quantized. Therefore, the non-active blocks can be coded with the same codebook as for the high-detailed subblocks, but less bits are needed. Experimental results show that the quality of reconstructed images is improved in this algorithm over non-adaptive VQ because the bits saved in two low-detailed areas are allocated to the high-detailed area where the edge could be found.
Aging parents' residential plans for adult children with mental retardation.

Abstract Future residential plans and placement preferences of 340 mothers of adult children with mental retardation living at home were examined and findings from a 3-year follow-up discussed. Fou...
Small networks and high isolation? A reexamination of American discussion networks

Abstract Recent findings from the General Social Survey suggest that discussion networks have shrunk, and social isolation has increased, since 1985. These data have been threatened by possible artifacts, however, and may be unreliable. This paper reports on a nationally representative experiment that estimates discussion network size and evaluates several proposed explanations for the shrinking networks finding. It finds that modern discussion networks have decreased in size, but that social isolation has not become more prevalent. It also disconfirms several explanations for shrinking networks, and validates a method for increasing the number of names provided in response to name generators.
The Effect of Vitamin E and Doxycycline on the Development of Intimal Hyperplasia

Abstract The goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and doxycycline on the development of intimal hyperplasia in the injured rabbit carotid artery. Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits (10 rabbits each) underwent standardized balloon catheter injury of the carotid artery. One group received 300–400 U/kg of vitamin E orally each day for 4 weeks; another group received 10 mg/kg of doxycycline orally twice daily for 4 weeks and the final group remained as a control group. No statistically significant differences in the degree of intimal hyperplasia development were noted between either treatment group and controls ( P > 0.60 for vitamin E, P > 0.40 for doxycycline). We conclude that neither vitamin E nor doxycycline appear to be of benefit in reducing intimal hyperplasia in the injured rabbit carotid artery.
A note on poroacoustic traveling waves under Darcy’s law: Exact solutions

A mathematical analysis of poroacoustic traveling wave phenomena is presented. Assuming that the fluid phase satisfies the perfect gas law and that the drag offered by the porous matrix is described by Darcy’s law, exact traveling wave solutions (TWS)s, as well as asymptotic/approximate expressions, are derived and examined. In particular, stability issues are addressed, shock and acceleration waves are shown to arise, and special/limiting cases are noted. Lastly, connections to other fields are pointed out and possible extensions of this work are briefly discussed.
Self-Fourier-Transform Beams and Their Quality Characterization

We introduced new axially-symmetric optical beams, which are Self-Fourier-Transformed and are close to waveguide modes. Quality characteristics for those and other beam types were found: Mx2, Power-in-the-Bucket product r·θ/λ etc.
Is the number of traffic fatalities in American hospitals decreasing

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 1977 to 2002 record a decreasing number of traffic fatalities taken to a hospital compared with traffic fatalities not taken to a hospital. In this study, we calculated the proportions of decedents reportedly taken to a hospital each year in each state, and the proportions surviving at least 1h. We also used death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for 1979-1999 to categorize the proportion of motor vehicle fatalities in each state by hospital patient status. The annual number of traffic fatalities decreased slightly over the period of observation. The proportion of decedents recorded in FARS as transported to a hospital fell from about 73 to 43%. However, this proportion decreased abruptly at certain times in some states, suggesting previous misclassification. The proportion surviving at least 1h remained relatively constant. NCHS data showed a decline in the proportion declared dead in hospitals from 62 to 51%, including a decline in the proportion declared dead on arrival (DOA) from 20 to 8%. Along with occasional misclassification in some states, the decrease in cases transported only to be pronounced DOA could explain why FARS data show a decrease in deaths after hospital transport.
Palmitoylated proteins: purification and identification

This proteomic protocol purifies and identifies palmitoylated proteins (i.e., S-acylated proteins) from complex protein extracts. The method relies on an acyl-biotinyl exchange chemistry in which biotin moieties are substituted for the thioester-linked protein acyl-modifications through a sequence of three in vitro chemical steps: (i) blockade of free thiols with N-ethylmaleimide; (ii) cleavage of the Cys-palmitoyl thioester linkages with hydroxylamine; and (iii) labeling of thiols, newly exposed by the hydroxylamine, with biotin-HPDP (Biotin-HPDP-N-[6-(Biotinamido)hexyl]-3'-(2'-pyridyldithio)propionamide. The biotinylated proteins are then affinity-purified using streptavidin-agarose and identified by multi-dimensional protein identification technology (MuDPIT), a high-throughput, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based proteomic technology. MuDPIT also affords a semi-quantitative analysis that may be used to assess the gross changes induced to the global palmitoylation profile by mutation or drugs. Typically, 2-3 weeks are required for this analysis.
PRESSURE CHANGES AT A SUDDEN EXPANSION IN GAS-SOLID FLOWS

ABSTRACT There is a pressure recovery when a two-phase mixture passes through a pipe enlargement. This paper describes an experimental project for the determination of this pressure recovery in air-solids systems. The solids used are medium size wax and lucite particles. Two pipe diameter ratios were investigated, 0.63 and 0.76. The Reynolds numbers for the experiments varied between 45000 and 72000 and the loading ratios were low to intermediate (up to 6), it was observed that the major part of the pressure recovery in these mixtures was due to the air alone and that only a small part of it (up to 25%) was due to the deceleration of solid particles.
An unexpected finding on a pediatric chest radiograph.

A 2-month-old male infant without significant perinatal history presented to the Emergency Department (ED) for evaluation of recurrent emesis. A barium swallow, obtained at 2 weeks of age after an apneic event, demonstrated gastroesophageal reflux. The child was started on ranitidine and cisapride, and he was changed to elemental formula. Despite these measures, the infant continued to have frequent post-prandial effortless emesis. A 1-day history of worsening emesis, rapid breathing, irritability, and post-tussive perioral cyanosis prompted the visit. His mother denied bilious or bloody emesis, fever, or diarrhea. Physical examination revealed a non-toxic, small, but vigorous infant. Initial vital signs included a temperature of 37.2°C, pulse 162 beats/min, respiratory rate 62 breaths/min, and blood pressure 80/58 mm Hg. His weight was 4 kg (tenth percentile for age). The respiratory examination revealed quiet tachypnea. The lung fields were clear to auscultation. Grunting, flaring, and retractions were absent. Oxyhemoglobin saturation obtained on room air was 99%. The remainder of the physical examination was normal. A chest X-ray study, obtained to look for evidence of pneumonia, revealed localized narrowing of the intrathoracic trachea best viewed on the lateral projection (Figure 1). The infant was admitted to the pediatric floor for further evaluation of the tracheal abnormality. Rigid bronchoscopy demonstrated significant compression of the right antero-lateral trachea by a pulsatile mass, consistent with an aberrant innominate artery. Rigid esophagoscopy showed hyperemia of the distal esophagus, and biopsy demonstrated grade II esophagitis, confirming the prior diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Echocardiogram revealed no intracardiac lesion. Respiratory symptoms abated after surgical arteriopexy. He completed a course of antibiotics for presumed aspiration
APPLICATION OF TEXTURE PROFILE ANALYSIS TO INSTRUMENTAL FOOD TEXTURE EVALUATION

Although the Texturometer was used in establishing the GF objective Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of foods, it has been largely supplanted by the Instron. The Instron GF TPA parameters have been determined for the most part by the original Texturometer procedures. Some workers have chosen to measure only one or several of the GF TPA parameters; others have added new ones. Changes proposed to make parameter names more descriptive have not been universally adopted. Testing conditions (crosshead and chart speed, % deformation, etc.) have varied considerably and have often been poorly described. Multiple point non-GF TPA has been performed on foods using homemade as well as commercial instruments, e.g., Instron, Ottawa Texture Measuring System. Major shortcomings of studies involving TPA include poor experimental design, absence or improper use of statistical analysis and incomplete description of experimental materials and testing conditions. Despite certain shortcomings, TPA (GF or non-GF) via interpretation of stress-strain curves is, and will continue to be, extremely useful in evaluating the textural quality of foods, particularly when parameters can be correlated with sensory assessments.
A Hotelling-Faustmann Explanation of the Structure of Christmas Tree Prices

We examine the relationship between a tree price and a tree age (height) using a Hotelling– Faustmann type model of optimal plantation management, which accounts for the possibility of replanting and biological growth. The model predictions are tested using the data on Christmas tree prices in North Carolina collected in December 1997. The estimates show that, in general, the rates of change in prices between adjacent age cohorts reflect a competitive equilibrium in the capital market thus supporting the Hotelling–Faustmann paradigm. Rigorous empirical testing of the basic economic models of optimal natural resource pricing has proven to be difficult. The source of the difficulty has been the unavailability of micro-level data on either prices or extraction-harvest rates for in situ resource stocks. 1 For nonrenewable resources, Hotelling’s famous pricing rule has rarely been tested with firm level data. Stollery’s study of the International Nickel Company of Canada supported Hotelling’s rule and Miller and Upton’s study of oil company values supported a corollary called the Hotelling Valuation Principle. Most other studies, such as Halvorsen and Smith and Farrow, have refuted this bedrock of natural resource economics. In fact, two studies of old growth timber (essentially a nonrenewable resource) provide some of the most compelling support for the Hotelling model (Berck; Johnson
Indentation and splitting of freshwater ice floes

Small-scale indentation and floe-splitting experiments were conducted on columnar ice floes of various sizes and at different speeds. During low-speed indentation (0.2--8 mm s{sup {minus}1}), the ice floes always split apart, while at higher indentation speeds (> 100 mm s{sup {minus}1}) they did not. The reason is attributed to differences in the process of deformation and failure. At low speed, a large zone of microcracked ice forms in front of the indentor. Development of compressive stresses in the microcracked ice zone leads to buildup of transverse forces that drive crack propagation. These zones of microcracked ice are not observed during high-speed indentation. Rather, the ice fails by continuous crushing. The theoretical effective pressure required to split an ice floe, as predicted by Bhat (1988), agrees to some extent with those measured during experiments.
Diminished temporal coding with sensorineural hearing loss emerges in background noise.

Noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss selectively worsens peripheral temporal coding in noisy compared with quiet conditions reports this study in chinchillas. This may explain why noisy conditions are particularly difficult for hearing-impaired people.
Linear force-free fields in the lower corona

We have computed the surface Green's function for linear force-free magnetic fields, where ▽ × B = κB and κ is a constant, for application to low coronal levels of the solar atmosphere. Boundary conditions are imposed on the normal component of B on two parallel planes which delineate the force-free volume. This procedure ensures that the magnetic field energy remains bounded, and that the field lines have a smooth behavior. A simple bipolar source distribution is treated and representative field line tracings are shown.
The Rotation State of 4015 Wilson-Harrington: Revisiting Origins for the Near-Earth Asteroids

CCD photometry performed on the comet-asteroid transition object 4015 Wilson-Harrington during its most recent apparition has provided a new rotational lightcurve with a standard double-peaked rotational period of 6.1 +/- 0.05 hr and an amplitude of 0.2 magnitudes. The size, rotation period, and lightcurve amplitude of this object are all similar to values found for near-Earth asteroids (NEA) and small main-belt asteroids. However, these values vary significantly from those of any previously well-studied cometary nuclei. In short, the range in cometary nuclear properties is greater than that indicated by the comets studied previously and although the statistics are still poor, the size and rotational properties of 4015 Wilson-Harrington do suggest that some fraction of NEAs are of cometary origin.
Latex rubber condoms: predicting and extending shelf life.

Abstract Condoms from five manufacturers were subjected to controlled exposures of heat, humidity, and air and to different natural environments in five countries. Under aerobic conditions (condoms in permeable packages or unpackaged), stress properties declined. The relationship between rate of decline as a function of temperature was quadratic. Under oxygen-restricted conditions (foil-wrapped packages) at average storage temperatures of 30°C and lower, strain properties declined with little or no significant change in stress properties. The effect is to cause condoms to become stiffer; high-breakage rates in use have been correlated with product stiffening. A new rationale for accelerated-aging tests to predict condom shelf stability is suggested, including a test to control the trend of condoms to stiffen. Silicone lubricant, impermeable packaging, and inclusion of antioxidants in the condom formulation can prevent or minimize aerobic breakdown of latex condoms. Specifying low-modulus condoms can prevent excessive stiffening.
Determination of glomerular filtration rate by external monitoring of chromium-51 labeled inulin

Abstract We have prepared a 51Cr-labeled inulin which is stable in the laboratory as well as in vivo. There is no unbound radioactivity to correct for, and, in the dog, simultaneous glomerular filtration rate studies using stable and radioactive inulin with urine and plasma sampling, give identical results. In this study, dogs were given a single intravenous injection of 100μ 51Cr-labelled inulin. Fifteen minutes later scintillation detectors were placed over the heart and kidneys, and the rate of disappearance of radioactivity was recorded for a 15-min period. A plasma sample was taken at the midpoint of the curve for calculation of absolute values. The substitution of external monitoring of each kidney for differential catherization of both ureters and the substitution of external monitoring of heart or forearm for repeated blood sampling, offer advantages in time, accuracy, convenience and safety, unobtainable with the chemical inulin procedures.
The structure and function of the labrum in the lobster Homarus gammarus (L.).

The labrum of decapod crustaceans is a soft lobe overhanging the mouth. The labral skeleton, musculature and innervation of Homarus gammarus are described. There are three bilateral groups of sensory neurons innervating the floor, lobe and lateral walls of the labrum. These are probably responsible for the phasic afferent activity that can be recorded from the inner labral nerve on mechanical deformation of the labrum. The labrum undergoes rhythmical retraction-protraction move­ments during ingestion and is shown to be active during both mandibular activity and oesophageal peristalsis. Studies were made on the duration and frequency of labral ‘swallowing’ activity. The role of the labrum in feeding is discussed.
A Case of Odontogenic Myxoma with Unusual Histological Features Mimicking a Fibro-Osseous Process

Odontogenic myxoma is a rare benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. This report describes a case of odontogenic myxoma producing diffusely dispersed calcified products in a pattern reminiscent of a fibro-osseous lesion of the jaw. Differential diagnoses for myxoid lesions of the jaws also are discussed. This paper highlights how an odontogenic myxoma can produce a large amount of calcified products to mimic a fibro-osseous process.
Using Function Keys for Quicker Data Entry

In the Retrospective Conversion Section of OCLC, each project team has a monthly goal of records to be converted. To reach that goal, the operators must be as efficient as possible, without sacrificing the quality of their work. Each operator uses an M300 Workstation to process shelflist cards according to specific customized instructions. Thousands of cards pass through an operator's hands, and converting a library's shelf‐list can involve a range of skills from updating an existing record with a minimum amount of editing to entering a new record—sometimes simple, sometimes complex—into the Online Union Catalog. Naturally the operators find that the user‐defined function keys are a terrific time‐saving device when used effectively. However, the level of an operator's expertise, as well as the degree of variety of the editing required on a project determine how the function keys are defined and used, if at all.
Peer effects in college academic outcomes – Gender matters!

Abstract An extensive literature exploring a range of peer influences on both academic and non-academic outcomes continues to produce contradictory evidence regarding the existence and magnitude of peer effects. Our results provide no evidence of peer effects in models where peer academic ability is measured in the aggregate. However, models that control for own-gender and other gender peer performance identify strong, positive, and statistically significant male peer influence on male students. In contrast, females are unresponsive to either male or female peer average academic rating. The results highlight the possibility that significant own gendered effects for males may be masked by insignificant effects in the aggregate.
TU-C-204B-06: Performance Evaluation of a Dual Cone-Beam CT (Dual CBCT) System

Purpose: Very little information is available for clinical CBCTimaging using a dual‐detector system. This study assesses the performance of a recently developed bench‐top dual large‐flat‐panel detectorscone beam computed tomography(CBCT)system and to characterize the imaging quality of the system for image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Method and Materials: A dual‐detector CBCTsystem with two large flat panels has been developed in our laboratory. Two systems were arranged orthogonally to each other on one optical bench. The designed source‐to‐detector distances and source‐to‐isocenter distances are 150 cm and 100 cm, respectively. The detectors are 40 × 30cm2 in size with 194μm‐pixels (Varian Paxscan 4030CB flat panels). A custom bow‐tie filter was designed for each subsystem. A tungsten wire phantom was scanned in order to evaluate the spatial resolution of the system. The Catphan phantom was also scanned to characterize noise, and Hounsfield unit (HU) linearity. The noise is evaluated by the homogenous slice and HU measurement is characterized by the sensitometric slice inside the Catphan. The performance of dual‐detector CBCTsystem is compared to that of single‐detector subsystem. Results: The spatial resolution of the dual‐detector CBCTsystem was almost the same as a single‐detector system and is mainly confined by the more inferior subsystem. No degradation in the noise performance of the dual CBCTsystem in comparison to a single CBCTsystem was observed. The measured signal‐to‐noise ratio was approximately 27.2 across one uniform slice. The reconstructed pixel values have demonstrated good linearity against known HU numbers. Linear fitting has shown an r2 value of 0.9985 for the sensitometric inserts. Conclusion: The dual‐detector CBCTsystem has comparable physical characteristics compared to a single‐detector CBCTsystem and therefore warrants further advanced application of the whole system.Conflict of Interest: This work is supported in part by Varian Medical Systems.
Extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection

We report the case of a 6-year-old child who underwent definitive conversion to the Fontan circulation using a newly conceived operative technique. This new procedure allows the operation to be performed as a totally extracardiac operation and is based on the hydrodynamic principles of the total cavopulmonary connection.
Reversible association of cytochalasin B with the human erythrocyte membrane. Inhibition of glucose transport and the stoichiometry of cytochalasin binding.

Abstract The effect of cytochalasin B upon glucose translocation across the human erythrocyte membrane has been investigated both by the classical Orskov method and the O2 uptake method recently described (Taverna, R.D.; Langdon, R.G. (1973) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 298, 412–421 and 422–428). Cytochalasin B was found to be a powerful noncompetitive inhibitor of glucose transport which had a kinetically determined Ki of 0.70 μM when measured by the Orskov method and 0.34 μM when measured by the O2 uptake method. Equilibrium binding studies revealed that there are approx. 330 000 cytochalasin binding sites per erythrocyte, and that the IDiss of cytochalasin bound to these sites is 40 nM. It is suggested that one of the major electrophoretically identifiable erythrocyte membrane proteins may be the cytochalasin binding site.
Transactivation of the Xenopus rRNA gene promoter by its enhancer.

A KEY question concerning the mechanism of transcriptional activation by enhancers is about the role of the DNA that connects the enhancer to the promoter1–3. The linking DNA will be important if a regulatory protein(s) binds to the enhancer and then tracks or slides along the DNA to the promoter, or if, on binding, the protein(s) alters the topological state of the DNA. By contrast, if the linking DNA loops out to allow the formation of a promoter-enhancer complex, or if the enhancer increases the local concentration of a transcription factor, co-linearity of the promoter and the enhancer will not be strictly required. In Xenopus laevis, the transcription of the ribosomal RNA genes is stimulated by an enhancer composed of repetitive sequences in the intergenic spacer regions4, 5. These repetitive elements contain 60 or 81 base pairs, and their activity is relatively independent of their position and orientation6–8. When the enhancer and promoter sequences are each located on separate DNA molecules, however, the enhancer is no longer able to augment transcription8. We have now tested whether or not this apparent requirement for having the enhancer and promoter in cis can be overcome by keeping them in close proximity while locating them separately on different molecules. This was achieved by generating multiply intertwined, dimeric catenanes in which the enhancer and promoter were located in trans on different rings. By injecting these catenanes into frog oocytes and measuring the activity of the enhancers in a series of competition assays, we were able to demonstrate that such enhancers can augment transcription in vivo.
Grasshopper response to reductions in habitat area as mediated by subfamily classification and life history traits

Although the loss of species is often attributed to reductions in habitat area, heterogeneity and connectivity, species specific traits and taxonomic relatedness can be important in explaining which species groups may be most impacted by the fragmentation process. In this study, using urban grassland fragments within the Front Range of northern Colorado, USA, we quantified the degree to which grasshopper species numbers declined with reductions in habitat area. We then examined the degree to which subfamily grouping (Gomphocerinae, Melanoplinae, Oedipodinae) and variation in life history characteristics (body size, dispersal ability, feeding preference and juvenile emergence time) explained which grasshopper species groups might be most impacted by reductions in habitat size. Our results showed a strong species-area relationship for grasshoppers across the urban fragments. Grasshoppers in different subfamily groupings were found to respond differentially, with the Melanoplinae being least affected by reductions in habitat area, while the other subfamilies responded similarly and lost species at a higher rate. Species with different feeding strategies were also found to respond differentially, with forbivorous species being least affected by the reductions in habitat area, while the graminivorous and herbivorous (mixed-feeders) responded similarly and lost species at a higher rate. As Melanoplinae tend to be forb feeders, this may partially explain why the subfamily was not as affected by the fragmentation process as the Gomphocerinae and Oedipodinae (who tend to be grass and mixed-feeders, respectively). Species that differed in body size and dispersal ability did not display differential responses to reductions in habitat area.
Doubts about Iconic Memory: A Reply to Coltheart, Lea and Thompson:

Replies are made to selected points in the Coltheart, Lea and Thompson (1974) paper. An alternative explanation is given for their experimental results.
Multiple-Gene Panels and the Future of Genetic Testing

Clinical cancer risk assessment is advancing from a past of single-gene testing toward a future of whole-genome sequencing. Cancer-focused panels of 6 to >100 genes have recently emerged into oncology practice, approximately doubling the number of patients for whom a genetic diagnosis can be made. Areas of uncertainty include the degree of cancer risk associated with mutations in specific genes on multiple-gene panels, and the optimal use of cancer risk-reducing interventions based on panel testing results. Clinician expertise is required for appropriate selection and interpretation of multiple-gene panels, and well-designed clinical trials will be essential to realize the full potential of new sequencing technologies.
Oscillations of Accretion Disks and Boundary Layers in Cataclysmic Variables. I. Unperturbed, Steady-Flow Models

We consider numerical models of accretion disks and boundary layers (BLs) around white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables (CVs). Our models include the effects of the radial viscous force and are created using the realistic OPAL opacities. We present the composite continuum spectrum of our "fiducial" BL model, which is hot and close to the primary and is a strong emitter of soft X-rays. We examine the effects on the structure of the BL of variations in the model parameters: the mass accretion rate , stellar mass M* and radius R*, stellar rotation rate Ω*, and viscosity parameter α. Finally, the ultraviolet colors of the models are computed for a range of system parameters and compared with the UV colors of observed CVs. We find that our models are consistent with the observed colors.
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of hunter–gatherers from the Coleman site, a Late Prehistoric cemetery in Central Texas

Abstract We report on a stable isotopic analysis of 17 hunter–gatherer burials from the Coleman site (41BX568), a Late Prehistoric Toyah Interval (700–350 years BP) occupation in Texas. Prior to our analysis, isotopic research on Toyah populations in Central Texas was represented by a single burial at site 41BX677. That burial showed an isotopic pattern suggestive of a diet heavily focused on CAM/C 4 plants and C 4 fauna. Coleman burials show a different pattern. While interpretations are complicated by high variability in the isotopic signatures of children and by differences in male and female diets possibly related to mate exchange, the 11 adult and adolescent burials at Coleman show a diet focused on C 3 fauna and the use of both C 3 and CAM/C 4 plants. The moderate CAM/C 4 plant use is a radical departure from a trend of increasing C 3 plant use that characterized hunter–gatherers in this region for at least 6200 years prior to the start of the Toyah Interval. Protein sources among Coleman adults probably centered on deer, but also included high nitrogen (δ 15 N) animals, such as fish. Males seem to have differential access to these high nitrogen sources. Two different isotopic patterns, one reflecting a focus on C 3 fauna and moderate use of CAM/C 4 plants, and a second reflecting C 4 fauna and extensive use of CAM/C 4 plants, are represented during Toyah. While interpretations are complicated by small sample sizes, these two patterns could simply reflect temporal differences, different acquisition strategies based on availability, or hint at different subsistence strategies. It may also be the case that the 41BX677 individual represents an immigrant into the Central Texas region, one with a different isotopic history.
An interview with George M. Gazda

Abstract Included in this interview is George Gazda's assessment of the current status of group work, the future trends, and his own contributions to the field
A Comparative Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Versus Exercise Therapy (ET) for the Treatment of Body Image Disturbance Preliminary Findings

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was compared to a combination of aerobic/anaerobic exercise therapy (ET) for the treatment of elevated levels of body image disturbance in college females. CBT consisted of a modification of the 1987 Butters and Cash procedure that was tailored for group intervention; ET consisted of weightlifting and aerobic dancing. Using a counterbalancing procedure, the same therapists conducted both 6-week interventions, which were compared to a nontreated control group. Results revealed equivalent reductions for both treatment groups when compared to controls on measures of body image disturbance reflective of trait and state body weight anxiety, cognitive-behavioral aspects of appearance, and overall body dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, few subjects were available for follow-up analyses, preventing an evaluation of the stability of changes. The findings are discussed with regard to the potential role of fitness training as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral interventions for body image disturbance.
The effect of chromosome constitution on growth in culture of human spontaneous abortions

The effect of chromosome constitution on growth in culture was evaluated by comparing the length of time in culture until cytogenetic analysis among chromosomally normal and abnormal spontaneous abortions. We observed a significant effect of both tissue type and cell type, but not chromosome constitution, on the rate of growth of the cultures.
Exploring How Product Development Practices Differ for Radical, More Innovative and Incremental Innovations

Researchers have argued that what may be sound management practice for the development of incremental innovations may well be detrimental to the development of radical innovations. Accordingly, researchers have sought to document differences in development practices for these two classes of innovations. Much of the research that has looked at development practices for radical innovations consists of qualitative, case studies. Because these studies involve so many different types of innovations, developed at different times and under very different circumstances, they provide only a preliminary understanding of how development best practice may indeed differ for different innovation types. This research explores differences in new product development practices among three project types ? incremental, more innovative, and radical. To our knowledge, no cross-organizational, quantitative studies have been conducted that document how development practices differ with respect to all three classes of innovations. Using a sample of 82 business units considered "exemplary" product developers, we investigate how development practices differ across these three classes of innovation with respect to process, organization, strategy, culture, and senior management commitment. While it is commonly accepted that incremental and radical innovation should be managed differently, the results of this study suggest otherwise. The management of new product development activities across project types may be more similar than previously thought.
The origin and distribution of the golden nematode and its potential in the U.S.A.

Potato cyst-nematodes,Globodera pallida andG. rostochiensis (golden nematode), and their preferred host, the potato, originated in the Andes of South America. Both were introduced into Europe from the Andean region, the potato about 1570 and the nematode nearly 300 years later. Potato cyst-nematodes are believed to have been introduced into Europe in the 1850’s along with potato collections from the Andes for use in breeding for late blight resistance, but the nematodes went unnoticed until 1881. Since that time the nematodes have spread to virtually everywhere that potatoes are grown, as one or both species have now been reported from 47 countries. It is believed that the golden nematode was introduced into the U.S.A. from Europe on military equipment brought back after the First World War to Long Island, NY, but the nematode was not recognized until some 20 years later. Yield losses in countries with general infestations of potato cyst-nematodes are probably 9% or more; the potential for losses is greatest in countries where average yields are greatest, such as the U.S.A. Good resistance to the pathotype of the nematode that occurs in the U.S.A. is commercially available. If all potatoes grown in the U.S.A. contained this resistance, further spread would be restricted and the golden nematode could perhaps be eliminated from the U.S.A.; but the present supply and diversity of resistant varieties are insufficient for the total potato acreage. Restricting spread of the golden nematode in the U.S.A. minimizes costs borne by growers and government agencies in dealing with the pest. At present, the most promising approach to restricting spread is through management systems developed for keeping nematode densities below the critical level above which spread will occur. If the golden nematode is to be contained, management systems must eventually be applied to all potato acreages. Increased research effort is needed to develop resistant varieties, resistance to a broad range of pathotypes, nematode management systems, and biological control
TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR OBSERVERS OF BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW

This review covers the past 25 years of research literature on training observers of behavior, specifically in the areas of interviewing, reducing rater bias, interpersonal perception and observation as a research tool. The focus is on training procedure (i.e., the various training designs and their components). An attempt is made to organize and systematize the research and to answer two important questions. Which approach(es) used to train observers of behavior has (have) been most successful? What are the theoretical or empirical bases for the development of those training programs?
Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors derived from mesenchymal cells. The histologic diversity of sarcomas is vast, and new discoveries in molecular alterations are enhancing our understanding of soft tissue sarcomas. The majority of sarcomas develop in the extremities and the retroperitoneum. A detailed history and physical exam along with high-quality cross-sectional imaging are important first steps in the workup of a soft tissue sarcoma. Management of sarcomas relies upon a multidisciplinary approach with multiple treatment options including surgery, radiation, and cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Efficient prediction of interconnect crosstalk using neural networks

Interconnect crosstalk prediction has become increasingly important with deep submicron downscaling of ICs and wafer scale integration. Existing tools for management of the emi problem are computationally expensive and not very broad in application. The unique approach proposed involves the creation of parameterized models of primitive interconnect structures, wirecells, using modular artificial neural networks (MANNs). The finite element method, a circuit simulator and a neural network multi-paradigm prototyping system are coupled together to produce a library of re-usable MANN-based wirecell models. The method is especially attractive because it is capable of modeling the simultaneous effect of several uncorrelated variables such as interconnect length, width, thickness, separation, conductor and insulating medium characteristics on crosstalk and delay. Equi-coupling contours called isocouples are derived for noise characterization to guide design activities such as placement (e.g. matched devices placed on same isocouple). Experimental results from a transconductance amplifier demonstrate the viability of the approach.
Plasmonic left-handed materials in optics

Summary form only given. Left-handed materials with negative refraction in the optical range are proposed based on metal nanowire structures. The optical properties of such nanocomposites and their novel applications are also discussed.
RGD-conjugated rod-like viral nanoparticles on 2D scaffold improve bone differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Viral nanoparticles have uniform and well-defined nano-structures and can be produced in large quantities. Several plant viral nanoparticles have been tested in biomedical applications due to the lack of mammalian cell infectivity. We are particularly interested in using Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), which has been demonstrated to enhance bone tissue regeneration, as a tuneable nanoscale building block for biomaterials development. Unmodified TMV particles have been shown to accelerate osteogenic differentiation of adult stem cells by synergistically upregulating BMP2 and IBSP expression with dexamethasone. However, the lack of affinity to mammalian cell surface resulted in low initial cell adhesion. In this study, to increase cell binding capacity of TMV based material the chemical functionalization of TMV with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide was explored. An azide-derivatized RGD peptide was “clicked” to tyrosine residues on TMV outer surface via an efficient copper(I) catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. The ligand spacing is calculated to be 2-4 nm, which could offer a polyvalent ligand clustering effect for enhanced cell receptor signalling, further promoting the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.
High-resolution Fourier-transform ultraviolet–visible spectrometer for the measurement of atmospheric trace species: application to OH

A compact, high-resolution Fourier-transform spectrometer for atmospheric near-ultraviolet spectroscopy has been installed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Table Mountain Facility ~34.4 °N, 117.7 °W, elevation 2290 m!. This instrument is designed with an unapodized resolving power near 500,000 at 300 nm to provide high-resolution spectra from 290 to 675 nm for the quantification of column abundances of trace atmospheric species. The measurement technique used is spectral analysis of molecular absorptions of solar radiation. The instrument, accompanying systems designs, and results of the atmospheric hydroxyl column observations are described. © 2001 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 010.1280, 120.0280, 300.6300, 300.6540.
Fuzzy logic control-a taxonomy of demonstrated benefits

The motivations for fuzzy logic control (FLC) are illuminated by exploring the benefits obtained by application designers through its use. A context for this exploration is set with a discussion of the characteristics of control policies and of the general attributes of FLC. Each benefit is described by reference to reported FLC implementations in which the benefit is demonstrated. Based on common features of the example applications, application preconditions for obtaining each benefit are stated. >
The nonlinear dynamics of baroclinic wave ensembles

A theory is developed to describe the weakly nonlinear dynamics which applies in the simultaneous presence of several, long, baroclinic waves. The geometry is flat (i.e. β = 0) and dissipation is modelled by Ekman friction in the context of the quasi-geostrophic two-layer model. Three main problems are discussed. For free, unstable waves it is shown that the wave which is realized in finite amplitude is not the linearly most unstable wave. Rather a longer wave, capable of achieving the single largest steady amplitude, is favoured in the competition for the potential energy of the basic state. This result is shown necessary if the end state is steady and numerous numerical calculations indicate the pre-eminence of the same wave if the final state is vacillatory. The notion of conjugate waves, capable of identical final amplitude, is also discussed.If the free waves are subject to time-varying supercriticality so that intervals of stability ensue, the response is asymmetric over the period of the forcing. Sufficiently rapid ‘seasonal’ forcing leads to long-term aperiodic response.If each wave in the spectrum is directly forced a wave hysteresis phenomenon occurs. Sudden jumps in the wave amplitude at critical values of the forcing are intrinsic to the wave response. Again, sufficiently rapid wave forcing produces an aperiodic response.The forced wave problem exhibits multiple equilibria. Each solution branch corresponds to a different dominant wave. The determination of the realized branch depends on the relative stability criteria developed for the free waves.
The Teacher Tenure Battle: Incompetence versus Job Security.

(1982). The Teacher Tenure Battle: Incompetence versus Job Security. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 56, No. 2, pp. 53-55.
Multiphoton ionization of hydrogen in parallel microwave and static fields: quantal and classical simulations

The ionization of hydrogen in strong microwave fields is a fundamental problem of atomic physics and nonlinear dynamics. When a strong static field is added parallel to a linearly polarized microwave field of comparable strength, transitions between dressed states take place simultaneously at several resonance frequencies. We present classical and quantal simulations of this intricate problem which reproduce its distinctive features very well.
The financial impact of biotechnology on hog production: a dynamic-stochastic capital budgeting simulation approach

The costs and returns associated with hog production vary according to regional location and type of operation. The authors evaluate the profitability of adopting a novel technology, porcine somatotropin by representative hog farms located in the six largest hog-producing states in the US using a dynamic stochastic capital budgeting simulation model. The results show that the simulated financial impacts of the technology are not uniform across the different representative hog farms. >
Enhanced Toughness Due to Stable Crack Tip Damage Zones in Bulk Metallic Glass

Bulk metallic glass alloys exhibit an impressive range of mechanical properties including large elastic strains to failure ({epsilon}{sub el} {approximately} 2{degree}) and high tensile strengths ({approximately}2 GPa). This paper describes the fracture behavior of a Zr{sub 41.25}Ti{sub 13.75}Ni{sub 10}Cu{sub 12.5}Be{sub 22.5} bulk metallic glass observed using a single edge notched fracture sample loaded in tension (SEN(T)). Fracture toughness values in excess of 130 MPa{radical}m were found. These high values are associated with significant crack tip plastic deformation and blunting. Localized shear bands and branched cracks form an energy dissipating damage zone at the crack tip. Surprisingly, the extent of the damage zone is less than that expected for a polycrystalline metallic material with similar yield strength and toughness.
Non‐parametric estimation for renewal processes from event count data

A procedure is developed for estimating the interevent time distribution of a stationary renewal process that uses only data in the form of counts (the number of events occurring in each of several adjacent disjoint intervals) that are predominantly zeros and ones. Some properties of the procedure are derived, and the procedure's performance is assessed via Monte Carlo simulation.
Incentivizing Quality in the Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals: Industry Views on Quality Metrics and Ratings.

Background:An increasing number of industry-wide quality breaches and consequential drug shortages have fueled interest in finding better ways to improve the manufacturing quality of pharmaceutical...
An asymptotic solution of the difference equation an + 1 − an = a[n2]

Abstract An asymptotic formula, having bounded relative error, is developed for the numerical sequence with the recurrence relation a 0 = a 1 = 1, a n + 1 = a n + a [ n α ] for α > 1 .
An object placement advisor for DB2 using solid state storage

Solid state disks (SSDs) provide much faster random access to data compared to conventional hard disk drives. Therefore, the response time of a database engine could be improved by moving the objects that are frequently accessed in a random fashion to the SSD. Considering the price and limited storage capacity of solid state disks, the database administrator needs to determine which objects (tables, indexes, materialized views, etc.), if placed on the SSD, would most improve the performance of the system. In this paper we propose a tool called "Object Placement Advisor" for making a wise decision for the object placement problem. By collecting profile inputs from workload runs, the advisor utility provides a list of objects to be placed on the SSD by applying heuristics like the greedy knapsack technique or dynamic programming. To show that the proposed approach is effective in conventional database management systems, we have conducted experiments on IBM DB2 with queries and schemas based on the TPC-H and TPC-C benchmarks. The results indicate that using a relatively small amount of SSD storage, the response time of the system can be reduced significantly by considering the recommendation of the advisor.