cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of deep learning to radar remote sensing

Although the origins of radar can be traced back to the military, since its inception, civilian applications have flourished, especially those related to remote sensing. Applications such as object (e.g., ship or vehicle) detection directly translate from their military counterparts of airborne and ground-based automatic target recognition (ATR). However, most applications involving the remote sensing of the environment fundamentally reverse the way radar backscattering is perceived. In detection and recognition, scattering from any surface other than the object is regarded as “clutter”- undesirable reflections that ought to be removed or suppressed in the data so that the true nature of the object of interest can be ascertained. However, in environmental remote sensing, it is the surface or volume scattering that we seek to understand and exploit. In many cases, remote sensing aims at extracting geophysical properties, which can be related back to the way materials interact with electromagnetic waves. Examples include soil moisture or water concentration, terrain elevation, biomass, mass movement rates, hydrometeor type, plant health, drought tolerance, crop yield, ice layers, and snow thickness. Because deep learning (DL) was originally developed in consideration of real-valued data and optical images, the potential performance, architectures, and optimization of deep neural networks (DNNs) operating on radar remote sensing data must be reassessed. The relationship between geophysical properties, electromagnetic scattering, and the RF data representations used to reveal these relationships creates vast, complex, multidimensional, and time-varying datasets over which DL can be leveraged. Thus, the rich and unique qualities of remote sensing data present new challenges for DL, which has driven much research in this area.
Embeddings in Manifolds

A topological embedding is a homeomorphism of one space onto a subspace of another. The book analyzes how and when objects like polyhedra or manifolds embed in a given higher-dimensional manifold. The main problem is to determine when two topological embeddings of the same object are equivalent in the sense of differing only by a homeomorphism of the ambient manifold. Knot theory is the special case of spheres smoothly embedded in spheres; in this book, much more general spaces and much more general embeddings are considered. A key aspect of the main problem is taming: when is a topological embedding of a polyhedron equivalent to a piecewise linear embedding? A central theme of the book is the fundamental role played by local homotopy properties of the complement in answering this taming question. The book begins with a fresh description of the various classic examples of wild embeddings (i.e., embeddings inequivalent to piecewise linear embeddings). Engulfing, the fundamental tool of the subject, is developed next. After that, the study of embeddings is organized by codimension (the difference between the ambient dimension and the dimension of the embedded space). In all codimensions greater than two, topological embeddings of compacta are approximated by nicer embeddings, nice embeddings of polyhedra are tamed, topological embeddings of polyhedra are approximated by piecewise linear embeddings, and piecewise linear embeddings are locally unknotted. Complete details of the codimension-three proofs, including the requisite piecewise linear tools, are provided. The treatment of codimension-two embeddings includes a self-contained, elementary exposition of the algebraic invariants needed to construct counterexamples to the approximation and existence of embeddings. The treatment of codimension-one embeddings includes the locally flat approximation theorem for manifolds as well as the characterization of local flatness in terms of local homotopy properties.
Extended Consumer Involvement Profiles: The Concept and its Illustration

Laurent and Kapferer's (1985a and b) 4-faceted consumer involvement profiles are extended to 8-faceted profiles. The original profile contained two facets pertinent to product class involvement, and two, nonparallel with the first two, pertinent to brand-decision involvement. The extended profile developed herein has 4 matching facets each for product-class and brand-decision involvement. This new profile is shown to explain several consumer behaviors significantly better than the original profile. Illustrative implications of our work for marketing communications are outlined.
Inheritable Epigenetics in Genetic Programming

Classical genetic programming solves problems by applying the Darwinian concepts of selection, survival and reproduction to a population of computer programs. Here we extend the biological analogy to incorporate epigenetic regulation through both learning and evolution. We begin the chapter with a discussion of Darwinian, Lamarckian, and Baldwinian approaches to evolutionary computation and describe how recent findings in biology differ conceptually from the computational strategies that have been proposed. Using inheritable Lamarckian mechanisms as inspiration, we propose a system that allows for updating of individuals in the population during their lifetime while simultaneously preserving both genotypic and phenotypic traits during reproduction. The implementation is made simple through the use of syntax-free, developmental, linear genetic programming. The representation allows for arbitrarily-ordered genomes to be syntactically valid programs, thereby creating a genetic programming approach upon which quasi-uniform epigenetic updating and inheritance can easily be applied. Generational updates are made using an epigenetic hill climber (EHC), and the epigenetic properties of genes are inherited during crossover and mutation. The addition of epigenetics results in faster convergence, less bloat, and an improved ability to find exact solutions on a number of symbolic regression problems.
Degradation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol by the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Under secondary metabolic conditions the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium rapidly mineralizes 2,4,5-trichlorophenol. The pathway for degradation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol was elucidated by the characterization of fungal metabolites and oxidation products generated by purified lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). The multistep pathway involves cycles of peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative dechlorination reactions followed by quinone reduction reactions to yield the key intermediate 1,2,4,5-tetrahydroxybenzene, which is presumably ring cleaved. In the first step of the pathway, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol is oxidized to 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone by either MnP or Lip. 2,5-Dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone is then reduced to 2,5-dichloro-1,4-hydroquinone. The 2,5-dichloro-1,4-hydroquinone is oxidized by MnP to generate 5-chloro-4-hydroxy-1,2-benzoquinone. The orthoquinone is in turn reduced to 5-chloro-1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene. Finally, the 5-chlorotrihydroxybenzene undergoes another cycle of oxidative dechlorination and reduction reactions to generate 1,2,4,5-tetrahydroxybenzene. The latter is presumably ring cleaved, with subsequent degradation to CO2. In this pathway, the substrate is oxidatively dechlorinated by LiP or MnP in a reaction which produces a quinone. The quinone intermediate is recycled by a reduction reaction to regenerate an intermediate which is again a substrate for peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative dechlorination. This pathway apparently results in the removal of all three chlorine atoms before ring cleavage occurs.
Structural differences in the nucleic acids of some tobacco mosaic virus strains: II. Di- and tri-nucleotides in ribonuclease digests

Abstract The nucleic acids isolated from three strains of tobacco mosaic virus were digested with pancreatic ribonuclease at 23° for twelve hours at pH 7.6. The di-nucleotides, adenylyl-cytidylic acid, adenylyl-uridylic acid and guanylyl-uridylic acid and a tri-nucleotide, adenylyl-guanylyl-cytidylic acid were isolated from such digests and estimated. There was a significant difference in the amounts of these occurring in each of the digests. From the results it was concluded that the way the individual nucleotides are arranged in each of the nucleic acids of TMV, HR and M is different.
Formation of a ternary complex between thrombin, fibrin monomer, and heparin influences the action of thrombin on its substrates

The consequences of the combined effects of fibrin II monomer (FnIIm) and heparin (H) on the hydrolysis of peptidyl p-nitroanilide substrates by thrombin (IIa), the cleavage of prothrombin by thrombin and the thrombin-catalyzed release of fibrinopeptides from fibrinogen have been studied at pH 7.4 and I 0.15. The effects of fibrin II monomer and heparin on chromogenic substrate hydrolysis can be described by a hyperbolic mixed inhibition model in which substrate can interact with four possible enzyme species (IIa, IIa.H, IIa.FnIIm, and IIa.FnIIm.H) that arise as a result of random formation of a ternary complex among thrombin, fibrin II monomer, and heparin (Hogg, P. J. and Jackson, C. M. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 241-247). The formation of the ternary IIa.FnIIm.H complex results in an increase in the Km values of 7.03 +/- 1.17-fold (1.37-9.65 microM) and 1.94 +/- 0.60-fold (38.1-73.9 microM) for H-D-Ile-Pro-Arg-pNA and Cbz-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA hydrolysis, respectively, and a decrease in the kc values of 0.45 +/- 0.08-fold (49.5-22.3 s-1) and 0.52 +/- 0.05-fold (93.1-48.4 s-1). Fibrin II monomer and heparin in combination also decrease the efficiency (kc/Km) with which thrombin cleaves prothrombin to produce Fragment 1 and Prethrombin 1 by 2.3-fold from 607 +/- 30 to 264 +/- 13 M-1 s-1. In contrast to the effects of fibrin II monomer and heparin on thrombin hydrolysis of chromogenic substrates, its proteolysis of prothrombin and its inactivation by antithrombin III (Hogg, P. J., and Jackson, C. M. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 86, 3619-3623), these components have no discernible influence on the ability of thrombin to cleave fibrinogen. These observations indicate that the substrate specificity of thrombin is altered when it is bound in a complex with fibrin II monomer and heparin and suggest that the catalytic efficiency of thrombin for its physiological substrates will be affected differentially by these interactions. Such ternary complex formation involving thrombin, fibrin II monomer, and heparin may provide a mechanism for selectively regulating thrombin action.
Magnetism, Spin Fluctuations and Superconductivity in Perovskite Ruthenates

The triplet superconducting state of Sr2RuO4 and the rich variety of magnetic ground states observed in perovskite ruthenates are discussed using results from density functional calculations. We emphasize the importance of itinerant effects, which lead to a high sensitivity of the magnetic state to structural degrees of freedom as well as connections between the Fermiology and properties.
Description of an oscillating flow test program

A description of the University of Minnesota Oscillating Flow Test Program is presented. The rationale for isolating the oscillating flow effect for separate study, the objectives of the test program, and the program design criteria are presented along with a description of the test facility and the test plan. The program test domain covers almost the entire operating domain of Stirling engine heat exchangers expressed in terms of the appropriate dimensionless parameters. Phenomena important to Stirling engine performance which are not simulated in the test program are also discussed. Computer analysis results are used to predict apparatus performance.
Scenario-Based Static Analysis of UML Class Models

Static analysis tools, such as OCLE and USE, can be used to analyze structural properties of class models. The USE tool also provides support for analyzing specified operations through interactive simulations in which users provide operation parameters, and manually assign values to state elements to reflect the effect of an operation. In this paper we describe an approach to statically analyzing behavior that does not require a user to manually simulate behavior. The approach involves transforming a class model into a static model of behavior, called a Snapshot Model. A Snapshot Model characterizes sequences of snapshots, where a snapshot describes an application state. A scenario describing a sequence of operation invocations can be verified against a Snapshot Model using tools such as USE and OCLE. We illustrate our approach by verifying a scenario against a Snapshot Model that describes the behavior of some operations in a role-based access control (RBAC) application.
Finite-band noise theory and experiment for four-wave mixing in RZ transmission systems

The finite-band noise theory of four wave mixing (FWM) is introduced. It was validated using simulations and experiments. It predicts FWM noise scaling with bit alignment among channels and enables comparisons between RZ and NRZ modulation formats. We introduced a general finite-band technique for calculating the contribution of FWM to Q and validated it using both numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. This theory shows that the level of FWM noise or cross talk decreases as the bit slots are shifted and that the FWM Q for RZ formatted data tends to be larger than that in systems with NRZ modulation.
Hospital Utilization After a Telemonitoring Program: A Pilot Study

The long-term effects of remote monitoring on hospital utilization and health care costs are understudied in home health care. The researchers performed a retrospective study, in a hospital-based home health care agency, to consider the effects of remote monitoring in 326 patients with heart failure 90 days after discharge from services. While statistical significance was not noted, clinical significance suggests that there was a decreased hospital utilization rate and decreased average cost per hospitalization in the remote monitoring group.
Modeling cell rheology with the Subcellular Element Model

Recently, the Subcellular Element Model (SEM) has been introduced, primarily to compute the dynamics of large numbers of three-dimensional deformable cells in multicellular systems. Within this model framework, each cell is represented by a collection of elastically coupled elements, interacting with one another via short-range potentials, and dynamically updated using over-damped Langevin dynamics. The SEM can also be used to represent a single cell in more detail, by using a larger number of subcellular elements exclusively identified with that cell. We have tested whether, in this context, the SEM yields viscoelastic properties consistent with those measured on single living cells. Employing virtual methods of bulk rheology and microrheology we find that the SEM successfully captures many cellular rheological properties at intermediate time scales and moderate strains, including weak power law rheology. In its simplest guise, the SEM cannot describe long-time/large-strain cell responses. Capturing these cellular properties requires extensions of the SEM which incorporate active cytoskeletal rearrangement. Such extensions will be the subject of a future publication.
Magnetization and specific heat of amorphous magnets and high-temperature crystalline magnets

It is shown that the magnetization and the specific heat of amorphous magnets can be expressed in terms of averages of the magnetization and specific heat of small domains in which the spins are assumed to be alike. The results for the Ising and Heisenberg models with S = 12 can be compared with experiments on crystalline magnets at high temperatures where spin waves can be neglected. For the Heisenberg antiferromagnet the polarization of each spin, |〈Izl〉|, at T = 0 is less than 12. The susceptibility χ, does not follow a Curie-Weiss law except for high temperatures. The specific heat shows a sharp maximum and under certain conditions may show another broad maximum. To discuss spin glasses the results obtained for a single domain have to be averaged. The parameters to be averaged are discussed. An example for dilute magnetic alloys is considered in detail.
Thermal shape fluctuations at constant energy

Abstract The constant energy ensemble is used to calculate statistical shape fluctuations in hot rotating nuclei. Comparisons are made with the constant temperature ensemble.
Megavoltage imaging with a large-area, flat-panel, amorphous silicon imager

Abstract Purpose: The creation of the first large-area, amorphous silicon megavoltage imager is reported. The imager is an engineering prototype built to serve as a stepping stone toward the creation of a future clinical prototype. The engineering prototype is described and various images demonstrating its properties are shown including the first reported patient image acquired with such an amorphous silicon imaging device. Specific limitations in the engineering prototype are reviewed and potential advantages of future, more optimized imagers of this type are presented. Methods and Materials: The imager is based on two-dimensional, pixelated array containing amorphous silicon field-effect transistors and photodiode sensors which are deposited on a thin glass substrate. The array has a 512 × 560-pixel format and a pixel pitch of 450 μm giving an imaging area of ∼ 23 × 25 cm 2 . The array is used in conjunction with an overlying metal plate/phosphor screen converter as well as an electronic acquisition system. Images were acquired fluoroscopically using a megavoltage treatment machine. Results: Array and digitized film images of a variety of anthropomorphic phantoms and of a human subject are presented and compared. The information content of the array images generally appears to be at least as great as that of the digitized film images. Conclusions: Despite a variety of severe limitations in the engineering prototype, including many array defects, a relatively slow and noisy acquisition system, and the lack of a means of generate images in a radiographic manner, the prototype nevertheless generated clinically useful information. The general properties of these amorphous silicon arrays, along with the quality of the images provided by the engineering prototype, strongly suggest that such arrays could eventually form the basis of a new imaing technology for radiotherapy localization and verification. The development of a clinically useful prototype offering high-quality images, ultimately with an ∼52 × 52-cm 2 detection surface, is anticipated.
Effects of Verbal Reinforcement Combination on Children's Responses to Blank Trials.

Abstract Seventy-two children received blocks of two-choice verbal discrimination items in each of three verbal reinforcement combinations (VRC): “right”-“wrong” (RW), “right”-blank (RB), blank-“wrong” (BW). Each item was presented first with feedback governed by the VRC, then immediately re-presented. This time half the Ss received VRC-governed feedback (KR), and half received blank always, being so instructed (NKR). There was a strong a priori tendency to repeat choices called blank (no feedback) in all conditions. In KR repetitions declined across trials in RB and increased in BW, depending somewhat on preceding VRC's. RW contributed to RB, and RB to BW. In NKR there was no across-trials change in repetition after blank trials. Ss in KR were far less likely in BW than RB to continue responding to blank on an incorrect basis, so as to choose wrongly on re-presentations. It was concluded that blank as uninformative feedback differs in its effects from blank as part of a VRC, that an available test against overt feedback is critical for altering assumptions about blank, and that the feedback arrangement inherent in BW is more favorable to correctly interpreting blank than that of RB. This, in addition to the a priori tendency to repeat after blank, are cause for the inferiority of RB to BW when, as in the current experiment, “right” and “wrong” are equally effective and occur with equal frequency.
Metal toxicity for rabbit alveolar macrophages in vitro

Abstract A model system in vitro has been employed to assess the relative cytotoxic properties of soluble salts of metals that occur as environmental contaminants. Rabbit alveolar macrophages obtained by lung lavage were exposed in tissue culture for 20 hours to chlorides of Cd2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Cr3+ and to ammonium vanadate (VO3−). All metals except Cd2+ produced significant decreases in numbers of cells at concentrations that affected cell viability. Cd2+ was unique in decreasing cell viability without causing cell lysis. In comparing the relative cytotoxicity of the various metals, the number of viable cells remaining after 20 hours was expressed as a percent of the total number of cells in control cultures at 20 hours. Thus, the net number of viable cells was decreased to 50% of control at concentrations of 0.1 m m Cd2+ and VO3− or 4–5 m m Ni2+, Mn2+, and Cr3+. The specific activity of acid phosphatase, a lysosomal indicator enzyme, was also decreased at similar concentrations. Using scanning electron microscopy it was possible to correlate surface alterations with exposure concentrations and cell viabilities so as to suggest a mode and sequence of cell injury which may ultimately lead to cell death.
The ultra-thin, fascia-only anterolateral thigh flap

Background While many potential donor sites have been described for fascial (fascia-only) flaps, a fascial flap harvested from the anterolateral thigh (ALT) donor site has not gained popularity, likely because of concerns regarding inadequate perfusion of the deep fascia. However, recent clinical experience demonstrates that the ALT fascia-only flap is a suitable option for reconstructions necessitating thin and pliable coverage. Methods In this study a retrospective chart review was performed examining the clinical experience of two plastic surgeons with the fascia-only ALT perforator flap from 2008 to 2012. Each flap was initially raised as a standard ALT flap, but all the overlying skin and adipose tissue was excised off the deep fascia before the inset, resulting in the creation of a fascia-only ALT flap. Immediate split- or full-thickness skin grafts were used to cover the flap. The results are reported in this article. Results Overall seven patients underwent reconstruction of wounds using either free (six) or pedicled (one) fascia-only ALT flaps (length, 10–20 cm, width, 5–10 cm). The following regions were successfully reconstructed using a fascia-only ALT flap: occipital scalp, lower extremity, upper extremity, and groin. All patients were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions The fascia-only ALT flap was successfully used to reconstruct a variety of defects in seven patients. The authors experience demonstrates the viability of the fascia-only version of the ALT flap for reconstructions requiring thin coverage with good contour, and further adds to the versatility of the ALT as a donor site for flaps.
Utilization of copper as a paramagnetic probe for the binuclear metal center of phosphotriesterase.

Abstract Bacterial phosphotriesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphate triesters. To be active, the enzyme requires that two divalent cations are bound. These metal ions are bound in close proximity to one another as a binuclear center. To characterize the structure and function of the binuclear metal binding sites, we have prepared the copper-substituted enzyme. The kinetic data indicate that this enzyme is essentially inactive toward the hydrolysis of phosphotriesters. The EPR signal arising from the copper-substituted enzyme is nearly axial, with g || = 2.24 and g ⊥ = 2.05 and shows at least seven superhyperfine transitions in the g ⊥ region with A ⊥ = 1.45 × 10 −3 cm −1 . These splittings are consistent with the direct ligation of more than one nitrogen to the metal center. The average spin quantitation of copper-substituted enzymes are 0.6 spin/Cu, approximately half of that observed for noninteracting Cu 2+ ions. The spin intensity increases to ca. 1 spin/Cu when samples are denatured with acid. The binding of metal ions to the designated α and β sites is highly synergistic (i.e., the metal ions bind in pairs). Mixed metal complexes of the type Cu/X and X/Cu were prepared. When X is a diamagnetic ion (Zn 2+ or Cd 2+ ), the spin quantitation increases, but when X is the paramagnetic Co 2+ ion, the spin quantitation decreases. This behavior indicates that the low spin intensities observed for copper-substituted phosphotriesterase arise from spin-coupling of the two adjacent Cu 2+ ions. The addition of dithiothreitol, ascorbate, or dithionite to the copper-substituted phosphotriesterase results in nearly the complete loss of spin intensity. This indicates that the bound coppers can be reduced to the cuprous state.
Outcomes of Cued Vascular Catheters Placed in Interventional Radiology

The clinical outcomes of placing a vascular-cuffed catheter affect the morbidity and homeostasis of chronic renal insufficiency patients. We followed the outcomes of patients using cuffed catheters placed by Interventional Radiology for dialysis use. Outcome criteria for catheters placed included hospitalization days, infections, replacement of catheters, patency use, and achieved physician ordered flow rates. The conclusion we show will hopefully influence various radiology professionals from the basic care to advanced care practitioner. We as health care professionals can increase the positive outcome and decrease return visits of patients with catheter dependent medical care.
Cost benefit analysis of information systems: a survey of methodologies

Cost justification has become one of the most important factors influencing the pace of business automation, particularly end user computing. The primary difficulty in cost justification is the evaluation of benefits. This paper identifies and discusses eight methodologies which have evolved to quantify the benefits of information systems. These are: decision analysis, cost displacement/avoidance, structural models, cost of effectiveness analysis, breakeven analysis, subjective analysis, time savings times salary, and the work value model.
A qualitative follow-up study of women's experiences with oocyte donation

Oocyte donation is growing at an exponential rate. Currently, thousands of women donate each year. The health services that donors receive deserve evaluation. Thirty-three former donors were recruited from IVF clinics, a matching agency, the Internet, advertisements, and word of mouth. In-depth interviews were conducted to learn what motivated the donation, to determine how satisfied donors were with the experience and what issues played a role in donor satisfaction, and to identify recommendations to improve the process. None of the participants regretted their decision to donate, but they were not always completely satisfied with the donation experience. The physical process, compensation, quality of medical care, and level of involvement in the process were the primary factors that affected satisfaction. Matching agencies and IVF clinics may improve donor satisfaction by: minimizing trips to the clinic; using protocols that limit the number of intramuscular injections; reducing the risk of hyperstimulation syndrome; providing follow-up care; reimbursing for expenses such as lost work, travel, and child care; separating direct reimbursements from 'income' to decrease the amount of taxes donors must pay on compensation; treating donors with respect and appreciation; and informing them about the outcome. Improved donor satisfaction is likely to improve donor recruitment and retention.
Antagonism of diuretic action of thyroxine by ethanol.

SummaryAlthough thyroxine and ethanol possess diuretic activity when administered alone, the administration of 8.5% ethanol to rats pretreated with 20 μg of thyroxine per day for 7 days abolishes the diuretic action of the thyroxine. The ethanol block is not caused by a decrease in the rate of absorption of fluid from the intestine. The mechanism by which ethanol blocks the diuretic action of thyroxine is not apparent from the available data.
No Buts About It...The Value of Urban Food Production: Response #4 to Hallsworth and Wong’s viewpoint

First paragraphs: In their provocative essay, Alan Hallsworth and Alfred Wong (2013) contend that academics, activists, and policy makers exaggerate the benefits of urban food gardening. They state: "There is no basis to expect that [urban gardening] could ever deliver fresher food and/or lower cost foods." The authors attempt to explain the shortcomings of urban gardening as a food security strategy by highlighting its barriers in Vancouver, Canada, especially the climactic obstacles to production in northern regions and the age-old real estate adage of "highest and best land use" that precludes urban food production. Hallsworth and Wong's assumptions could not be more incorrect, and rather than simply stoking debate, the authors unwittingly provide fodder for the detractors of urban agriculture, of which there are many. Indeed, urban gardening plays a significant role within the city as public space, as an economic development strategy, and as a community-organizing tool. Most importantly, urban food production contributes to household food security. To cite just one example from my own research: a ½ acre (0.2 ha) urban farm project in Brooklyn, New York — East New York Farms! — produces over USD20,000 of fresh produce annually in a neighborhood defined by disparities in fresh food access. Over 70 percent of the farm's transactions are made through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (i.e., food stamps), meaning that fresh produce is reaching community members in high need (personal interview with East New York Farms manager, June 15, 2010). The essay fails to convince precisely because it relies on false assumptions and narrow understandings of urban gardening. Hallsworth and Wong acknowledge the value of only the "personal enjoyment" of growing food and the "socializing" benefits of community gardening. The authors suggest that urban gardening has some redeeming productive capacity, but not for "most people" who believe that "greater [food] security flows from food that is in some way local." Certainly it is a mistake, the authors explain, to think we can "return to the days of 'growing (all) one's own food.'" Yet nowhere in the essay do Hallsworth and Wong justify these assumptions. Urban food production is re-emerging in complex and contradictory ways throughout North America. The growing movement is not predicated on false hopes of its productive potential, but recognizes urban cultivation as one of many approaches to address inequalities in the conventional food system....
Illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids among young polydrug users in Ohio

This study, conducted in Columbus, Ohio, identified the predictors of current (past 30 day) illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids among young individuals (n=402) with a history of MDMA/ecstasy use who were recruited in 2002-2003 using respondent-driven sampling. To be eligible, participants had to be 18-30 years old, not involved in a drug abuse treatment, and report MDMA/ecstasy use at least once in the past 6 months. About 81% reported lifetime, and more than 31% reported current illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids. Logistic regression analysis revealed that illicit use of pharmaceutical tranquilizers and pharmaceutical stimulants were the strongest predictors of illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids. Risk of pharmaceutical opioid use was also greater among those who had higher levels of depressive symptoms and reported current use of hallucinogens and inhalants. Our findings suggest that the non-medical use of pharmaceutical opioids is a part of polydrug use practices that often incorporate illicit use of other prescription drugs. The observed relationship between depressive symptoms and illicit use of pharmaceutical opioids may have important implications for prevention programming and should be examined in future research.
Career Advancement and Behavioral Style Among Alabama's Public Managers: A Comparison by Sex

This paper reports findings from a survey conducted on Alabama state employees who hold middle and upper level managerial positions (N=317). The fundamental question addressed in the analysis of these data is whether or not men and women differ in key aspects related to their career advancement and style of management. Of specific interest are issues related to helps and hindrances in career development, family obligations, types of mentors, and behavioral style. The findings are consistent with those in other states where comparable surveys have been conducted.
Decision-making when data and inferences are not conclusive: risk-benefit and acceptable regret approach.

The absolute truth in research is unobtainable, as no evidence or research hypothesis is ever 100% conclusive. Therefore, all data and inferences can in principle be considered as “inconclusive.” Scientific inference and decision-making need to take into account errors, which are unavoidable in the research enterprise. The errors can occur at the level of conclusions that aim to discern the truthfulness of research hypothesis based on the accuracy of research evidence and hypothesis, and decisions, the goal of which is to enable optimal decision-making under present and specific circumstances. To optimize the chance of both correct conclusions and correct decisions, the synthesis of all major statistical approaches to clinical research is needed. The integration of these approaches (frequentist, Bayesian, and decision-analytic) can be accomplished through formal risk:benefit (R:B) analysis. This chapter illustrates the rational choice of a research hypothesis using R:B analysis based on decision-theoretic expected utility theory framework and the concept of “acceptable regret” to calculate the threshold probability of the “truth” above which the benefit of accepting a research hypothesis outweighs its risks.
Electrical activity of the brain as a reflection of inhibitory phenomena

Abstract Using a concept of active inhibition, similar to that proposed by Sherrington, it is possible to relate gross electrophysiological recordings (EEG) of diverse types. It is suggested that rhythmic activity such as “alpha”, “rhythm en arceaux” and sleep spindles reflect inhibitory systems in a relaxed state, i.e. while they are “idling”. On the basis of this hypothesis data is reported showing cultural-familial retardates having 5–6 times the normal amount of sleep spindles during Stage 2 sleep. Further, with investigations of “theta” recorded from the hippocampus of the cat additional support was found for this hypothesis.
The value of in vitro drug activity and pharmacokinetics in predicting the effectiveness of antimycobacterial therapy : A critical review

Marked increases in case rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections have brought renewed urgency to the development of new treatment regimens for mycobacterial infections. Preclinical data, such as in vitro measures of drug activity and pharmacokinetics, are used in the design of new treatment regimens. This review surveys the extensive published clinical experience concerning the treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis to evaluate the use of these preclinical measures in predicting clinical outcomes of antimycobacterial therapy. In vitro measures of drug activity predict the potency of a drug to prevent the emergence of resistance to other antimycobacterial drugs but do not predict the sterilizing activity of a drug or the activity of drug combinations. In vitro measures of drug activity do not allow reliable predictions of the level at which an organism should be considered resistant. Assays of drug penetration in tissues and activity against intracellular bacilli add modestly to the predictive value of in vitro measures of drug activity but still do not predict sterilizing activity. In contrast, animal models of tuberculosis have predicted relative drug potency (including sterilizing activity), the efficacy of multidrug regimens, and the duration of therapy needed. Despite pharmacokinetic parameters that would suggest the need for multiple doses per day, all of the first-line antituberculous drugs are active when given as infrequently as twice weekly. It is difficult to predict the efficacy of therapy for an intracellular pathogen that has the capacity for dormancy. Better in vitro models are needed, particularly ones that predict sterilizing activity.
Cytologic features of small-cell carcinoma on ThinPrep®

The use of ThinPrep (TP) technology for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has become widely accepted. However, some literature suggests that small-cell carcinoma may present a diagnostic pitfall due to morphologic alterations. In this study, we retrospectively compared 14 FNA of small-cell carcinoma prepared using TP with corresponding conventional smears (CS). We also examined the TP appearance of 23 other small round-cell lesions in order to determine if differential diagnostic features were preserved. TP and CS were evaluated semiquantitatively for background, architecture, chromatin quality, nuclear molding, nuclear smearing, nucleolar prominence, amount of cytoplasm, nuclear size, and single-cell necrosis. The data were analyzed using the McNemar chi(2) test. TP slides of small-cell carcinoma showed a cleaner background than CS (P < 0.005). Although some degree of nuclear molding was preserved, it was decreased in amount (P < 0.025) and subtler in quality. Similarly, nuclear smearing was present but decreased in amount (P < 0.05), and less prominent qualitatively. The amount of discernible cytoplasm was greater on TP (P < 0.005). No significant differences were found for any of the other parameters studied. The presence of nuclear molding was the single most useful feature in differentiating small-cell carcinoma from other small round-cell tumors on TP. Small-cell carcinoma may be diagnosed with confidence by FNA using TP. However, pathologists should be aware of certain morphologic alterations in order to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
Test appropriate strategies in retention of categorized lists

Four categorized lists were presented for a single study and test trial. Form of retention test (recognition, cued recall, or free recall) for Lists 1–3 was factorially combined with that of List 4. Learning to learn was evident only for cued recall and improvement in that condition was primarily due to an increase in the number of items per category recalled. Effects in Test 4 performance provided evidence that study strategy depended on the form of test anticipated. Subjects anticipating a cued recall test apparently spent less time studying category names and more time on the study of category instances than did subjects preparing for free recall. Implications of test-appropriate study strategies for theories of memory are considered.
Oblique Shock Relations for Air at Mach 7.8 and 7200 R Stagnation Temperature

Oblique shock relations for dissociated air in thermodynamic equilibrium have been calculated for a free stream flow Mach number of 7.8 in the test section with an equilibrium stagnation temperature of 7200 R in the reservoir. The results for the density, pressure and temperature ratios, and flow deflection across the shock wave are presented as functions of the shock wave angle. Complete equilibrium has been assumed in the calculations, utilizing the best available thermodynamic properties of air for the region considered. The real gas oblique shock relations have been experimentally verified by testing an adjustable two-dimensional wedge model in a hypersonic shock tunnel . Correlations of the calculated and experimental pressure ratios and shock wave angles are presented as functions of flow deflection angle. When allowance was made for the boundary layer displacement effect, the correlation was seen to be good. The reservoir conditions were selected to insure tha t the flow in the shock tunnel would be close to equilibrium.
Evidence of Distortionary Effects of Decoupled Payments in U.S. Indica Rice Production

Using a generalized method of moments technique for dynamic panels we estimate the acreage response of indica rice production in the U.S. to decoupled payments under the 1996 and 2002 farm bills. We find that these payments exert significant effects on the number of acres planted and, although the response is inelastic, a given change in decoupled payments may have a greater effect on acreage planted than an equal change in payments directly linked to output. Thus, even purely decoupled payments may be vulnerable to WTO sanction or de minimis limits. This research also suggests that the subsidy formula in the proposed 2014 farm bill will have a reduced distortionary effect compared to existing policies.
Triassic Pollen Date Moroccan High Atlas and the Incipient Rifting of Pangea as Middle Carnian

Palynomorphs from the High Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech define the Minutosaccus-Patinasporites Concurrent Range Zone, which is time-stratigraphically equivalent to the Swiss and English middle Keuper, type Carnian of Austria, and North American Triassic beds in Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, thus dating an early episode of continental rifting between Africa and North America.
Solution of nonlinear equations having asymptotic limits at zero and infinity

We obtain nontrivial solutions for semilinear elliptic boundary value problems having asymptotic limits both at zero and at infinity.
Arrhythmogenic effect of high blood pressure: some observations on its mechanism

An increase in aortic pressure is a reproducible way of causing ventricular ectopic rhythms. This study sought to determine whether it is the aortic pressure per se or the concommitant increase in afterload or preload that has a direct arrhythmogenic effect. Experiments were carried out in 17 anaesthetised dogs. For each 10 s period the pressure and the presence of a ventricular arrhythmia (at least one ectopic beat) were noted. In nine animals an aortic valve gradient was created (and released). The results were compared to those obtained by impeding the aortic flow at the ascending aorta. The mean systolic left ventricular pressure was significantly higher in the arrhythmia associated periods in 8/9 experiments when there was an aortic valve gradient and in 5/9 experiments when there was not. In 4/9 experiments the mean aortic pressure associated with arrhythmia was significantly lower with an aortic valve gradient than when there was no gradient and no arrhythmia. In 7/9 of these experiments, coronary sinus flow was measured volumetrically during the manoeuvres applied. The coronary flow was significantly lower when there was neither arrhythmia nor aortic valve gradient than when there was an arrhythmia (with or without an aortic valve gradient). In another eight experiments a pressure reservoir in the aorta was either raised or lowered while another pressure reservoir in the left atrium was moved in the opposite direction. Thus the mean aortic pressure could be increased while the left atrial pressure was decreased and vice versa. If the left atrial pressure was taken into account, the mean difference of the aortic pressure from its expected value, derived from the aortic v left atrial pressure regression equation, was significantly higher when there was an arrhythmia than it was when there was no arrhythmia in all eight experiments. On the other hand, the mean difference in the left atrial pressure from its expected value was significantly higher when there was an arrhythmia in 1/8, lower in 2/8 and not significantly different in 5/8 experiments. It is concluded that when the blood pressure is raised, it is the increase in afterload rather than an increase in aortic pressure itself or in the preload that has an arrhythmogenic effect on the ventricles.
Cardiac imaging—Diminished resting left ventricular ejection fraction

A 55-year-old man with a history of rheumatic heart disease and aortic valve replacement was admitted with shortness of breath. Physical examination revealed signs of congestive heart failure. A chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly with vascular congestion. A gated cardiac blood pool scintiscan that used Tc-99m labeled red cells revealed biventricular cardiomegaly. The resting left ventricular ejection fraction was diminished and measured 31%. There were no regional contractility changes seen to suggest coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterization revealed moderate aortic insufficiency. The resting left ventricular
Authentically happy school psychologists: Applications of positive psychology for enhancing professional satisfaction and fulfillment

There has recently been a growing movement within psychology toward placing a greater emphasis on building strengths and competencies rather than merely treating deficits and disorders. This movement, known as positive psychology, focuses on the scientific study of optimal human functioning and the variables that promote positive human emotions, traits, and institutions. The purpose of this article is to discuss selected topics of research in positive psychology and how they might contribute to the development of “authentically happy” school psychologists. Implications for how school psychologists may use findings from research to enhance their level of professional satisfaction and fulfillment are provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UV-ozonation of eleven major pesticides as a waste disposal pretreatment

The time required to destroy 3 concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ppm) of 9 formulated herbicides (alachlor, atrazine, bentazon, butylate, cyanazine, 2, 4-D, metolachlor, metribuzin, and trifluralin) and two formulated insecticides (carbofuran and malathion) by ultraviolet (UV)-ozonation (O3) was measured in a 66 UV lamp unit. The time required for 90% destruction was dependent on the concentration and increased as the concentration of pesticide increased. UV irradiation in the presence of ozone rapidly photooxidized all pesticides at 10 and 100 ppm and averaged 22 and 61 min, respectively. Longer times were required for pesticides at 1000 ppm.
Regulation of Aromatic Amino Acid Biosynthesis and Production of Tyrosine and Phenylalanine in Brevibacterium flavum

In Brevibacterium flavum, prephenate dehydratase in the phenylalanine specific biosynthetic pathway was strongly inhibited by phenylalanine and activated by tyrosine. Furthermore. the inhibition by phenylalanine was completely reversed by tyrosine. Inhibition by tyrosine of prephenate dehydrogenase in the tyrosine specific pathway was very weak. Overall regulation mechanism of the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in B. flavum was proposed on the bases of these results and the previous findings on 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7- phosphate synthetase(DAHP synthetase*) of the common pathway and on anthranilate synthetase of the tryptophan specific pathway. Two types of m-fluorophenylalanine(mFP) resistant mutants which accumulated phenylalanine alone or both phenylalanine and tyrosine, respectively, were derived. The accumulation in the former mutants was inhibited by tyrosine, but that in the latter was affected neither by tyrosine nor by phenylalanine. DAHP synthetase of the latter mutants had been dese...
Ring Closure to β-Turn Mimics via Copper-Catalyzed Azide/Alkyne Cycloadditions

Copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloadditions of the linear substrates 1 were used to form the cyclic derivatives 2. Computational, NMR, and CD analyses of these compounds indicate that their most favorable conformational states include type I and type II β-turn conformations. Selectivity for the dimeric products 6 in these cyclization reactions is discussed.