cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of distributed 3-D systems implemented on grid sensor networks using floating point arithmetic

In this paper, stability of distributed 3-D systems implemented in sensor networks using the Givone-Roesser and the Fornasini-Marchesini state space models under floating point arithmetic is studied. Nonlinearities caused by floating point number representation schemes used for in node computations and inter node communication are modeled. Stability of the system is analyzed with special consideration given to the influence of internode communication on system dynamics. A necessary and sufficient condition for global asymptotic stability under floating point arithmetic is established. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Isolierung eines oszillierenden Systems aus S. Carlsbergensis

Es wird uber die Isolierung und Analyse des oszillierenden DPN-Systems von S. Carlsbergensis berichtet. Durch schonende Hochdruckextraktion last sich das System in einen homogenen, zellfreien Zustand hoher Konzentration uberfuhren und durch Erwarmung von 0 auf 25 °C sowie durch Zusatz von FDP und/oder G-6-P in Oszillationen mit einer Periode von 0,3 min−1, einem Dampfungsfaktor von 1,4 und einem Q-Wert von 4 versetzen. Dieses Experiment stutzt die Hypothese, auf Grund der das Enzym Phosphofruktokinase ein Glied eines biologischen Oszillators darstellt, das durch sein Produkt FDP aktiviert wird und dessen Aktivitatspulse an den Schwingungen der Garung teilnehmen. – Die Analyse des Enzymverteilungsmusters ergibt alle bekannten Komponenten der Garung mit einer relativ geringen Aktivitat an PFK. Das Metabolitmuster des kalten Extraktes zeigt die Proportionen und Spiegel einer eingefrorenen aktiven Garung mit relativ hoher Magnesiumkonzentration sowie einen Gehalt an Diphosphopyridinnucleotid, welcher zu 48% an den Oszillationen teilnimmt. Der aktivierende Bereich von FDP liegt zwischen einer Konzentration von 3,0 und 2,6 mM. – Der Vergleich der Eigenschaften des isolierten und zellgebundenen Systems weist auf den Funktionszustand der Enzymkette der Garung in der lebenden Zelle hin. Die Experimente weisen weiter auf die Moglichkeit, fortlaufende biologische Oszillationen hoher Frequenz zu erzeugen. The oscillating DPN-system of S. Carlsbergensis can be isolated by high pressure in a homogeneous, cell-free state of high concentration. By increase of the temperature from 0 °C to 25 °C as well as by the addition of FDP and/or G-6-P oscillations with a period of 0.3 min−1, damping factor of 1.4 and a Q-value of 4 can repeatively be induced. This experiment supports the interpretation of the experimental results in intact cells that the enzyme phosphofruktokinase acts as part of a biological oscillator, which can be activated by its own product FDP, and whose activity pulses can take part in the oscillating fermentation. – The analysis of the enzyme-distribution-pattern shows all known components of fermentation with a relatively low activity of PFK. The metabolite pattern of the cold extract indicates the proportions and levels of a frozen active fermentation with a relatively high level of magnesium as well as a content of DPN, which takes to 48% part in the oscillations. The activating range of FDP is between a concentration of 3.0 and 2.6 mM. – The comparison between the properties of the isolated and cellbound system shows interesting features for the understanding of the functional state of enzyme sequences in the living cell. Furthermore, these experiments demonstrate the possibility of a generation of sustainted biological oscillations.
The effect of dispersion on chemical reactor optimum residence times using perturbation expansion techniques

Abstract This work is a mathematical study of the effect of dispersion on the optimum residence times of chemical reactors. Attention is confined to the range of very small and very large dispersions so that perturbation expansions can be used to obtain asymptotic solutions to the equations for the axial dispersed plug flow tubular reactor. Only the consecutive reaction system A → B → C , where B is a desired intermediate product is considered. The optimum residence time is then defined as that which maximizes the yield of B in each isothermal reactor model. It is shown that the expansions for optimum residence time are excellent approximations over a wide range of operating conditions for this reactor model. An interesting maximum effect in the optimum residence time for the axial dispersed tubular reactor is discussed.
The Effects of Subgrid Model Mixing and Numerical Filtering in Simulations of Mesoscale Cloud Systems

Abstract Using the newly developed Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, this study investigates the effects of subgrid mixing and numerical filtering in mesoscale cloud simulations by examining the sensitivities to the parameters in turbulence-closure schemes as well as the parameters in the numerical filters. Three-dimensional simulations of squall lines in both no-shear and strong-shear environments have been performed. Using the Smagorinsky or 1.5-order turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) subgrid model with standard values for the model constants and no explicit numerical filter, the solution in the no-shear environment is characterized by many poorly resolved grid-scale cells. In the past, such grid-scale noise was avoided by adding a numerical filter which, however, produces excessive damping of the physical small-scale eddies. Without using such a filter, it was found that by increasing the proportionality constant in the eddy viscosity coefficient in the subgrid turbulence models, the cells bec...
Selective down-regulation of IP3receptor subtypes by caspases and calpain during TNF α -induced apoptosis of human T-lymphoma cells

There are at least three types of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) [IP3-gated Ca2+channels], which are expressed in different cell types and mammalian tissues. In this study, we have identified three IP3R subtypes in human Jurkat T-lymphoma cells. All three subtypes have a molecular mass of about 260 kDa, and display Ca2+channel properties in an IP3-dependent manner. We have also demonstrated that TNFα promotes the activity of different proteases (e.g. caspase-8, caspase-3 and calpain), alters the TCR-mediated Ca2+response and subsequently induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells. During the first 6 h of incubation with TNFα, several IP3R subtype-related changes occur (e.g. proteolysis of IP3R subtypes, inhibition of IP3binding and impairment of IP3-mediated Ca2+flux) concomitantly with an elevation of protease (caspase-8, caspase-3 and calpain) activity. Furthermore, the caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, significantly reduces TNFα-mediated perturbation of IP3R1 and IP3R2 (but not IP3R3) function; whereas the calpain inhibitor I, ALLN, is capable of blocking the inhibitory effect of TNFα on IP3R3 function. These findings suggest that IP3R1 and IP3R2 serve as cellular substrates for caspases, and IP3R3 is a substrate for calpain. We propose that the selective down-regulation of IP3R subtype-mediated Ca2+function by caspase-dependent and calpain-sensitive mechanisms may be responsible for the early onset of the apoptotic signal by TNFα in human T-cells.
Regulation of T Helper 17 Differentiation by Orphan Nuclear Receptors: It's Not Just RORγt Anymore

T cells that produce IL-17 (T helper 17 cells) are implicated in autoimmune pathogenesis. In this issue of Immunity, Yang et al. (2008) report that the closely related orphan nuclear receptors ROR alpha and ROR gamma t work together to regulate T helper (Th)17 cell differentiation.
A journal back file overlap analysis: Looking back to move forward

Back runs of print journals have traditionally been accessed by binding the individual issues or by replacing them with microfilm. In the online world there is often format duplication as non-current issues of print journals can appear in aggregator databases and other vendor packages. Criteria need to be developed to decide whether a print journal subscription needs to be archived on site in traditional formats or whether the online access for a given title is adequate and sustainable. The Adelphi University Libraries saved $27,664 by developing and applying criteria for relying on online access and to journal back runs.
The infrared dichroism of transmembrane helical polypeptides

Polarized attenuated total internal reflectance techniques were applied to study the infrared dichroism of the amide I transition moment in two membrane-bound peptides that are known to form oriented transmembrane helices: gramicidin A in a supported phospholipid monolayer and Ac-Lys2-Leu24-Lys2-amide (L24) in oriented multibilayers. These studies were performed to test the ability of these techniques to determine the orientation of these peptides, to verify the value of optical parameters used to calculate electric field strengths, to examine the common assumptions regarding the amide I transition moment orientation, and to ascertain the effect of surface imperfections on molecular disorder. The two peptides exhibit marked differences in the shape and frequency of their amide I absorption bands. Yet both peptides are highly ordered and oriented with their helical axes perpendicular to the membrane surface. In the alpha-helix formed by L24, there is evidence for a mode with type E1 symmetry contributing to amide I, and the amide I transition moment must be more closely aligned with the peptide C=O (
Transforming Early Literacy Instruction: An Effectiveness Study of the Local Literacy Provider Training Program in Macedonia.

This study examines the effectiveness of the Local Literacy Provider Training (LLPT) program in the Republic of Macedonia through customized application of Desimone's (2009) Core Conceptual Framework for Effectiveness Studies of Professional Development. Findings confirm the alignment of the LLPT design to research-based elements of effective professional development, as well as the challenges and importance of context in designing and conducting professional development in the Macedonian context. The conceptual frameworks and pragmatic measures used in the study have potential utility for the critical examination of the design of professional development, particularly as concerns its content, process, and context, and its assumptions and assessment tools.
Winter Climate Extremes over the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada and Teleconnections with Large-Scale Modes of Climate Variability

AbstractThe relationship between winter climate extremes across the northeastern United States and adjacent parts of Canada and some important modes of climate variability are examined to determine how these circulation patterns are related to extreme events. Linear correlations between 15 extreme climate indices related to winter daily precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature, and three dominant large-scale patterns of climate variability [the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern, and El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)] were analyzed for the period 1950–99. The mechanisms behind these teleconnections are analyzed by applying composite analysis to the geopotential height, sea level pressure (SLP), moisture flux, and wind fields. Pressure anomalies and associated airflow patterns related with the different modes of climate variability explain the patterns of temperature and precipitation extremes across the region. The responses of the daily scale climate extremes t...
Do older patients and their family caregivers agree about the quality of chronic illness care

Objective Family caregivers often accompany patients to medical visits; however, it is unclear whether caregivers rate the quality of patients' care similarly to patients. This study aimed to (1) quantify the level of agreement between patients' and caregivers' reports on the quality of patients' care and (2) determine how the level of agreement varies by caregiver and patient characteristics. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Participants Multimorbid older (aged 65 and above) adults and their family caregivers ( n = 247). Methods Quality of care was rated separately by patients and their caregivers using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) instrument. The level of agreement was examined using a weighted kappa statistic (Kw). Results Agreement of caregivers' and patients' PACIC scores was low (Kw = 0.15). Patients taking ten or more medications per day showed less agreement with their caregivers about the quality of care than patients taking five or fewer medications (Kw = 0.03 and 0.34, respectively, P 0.05). Conclusion Patient–caregiver dyads following a more complex treatment plan (i.e. taking many medications) or having more difficulty following a treatment plan (i.e. having difficulty with health care tasks) had less agreement. Future qualitative research is needed to elucidate the underlying reasons patients and caregivers rate the quality of care differently.
A Test for Bacterial Alkaline Phosphatase: Use in Rapid Identification of Serratia Organisms

This investigation concerns identification of alkaline phosphatase production by bacterial organisms, as detected by a blue color resulting from conversion of indolyl phosphate to indigo. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus produced alkaline phosphatase; coagulase-negative Staphylococcus did not. Serratia did not produce alkaline phosphatase; those Enterobacteriaceae we tested did. Thus, this test rapidly differentiates these organisms, diminishing the time for identification of Serratia in the clinical laboratory by 48 h. Identification of Serratia should not be ignored, because it is a life-threatening complication for certain hospitalized patients.
Serotonergic lesions of the periaqueductal gray, a primary source of serotonin to the nucleus paragigantocellularis, facilitate sexual behavior in male rats

While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used to treat anxiety and depression, they also produce profound disruptions of sexual function including delayed orgasm/ejaculation. The nucleus paragigantocellularis (nPGi), a primary source of inhibition of ejaculation in male rats, contains receptors for serotonin (5-HT). The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) provides serotonin to this region, thus providing an anatomical and neurochemical basis for serotonergic regulation of the nPGi. We hypothesize that 5-HT acting at the nPGi could underlie the SSRI-induced inhibition of ejaculation in rodents. To this end, we produced 5-HT lesions of the source of 5-HT to the nPGi (the vlPAG) and examined sexual behavior. Removing the source of 5-HT to the nPGi facilitated genital reflexes, but not other aspects of sexual behavior, consistent with our hypothesis. Namely, 5-HT lesions produced a significant increase in the mean number of ejaculations and a significant decrease in ejaculation latency as compared to sham lesioned animals, while latency to mating and the post-ejaculatory interval did not differ. These data suggest that the serotonergic vlPAG-nPGi pathway is an important regulatory mechanism for the inhibition of ejaculation in rats and supports the hypothesis that this circuit contributes to SSRI-induced inhibition of ejaculation.
Electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

In this paper, the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties such as elastic modulus of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. MWCNT-PP nanocomposites samples were produced using injection mold at different injection velocities. The range of the CNT fillers is from 0 up to 12 wt%. The influence of the injection velocity and the volume fraction of CNTs on both electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied. The injection speed showed some effect on the electrical conductivity, but no significant influence on the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and stress-strain relations of the composites under tensile loading. Parallel to the experimental investigation, for electrical conductivity, a percolation theory was applied to study the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite system in terms of content of nanotubes. Both Kirkpatrick (Rev Mod Phys 45:574–588, 1973) and McLachlan et al. (J Polym Sci B 43:3273–3287, 2005) models were used to determine the transition from low conductivity to high conductivity in which designates as percolation threshold. It was found that the percolation threshold of CNT/PP composites is close to 3.8 wt%. For mechanical properties of the system, several micromechanical models were applied to elucidate the elastic properties of the nanocomposites. The results indicate that the interphase between the CNT and the polymers plays an important role in determining the elastic modulus of the system.
Preemptive rofecoxib and dexamethasone for prevention of pain and trismus following third molar surgery

Objective The goal of this preliminary randomized prospective clinical trial was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the reduction in trismus of preoperative rofecoxib, intraoperative dexamethasone, and both rofecoxib and dexamethasone following third molar extraction surgery. Study design Thirty-five subjects requiring surgical removal of at least 1 partial bony impacted mandibular third molar were invited to participate in this double-blind and double-dummy placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) placebo po preoperatively and placebo IV intraoperatively; (2) rofecoxib 50 mg po preoperatively and placebo IV intraoperatively; (3) placebo po preoperatively and dexamethasone10 mg IV intraoperatively; and (4) rofecoxib 50 mg po preoperatively and dexamethasone 10 mg IV intraoperatively. Subjects completed a diary assessing postoperative pain onset and intensity using categorical and visual analogue scales. Interincisal opening was assessed 1, 2, 3, and 7 days postoperatively using a Therabite ruler. Results This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 35 subjects. Two subjects did not meet the inclusion criteria and 4 did not return completed diaries. The mean age of the remaining 29 subjects (11 males, 18 females) was 22.8 years (+/- 0.6 year). The active treatments tended to delay the need for initial pain medication. When compared to other active treatments and to placebo, the combination of preoperative rofecoxib and intraoperative dexamethasone significantly reduced initial pain intensity ( P < .05). Baseline interincisal opening was 52.6 mm (+/- 6.2). The greatest decrease in interincisal opening was 43.3% for the placebo group at 24 hours. Preoperative rofecoxib alone showed a decrease in interincisal opening of 42.3% ( P = ns) at 24 hours. Intraoperative dexamethasone alone showed a decrease in the interincisal opening of 24.1% of baseline ( P < .05 vs placebo). The group receiving the combination of rofecoxib and dexamethasone showed a decrease in interincisal opening of 23.7% of baseline ( P < .05 vs placebo). Conclusions The results of this trial indicate that the use of intraoperative dexamethasone is an effective therapeutic strategy for limiting trismus following surgical removal of impacted third molars. The combination of preoperative rofecoxib 50 mg and intraoperative dexamethasone 10 mg was most effective in minimizing pain and trismus following third molar surgery.
Assessment of the diagnostic performance and interobserver variability of endocytoscopy in Barrett’s esophagus: A pilot ex-vivo study

AIM: To investigate a classification of endocytoscopy (ECS) images in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and evaluate its diagnostic performance and interobserver variability. METHODS: ECS was applied to surveillance endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) specimens of BE ex-vivo. The mucosal surface of specimen was stained with 1% methylene blue and surveyed with a catheter-type endocytoscope. We selected still images that were most representative of the endoscopically suspect lesion and matched with the final histopathological diagnosis to accomplish accurate correlation. The diagnostic performance and inter-observer variability of the new classification scheme were assessed in a blinded fashion by physicians with expertise in both BE and ECS and inexperienced physicians with no prior exposure to ECS. RESULTS: Three staff physicians and 22 gastroenterology fellows classified eight randomly assigned unknown still ECS pictures (two images per each classification) into one of four histopathologic categories as follows: (1) BEC1-squamous epithelium; (2) BEC2-BE without dysplasia; (3) BEC3-BE with dysplasia; and (4) BEC4-esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in BE. Accuracy of diagnosis in staff physicians and clinical fellows were, respectively, 100% and 99.4% for BEC1, 95.8% and 83.0% for BEC2, 91.7% and 83.0% for BEC3, and 95.8% and 98.3% for BEC4. Interobserver agreement of the faculty physicians and fellows in classifying each category were 0.932 and 0.897, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate classification system of ECS in BE. This ex-vivo pilot study demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy and excellent interobserver agreement.
Selenium Distribution and Human Cancer Mortality

(1971). Selenium Distribution and Human Cancer Mortality. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 211-221.
Selective reduction of AKR1C2 in prostate cancer and its role in DHT metabolism

BACKGROUND As androgens play an essential role in prostate cancer, we sought to develop a real-time PCR to characterize mRNA expression profiles of human members of the Aldo-Keto Reductase (AKR) 1C gene family, as well as of 5α-steroid reductase Type II (SRD5A2) in prostate cancer samples. Functional activity and regulation of AKR1C2, a 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type III, was also assessed in prostate cancer cell lines. METHODS Gene specific PCR primers were established and relative gene expression of human AKR1C family members was determined in paired samples of cancerous and surrounding unaffected prostate tissue. RESULTS AKR1C2 preferentially reduces DHT to the weak metabolite 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) without conversion of 3α-diol to DHT in the PC-3 cell line, and its expression was increased by DHT treatment in LNCaP cells. Selectively reduced expression of AKR1C2 mRNA, but not AKR1C1 (97% sequence identity), was found in approximately half of the pairs whereas AKR1C3 relative expression was not significantly altered. No aberrant expression of AKR1C4 expression or significant differences in SRD5A2 gene expression were found. CONCLUSIONS AKR1C2 functions as a DHT reductase in prostate-derived cells lines and is regulated by DHT. Additional studies are needed to further define the significance of reduced AKR1C2 expression in prostate cancer and its potential role in modulating local availability of DHT. Prostate 54: 275–289, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CLOZE TESTS IN ENGLISH, THAI, AND VIETNAMESE: NATIVE AND NON‐NATIVE PERFORMANCE

A passage in English was translated into Vietnamese and Thai, and a passage in Thai and one in Vietnamese were each translated into English. Speakers of English (35 subjects), Thai (122), and Vietnamese (115) were tested on the cloze passages in their native languages, and the Thais and Vietnamese, all of whom had studied English as a foreign language (EFL) for at least six years, were tested in the English passages. Response types of natives and non-natives were compared. Native speakers in contrast to non-natives made almost no responses which failed to conform to at least some of the contextual constraints in the cloze tests. The errors of natives were not only fewer but tended to be different in type. Mean scores for native speakers on the originals and translations revealed that carefully translating a passage from one language into another yields cloze tests of approximately equal difficulty in both languages. Item analyses, and K-R (20) measures of reliability ranging from .80 to .98 indicate considerable internal validity for the cloze tests used with non-natives. A comparison of items (on the English passages only) by the grammatical category of the response(s) most frequently employed by natives, item facility for natives and non-natives, and the determinacy of items stated in terms of the number of different correct responses given by native speakers, showed little obvious interdependence among these variables. The context of items was apparently much more important than any other single variable contributing to item difficulty.
On the mechanism for inactivation of cytochalasin binding activity associated with F-actin and spectrin-band 4.1-actin complex by sulfhydryl reagents

The sulfhydryl group modifying reagent, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, inhibited the cytochalasin binding activity of the actin nuclei in the spectrin-band 4.1-actin complex from the erythrocyte membrane and of muscle F-actin. Kinetic studies indicated that while the cytochalasin binding activity was immediately inhibited, the actin remained filamentous and depolymerized slowly over a period of 1 to 2 h. Scatchard analysis of the binding data revealed that initially only the KD was affected. However, prolonged incubation led to depolymerization of the F-actin and dissociation of the spectrin-band 4.1-actin complex, resulting in loss of binding sites. It thus appears that certain actin sulfhydryl group(s) are important for cytochalasin binding. However, the most reactive sulfhydryl group (cys-374) on actin does not appear to be involved.
Organisational life cycle stage and strategy: must they match?

Organisations are thought to evolve through a series of growth stages as they mature, a process described as a life cycle of organisations. Each stage of the life cycle is characterised by four major factors: situation, decision-making style, structure, and strategy. While the first three are commonly accepted, the fit between strategy and life cycle stage is much less clear. This paper proposes a life cycle/strategy relationship based on a new strategic typology developed by Parnell and Carraher (2002) to determine if an ideal strategy exists for each life cycle stage.
A formal power series attached to a class function on a group and its application to the characterisation of characters

In Frobenius' initial papers on group characters he introduced k-characters in order to give an algorithm to calculate the irreducible factors of the group determinant. We show how his work leads naturally to the construction of a formal power series for any class function on a group, which terminates if and only if the class function is a character. This is then used to obtain a criterion for a class function to be a character.
Selectively eliminating and conserving exotic plants to save an endangered butterfly from local extinction

Rare butterfly conservation requires understanding of butterfly interactions with the resource conditions that influence population growth. Exotic plant invasions can reduce butterfly population size and growth by displacing key resources, degrading habitat conditions and directly impacting fitness, but exotic plants may also be incorporated into native butterfly diets, rendering practicing conservation biologists a choice between exotic plant control and butterfly population persistence. Euphydryas editha taylori (Nymphalidae), a candidate endangered butterfly species in the Pacific Northwest of North America, switched from an unknown native larval host plant to become entirely dependent on an exotic larval host Plantago lanceolata in extant western Oregon populations. Furthermore, the last Oregon butterfly populations are surrounded by two exotic grasses, Brachypodium sylvaticum and Festuca arundinacea, both of which can dominate remnant native prairies and degrade native grassland structural conditions. When given a choice of habitat conditions, E. e. taylori oviposited on larval host plants surrounded by increasing abundance of short-statured native bunchgrasses and adult nectar resources, indicating that females select egg-laying sites based on habitat conditions rather than just host plant presence. Both larval and adult resources substantially diminished with increasing cover of exotic grasses and were nearly absent when B. sylvaticum and F. arundinacea dominated. Butterfly resource loss with increasing exotic grass cover, the documentation of contemporary subpopulation extinction, current historic site conditions and grass invasion history in the Willamette Valley suggest that mass E. e. taylori extinction in western Oregon by the late 1970s was due to B. sylvaticum and F. arundinacea invasion. To prevent the extinction of E. e. taylori, land managers must accept that the anthropogenically mediated host switch to P. lanceolata must be conserved and that reintroductions/augmentation with a potential native host plant species is unlikely to be effective because larval development is timed to P. lanceolata growth.
A Classroom-Based Study of Small-Group Planned Improvisation With Fifth-Grade Children:

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe children’s music improvisations and the interactions that transpired within their four-person groups during regular weekly music classes as they planned and performed music improvisations in response to three different prompts: a poem, a painting, and a musical composition. Participants were two classes of fifth-grade children at the elementary school where the researcher was the general music teacher. Sixteen children in four focus groups were chosen for closer observation and a series of interviews. Data were gathered over a 12-week period, utilizing audio- and video-recorded observations, daily field notes, and interviews following students’ viewing of their own performances on video. The findings of this study demonstrate that (a) all children utilized a similar planning process, and social roles and relationships were often correlated to musical roles and relationships; (b) children’s music products differed based on the nature of the prompt, and ...
Asking the right questions: the relationship between incident ventilator-associated pneumonia and mortality

Whether ventilator-associated pneumonia is a manifestation of severity of illness or an independent cause of mortality in ventilator-dependent patients is not known. In this complex area, which cannot be readily subjected to randomized controlled trials, studies should focus on the underlying questions of relevance, how to improve care of ventilated patients.
The microclimates of a small valley in central Ohio

The richness of the floras of deep valleys having youthful topography has often been remarked. The diversity of the smaller plant communities that live on cliff-tops, rock-surfaces, talus slopes and stream-margins, and the complicated patterns they form on the valley-surfaces have been frequently described. Usually these plant mosaics have been interpreted on the basis of available water-supplies, and the physical and chemical variations in the local substrate. Great as are these diversities within a mile-long valley, there is good reason to believe that the atmospheric and above-ground factors are equally diversified and equally important in any adequate delineation of the conditions in which many small communities of plants live.
On routing in random Rayleigh fading networks

This paper addresses the routing problem for large wireless networks of randomly distributed nodes with Rayleigh fading channels. First, we establish that the distances between neighboring nodes in a Poisson point process follow a generalized Rayleigh distribution. Based on this result, it is then shown that, given an end-to-end packet delivery probability (as a quality of service requirement), the energy benefits of routing over many short hops are significantly smaller than for deterministic network models that are based on the geometric disk abstraction. If the permissible delay for short-hop routing and long-hop routing is the same, it turns out that routing over fewer but longer hops may even outperform nearest-neighbor routing, in particular for high end-to-end delivery probabilities.
Effect of Socioeconomic Status on 24-Hour Urine Composition in Patients With Nephrolithiasis

Objective To examine the relationship between the poverty and education levels and 24-hour urine composition in patients with nephrolithiasis because little is known about the relationship between socioeconomic status and kidney stone risk. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients evaluated at 2 metabolic stone clinics. The poverty level (ie, percentage of those living below the poverty level) and education level (ie, percentage of those with a high school education or greater) for each postal code were determined from the U.S. Census Bureau data. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the poverty and education levels and 24-hour urine composition. Results A total of 435 patients were included in the present study. Of the 435 patients, 173 were women and 262 were men (40% women), the mean age was 52.5 ± 14.4 years, and the mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 6.5 kg/m 2 . The mean percentage of those below the poverty level was 8.2% ± 6.2%, and the mean percentage of those with a high school education or greater was 87.4% ± 7.4%. On multivariate linear regression analysis, an increasing local poverty level was associated with significant increases in urine calcium (β = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-2.86). A decreasing local level of education (ie, decreasing percentage of those with a high school diploma or greater) was associated with significant increases in urine calcium (β = 1.26, 95% CI 0.10-2.42), supersaturation of calcium oxalate (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.006-0.09), and supersaturation of calcium phosphate (β = 0.013, 95% CI 0.0002-0.03). No other associations were found between the poverty and education levels and any urine constituents or supersaturations. Conclusion In the present study of patients with stone formation, increasing poverty was associated with increased urine calcium, and increasing education appeared to be protective by decreasing urine calcium and the supersaturation of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. Additional studies are important to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these findings.
Studies in Rheoencephalography (REG)

This article presents an overview of rheoencephalography (REG) – electrical impedance measurements of the brain – and summarizes past and ongoing research to develop medical applications of REG for neuro-critical care and for primary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The availability of advanced electronics and computation has opened up the potential for use of REG technology as a noninvasive, continuous and inexpensive brain monitor for military and civilian applications. The clinical background information presented here introduces physiological and clinical environments where REG has potential for use in research and clinical settings. REG studies over the past three decades have involved in vitro and in vivo groups (animal and human), including more than 1500 measurements and related electronic and computational results and practical applications. In vitro studies helped researchers understand the flow/volume relationship between Doppler ultrasound and electrical impedance signals and supported development of REG data processing methods. In animal studies, REG was used to monitor the lower limit of cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation (AR) using a newly developed algorithm. These animal studies also confirmed correlations between REG and measurements of carotid flow (CF) and intracranial pressure (ICP). Human studies confirmed the applicability of REG for detecting cerebrovascular alteration, demonstrating the usefulness of REG in the field of stroke/cardio-vascular disease prevention. In these studies, REG was compared to known stroke risk factors and to results obtained using carotid ultrasound measurements. An intelligent REG system (Cerberus) has been developed for primary stroke prevention. In these studies, the biologically relevant variables of the REG signal were pulse amplitude (minimum – maximum distance) and duration of the anacrotic (rising) portion of the REG pulse wave. The principal limitation of REG for clinical application is the lack of pathological and physiological correlations. The studies presented here have initiated such inquiries, but many clinical questions about the pathophysiological background of REG remain unanswered. These results demonstrate that REG development is a multi-disciplinary subject with relevance for medicine (vascular neurology and neurosurgery intensive care); electronic engineering; mathematics, and computer science (data processing). It is hoped that information presented in this article will provide assistance to those involved in REG research, particularly in development and clinical applications.
The Declining Utilization of Radiation Therapy in Stage I and II Hodgkin's Disease and its Impact on Survival and Secondary Malignancies

Purpose Concerns regarding long-term toxicities have led some to withhold radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of stage I and II Hodgkin's disease (HD). This study was undertaken to assess the utilization of RT in HD and its impact on overall survival (OS) and secondary malignancies.
An artificial neural network based matching metric for iris identification

The iris is currently believed to be the most accurate biometric for human identification. The majority of fielded iris identification systems are based on the highly accurate wavelet-based Daugman algorithm. Another promising recognition algorithm by Ives et al uses Directional Energy features to create the iris template. Both algorithms use Hamming distance to compare a new template to a stored database. Hamming distance is an extremely fast computation, but weights all regions of the iris equally. Work from multiple authors has shown that different regions of the iris contain varying levels of discriminatory information. This research evaluates four post-processing similarity metrics for accuracy impacts on the Directional Energy and wavelets based algorithms. Each metric builds on the Hamming distance method in an attempt to use the template information in a more salient manner. A similarity metric extracted from the output stage of a feed-forward multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network demonstrated the most promise. Accuracy tables and ROC curves of tests performed on the publicly available Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Automation database show that the neural network based distance achieves greater accuracy than Hamming distance at every operating point, while adding less than one percent computational overhead.
Evidence for variable grounding-zone and shear-margin basal conditions across Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica

ABSTRACTDefinitive interpretation of ice-sheet basal conditions from radar-sounding data beneath outlet-glacier grounding zones and shear margins can be problematic due to poorly constrained and spatially variable englacial attenuation rates and losses from propagation through a rough ice surface. To correct for spatially variable attenuation rates, we developed a novel radar analysis approach that provided improved empirical attenuation correction by fitting linearly variable attenuation rates along radar-sounding profiles from the ice-sheet interior to the grounding zone. We also corrected for ice-surface propagation losses by using surface echo amplitude distributions to constrain the loss of coherent power for surface reflections and two-way propagation through a rough ice surface. By applying this approach to airborne radar-sounding observations of the Thwaites Glacier catchment in West Antarctica, we produced relative reflectivity profiles, which show grounding-zone basal conditions varying across t...
Cognitive Aging Trajectories and Burdens of Disability, Hospitalization and Nursing Home Admission Among Community-living Older Persons

Background The course of cognitive aging has demonstrated substantial heterogeneity. This study attempted to identify distinctive cognitive trajectories and examine their relationship with burdens of disability, hospitalization, and nursing home admission. Methods Seven hundred and fifty-four community-living persons aged 70 years or older in the Yale Precipitating Events Project were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination every 18 months for up to 108 months. A group-based trajectory model was used to determine cognitive aging trajectories while adjusting for age, sex, and education. Cumulative burden of disabilities, hospitalizations, and nursing home admissions over 141 months associated with the cognitive trajectories were evaluated using a generalized estimating equation Poisson model. Results Five distinct cognitive trajectories were identified, with about a third of participants starting with high baseline cognitive function and demonstrating No decline during the follow-up period. The remaining participants diverged with Minimal (prevalence 41%), Moderate (16%), Progressive (8%), and Rapid (3%) cognitive decline. Participants with No decline incurred the lowest incidence rates (per 1,000 person-months) of disability in activities of daily living (ADL; 75, 95% confidence intervals: 60-95) and instrumental ADL (492, 453-535), hospitalization (29, 26-33) and nursing home admission (18, 12-27), whereas participants on the Rapid trajectory experienced the greatest burden of ADL disability (612, 595-758) and those on the Progressive trajectory had the highest nursing home admission (363, 292-451). Conclusions Community-living older persons follow distinct cognitive aging trajectories and experience increasing burdens of disability, hospitalization, and nursing home placement as they age, with greater burdens for those on a declining cognitive trajectory.
Cultural Masks: Giving Voice to the Margins

The tendency of theorists to generalize drives “others” into the margins. This paper emphasizes the importance of refocusing theorists on facilitating voice for those sub-cultures that are marginalized within organizations. We do this by describing the role of theorists in facilitating voice, explaining the impact of dominant and minority cultures on voice, and introducing the metaphor of cultural masks as a means to assist theorists in understanding the complexity of voice in organizations.
An overview of contraceptive methods applied at the time of coitus.

A historical overview of the introduction and use of various contraceptive methods applied at the time of coitus is given. Results of the 1965 Westoff-Ryder study comparing present and previous use of each method in 1955 and 1965 in the U.S. are cited. Methods are ranked in order of decreasing effectiveness: 1) condom and diaphragm; 2) rhythm by basal body temperature aerosol foams coitus interruptus; 3) other intravaginal spermicidal techniques rhythm by calendar; 4) postcoital douche.
Mitosis Induced in Adult Rat Parotid Following Normal Activity of the Gland

SummaryWhen normal function is restored by introduction of a solid food regimen to animals previously maintained on liquid diet (Metrecal) mitotic activity is induced, reaches a maximum after 2 days, (22 ± 2 per 1000 acinar cells), and remains evident until 7 days. The mitotic burst is partially inhibited in the presence of either atropine or Inderal. A decrease in DNA at 2 days followed by restoration to normal levels at 7 days suggests that, during the course of transition from low to normal functional status of the gland, cell loss must occur but is compensated for by the concurrently occurring cell proliferation. Normal physiological activity thus can act as the stimulus for inducing mitosis in the adult parotid where growth potential is low as well as in the immature parotid where growth potential is high. Glands of fasted rats exhibit similar mitotic bursts following refeeding with solid food, but not when they are refed using liquid food. A role of masticatory activity in this response is thus implied.
Humidity Response of Adult Oryzaephilus mercator

When adult merchant grain beetles, Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), were offered a choice between 2 relative humidities, the direction (hygropositive or hygronegative) and intensity of the humidity response depended upon sex and upon the alternatives. Both sexes avoided very high as well as low humidities, but females were more hygrophilic. The response was a function of both alternatives, but the higher alternative was usually more important. The results showed that O. mercator is more hygrophilic than its congener O. surinamensis (L.), suggesting that because O. mercator is more vulnerable to low humidities, its behavioral avoidance of dryness has become more highly developed.
STRATEGIC TRADE ANALYSIS OF U.S. AND CHINESE APPLE JUICE MARKET

Because of high competition from Chinese apple juice processors, the United States imposed an antidumping duty on apple juice imports from China to protect the domestic processors. This trade policy benefited U.S. processors but negatively impacted Chinese processors as well as consumers in the United States. Because of the economic reforms, foreign direct investment, and technological spillover, Chinese apple processors have increased their productivity. Under oligopolistic competition with endogenous firm entry and exit, this article analyzes how the changes in U.S. tariff policy and Chinese productivity impact the market structure in the United States and China, as well as prices, quantities, and U.S. and Chinese welfare. Trade liberalization and an increase in Chinese productivity help U.S. consumers and Chinese processors. However, U.S. tariff removal adversely affects U.S. apple juice processors.
Increases of Heliothis spp. in Cotton Under Various Insecticide Treatment Regimes

During the summer of 1974 in the Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys of southern California, population densities of arthropod predators and Hetiothis spp. were studied after insecticide treatments for the pink bollworm. Geocoris spp., Orius tristicolor (White) and spiders were the most numerous arthropod predators. Chrysopa carnea Stephens and Collops marginellus LeConte were least affected by increased insecticide usage. The mean density of arthropod predators was significantly reduced while the mean density of Heliothis spp. was significantly increased by increased insecticide usage.
ΔI=3/2K→ππ with physical final state

We present an on-shell Δ I = 3 / 2 K → ππ matrix element calculation. We achieve a ππ excited state with non-zero relative momentum by imposing anti-periodic boundary conditions on the π . By calculating the matrix element with a varying strange quark mass, we can interpolate to the on-shell matrix element.
Actin cytoskeletal modulation of pressure-induced depolarization and Ca2+ influx in cerebral arteries

The objective of this study was to examine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the development of pressure-induced membrane depolarization and Ca2+ influx underlying myogenic constriction in cere...
Transfer Hydrogenation in Water via a Ruthenium Catalyst with OH Groups near the Metal Center on a bipy Scaffold

The new ligand 6,6′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridyl (dhbp) was synthesized via its tautomer, and this provides an efficient route to novel metal complexes of dhbp. In ruthenium complexes of dhbp, these OH groups enhance water solubility and may play a role in aqueous transfer hydrogenation with formate/formic acid as the hydrogen source. A series of cationic catalysts, [(η6-arene)Ru(N,N)Cl]Cl (arene = cymene, C6Me6; N,N = bipyridyl with OH, OMe, or H at the 6- and 6′-positions), were synthesized, fully characterized, and tested for transfer hydrogenation activity in various polar protic media. In aqueous media (90/10 water/methanol), Ru complexes of dhbp outperform the other catalysts tested (all at 1 mol %), and high percentage conversion of aromatic ketones to the corresponding alcohols is observed in 6 h. The OH groups appear to be essential for use of water as a green solvent and can potentially allow for metal–ligand bifunctional catalysis.