cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep structure of images in populations via geometric models in populations

We face the question of how to produce a scale space of image intensities relative to a scale space of objects or other characteristic image regions filling up the image space, when both images and objects are understood to come from a population. We argue for a schema combining a multi-scale image representation with a multi-scale representation of objects or regions. The objects or regions at one scale level are produced using soft-edged apertures, which are subdivided into sub-regions. The intensities in the regions are represented using histograms. Relevant probabilities of region shape and inter-relations between region geometry and of histograms are described, and the means is given of inter-relating the intensity probabilities and geometric probabilities by producing the probabilities of intensities conditioned on geometry.
SCUBA: scalable cluster-based algorithm for evaluating continuous spatio-temporal queries on moving objects

In this paper, we propose, SCUBA, a Scalable Cluster Based Algorithm for evaluating a large set of continuous queries over spatio-temporal data streams. The key idea of SCUBA is to group moving objects and queries based on common spatio-temporal properties at run-time into moving clusters to optimize query execution and thus facilitate scalability. SCUBA exploits shared cluster-based execution by abstracting the evaluation of a set of spatio-temporal queries as a spatial join first between moving clusters. This cluster-based filtering prunes true negatives. Then the execution proceeds with a fine-grained within-moving-cluster join process for all pairs of moving clusters identified as potentially joinable by a positive cluster-join match. A moving cluster can serve as an approximation of the location of its members. We show how moving clusters can serve as means for intelligent load shedding of spatio-temporal data to avoid performance degradation with minimal harm to result quality. Our experiments on real datasets demonstrate that SCUBA can achieve a substantial improvement when executing continuous queries on spatio-temporal data streams.
A far upstream ovalbumin enhancer binds nuclear factor-1-like factor.

Abstract Band-shifting and DNase I footprinting analyses detected a specific DNA binding protein extracted from oviduct nuclei that binds to the ovalbumin gene 5' sequence between -1094 and -1125. This "-1100" fragment, when inserted upstream of the SV40 or ovalbumin promoters fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene, enhances chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity 5-10-fold following transfection into CV1 cells. The sequence to which the oviduct factor binds contains a nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) half-site (GCCAA). An oligonucleotide matching the sequence of the adenovirus NF-1 binding site competed for binding to the -1100 footprinted region with a higher affinity than an oligonucleotide for the -1100 region itself. Similarly, the -1100 region oligonucleotide also competes for binding of the factor to the NF-1 oligonucleotide. These data suggest that the oviduct factor which binds to the -1100 region is an NF-1-like protein that serves as a steroid hormone-independent enhancer of the ovalbumin gene transcription.
Efficient and Accurate Computational Electromagnetics Approach to Precipitation Particle Scattering Analysis Based on Higher-Order Method of Moments Integral Equation Modeling

AbstractA new full-wave computational electromagnetics (CEM) approach to precipitation particle scattering analysis based primarily on a higher-order method of moments (MoM) for solving surface integral equations (SIEs) is proposed, as an alternative and addition to the conventionally used tools in this area. This is a well-established CEM approach that has not been applied, evaluated, discussed, or compared with other approaches in the scattering analysis of precipitation particles so far. Several characteristic examples of scattering from precipitation particles of various shapes demonstrate the capabilities and potential of the presented numerical methodology, and discuss its advantages over both discrete dipole approximation (DDA) and -matrix methods in cases considered. In particular, it is shown that the higher-order MoM-SIE approach is much faster, more accurate, and more robust than the DDA method, and much more general and versatile than the -matrix method. In addition, the paper illustrates prob...
Two-Dimensional Stimulated Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectra of Tyrosine and Tryptophan; A Simulation Study

We report an ab-initio simulation study of the ultrafast broad bandwidth ultraviolet (UV) stimulated resonance Raman spectra (SRRS) of L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan and trans-L-tryptophan-L-tyrosine (WY) dipeptide. Two-pulse one-dimensional (1D) SRRS and three-pulse 2D SRRS that reveal inter- and intra-residue vibrational coorelations are simulated using electronically resonant or preresonant pulse configurations that select the Raman signal and discriminate against excited state pathways. Multimode effects are incorporated via the cumulant expansion. The 2D SRRS technique is more sensitive to residue couplings than spontaneous Raman.
Analysis of maximum phase projection data for improvement of microwave imaging background media

Scattered phase values measured at receiver sites in our microwave breast tomographic imaging system can be considerable when the dielectric properties of an object being imaged vary significantly from those of the background coupling medium. A focus of study for the improvement of our microwave breast imaging system has been to devise a background solution that more closely matches the dielectric properties of the breast in order to reduce the magnitude of scattered phase projections. Analysis of phase projection simulation and measurement data has provided important insight in the permittivity requirements for an optimal background solution.
Surface electromyogram potentials of motor units; Relationship between potential size and unit location in a large human skeletal muscle

Abstract The muscle fibers of a motor unit are spread over only part of the total transverse cross section of a skeletal muscle. As a consequence, both the geometric and electrical centers of different units are distributed throughout the cross section. It follows that the estimate of a unit's size, if based on its surface potential measured by an electrode placed on the skin above the muscle, will depend on a number of variables; most specifically, the properties of the volume conductor and the “unit center-to-electrode” distance. An experimental approach to the problem of “depth normalization” of unit potentials is described. The approach is based on the use of a multielectrode and approximate geometric reconstruction of the unit's intramuscular course. The experimental findings are generalized to cross sections of various geometry. The approach is applied to an evaluation of both the size distribution and the size-threshold relationship of the human tibialis anterior muscle.
Multiple PolK (POLK) transcripts in mammalian testis.

Abstract The Y-family of DNA polymerases are capable of translesion synthesis both in vitro and in vivo. The mouse/human gene (Polκ/POLK) that encodes the Y-family member Polk is highly expressed in mouse/human testis. Using RT-PCR to amplify the coding sequence of the PolK gene, 11 forms of mouse PolK and 5 forms of human POLK transcripts were identified from testis. This phenomenon is apparently specific to PolK since several other specialized DNA polymerases capable of TLS do not express functional alternative transcripts in the testis. The multiple mouse/human (PolK/POLK) transcripts may encode multiple Polκ isoforms in testis.
Symbolic definite (and indefinite) integration: methods and open issues

The computation of definite integrals presents one with a variety of choices. There are various methods such as Newton-Leibniz or Slater's convolution method. There are questions such as whether to split or merge sums, how to search for singularities on the path of integration, when to issue conditional results, how to assess (possibly conditional) convergence, and more. These various considerations moreover interact with one another in a multitude of ways. Herein we discuss these various issues and illustrate with examples.
Crossed Molecular Beam Study on the Ground State Reaction of Atomic Boron [B(2Pj)] with Hydrogen Cyanide [HCN(X1Σ+)]

The linear boronisocyanide species, [BNC(X1Σ+)], represents the simplest triatomic molecule with three distinct, neighboring main group atoms of the second row of the periodic table of the elements: boron, carbon, and nitrogen. This makes boronisocyanide a crucial benchmark system to understand the chemical bonding and the electronic structure of small molecules, in particular when compared to the isoelectronic tricarbon molecule, [CCC(X1Σg+)]. However, a clean, directed synthesis of boronisocyanide—a crucial prerequisite to study the properties of this molecule—has remained elusive so far. Here, we combine crossed molecular beam experiments of ground state boron atoms (2Pj) with hydrogen cyanide with electronic structure calculations and reveal that the boronisocyanide molecule, [BNC(X1Σ+)], is formed as the exclusive product under gas phase single collision conditions. We also show that higher energy isomers such as the hitherto unnoticed, ring-strained cyclic BNC(X3A′) structure, which is isoelectronic...
Pyridoxine effect in type I primary hyperoxaluria is associated with the most common mutant allele

Pyridoxine effect in type I primary hyperoxaluria is associated with the most common mutant allele. Background Pyridoxine (VB6) response in type I primary hyperoxaluria (PHI) is variable, with nearly equal numbers of patients showing partial to complete reductions in oxaluria, and resistance. Because high urine oxalate concentrations cause stones and renal injury, reduction in urine oxalate excretion is deemed favorable. Mechanisms of VB6 action on hepatic alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT), the deficient enzyme in PHI, and VB6 dose response have not been well-characterized. Methods Sequencing or restriction site–generating polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for c.508 genotyping in 23 PHI patients. Pre- and post-VB6 24-hour urine oxalate excretion and VB6 dose were ascertained by retrospective chart review. Results There were six c.508 G>A homozygotes (AA), eight heterozygotes (GA), and nine patients lacking this change (GG). Pre-VB6 urine oxalate excretion was 152 ± 39, 203 ± 68 and 206 ± 74 mg/1.73 m 2 /24 hours, respectively, and did not differ [AA vs. GA ( P = 0.07); AA vs. GG ( P = 0.07); GA vs. GG, ( P = 0.47)]. Post-VB6 urine oxalate excretion was normal in AA (pre- vs. post-VB6) ( P P P = 0.06). Urine oxalate excretion attenuation was similar for VB6 doses (mg/kg/day) of 1 to 4.9, 5 to 9.9, and 10 to 14.9 in AA ( P = 0.41, P = 0.28, and P = 0.11, respectively) and GA ( P = 0.42, P = 0.39, and P = 0.30, respectively) during follow-up. Conclusion Presence of the c.508 G>A allele confers VB6 response in PHI and VB6 doses of 5 mg/kg/day appear sufficient. c.508 genotyping can be used to predict VB6 response and guide treatment in PHI. [c represents cDNA sequence where nucleotide position +1 corresponds to the adenine (A) of the translation start codon ATG. Equivalent positions based on 5′ UTR nucleotide numbering are as follows: c.508 G>A = G630A (Gly170Arg), c.32 C>T = C154T (Pro11Leu), and c.454 T>A = T576A (Phe152Ile)], yields highest residual AGT activity. To test whether VB6 response might be attributable to this allele, we performed c.508 genotyping.
Differences in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among fraternity and sorority members

Abstract This study examined gender differences in alcohol consumption and problem behaviors among fraternity and sorority college students. Males were more likely to drink 13+ drinks at one time; females were more likely to drink 1–3, 4–6, and 7–12 drinks. Females experienced more problems at the 4–6 level; numbers of problems experienced were approximately equal at the 7–12 and 13+ levels. The correlation between consumption and problems was stronger for females ( r =0.58) than for males ( r =0.42). Problem behaviors might be due to individual differences or environmental forces acting upon individuals. Longitudinal studies should investigate possible causal pathways to inform the design of interventions for this at-risk population.
Efeito da pré-embebição de sementes de alface em solução bioestimulante

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a germinacao e o vigor de sementes de 2 cultivares de alface pre-embebidas em bioestimulante. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados com 4 repeticoes em esquema fatorial 2x7 utilizando-se sementes das cultivares Bariri e Maravilha das Quatro Estacoes pre-embebidas por 16h em solucoes de 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 mL.L-¹ de bioestimulante. Foram avaliados o percentual de germinacao, o indice de velocidade de germinacao (IVG), o comprimento da plântula aos 7 dias apos a semeadura e razao entre parte aerea e a radicula da planta. A cv. Bariri foi significativamente superior em todos os aspectos avaliados. O uso da pre-embebicao de sementes em bioestimulante nao diferiu para germinacao, porem influenciou o vigor das plântulas, avaliado pelas demais caracteristicas. Para a cultivar Bariri a pre-embebicao em 10mL.L-¹ obteve o maior IVG (19,60) enquanto que para M4E o melhor resultado foi obtido na pre-embebicao em 15mL.L-¹ (17,75). Tais resultados sugerem que em condicoes favoraveis a pre-embebicao das sementes em bioestimulante mesmo que nao alterem a capacidade germinativa das sementes de alface, melhora sua velocidade de germinacao e o vigor das plântulas, aumentando as chances de sucesso do estabelecimento da planta.
Demonstration of Differences Between Strains of Staphylococcus aureus by Peptidoglycan Fingerprinting

Lysis of peptidoglycans of Staphylococcus aureus yields products that exhibit strainspecific patterns on analysis by thin-layer chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The patterns are demonstrated when products of the endogenous autolysins are examined and are enhanced and/or altered by the use of exogenous murolytic enzymes. These fingerprinting techniques were applied to the study of 55 strains of S. aureus. Twenty-six strains were from patients in five localized hospital outbreaks, and 29 were obtained randomly from individual patients. With only two exceptions all strains from a given outbreak had an identical murolytic pattern, whereas the random strains showed variable patterns. Peptidoglycan fingerprinting may be an adjunct tool for the hospital epidemiologist and may also be valuable for the study of certain biologic aspects of interstrain differences.
The effect of crack growth stability induced by residual compressive stresses on strength variability

Rising T- (or R-) curve behavior is increasingly being used in order to improve the mechanical reliability of ceramic materials. In this study, the possibility of inducing such behavior using residual compressive stresses is analyzed. The T-curves obtained for certain residual stress profiles induce crack stability when the stress minima (compressive stress maxima) lie away from the surface of the sample. The consequences of this stabilization on the strength characteristics are a significant reduction in the strength variability and strength insensitivity to the initial flaw size. In addition to these desirable features, considerable strengthening is also obtained. Hence, suitably engineered compressive stress profiles are shown to be a novel and alternative means of enhancing mechanical reliability.
Calcineurin activation is only one calcium-dependent step in cytotoxic T lymphocyte granule exocytosis.

We have tested the idea that calcineurin, a calcium-dependent phosphatase that is critical for activating cytokine gene expression in helper T cells, plays a role in lytic granule exocytosis in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We used TALL-104 human leukemic CTLs as a model. Our results confirm an earlier report (Dutz, J. P., Fruman, D. A., Burakoff, S. J., and Bierer, B. E. (1993) J. Immunol. 150, 2591–2598) that immunosuppressive drugs inhibit exocytosis in CTLs stimulated either via the T cell receptor (TCR) or via TCR-independent soluble agents. Of the two recently reported alternate targets of immunosuppressive drugs (Matsuda, S., Shibasaki, F., Takehana, K., Mori, H., Nishida, E., and Koyasu, S. (2000) EMBO Rep. 1, 428–434 and Matsuda, S., and Koyasu, S. (2000) Immunopharmacology 47, 119–125), JNK is not required for lytic granule exocytosis, but we were not able to exclude a role for P38. Exocytosis could be inhibited by expressing GFP fused to a C-terminal fragment of CAIN (cabin 1), but not by expressing VIVIT-GFP. Finally, expressing either full-length or truncated constitutively active mutant calcineurin A enhanced lytic granule exocytosis. However, the mutant calcineurin was unable to support exocytosis when cells were stimulated in the absence of Ca2+ influx. Taken together, our results support the idea that activation of calcineurin is required for lytic granule exocytosis but suggest that it is not the sole Ca2+-dependent step.
Making Sense of Methods and Measurement: Measures of Central Tendency

Measures of central tendency are some of the most widely used statistics in research (Sheskin, 1997). This issue’s installation of ‘‘Making Sense of Methods and Measurement’’ will explore three measures of central tendency: mean, median, and mode. Although relatively simple, these measures can communicate a great deal about a set of data and lay the foundation for calculating and interpreting many inferential statistics. For the following descriptions we will use a set of six data points representing continuous scores from a hypothetical simulation performance evaluation instrument where the minimum score was 0 and the maximum score was 20: 0, 0, 5, 7, 12, 20. The mode is the most frequently occurring data point in a set of data. For the dataset above, the mode, or the most frequently occurring score, would be 0. The median is the middle data point in the set or, if there are an even number of data points, the mean of the two middle data points. In
The collection and determination of atmospheric gaseous bromine and iodine

Abstract A procedure has been developed which allows for the isolation, collection and analysis of atmospheric gaseous iodine and bromine. Particulate matter is removed from the airstream to be sampled by electrostatic precipitation. The gaseous halogen species are adsorbed onto specially cleaned activated charcoal. After irradiation of the charcoal sample with thermal neutrons, the iodine and bromine are removed from the charcoal, isolated, and purified as the AgX precipitate. The amounts of gaseous iodine and bromine are then determined by β-counting. The system works well for air sheds with low particulate iodine and bromine concentrations relative to that in the gaseous phase. In air sheds where the particulate halogen predominates, the gas phase measurements are more uncertain.
Partial purification from rat and pig liver of cytosolic stimulators of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase: quantitation and resolution of two components.

Abstract Procedures were carried out to isolate from liver cytosol the protein activators of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase (13). A method for quantifying amounts of activator protein was used to monitor recovery after each isolation step. The activator proteins were precipitable by ammonium sulfate (30–60% saturation) and partially recoverable from the precipitate. On gel filtration of cytosol, stimulatory activity for glucagon-sensitive adenylate cyclase was recovered in two peaks representing proteins with molecular weights of 49,000 and 25,500. Exposure to GTP-Sepharose reduced liver cytosol's content of stimulatory factors for glucagon-sensitive adenylate cyclase by up to 70%. However, soluble protein adenylate cyclase activators distinct from GTP could not be subsequently eluted from the affinity matrix. Purification efforts were thwarted by factor instability and large losses during simple and conventional steps despite the use of a variety of protein stabilizers and protease inhibitors. If the problem of stimulator instability can be overcome, large-scale purification should be possible using pig liver as a starting material.
Perception and memory for pictures: Single-trial learning of 2500 visual stimuli

Ss were shown 2,560 photographic Stimuli for 10 sec each; their recognition memory was then tested, using a two-alternative forced-choice task. Performance exceeded 90%, indicating retention of over 2,000 items, even when up to 3 days elapsed between learning and testing. Variants of the experiment showed that the presentation time could be reduced to 1 sec per picture without seriously affecting performance; also, that the stimuli could be reversed in orientation in the test situation without impairing recognition performance appreciably. The orientation of the stimuli could also be learned, although not as well as the identity of the pictures. These results indicate the vast memory for pictures possessed by human beings and emphasize the need to determine mechanisms by which this is accomplished.
Populism, its rise and fall

Before it was "Populism", the great reform movement of the 1890s was often called "Pefferism" after its most prominant leader, Kansas editor William Peffer. Peffer's memoir, "Populism, Its Rise and Fall" is the only significant memoir by a major Populist figure. The Populist movement arose as a revolt against the special privileges of industrialism and the American banking system. It spread quickly throughout the Midwest and South and reached its zenith with the founding of the People's Party in the early 1890s. William Peffer chaired the national conference that organized the People's Party and was the Party's first US senator and president of its national Reform Press Association. Peffer's memoir, written in 1899 but discovered decades later, offers an insider's view of the Populist movement. Peffer describes the development of Populism, the political manoeuverings and campaign practices of the People's Party, the effect of the famous silver movement on the critical election of 1896, and the behind-the-scenes conflicts and disagreements that ultimately led to the dissolution of America's last great third party. "Populism, Its Rise and Fall" includes the complete text of this singular memoir, transcribed, edited, and annotated by Peter H. Argersinger, a leading scholar of the Populist movement. Argersinger's introductory essay and extensive annotation evoke America at the turn of the century and place Peffer's memoir in the context of the times, at the vortex of the forces that shaped and ultimately destroyed Populism.
A radio-enzymatic assay for folic acid.

MANY important physiological substances such as some of the hormones, vitamins and metabolic substrates are present in both animals and humans in minute concentration; that is, at levels not detectable by usual physico-chemical procedures. This has necessitated the application of perhaps more sensitive, but usually less specific, biological assays. The results of such assays are often variable from laboratory to laboratory, frequently lack specificity, and usually require special technical skills.
Nevus of Ota With Malignant Melanoma of the Choroid: Report of a Case

The following report describes a patient who developed a melanoma of the choroid in an eye associated with nevus of Ota. Except for one patient in 1860, no other examples of an ocular malignancy occurring with nevus of Ota were found in the literature. Nevus of Ota is seen as a hyperpigmented area involving the eyelids, frequently the adjacent skin, and usually the eyeball itself. This lesion was originally termed nevus fuscocaeruleus ophthalmomaxillaris and is also frequently referred to as oculodermal melanocytosis. The "nevus" is composed of melanocytes which are identical in appearance and histochemical reaction to those found in the uveal tract.1It is also closely related to the Mongolian spot, the blue nevus, and certain cases of melanosis oculi. Nevus of Ota is common among Oriental people, over 400 reports having appeared in the Japanese literature. In none of these, however, has associated ocular malignancy been described.
RESORPTION EFFICIENCY DECREASES WITH INCREASING GREEN LEAF NUTRIENTS IN A GLOBAL DATA SET

To investigate effects of green-leaf nutrient status on senesced-leaf nutrient concentrations and resorption efficiency, we developed a database of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in green and senesced leaves from 92 published studies. We fit power functions (i.e., [nutrient]sen = A [nutrient]grB) separately for N and P. The database encompassed 297 perennial species of different life-forms. Across these divergent species and conditions, a major control on senesced-leaf nutrient concentration was green-leaf nutrient status; nutrient concentrations in senesced leaves were positively associated with green-leaf nutrient concentrations (r2 values from 51% to 84%). Within-species variation as well as species differences contributed to the overall variation in nutrient concentrations. Moreover, N and P resorption efficiency decreased, respectively, with increased N and P green-leaf status; fitted power functions indicated that a disproportionate amount of nutrient remained in senesced leaves of h...
Design Principle of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes to Make Them Water‐Soluble and Highly Emissive

The correlation between the molecular design of a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) and its aggregated structure and the emissive properties in water is systematically investigated by means of UV–vis spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. Five different and rationally designed CPEs having carboxylic acid side chains are synthesized. All five conjugated polyelectrolytes are seemingly completely soluble in water in visual observation. However, their quantum yields are dramatically different, changing from 0.45 to 51.4%. Morphological analysis by electron microscopy combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry reveals that the CPEs form self-assembled aggregates at the nanoscale depending on the nature of their side chains. The feature of the self-assembled aggregates directly determines the emissive property of the CPEs. The nature and the length of the spacer between the carboxylic acid group and the CPE backbone have a strong influence on the quantum yield of the CPEs. Our study demonstrates that bulky and hydrophilic side chains and spacers are required to achieve complete water-solubility and high quantum yield of CPEs in water, providing an important molecular design principle to develop functional CPEs.
Academic-contingent self-worth and the social monitoring system

Previous research suggests that individuals closely monitor information about their own social standing, particularly when their social value is threatened. We posit that information perceived as most relevant to social relationships is particularly monitored when a threat occurs and that the information that is most relevant to social relationships is represented by the areas in which individuals base their self worth. One hundred and ten participants were asked to participate in an online discussion with research confederates. Participants were randomly assigned to a condition in which they were socially excluded by the other participants or not socially excluded. Next, they were asked to complete a recall task for diary entries that involved information about different domains of self worth. Participants in the social exclusion condition who self-reported that they placed a high value on academics for self-evaluatory purposes recalled more information relating to the domain of academics after this threat than did those who did not consider academics to be as important to their self worth. We discuss these results in terms of both the sociometer and contingency models of self-worth, and conclude that contingencies of self-worth may develop as markers of information perceived important to social relationships.
Russia and Europe: The Koenraad van Klenk Embassy to Moscow (1675-76)

In this article based on Russian, Dutch, German, English, and Latin sources, Kees Boterbloem shows how the Dutch Embassy led by Koenraad van Klenk that visited Muscovy in 1675 and 1676 unfolded to the satisfaction of both the Russian hosts and their Dutch guests. This was in large measure the result of van Klenk’s expert knowledge about Muscovy and his sober assessment of the foreign policy priorities of Tsars Aleksei and Fyodor as well as his own country’s government. Meanwhile, the evidence regarding the embassy and its historical context are testimony to of a sudden intensified Muscovite interest in Europe and European interest in Muscovy. It suggests that Muscovy was no longer an “Orientalized” or “barbaric” outsider and had entered the Concert of Europe a generation before historians propose that Peter the Great “opened Russia’s window to the West.”
Predictors of use of hearing protection among a representative sample of farmers.

Farmers experience higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than workers in most other industries. We developed a model of farmers' use of hearing protection, and tested it with a random sample (n = 532) of farmers from the upper Midwest. Barriers to using hearing protection (e.g., difficulty communicating; OR = .44, p < .003) were negatively related to use. Greater access/availability of hearing protectors (OR = 1.75, p < .010) and male gender (OR = .43, p < .019) were positively related to use. The model correctly predicted use of hearing protection for 74% of the cases. Overall, farmers demonstrated low hearing protector use, and results were similar to those from previous studies of non-farm workers. Findings from this study will be useful in designing interventions to increase farmers' hearing protector use and decrease their rates of NIHL. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:528–538, 2010
On the tradeoffs between network state knowledge and secrecy

In this paper, the impact of network-state knowledge on the feasibility of secrecy is studied in the context of non-colluding active eavesdropping. The main contribution is the investigation of several scenarios in which increasing the available knowledge at each of the network components leads to some paradoxical observations in terms of the average secrecy capacity and average information leakage. These observations are in the context of a broadcast channel similar to the time-division downlink of a single-cell cellular system. Here, providing more knowledge to the eavesdroppers makes them more conservative in their attacks, and thus, less harmful in terms of average information leakage. Similarly, providing more knowledge to the transmitter makes it more careful and less willing to transmit, which reduces the expected secrecy capacity. These findings are illustrated with a numerical analysis that shows the impact of most of the network parameters in the feasibility of secrecy.
Activity of Dutasteride Plus Ketoconazole in Castration-Refractory Prostate Cancer After Progression on Ketoconazole Alone

Abstract Background Ketoconazole is a commonly used secondary hormonal therapy in castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC), but disease progression inevitably occurs. Both prostatic and metastatic lesions in patients with CRPC overexpress 5-α reductase (SRDA5) type I. We hypothesized that SRDA5 inhibition in combination with ketoconazole would mitigate progression after treatment with ketoconazole alone. Patients and Methods A total of 10 patients with CRPC with progression after ketoconazole treatment were treated with a combination of ketoconazole plus dutasteride 0.5 mg/day, a dual SRDA5 inhibitor. Results After dutasteride addition, 8 (80%) of the 10 patients had varying degrees of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline relative to baseline. Median progression-free survival after dutasteride addition was 4.9 months (range, 2.7+ to 9.8 months); no patient had a ≤ 50% PSA decline. Conclusion We conclude that dutasteride added to ketoconazole at the time progression might prolong time to PSA progression in patients with CRPC.
Enhancing the utility of complex-valued functional magnetic resonance imaging detection of neurobiological processes through postacquisition estimation and correction of dynamic B(0) errors and motion.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series analysis is typically performed using only the magnitude portion of the data. The phase information remains unused largely due to its sensitivity to temporal variations in the magnetic field unrelated to the functional response of interest. These phase changes are commonly the result of physiologic processes such as breathing or motion either inside or outside the imaging field of view. As a result, although the functional phase response carries pertinent physiological information concerning the vasculature, one aspect of which is the location of large draining veins, the full hemodynamic phase response is understudied and is poorly understood, especially in comparison with the magnitude response. It is likely that the magnitude and phase contain disjoint information, which could be used in tandem to better characterize functional hemodynamics. In this work, simulated and human fMRI experimental data are used to demonstrate how statistical analysis of complex-valued fMRI time series can be problematic, and how robust analysis using these powerful and flexible complex-valued statistics is possible through postprocessing with correction for dynamic magnetic field fluctuations in conjunction with estimated motion parameters. These techniques require no special pulse sequence modifications and can be applied to any complex-valued echo planar imaging data set. This analysis shows that the phase component appears to contain information complementary to that in the magnitude and that processing and analysis techniques are available to investigate it in a robust and flexible manner.
Nano- and micro-iron oxide catalysts for controlling the emission of carbon monoxide and methane

Abstract Two promising catalysts for the low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide and methane were investigated to determine their characteristics and possible usefulness in pollution control systems. Although both materials consisted of ultra-fine particles of ferric oxide, there was a significant difference in the average particle size and surface area of the materials. One of the materials, NANOCAT ® superfine iron oxide, consisted of particles with an average size of 3 nm and a specific surface area of 250 m 2 /g. The other material, Fe 2 O 3 -PVS, consisted of particles with an average size of 300 nm and a specific surface area of 4 m 2 /g. Both materials proved effective for catalyzing the oxidation of either CO or CH 4 at temperatures far below the normal flame temperature of these gases. This was determined by observing the conversion of CO or CH 4 to CO 2 in the presence of excess oxygen at different temperatures in a small tubular, flow reactor packed with a catalyst. The conversion was also used as a basis for determining the catalytic activity of the two catalysts at different temperatures, reactant concentrations, and space–times. The results showed that the NANOCAT ® had the greatest catalytic activity for a given mass of catalyst which was probably due to its greater specific surface area.
Broadbanding of Electrically Small HF Antennas for Frequency Agile Applications by Use of PIN Diode Switched Matching Networks

The need for and capabilities of HF frequency agile antenna systems are presented. Since frequency agile communications are employed on electrically small platforms, the antennas are necessarily small and narrowband. The antenna must be made to appear broadband by the use of a frequency hopping antenna matching network. State-of-the-art design requirements and performance levels for frequency hopping antenna matching networks are presented.
The monomial method and asymptotic properties of algebraic systems

The monomial method is a numerical method for solving systems of algebraic equations. It is related to Newton's method, but is based on an approximation that is monomial, rather than linear, in form. It has been shown previously that the monomial method has a number of properties not shared by Newton's method that are responsible for enhanced performance. This paper demonstrates that many of the performance characteristics of the monomial method can be explained in terms of asymptotic properties of algebraic systems, and the ability of the monomial method to exploit these properties. The monomial method recasts the algebraic system to have monomial asymptotes in all directions, so that the monomial approximation becomes asymptotically exact. This explains the very rapid movement toward a solution in the first iteration from distant starting points that has been observed with the monomial method. Problem types with ‘good asymptotics’ are found to be solved very effectively by the monomial method. Several specific engineering applications with good asymptotics are identified, and suggestions are made regarding other types of engineering applications that are likely to be handled effectively by the monomial method.
A hypothesis to explain the role of the suppressor and helper T cells in the immunologic selection of highly related human immunodeficiency virus isolates found in infected patients

It is proposed that specific human immunodeficiency virus determinants in seropositive individuals are capable of evoking very strong suppressor T cell responses which inactivate certain helper T cells. This helper T cell suppression may be sufficient to inhibit the cytotoxic T cell recognition of these specific retroviral antigens and significantly reduce neutralizing antibody titers. As a consequence of the poor T helper cell responses to these different antigens, a number of related human immunodeficiency virus isolates are able to escape immune surveillance over the entire course of the infection. The selection and persistence of these distinct but related viral isolates may allow the human immunodeficiency virus infection to progress to other tissues and contribute to the gradual destruction of the remaining helper T cell population. Thus, the development of an effective antiviral therapy and possibly even a cure for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome may depend on the management of the suppressor and helper T cell activity in the infected individual.
COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE RORSCHACH DEPRESSION INDEX AND DEPRESSION-RELATED MEASURES IN A NONPATIENT SAMPLE '

Summary.-The Rorschach Depression Index of Exner was correlated with eight self-report measures of affect and related personality constructs, including the Beck Depression Inventory, the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist-Revised Depression and Positive Mect scales, and Kaplan Self-derogation in a sample of 41 undergraduates (M age 19 yr.). The only significant correlation was an unexpected inverse correlation (r = -.35) for scores on Kaplan Self-derogation, suggesting the need for caution in the use of the Depression Index as an indicator of depression in nonpatients. Rorschach variables are most often tested on patient populations with the chical diagnosis as the validation criterion. Less frequently, nonpatient populations are used, with other psychological tests as the validating criteria. It seems reasonable to assume that a Rorschach measure should be correlated with other indcators of the same personality disposition, whether in the trait or state form. If such correlations are not found, Rorschach measures may not provide useful information in nonpatient populations. One such Rorschach measure, the revised Depression Index (Exner, 1993, p. 3621, was developed as an indicator of chical depression and consists of a configuration of 15 Rorschach variables. Some of these component variables are seen as indicators of dysphoric affect while others are more closely related to the cognitive processes associated with depression. Exner (1993, pp. 361-363) described the ~rocedure involved in developing this index as difficult or less straightforward than for other indexes, in part because there are ambiguities in the term depression, which can be used, for example, as both a mood indicator and a diagnosis. While there were &sappointing results (Viglione, Brager, & Hder, 1988) with the initial depression index (Exner, 1986), Exner cited greater optimism about the revised index. In the current study the revised measure was correlated with measures of a number of other constructs, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, self-derogation, and, inversely, positive affect, which would all be expected to show associations with an index of depression.
Technology and communication ethics: An evaluative framework

Technical communication scholars have argued that communication skills can be used to promote and enhance ethical uses of technology. This essay articulates a related view: technical communicators should remain cognizant of the ways that technologies can inhibit ethical communication practices. The author proposes a framework for evaluating the degree to which communication technologies promote ethical communication. This framework's applicability is then demonstrated in an explication of the ethical problems associated with “Caller Identification.”;
Scheduling of linear projects with single loop structures

Abstract In the last decade, a number of linear scheduling methods based on the theories of linear and dynamic programming were developed for the scheduling of linear projects. However, these methods are only suitable for the scheduling of serial linear projects (i.e. sequential activities). In this paper, a nonserial dynamic programming formulation for the scheduling and control of linear projects that involve single loop structures is presented. The objective is to provide for the selection of crew formations, interruptions, and lags for the production activities that result in the minimum project duration. The advantage of this nonserial dynamic programming approach is its ability to handle both serial and nonserial linear projects with variable crew formations and work interruptions. In addition, the system presented produces a graphical representation of the project schedule of minimum duration and updates the original schedule based on current information supplied by the user. A numerical example is included to illustrate the input and output of the system presented.
Comparison of ultrasonication and microfluidization for high throughput and large-scale processing of SWCNT dispersions

Abstract Two SWCNT dispersion processing techniques – microfluidization and ultrasonication– were examined using an ultracentrifuge method and simultaneous Raman scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the extremely high energy dissipation rate in microfluidization facilitates the high throughput dispersion of SWCNT bundles. However, the efficiency of SWCNT bundles being separated into individual tubes in this process is much lower compared to ultrasonication, in which the energy dissipation rate is very low. This suggests that the types of flow field rather than the energy dissipation rate play a critical role in the separation of bundles into single SWCNTs.
Calcretes of Olduvai Gorge and the Ndolanya Beds of Northern Tanzania

Pedogenic calcretes are closely associated with Pliocene to Holocene wind-worked deposits of volcanic ash in the Olduvai and Ndolanya Beds of northern Tanzania. The typical profile with calcrete consists of an unconsolidated sediment layer, an underlying laminar calcrete, and a lowermost massive calcrete. The laminar calcrete is a relatively pure limestone, whereas massive calcrete is aeolian tuff cemented and replaced by calcite. An Olduvai calcrete profile can develop to a mature stage in only a few thousand years. Carbonatite ash was the dominant source for most of the calcite in the calcretes. Replacement was a major process in formation of the massive calcretes, and oolitic textures have resulted from micrite replacing pelletoid clay coatings around sand grains. Phillipsite and possible other zeolites were extensively replaced in the massive calcretes. Replacement of clay by micrite in the Olduvai calcretes is accompanied by dissolution or leaching of phengitic illite and the formation of clay approaching the composition of halloysite or kaolinite. In the upper calcrete of the Ndolanya Beds, montmorillonite was altered to a kaolinite-type mineral and to dioctahedral chlorite. Authigenic dolomite, zeolite, and dawsonite in the Olduvai calcretes probably received at least some of their components from replaced materials.
Sterically Hindered Aluminum Alkyls: Weakly Interacting Scavenging Agents of Use in Olefin Polymerization

Sterically hindered aluminum methyl compounds derived from reaction of hindered phenols with AlMe3 (i.e., MeAl(BHT)2 and MeAl(BHT*)2; BHT = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxide; BHT* = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxide) are useful scavenging agents in olefin polymerization using metallocene catalysts. They do not, or only slowly, react with activators such as B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] at 25 °C, nor do they coordinate to or react with metallocenium ion-pairs derived from metallocene dialkyls and these activators. A mixture of AlMe3 and a large excess of MeAl(BHT)2 proves advantageous for catalysts that are susceptible to reaction with BHT-H, the hydrolysis product of MeAl(BHT)2. Ethylene polymerization experiments establish that the activity of [Cp2ZrMe][MeB(C6F5)3] is only slightly inhibited by AlMe3 in the presence of a significant excess of MeAl(BHT)2. Spectroscopic studies have revealed that AlMe3 is in equilibrium with MeAl(BHT)2, forming Me2Al(BHT). At low temperature using 13C NMR spectroscopy, a 1:1 ...
Made for "anchorin": Kv7.2/7.3 (KCNQ2/KCNQ3) channels and the modulation of neuronal excitability in vertebrate axons.

Abstract Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 (encoded by KCNQ2 and KCNQ3) are homologous subunits forming a widely expressed neuronal voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel. Hypomorphic mutations in either KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 cause a highly penetrant, though transient, human phenotype–epilepsy during the first months of life. Some KCNQ2 mutations also cause involuntary muscle rippling, or myokymia, which is indicative of motoneuron axon hyperexcitability. Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 are concentrated at axonal initial segments (AISs), and at nodes of Ranvier in the central and peripheral nervous system. Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 share a novel ∼80 residue C-terminal domain bearing an “anchor” motif, which interacts with ankyrin-G and is required for channel AIS (and likely, nodal) localization. This domain includes the sequence IAEGES/TDTD, which is analogous (not homologous) to the ankyrin-G interaction motif of voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels. The KCNQ subfamily is evolutionarily ancient, with two genes (KCNQ1 and KCNQ5) persisting as orthologues in extant bilaterian animals from worm to man. However, KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 arose much more recently, in the interval between the divergence of extant jawless and jawed vertebrates. This is precisely the interval during which myelin and saltatory conduction evolved. The natural selection for KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 appears to hinge on these subunits’ unique ability to be coordinately localized with NaV channels by ankyrin-G, and the resulting enhancement in the reliability of neuronal excitability.