cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sulfur Compounds in Coal

The literature on the chemical structure of the organic sulfur compounds (or functional groups) in coal is reviewed. Four methods were applied in the literature to study the sulfur compounds in coal: direct spectrometric and chemical analysis, depolymerization in drastic conditions, depolymerization in mild conditions, and studies on simulated coal. The data suggest that most of the organic sulfur in coal is in the form of thiophenic structures and aromatic and aliphatic sulfides. The relative abundance of the sulfur groups in bituminous coal is estimated as 50:30:20%, respectively. The ratio changes during processing and during the chemical analysis. The main effects are the transformation during processing of sulfides to the more stable thiophenic compounds and the elimination of hydrogen sulfide.
Effect of provider communication style on the improvement of pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

s / Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 20 (2012) S54–S296 S255 assessment at baseline assessing pressure-pain sensitivity of the lower leg. During cuff inflation patients rated the pressure-pain intensity continuously on an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS), with 0 indicating “no pain” and 10 defined “worst pain imaginable”. The patients pressed a button, when the pressure-pain intensity was intolerable (pain tolerance threshold, PTT recorded in kPa) and the corresponding VAS score defined the pressure-pain limit (PTL). The PTT and PTL were measured before a 16-week intensive dietary intervention resulting in a significant weight loss. Treatment response was defined according to the Outcomes Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) responder criterion (yes/no). The associations between baseline PTT and PTL and lack of clinical response according to the OMERACT-OARSI criterion despite receiving intensive dietary therapy were assessed using logistic regression analysis; adjustments for potential confounding factors (gender, age, radiographic disease severity and baseline BMI) were performed. Results: Baseline PTT was associated with lack of response to weight loss according to the OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria, showing that patients with higher PTT had lower odds of non-response (odds ratio 1⁄4 0.966; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 0.99, P1⁄4 0.0066) implying a better prognosis. There was no association between baseline PTL and treatment response (odds ratio 1⁄4 0.998; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 1.17, P 1⁄4 0.9761). Conclusions: This study indicates that obese knee OA patients with low pressure pain tolerance (i.e. high sensitivity) at baseline have a reduced likelihood of symptomatic response to a weight loss intervention as compared to patients with high pressure pain tolerance (i.e. low sensitivity). Central sensitization of the nociceptive system may explain the relative high pressure pain sensitivity in the patients responding less efficient to the weight loss. Pain sensitivity assessment may aid clinical decision making as a prognostic tool. 504 EFFECT OF PROVIDER COMMUNICATION STYLE ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF PAIN AND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS M.E. Suarez-Almazor , M.A. Kallen , V. Cox , R.L. Street, Jr. . UT MD Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX, USA; 2 Texas A & M Univ., College
Collision-induced dissociation of valdecoxib metabolites: a novel rearrangement involving an isoxazole ring

Valdecoxib is a potent COX-2 inhibitor. During metabolism studies of valdecoxib by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, we observed a novel mass spectral rearrangement involving an isoxazole ring for some of the metabolites in the negative ion mode. Accurate mass measurements were performed with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to determine the elemental compositions of the fragments. Additionally, two types of stable-isotope labeled analogues were prepared to assist with the assignments of these fragments and possible mechanistic rearrangements resulting from collision-induced dissociation (CID). Detailed analyses of the CID mass spectra suggest that the fragmentation process involves a novel two-step rearrangement. The first step consists of an intramolecular SN2 reaction with a five-membered ring rearrangement to form an intermediate. The second step involves a four-membered ring intramolecular rearrangement followed by a cleavage of the N—O bond on the isoxazole ring to form a unique fragment ion at m/z 196. The same phenomenon was observed for a group of structurally related metabolites that also contain a 5-hydroxymethyl or 5-carboxylic acid moieties. A mechanism for the novel rearrangement involving an isoxazole ring is proposed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Refusals in Egyptian Arabic and American English

Abstract This study investigated how native speakers of Egyptian Arabic and native speakers of American English realized the speech act of refusal in equal and unequal status situations. Ten native speakers of Egyptian Arabic and 10 native speakers of American English participated in the study. Data were elicited using context-enhanced role plays consisting of six refusal situations eliciting refusals of requests and offers. Results showed marked quantitative and qualitative differences between the two groups. For example, the Egyptians produced more words and turns than their American counterparts. The Egyptians also tended to be particularly verbose and indirect when interacting with someone higher in status. Results also showed that while the Egyptians preferred family oriented reasons to support their refusals, the Americans tended to use personal reasons. With regard to the use of individual refusal strategies, the Americans showed a preference for expressions of regret and gratitude whereas the Egyptians tended to use religious expressions (e.g., invoking the name of God) and proverbs. Discourse-level differences were also observed and were found to be more pronounced in interactions with someone higher in status.
In Vivo Regulation of the IL-1β System (Ligand, Receptors I and II, Receptor Accessory Protein, and Receptor Antagonist) and TNF-α mRNAs in Specific Brain Regions

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) acts directly in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, using a novel behavioral-molecular approach, we report the regulation of the complete II-1 beta system (ligand, receptors, receptor accessory protein, and receptor antagonist) and TNF-alpha mRNAs in the CNS in response to the chronic intracerebroventricular microinfusion of IL-1 beta. IL-1 beta increased the IL-1 beta system and TNF-alpha mRNAs in the cerebellum and parieto-frontal cortex. IL 1 beta-induced profiles of IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor type I and II (IL-1RI and IL-1RII), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (II-1Ra) mRNAs were highly intercorrelated in the same samples. The data suggest the operation of an IL-1 beta feedback system (IL-1 beta/IL-1RI/IL-1RII/IL-1Ra) within a brain region. The fine regulation of the CNS IL-1 beta system may depend on a balance between the ligand (IL-1 beta) action on the IL-1RI and the induction of inhibitory mechanisms (IL-1RII and IL-1Ra). This may have implications regarding neurological diseases associated with high levels of IL-1 beta in the brain.
Quantum holographic encoding in a two-dimensional electron gas

Information has been encoded into the quantum wavefunctions of a two-dimensional electron gas using electronic holograms constructed from single molecules. The information is stored in two spatial dimensions and one energy dimension and is read with a scanning tunnelling microscope, to enable information densities exceeding 20 bits nm−2.
Gender and Ethnicity Differences in Freshmen Engineering Student Attitudes: A Cross-Institutional Study*

We examine the attitudes of entering freshman engineering students and how they change over the course of the first year at 17 institutions. In addition to better understanding these attitudes and the changes that occur, we explore how these changes potentially affect such issues as “first term probation” and attrition from engineering programs. Particular attention is directed at isolating differences due to gender and ethnicity. Thirteen different student attitudes were captured using the Pittsburgh Freshman Engineering Attitude Survey© (PFEAS) at the beginning of the first semester (pre) and at either the end of the first semester or first academic year (post). Definite gender differences were found on the pre-survey for five of the attitude measures. For all but one of these measures, female engineering students' initial attitudes were more negative than those of male students. Across the sample of institutions, female students consistently began their engineering studies with a lower confidence in background knowledge about engineering, their abilities to succeed in engineering, and their perceptions of how engineers contribute to society than did their male counterparts. However, those same female students were more comfortable with their study habits than were the male students. The post questionnaire data indicated that differences for three of these five attitude measures persisted. Most important, female engineering students continued to maintain a lower confidence in their abilities to succeed in engineering as compared to male engineering students. When the PFEAS data were mapped into EC 2000 outcomes, comparable cross-institutional gender differences were observed that paralleled those found for the attitudinal measures. Because the number of minority students was relatively small, significant cross-institutional differences between each minority cohort studied (African American, Asian Pacific, and Hispanic) and the majority cohort, similar cross-institutional patterns could not be observed. However, possible trends were found between African American and majority students' attitudes for certain measures, while other attitudinal measures were found to be significant when Hispanic students were compared to majority students. Significant attitudinal differences between Asian Pacific and majority students were similar to those found between female and male engineering students. By knowing how attitudinal measures differ among gender and ethnic cohorts, and understanding how those differences relate to attrition from engineering programs, we can then developed more informed programmatic initiatives that can impact these attitude in a positive manner. As a result, we may be able to reduce engineering attrition, especially by underrepresented student cohorts.
Differential absorption Mueller matrix spectroscopy and the infrared detection of crystalline organics

The complete 16-element Mueller matrices for backscattering from amino acids, sugars, and other enantiomorphic compounds pressed into wafer form were measured at infrared wavelengths. For each compound a pair of CO(2) laser lines was selected from the 9.1-11.6-mum region such that one line excited an absorption band in the compound, whereas the other did not. It was observed that at least some of the matrix elements differed significantly depending on which of the two wavelengths was used in the measurement. We propose that a neural network pattern recognition system can be trained to detect the presence of specific compounds based on multiwavelength backscatter Mueller matrix measurements.
Cognitive differences between bulimic and anorexic females: Self‐control deficits in bulimia

The pattern of self-control deficit in bulimia, an eating disorder involving unrestrained eating and purging, was studied by comparing college females showing bulimic characteristics with control females on two types of cognitive variables found to be impaired in alcoholics. The possibility of super-normal self-control in anorexia, an eating disorder involving excessive restraint in eating, was investigated by the same procedure. Females showing bulimic characteristics displayed poorer impulse control as predicted. Internal scanning also was found to be impaired in more bulimic females. The results did not indicate superior self-control in females sharing anorexic characteristics.
AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN IN CHRONIC ACTIVE LIVER DISEASE WITH CIRRHOSIS

Abstract Sera from thirty-one patients with chronic active liver disease were examined for the presence of Australia antigen, Au(1). Patients were selected using criteria which include fivefold or greater elevations of serum-glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase, hypergammaglobulinaemia, histological changes on biopsy (hepatitis with or without cirrhosis), and liver disease documented for at least 10 weeks. Au(1) was detected in the sera of three of the thirty-one patients. These three patients did not differ biochemically or by liver microscopy from the patients lacking Au(1). The presence of Au(1) did not correlate with activity of disease. Each of the patients with Au(1) had cirrhosis. The patients with Au(1) had not received blood-transfusions or hepatotoxic drugs. Only one of the three patients gave a history suggestive of acute icteric hepatitis at the onset of illness. If Au(1) adequately reflects the presence of hepatitis virus, these findings would suggest that in some patients with chronic active liver disease, a chronic viral infection exists, even in the presence of cirrhosis.
Enthalpy of formation and dehydration of lithium and sodium zeolite beta

Abstract Zeolite Li-BEA and Na-BEA with Si/Al = 3–4 were synthesized by alumination and ion exchange, then characterized by XRD, TG–DSC and NMR. The enthalpies of formation and dehydration of Li and Na ion exchanged zeolite beta are investigated by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. For Li-BEA, the formation enthalpies of formation from oxides at 25 °C are 25.6 ± 1.7 kJ/mol TO2 for the dehydrated zeolite and −8.45 ± 0.94 kJ/mol TO2 for the fully hydrated zeolite; for Na-BEA they are −2.4 ± 0.6 kJ/mol TO2 for the dehydrated and −17.8 ± 1.0 kJ/mol TO2 for the fully hydrated zeolite. The integral dehydration enthalpy at 25 °C is 33.2 ± 1.8 kJ/mol H2O for Li-BEA and 16.5 ± 1.1 kJ/mol H2O for Na-BEA. The partial molar dehydration enthalpies of both Li-BEA and Na-BEA are a linear function of water content. Molecular mechanics simulations explore the cation and water molecule positions in the framework at several water contents.
Zonohedra and generalized zonohedra

The purpose of this note is primarily to disclose the results of some historical sleuthing which has uncovered an old misreading that is now in widespread use. It will also say a little about why zonohedra are interesting, including why the original definition is useful. We define a generalized zonohedron to be a polyhedron (in R3) such that each face has an even number of edges and on each face, each edge is parallel to its opposite edge; an example is in Figure 1. This definition is equivalent to, and essentially the same as, the definition of a zonohedron given originally by the Russian crystallographer Fedorov [F].' Another equivalent definition would be to say that the union of the images of the edges of the polyhedron under the generalized Gauss map consists of complete great circles. This map sends each face of the polyhedron to its exterior unit normal, each edge to the shorter great circle segment connecting the exterior unit normals of the planes intersecting along that edge, and each vertex to the smaller spherical region bounded by the appropriate great circle segments. Thus the generalized Gauss map of a polyhedron induces a decomposition of the sphere, called the n-diagram of that polyhedron, which is a realization of the topological dual of the polyhedron.
Aortic Valve Replacement in the Anephric Patient

A 30-year-old anephric patient on a home dialysis program developed bacterial endocarditis, aortic insufficiency, and severe hear failure. After a period of intensive medical management she underwent aortic valve replacement successfully. One year following operation she continues to do well and is again managed by home dialysis without further complication.
Androgen secretion and spermatogenesis in rats following semistarvation.

SummaryMale Sprague-Dawley rats were allowed to feed freely until 10 weeks of age and then were restricted to 50% of the ad libitum food intake of controls for 8 or 23 weeks. Serum testosterone, determined by gas-liquid chromatography, decreased during the first 8 weeks of food restriction to 31% of that in full-fed controls, but then rebounded to control levels following another 15 weeks of semistarvation. Similarly, weights and secretory activities of accessory reproductive organs declined during the first 8 weeks and increased during the last 15 weeks of food restriction. When allowed to refeed for 3 weeks following 20 weeks of semistarvation, serum testosterone rose to 3.0 ng/ml, twice the 1.5 ng/ml in fully fed controls and three times the 1.2 ng/ml for chronically semistarved rats at the same age.The complete absence of food from previously full-fed rats for 6 days lowered testosterone levels to undetectable quantities.Absolute weights of testes and epididymides and their concentration of sperm (per...
EVIDENCE OF LOW-BINDING-ENERGY ELECTRONS IN A LOW-TEMPERATURE HELIUM AFTERGLOW.

Moderate, pulsed microwave heating of the free electrons in a weakly ionized helium afterglow plasma at 9.5 Torr at a gas temperature of 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K produces an unusual modulation of the visible afterglow light. Observations of a second (probing) microwave signal indicate an accompanying significant increase in free-electron density under the assumption that there is no significant anomalous phase shift or absorption of the probing signal.
System-level optimization of the sizes of organs for heat and fluid flow systems

Abstract In this paper we show that the sizes (weights) of heat and fluid flow systems that function on board vehicles such as aircraft can be derived from the maximization of overall (system level) performance. The total weight of the aircraft dictates its fuel requirement. The principle owes its existence to two effects that compete for fuel. Components, power plants and refrigeration plants operate less irreversibly when they are larger. Less irreversibility means less fuel needed for their operation. On the other hand, larger sizes add more to the mass of the aircraft and to the total fuel requirement. This tradeoff pinpoints optimal sizes. The principle is illustrated based on three examples: a power plant the size of which is represented by a heat exchanger, a counterflow heat exchanger without fluid flow irreversibility, and a counterflow heat exchanger with heat transfer and fluid flow irreversibilities. The size optimization principle is applicable to the organs of all flow systems, engineered (e.g., vehicles) and natural (e.g., animals).
Grain sorghum response to slit-tillage on norfolk loamy sand

(...) The objective of field research conducted during 1986, 1987, and 1988, was to evaluate effectiveness of slit-tillage for grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production of a Norfolk (fineloamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Paleudult) loamy sand near Florence, SC. Three-year average grain yields for slit-tillage, in-row subsoiling, and no-tillage were 50, 46, and 39 bu/acre, respectively (...)
On-line SASE FEL gain optimization using COTRI imaging☆

Overlap of the particle and the photon beams in a self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) free-electron laser (FEL) is one of the keys to optimizing gain. We have now directly demonstrated an on-line method for gain improvement at 540 nm on the Advanced Photon Source FEL. This was achieved by steering the e-beam with correctors before an undulator based on the fringe symmetry in coherent optical transition radiation interference (COTRI) images observed after that undulator. For these conditions we determined that both the SASE and COTR image intensities were improved by about a factor of three in one 2.4-m-long undulator section. The initial tuning had been based on RF beam position monitor readings and the maximization of SASE image intensity in the cameras.
Former foster youth remember multiple placement moves: A journey of loss and hope

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand the experience and perceived impact of multiple placement moves on adults who lived in foster care for at least some portion of their childhoods. Network and snowball sampling resulted in interviews with 22 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, who had formerly lived in foster care. The findings reveal that the experience of placement moves is not only remembered as a series of significant losses but also perceived by participants to leave imprinted negative emotional scars, particularly in the area of trusting people and building and maintaining relationships. While participants remembered the negative aspects of placement moves in very similar ways, strategies for coping and resilience were more unique to individuals. The findings are important in that prior research on placement stability has not focused on understanding the perceived consequences of the move experience on those formerly in foster care who are now adults. Theories of attachment, grief, traumatic stress and resilience, as well as the concept of family privilege, can help to inform best practice for foster care practitioners and caregivers involved in placement moves for foster children.
Sequential development of pulmonary renal syndrome associated with c-ANCA 3 years after development of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis

There is evidence that there is an association between anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in the development of pulmonary renal syndrome (PRS) [1–7]. Whether these two distinct circulating auto-antibodies have some pathological interaction remains unclear. Studies have shown that 30% of patients with anti-GBM disease will test positive for ANCA [1,8]. There is evidence in these studies that the presence of both anti-GBM and ANCA auto-antibodies may lead to a better clinical course than in patients with anti-GBM disease alone regardless of cor p-ANCA specificity. This suggests that dual positivity is not just an epiphenomenon, but may be pathologically linked. Cases of vasculitis developing after anti-GBM disease have been reported, but it is uncertain whether these cases are incidental. We present here a case of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis where a patient had dual positivity of anti-GBM and c-ANCA/PR3 and then 3 years later developed c-ANCA/PR3 associated pauci-immune vasculitis. There are other cases in the literature where patients who have initially been diagnosed with anti-GBM disease subsequently develop p-ANCA/MPO PRS [2–4,7,9]. Most of these cases did not have dual positivity on initial presentation. Our case, included with others, supports a potential link in the underlying disease process leading to both anti-GBM disease and ANCA associated vasculitis that is not related to ANCA specificity.
Coating bio-nanofilm on PDMS through layer-by-layer self-assembly

PDMS is a popular biomaterial, and its surface modification with biocompatible ultrathin films may have potential applications in many biomedical areas. The technique of electrostatic Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly of polyions has been widely used in recent years to form ultrathin films. In this study, cationic Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and anionic poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were alternately adsorbed onto PDMS through LbL self-assembly. Then poly-D-lysine, gelatin, collagen, fibronectin, laminin, hyaluronic acid, and heparin were coated on PDMS through LbL assembly by alternate adsorption with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The film coated on PDMS was hydrophilic compared to the PDMS substrate, as verified through contact angle measurement. The film thickness could be controlled precisely with an accuracy of nanometers by varying the number of layers. The protein nanofilm was biocompatible, enabling endothelial cells, nerve cells, hepatocytes, or smooth muscle cells to adhere and grow. No cell growth was found on the unmodified PDMS substrate.
Identification and characterization of novel properties of the human D3 dopamine receptor

Among dopamine receptors, the function and properties of the D3 receptor subtype are poorly understood. Here we report the identification and characterization of two unique properties of the human D3 receptor. The D3 receptor exhibits a tolerance property wherein the magnitude of the second agonist-induced response is reduced by 60% compared to the first response and progressively decreases upon repeated agonist application. In addition, unlike the D2 dopamine receptor, the D3 receptor response terminates 15-fold more slowly upon agonist removal. Using D3/D2S chimeric receptors, we demonstrate that D3 receptor tolerance property is mediated by a novel conformational mechanism involving the D3 receptor second cytoplasmic region. The slow response termination rate property requires the third cytoplasmic region and is due to the high affinity of the D3 receptor for ligand as well as its unique G-protein signaling mechanism.
Polyhedral Superconducting Cavity for Particle Accelerators

A polyhedral cavity design is being developed for particle accelerators, with particular potential application to future linac colliders. In essence it is a polyhedral analog of a multi-cell cavity, but the beam's eye view of the boundaries is a polyhedron instead of a figure of revolution. A multi-cell cavity string is formed as a Roman arch assembly of polyhedral wedges; each wedge has its inner surface contoured to form the ellipsoidal shape desired for the accelerating mode. The polyhedral cavity design has been studied numerically and several significant results are reported. Its Q should be comparable to that of a TESLA cavity. The joints between wedge segments offer the possibility to internally suppress all dipole-type higher-order modes by intercepting and terminating azimuthal currents. The Nb surface is provided as a thin foil bonded to a solid copper wedge machined to the desired contour. The wedge provides stiff support so Lorentz detuning is largely eliminated, and the superfluid refrigeration could be integrated within the wedges so no pool cryostat is required.
Sex-role orientation and satisfaction with life.

Summary.-The hypothesis that androgynous people are more satisfied with life than others was tested by administering the Personal Attributes Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale to 245 undergraduates (111 men and 134 women). Results strongly supported the rested hypoches~> fo~ men but not For women. According to Bem (1974), androgynous people are assumed to possess a wide range of both masculine and feminine traits and skills and to be more flexible, better adjusted, and more satisfied with life than traditionally mascuhe or feminine people. Burchardt and Serbin (1982) reported that androgynous women scored significantly lower on depression than feminine-typed women and lower on schizophrenia and mania than mascuhe-typed women. In stereotypically masculine groups of men consisting of college football players and police cadets, Mds and Bohannon (1983) found that femininetyped men were more responsible and self-controlled but less outgoing, confident, and poised than either masculine-typed or androgynous men. In another study by Kimlicka, Sheppard, Wakefield, and Cross (1987), androgynous and masculine-typed women scored higher on self-actualization than feminine-typed and unddferentiated women, but androgynous and masculinetyped women Id not dlffer on self-actualization scores. There were no significant mean differences among the four sex-role groups from the male sample on self-actualization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Bern's sex-role typology and hfe satisfaction which is defined as a global judgment of a person's quality of life according to one's own criteria (Shin & Johnson, 1978). More specifically, this study tested the hypothesis that androgynous people are more satisfied with life than those of the other sexrole orientations. Method.-Two hundred and forty-five introductory psychology students (111 men and 134 women) completed the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1975) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Grdfin, 1985) for partial course credt. Using the combined medians on the Personal Attributes Questionnaire Mascuhity scale (Mdn=21.3) and the Femininity scale (Mdn=23.9), sub
Modal acoustic emission of damage accumulation in a woven SiC/SiC composite

An approach to analyzing the tensile behavior and damage accumulation of ceramic composites is described and applied to a SiC-fiber-reinforced SiC-matrix composite. Monotonic tensile tests and load/unload/reload tensile tests were performed. Modal acoustic emission (AE) was used to monitor the extent of damage over the entire stress/strain curve. Microscopy of polished sections was performed to determine the extent of damage and related to the AE data. Damage accumulation in the matrix reduced the speed of sound through the matrix for acoustic events and was related to a reduction in elastic modulus. The location of events in the gage section was determined and related to the strain at which they occurred. The amplitude and frequency content of the event waveforms were used to correlate the acoustic events with the stress/strain curve and physical sources.
Tracking 2D structures using perceptual organizational principles

We investigate the role of perceptual organization in tracking 2D structures in long image sequences. Heretofore, the role of perceptual organization in computer vision has mainly been in static 2D image analysis. The role of perceptual organization in 2D motion sequence analysis has been minimal. We exploit the similarity of feature attributes between frames to track 2D structures. The incremental variation of attributes of a structure with time can be assumed to be small. This is a manifestation of the small motion assumption between frames. Even the change in location of an organization from one frame to the other can be taken to be small. This suggests that if we overlay the corresponding organizations from different frames onto one frame then we will get a highly organized pattern which exhibits the Gestalt relationships of similarity, parallelism, and proximity.
UNDERSTANDING AND PREDICTING THE EFFECTS OF SPARSE DATA ON DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSES

Demographic models are an increasingly important tool in population biology. However, these models, especially stochastic matrix models, are based upon a multitude of parameters that must usually be estimated with only a few years of data and limited sample sizes within each year, calling into question the accuracy of the results of these models. We first discuss how these data limitations create sampling uncertainty and bias in the estimated parameters for a stochastic demography model. Next, we ask whether limited data can favor the construction of deterministic models that ignore variation and correlation of rates. With less than five years of data, the mean squared error of deterministic models will sometimes be smaller than that of stochastic models, favoring the use of simple models, even when their predictions are known to be biased. Finally, we introduce a procedure to estimate the sampling variation around population growth rate estimates made from demographic models that are based on specified sampling durations and intensities.
The Molecule, The Monomer and Materials Science: A Preliminary Report

There would appear to be a large disconnect between the content of a typical high school chemistry course, and an introductory, college materials science course. For example, A National Science Foundation report notes that, “the historic bias of chemistry curricula towards small molecule chemistry, generally in the gaseous and liquid states, is out of touch with current opportunities for chemists in research, education and technology”. In contrast, the typical introductory college materials science course concentrates almost exclusively on the solid state, and a discussion of “small molecular” materials is virtually absent. In the present contribution, it will be shown how the “molecule” forms part of a hierarchical series of structures, from the sub-atomic to the macroscopic. It will also be argued that the molecule is but a sub-set of a localized grouping of atoms, which is best described by the term “monomer”. Based on a strict definition of the molecule and monomer, a complete hierarchical scheme for the structure of materials is developed, which should be applicable to both a high school chemistry course, and an introductory materials science course.
Airborne Radar Sounding of the Greenland Ice Cap: Flight 1

The dielectric properties of cold, dry ice in the polar ice caps are favorable for the use of a radar technique in the rapid and continuous measurement of ice thickness from an aircraft. Feasibility and applicability to extended traverses have been demonstrated by a series of flights over the Greenland ice cap, in July 1966. Pulsed 30-MHz signals at a 20-kHz repetition frequency, 2.5-msec duration, 400-W peak power, 7-W average power, with A-scope presentation, were photographically recorded on 35-mm film with frequency-stabilized time and yielded very good results over four flights, comprising 9600 km total traverse. Maximum ice thickness recorded was approximately 3300 ± 50 m. The aircraft used was an EC-121-P (Super Constellation), flying 600 m above the air-ice interface at approximately 300 km/hr. Special problems of warm (wet) snow, antenna design, recording, and navigation are discussed.
NEUROMUSCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION AND ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

Abstract At least 4 distinct peripheral neuropathy syndromes occur in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The most common, painful sensory neuropathy, may be related to the viral infection or may be medication induced and is treated symptomatically. The other 3, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex (some patients), and the progressive polyradiculopathies related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, may all respond to appropriate therapy. Both inflammatory myopathy and zidovudine myopathy also abate with early diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean blacks, and non-Hispanic whites: results from the National Survey of American Life.

Context Little is known about the relationship between race/ethnicity and depression among US blacks. Objective To estimate the prevalence, persistence, treatment, and disability of depression in African Americans, Caribbean blacks, and non-Hispanic whites in the National Survey of American Life. Design A slightly modified adaptation of the World Health Organization World Mental Health version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Setting National household probability samples of noninstitutionalized African Americans, Caribbean blacks, and non-Hispanic whites in the United States conducted between February 2, 2001, and June 30, 2003. Participants A total of 3570 African Americans, 1621 Caribbean blacks, and 891 non-Hispanic whites aged 18 years and older (N = 6082). Main Outcome Measures Lifetime and 12-month diagnoses of DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD), 12-month mental health services use, and MDD disability as quantified using the Sheehan Disability Scale and the World Health Organization's Disability Assessment Schedule II. Results Lifetime MDD prevalence estimates were highest for whites (17.9%), followed by Caribbean blacks (12.9%) and African Americans (10.4%); however, 12-month MDD estimates across groups were similar. The chronicity of MDD was higher for both black groups (56.5% for African Americans and 56.0% for Caribbean blacks) than for whites (38.6%). Fewer than half of the African Americans (45.0%) and fewer than a quarter (24.3%) of the Caribbean blacks who met the criteria received any form of MDD therapy. In addition, relative to whites, both black groups were more likely to rate their MDD as severe or very severe and more disabling. Conclusions When MDD affects African Americans and Caribbean blacks, it is usually untreated and is more severe and disabling compared with that in non-Hispanic whites. The burden of mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, may be higher among US blacks than in US whites.
Aptamer-crosslinked microbubbles: smart contrast agents for thrombin-activated ultrasound imaging.

Thrombosis, or malignant blood clotting, is associated with numerous cardiovascular diseases and cancers. This report describes a microbubble contrast agent that produces ultrasound harmonic signal only when exposed to elevated thrombin levels. Silenced initially, microbubbles activated in the presence of both thrombin-spiked and freshly clotting blood in three minutes with detection limits of 20 nM thrombin and 2 aM microbubbles.
Two-Step Binding of Transcription Factors Causes Sequential Chromatin Structural Changes at the Activated IL-2 Promoter

Most gene promoters have multiple binding sequences for many transcription factors, but the contribution of each of these factors to chromatin remodeling is still unclear. Although we previously found a dynamic change in the arrangement of nucleosome arrays at the Il2 promoter during T cell activation, its timing preceded that of a decrease in nucleosome occupancy at the promoter. In this article, we show that the initial nucleosome rearrangement was temporally correlated with the binding of NFAT1 and AP-1 (Fos/Jun), whereas the second step occurred in parallel with the recruitment of other transcription factors and RNA polymerase II. Pharmacologic inhibitors for activation of NFAT1 or induction of Fos blocked the initial phase in the sequential changes. This step was not affected, however, by inhibition of c-Jun phosphorylation, which instead blocked the binding of the late transcription factors, the recruitment of CREB-binding protein, and the acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27. Thus, the sequential recruitment of transcription factors appears to facilitate two separate steps in chromatin remodeling at the Il2 locus.
Securing collaborative spectrum sensing against untrustworthy secondary users in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio is a revolutionary paradigm to migrate the spectrum scarcity problem in wireless networks. In cognitive radio networks, collaborative spectrum sensing is considered as an effective method to improve the performance of primary user detection. For current collaborative spectrum sensing schemes, secondary users are usually assumed to report their sensing information honestly. However, compromised nodes can send false sensing information to mislead the system. In this paper, we study the detection of untrustworthy secondary users in cognitive radio networks. We first analyze the case when there is only one compromised node in collaborative spectrum sensing schemes. Then we investigate the scenario that there are multiple compromised nodes. Defense schemes are proposed to detect malicious nodes according to their reporting histories.We calculate the suspicious level of all nodes based on their reports. The reports from nodes with high suspicious levels will be excluded in decision-making. Compared with existing defense methods, the proposed scheme can effectively differentiate malicious nodes and honest nodes. As a result, it can significantly improve the performance of collaborative sensing. For example, when there are 10 secondary users, with the primary user detection rate being equal to 0.99, one malicious user can make the false alarm rate (Pf ) increase to 72%. The proposed scheme can reduce it to 5%. Two malicious users can make Pf increase to 85% and the proposed scheme reduces it to 8%.
The Efficiency of Random Sample Strain Comparisons of Meat-Type Chickens

Abstract TECHNIQUES of random sample testing of poultry have not remained static. Some changes have simply evolved while others have resulted from studies revealing biases or inaccuracies of existing methods. Still others have stemmed from studies of ways to make performance testing more efficient. Investigations by Dickerson and Lamoreux (1953), Collins (1954), King (1954), Hill and Nordskog (1956), Gyles et al. (1959), Nordskog and Kempthorne (1960), Becker (1961) and Abplanalp and Menzi (1961) are examples of studies directed toward more enlightened random sample testing procedures. The accuracy of strain appraisal is a function of the number of individual chickens, pens, test houses, locations (farms) and repeated tests at the same location. The uncontrolled variables of testing determine the magnitude of the variances and covariances. These may influence some traits more than others, thus, a given amount of testing may be adequate for one economic trait, but not for another. The objectives…
Gonococcal genes encoding transferrin-binding proteins A and B are arranged in a bicistronic operon but are subject to differential expression.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is capable of utilizing host iron-binding proteins, such as transferrin, lactoferrin, and hemoglobin, as the sole source of iron. The receptor involved in transferrin iron acquisition is composed of two distinct transferrin-binding proteins, TbpA and TbpB. The genes that encode these proteins are linked on the chromosome in the order tbpB-tbpA but are separated by an inverted repeat of unknown function. In this study, we sought to understand the transcriptional organization and regulation of the tbp genes, using a combination of lacZ transcriptional fusion analysis and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). First, we demonstrated that tbpB and tbpA are cotranscribed and coregulated from the common upstream promoter that precedes tbpB. Using β-galactosidase activity as a surrogate for tbp-specific transcription, we found that tbpB-specific transcripts were more prevalent than tbpA-specific transcripts after 2 h of growth under iron stress conditions. We confirmed the results obtained by fusion analysis by using RT-PCR applied to native RNA isolated from wild-type gonococci. Three different varieties of RT-PCR were employed: relative, competitive, and real time quantitative. The results of all analyses indicated that tbpB-specific transcripts were approximately twofold more prevalent than tbpA-specific transcripts at steady state. In iron-stressed cultures, the ratio of tbpB- to tbpA-specific message was approximately 2; however, in iron-replete cultures, this ratio dropped to 1. Using these techniques, we also quantitated the effects of iron, external pH, and presence of ligand on tbp mRNA levels.
4D facial expression recognition

In this paper, we focus on discrete expression classification using dynamic 3D sequences (4D data) recording the facial movements. A robust approach for registering 4D data is proposed and a variant of local binary patterns on three orthogonal planes is used for feature extraction. We present a fully automatic facial expression recognition pipeline. The system was evaluated on the publicly available facial expression database BU-4DFE and promising results were obtained.
Conversion of an Academic Health Sciences Library to a Near-Total Electronic Library: Part 2

In the last ten years, many health sciences libraries have gradually converted their collections from predominantly print journal subscriptions to electronic-only subscriptions. This is being driven by budget, space issues, and user preference. The desire to retain both print and electronic versions of journal titles has proven to be unsustainable for many health sciences libraries in the face of flat or shrinking budgets and increased demand for space at the institutional level. Due to demand for space for a clinical simulation facility at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, the George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library was faced with the need to accelerate the shift to primarily an electronic collection when more than 80% of the print journals and more than 20% of the print book collection were removed from the library. Part one of this article discussed how a case had to be made to the college administration that the older literature was still utilized and had value—and that it would...
Enhanced Muscular Dystrophy from Loss of Dysferlin Is Accompanied by Impaired Annexin A6 Translocation after Sarcolemmal Disruption.

Dysferlin is a membrane-associated protein implicated in membrane resealing; loss of dysferlin leads to muscular dystrophy. We examined the same loss-of-function Dysf mutation in two different mouse strains, 129T2/SvEmsJ ( Dysf 129 ) and C57BL/6J ( Dysf B6 ). Although there are many genetic differences between these two strains, we focused on polymorphisms in Anxa6 because these variants were previously associated with modifying a pathologically distinct form of muscular dystrophy and increased the production of a truncated annexin A6 protein. Dysferlin deficiency in the C57BL/6J background was associated with increased Evan's Blue dye uptake into muscle and increased serum creatine kinase compared to the 129T2/SvEmsJ background. In the C57BL/6J background, dysferlin loss was associated with enhanced pathologic severity, characterized by decreased mean fiber cross-sectional area, increased internalized nuclei, and increased fibrosis, compared to that in Dysf 129 mice. Macrophage infiltrate was also increased in Dysf B6 muscle. High-resolution imaging of live myofibers demonstrated that fibers from Dysf B6 mice displayed reduced translocation of full-length annexin A6 to the site of laser-induced sarcolemmal disruption compared to Dysf 129 myofibers, and impaired translocation of annexin A6 associated with impaired resealing of the sarcolemma. These results provide one mechanism by which the C57BL/6J background intensifies dysferlinopathy, giving rise to a more severe form of muscular dystrophy in the Dysf B6 mouse model through increased membrane leak and inflammation.
Screening for Prostate Cancer

Current recommendations for prostate-specific antigen testing are reviewed, as well as the initial results of two randomized trials. The potential risks of screening, including morbidity from overdiagnosis and overtreatment, are described.
The role of double-turning in counterflow ignition of methane, ethylene and methane/hydrogen mixtures

The counterflow ignition of methane, ethylene and mixtures of methane and hydrogen were investigated computationally and experimentally, with particular interest in the role of radical versus thermal explosions. Simulation with different kinetic mechanisms showed that the ignition response is qualitatively sensitive to the kinetic mechanism adopted, for both methane and ethylene, either exhibiting or not exhibiting two ignition turning points in the S-curves. For the former situations, ignition could take place in a staged manner with increasing temperature of the counterflowing air jet, and the first ignition event is radical induced with negligible heat effect, while the second ignition event requires thermal feedback. Sensitivity and computational singular perturbation (CSP) analysis were performed to identify the dominant reactions in the radical explosion stage, indicating the importance of the HO2 radical in controlling the branching. A preliminary experiment based on luminosity detection however did not register any hysteresis response from the potential first stage ignition. Finally, it was found that a small amount of hydrogen addition to the hydrocarbon mixtures readily induced the first ignition event.