cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of acute, very-low-dose ethanol and delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy human volunteers

Abstract Rationale Previous studies examining the combined effects of ethanol and cannabis, or its primary psychoactive ingredient, ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have provided mixed results. Data from an in vitro study suggests that combined, sub-threshold doses of these drugs may interact to produce synergistic effects. Very low doses of the two drugs in combination have not been tested in humans. Materials and methods This study assessed whether combinations of acute, very low doses of ethanol and THC produce synergistic effects on subjective, cognitive, and physiological measures. Healthy volunteers (n = 11) received capsules containing placebo or THC (2.5 mg), and beverages containing placebo or ethanol (0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) alone, and in combination, across separate sessions, in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind design. During each session, participants completed measures of working memory, psychomotor ability, and simple reaction time, and provided subjective mood and drug effect ratings. Cardiovascular measures were obtained at regular intervals. Results As intended, when administered alone, these very low doses of ethanol and THC had only moderate effects on isolated measures. The combined effects of these drugs were not synergistic, and in some cases appeared to be less-than-additive. Conclusions Our data provide no evidence for synergistic effects of acute combinations of very-low-dose ethanol and THC on subjective or physiologic response, or on cognitive performance.
Depletion-mode polysilicon optical modulators in a bulk CMOS process

We demonstrate the first depletion-mode modulators in polysilicon bulk CMOS. They use a new, wiggler-mode microcavity for process compatibility with fully-etched silicon and lateral pn junctions. We show 4.2dB extinction and 60fJ energy/bit at 5Gbps.
Lifestyle physical activity behavior among South Asian Indian immigrants.

Little is known of the physical activity behavior of South Asian Indian immigrants (SAIs), though they have more than twice the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes than Whites. This was a cross-sectional descriptive face-to-face survey design, comparing between men and women in leisure time (LTPA), household (HPA), and occupational physical activity (OPA). Participants also wore a Lifecorder EX (NL2200) accelerometer for 7 days. Just over half (51.8 %) of the participants met the recommended PA guidelines (≥150 min moderate-intensity or ≥75 min vigorous-intensity) through LTPA. The average number of daily steps was 6,904.3, which is in the “low active” classification. Increasing lifestyle PA among SAIs is important; PA interventions appealing to gender and culture and with an aerobic component are needed.
Powered and active RF metamaterials

We report techniques for the design of active and tunable RF metamaterials and measurements of their novel properties, including frequency agile metamaterials in which each element is individually computer controlled with a nonvolatile state memory, powered active metamaterials containing embedded amplifiers, and parametrically pumped nonlinear active metamaterials.
Long-Term Mean Vertical Motion over the Tropical Pacific: Wind-Profiling Doppler Radar Measurements.

Measurement from Christmas Island (2°N, 157°W) of long-term mean vertical motions in the tropical atmosphere using very-high-frequency wind-profiling Doppler radar show that there is a transition from downward motion in the free troposphere to upward motion in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The observations in the free troposphere are consistent with a balance between adiabatic and diabatic heating and cooling rates in a clear atmosphere. Comparison of the results at Christmas Island during El Nino and non-El Nino conditions with earlier results obtained for stratiform rain conditions over Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, show that cirrus clouds in the vicinity of the tropopause likely play an important role in determining the sense and magnitude of vertical motions in this region. These results have implications for the exchange of mass between the troposphere and stratosphere over the tropics.
A learning approach to optimizing exploration---exploitation tradeoff in relevance feedback

Relevance feedback is an effective technique for improving search accuracy in interactive information retrieval. In this paper, we study an interesting optimization problem in interactive feedback that aims at optimizing the tradeoff between presenting search results with the highest immediate utility to a user (but not necessarily most useful for collecting feedback information) and presenting search results with the best potential for collecting useful feedback information (but not necessarily the most useful documents from a user's perspective). Optimizing such an exploration---exploitation tradeoff is key to the optimization of the overall utility of relevance feedback to a user in the entire session of relevance feedback. We formally frame this tradeoff as a problem of optimizing the diversification of search results since relevance judgments on more diversified results have been shown to be more useful for relevance feedback. We propose a machine learning approach to adaptively optimizing the diversification of search results for each query so as to optimize the overall utility in an entire session. Experiment results on three representative retrieval test collections show that the proposed learning approach can effectively optimize the exploration---exploitation tradeoff and outperforms the traditional relevance feedback approach which only does exploitation without exploration.
Ambiguous genitalia in an elderly woman with a mosaic 45,x/46,x,dic(y)(q11.2) karyotype

A 66-year-old woman presented with clitoromegaly since childhood, primary amenorrhea, no breast development, and a large right inguinal hernia. A mosaic karyotype was identified containing a predominant 45,X cell line and a cell line with 46 chromosomes, one X chromosome, and a small dicentric Y chromosome with a breakpoint in band qII.2. The patient underwent hysterectomy, bilateral gonadectomy, inguinal hernia repair, clitoral recession, and formation of a neointroitus. A dysgerminoma was identified in the right dysgenetic gonad. This report demonstrates the natural history of untreated mixed gonadal dysgenesis and the importance of early evaluation and treatment, as well as the molecular characterization of a dicentric Y chromosome.
Use of Spider Silk in Aerosol Research

(1960). Use of Spider Silk in Aerosol Research. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 263-264.
Management of spinal cord injury-related scoliosis using pedicle screw-only constructs.

OBJECT Almost all pediatric patients who incur a spinal cord injury (SCI) will develop scoliosis, and younger patients are at highest risk for curve progression requiring surgical intervention. Although the use of pedicle screws is increasing in popularity, their impact on SCI-related scoliosis has not been described. The authors retrospectively reviewed the radiographic outcomes of pedicle screw–only constructs in all patients who had undergone SCI-related scoliosis correction at a single institution. Methods Medical records and radiographs from Shriner's Hospital for Children–Philadelphia for the period between November 2004 and February 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Thirty-seven patients, whose mean age at the index surgery was 14.91 ± 3.29 years, were identified. The cohort had a mean follow-up of 33.2 ± 22.8 months. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angle was 65.5° ± 25.7°, which corrected to 20.3° ± 14.4°, translating into a 69% correction (p < 0.05). The preoperative coronal balance ...
Diffuser-Augmented Composite Material Wind Turbine Design Using CFD

A novel manufacturing approach similar to filament winding is able to produce high-performance and light-weight composite wheels in a rapid, inexpensive way by utilizing commercially available winding machines. In this study, a numerical investigation of a diffuser-augmented composite wind turbine is evaluated with a conventional bare wind turbine by using FLUENT in conjunction with the GAMBIT meshing tool. The extracted torque and power are calculated and compared for these two modeling designs. The simulation results show that the extracted power of a diffuser-augmented turbine can be 5 times the power extracted by a bare turbine of the same turbine area. This analysis procedure provides an insight into the hydrodynamic design and operation of a diffuser-augmented wind turbine in order to shorten the design period and improve technical performance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
IRCA 1986 phase II: Educational requirements policy Rhetoric vs. implementation

In their discussions of United States immigration policy, national policy-makers have often expressed the need for legislation that would provide for the legalization of undocumented immigrants. Further, it would stipulate rules for permanent residency that would encourage the integration of new residents into the mainstream of U.S. society. The passage of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was an attempt to realize these policy goals. Phase I of IRCA allowed for certain undocumented immigrants to apply for temporary resident status and later for permanent resident status. This phase ended in May 1988. Phase II allows for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence when an applicant demonstrates an understanding of English and a knowledge of the history and government ofthe United States. An applicant who has resided in the United States for a period of eighteen months after the granting of temporary resident status may apply for permanent resident status. This process must be completed within a twelve month period. The education requirement and the role of educational providers responsible for offering courses to meet the needs of legalized immigrants are explored in this study. Specifically, the problems encountered by educators and students are analyzed in an attempt to assess the success of the implementation of the education requirement of IRCA, Phase II.
DEMONSTRATION OF A COLCEMID-SENSITIVE ATTRACTIVE FORCE ACTING BETWEEN THE NUCLEUS AND A CENTER

THE JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY ° VOLUME 51, 1971 ° pages 579-583 nuclear membrane, and the intervening material is not uniquely structured although microtubules are frequently seen (4, 5) . In this paper, I have considered the possibility that the connection between the nucleus and the center is maintained by an aster-associated motile system. Astral ray-associated motility has been recognized for almost one hundred years (1) but, since the nucleus is usually found near the center, nuclear movement is not readily seen . Movement of the female pronucleus is a probable exception . Astral rayand microtubule-associated motility is often Colcemid sensitive (6, 7) . If the interaction between the nucleus and the center is also Colce-
Member Bank Indebtedness and Net Demand Deposits in the Federal Reserve System

Connection between member bank indebtedness and net demand deposits, 509. — Varying degrees of sensitivity to indebtedness according to (a) classes of banks, 511. — (b) business conditions, 516. — Alternative explanations of the movement of net demand deposits: (a) movement of "reserve funds," 517. — (b) rediscount rate changes, 519. — Summary of argument, 522. — Implications, 522.
On The Growth of This Journal

This PDF file contains the editorial “On The Growth of This Journal” for JM3 Vol. 1 Issue 02
Tip Clearance Effects in a Turbine Rotor: Part II — Velocity Field and Flow Physics

A comprehensive experimental investigation was undertaken to explore the flow field in the tip clearance region of a turbine rotor to understand the physics of tip leakage flow. Specifically the paper looks at its origin, nature, development, interaction with the secondary flow, and its effects on performance. The experimental study was based on data obtained using a rotating five-hole probe, Laser Doppler Velocimeter, high-response pressure probes on the casing, and static pressure taps on the rotor blade surfaces. The first part of the paper deals with the pressure field and losses. Part II presents and interprets the vorticity, velocity, and turbulence fields at several axial locations. The data provided here indicates that the tip leakage vortex originates in the last half chord. The leakage vortex is confined close to the suction surface corner near the blade tip by the relative motion of the blade and the casing, and by the secondary flow in the tip region. The tip leakage flow clings to the blade suction surface until midchord then lifts off of the suction surface to form a vortex in the last 20 percent of the blade chord. The relative motion between blades and casing leads to the development of a scraping vortex that, along with the secondary flow, reduces the propagation of the tip leakage flow into the mainflow. The rotational effects and coriolis forces modify the turbulence structure in the tip leakage flow and secondary flow as compared to cascades.
Piloted ignition delay times of opposed and concurrent flame spread over a thermally-thin fuel in a forced convective microgravity environment

Abstract Piloted ignition delay of thermally-thin cellulose as a function of forced flow, oxygen concentration, and pressure was studied in a low-speed flow tunnel mounted on a NASA Zero Gravity Research Facility drop vehicle. Fuel heat-up times are very short and invariant due to the rapid heating of the pilot igniter and thermally-thin fuel used in this study. The effect of flow was found to be negligible for the test conditions studied, where mixing times were very rapid. Ignition delay in these tests was found to be dominated by the induction time, which was found to be inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration and the total pressure, or equivalently, the oxygen partial pressure. The reaction rate (the inverse of the induction time) is thus linear with the oxygen partial pressure, in agreement with kinetic theory for simple thermal reactions.
Cross-phase modulation imaging

We demonstrate a cross-phase modulation measurement technique based on the sensitive detection of modulation transfer in a pump-probe setup. By modulating the amplitude of the pump beam and spectrally analyzing the probe beam, we achieve a rapid, background-free measurement of nonlinear phase modulation using power levels acceptable in biological imaging. This measurement technique would allow the extension of widely employed phase microscopy methods to the nonlinear regime, providing intrinsic and universal nonlinear contrast for biological imaging.
Altered structural development and accelerated succession from intermediate-scale wind disturbance in Quercus stands on the Cumberland Plateau, USA

Natural disturbances play important roles in shaping the structure and composition of all forest ecosystems and can be used to inform silvicultural practices. Canopy disturbances are often classified along a gradient ranging from highly localized, gap-scale events to stand-replacing events. Wind storms such
Neurogenesis in Tα-1 tubulin transgenic mice during development and after injury

Talpha-1 tubulin promoter-driven EYFP expression is seen in murine neurons born as early as E9.5. Double labeling with markers for stem cells (Sox 1, Sox 2, nestin), glial progenitors (S100beta, NG2, Olig2), and neuronal progenitors (doublecortin, betaIII-tubulin, PSA-NCAM) show that Talpha-1 tubulin expression is limited to early born neurons. BrdU uptake and double labeling with neuronal progenitor markers in vivo and in vitro show that EYFP-expressing cells are postmitotic and Talpha-1 tubulin EYFP precedes the expression of MAP-2 and NeuN, and follows the expression of PSA-NCAM, doublecortin (Dcx), and betaIII-tubulin. Talpha-1 tubulin promoter-driven EYFP expression is transient and disappears in most neurons by P0. Persistent EYFP expression is mainly limited to scattered cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ), rostral migratory stream, and hippocampus. However, there are some areas that continue to express Talpha-1 tubulin in the adult without apparent neurogenesis. The number of EYFP-expressing cells declines with age indicating that Talpha-1 tubulin accurately identifies early born postmitotic neurons throughout development but less clearly in the adult. Assessment of neurogenesis after stab wound injuries in the cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord of adult animals shows no neurogenesis in most areas with an increase in BrdU incorporation in glial and other non neuronal populations. An up-regulation of Talpha-1 tubulin can be seen in certain areas unaccompanied by new neurogenesis. Our results suggest that even if stem cells proliferate their ability to generate neurons is limited and caution is warranted in attributing increased BrdU incorporation to stem cells or cells fated to be neurons even in neurogenic areas.
Characterization of the photodiode array detector in liquid chromatography

Summary In order to assess the viability of the photodiode array detector, its noise characteristics and linear range have been studied. It was found that at worst the peak noise is ±0.001 a.u. but more typical values are ±6·10 −4 a.u. With increased signal averaging, the noise values can be decreased to ±2·10 −4 a.u. The detector was found to have a linear range between 2·10 3 and 6.5·10 3 , depending on the wavelength. The versatility of the diode array detector was demonstrated by deconvoluting a multisolute chromatographic peak and determining the amounts of each solute in the mixture. The agreement between the amounts injected and those calculated was within several percent.
The Sensitivity and Accuracy of Dual-Wavelength Spectrophotometers

The ultimate noise limit of a double-beam spectrophotometer is determined by the shot-noise in the photocurrent of the detector. The magnitude of the photocurrents to be expected is discussed for instruments using grating and prism monochromators. It is shown that a shot-noise level <10−4 can be obtained with both grating and prism monochromators at a bandpass of 1 mμ. The nonlinear relation between a concentration change of the substance under study and the detected signal is examined.
Ipilimumab and whole brain radiation therapy for melanoma brain metastases

Brain metastases (BM) frequently develop in patients with melanoma and are associated with a poor prognosis. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is a standard intervention for intracranial disease, particularly in patients with multiple BM. Ipilimumab improves survival in patients with advanced melanoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of concurrent WBRT and ipilimumab. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 13 consecutive patients treated with WBRT within 30 days of ipilimumab administration. Radiographic response, as measured by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans post-treatment, was graded by modified World Health Organization (mWHO) and immune-related response criteria (irRC) in the 9 patients with follow-up imaging. Treatment-related toxicity was prospectively assessed during treatment. Four of nine patients (44 %) experienced partial response or stable central nervous system (CNS) disease as measured by mWHO criteria. This number increased to 5 patients (56 %) when irRC criteria were used. Rates of treatment-related neurologic toxicity were low with only one patient experiencing grade 3–4 neurologic toxicity. There was a high rate of intratumoral hemorrhage in this patient population, with 10 of 10 patients with post-treatment imaging demonstrating new or increased intratumoral bleeding after WBRT. This retrospective study demonstrates that the primary pattern of CNS response to WBRT and ipilimumab is stable disease and not regression of BM. Furthermore, while the combination of WBRT and ipilimumab may offer promising efficacy, prospective studies are needed to further assess efficacy and toxicity.
Use of ultrasound in the labor and delivery

Ultrasound machines are nowadays part of the armamentarium of all modern Labor and Delivery Suites. Due to their portability, these machines are ideal for use in emergencies which can occur at any of the labor and delivery rooms. Many of the emergencies in Labor and Delivery can be life threatening; thus, maternal and fetal safety requires efficient and timely ultrasound evaluation. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for quick and efficient use of ultrasound based on both the authors' experience and the published literature.
Laboratory investigation of reinforcement corrosion initiation and chloride threshold content for self-compacting concrete

Abstract Time-to-corrosion (Ti) of reinforcement in concrete and chloride threshold content (Cth) are important service life determinants for reinforced concrete structures in chloride-laden environments. In this study, the two determinants of a series of self-compacting concretes (SCC) and regular concretes were experimentally investigated. A new sampling approach for Cth determination (milling powder from corrosion active site at the rebar/concrete interface) was adopted to accurately express chloride content resulting in corrosion occurrence. It is found that the Ti and Cth follow the 3-parameter Weibull distribution. The results indicate that the corrosion initiation of rebar in concrete slabs depends upon both cement alkalinity and superplasticizer. Rebar, embedded in high alkalinity cement SCC, exhibits better corrosion resistance as indicated by the longer Ti, higher Cth and larger Weibull modulus, m. A larger Weibull modulus indicates that anti-corrosion performance of rebar in slabs is more stable and less scattered. The effects of specific superplasticizer on rebar corrosion resistance are discussed from the viewpoint of air void amount and size distribution at the rebar/concrete interface.
Laser microfabrication of hydroxyapatite-osteoblast-like cell composites.

We have developed a novel approach for layer-by-layer growth of tissue-engineered materials using a direct writing process known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct write (MAPLE DW). Unlike conventional cell-seeding methods, this technique provides the possibility for cell-material integration prior to artificial tissue fabrication. This process also provides greater flexibility in selection and processing of scaffold materials. In addition, MAPLE DW offers rapid computer-controlled deposition of mesoscopic voxels at high spatial resolutions. We have examined MAPLE DW processing of zirconia and hydroxyapatite scaffold materials that can provide a medical device with nearly inert and bioactive implant-tissue interfaces, respectively. We have also demonstrated codeposition of hydroxyapatite, MG 63 osteoblast-like cells, and extracellular matrix using MAPLE DW. We have shown that osteoblast-like cells remain viable and retain the capacity for proliferation when codeposited with bioceramic scaffold materials. Our results on MG 63-hydroxyapatite composites can be extended to develop other integrated cell-scaffold structures for medical and dental applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Effect of elevated CO2 on mycorrhizal colonization of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings

Interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and phosphorus supply on mycorrhizal colonization rates were investigated using loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings from Florida and coastal North Carolina. Seedlings from both populations were grown in greenhouses maintained at either 35.5 Pa or 71.0 Pa CO2. In both CO2 treatments, seedlings were grown in a full factorial experiment with or without mycorrhizal inoculum and with an adequate or a limiting supply of phosphorus. Seedlings were harvested 60, 90 and 120 days after emergence and at each harvest root subsamples were examined to determine the percent of fine roots that were mycorrhizal. Additionally, root carbohydrate and nutrient levels were measured at each harvest. Root starch, sugar and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations were increased by growth in elevated CO2 and decreased by mycorrhizal colonization. Phosphorus stress decreased root starch concentrations, increased root sugar concentrations and did not significantly affect TNC concentrations. However, despite significant effects on root carbohydrate levels, there were generally no significant treatment effects on mycorrhizal colonization. Additionally, at all harvests, root starch and sugar concentrations were not correlated with percent of fine roots that were mycorrhizal. These results suggest that although elevated CO2 may significantly increase root carbohydrate levels, the increases may not affect the percent of fine roots that are mycorrhizal.
Psychiatric rehabilitation and staff development: Educational and organizational models

Abstract Despite their demonstrated success in several research studies, the social learning strategies that comprise psychiatric rehabilitation have not been widely used to care for severely mentally ill patients in real-world settings. One way this deficiency has been addressed is by educating staff on how to use these strategies. Staff members who participate in educational approaches to staff development — based on principles of operant and vicarious learning — quickly acquire the rehabilitation skills and are able to perform them competently. However, follow-up research suggests that organizational barriers impede the subsequent introduction and maintenance of newly acquired skills at the home program. Organizational development strategies attempt to overcome barriers like staff burnout and insufficient collegial support by helping the line-level treatment team develop a user-friendly rehabilitation program that meets the team's perceptions of appropriate intervention. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the educational and organizational models of staff development. This comparison will outline directions for future efforts at developing effective rehabilitation programs.
The Yield Stress of Single Crystals of α-Phase Cu-Ni-Pd and Cu-Pd Alloys

Single crystals of Cu-x at. % Ni-x at. % Pd [x = 1 to 6] and Cu-x at. % Pd alloys [x = 1, 2, 4 and 6] were deformed in tension at 293 K and 4.2 K. The crystals had the [331] {$\overline{1}$10} {$\overline{1}\overline{1}$6} orientation which has two equivalent {$\overline{1}\overline{1}$1} $\langle 011\rangle$ and {$\overline{1}\overline{1}$1} $\langle 101\rangle$ primary glide systems. The concentration dependence of the critical resolved shear stress $\sigma$ at the yield point for both alloy series was given by $\sigma\_T = \sigma\_0(T) + A (T)c^\alpha,$ where $\sigma\_0$(T) and A(T) are constants for one alloy series at T K and c is the atomic concentration of the solute. The exponent $\alpha$ is 0.72 or 0.73 for the Cu-Ni-Pd and 0.61 or 0.62 for the Cu-Pd alloy series at 293 or 4.2 K. The data for both alloy series could be fitted to the relation $\sigma\_{4.2K} - \sigma\_{293K} = 1.046 + 0.526 \sigma\_{4.2K}$ [MPa]. This establishes the stress equivalence behaviour of single crystals of these alloys.
The Effectiveness of Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma in Evaluating Blunt Abdominal Trauma With a Seatbelt Mark Sign

Background: Specific injury patterns have been recognized from seatbelt use including hollow viscous, mesenteric, and musculoskeletal injuries. We aimed to evaluate if focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a reliable screening tool for the initial evaluation of the blunt abdominal trauma patient with a seatbelt sign. Methods: A retrospective review of adult trauma patients with blunt abdominal trauma and a positive seatbelt sign were evaluated over a three-year period. Data collected included age, gender, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), presence or absence of abdominal tenderness, results of diagnostic studies, operative findings, missed injuries, and mortality. Results: A total of sixty-nine patients were evaluated. Fifty-eight ultrasound scans were interpreted as negative and 11 positive. Three of the 11 were taken immediately to the operating room. The remaining 8 underwent computerized tomography (CT) according to protocol and clinical management was altered in two. Sixteen patients with a negative ultrasound examination underwent CT. Our series revealed 11 true and no false positives, as well as 54 true and 4 false negatives. The sensitivity of utilizing FAST for detecting a clinically significant injury in this study is 73% with 100% specificity, a negative predictive value of 93%, positive predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 94%. Conclusions: The use of FAST, not as a single diagnostic modality, but as a screening tool with selective use of CT, is a relatively reliable instrument for the initial evaluation of the blunt abdominal trauma patient with a seatbelt mark sign. J Curr Surg. 2014;4(1):17-22 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcs207w
Satellite-based Radiometer Measurements at 150 and 183 GHz Compared with Calculated Brightness Temperatures

Measurements of upwelling thermal emission at 150, 183.3plusmn1, 183.3plusmn3, and 183.3plusmn7 GHz made by the Humidity Sounder for Brazil (HSB) on the Aqua satellite are compared to calculated brightness temperatures. Atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles were obtained with research-quality radiosondes launched coincident with Aqua overpasses from several locations in various climates. In addition to water vapor, the calculations included minor amounts of absorption by nitrogen, ozone, and oxygen. Mean differences (measurement- calculated TB) for the four channels range from -0.17 to -0.42 K.
A fuzzy learning algorithm for redundant manipulators using nonlinear programming

The fuzzy learning algorithm is a control algorithm which has been developed for the kinematic control of redundant robotic manipulators without any modelling of the manipulator itself. It is based on conventional kinematic control methods for manipulators combined with the techniques of fuzzy regression and fuzzy inferencing to learn the appropriate kinematic models based on actual trajectory data. In this paper, we modify the fuzzy regression formulation itself, which is a linear programming problem, to learn a fuzzy generalized inverse of the manipulator Jacobian, which is normally a non-unique matrix. However, we impose additional constraints in the fuzzy regression formulation, and modify the cost function to maximize the effect of the additional constraints, such that the matrix that is learned is one which optimizes the subtask as well as executing the main task of trajectory tracking. The modification of the cost function results in the fuzzy regression formulation being transformed into a nonlinear programming problem. >
Luteolytic effect of d-trp6-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the rhesus monkey (macaca mulatto)

A potent agonist of luteinizing hormone, D-Trp6-LRH, was administered at different stages during the luteal phase of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). Luteolysis, evidenced by short luteal phases and decreased serum progesterone concentrations, was consistently induced when the analog was injected on days 3 or 5 post ovulation; however, no effect was observed when it was given on day 7 post ovulation. Increasing doses of hCG administered from days 6–10 post ovulation prevented the luteolytic effect of D-Trp6-LRH. The possible mechanisms of action and the potential uses of LRH analogs as contraceptive agents are discussed.
Effects of long-term etanercept treatment on growth in children with selected categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective To evaluate the effects of long-term etanercept treatment, with or without methotrexate, on growth in children with selected categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods We conducted a 3-year, open-label, nonrandomized registry of 594 patients with polyarticular or systemic JIA treated with etanercept only, etanercept plus methotrexate, or methotrexate only. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at baseline and at years 1, 2, and 3, using percentiles derived from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standardized growth charts. Results Statistically significant increases in the mean height percentiles from baseline were observed in etanercept-treated patients at year 3 (4.8 percentile points) and in patients treated with etanercept plus methotrexate at years 1, 2, and 3 (2.4, 3.3, and 5.6 percentile points, respectively). Statistically significant increases from baseline in the mean weight percentiles were observed at years 1, 2, and 3 in both the etanercept group (7.4, 10.0, and 13.0 percentile points) and the etanercept-plus-methotrexate group (2.9, 6.9, and 8.4 percentile points, respectively). Statistically significant increases from baseline in the mean BMI percentiles were observed in both the etanercept group (range 9.6–13.8 percentile points) and the etanercept-plus-methotrexate group (range 2.1–5.2 percentile points). The mean height, weight, and BMI percentiles did not change significantly in patients in the methotrexate-only group. Conclusion Etanercept treatment, with or without methotrexate, may contribute to the restoration of normal growth in children with JIA.
Rorschach Test Correlates of Dreaming and Dream Recall

Abstract Measures of frequency of dream recall for 47 Ss and of amount of dreaming for 18 Ss, as determined by the Dement-Kleitman method, were available as part of a larger investigation of the influence of personality factors on dream recall. Rorschach Test indices obtained from these Ss were intercorrelated among themselves and correlated with the appropriate dream variable in order to assess the presumed affinity of dream phenomena and Rorschach response processes. The results were: (1) indices of fantasy predominance correlated positively with both amount of dreaming and frequency of dream recall; (2) indices of associative productivity correlated positively with frequency of dream recall; (3) an index of introspective constriction correlated negatively with frequency of dream recall. Further exploration of this area seems promising.
Prevalence, Determinants, and Clinical Significance of Masked Hypertension in a Population-Based Sample of African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study.

Hypertension is more prevalent, more severe, and causes a disproportionate number of premature disabilities and deaths from myocardial infarction, stroke, and end-stage renal disease in African Americans than in any other racial/ethnic group in the United States.1–3 Evidence further shows that hypertension explains most of the racial disparity in mortality rates.4 Accordingly, in order to close the health disparity gap, the careful measurement and evaluation of blood pressure (BP) levels among African Americans is critical to (i) screen for hypertension and (ii) evaluate BP control among individuals treated for hypertension. Clinic-based BP measurements may incorrectly diagnose a subset of individuals who present as having nonelevated BP in the clinic, but have elevated BP when measured within the context of their daily environment.5 Evidence suggests this phenomenon, referred to as masked hypertension, has important prognostic implications for a variety of health outcomes.6 Masked hypertensives are at a greater risk of target organ damage (TOD), cardiac dysfunction, and mortality compared to individuals with normotensive clinic and 24-hour BP (i.e., sustained normotension), and have TOD and mortality rates comparable to individuals who present as hypertensive both in the clinic and during 24-hour BP monitoring (i.e., sustained hypertension).6–10 Despite recognition of masked hypertension as a clinically important phenomenon, few studies have quantified the prevalence of masked hypertension in African Americans. If prevalence rates among African American populations are high, it could have tremendous implications for clinical practice, as it would suggest a large proportion of African Americans have undiagnosed or poorly controlled hypertension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension in a population-based sample of African Americans who were enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), the largest epidemiologic investigation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among African Americans to date. As secondary objectives, we examined the determinants of masked hypertension and evaluated its association with indices of TOD in this sample.
Fall prevention practices in adult medical-surgical nursing units described by nurse managers

The purpose of this article was to describe nursing practices (e.g., assessment, interventions) around fall prevention, as perceived by nurse managers in adult, medical-surgical nursing units. One hundred forty nurse managers from 51 hospitals from across the United States participated. Descriptive frequencies are used to describe nurse manager responses. The most commonly used fall risk assessment tool was the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool (40%). The most common fall prevention interventions included bed alarms (90%), rounds (70%), sitters (68%), and relocating the patient closer to the nurses' station (56%). Twenty-nine percent of nurse managers identified physical restraints as an intervention to prevent falls whereas only 10% mentioned ambulation. No nurse manager identified that RN hours per patient-day were adjusted to prevent falls or fall-related injuries. More work is needed to build systems that ensure evidence-based nursing interventions are consistently applied in acute care.
The complex subcellular distribution of satellite panicum mosaic virus capsid protein reflects its multifunctional role during infection

Satellite panicum mosaic virus (SPMV) depends on its helper Panicum mosaic virus for replication and movement in host plants. The positive-sense single-stranded genomic RNA of SPMV encodes a 17-kDa capsid protein (CP) to form 16-nm virions. We determined that SPMV CP accumulates in both cytosolic and non-cytosolic fractions, but cytosolic accumulation of SPMV CP is exclusively associated with virions. An N-terminal arginine-rich motif (N-ARM) on SPMV CP is used to bind its cognate RNA and to form virus particles. Intriguingly, virion formation is dispensable for successful systemic SPMV RNA accumulation, yet this process still depends on an intact N-ARM. In addition, a C-terminal domain on the SPMV CP is necessary for self-interaction. Biochemical fractionation and fluorescent microscopy of green fluorescent protein-tagged SPMV CP demonstrated that the non-cytosolic SPMV CP is associated with the cell wall, the nucleus and other membranous organelles. To our knowledge, this is the first report that a satellite virus CP not only accumulates exclusively as virions in the cytosol but also is directed to the nucleolus and membranes. That SPMV CP is found both in the nucleus and the cell wall suggests its involvement in viral nuclear import and cell-to-cell transport.
Pathophysiology of hypertension during preeclampsia: linking placental ischemia with endothelial dysfunction

Studies over the last decade have provided exciting new insights into potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The initiating event in preeclampsia is generally regarded to be placental ischemia/hypoxia, which in turn results in the elaboration of a variety of factors from the placenta that generates profound effects on the cardiovascular system. This host of molecules includes factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which generate widespread dysfunction of the maternal vascular endothelium. This dysfunction manifests as enhanced formation of factors such as endothelin, reactive oxygen species, and augmented vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II. Alternatively, the preeclampsia syndrome may also be evidenced as decreased formation of vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Taken together, these alterations cause hypertension by impairing renal pressure natriuresis and increasing total peripheral resistance. Moreover, the quantitative importance of the various endothelial and humoral factors that mediate vasoconstriction and elevation of arterial pressure during preeclampsia remains to be elucidated. Thus identifying the connection between placental ischemia/hypoxia and maternal cardiovascular abnormalities in hopes of revealing potential therapeutic regimens remains an important area of investigation and will be the focus of this review.
A study of earthquake response spectra for different geological conditions

abstract The current earthquake design spectra are based mainly on response spectra from recording stations located on alluvium deposits. A limited number of studies have shown that shape and the magnitude of response spectra for stations located on rock deposits are different from those located on alluvium deposits. This study examines the effects of geological conditions on the response spectra and the ground-motion parameters such as peak ground acceleration, velocity, and displacement. Design spectra are presented for various sites such as alluvium deposits, rock deposits, and alluvium layers underlain by rock deposits. The study shows that the current design spectra are too conservative for most structures located on competent rock deposits.
An Improved Systolic Architecture for LU Decomposition

LU-Decomposition is a classic problem for which many systolic array implementations have been proposed, the best of which takes 3n-3 time on n2/2 PEs, for a dense, n?n matrix. In this paper, we first give a proof that if only nearest neighbor communication is allowed, this time is a lower bound. We then generalize it to 2n + n/k - 3 time if one allows k-bounded broadcasts (i.e., if it takes m/k time steps to broadcast a value to m destination nodes). We also present a new architecture with this improved execution time, which uses n2/2 PEs, each one consisting of two multiplier-subtractor units, but active only on alternate cycles. This leads to a speedup and efficiency of kn2/(6k+3) and 2k/(6k + 3) respectively. For k = 1, our proposed architecture achieves the performance of the best previously known systolic array implementation. Special cases of our results include similar improvements to algorithms for solving (upper and lower) triangular linear systems by (forward and backward) substitution.
On diagnosis of faults in a scan-chain

Testing screens for good chips. However, when test fall out is high (low yield) it becomes necessary to diagnose faults so that the manufacturing process or physical design can be fixed to improve yield. Several scan based diagnostic schemes are used in industry. They work when the scan chain itself is fault free. This paper describes a diagnosis system that can diagnose faults in a scan chain. >
EGFR-mediated intracellular delivery of Pc 4 nanoformulation for targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer: in vitro studies.

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), the light activation of a photosensitizer leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that can trigger various mechanisms of cell death. Harnessing this process within cancer cells enables minimally invasive yet targeted cancer treatment. With this rationale, here we demonstrate tumor-targeted delivery of a highly hydrophobic photosensitizer Pc 4 loaded within biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone) block co-polymer micelles. The micelles were surface-modified with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–targeting GE11 peptides for active targeting of EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells, in vitro. Pc 4–loaded EGFR-targeted micelles were incubated with EGFR-overexpressing A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells for various time periods, to determine Pc 4 uptake by epifluorescence microscopy. The cells were subsequently photoirradiated, and PDT-induced cell death for various incubation periods was determined by MTT assay and fluorescence Live/Dead assay. Our results indicate that active EGFR targeting of the Pc 4–loaded micelles accelerates intracellular uptake of the drug. Consequently, this enhances the PDT-induced cytotoxicity within shorter time periods.
Neural network architectures for robotic applications

The authors propose a ring VLSI systolic architecture for implementing artificial neural networks (ANNs) with applications to robotic processing. Key design issues concerning algorithms, applications, and architectures are examined. A variety of neural networks is considered, including single-layer feedback neural networks, competitive learning networks, and multilayer feed-forward networks. It is demonstrated that the ANNs are suitable to all three levels of robotic processing applications including task planning, path planning, and path control levels. For these applications, a programmable systolic array is developed than can exploit the strength of VLSI to provide intensive and pipelined computing. Both the retrieving and learning phases are integrated in the design. The proposed architecture, which is more versatile than other existing ANNs, can accommodate all the useful neural networks for robotic processing. >
Erratum to: Cell Wall Composition and Ruminant Digestibility of Various Maize Tissues Across Development

Maize stover, including stalks, leaves, and cobs, has potential utility as a cellulosic biofeedstock. Understanding how total stover ethanol potential is affected by the proportion and quality of major plant components would facilitate the genetic improvement of stover quality and inform decisions regarding which plant parts should be targeted for harvesting. Our objectives were to determine how the proportion and composition of plant components affected ethanol potential and whether there are early season predictors of stover quality at maturity. Twenty-three hybrids were evaluated including 20 from a factorial mating design between five silage inbred lines and four commercial inbreds and a brown-midrib3, a Leafy1, and a commercial grain hybrid checks. Plants were harvested and dissected into component parts at developmental stages vegetative 3, vegetative 12, reproductive 3, and reproductive 6 (R6). Tissues were evaluated for acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and NDF digestibility (NDFD). Stalk was the largest fraction of whole plant dry matter (46.2%) and had the lowest NDFD (375.0 g/kg) at R6. No relationship was found between stalk ADF at early developmental stages and whole plant ADF at R6, suggesting that quality at early developmental stages is not indicative of quality at physiological maturity. Differences were observed among hybrids for ADF and NDF for most plant parts evaluated. Hybrid-by-developmental stage and hybrid-by-plant part interactions were statistically significant. This indicates that there is minimal opportunity to identify superior hybrids for biofuel production based on the proportion of total biomass represented by a plant part and its quality at early developmental stages. Maximum conversion efficiency is attained when leaves are harvested compared to other tissue types at physiological maturity.
SCALE FIXING BY DIMENSIONAL TRANSMUTATION: SUPERSYMMETRIC UNIFIED MODELS AND THE RENORMALIZATION GROUP

We show how the renormalization group may be used in supersymmetric models to determine the expectation values of fields whose scales are undetermined by the classical potential. We apply this formalism to supersymmetric models of the O'Raifeartaigh type, and in particular, to Witten's model of the gauge hierarchy. We discuss the possibilities for a mass hierarchy and propose a criterion for an aesthetic model, which limits the magnitude of the hierarchies in perturbative unification models. We consider the zero-mass limit of Witten's model and argue that, despite the ground state becoming supersymmetric, the scale of the spontaneous symmetry breakdown of gauge symmetry remains fixed by radiative corrections. These models, after dimensional transmutation, undergo decoupling at smaller scales. In conclusion, we suggest the possibility of a new "weak tumbling" scenario for aesthetically generating mass and possibly gauge hierarchies. We also indicate how our work may be extended to finite temperatures and discuss the implications for cosmology.