cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urban encroachment, forest regrowth and land-use institutions: Does zoning matter?

Abstract As concern grows regarding urban sprawl and forest and agricultural land preservation, the effectiveness of land-use policies in shaping land-use change warrants further study. We evaluate the impact of county-level zoning laws, the most predominant land use policy in the USA, and land rents on the relative amounts of forest, agricultural, and developed land, while controlling for demographic information and taxation rates. Over the past decades, southern Indiana has experienced forest regrowth on private lands, but this regrowth has declined in recent years with increased conversion of open space for urban residential development. We develop a model of land-use shares in 40 southern Indiana counties based on the net benefits to agriculture, forestland, and urban uses using a maximum likelihood estimation of a Dirichlet distribution. We find agricultural land rent and indicators of land productivity are the most important predictors of the proportion of agriculture and urban uses. Forest use is better explained by shifting regional economic structure and hilly terrain. Counties with a greater proportion of their work force in the service sectors have a greater proportion of land forested. Finally, to some extent zoning may protect agricultural land in the region, although land rents, land characteristics, and population are strong predictors of the ratio of agriculture to urban use.
Gas Distribution in Air/Water and Air/Oil Bubble-Column Flows

The effect of liquid properties on axial development of gas-volume-fraction profiles in bubble-column flows is investigated. Experiments are conducted in a cylindrical vessel with an inner diameter of 0.48 m and a height of 3 m. The liquids examined include water and two lightweight mineral oils. A cross sparger with 96 holes is used to inject air into the column with all the holes facing either upwards or downwards. The superficial gas velocity ranges from 5 to 30 cm/s, and the absolute column pressure ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa. Gamma-densitometry tomography (GDT) is used to measure radial distributions of gas volume fraction at eight axial locations. The development length of the gas-volume-fraction profile is shown to increase with gas velocity and column pressure for all three liquids. The development of the cross-sectionally averaged gas-volume fraction for the air/water flow is remarkably different from that for the air/oil flows.© 2002 ASME
Density and Viscosity of Mixtures of Alkoxypropanols with Ethanol at T = (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K

Densities and viscosities were measured for the binary mixtures formed by 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-propoxy-2-propanol, 1-butoxy-2-propanol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, and dipropylene glycol butyl ether with ethanol at T = (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure over the whole concentration range. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube densimeter. Viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. The estimated uncertainties are less than ±1 × 10-4 g·cm-3 for density and ±0.6% for viscosity. Excess volumes VE and deviations in viscosity Δη for the mixtures were derived from the experimental data, and the computed results were fitted to the Redlich−Kister equation. Furthermore, McAllister's multibody-interaction model is used to correlate the binary kinematic viscosities.
Evaluation of a problem-solving intervention for patients with arthritis

A pretest-posttest control group design was used to evaluate a patient education program designed to help people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cope with problems posed by their disease. One hundred and one patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. All patients participated in a psychosocial interview in which problems arthritis had caused in their lives were assessed and actual and potential resources patients had for dealing with those problems were identified. In addition, individuals in the intervention group received a problem-solving intervention based, in part, on information collected during the psychosocial interview. Posttest measures showed that the problem-solving intervention helped patients solve their compliance problems and their lifestyle problems, although support for the latter finding was marginal (P < 0.10). All patients who participated in the study, regardless of group assignment, improved on a number of global measures of physical and psychological functioning. This unexpected finding is attributed to unintended positive effects of the psychosocial interview, although regression to the mean can not be definitively ruled out as a competing explanation.
Researching Volunteered Geographic Information: Spatial Data, Geographic Research, and New Social Practice

The convergence of newly interactive Web-based technologies with growing practices of user-generated content disseminated on the Internet is generating a remarkable new form of geographic information. Citizens are using handheld devices to collect geographic information and contribute it to crowd-sourced data sets, using Web-based mapping interfaces to mark and annotate geographic features, or adding geographic location to photographs, text, and other media shared online. These phenomena, which generate what we refer to collectively as volunteered geographic information (VGI), represent a paradigmatic shift in how geographic information is created and shared and by whom, as well as its content and characteristics. This article, which draws on our recently completed inventory of VGI initiatives, is intended to frame the crucial dimensions of VGI for geography and geographers, with an eye toward identifying its potential in our field, as well as the most pressing research needed to realize this potential. D...
Acetaminophen attenuates peroxynitrite-activated matrix metalloproteinase-2-mediated troponin I cleavage in the isolated guinea pig myocardium

The peroxynitrite-mediated activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and subsequent cleavage of troponin I (TnI) in ventricular myocytes is a detrimental effect of ischemia/reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that acetaminophen, an effective antioxidant against peroxynitrite, would attenuate activation of MMP-2 and improve cardiac mechanical function. Isolated, perfused guinea pig hearts (Langendorff) were treated with either acetaminophen [0.35 mmol/l] or its vehicle and administered a bolus injection of peroxynitrite (6 microM) after reaching steady state function. Hemodynamic, metabolic, and mechanical effects were recorded, and coronary effluent concentrates or supernatant from heart homogenates were subjected to Western blotting and gelatin zymography. Hemodynamic and metabolic data showed no difference between acetaminophen- and vehicle-treated hearts. Mechanical data revealed that treatment with acetaminophen preserved contractile function (particularly diastolic function) after peroxynitrite administration. For example, 5 min after administration of peroxynitrite percent baseline -dP/dt(max) was 10+/-3% and -4+/-7% (P<0.05) in acetaminophen- and vehicle-treated hearts, respectively. Western blotting and gel zymography revealed higher 72 kDa (pro-MMP-2) proteolytic activity in heart homogenates of vehicle-treated versus acetaminophen-treated hearts. In addition, Western blotting of heart homogenates showed increased degradative products of TnI in vehicle-treated versus acetaminophen-treated hearts. We conclude that acetaminophen is cardioprotective, at least in part, by attenuating peroxynitrite-activated, MMP-2-mediated cleavage of TnI.
Confused Flour Beetles: X-Ray and/or Malathion Modification of Population Fitness

Data were developed concerning the effects of malathion and X-ray given singly or in combination on the reproductive fitness in populations of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal. Virgin mature beetles sexed as pupae were X-rayed with 0, 1, 2, or 4 kr. From these, 10 pairs were placed on flour media containing various concentrations malathion (0-100 ppm). Culture conditions were 29±2°C and 30–35% relative humidity. Parental mortality and productivity (number of F1 adults) were measured. The minimum lethal dose of malathion for adult T. Confusum was between 10 and 20 ppm. Concentrations less than 10 ppm decreased productivity but did not affect adult mortality during eight-week experimental period. Larval development was retarded by malathion concentrations of 2.5 ppm or greater, with onset of pupation delayed several days. Progressively fewer adults eclosed at 10 and 20 ppm. X-ray doses progressively decreased the reproductive capacity of T. confusum . Exposure to four kr reduced productivity to less than three percent that of control population. Productivity was reduced less by one and 5 ppm malathion than 10 ppm, the latter of which caused extermination of F1 populations by the fourth week. Parental beetles were not killed by 0–10 ppm malathion or 0–4 kR X-ray. The effects from the radiation and malathion combination were more detrimental to the reproductive capacity than were the effects of either stress given singly. An interaction between the malathion and the X-ray effects was obvious, with additive effects noted at all treatments except four kr. The stress from malathion and/or X-ray caused progressive reductions in numbers of almost all F1 populations as dose levels of insecticide and ionizing radiation were increased singly and in combination.
Nutrition therapy for the hospitalized patient with diabetes.

Objective: To summarize recommendations for medical nutrition therapy (MNT), including how to implement it to achieve glycemic control targets for hospitalized patients with diabetes. Methods: The ...
Is the Centrality of Relationship in Social Work at Risk with IVT

ABSTRACT The heart of social work is relationship. IVT literature implies obstacles to interaction, but overlooks the centrality of relationship and challenges in distance education for teaching and modeling social work relationships. This article addresses how to ensure in the moderately-sized (40 students) IVT classroom that relationship remains integral to effective social work practice.
Organization of the Nervous System and Sensory Organs in the Larva of the Marine Bryozoan Bowerbankia gracilis (Ctenostomata: Vesiculariidae): Functional Significance of the Apical Disc and Pyriform Organ

The organization of the nervous system and the histology and ultrastructure of the apical disc and the pyriform organ have been investigated by serial sections with light and electron microscopy for the larva of the vesiculariid ctenostome bryozoan Bowerbankia gracilis Leidy 1855. The nervous system consists of four major internal components: (1) a median-anterior nerve nodule; (2) an equatorial, subcoronal nerve ring; (3) paired aboral nerve cords; (4) paired antero-lateral nerve tracts. The nervous system is associated with the ciliated larval surface at the apical disc, the pyriform organ, the corona and the intercoronal cells. The paired aboral nerve cords extend from the apical disc to the nerve nodule, which gives rise to the paired antero-lateral nerve tracts to the pyriform organ and to paired lateral tracts that form the equatorial nerve ring. Ultrastructural evidence is provided for the designation of primary sensory cells in the neural plate of the apical disc and in the juxtapapillary regions of the pyriform organ. Efferent synapses are described between the equatorial nerve ring and the overlying coronal cells, which constitute the primary locomotory organ of the larva. The repertoire of potential functions of the apical disc and pyriform organ are discussed. It is concluded that the apical disc and pyriform organ constitute larval sensory organs involved in orientation and substrate selection, respectively. Their association with the major effector organs of the larva (the corona and the musculature) via the nervous system supports this interpretation.
Social partnering significantly reduced rapid eye movement sleep fragmentation in fear-conditioned, stress-sensitive Wistar-Kyoto rats

Negative emotionality affects sleep-wake behavior in humans and rodents, and the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strain is known for its stress-sensitive phenotype. Analyzing rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) microarchitecture by separating REMS into single (siREMS; inter-REM episode interval>3 min) and sequential (seqREMS; interval≤3 min) episodes, we previously reported that cued fear conditioning (CFC) increased REMS fragmentation in WKY compared to Wistar rats by increasing the number of seqREMS episodes. Since social support affects fear responsiveness in humans, we hypothesized that social interaction with a naive partner would affect the sleep-wake response to CFC in WKY rats. Thus, male WKY rats were assigned to either the social support or the social isolation group. Animals were fear-conditioned to 10 tones (800 Hz, 90 dB, 5 s), each co-terminating with a mild foot shock (1.0 mA, 0.5 s), at 30-s intervals. All subjects underwent a tone-only test both 24 h (Day 1) and again two weeks (Day 14) later. Social partnering was achieved by providing the fear-conditioned rat with 30 min of interaction with its naive partner immediately after CFC and during the tone presentations on Day 1 and Day 14. The results indicate that while CFC increased freezing behavior in socially isolated WKY rats, it increased grooming behavior in socially partnered rats. Socially partnered rats had increased sleep efficiency during the light phase and spent less time in NREMS during the dark phase. The number of siREMS episodes increased during both the light and dark phases in partnered rats, and the number of seqREMS episodes increased in socially isolated rats. Our findings suggest that social partnering may protect WKY rats from the REMS fragmentation that is observed following CFC in isolation.
A Community College Partnership with an Electrical Contractor and Union.

This nationally acclaimed partnership, built around an apprentice program and based on a foundation of trust and cooperation, illustrates how a trade union and a community college can find a way to use a mutual interest to benefit students and workers.
A changing experience with primary hyperparathyroidism at Group Health Cooperative, Seattle.

Abstract Background: Since 1996 new technologies have been brought to bear on the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The Tc 99m sestamibi scan is useful in defining the location of a solitary adenoma, and used in combined with the gamma probe, it facilitates the removal of a solitary adenoma with a degree of accuracy and a cure rate previously not available. Intraoperative measurement of parathyroid hormone is also being used to judge immediately if the surgery has been successful. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism treated surgically at Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington, from April 1997 until June 2000. Results: Of the 49 procedures in 47 patients, 44 had a sestamibi scan preoperatively. Fifteen patients had a combination of the sestamibi scan done on the day of surgery and the intraoperative use of the gamma probe. This has been labeled minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy (MIRP). The procedures are divided into two groups. The 28 procedures before the advent of MIRP are labeled group A. The 22 procedures after the advent of MIRP are labeled group B. One patient with two procedures is represented in both groups. They are further differentiated into three groups in terms of surgical difficulty: routine, difficult, and complex. Eleven procedures are in the difficult category and 3 procedures are classified in the complex category. Since the start of MIRP on May 14, 1999, there have been 15 MIRPs and 7 procedures requiring a standard incision. Group A is compared with group B using a variety of parameters. Conclusions: The combination of the Tc 99m sestamibi scan on the day of surgery and the use of the gamma probe intraoperatively is a major advance in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. A significant number of difficult and complex cases must still be treated with bilateral neck exploration, including patients with hyperplasia, double adenoma, carcinoma and patients with underlying thyroid pathology. There is a “surgery time” advantage to the surgeon who does more than 10 cases per year.
Some recent intermediate-and high-energy proton-nucleus research

A review of several new or very active areas of research in the field of intermediate-and high-energy proton-nucleus research is presented. Theoretical advances used in treating the data are described. The areas covered include: $p$---$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ elastic scattering and polarization; elastic and inelastic scattering, $A\ensuremath{\ge}4$; the neutron pickup reaction; and particle production and elastic scattering near 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.
Effect of Hand Posture on the Temporal and Kinematic Properties of Pointing and Drawing Movements Executed by Healthy Subjects and by a Patient With Primary Writing Tremor.

Abstract Healthy individuals (n = 6) and a patient with “pure” primary writing tremor executed pointing and drawing movements while adopting different hand postures. The control subjects and the patient exhibited similar kinematics for most conditions. The patient displayed a severe right hand 4- to 6-Hz tremor and prolonged movements only when drawing with his normal hand posture. His tremor was manifested after a ready cue, in anticipation of a go command. The premovement tremor was abolished when the authors simply eliminated the ready cue and instructed the patient to relax and not think about drawing until he heard the go cue. Thus, the patient's writing tremor depended not only upon the writing or drawing act but also upon the hand position adopted and the intent to write, even in the absence of movement. The present results suggest that (a) similar high-level control mechanisms exist for pointing and drawing in healthy subjects and (b) the patient's deficits are compatible with a higher motor defec...
High temperature creep in a semi-coherent NiAl-Ni 2 AlTi alloy

Creep experiments have been made on a Ni-Ti-Al alloy, which has a microstructure consisting of a distribution of semi-coherent NiAl(β) precipitates with a Ni2AlTi(β′) Heusler phase matrix. The creep strength of this bcc type structure alloy is at least comparable with that of the nickel-base superailoy MARM-200 for values ofT/T m in the range 0.68 to 0.82. Quantitative electron microscope experiments show that both undissociated α0〈110〉 dislocations, and paired α0〈100〉 dislocations coupled by a sublattice A.P.B. exist within the β′ phase;α 0 is the lattice parameter of a bcc cell of which the large Ni2AlTi unit-cell is composed. The sublattice A.P.B. is a crystallographic fault created by wrong bonds between atoms on the Al-Ti sublattice. Theoretically the energy γ of a sublattice A.P.B. is shown to be minimum on {100}, and the experimental value for γ on {100} is ~40 mJ/m2.
Observation of Ion-Cyclotron-Frequency Mode-Conversion Flow Drive in Tokamak Plasmas

Strong toroidal flow (Vphi) and poloidal flow (Vtheta) have been observed in D-3He plasmas with ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) mode-conversion (MC) heating on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. The toroidal flow scales with the rf power Prf (up to 30 km/s per MW), and is significantly larger than that in ICRF minority heated plasmas at the same rf power or stored energy. The central Vphi responds to Prf faster than the outer regions, and the Vphi(r) profile is broadly peaked for r/a or =1.5 MW and increases with power (up to 0.7 km/s per MW). The experimental evidence together with numerical wave modeling suggests a local flow drive source due to the interaction between the MC ion cyclotron wave and 3He ions.
Bladder "Müllerianosis" in a woman with lower urinary tract symptoms and hematuria.

Until recently, endometriosis was thought to be the only benign proliferative condition of mullerian glandular epithelium in the female bladder. Only 4 cases of bladder “endosalpingiosis” (presence of glandular epithelium of the fallopian tube in an ectopic location) have been described. In 2 of the reports bladder endosalpingiosis was an incidental finding during imaging. To our knowledge we report the first case of bladder endosalpingiosis associated with a long history of lower urinary tract symptoms and hematuria.
SO THAT THE BABY NOT BE FORMED LIKE A POTTERY RATTLE: AZTEC RATTLE FIGURINES AND HOUSEHOLD SOCIAL REPRODUCTIVE PRACTICES

This paper examines the materiality—or the mutually constitutive relationships between people and things—of Aztec rattle figurines in order to shed light on household ritual life in Postclassic central Mexico. By examining iconographic, archaeological, and ethnohistoric evidence, I argue that these figurines were actively used in household healing rituals concerning successful biological and social reproduction, comprised of the work, relationships, and attitudes that perpetuate human life. I then consider the physical experience of that ritual use by exploring the visual, tactile, auditory, and physiological aspects of these figurines. I contend that their visibility in workshops, markets, and the home presented an image of the female body that reinforced women's important roles in the production and reproduction of the household and society. Finally, the material qualities of these figurines reveal ancient discourses on the human body and experimentation with bodily representation in terms of scale, form, and material.
Photographing microsurgery--still and dynamic techniques.

Photographic documentation has come to play an important role in the teaching of and research in microsurgery. Although microsurgical recording shares with conventional surgical recording such considerations as photographic technique and the maintenance of a sterile field, there are several additional problems peculiar to photographing microsurgery. Setting up the microscope to guarantee sharp focus on the film plane is crucial to obtaining high quality results, and the use of a high-intensity light source is equally important. The different media of still photography, motion pictures, and video recording all have advantages, and the physician must judge which method best suits his needs.
The relation of urban atmospheric variables to asthmatic bronchoconstriction

A reduction in ambient temperature and barometric pressure appears to be more instrumental in promoting tendencies to asthmatic dyspnea than do ambient exposures to certain air pollutants even when levels of the latter frequently exceed federal standards.
Neuronal correlates of signal detection in the posterior parietal cortex of rats performing a sustained attention task

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) plays an integral role in visuospatial attention. Evidence suggests that neuronal activity in the PPC predicts the allocation of attention to stimuli. The present experiment tested the hypothesis that in rats performing a sustained attention task, the detection of signals, as opposed to missed signals, is associated with increased PPC unit activity. Single unit activity was recorded from the PPC of rats and analyzed individually and as a population vector for each recording session. A population of single units (28/111) showed significant activation evoked by signals on trials resulting in correct performance (hits). A smaller population of neurons (three/111) was activated on trials in which signals were not detected by the animals (misses). Analysis of populations of simultaneously recorded neurons indicated increased activation predicting signal detection; no population of neurons was activated on trials in which the animal incorrectly pressed the hit lever following nonsignals. The increased, hit-predicting activity was not modulated by signal duration or the presence of a visual distractor, although the distractor reduced the number of trials in which hit-predicting activity and subsequent correct detection occurred. These findings indicate that attentional signal processing in the PPC integrates successful detection of signals.
Selectivity and efficiency of two Otter trawls used to assess estuarine fish and macroinvertebrate populations in North Carolina

Otter trawl surveys are frequently used to assess estuarine fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Although these surveys may have similar objectives and sampling areas and seasons may overlap, the sampling gear is usually unique to the agency conducting the survey. An example of this is the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program-Estuaries (EMAP) surveys in North Carolinian estuaries. We estimated experimentally the selectivity and efficiency of the trawls used for these surveys to determine the comparability of data used to estimate community structure and the abundance of dominant species. The catch percent similarity of the trawls was low (12.0%). The NCDMF net (3.2-m flat otter trawl, 6.4-mm mesh body, 3.2-mm cod-end, plus tickle chain) precisely (11.7%) and accurately (4.5%) sampled brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, density but overestimated spot, Leiostomus xanthurus, densities (22.8% accuracy), possibly because these fishes had highly contagious distributions. The EMAP net (4.9-m high-rise otter trawl, 38.1-mm mesh body and cod-end) was precise (17.9–37.4%) but inaccurate (76.8–97.2%), probably because of the single large mesh size and the lack of a tickler chain. Our study suggests the EMAP and NCDMF surveys collect different subsamples of the same fish and macroinvertebrate estuarine populations, and therefore could deliver different results and conclusions.
A Therapeutic Microparticle-Based Tumor Lysate Vaccine Reduces Spontaneous Metastases in Murine Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is currently incurable, and available therapies are associated with severe toxicities. Induction of protective anti-tumor immunity is a promising therapeutic approach for disseminated breast cancer, as immune responses are (i) systemic; (ii) antigen-specific; and (iii) capable of generating long-lived “memory” populations that protect against future tumor recurrences. Pursuant with this approach, we have developed a novel heterologous prime/boost vaccination regimen that reduces spontaneous lung metastases in mice with established murine 4T1 adenocarcinoma breast tumors. In our studies, mice were orthotopically challenged with luciferase-expressing 4T1 tumor cells; luciferase expression was retained in vivo, enabling us to quantitatively track metastatic tumor growth via bioluminescent imaging. On day 6 post-challenge, mice received a therapeutic “prime” consisting of bulk tumor lysates encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microparticles (MPs). On day 11, mice received a “boost” composed of free tumor lysates plus a cocktail of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-stimulating adjuvants. Tumor progression was monitored in vaccinated and untreated mice for 25 days, a time at which 100% of untreated mice had detectable lung tumors. PLGA MPs injected subcutaneously trafficked to draining lymph nodes and were efficiently phagocytosed by dendritic cells (DCs) within 48 h. Our combination therapy reduced metastatic lung tumor burdens by 42% and did not induce autoimmunity. These findings illustrate that vaccines based upon MP delivery of tumor lysates can form the basis of an effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer and suggest that similar approaches may be both efficacious and well-tolerated in the clinic.
A processing requirement and resolution capability comparison of side-scan and synthetic-aperture sonars

The processing requirements and resolution capabilities of both side-look sonar (SLS) and synthetic-aperture sonar (SAS) systems are outlined. Side-look sonar is presented as a real-beam imaging technique along with expressions for relevant system- and image-related parameters. Synthetic-aperture sonar is discussed, and the limitations imposed by the speed of sound in the ocean environment are identified. A specific side-look system (SeaMARC I) is presented under two configurations and comparable SAS designs are proposed. Based on the examples provided by the SeaMARC I system and the hypothetical SAS designs, it is shown that single-beam SAS systems can be designed to achieve area coverage rates comparable to single-beam side-scan systems, yet with improved azimuth resolution. >
Preparation of ultra-thin carbon overcoat for magnetic recording medium by filtered cathodic vacuum arc technology

Abstract The deposition process of carbon coating by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) system was studied for the development of a high-density magnetic disk with an ultra-thin overcoat of about 2 nm thickness. A FCVA system was installed on disk production equipment for the deposition of carbon thin coating on the disk sample. The FCVA method, processed at a low pressure of 10 −4 Pa, using no reactant gas, had some advantages over the plasma CVD method in deposition of the hard carbon thin coating on an electrically floated substrate. The carbon coating of less than 3 nm in thickness was examined for the various properties with respect to the coating requirements for magnetic recording media. The properties of this ultra-thin coating were the same as those of a relatively thick tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) film. Moreover, the injection of the energetic ions from the arc source formed a mixture layer on the surface of the magnetic film. Several effective measures were proposed to avoid the deterioration of the magnetic properties.
Generalized inverses of substochastic matrices

Abstract This paper looks at the question of when a substochastic matrix has a substochastic generalized inverse. This question is answered for several generalized inverses, including semiinverses, the Moore–Penrose inverse, and the group inverse. Methods for constructing all such inverses are given.
A Better Life? Immigrant Mothers’ Experiences Building Economic Security

Immigrants comprise 13 % of the US population. Immigrant families often come to the US for a better life and to improve their economic opportunities; however, immigrants experience higher levels of poverty than their native-born counterparts. Despite their financial concerns, less than half of eligible immigrant families in the US receive government assistance. Framed within ecocultural theory, qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with 40 low-income immigrant mothers from Latin America and Africa, were conducted to examine the economic experiences of immigrant families, including the process of building economic security. The findings indicate that mothers’ development of economic security was shaped by their ecocultural context including the intersection of: accessibility of government programs, family situations, and unique needs of their families.
Reattachment to a substrate prevents apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium

• Background: Epithelial cells generally fail to survive in suspension. Harvesting human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for transplantation may separate the cells from their extracellular matrix and induce apoptosis. We investigated whether reattachment of RPE to a substrate will prevent apoptosis. • Methods: Second-passage human RPE cells were plated onto tissue culture plastic precoated with extracellular matrix, fibronectin or laminin, uncoated tissue culture plastic, untreated plastic and untreated plastic coated with 4% agarose. Reattachment rates were determined for each substrate 24 h after plating. The TUNEL technique was used to determine apoptosis rates in attached cells, unattached cells and the entire cell population. • Results: Attachment rates were as follows: ECM-coated tissue culture plastic → fibronectin-coated tissue culture plastic → laminin-coated tissue culture plastic → uncoated tissue culture plastic → untreated plastic → agarose-coated untreated plastic. Apoptosis rates for the entire cell population increased as the RPE cell attachment rate decreased. The proportion of apoptotic cells in the entire population was inversely related to the percent attached cells (r = -0.95). • Conclusion: Reattachment of harvested RPE to a substrate decreased the rate of RPE apoptosisin vitro. RPE cells which are removed from their substrate prior to transplantation must reattach rapidly to a substrate to prevent apoptosis.
Reaction kinetics studies of the conversions of formic acid and butyl formate over carbon-supported palladium in the liquid phase

Abstract Formic acid and butyl formate conversion were studied in the liquid phase over Pd and Ru catalysts. Pd/C was more active, selective, and stable for CO 2 /H 2 production in the liquid phase. Kinetic studies were performed over Pd/C at temperatures from 403 to 443 K, at space velocities from 3.8 to 970 h −1 , in the presence of CO and H 2 at partial pressures from 0 to 0.4 and 12.6 atm, respectively, and liquid water. Space velocity studies probed the importance of primary decomposition pathways to CO 2 and CO compared to the secondary water–gas shift reaction. Generally, the rate of the primary pathway was an order of magnitude higher than the rate of the secondary pathway. Over Pd/C, formic acid decomposed primarily via decarboxylation (to CO 2 /H 2 ), whereas butyl formate primarily decomposed via decarbonylation (to CO/butanol). When water was present, the formate ester hydrolyzed, which increased the selectivity toward CO 2 and H 2 .
Mineral resources versus geologic diversity in small areas

Abstract There is a simple linear relationship between geologic diversity ( = the number of rock types — 1) and the mineral-resource diversity ( = the number of commodities produced — 1) which may be used to predict the number of commodities produced from a given number of geologic rock types in a region. In addition it is shown that the geologic and mineral-resource diversities are related positively to size (expressed as log A km 2 ) of sampling unit. It is of some interest to determine whether these relationships hold for sample units the size of counties. 182 counties from six states, Maine (16), New Hamshire (10), Vermont (14), Pennsylvania (67), Nevada (17), and California (58) are used to investigate these relationships. The regression of geologic diversity ( s g − 1) on size (log A ) is positive, linear, and about r 2 = 41.0% determining. Similarly, the regression of mineral-resource diversity ( s m − 1) on size (log A ) is positive, linear, and r 2 = 39.6% determining. The regression of mineral resource on geologic diversity also is similarly linear and positive with r 2 = 54% determining. The regression of geologic diversity on size for a larger global population ( n = 413; where sample units are countries and states) is similar to that for the 182 counties with r 2 = 48% determining. Evidently, the relationships hold for sample units the size of counties with a similar slope but a smaller intercept. It then is shown that for sample units the size of states and countries (i.e. log A from 3.0 to 6.5) the intercept is about 12. In other words, given a sample unit the size of states or countries with a geologic diversity of zero, the region is geologically homogeneous, one would expect it to produce some 12 commodities; on the other hand if the sample unit is the size of counties with the same value of zero for geologic diversity, then it would likely produce from 3 to 5 commodities.
Coupling of Aggregation and Immunogenicity in Biotherapeutics: T- and B-Cell Immune Epitopes May Contain Aggregation-Prone Regions

Biotherapeutics, including recombinant or plasma-derived human proteins and antibody-based molecules, have emerged as an important class of pharmaceuticals. Aggregation and immunogenicity are among the major bottlenecks during discovery and development of biotherapeutics. Computational tools that can predict aggregation prone regions as well as T- and B-cell immune epitopes from protein sequence and structure have become available recently. Here, we describe a potential coupling between aggregation and immunogenicity: T-cell and B-cell immune epitopes in therapeutic proteins may contain aggregation-prone regions. The details of biological mechanisms behind this observation remain to be understood. However, our observation opens up an exciting potential for rational design of de-immunized novel, as well as follow on biotherapeutics with reduced aggregation propensity.
Feline immunodeficiency virus OrfA alters gene expression of splicing factors and proteasome-ubiquitination proteins.

Expression of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) accessory protein OrfA (or Orf2) is critical for efficient viral replication in lymphocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. OrfA has been reported to exhibit functions in common with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) accessory proteins Vpr and Tat, although the function of OrfA has not been fully explained. Here, we use microarray analysis to characterize how OrfA modulates the gene expression profile of T-lymphocytes. The primary IL-2-dependent T-cell line 104-C1 was transduced to express OrfA. Functional expression of OrfA was demonstrated by trans complementation of the OrfA-defective clone, FIV-34TF10. OrfA-expressing cells had a slightly reduced cell proliferation rate but did not exhibit any significant alteration in cell cycle distribution. Reverse-transcribed RNA from cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) or GFP + OrfA were hybridized to Affymetrix HU133 Plus 2.0 microarray chips representing more than 47,000 genome-wide transcripts. By using two statistical approaches, 461 (Rank Products) and 277 (ANOVA) genes were identified as modulated by OrfA expression. The functional relevance of the differentially expressed genes was explored by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The analyses revealed alterations in genes critical for RNA post-transcriptional modifications and protein ubiquitination as the two most significant functional outcomes of OrfA expression. In these two groups, several subunits of the spliceosome, cellular splicing factors and family members of the proteasome-ubiquitination system were identified. These findings provide novel information on the versatile function of OrfA during FIV infection and indicate a fine-tuning mechanism of the cellular environment by OrfA to facilitate efficient FIV replication.
A multipitch tracking algorithm for noisy and reverberant speech

Determining multiple pitches in noisy and reverberant speech is an important and challenging task. We propose a robust multipitch tracking algorithm in the presence of both background noise and room reverberation. A new channel selection method is utilized in conjunction with an auditory front-end to extract periodicity features in the time-frequency space. These features are combined to formulate frame level conditional probabilities given each pitch state. A hidden Markov model is then applied to integrate these probabilities and search for the most likely pitch state sequences. The proposed approach can reliably detect up to two simultaneous pitch contours in noisy and reverberant conditions. Quantitative evaluations show that our system significantly outperforms existing ones, particularly in reverberant environments.
The Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural Protein 2 (NS2): An Up-and-Coming Antiviral Drug Target

Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continues to be a major global health problem. To overcome the limitations of current therapies using interferon-α in combination with ribavirin, there is a need to develop drugs that specifically block viral proteins. Highly efficient protease and polymerase inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical testing and will become available in the next few years. However, with resistance mutations emerging quickly, additional enzymatic activities or functions of HCV have to be targeted by novel compounds. One candidate molecule is the nonstructural protein 2 (NS2), which contains a proteolytic activity that is essential for viral RNA replication. In addition, NS2 is crucial for the assembly of progeny virions and modulates various cellular processes that interfere with viral replication. This review describes the functions of NS2 in the life cycle of HCV and highlights potential antiviral strategies involving NS2.
Identification of inhibitors of heparin-growth factor interactions from combinatorial libraries of four-component condensation reactions.

Abstract Chemical libraries based on four-component condensation (4CC) reactions of isocyanides were constructed to identify compounds capable of blocking heparin binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The reaction products in the synthesized libraries contain heparin mimetic functional groups such as carbohydrates, sulfonates, carboxylates, and hydroxy groups. These libraries have been screened for the inhibition of heparin binding to growth factors such as VEGF and bFGF. Single point screening at 5.0 μM of the 18,720 reaction products generated 26 candidates. The IC 50 s of these 26 compounds were determined using HPLC-purified products and 20 of the 26 showed significant inhibition of heparin binding to VEGF and/or bFGF. Eighteen of the 20 confirmed active compounds have a linear extended structure. Structures identified in this library revealed an initial relationship of structure and activity, thus providing direction for further investigation of this type of heparin mimetic libraries.
Reaction of Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C7H3(2-CH3)NS)(μ-H) with Diazomethane. The First Example of a Trimetallic Cluster Containing a μ-Methylidene and a σ-Methyl

The electronically unsaturated cluster Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C7H3(2-CH3)NS)(μ-H) (6) reacts with excess CH2N2 at −10 to +25 °C to give Os3(CO)9(μ-η2-C7H3(2-CH3)NS)(μ-CH2)CH3 (9), a rare example of a triosmium cluster containing an edge-bridging methylene group and a σ-bound methyl group. On thermolysis in refluxing heptane 9 affords Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-CHC7H3(2-CH3)NS)(μ-H)2 (11) and Os3(CO)8(μ3-η2-CC7H3(2-CH3)NS)(μ-H)3 (12). In contrast, Os3(CO)8(μ3-η2-C7H4NS)(μ-H)(7) reacts with diazomethane under exactly similar conditions to afford Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-CHC7H4NS)((μ-H)2 (10), which on thermolysis in refluxing heptane gives Os3(CO)8(μ3-η2-CC7H4NS)(μ3-H)3 (13).
Effect of Nonuniformities in Temperature on Resin Flow during the Lamination of Polymer Composites

A method is described for analyzing the effect of nonuniformities in temper ature on the flow of resin during the lamination of B-staged prepreg layers. The nonunifor mities in temperature affect the distribution of the resin viscosity and flow in a complex manner due to the presence of a cross linking reaction which renders the viscosity of the resin dependent on its thermal history. The viscosity distribution and the flow field are determined by evaluating the trajectories or, equivalently, the thermal histories of the fluid elements for a few representative temperature distributions. It is shown that, depending upon the nature of nonuniformity, the magnitude of the resin flow can differ significantly from that evaluated by assuming a uniform temperature distribution in the lamination assembly.
Utilization and efficacy of autologous blood predeposit in radical prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy: implications for blood conservation and physician education programs.

Abstract Autologous blood predeposit is a widely used transfusion practice that has become a standard of care for elective surgery. Despite the support for this practice there are unanswered questions in the usage and efficacy of autologous blood programs. This study is a prospective analysis of 52 consecutively audited urologic patients undergoing elective, radical prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy in which all 52 patients predonated autologous blood. Preoperative blood donation, blood transfused, surgical blood lost, and the “tranfusion trigger” were evaluated for each of these patients. We conclude (1) the rate of homologous blood exposure (I5 %) despite preoperative autologous blood donation in every patient indicates a need for innovative blood conservation strategies to minimize homologous blood transfusion in this surgical group. (2) Unnecessary autologous transfusions could be identified in 8 (15%) of 52 patients, all of which were single unit autologous blood transfusions. (3) Physician education programs that emphasize increased procurement of autologous blood along with more conservative transfusion of this blood are needed to avoid necessary homologous blood and unnecessary autologous blood transfusions.
Bridging the gap between microscopic and macroscopic views of air/aqueous salt interfaces

Abstract Physico-chemical phenomena in atmospheric aerosol, geochemical, and biomembrane systems are strongly influenced by interfacial ion distributions, and the resulting interfacial electrostatic fields. Results from early surface potentiometry and from recent phase-resolved (phase-sensitive (PS-) and heterodyne-detected (HD-)) vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy measurements on aqueous salt solutions have been interpreted in terms of anions and cations being distributed within the interfacial region according to their surface propensity, forming an ionic double layer. This molecular-level picture has been consistent with the distribution (density) profiles obtained by MD simulations of aqueous interfaces of halide salts. Here we discuss PS- and HD-VSFG results revealing that for some oxyanion- and Mg 2+ -based salts, the interpretation of the electric field in terms of determining ion surface propensity and/or charge could be misleading. We also discuss the intricacies of counterion effects and the correlations with surface potential versus phase-resolved (PS- or HD-) VSFG measurements.
A network-centric terrain database regeneration architecture

A great deal has changed since 1997 when Schiavone first described the generic pipeline generation process for building an environmental database for military models and simulations. Environment representations have gone from cartoonist graphics to near real-life renderings possessing properties of physics and intelligence where appropriate. Within this article we discuss several contemporary and past terrain database generation processes, as well as challenges faced in generating terrain databases for military models and simulations today. These challenges include decentralized, distributed modification, frequent and incremental updates, and the need for a shared level of validity by users with heterogeneous needs. We propose a novel approach that addresses network-centric terrain database generation and provides distributed bi-directional, incremental updates that addresses many of these needs. We also developed, tested, and analyzed a prototype architecture and two types of feature modification applied...