cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A BICHARACTERISTICS METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE MODELING OF TRANSIENT WAVE PROPAGATION IN UNBOUNDED ACOUSTIC MEDIA

A computational procedure is developed for adaptive modeling of transient wave propagation in an unbounded acoustic layer. The adaptivity herein is concerned with controlling the error caused by imperfect modeling of unbounded domains, and the procedure aims at determining the optimal order of the absorbing boundary condition (ABC) under consideration to control the error in the solution within a predetermined tolerance. The perfectly matched layer (PML) is used as an ABC, and the size of the PML domain controls the error associated with modeling unbounded domains. As a key technique in the adaptive method, a local solution procedure is designed based on the method of bicharacteristics to extract, from the computed solution, the information flowing into the computational domain. Numerical experiments show that, under wide circumstances, the maximum pressure associated with the inflow evaluated near the truncated boundary of the PML domain can be related with the maximum error in the pressure and thus can be used as an error estimator. It is demonstrated that a simple adaptive algorithm based on this error estimator can automatically determine the PML domain size to produce solutions with controlled errors.
The Origin of Parties: The United States Congress in 1789–1797 as a Test Case

Why do political parties form? I test a theory of party formation in which legislators coalesce into voting blocs to coordinate their votes and influence policy outcomes. I use historical roll-call data from the United States Congress. During the First and Second Congresses (1789–1793), there were no organized political parties. By the Fourth Congress (1795–1797), the Federalist and Republican parties shaped Congress. The analysis uses the Roll-call data from the first two Congresses to predict which legislators will coalesce into parties in future Congresses. I compare this prediction with the parties that eventually emerged in the House and in the Senate. I find strong support for the theory in the Senate, and favorable but less significant results in the House.
Chester I. Barnard: president of the uso, 1942-1945

This article focuses on a relatively unheralded dimension of Chester I. Barnard, author of the classic 1938 management text The Functions of the Executive. Barnard was President of the United Services Organization, Inc. (USO), a morale-enhancing volunteer organization for allied servicemen and women during World War II. The article's purpose is to describe and analyze Barnard's activities and accomplishments at the USO from 1942 to 1945, Barnard used the general management principles that he espoused through his writings in this volunteer management environment.
Assessing Sensory-Motor Deficits in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

The assessment of sensory-motor functions is a key component of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sensory-motor processes have recently been shown to be related to larger neural structures and functions, rather than a secondary role played in the past. Recent research has shown sensory-motor functioning serves as a marker for the integrity of the central nervous system. Children's behavior following a TBI has greater variation than seen in adults, which may well relate to greater natural variation and maturational effects. With the recent findings of greater importance of sensory-motor functions, the need for psychometrically sound measures is stressed and various measures are outlined.
Glove-starch granuloma in congenital hydrocele

Abstract A case report and pathologic description of the manifestations of glove-powder-inducedgranulomatous reactions of the scrotum is presented, with a brief review of the literature.
Lobular carcinoma of the breast with extracellular mucin: New variant of mucin-producing carcinomas?

The presence of mucin in infiltrating lobular carcinomas has been described as occurring exclusively in an intracytoplasmic location. To the best of the authors' knowledge, infiltrating lobular carcinoma displaying extracellular mucin has not been described in the literature. Herein is presented a case of lobular carcinoma with extracellular mucin in a 60-year-old female patient, who also had a contralateral ductal carcinoma of the cribriform type. Histologically the tumor had the classical appearance of infiltrating lobular carcinoma with signet ring cells and 'Indian file' infiltration of the stroma as well as pools of extracellular mucin. It is of great importance to appropriately classify breast carcinomas as ductal or lobular in origin due to the different treatment, prognosis, and clinical behavior of these lesions. The present finding opens the door for discussion of the current knowledge concerning histological variants of lobular carcinoma and should alert pathologists to the fact that the presence of extracellular mucin in an otherwise classical infiltrating lobular carcinoma does not preclude this diagnosis.
Characterization of a monoclonal antibody for human aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3 (type 2 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) ; immunohistochemical detection in breast and prostate

Human aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3 (type 2 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) catalyzes the reduction of Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione to yield testosterone, the reduction of 5α-dihydrotestosterone to yield 3α- and 3β-androstanediol, and the reduction of estrone to yield 17β-estradiol. Relatively, high mRNA expression of AKR1C3 was found in human prostate and mammary gland where it is implicated in regulating ligand access to the androgen and estrogen receptor, respectively. AKR1C3 shares high sequence identity >86% with related plastic human 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (AKR1C1), type 3 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C2) and type 1 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C4), and reagents are urgently needed to discriminate between these enzymes at the mRNA, protein and functional level. We describe the characterization of a high-titer isoform specific monoclonal antibody (Ab) for AKR1C3. It does not cross react with human AKR1C1, AKR1C2 or AKR1C4, human aldehyde reductase AKR1A1 or rat 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C9) on immunoblot analysis. The monoclonal Ab can be used to detect AKR1C3 expression by immunohistochemistry in sections of paraffin-embedded mammary gland and prostate. In the breast enzyme staining was detected in ductal carcinoma in situ where the cancerous cells were strongly immunoreactive. In normal prostate immunoreactivity was limited to stromal cells with only faint staining in the epithelial cells. In adenocarcinoma of the prostate elevated staining was observed in the endothelial cells and carcinoma cells. The reagent thus has utility to access the localized expression of AKR1C3 in hormonal dependent malignancies of the breast and prostate.
Deformable block motion compensation scheme for aerial video surveillance coding

We present an interpolation scheme for deformable block motion compensation based on a pseudo-perspective mapping model. The motion compensation method based on this model is targeted for coding aerial surveillance video sequences. In aerial video sequences, distortion occurs as the perspective of the surveillance camera relative to the scene changes. The traditional motion compensation method based on translational model is inadequate to compensate for this perspective distortion. One solution to overcome this problem is to use a deformable block motion compensation method with a more sophisticated model. Polynomial approximations of the perspective motion model, such as the affine and bilinear models, have been reported in the literature. Nevertheless, the affine model lacks the correct degree of freedom required to capture the effect of perspective distortion between frames. Though the bilinear model has the correct degrees of freedom, it still cannot accurately model the perspective distortion, especially near the boundaries of an image block. In this paper we propose to apply an eight-parameter pseudo-perspective mapping model for deformable block motion compensation. We developed an efficient interpolation scheme for this model based on finite element shape functions. We tested our interpolation scheme on aerial video frames in the NTSC format (720 x 480 pixels). The proposed interpolation scheme, motion-compensation algorithm, and simulation results are described. The motion compensation scheme based on the proposed mapping model yields an improvement of 1.5dB to 2.3dB in peak signal-to-noise ratio compared to a bilinear model based scheme.
Feasibility study for transforming spectral and instrumental artifacts for multivariate calibration maintenance.

Frequently, a spectral-based multivariate calibration model formed on a particular instrument (primary) needs to predict samples measured on other (secondary) instruments of the same spectral type. This situation is often referred to as calibration maintenance or transfer. A new calibration maintenance approach is developed in this paper using spectral differences between instruments. In conjunction with a sample weighting scheme, spectral differences are piecewise (wavelength window) or full spectrum fitted with modeling terms (correction terms) such as polynomials and derivatives. Results demonstrating the potential usefulness of the new method using a near infrared (NIR) benchmark dataset are presented in this paper. The process does not need a standardization sample set measured in the primary condition. Thus, the new approach is a “hybrid” between the popular methods of extended inverted multiplicative signal correction (EISC) and direct standardization (DS) or piecewise DS (PDS). It is found that prediction errors reduce for samples measured in the secondary condition compared to those based on no calibration transfer. Prediction errors are also comparable to those from a full calibration in the secondary condition. In addition to instrument correction, an extension of the new approach is discussed (but not tested) for predicting new samples changing over time due to new chemical, physical, and environmental measurement conditions including individually or combinations of temperature, sample particle size, and new spectrally responding species.
A novel phototropic response to red light is revealed in microgravity

The aim of this study was to investigate phototropism in plants grown in microgravity conditions without the complications of a 1-g environment. Experiments performed on the International Space Station (ISS) were used to explore the mechanisms of both blue-light- and red-light-induced phototropism in plants. This project utilized the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS), which has environmental controls for plant growth as well as centrifuges for gravity treatments used as a 1-g control. Images captured from video tapes were used to analyze the growth, development, and curvature of Arabidopsis thaliana plants that developed from seed in space. A novel positive phototropic response to red light was observed in hypocotyls of seedlings that developed in microgravity. This response was not apparent in seedlings grown on Earth or in the 1-g control during the space flight. In addition, blue-light-based phototropism had a greater response in microgravity compared with the 1-g control. Although flowering plants are generally thought to lack red light phototropism, our data suggest that at least some flowering plants may have retained a red light sensory system for phototropism. Thus, this discovery may have important implications for understanding the evolution of light sensory systems in plants.
Comparison of linear, nonlinear, and network flow programming techniques in fuel scheduling

Abstract The objective of fuel scheduling is to minimize the operating cost over a given time period while satisfying several constraints including fuel supply, fuel inventory, total power requirement, and generating unit power limits. This paper presents a comparison of network flow programming (NFP) the out-of-kilter method, the linear programming (LP) revised simplex method, and the nonlinear programming (NLP) generalized reduced gradient method in order to solve the fuel scheduling problem. For application in NFP and LP, a separable programming technique is used to linearize the objective function and the constraints. Results based on sample data obtained from Omaha Public Power District are presented to demonstrate the differences between NFP, LP, and NLP application to this problem.
Size Effect in Germanium Nanostructures Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition

We have fabricated Ge nanostructures buried in AlN and Al 2 O 3 matrices grown on Si(111) and sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Our approach involved three-dimensional island growth of low band-gap material followed by a layer of wide band-gap material. The nanodots were uniformly distributed in between alternating layers of AlN or Al 2 O 3 . It was observed that these nanodots exhibit crystalline structure when grown at 300-500 °C. The average size of Ge islands was determined to be ∼5-15 nm, which could be varied by controlling laser deposition and substrate parameters. The Raman spectrum showed a peak of the Ge-Ge vibrational mode downward shifted upto 295 cm − which is caused by quantum confinement of phonons in the Ge-dots. The photoluminescence of the Ge dots (size ∼15nm) was blue shifted by ∼0.266 eV from the bulk Ge value of 0.73 eV at 77 K, resulting in a distinct peak at ∼1.0 eV. The spectral positions of both E 1 and E 2 transitions in the absorption spectra at room temperature and 77K shift toward higher energy as the Ge dot size decreases. The interpretation of these behaviors in terms of quantum confinement is discussed in this work, and the importance of pulsed laser deposition in fabricating novel nanostructures is emphasized
Community health services in the management of congestive heart failure

Abstract An examination of congestive heart failure as it exists in the community reveals a problem of some magnitude. Extrapolation from available prevalence studies suggests that physicians have under their care nearly two million persons in the United States suffering from congestive heart failure. The evidence also demonstrates that congestive heart failure is primarily a disorder of older people. Past studies that have evaluated certain community services for congestive heart failure have not been sufficiently conclusive to recommend strongly the inclusion of these services in future health programs. They have nevertheless indicated that this problem deserves and requires further consideration. This has been recognized by the United States Public Health Service, and as a result there are several studies currently in operation and planned which may give more valid data. These have as their objective the prevention of recurrent episodes of congestive heart failure, with consequent hospitalization, by the provision of adequate continuing care in the community setting. Such care includes the use of visiting nurses, nutritionists, occupational and vocational therapists, health educators and medical social workers. Programs of this type are being utilized by both private and indigent patients without impairment of the personal physician-patient relationship. Analysis of data from these studies will require some previous standardization of sampling and measurement if it is to satisfy the physician critic. These projects should also provide a unique opportunity for useful research into many inadequately studied areas of congestive heart failure. Such research should include longitudinal epidemiological studies, the development of simple cardiac function tests, the best use of health education, evaluation of the social and emotional impact of congestive heart failure on the patient and his family, and the economics of his illness. The ultimate test of such projects will be their value and acceptability to the physician, whether hospital based or otherwise. Changing patterns of medical care must bring problems related to continuing care of chronic disease closer to the community. The physician can no longer deal in a personal manner with all health problems, and must delegate authority without relinquishing responsibility. It could therefore be expected that such community programs may be of considerable help to the realistic medical practitioner who is interested in optimal continuing care of his patient with congestive heart failure. In the final analysis, the health services of society have no other function than to improve the quality of medical care in order to permit the attainment for the patient of his personal aspirations and self-fulfilment. The priority of community services for congestive heart failure has to be judged accordingly.
Estimating the standard free energy of formation of zeolites using the polymer model

Abstract The standard free energies of formation of a number of zeolites were estimated using the polymer model developed previously for smectites by Sposito. The estimates made with the polymer model were on average within 19 kJ mol −1 (0.28%) of the experimental values for zeolites; this compares with the values estimated by the methods of LaIglesia and Aznar and of Chermak and Rimstidt which differed from the experimental values on average by approximately 27 kJ mol −1 (0.40%) and 32 kJ mol −1 (0.47%) respectively. The values predicted by the polymer model for dehydrated zeolites were within 28 kJ mol −1 (0.3%) of the experimental values, whereas the other two methods generate estimates of free energies of formation values that differed on average by 89 kJ mol −1 (1.28%) and 107 kJ mol −1 (1.59%) from the experimental values. These comparisons indicate that the polymer model, formulated specifically for a class of silicate minerals such as zeolites, always typically provides a better estimate of the standard free energy values than general models for all silicate minerals which contain a number of ad hoc assumptions. Better estimates provided by the polymer model can be attributed to the principle that the free energy changes associated with the formation of condensation polymers, such as zeolites, are related principally with the free energy changes associated with the relative change in coordination of exchangeable cations as they transfer from reactant hydroxide sites to exchangeable sites.
Aminoaciduria and glycosuria following severe childhood lead poisoning

To determine the incidence of renal functional abnormalities after lead poisoning, we evaluated the parameters of renal tubular function in 134 children and young adults, 8–13 years after chelation therapy for severe lead poisoning. There was no evidence of hypertension or reduced kidney function as assessed by serum creatinine (Cr) concentrations. Urinary α-amino nitrogen (Uaan) concentrations were significantly increased compared with 19 healthy age-matched controls. Ninety-four children (70%) had aminoaciduria (Uaan/Cr >0.23). Urinary glucose excretion was also significantly higher than that of 2 historical controls. Thirty-two children (24%) had glycosuria (>125 mg/24 h). Fractional excretion of phosphate was normal in all children. We conclude that a partial Fanconi syndrome can persist up to 13 years after childhood lead poisoning.
Propagational model of second/sub harmonic generation in a ring cavity

Abstract A model is studied of SHG in a ring cavity of arbitrary finesse. The model neglects the dynamics of the medium but incorporates propagation effects, i.e. spatial nonuniformity of the fields. Comparison with the predictions of the mean-field theory is made. Analysis of the cavity characteristics from the point of view of medium and cavity tuning curves, and existence of switching is made. A preliminary discussion on the propagation of pulses in a quadratically nonlinear cavity is also presented.
Resistive Random Access Memory Enabled by Carbon Nanotube Crossbar Electrodes

We use single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) crossbar electrodes to probe sub-5 nm memory domains of thin AlOx films. Both metallic and semiconducting CNTs effectively switch AlOx bits between memory states with high and low resistance. The low-resistance state scales linearly with CNT series resistance down to ∼10 MΩ, at which point the ON-state resistance of the AlOx filament becomes the limiting factor. Dependence of switching behavior on the number of cross-points suggests a single channel to dominate the overall characteristics in multi-crossbar devices. We demonstrate ON/OFF ratios up to 5 × 105 and programming currents of 1 to 100 nA with few-volt set/reset voltages. Remarkably low reset currents enable a switching power of 10–100 nW and estimated switching energy as low as 0.1–10 fJ per bit. These results are essential for understanding the ultimate scaling limits of resistive random access memory at single-nanometer bit dimensions.
Sequential MR Angiography in Childhood Primary Angiitis of the CNS

Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is rare in childhood. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult, and imaging methods range from MRI to MRA to conventional angiography. In doubtful cases a brain biopsy is necessary for diagnostic purposes. We describe a 6-year old child affected with primary angiitis of the CNS who was treated successfully with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil and who was followed with MRI and MRA, which guided treatment decisions throughout the disease course. Sequential images are shown.
Identification of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) binding protein in bovine pineal gland.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) containing nerves are present in close proximity to epithelial, endocrine, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The pineal gland, known also as a “neuroendocrine transducer organ” contains a high content of VIP which prompted us to characterize the binding sites for VIP in this organ. [Tyr10−125I]VIP was bound selectively and specifically to pineal membrane preparations in a time-dependent fashion. Scatchard analysis demonstrated a single class of high affinity binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) value of 5.7 ± 0.52 nmol/1 and a receptor density (Bmax) value of 440 ± 35 fmol/mg protein. A Hill Plot with a slope of 1.013 indicated the absence of cooperativity. Covalent crosslinking with [Tyr10−125I]VIP followed by SDS electrophoresis and autoradiography, revealed that the VIP binding protein exhibited a molecular weight of 51.8 ± 0.5 kDa. The precise function of pineal VIP binding protein remains to be delineated.
Examining the Comorbidity of Language Impairment and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

In the companion papers this issue we presented the value of research on comorbidity, particularly in complex developmental disorders where the identification of etiology is challenging. As we will document below, Language Impairment (SLI) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been shown to co-occur in a number of studies, and this phenomenon is commonplace in the experience of many clinicians. Given this, we must ask whether the overlap between SLI and ADHD can aid our understanding of these disorders, particularly with regard to the basis for comorbidity. As we review the literature, we will consider the models of comorbidity that were outlined in the Introduction to this issue. Finally, we present original data on SLI and ADHD from a population-based sample of children that have studied over the last two decades in the State of Iowa.
Effects of Highway Construction on Sediment and Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Two Tributaries of the Lost River, West Virginia

ABSTRACT During a three-year study of two tributaries being crossed by a four-lane highway under construction in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, we found little difference in the amount of fine sediment collected at upstream and downstream sites. The downstream site on one tributary collected significantly greater amounts of sediment in 2003, prior to installation of sediment fencing. Despite several episodic flow events that caused changes in the streambed, benthic macroinvertebrate metrics did not differ significantly annually or seasonally between sites or between streams. On-site controls effectively checked new sedimentation, and benthic macroinvertebrates were not significantly impacted.
Use of keyboard for mouseless data entry in UI design

The Web relies on a "point and click" mentality that becomes greatly impaired when no pointing or clicking medium is available. In the airline industry, mouseless operation is a standard form of User Interface design: in fact, it is a requirement. Unfortunately, technical constraints for software design require that airline employees, commonly known as agents, manipulate long lists of data records by first selecting the records from a larger list, consolidating them into a smaller list, and then choosing from another list an action to perform against them. This paper describes our design solution which relies on a particular configuration of commands mapped to specific keys of the keyboard to provide efficient and memorable operation of the UI that allows for quick selection, consolidation, and applied action.
The isolation and characterization of deoxyribonucleoproteins from human spleen

Abstract The extraction and characterization of deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNP) from the purified nuclei of human spleen with 0.01 m glycine solution is described. The glycine extract was found to consist of a DNA-protein complex containing 29% DNA and 71% protein. The DNA was undegraded, highly fibrous, and of the “A-T” type. The protein moiety of the DNP had an amino acid composition characteristic of histones. When the DNP was tested by cellulose acetate electrophoresis in low ionic strength buffer it moved toward the anode as a single band. Similarly, the elution of the DNP from Sephadex G-25, G-50, and, most significantly, G-200 columns resulted in the recovery of a single peak containing both DNA and protein. When injected into rabbits, the DNP was antigenic and gave a single, sharp precipitin line when tested against antispleen DNP serum.
Women’s anger, epistemic personhood, and self-respect: an application of Lehrer’s work on self-trust

I argue in this paper that the work of Keith Lehrer, especially in his book Self-Trust has applications to feminist ethics; specifically care ethics, which has become the leading form of normative sentimentalist ethics. I extend Lehrer’s ideas concerning reason and justification of belief beyond what he says by applying the notion of evaluation central to his account of acceptance to the need for evaluation of emotions. The inability to evaluate and attain justification of one’s emotions is an epistemic failure that leads one not to act on one’s own aspirations and desires and treat those desires as if they did not exist. I argue that this is a common condition among women in patriarchal societies because patriarchy can cause women to believe that they are not worthy of their trust concerning what they accept, specifically acceptance of their anger over their own mistreatment. As a result, many women are unable to realize the self-protective role of their anger. All of this reflects a lack of what I shall call epistemic personhood, a concept based on Lehrer’s theory concerning the keystone role of self-trust in the epistemic arch of rationality, justification and knowledge. Lastly, I use this concept of epistemic personhood to develop a care ethical account of self-respect that counters the Kantian account.
Magnesium sulfate versus phenytoin for seizure prevention in amygdala-kindled rats.

Abstract Objective: Magnesium sulfate is widely used for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia-eclampsia. However, its anticonvulsant effects in other types of seizures have not been proved. Diphenylhydantoin has been widely characterized as the "gold standard" of anticonvulsants. In this study we compared the anticonvulsant effects of therapeutic blood levels of magnesium sulfate and phenytoin in seizures generated in amygdala-kindled rats. Study Design: Eighteen male rats had a bipolar electrode stereotaxically implanted into the central nucleus of the amygdala. After recovery an electrical seizure threshold was determined for each rat. Rats were stimulated twice daily at their seizure thresholds (i.e., kindling) until three consecutive generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurred. Kindled rats randomly received one of the following intravenous injections in a volume of 1.5 ml/kg: saline solution, magnesium sulfate (30, 60, or 90 mg/kg), or phenytoin (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg). Fifteen minutes after injection rats were stimulated at their seizure thresholds, and electrical and behavioral seizure activity was assessed. Statistical comparisons were made by analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons where appropriate. Results: Magnesium sulfate had no effect on any of the seizure parameters assessed. Phenytoin significantly reduced seizure duration ( p p p Conclusion: Amygdala-kindled seizures are more potently inhibited by phenytoin than by magnesium sulfate.
Cervical vertebral malformation/malarticulation syndrome in large dogs

To anticipate improvement of a chronically affected animal may be expecting too much because reserve or functional spinal cord tissue may be minimal. An accurate prognosis is sometimes impossible to formulate because the extent of spinal cord damage is not known. Treatment may result only in halting progression of the disease, and even with total relief of spinal cord compression, recovery may be minimal. Animals with minimal neurologic deficits treated early in the course of the disease with adequate decompression and stabilization are more likely to return to function. The goals of treatment for cervical spinal cord compression are decompression and stabilization of the affected area. Adequate stabilization may result in atrophy of the soft tissues and further decompression once stabilization is achieved (see Fig. 3). If stabilization is not provided, adequate decompression of the spinal cord and the nerve roots is essential.
Adaptive optics confocal microscopy using fluorescent protein guide-stars for brain tissue imaging

Optical aberrations due to the inhomogeneous refractive index of tissue degrade the resolution and brightness of images in deep tissue imaging. We introduce a direct wavefront sensing method using cellular structures labeled with fluorescent proteins in tissues as guide-stars. As a non-invasive and high-speed method, it generalizes the direct wavefront sensing method for adaptive optics microscopy. An adaptive optics confocal microscope using this method is demonstrated for imaging of mouse brain tissue. The confocal images with and without correction are collected. The results show increased image contrast and 3X improvement in the signal intensity for fixed mouse tissues at a depth of 70 μm. The images of the dendrite and spines are much clearer after correction with improved contrast. The Strehl ratio is improved from 0.29 to 0.96, a significant 3.3X improvement.
An enhanced communication protocol for location privacy in WSN

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is built of many sensor nodes. The sensors can sense a phenomenon, which will be represented in a form of data and sent to an aggregator for further processing. WSN is used in many applications, such as object tracking and security monitoring. The objects in many situations need physical and location protection. In addition to the source location privacy, sink location privacy should be provided. Providing an efficient location privacy solution would be challenging due to the open nature of the WSN. Anonymity is a key solution for location privacy. We present a network model that is protected against local, multilocal, and global adversaries that can launch sophisticated passive and active attacks against the WSN.
The hairpin loop but not the bulged C of the iron responsive element is essential for high affinity binding to iron regulatory protein-1.

Vertebrates control intracellular iron concentration principally through the interaction of iron regulatory proteins with mRNAs that contain an iron responsive element, a small hairpin with a bulged C. The hairpin loop and bulged C have previously been assumed to be critical for binding and have been proposed to make direct contact with the iron regulatory proteins. However, we show here that a U or G can be substituted for the bulged C provided that specific nucleotides are also present within internal loops. The Kd, IC50 and chemical modifications of the iron responsive element variants are similar to the wild-type. Results are more consistent with a role in which the C-bulge functions to orient the hairpin for optimal protein binding rather than to directly contact the protein. Characterization of these novel iron responsive element variants may facilitate the identification of additional mRNAs whose expression is controlled by iron regulatory proteins, as well as provide insight into the nature of a critical RNA-protein interaction.
Recent Developments in Early Modern English Life Writing and Romance

Recent trends in autobiographical studies have highlighted the generic fluidity and complexity of much autobiographical expression, especially that written in 16th- and 17th-century England. This essay traces a particular focus within this more general trend by examining recent considerations of how the romance genre offered a form as well as a model for much life writing during this period, especially life writing by women. This scholarship complicates assumptions about a rigid separation between private and public spheres in early modern England and about the role of religious discourse in early modern women's life writing. Certainly, spiritual discourses influenced women at this time in powerful and complex ways, and they offered a valuable and socially sanctioned means of self-exploration, but they did not exist in a vacuum; more accurate analyses of early modern women's selves attend to the conjunction of both spiritual and secular discourses in an individual's self-construction. Romance is one of the most important of these secular generic influences.
Amino Acid Content of Noncell and Cell Wall Fractions in Feedstuffs

Abstract Total and phosphate buffer insoluble amino acids were determined for corn grain and silage, dried brewer's grain, timothy hay, and soybean meal. In addition, amino acid compositions of the acid detergent residue and neutral detergent residue were determined, and soluble amino acids were estimated for each feedstuff. Variation of amino acid concentrations among protein fractions as percent of total amino acid was measured in the buffer insoluble, soluble, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber fractions within a feed as well as among feedstuffs. Insoluble noncell-wall, neutral detergent, and acid detergent amino acids as a percentage of total individual amino acid (neutral detergent fiber or acid detergent fiber amino acid/total individual amino acid × 100) for soybean meal, brewer's grain, corn grain, timothy, and corn silage were 73.2, 8.5, 5.6; 31.2, 54.5, 16.3; 72.1, 16.2, 4.6; 18.0, 55.6, 8.2; 14.6, 20.8, and 4.8. Recovery of amino acid nitrogen as percent of total Kjeldahl nitrogen varied among and within fractions studied.
Endogenous Inhibition of the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex (NFR) and Pain Ratings During the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Women

The menstrual cycle influences pain, with symptoms often increasing during the premenstrual (late-luteal) phase. Deficiencies in endogenous inhibition of afferent nociception at the spinal level might contribute to menstrual phase-related changes in pain. This study assessed whether conditioned pain modulation (CPM) of spinal nociception differs between mid-follicular and late-luteal phases. CPM was evoked by a blood pressure cuff affixed to the right forearm and inflated to induce ischemia in 41 healthy women during both menstrual phases. Suprathreshold electric stimuli were delivered to the left sural nerve to evoke pain and the nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) before, during, and after forearm ischemia. Forearm ischemia produced CPM of electrocutaneous pain and NFR, but inhibition did not differ across mid-follicular and late-luteal phases. Mechanisms contributing to changes in experimental pain across mid-follicular and late-luteal phases in healthy women are not due to deficits in CPM of spinal nociception.
Constitutive Modeling of Piezoelectric Polymer Composites

A new modeling approach is proposed for predicting the bulk electromechanical properties of piezoelectric composites. The proposed model offers the same level of convenience as the well-known Mori-Tanaka method. In addition, it is shown to yield predicted properties that are, in most cases, more accurate or equally as accurate as the Mori-Tanaka scheme. In particular, the proposed method is used to determine the electromechanical properties of four piezoelectric polymer composite materials as a function of inclusion volume fraction. The predicted properties are compared to those calculated using the Mori-Tanaka and finite element methods.
Pharmacological errors in NICU

Background Medical errors are particularly frequent in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) [1], increasing morbidity and mortality of newborns [2]. This category of patients requires the application of high technology and needs individualized medical prescription mainly based on body weight and gestational age[3]. The most frequent event categories are wrong medication, dose, schedule, or infusion rate; error in administration or method of using a specific treatment; patient misidentification;
Extra-renal production of calcitriol in chronic renal failure

Extra-renal production of calcitriol in chronic renal failure. Renal 1-alpha-hydroxylase activity is tightly regulated in normal humans and intact animals. No significant changes in serum l,25(OH)2D levels occur in response to vitamin D challenge. However, conflicting reports have appeared in the literature with regard to stimulation of 1,25(OH)2D production after 25(OH)D administration in uremia. To provide further insight into this issue, 25(OH)D at a dose of 100 µg every other day for two weeks followed by 50 µg every other day for the next two weeks was given orally to seven uremic mongrel dogs. After two weeks of 25(OH)D therapy, l,25(OH)2D levels increased from 16.4 ± 0.9 to 28.0 ± 1.9 pg/ml (P
Multi-tuple deletion propagation: approximations and complexity

This paper studies the computational complexity of the classic problem of deletion propagation in a relational database, where tuples are deleted from the base relations in order to realize a desired deletion of tuples from the view. Such an operation may result in a (sometimes unavoidable) side effect: deletion of additional tuples from the view, besides the intentionally deleted ones. The goal is to minimize the side effect. The complexity of this problem has been well studied in the case where only a single tuple is deleted from the view. However, only little is known within the more realistic scenario of multi-tuple deletion, which is the topic of this paper. The class of conjunctive queries (CQs) is among the most well studied in the literature, and we focus here on views defined by CQs that are self-join free (sjf-CQs).Our main result is a trichotomy in complexity, classifying all sjf-CQs into three categories: those for which the problem is in polynomial time, those for which the problem is NP-hard but polynomial-time approximable (by a constant-factor), and those for which even an approximation (by any factor) is NP-hard to obtain. A corollary of this trichotomy is a dichotomy in the complexity of deciding whether a side-effect-free solution exists, in the multi-tuple case. We further extend the full classification to accommodate the presence of a constant upper bound on the number of view tuples to delete, and the presence of functional dependencies. Finally, we establish (positive and negative) complexity results on approximability for the dual problem of maximizing the number of view tuples surviving (rather than minimizing the side effect incurred in) the deletion propagation.
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies

For longer than 40 years, the cognitive and behavioral therapies have evolved as alternatives to more traditional nondirective and insight-oriented modes of psychotherapy (1). The cognitive and behavioral therapies now include a diverse group of interventions that share several pragmatic and theoretical assumptions. First, there is an emphasis on psychoeducation: patients are assumed to be capable of learning about their disorder and the interventions they will need to treat it. Second, homework and self-help assignments are usually recommended to provide patients the opportunity to practice therapeutic skills and to generalize positive behaviors outside of the therapy hour. Third, treatment is based on the objective assessment of psychiatric symptoms and selection of therapeutic strategies derives logically from such assessments. Fourth, the therapeutic methods used are generally structured, directive, and characterized by a high level of therapist activity. Fifth, for most disorders, the cognitive and behavioral therapies are time-limited interventions. Sixth, these therapies are based on empirical evidence that validates and guides the choice of therapeutic techniques: learning theory (i.e., classical, operant, and observational models of learning) and the principles of cognitive psychology.
Selective Vagal Stimulation for Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation

Several recent randomized clinical trials comparing strategies based on control of ventricular rate versus those based on maintenance of sinus rhythm in elderly or high risk patients with atrial fibrillation have recently been reported.1,2⇓ Preliminary data from these trials suggest that the 2 strategies can produce roughly equivalent clinical outcomes. For individual patients, either approach may be appropriate because there appears to be no inherent advantage to a rhythm control strategy. These studies should cause doctors to look again at our techniques for achieving rate control in atrial fibrillation. See p 1853 Pharmacological therapy has long been the primary technique for controlling ventricular rates in patients with atrial fibrillation. Cardiac glycosides, β-adrenergic blockers, or calcium channels blockers are used, alone or frequently in combination, to prolong atrioventricular (AV) nodal refractoriness. Increased concealed conduction in the AV node results in moderation of the ventricular rate with conduction now occurring in an irregularly, …
Gray-blue sclerae and osteopenia secondary to osteogenesis imperfecta.

A 41-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute-onset low back pain that began after his vehicle hit a large hole in the road the previous night. The pain did not radiate and was exacerbated only by changes of position, including standing or sitting erect. His medical history was most notable for multiple previous fractures of both the axial and the appendicular skeleton, all of which had occurred in the setting of either minor or major trauma. The patient’s physical examination was remarkable only for gray-blue sclerae and marked kyphosis of the thoracic spine with pain on palpation of the spinous process of T12. X-ray films of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed multiple biconcave vertebral compression fractures and osteopenia. Although it is a rare cause of osteopenia and compression fractures, osteogenesis imperfecta should be considered in young patients who present with a history of multiple fractures and osteopenia, as illustrated by this case. Classic osteogenesis imperfecta, or type IA as defined by Sillence et al, is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with one of many null mutations of the type I collagen gene. This mutation results in reduced production of normal type I collagen, leading to osteopenia. Thinning of the sclera due to diminished collagen production allows for partial visualization of the underlying choroid, giving the sclera a characteristic blue to gray-blue hue.
Nutritional disturbance in acid-base balance and osteoporosis: a hypothesis that disregards the essential homeostatic role of the kidney.

The nutritional acid load hypothesis of osteoporosis is reviewed from its historical origin to most recent studies with particular attention to the essential but overlooked role of the kidney in acid–base homeostasis. This hypothesis posits that foods associated with an increased urinary acid excretion are deleterious for the skeleton, leading to osteoporosis and enhanced fragility fracture risk. Conversely, foods generating neutral or alkaline urine would favour bone growth and Ca balance, prevent bone loss and reduce osteoporotic fracture risk. This theory currently influences nutrition research, dietary recommendations and the marketing of alkaline salt products or medications meant to optimise bone health and prevent osteoporosis. It stemmed from classic investigations in patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) conducted in the 1960s. Accordingly, in CKD, bone mineral mobilisation would serve as a buffer system to acid accumulation. This interpretation was later questioned on both theoretical and experimental grounds. Notwithstanding this questionable role of bone mineral in systemic acid–base equilibrium, not only in CKD but even more in the absence of renal impairment, it is postulated that, in healthy individuals, foods, particularly those containing animal protein, would induce ‘latent’ acidosis and result, in the long run, in osteoporosis. Thus, a questionable interpretation of data from patients with CKD and the subsequent extrapolation to healthy subjects converted a hypothesis into nutritional recommendations for the prevention of osteoporosis. In a historical perspective, the present review dissects out speculation from experimental facts and emphasises the essential role of the renal tubule in systemic acid–base and Ca homeostasis.
Single-Molecule Kinetics of Interfacial Electron Transfer

Measurements of single-molecule chemical reaction kinetics are demonstrated for interfacial electron transfer from excited cresyl violet molecules to the conduction band of indium tin oxide (ITO) or energetically accessible surface electronic states under ambient conditions by using a far-field fluorescence microscope. In this system, each single molecule exhibits a single-exponential electron transfer kinetics. A wide distribution of sitespecific electron transfer rates is observed for many single cresyl violet molecules examined. This work reveals that the physical origin of multiexponential kinetics of electron transfer in this system is the inhomogeneity of molecular interactions on the semiconductor surface of ITO. We illustrate that the singlemolecule experiments provide detailed information not obtainable from experiments conducted on large ensembles of molecules. Single-molecule kinetics is particularly useful in understanding multiexponential behavior of chemical reactions in heterogeneous systems.