cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some of the problems concerning iron nutrition of plants after four decades of synthetic chelating agents

Abstract Even though considerable progress has been made in the past ten years with the six iron (Fe) symposia, many problems concerning Fe nutrition still remain. The differential Fe stress response mechanisms in plants appear to be more complicated than earlier thought and may be related to degree of stress. Differential cation‐anion uptake by plants which can regulate, at least in part, the pH of the rhizosphere is only vaguely understood. Iron stress, region of plant root, age of plant, different nutrient substrates, differential plant species and cultivare can give different responses. Nitrate‐N nutrition, ammonium‐N nutrition, and dinitrogen fixation‐nutrition, although varying with species, at times can be more important than cultivar for differences on pH in rhizosphere. The critical level of Fe (and other micronutrients) in nutrient substrates in chelate‐buffered solutions probably requires an expanded definition of critical level to include the reservoir. A critical value may be valid only if it...
On the Bartels--Golub decomposition for linear programming bases

Many implementations of the simplex method require the row of the inverse of the basis matrixB corresponding to the pivot row at each iteration for updating either a pricing vector or the nonbasic reduced costs. In this note we show that if the Bartels--Golub algorithm [1, 2] or one of its variants is used to update theLU factorization ofB, then less computing is needed if one works with the factors of the updatedB than with those ofB. These results are discussed as they apply to the column selection algorithms recently proposed by Goldfarb and Reid [4, 5] and Harris [6].
Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in high-grade astrocytomas.

High-grade astrocytomas, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), are the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Despite improvements in survival with the addition of temozolomide to radiation in the adjuvant setting, the prognosis of patients affected by these tumors remains relatively poor. One approach to improve outcomes in these patients is to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-targeted therapy is a rational approach since EGFR overexpression and mutant EGFRvIII expression occur in approximately 50% of patients with GBM. Unfortunately, monotherapy with anti-EGFR agents in malignant gliomas has not provided the dramatic results sometimes seen with other targeted therapies, such as imatinib in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Anti-EGFR agents currently being studied in malignant gliomas include the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), monoclonal antibodies (MAb), and anti-EGFR vaccines. Of all these agents, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors—which include erlotinib and gefitinib—have been the most extensively tested in clinical trials. Retrospective analyses have highlighted co-expression of EGFRvIII and wild-type PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted in chromosome 10) as a significant predictor of EGFR TKI response in patients with GBM. As the EGFR signaling pathway is exceptionally complex, newer approaches targeting multiple points in the pathway are being developed to improve treatment efficacy.
Object Migration Tool for Data Warehouses

Data warehouses contain numerous software applications and thousands of objects that make those applications work. Many companies maintain multiple data warehouses depending on business requirements for example development, testing and production. Installing objects and keeping them synchronized across all environments can be a challenging task due to the sheer number of objects and complexity. Software objects stored in a Source Control system must be installed on target warehouse environments. Manual copy procedures are possible but very inefficient. Developers spend much time preparing installation and migration scripts that are prone to syntax errors. This paper proposes an Object Migration and Apply Tool OMAT that automates software installation across all warehouses for anyone using manual procedures. An automated tool can help eliminate error prone manual procedures, increase flawless object installation and reduce installation time. The OMAT tool is easy to use through a web browser and includes many useful features that support the development life cycle, the Sarbanes-Oxley SOX Act requirements and enforce numerous business requirements. OMAT is designed to support the construction and maintenance of an enterprise-wide, strategic data warehouse faster and better.
Itkillik Glaciation in the Brooks Range, northern Alaska

During the Itkillik Glaciation the Brooks Range supported an extensive mountain-glacier complex that extended for 750 km between 141° and 158°W longitude. Individual ice streams and piedmont lobes flowed as much as 50 km beyond the north and south margins of the range. Glaciers in the southern Brooks Range were longer than those farther north because of a southerly precipitation source, whereas those in the central and eastern part of the range were larger than glaciers at the extremities of the mountain system because of higher and more-extensive accumulation areas. Glacier equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) at the time of greatest advance were depressed 600 ± 100 m below present levels, whereas during a less-extensive late-glacial readvance (Alapah Mountain) ELA depression was about 300 ± 30 m. Radiocarbon dates indicate that Itkillik drift correlates with Late Wisconsin drift along the southern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and with drift of Cordilleran glaciers in southern Alaska and the western conterminous United States deposited during the last glaciation. Itkillik I moraines represent the maximum ice advance under cold full-glacial conditions between about 24,000 and 17,000 14C y. a. Itkillik II sediments, probably deposited close to 14,000 y. a., are characterized by abundant outwash and ice-contact stratified drift implying a milder climate than that of the Itkillik I phase. Alapah Mountain moraines at the heads of valleys draining high-altitude (≥1800 m) source areas record a possible late Itkillik readvance that is not yet closely dated. Itkillik glaciers may have largely disappeared from Brooks Range valleys by the beginning of the Holocene.
The asymmetry in infra-sound generation by travelling aurora

Abstract Ground level pressure signals are sometimes found to accompany equatorwards travelling auroral arcs, but have never been detected for polewards travelling ones, even though there are no obvious visual differences in the displays. It is shown that the visual similarities of the arcs in no way guarantee a similarity of their electrojets. The field characteristics of the recorded arcs indicate that those with detectable infrasound signatures belong to a special class in which the electrojet current is of an unusually concentrated nature. This concentration occurs when, in the frame of reference of the arc, the ionisation velocity field contains a convergence mode towards which all the arc ionisation is driven after production.
Transport of cosalane-a highly lipophilic novel anti-HIV agent-across caco-2 cell monolayers.

Abstract Cosalane is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication with activity against a broad range of viral targets. However, the oral bioavailability of this highly lipophilic compound is extremely poor ( P app ) of cosalane was extremely low (4.494 × 10 −8 cm/s) and the effect of p ‐glycoprotein on the efflux of cosalane was negligible. A characteristic disparity exists between the kinetics of cosalane uptake from apical (AP) donor solution and efflux into basolateral (BL) receiver side. The AP uptake of cosalane was rapid, exhibiting exponential kinetics, and reached equilibrium within 60 min, whereas the concomitant appearance of the compound into the BL receiver side was slow but linear over time. Furthermore, the uptake of cosalane was significantly reduced in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). In unidirectional efflux studies, AP efflux of cosalane was limited in the absence of BSA. Also, no detectable metabolites were found in Caco‐2 cell incubations. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that diffusion of cosalane across Caco‐2 cell monolayers is extremely limited and kinetically regulated essentially by the equilibrium between protein‐bound and free drug partitioning into cell membrane. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 89:826–833, 2000
Indocyanine Green Hyperfluorescence Associated with Serous Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography may improve visualization of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The features of ICG hyperfluorescence associated with serous RPED and therapeutic effect of ICG-directed laser photocoagulation in eyes with serous RPED is evaluated. Design: Retrospective review of all simultaneous fluorescein/ICG angiograms (n = 918) performed over an 18-month period to identify 44 eyes in 39 patients with serous RPED secondary to AMD on fluorescein angiography. Participants: Thirty-nine patients with AMD, aged 53 to 89 years, participated. Intervention: Eyes were nonrandomly treated with ICG-directed laser photocoagulation or observation. Main Outcome Measures: Characteristics of ICG hyperfluorescence associated with a serous RPED are reviewed. Final visual acuity and anatomic appearance of the serous RPED are given. Results: Twenty-three (52%) of the 44 eyes had an isolated serous RPED without obvious CNV, and 21 (48%) of the 44 eyes had a serous RPED associated with occult CNV on fluorescein angiography. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated underlying CNV in 19 eyes (83%) with an isolated serous RPED and in all 21 eyes (100%) with serous RPED and occult CNV. The pattern of ICG hype rfIuorescence revealed focal CNV in 15 eyes and plaque CNV in 4 eyes with an isolated serous RPED. In eyes with serous RPED and occult CNV, focal CNV and plaque CNV were noted with ICG in 8 and 13 eyes, respectively. No follow-up was available for two eyes. Twenty eyes were treated with ICG-directed laser photocoagulation. In these eyes, the visual acuity remained stable in 6 eyes (30%) and decreased in 14 eyes (70%). Twenty-two eyes were observed, and the visual acuity remained stable in 8 (36%), improved in 2 (9%), and decreased in 12 eyes (55%). Conclusions: Although ICG angiography may enhance visualization of CNV associated with serous RPED in AMD, ICG-directed laser treatment did not appear to improve visual acuity when compared with observed eyes in this series.
Are viroids escaped introns

Abstract A complex of considerable stability is possible between the 5′ end of U1 RNA and a specific nucleotide sequence of the potato spindle tuber viroid complement. Because base-pairing between the 5′ end of U1 RNA and the ends of introns is believed by some to be responsible for the precise alignment and correct excision of introns, the U1-related sequence may represent the two ends of a presumed intron ancestor of the viroid complement after circularization.
Mechanism is not enough

I will argue that mechanism is not sufficient to capture representation, thus cognition. More generally, mechanism is not sufficient to capture normativity of any sort. I will also outline a model of emergent normativity, representational normativity in particular, and show how it transcends these limitations of mechanism. To begin, I will address some illustrative attempts to model representation within mechanistically naturalistic frameworks, first rather generally, and then in the cases of the models of Fodor and Millikan.
Should We Give Up Domain Importance Weighting in QoL Measures

The purpose of this article is to examine the recent claims calling for abolishing domain importance weighting in quality of life (QoL) measures by considering the evidence conceptually and empirically. Based on a close review of evidence presented to date, it is suggested that using the range-of-affect hypothesis as a possible explanation of the poor performance of weighted satisfaction composite in predicting or correlating with global satisfaction or QoL measures can be beneficial to our understanding of the life satisfaction literature. However, given the conceptual focus and the empirical approach of the range-of-affect hypothesis presented in the life satisfaction context, using the range-of-affect hypothesis to argue against domain importance weighting raised more questions than answers. Calling for abolishing domain importance weighting in QoL measures, based on the evidence of range-of-affect hypothesis, is premature.
Pharmacology of Antihypertensive Drugs

The wide variety of first-line agents available for managing high blood pressure include diuretics, beta adrenergic receptor blockers, alpha adrenergic receptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Supplemental agents used for second-line therapy and special indications, such as pregnancy and hypertensive emergencies, include angiotensin receptor blockers, central-acting agents, direct vasodilators, and adrenergic neuron inhibitors. Selection of agents for particular patients requires consideration of research-based evidence for positive long-term outcomes and of the unique patient profile of age, race, co-morbidities, and lifestyle. A thorough understanding of the pharmacology (mechanism, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects and drug interactions, clinical use) of antihypertensive agents is an essential foundation for nursing practice in women's health.
Lithium atom spin density from the Hiller-Sucher-Feinberg identity

The electronic spin density, which determines the observed Fermi contact hyperfine splitting, is usually represented by a delta function operator at the nucleus. Approximate wavefunctions determined by overall energetic considerations may show large errors for such a highly localized property. Hiller, Sucher, and Feinberg (HSF) have shown that the delta function operator can be replaced by a global operator. The possibility that this may lead to an improved method for calculation of the spin density is examined for the ground and first excited states of the lithium atom. Particular attention is given to simple spin polarization wavefunctions that provide the leading contributions to the spin density. It is found that the delta function and HSF formulations give very nearly the same results when the wavefunctions are determined by essentially exact numerical methods. However, the HSF approach shows clear advantages in calculations carried out with finite Slater or contracted Gaussian type basis sets.
The need for scientific knowledge, transparency and verification in the promotion of environmental conventions

Abstract This paper discusses the link between science and policymaking the need for the greatest degree of transparency in decision-making and verification of effective implementation of international agreement. These are considered to be priorities from a political viewpoint. The discussion is given against the background of the author as an EC Commissioner with special responsibility for Transport, Environment and Nuclear Safety from 1985 to 1989, and the initiator of the EC Freedom of Environmental Information Directive.
3D Microscopy of Rod-Shaped Bacteria Reveals Roles of MreB in Diameter Control and Center-Line Curvature

Over the past few years, our lab has developed a method for precisely determining the shape of bacterial cells in 3D by fluorescence microscopy. We use this method to measure the position of MreB in relation to the cell surface. To ensure that our measurements of fluorescent MreB reflect untagged MreB as nearly as possible, we have integrated our fusion at the native locus. This construct has unperturbed mass doubling times and proper rod-like shape. The shape and localization measurements that we report here are measured as snapshots from hundreds to a few thousand cells per condition.MreB, a membrane-binding structural homolog of actin, is one of the key players in properly patterning growth of the bacterial cell wall and thereby the shape of the cell. In one series of experiments, we show that the helical pitch of MreB filaments in E. coli is highly correlated to the diameter of the cell. This correlation holds for E. coli whose diameter has been altered by treatment with sub-lethal doses of the MreB targeting drug A22 and for single point mutants in MreB.Additionally, MreB polymers show a clear preference for regions of negative Gaussian curvature. We hypothesize that cells use this geometric sensing mechanism to straighten their centerlines [Ursell et al., PNAS 2014]. When this curvature preference is abolished (E. coli MreB A158T), cells are more frequently branched. In the smaller, comma shaped bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, the curvature enrichment profile shows a plateau region at low positive Gaussian curvature. This plateau enables Caulobacter cells to grow with their characteristic comma shape instead of as straight rods.
Cytosolic Delivery Mediated via Electrostatic Surface Binding of Protein, Virus, or siRNA Cargos to pH-Responsive Core−Shell Gel Particles

We recently described a strategy for intracellular delivery of macromolecules, utilizing pH-responsive "core-shell" structured gel particles. These cross-linked hydrogel particles disrupt endosomes with low toxicity by virtue of physical sequestration of an endosome-disrupting "proton sponge" core inside a nontoxic hydrophilic shell. Here we tested the efficacy of this system for cytosolic delivery of a broad range of macromolecular cargos, and demonstrate the delivery of proteins, whole viral particles, or siRNA oligonucleotides into the cytosol of dendritic cells and epithelial cells via core-shell particles. We assessed the functional impact of particle delivery for vaccine applications and found that cytosolic delivery of protein antigens in dendritic cells via the core-shell particles promotes priming of CD8(+) T-cells at 100-fold lower doses than soluble protein. Functional gene knockdown following delivery of siRNA using the particles was demonstrated in epithelial cells. Based on these findings, these materials may be of interest for a broad range of biomedical applications.
Observation and characterization of frequency-chirped optical pulses on the Mark III free-electron laser

Abstract In an experimental program to develop and operate a chirped-pulse free-electron laser at Duke University, we have accelerated ∼ 2 ps electron bunches in the Mark III rf linac with an offset of 17° from the phase that minimizes the energy spread, and have observed (via optical autocorrelation measurements) compression of the energy-chirped electron bunches in the dispersive elements of the transport system by an amount consistent with theoretical predictions. The resulting 1.0 ps optical pulses from the laser exhibited a spectral width at 3.2 μm equal to 3.6 times the transform limit, and were over-compressed by a factor of 2.7 in a dispersive delay line comprised of four sapphire, Brewster angle prisms. The measured time-bandwidth product and the observed over-compression both indicated a minimum compressed pulse width of approximately 150 fs. We present a detailed description of the experimental methods and results.
Decision, Decisions, Decisions

Anyone who has followed the information technology world for the last decade is either exhausted or has learned to take the continuing hype of the “next big thing” with a healthy grain of salt. New technologies abound; even more common are their proponents, who declare with great confidence that all of our IT problems can be solved with this new technology. Guess what... these folks, sincere as they may be, are wrong! Each and every “next …
Childhood giant axonal neuropathy case report and review of the literature

Abstract Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare autosomal recessive childhood disorder characterized by a peripheral neuropathy and features of central nervous system involvement. Typically seen are distal axonal swellings filled with 8–10 mm in diameter neurofilaments in central and peripheral axons, and intermediate filament collections in several other cell types. Many neurotoxins produce a morphologically similar neuropathy in humans and experimental animals. Defective nerve fiber energy metabolism has been postulated as a cause in these toxic neuropathies. It is possible that GAN represents an inborn error or metabolism of enzyme-linked sulfhydryl containing proteins, resulting in impaired production of energy necessary for the normal organization of intermediate filaments.
Sequential changes in the gene expression profile of murine retinal progenitor cells during the induction of differentiation.

Purpose: Following transplantation, cultured retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) integrate into the diseased host retina and exhibit morphologies and markers indicative of local cellular phenotypes. In vitro analysis of cultured RPCs allows detailed examination of marker gene expression during the initial phase of differentiation and can provide insight into the variables influencing this process. Methods: Using cultured murine RPCs, this study compares the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) with those of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), individually or in combination with epidermal growth factor (EGF). Differentiation was assessed by way of the relative expression of 17 genes using quantitative PCR (qPCR) at five time points over a sevenday period. Results: Both CNTF and FBS rapidly altered the gene expression of RPCs, with very marked upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; FBS>CNTF) and marked down-regulation of the proliferation marker Ki-67, consistent with the induction of differentiation. The evidence supports a preponderantly pro-glial influence for both the FBS and CNTF, however, neuronal markers were also upregulated to a lesser extent. Immunocytochemistry confirmed subpopulations labeling with neuronal markers, including rhodopsin. In the presence of sustained EGF stimulation, the differentiating influences of both FBS and CNTF remained perceptible as transient peaks of relative gene expression, but were markedly diminished overall. Conclusions: This study shows that it is possible to compare the relative efficacy of in vitro differentiation protocols using murine RPCs and qPCR. The differentiating influences of both serum and CNTF were confirmed, but shown to be powerfully moderated by EGF. This suggests that EGF withdrawal is the dominant feature of these differentiation protocols and that exposure to either serum or CNTF is insufficient to irreversibly commit a cultured RPC population to terminal differentiation unless accompanied by concomitant cessation of mitogenic stimulation. The permanent loss of retinal neurons underlies several common blinding conditions, most of which are effectively untreatable. The idea of replacing lost neurons in the diseased retina has long been entertained as a speculative, yet ostensibly unrealistic, notion up until the advent of the current area of retinal transplantation studies. The demonstration that grafts of embryonic retinal tissue could survive and form functional connections [1,2] with the host visual system in mammals led to renewed investigations of the potential for orthotopic graft-to-host integration within the retina. With these studies, the limitations of immature retinal tissue grafts gradually became apparent [3]. In particular, it emerged that a method was needed for achieving the widespread integration of grafted cells. This result was first reported following the use of hippocampal progenitor cells as donor cells [4,5].
Ultrastructural Visualization of the Thrombin‐Induced Platelet Release Reaction

The present study distinguishes the morphological changes associated specifically with the thrombin-induced platelet release reaction as isolated from platelet aggregation. At a time when maximal amounts of calcium and nucleotides are discharged from the cell, there also occurs an almost complete loss of alpha granules from the cytoplasm. Partial inhibition of the thrombin-induced release reaction by incubation of the platelet suspensions at different temperatures is correlated with the discharge of fewer alpha granules from the cells. A complex lamellar-vacuolar network gradually develops in the cells as release becomes maximal. Portions of this system may be derived from the limiting membranes of alpha granules that have fused with the lamellae and deposited their contents. Because this membrane system is continuous with the surface of the cell during release, it may provide a conduit whereby the alpha granule contents are transported to the surrounding medium. At 37°, when maximal thrombin-induced release occurs, a heretofore undescribed electron-dense fibrous material appears within the lamellar spaces. This material is morphologically similar to the fibrin seen in blood clots and may well be derived from the previously described alpha granule fibrinogen that is secreted during thrombin-induced nucleotide and calcium release.
A reevaluation of the 2000 Surgeon General's report on America's oral health: opportunities for health care providers.

THE NEW NATIONAL health plan calls for expanding coverage of pediatric dental care, long a demand of children's health care advocates. The reasons are clear. Oral disease, primarily tooth decay, is the most common pediatric disease and can lead to lifelong physical and psychological disabilities. A number of recent studies have looked at how far the United States has come since the release of the Oral Health in America: A report of the Surgeon General in 2000. The Surgeon General's report was a landmark event in the history of children's dental care and efforts to improve it. According to the report, dental care was the most common unmet health care need. It found tooth decay five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. The report described dental disease as a “silent epidemic” that created
Theoretical study of stress-modulated growth in the aorta.

Abstract A theoretical model is presented for stress-modulated growth in the aorta. The model consists of a pseudoelastic tube composed of two layers representing the intima/media and the adventitia. Finite volumetric growth is included by letting the time-rate of change of the zero-stress dimensions of each volume element depends linearly on the local stresses. After analyzing the model, we examine its fundamental growth response under changes in loads, material properties, and growth parameters. The behaviour of the model is quite sensitive to changes in material nonlinearity and in the coefficients of the growth law. Next, growth of the aorta is simulated during development and maturity. For an appropriate choice of the parameters, the model exhibits patterns of growth that agree qualitatively with known characteristics of aortic growth. Comparison of model results with published experimental data during hypertension in the rat shows good agreement in the time course of the vessel radii and residual strain. Finally, the implications of the results are discussed in the context of deducing a general mechanical growth law for soft tissues. The proposed model should be useful in studies to determine the biomechanical factor that regulates growth.
Identification of affinity ligands from peptide libraries and their applications

Combinatorial peptide libraries may be screened to identify novel ligands for use in the affinity purification of proteins. Strategies for the screening of libraries are summarized and characterization of the interaction of a particular target protein (fibrinogen) with a ligand (FLLVPL) is described. Factors important for implementing an affinity resin in a production environment are highlighted.
Pow-Wowing The Pennsylvania Dutch Way to Heal

Since ancient times, Germanic tribes from the Palatine valley relied on faith healers, brauchers, when health problems developed. Several hundred years ago, brauchers immigrated to the New World wi...
Effects of X-rays on the Development of the Chick Embryo

Abstract I ntroduction IT HAS been asserted that X-rays applied to hens’ eggs before incubation and in proper dosage will cause the production of females only. Ranken and Dieffenbach (1928) reported the results of a single experiment on which this claim was apparently based. They reported other experiments in which X-rayed eggs produced chicks which grew appreciably faster than their controls. Althouse (1928a) published a reportorial account of the work and claims of Hadley, who advertised guaranteed female chicks from X-rayed eggs, in Poultry Item. These claims were challenged by a contributor to the Rural New Yorker (1928); the Rural New Yorker reported that investigation of Hadley’s claims by the New Jersey Experiment Station was unsatisfactory because of heavy mortality of the X-ray chicks but that the percentage of females in the lots hatched was not over 70 percent. Althouse (1928b) published a summary of the paper by Ranken and Dieffenbach as . . .
Adrenal Cortical Ribonuclease H (hybrid) (38494).

SummaryRibonuclease Hybrid (RNase H) from adrenal cortical tissue has been characterized. RNase H specifically degrades the RNA strand of purified RNA:DNA hybrids but is inactive on single- or double-stranded RNA or on DNA. The mode of cleavage by RNase H is endonucleolytic, producing oligoribonucleotides with 3′-hydroxyl and 5′-phosphate termini. ACTH administration to guinea pigs results in no detectable change in adrenal cortical RNase H activity at times when changes in DNA synthesis are marked.We are grateful to Drs. Peter H. Williams and Donald R. Helinski for the collaboration in the experiments involving col E1 DNA.
A detailed investigation of flight buffeting response at subsonic and transonic speeds

The structural response to aerodynamic buffeting during moderate-to-high-g maneuvers was investigated. Dynamic response data measured during a flight loads program were analyzed to obtain power spectra and rms values of response for 19 sensors mounted on the test aircraft. In this paper, peaks in the power spectra of accelerations measured at the wing tips, center of gravity and pilot's seat, and wing vertical shear, bending moment and torsional moments are correlated with natural vibration modes. The amplitudes of response are compared to show effects of angle of attack, sensor type and location, Mach number, and altitude.
Measurement of Indirect Nuclear Spin-Spin Coupling Frequencies in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7

We report a simple NMR experiment measuring individual ${}^{63}\mathrm{Cu}\ensuremath{-}{}^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ indirect nuclear coupling frequencies in $\mathrm{YBa}{}_{2}\mathrm{Cu}{}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. We show that the coupling interaction at $T\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}5\mathrm{K}$ is of quite short range, indicating an anitferromagnetic correlation length $\ensuremath{\xi}$ of $\ensuremath{\sim}1$ lattice constant or less.
Patients' perceived value of pharmacy quality measures: a mixed-methods study.

Objective To describe patients’ perceived value and use of quality measures in evaluating and choosing community pharmacies. Design Focus group methodology was combined with a survey tool. During the focus groups, participants assessed the value of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance9s quality measures in evaluating and choosing a pharmacy. Also, participants completed questionnaires rating their perceived value of quality measures in evaluating a pharmacy (1 being low value and 5 being high) or choosing a pharmacy (yes/no). Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the focus groups and surveys, respectively. Setting Semistructured focus groups were conducted in a private meeting space of an urban and a rural area of a Mid-western State in the USA. Participants Thirty-four adults who filled prescription medications in community pharmacies for a chronic illness were recruited in community pharmacies, senior centres and public libraries. Results While comments indicated that all measures were important, medication safety measures (eg, drug-drug interactions) were valued more highly than others. Rating of quality measure utility in evaluating a pharmacy ranged from a mean of 4.88 (‘drug-drug interactions’) to a mean of 4.0 (‘absence of controller therapy for patients with asthma’). Patients were hesitant to use quality information in choosing a pharmacy (depending on the participant9s location) but might consider if moving to a new area or having had a negative pharmacy experience. Use of select quality measures to choose a pharmacy ranged from 97.1% of participants using ‘drug-drug interactions’ (medication safety measure) to 55.9% using ‘absence of controller therapy for patients with asthma’. Conclusions The study participants valued quality measures in evaluating and selecting a community pharmacy, with medication safety measures valued highest. The participants reported that the quality measures would not typically cause a switch in pharmacy but might influence their selection in certain situations.
Kinetics and mechanism of the initiated oxidation of a number of 1,3-dioxacyclanes

The initiated oxidation of a number of cyclic acetals at 50–95°C was studied by kinetic methods. It was found that the examined 1,3-dioxacyclanes are oxidized via a free-radical mechanism with quadratic termination of the chains in the peroxide radicals. The strengths of the carbon-hydrogen bonds undergoing attack by the peroxide radicals range from 80 to 90 kcal/mole.
Spin tunneling in the kagomé antiferromagnet.

The collective tunneling of a small cluster of spins between two degenerate ground-state configurations of the kagom\'e-lattice quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet is studied. The cluster consists of the six spins on a hexagon of the lattice. The resulting tunnel-splitting energy \ensuremath{\Delta} is calculated in detail, including the prefactor to the exponential exp(-${\mathit{scrS}}_{0}$/\ensuremath{\Elzxh}). This is done by setting up a coherent-spin-state path integral in imaginary time and evaluating it by the method of steepest descent. The hexagon tunneling problem is mapped onto a much simpler tunneling problem, involving only one collective degree of freedom, which can be treated by known methods. It is found that for half-odd-integer spins, the tunneling amplitude and the tunnel-splitting energy are exactly zero, because of destructive interference between symmetry-related (+) instanton and (-) instanton tunneling paths. This destructive interference is shown to occur also for certain larger loops of spins on the kagome$aa--- lattice. For small, integer spins, our results suggest that tunneling strongly competes with in-plane order-from-disorder selection effects; it constitutes a disordering mechanism that might drive the system into a partially disordered ground state, related to a spin nematic.
A window into the Proterozoic: Integrating 3D seismic, gravity, and magnetic data to image subbasement structures in the southeast Fort Worth basin

The Fort Worth basin (FWB) is one of the most fully developed shale gas fields in North America. Although there are hundreds of drilled wells in the basin, almost none of them reach the Precambrian basement. Imaged by perhaps 100 3D seismic surveys, the focus on the relatively shallow, flat-lying Barnett Shale objective has resulted in little published work on the basement structures underlying the Lower Paleozoic strata. Subtle folds and systems of large joints are present in almost all 3D seismic surveys in the FWB. At the Cambro-Ordovician Ellenburger level, these joints are often diagenetically altered and exhibit collapse features at their intersections. We discovered how the basement structures relate to overlying Paleozoic reservoirs in the Barnett Shale and Ellenburger Group. In support of our investigation, the Marathon Oil Company provided a high-quality, wide-azimuth, 3D seismic data near the southeast fringe of the FWB. In addition to the seismic volume, we integrated the seismic results with gravity, magnetic, well log, and geospatial data to understand the basement and subbasement structures in the southeast FWB. Major tectonic features including the Ouachita frontal thrust belt, Lampasas arch, Llano uplift, and Bend arch surround the southeast FWB. Euler deconvolution and integrated forward gravity modeling helped us extend our interpretation beyond the 3D seismic survey into a regional context.
Dynamics of Catalytic Resolution of 2-Lithio-N-Boc-piperidine by Ligand Exchange

The dynamics of the racemization and catalytic and stoichiometric dynamic resolution of 2-lithio-N-Boc-piperidine (7) have been investigated. The kinetic order in tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) for both racemization and resolution of the title compound and the kinetic orders in two resolving ligands have been determined. The catalytic dynamic resolution is second order in TMEDA and 0.5 and 0.265 order in chiral ligands 8 and 10, respectively. The X-ray crystal structure of ligand 10 shows it to be an octamer. Dynamic NMR studies of the resolution process were carried out. Some of the requirements for a successful catalytic dynamic resolution by ligand exchange have been identified.
Cancer preventive screening behavior among elderly women.

Abstract Screening procedures and recommendations for early detection of cervical and breast cancer are reviewed with special reference to suggested guidelines for screening among the elderly. Data on preventive practices related to cancer detection were obtained from 675 women in Maryland by telephone interviews. The elderly (65 years of age and older) reported fewer detection tests of any type; specifically, 23% report never having had a Pap test and an additional 28% have not had one within 5 years, compared with women under the age of 65, where 98% report having had a Pap test and 79% have had one within the past two years. Elderly women were also less likely than younger women to report receiving routine breast examinations by their physicians, to perform BSE, or to have been taught BSE by a health professional. Type of provider utilized, having a personal physician, and going to a gynecologist account for a significant proportion of the variance in screening practices.
Facilitation of Competing Bids and the Price of a Takeover Target

Facilitation of Competing Bids and the Price of a Takeover Target Abstract Initially uninformed bidders must incur costs to learn their (independent) valuations of a potential takeover target. The first bidder makes either a preemptive bid that will deter the second bidder from investigating, or a lower bid that will induce the second bidder to investigate and possibly compete. We show that the expected price of the target may be higher when the first bidder makes a deterring bid than when there is competitive bidding. Hence, by weakening the first bidder’s incentive to choose a preemptive bid, regulatory and management policies to assist competing bidders may reduce both the expected takeover price and social welfare.
Finding Common Ground Perspectives on Community-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention

To support successful and inclusive community organizing for childhood obesity prevention, this research identified stakeholder perspectives on what communities should do to prevent childhood obesity. It employed factor analysis on statement sorts (Q methodology) conducted by 95 people in an upstate New York community. These participants sorted 36 statements about the issue by how much he or she agreed or disagreed with each. Participants were recruited through strategic snowball sampling to sample a variety of perspectives. The four resulting factors, or perspectives, were interpreted in the context of presort demographic surveys and postsort interviews. This research found one stance that fits the environmental perspective common in public health. The other three factors indicate important variations among perspectives centered on individual responsibility, ranging from libertarian to technocratic views. However, overall, results revealed a substantial degree of agreement among the four perspectives, including on providing access to family activities and on making fruits and vegetables more available and affordable, for example, through subsidies. This article points to common ground for community action on childhood obesity prevention, highlights areas likely to generate considerable contention, and shows whose views are not being accounted for in, at least, this community's childhood obesity prevention project.
Sensitivity problem in dynamic file organization

B-trees are very popular dynamic file structures proposed by Bayer and McCreight. Several variants of the B-tree have been introduced with the goal of improving performance. In this paper, we introduce a sensitivity problem that occurs when a B-tree technique (or a similar data structure, such as a B*-tree) is used. Due to this sensitivity problem, the performance of a B-tree may be significantly degraded when many insertions/deletions happen. We propose a method to avoid such a sensitivity problem. Our method has a further advantage that the three parameters used can be accordingly adjusted to accommodate a highly dynamic file.
Variable zoom system with aberration correction capability

We describe experiments conducted with two deformable mirrors (DMs) at fixed locations in an optical microscope imaging system. In this configuration, the DM shapes are controlled to provide 2.5× zoom capability, to allow dynamic focus control and to compensate for aberrations of the fixed optical components. Zoom is achieved by simultaneously adjusting focal lengths of the two DMs, which are inserted between an infinity-corrected microscope objective and a tube lens. Image quality is measured using contrast modulation, and performance of the system is quantified, demonstrating an improved point spread function in the adaptively compensated system.
Prevalence of benign anorectal disease in a randomly selected population.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of benign anorectal diseases (BAD) in the general population has been difficult to establish, either because the individual diseases themselves were difficult to characterize in surveys or because of bias in the selection of the survey population. Reported herein is a prevalence survey of BAD symptoms and treatment history of a sample of the general population, selected by random digit dialing. METHOD: A survey instrument that inquired into symptoms of BAD, BAD treatment history, and health-seeking behaviors was administered by telephone interview with 102 individuals, between the ages of 21 and 65 of both genders and all races, chosen by random digit dialing in the Joliet, Illinois area. For selected variables (gender, education level, obesity, previous BAD treatment, fiber supplementation, time for defecation and reading during defecation all related to BAD symptoms) odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 102 individuals, 9 had been previously treated for hemorrhoids, 4 by surgery, and 5 medically. Twenty individuals currently have BAD symptoms, six of these have multiple symptoms frequently, implying established BAD, and four of these have been previously treated for hemorrhoids. Seven of eight individuals with rectal bleeding in the past year have not sought medical evaluation. Of the associations tested, statistical significance was found only between female gender and BAD symptoms (odds ratio=4.6; 95 percent confidence interval=1.3 – 20.4). CONCLUSIONS: History of hemorrhoidal treatment and current BAD symptomatology are highly prevalent in a randomly selected population, and 80 percent of the subjects with symptoms of BAD have not consulted a physician regarding BAD. Some previously held correlates of hemorrhoidal symptoms, such as obesity and extended time for defecation, showed no apparent association with hemorrhoid treatment history or current BAD symptoms. The best predictors of current BAD symptoms were female gender (odds ratio=4.6; 95 percent confidence interval=1.3–20.4) and previous hemorrhoid treatment (odds ratio=3.9; 95 percent confidence interval=0.7–20).
Exposing digital forgeries by detecting inconsistencies in lighting

When creating a digital composite of, for example, two people standing side-by-side, it is often difficult to match the lighting conditions from the individual photographs. Lighting inconsistencies can therefore be a useful tool for revealing traces of digital tampering. Borrowing and extending tools from the field of computer vision, we describe how the direction of a point light source can be estimated from only a single image. We show the efficacy of this approach in real-world settings.
Approximate reasoning with IF‐THEN‐UNLESS rules in a medical expert system

The rule-based approach to the development of expert systems has been utilized for the past two decades. Recently, this approach has met with renewed criticism because of the inability of the resulting systems to provide robust decision models which accurately represent real-world situations. Two methodologies which prove useful in the adjustment of these systems to realistic situations are the use of techniques of approximate reasoning and the incorporation of rules of the type IF-THEN-UNLESS, which provide options commonly used by human decision makers. Unfortunately, neither of these techniques has been used extensively in practical diagnostic systems. In the work described here, a expert system which utilizes approximate reasoning techniques has been modified to accommodate IF-THEN-UNLESS rules. Some practical considerations are presented.
Influence of ski pole grip on peak upper body power output in cross-country skiers

This study tested the influence of three ski pole grip systems (pole grip + wrist strap) on peak upper body power output: a traditional system (Swix PC grip and simple strap); a modern system (Swix PC grip and SR94 strap); an integrated system (Yoko 232 grip and Yoko 232 strap). Nine men [mean (SD): 32 (12) years, 177.0 (5.4) cm, 75.1 (6.0) kg] and two women [24 (9) years, 174.6 (3.6) cm, 67.3 (7.7) kg], all of whom were experienced cross-country ski racers at the regional, national, or international level for the U.S., performed three successive upper body power (UBP) tests on a modified double-poling ergometer. Each subject performed three 15-s tests of UBP using stiff cross-country ski poles (classic length; same poles for all tests per subject) and a resistance corresponding to 3% of body mass. Peak UBP was determined as the highest 5-s average power output during the last 10 s of each test. The three grip systems were tested in a counterbalanced order with 3–3.5 min of rest between tests. Peak UBP data were analyzed using a two-factor RM ANOVA and Sheffe’s post-hoc test at the 0.05 alpha level. Peak UBP for the integrated system [mean (SE): 169.2 (6.8) W or 2.30 (0.06) W/kg] was significantly higher than value for both the modern [164.1 (7.2) W or 2.23 (0.07) W/kg] and traditional systems [162.5 (7.0) W, or 2.21 (0.06) W/kg] for absolute and relative power output (P<0.05). Given that double-poling peak UBP can be influenced by the ski pole grip system, a skier’s choice of grip system may also influence cross-country ski racing performance.