cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algorithms for detection of surface mines in multispectral IR and visible imagery

Algorithms are presented for detecting surface mines using multi-spectral data. The algorithms are demonstrated using visible and MWIR imagery collected at Fort A.P. Hill, VA under a variety of conditions. For imagery with a resolution of a few centimeters there is significant correlation in the clutter. Using a first-order Gauss Markov random field model for the clutter, an efficient pre-whitening filter is proposed. A significant improvement in detection is demonstrated as a result of this whitening. Further improvement in the detection of specific mine types is demonstrated by using a random signal model with a known covariance matrix. That approach leads to an estimator-correlator formulation, in which the random signature estimate is the output of a Wiener filter. It is suggested that by fusing the output of a bank of such filters one could improve detection of all mine types.
Is there a role for intravenous transpulmonary contrast imaging in pediatric stress echocardiography

Abstract Objective: Intravenous transpulmonary contrast echocardiography plays a significant role in the enhancement of endocardial border delineation during stress echocardiography in the adult population. The current study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of intravenous transpulmonary contrast in pediatric patients and to compare the quality of endocardial visualization by harmonic 2-dimensional (2D) imaging alone with harmonic 2D echocardiography with contrast imaging. Methods: Twenty-two children, age 9.3 +/− 3.9 underwent dobutamine (19 patients) or exercise (3 patients) stress echocardiography. None had intracardiac shunting. Each patient underwent both harmonic 2D imaging alone and harmonic 2D imaging with contrast administration at peak stress. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored. Endocardial delineation was evaluated by qualitative grading of 22 endomyocardial regional segments in each patient. Contrast images were graded by an echocardiographer who was blinded to the scores previously assigned to harmonic 2D echocardiography images. Results: There were no changes in saturation, heart rate, or blood pressure during or after contrast administration. Use of contrast significantly improved endocardial visualization in 11 of 22 segments ( P Conclusion: Intravenous intrapulmonary administration is feasible and has no obvious adverse effects in a small pediatric patient group. Contrast echocardiography improves endocardial border delineation over harmonic imaging in pediatric stress echocardiography. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003;16:9-14.)
Sustained increase in resident meal time hand hygiene through an interdisciplinary intervention engaging long-term care facility residents and staff.

Hand hygiene by patients may prevent acquisition and dissemination of health care–associated pathogens, but limited efforts have been made to engage patients in hand hygiene interventions. In a long-term care facility, we found that residents were aware of the importance of hand hygiene, but barriers, such as inaccessible products or difficult to use products, limited compliance. A dramatic and sustained improvement in meal time hand hygiene was achieved through engagement of staff and residents.
Soft X-Ray Optical Rotation as Element-Specific Magneto-Optical Probe

Continuously tunable multilayer linear polarizers extend magneto-optical rotation techniques into the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray regions. Resonant magneto-optical rotation is large at the Fe L2,3 edges. Magneto-optical Kerr rotation can be either bulk or surface sensitive depending on incidence angle. A SMOKE hysteresis loop measured from the Fe in an Fe/Cr multilayer reveals high sensitivity and a complex magnetic response of Fe.
Testing the predictive power of a proportional-hazard semi-markov population model

Abstract This paper tests the ability of a proportional-hazard semi-markov model to make accurate predictions as a population projection model. Postentitlement histories of Social Security disability-insurance beneficiaries are divided into two segments: the first 14 calendar quarters and the last 16 quarters. Proportional-hazard rate functions are estimated on the first segment, then projected over the entire 30 quarters and compared with the actual data. These functions are then used in a simulation to estimate the expected lenght of time in the Social Security disability-insurance program over the last 16 quarters, using an age-dependent, absorbing, semi-Markov model. The model does a very good job of capturing the dynamics of the process and should prove quite useful as a computer simulation model.
Risk factors for prolonged QTc among US adults: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background QT interval prolongation can lead to torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Although research exists on the relationship between QT prolongation and clinical outcome, few s...
Inverse dynamics of spatial open‐chain flexible manipulators with lumped and distributed actuators

This article addresses the problem of inverse dynamics for three-dimensional flexible manipulators with both lumped and distributed actuators. A recursive procedure is presented for computing the lumped inverse dynamic torques and the distributed piezoelectric actuator inputs for simultaneously tracking a prescribed end-point trajectory and reducing induced vibrations in the manipulator. The procedure sequentially solves for the non-causal inverse dynamic torques and piezoelectric voltages applied to each link in the manipulator, starting from the last element in the chain and proceeding to the base element. The method allows trajectory tracking wherein controllability of the structural vibrations is assured in all possible configurations through the use of only one motor at each intermediate joint and three motors at the ground. Numerical simulation shows that the elastic vibrations can be reduced significantly through the use of distributed actuators while at the same time satisfying the trajectory tracking requirement through the use of inverse dynamics. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The lived experience of teaching about race in cultural nursing education.

Purpose: Some nursing scholars assert that race and racism require a more explicit focus in cultural nursing education if the profession is to positively impact health care disparities. This study ...
Mechanical properties of superelastic Cu–Al–Be wires at cold temperatures for the seismic protection of bridges

This paper examines the suitability of superelastic copper–aluminum–beryllium (Cu–Al–Be) alloy wires for the seismic protection of bridges in cold regions. Experimental results for the mechanical properties of superelastic Cu–Al–Be alloy wires at a variety of temperatures and loading rates are presented. This research is motivated by the recent use of shape memory alloys for bridge restrainers subject to harsh winter conditions, especially in cold regions. Bridge restrainers made of superelastic Cu–Al–Be wire strands are expected to be used for protecting bridge decks from excessive displacement when subjected to strong earthquakes. Using a temperature chamber, superelastic Cu–Al–Be wires with a diameter of 1.4 mm were tested under uniaxial cyclic loading at various loading rates and cold temperatures. The test results from 23 to −50 °C demonstrate that Cu–Al–Be exhibits superelastic behavior at cold temperatures down to −85 °C. It is also found that with decreasing temperature the transformation plateau stress is reduced while its fatigue life increases under cyclic testing.
ALLERGEN-INDUCED DEPRESSION OF NEUTROPHIL CHEMOTAXIS IN ATOPIC INDIVIDUALS

In previous studies, we have shown that neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis is depressed in patients with allergic disease, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E and recurrent infections. Although a number of these patients have now been described, little is known about the mechanism of defective PMN function in such individuals. The present studies were carried out to define the relationship between defective PMN chemotaxis and allergic hypersensitivity. PMN chemotaxis was assessed in individuals with sensitivity, as documented by skin test reactivity and radioallergosorbent testing, to ragweed extract. In each patient, chemotaxis was measured before and after in vitro exposure of their leukocytes to ragweed. A total of 18 individuals in 3 groups have been studied. These include 7 patients with allergic symptomatology and recurrent infections who were sensitive to ragweed; 3 patients with a prior history of ragweed sensitivity who had undergone successful desensitization; and 8 non-allergic controls. Following in vitro exposure of the leukocytes of the 7 symptomatic patients to ragweed, a profound depression (54 ±16%) in chemotactic activity was observed. In contrast, the controls and the three desensitized patients showed no depression of PMN chemotaxis. These data suggest that defective PMN function in allergic patients results from an interaction, either directly or indirectly, of antigen with sensitized leukocytes. Specific immunotherapy may have an effect to prevent the chemotactic abnormality in these patients.
Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Fungal and Nocardial Infections

In order to evaluate the role of fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedures in the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal and nocardial infections, we evaluated all patients seen during a 30-month period in whom Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Cryptococcus neoformons, Aspergillus fumigatus , or Nocardia asteroides were found in material obtained from the lungs. Thirty-six such patients were seen; and of these, 25 were found to have pulmonary disease related to the organism found. Ten of 11 isolations of C neoformons were from patients with no apparent related disease. Thirteen patients underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination because smears of sputum were negative or were unavailable for examination or because of active hemoptysis. In three patients the diagnosis was first made from bronchial brushings performed during a fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure. In one patient with nocardiosis, samples of sputum were not available, and in two patients (one with blastomycosis and one with histoplasmosis), samples of sputum were not diagnostic. While examination of sputum remains the principal method of diagnosing these infections, a fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure with proper examination of bronchial brushings may be indicated if samples of sputum are not available or if the patient is extremely ill. In such cases, it may decrease the total time of hospitalization and eliminate the need for more extensive diagnostic procedures.
Parallel Monte Carlo calculations to determine energy differences among similar molecular structures

Abstract The application of ab initio Monte Carlo methods to determine energy differences among molecules with similar structures is reported. Calculations carried out in parallel with scaled length and energy parameters are found to provide substantial cancellations of random sampling error and to yield energy differences with high accuracy for structures differing up to about 10% in size. For larger differences in size the accuracies in energy differences are much lower. The calculation effort for a dozen structures is about the same as that for a single structure when the same scaled trial function is used for all. Results for the test case of the molecular ion H 3 + are presented.
The Shape of Direct Quotation

Direct quotation can be a source of meaning in storybook texts for beginning readers. The author of this article sketches the linguistic complexity of direct quotation and offers instructional strategies. Three aspects of direct quotation are examined: the cluster of print features and syntactic characteristics that direct quotation involves, the prosodic qualities that direct quotation calls for in oral reading, and the semantic links, especially pronouns, between the speakers in the text and what they say.
3-D agricultural air quality modeling: Impacts of NH3/H2S gas–phase reactions and bi-directional exchange of NH3

Abstract Accurately simulating the transport and fate of reduced nitrogen (NHx = ammonia (NH3) + ammonium (NH4+))- and sulfur-containing compounds emitted from agricultural activities represents a major challenge in agricultural air quality modeling. In this study, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system is further developed and improved by implementing 22 ammonia (NH3)/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) related gas-phase reactions and adjusting a few key parameters (e.g., emission potential) for bi-directional exchange of NH3 fluxes. Several simulations are conducted over the eastern U.S. domain at a 12-km horizontal resolution for January and July 2002 to examine the impacts of those improved treatments on air quality. The 5th generation mesoscale model (MM5) and CMAQ predict an overall satisfactory and consistent performance with previous modeling studies, especially for 2-m temperature, 2-m relative humidity, ozone (O3), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). High model biases exist for precipitation in July and also dry/wet depositions. The updated model treatments contribute to O3, NHx, and PM2.5 by up to 0.4 ppb, 1.0 μg m−3, and 1.0 μg m−3 in January, respectively, and reduce O3 by up to 0.8 ppb and contribute to NHx and PM2.5 by up to 1.2 and 1.1 μg m−3 in July, respectively. The spatial distributions of O3 in both months and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in January are mainly affected by inline dry deposition velocity calculation. The spatial distributions of SO2 and sulfate (SO42−) in July are affected by both inline dry deposition velocity and NH3/H2S reactions. The variation trends of NH3, NHx, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), PM2.5 and total nitrogen (TN) are predominated by bi-directional exchange of NH3 fluxes. Uncertainties of NH3 emission potentials and empirical constants used in the bi-directional exchange scheme may significantly affect the concentrations of NHx and PM2.5, indicating that a more accurate and explicit treatment for those parameters should be considered in the future work.
Initial epitaxial growth of (111) Au/(111) Cu and (111) Cu/(111) Au

Abstract The room temperature modes of growth of Au/(111) Cu and Cu/(111) Au are described. For the former growth mode initial deposits (2.4 A) of gold on copper form smooth flat islands delineated by coincidence lattice misfit dislocations. For 6.0 A of gold deposit, both thick and thin gold areas were observed with almost complete substrate coverage. For a 10 A deposit, surface coverage was complete. Strain measurements and dislocation densities obtained on the (111) Au/(111) Cu films suggest the presence of two separate misfit dislocation networks at the interface. The coincidence lattice networks were large enough for transmission electron microscopy observation but contributed little to total overlayer strain. The (van der Merwe) natural lattice misfit dislocations were too closely spaced for direct observation but their presence was inferred because of the strain measurements. The initial epitaxy of Cu/(111) Au was similar to the Stranski-Krastanov model: the initial monolayer of copper (also delineated by coincidence misfit dislocations) grew smoothly on the gold; additional copper formed essentially stress-free “nuclei” on top of the initial copper layer.
The effects of ankle foot orthoses on energy recovery and work during gait in children with cerebral palsy.

Background Studies suggest that 50% of children with cerebral palsy are prescribed ankle foot orthoses. One of the aims of ankle foot orthosis use is to aid in walking. This research examined the effects that ankle foot orthoses have on the energy recovery and the mechanical work performed by children with cerebral palsy during walking.
An energy perturbation approach to limit cycle analysis in legged locomotion systems

The energy-balance method, originally developed for systems whose behaviors are described by a single continuous differential equation, is extended to hopping systems, where the equations of motion are discontinuous from one phase to the other. Specifically, the perturbation and energy-balance methods were combined to study the existence and stability of the limit cycle behavior of a vertical hopper system. Estimated values of the limit cycles obtained using the proposed method are compared with the true (simulated) values for both the linear and the nonlinear models. The results confirm the validity of the proposed method. >
A study of the concentrations of selected organic vapors in the ambient atmosphere of suburban and rural New Jersey locations

Data were collected on a selected group of volatile organic compounds including aromatic, chlorinated aromatic, and halogenated one‐ and two‐carbon compounds at three sites in the state of New Jersey. Sampling took place at South Amboy, Rutherford and Batsto Village during 1979 and continued in 1980 at the latter two sites. Studies were also carried out on the correlation of the concentration data obtained with wind direction during sampling. The most frequently detected pollutants include the aromatic compounds, benzene, toluene, xylenes and chlorobenzene, as well as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. Concentration levels found were usually in the low part‐per‐billion range for Rutherford and South Amboy, with levels in Batsto averaging at least a factor of three lower. Correlation of wind direction with average concentration shows no significant trends for Rutherford or Batsto, but does indicate a general effect of industrial area pollution on South Amboy.
Accountability and Role Effects in Balanced Scorecard Performance Evaluations When Strategy Timeline Is Specified

AbstractThis study experimentally examines if fixation on lagging financial measures (relative to leading non-financial measures) as reported in prior balanced scorecard literature is mitigated when evaluators are provided with a strategy implementation timeline (a non-manipulated variable). The experiment manipulates whether or not evaluators are subject to process accountability as well as the role to which evaluators are assigned (i.e. supervisor or subordinate). We predict and find that, in general, the provision of an implementation timeline results in evaluators placing more weight on strategically linked, leading non-financial measures within a subordinate's time span of control compared to strategically linked, lagged financial measures beyond the subordinate's controllable time horizon. However, we also find that evaluators in the role of a supervisor differentiate less between strategically linked non-financial measures that fall within the subordinate's control and strategically linked financia...
Agricultural use value taxation and farmlands preservation: A basic inconsistency

Agricultural use value taxation has been found to be generally ineffective in preventing conversion of productive land into non-farm uses. Market forces have dominated, but an additional difficulty is in a basic inconsistency between assessment practices based on traditional rent theory and the social policy goal of farmland preservation. To the extent that assessments increase progressively with land quality, they may contribute to depletion, rather than conservation of land resources. Revision of valuation practices toward relatively lower rates on higher quality lands conforms with conservation economics principles and helps resolve the inconsistency.
Adaptive multiobjective optimization of process conditions for injection molding using a Gaussian process approach

Selecting the proper process conditions for the injection-molding process is treated as a multiobjective optimization problem, where different objectives, such as minimizing the injection pressure, volumetric shrinkage/warpage, or cycle time, present trade-off behaviors. As such, various optima may exist in the objective space. This paper presents the development of an integrated simulation-based optimization system that incorporates the design of computer experiments, Gaussian process (GP) for regression, multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA), and levels of adjacency to adaptively and automatically search for the Pareto-optimal solutions for different objectives. Since the GP approach can provide both the predictions and the estimations of the predictions simultaneously, a nondominated sorting procedure on the predicted variances at each iteration step is performed to intelligently select extra samples that can be used as additional training samples to improve the GP surrogate models. At the same time, user-defined adjacency constraint percentages are employed for evaluating the convergence of iteration. The illustrative applications in this paper show that the proposed optimization system can help mold designers to efficiently and effectively identify optimal process conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:71–85, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20092
Fixing the focus shift caused by 3D mask diffraction

As the feature sizes printed with optical lithography get smaller, Kirchhoff’s thin mask approximation used in full chip optical proximity corrections (OPC) fails to yield acceptable accuracy due to thick mask diffraction effects. One of the most observed effects of the thick mask diffraction is that it creates different focus shift for different patterns. When Bossung curves (CD plots with respect to defocus) of various patterns are observed from rigorous simulations and from actual wafer data one can notice that each pattern has a different best focus. Depending on the pattern, Bossung curves can be offset in either positive or negative direction. This significantly reduces the common depth of focus (DOF) for which all patterns print with acceptable fidelity. Even though each pattern by itself may have an acceptable DOF, the common DOF may not be acceptable. Several extensions to the thin mask approximation have been developed that model this behavior accurately, such as boundary layer approximations and domain decomposition methods. These methods provide a more accurate approximation than the thin mask model while still being computationally efficient to be useful for full chip OPC. Even though these approximations model and predict the focus shift accurately, to the best knowledge of the authors no method has been published to use these modeling capabilities to automatically fix this focus shift during OPC. In this paper we provide an optimization method to significantly reduce focus shift due to 3D mask effects during OPC. We show that our 3D mask model can predict this focus shift fairly accurately and we also demonstrate how we use this model in OPC to reduce focus shift, which significantly improves the common DOF for the entire layout.
Selective functionalization of the C2 hydroxyl group of N-carbobenzyloxy-4,6--benzylidene-1-deoxynojirimycin

1-Deoxynojirimycin was converted into its N-CBZ-4,6-O-benzylidene derivative 2 in two steps in 51% yield. Compound 2 could be regioselectively functionalized at the C2 hydroxyl group by activation with di-n-butyltin oxide, followed by reaction of the resulting stannylene with electrophiles. In this manner, the 2-O-benzoyl and 2-O-tosyl analogs could be obtained in yields of 73% and 94%, respectively.
Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis: The case for the retrograde urogram

Ureteral pseudodiverticula are small outpouchings along the length of the ureter diagnosed primarily by the retrograde urogram. They are associated with hematuria and urinary tract infections, although it is not known whether they cause these associated symptoms or are a result of them. Herein we report 2 cases that highlight the characteristic clinical correlates of ureteral pseudodiverticulosis and review the pertinent literature.
Progressive Fracture of Fiber Composites

Refined models and procedures are described for determining progressive composite fracture in graphite/epoxy angleplied laminates. Unique Lewis Research Center capabilities are utilized including the Real-Time Ultrasonic C-San (RUSCAN) experimental facility and the Composite Durability Structural Analysis (CODSTRAN) computer code. CODSTRAN is used to predict the fracture progression based on composite mechanics, finite element stress analysis, and fracture criteria modules. The RUSCAN facility, CODSTRAN computer code, and scanning electron microscope are used to determine durability and identify failure mechanisms in graphite/epoxy coomposites. Results indicate that RUSCAN/CODSTRAN is an effective method of Studying progressive fracture of composites.
Retention behavior of phenols, anilines, and alkylbenzenes in liquid chromatographic separations using subcritical water as the mobile phase.

The unique characteristic of subcritical water is its widely tunable physical properties. For example, the polarity (measured by dielectric constant) of water is significantly decreased by raising water temperature. At temperatures of 200−250 °C (under moderate pressure to keep water in the liquid state), the polarity of pure water is similar to that of pure methanol or acetonitrile at ambient conditions. Therefore, pure subcritical water may be able to serve as the mobile phase for reversed-phase separations. To investigate the retention behavior in subcritical water separation, the retention factors of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene), phenol, aniline, and their derivatives have been determined using subcritical water, methanol/water, and acetonitrile/water systems. Subcritical water separations were also performed using alumina, silica-bonded C18, and poly(styrene−divinylbenzene) columns to study the influence of the stationary phase on analyte retention under subcritical water condi...
Theoretical Study of a Molecular Resonant Tunneling Diode

Density functional theory calculations are performed to explain the electrical behavior of a π-conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene) resembling a resonant tunneling diode. Results of this theoretical study are compatible with the assumptions that electron transport occurs through the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, that the conduction barrier is determined by the molecule chemical potential, and that the molecule becomes charged as the external potential increases. We are able to explain the nonlinear character of the current−voltage characteristic of the molecule and its temperature dependence. The intrinsic controlled-amplification feature of these molecules is indicated.
[C70] Fullerene-sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion

We herein report the first instance of using pristine C70 as a heavy-atom free organic sensitizer for efficient triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (UC) for both green-to-blue and red-to-green UC using 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene and perylene as acceptors, respectively. C70 achieved quantum yields of 8% and 0.8% for green-to-blue and red-to-green UC, 25 to 35 times higher than C60, and showed improved stability under continuous laser irradiation compared to the benchmark platinum(II)-octaethylporphyrin.
Economic Equity, the Well-Field System, and Ritual Propriety in the Confucian Philosophy of Qi

It is argued here that the function of the well-field system of land ownership is consistent with the role of ritual propriety in Zhang Zai’s philosophy of qi 氣, which emphasizes the realization of a great harmony; a state of vital, affective harmony and equilibrium. In other words, this configuration of land works to realize economic equity, a means to the further end of producing and sustaining equilibrium and harmony among members of a community, and this, I argue, is also the function of ritual propriety.
POLYARTERITIS NODOSA IN INFANCY.

Two fatal cases of polyarteritis nodosa in infants are reported with clinical and postmortem findings. Study of the clinical features of, these 2 cases and 18 others from the literature suggests that a more or less constant clinical syndrome exists. Awareness of the symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings common to many of these cases should make it possible to arrive at a presumptive diagnosis during life. The frequency of coronary artery involvement in the infantile form of polyarteritis nodosa is stressed.
Growth at puberty: interaction of androgens and growth hormone

Puberty is characterized by the onset and continued development of secondary sexual characteristics and an abrupt onset of linear growth. Growth in boys occurs due to the rising levels of androgens and also indirectly mediated by growth hormone (GH) and the insulin-like growth factors. Data are presented to show marked androgen-dependence of GH increases at puberty. The mode of this increase is through an augmentation in the amplitude of the pulses rather than in their frequency. Shortly after the maximal rate of growth, the pattern of GH release reverts toward that of the prepubertal child. To investigate the neuroendocrine mechanism through which androgens increase the mean circulating GH level, deconvolutional analysis has been applied. At mid-puberty the maximal rate of GH release per secretory burst and the total amount released per burst were increased. There were no significant alterations in the duration or frequency of the GH secretory burst or in the serum half-life reflecting the metabolic clearance of the hormone. Thus, the pubertal growth spurt in boys is likely subserved by the altered neurosecretory dynamics for GH. These altered hormone levels likely produce the equally profound changes in body composition, regional fat distribution, and muscular strength that occur during puberty in boys.
Nature of Ag + self-diffusion in AgF

Measurements of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) dipolar relaxation times ${T}_{1D}$ and ${T}_{1{D}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ (51\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}) have been made on the $^{19}\mathrm{F}$ resonance in AgF powder over the temperature range 60-300 K. Also the technique of Stokes and Ailion for detecting the diffusion of weakly magnetic spins has been verified for powder samples by measuring ${T}_{1{D}^{\ensuremath{'}}}({\ensuremath{\theta}}_{1})$ vs ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{1}$ in KF: 0.1 at.% Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ powder. A comparison of the NMR results with conductivity measurements of Raaen, Svare, and Fjeldly allows one to rule out diffusion mechanisms in AgF which give rise to strong-collision NMR relaxation, like ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ vacancy or ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ interstitialcy diffusion in AgF, thereby suggesting the dominance of a weak-collision mechanism like ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ interstitial or possibly grain-boundary diffusion.
Radical perineal prostatectomy in patients over age of seventy

Abstract Radical perineal prostatectomy remains at the forefront of the surgeon's tools for treatment of Stage A2 and Stage B adenocareinoma of the prostate. In the past, generally the criterion for selection of patients excluded those patients over age seventy. In our series of radical perineal prostateetomies over the last thirteen years, we have operated on 8 patients between the ages of seventy and seventy-seven, with minimal postoperative morbidity and no operative onortalities. Radical Prostatectoiny can be well tolerated in the older age group and should be considered in selected patients seventy years and older.
Clustering with differential evolution particle swarm optimization

The applications of recently developed meta-heuristics in cluster analysis, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE), have increasingly attracted attention and popularity in a wide variety of communities owing to their effectiveness in solving complicated combinatorial optimization problems. Here, we propose to use a hybrid of PSO and DE, known as differential evolution particle swarm optimization (DEPSO), in order to further improve search capability and achieve higher flexibility in exploring the natural while hidden data structures of data of interest. Empirical results show that the DEPSO-based clustering algorithm achieves better performance in terms of the number of epochs required to reach a pre-specified cutoff value of the fitness function than either of the other approaches used. Further experimental studies on both synthetic and real data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in finding meaningful clustering solutions.
ANXIETY AND DEPERSONALIZATION AND DEREALIZATION EXPERIENCES

The present study was designed to assess whether individuals reporting experiences of depersonalization or derealization experience higher levels of anxiety than those subjects not reporting these ...
Predicting locations of rare aquatic species’ habitat with a combination of species-specific and assemblage-based models

Aim Rare aquatic species are a substantial component of biodiversity, and their conservation is a major objective of many management plans. However, they are difficult to assess, and their optimal habitats are often poorly known. Methods to effectively predict the likely locations of suitable rare aquatic species habitats are needed. We combine two modelling approaches to predict occurrence and general abundance of several rare fish species. Location Allegheny watershed of western New York State (USA) Methods Our method used two empirical neural network modelling approaches (species specific and assemblage based) to predict stream-by-stream occurrence and general abundance of rare darters, based on broad-scale habitat conditions. Species-specific models were developed for longhead darter (Percina macrocephala), spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum) and variegate darter (Etheostoma variatum) in the Allegheny drainage. An additional model predicted the type of rare darter-containing assemblage expected in each stream reach. Predictions from both models were then combined inclusively and exclusively and compared with additional independent data. Results Example rare darter predictions demonstrate the method's effectiveness. Models performed well (R2 ≥ 0.79), identified where suitable darter habitat was most likely to occur, and predictions matched well to those of collection sites. Additional independent data showed that the most conservative (exclusive) model slightly underestimated the distributions of these rare darters or predictions were displaced by one stream reach, suggesting that new darter habitat types were detected in the later collections. Main conclusions Broad-scale habitat variables can be used to effectively identify rare species' habitats. Combining species-specific and assemblage-based models enhances our ability to make use of the sparse data on rare species and to identify habitat units most likely and least likely to support those species. This hybrid approach may assist managers with the prioritization of habitats to be examined or conserved for rare species.
Renal prostaglandin efflux induced by vasopressin, dDAVP and arachidonic acid: contrasting profile and sites of release.

SUMMARY 1. Prostaglandin (PG) efflux into ureteral (UE) and venous effluents (VE) of rabbit isolated perfused kidneys was determined by superfusion bioassay and radioimmunoassay (RIA), in response to injections of arginine-vasopressin (AVP), the non-pressor vasopressin analogue 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) and arachidonic acid (AA). 2. dDAVP (10–1000 ng) failed to stimulate renal PG release, whereas AVP (10–100 ng) and AA (10–50 μg) caused a dose-dependent release of PG. 3. AVP evoked PG release into both effluents with release into the VE greater than UE at high doses. In contrast, PG release by AA was almost exclusively into the VE. 4. Indomethacin (2.8 × 10-6 mol/1) abolished AVP- and AA-induced PG efflux in both effluents, and vasodepressor responses to AA. 5. PGE2 was the predominant PG released in response to AVP in both effluents whereas AA released primarily 6-keto-PGF1α. 6. The contrasting sites and profile of released PG suggest that exogenous AA and AVP stimulate the release of PG from different regions/cell types within the kidney.
Content Among Locally Approved HIPAA Authorization forms for Research.

This study was designed to assess differences in the content of HIPAA authorization forms now required for clinical research. Authorization forms were collected from 111 institutions, including academic medical centers and commercial Institutional Review Boards. The requirement for an element covering the use of information acquired was fulfilled in 95% of the forms, and 100% had a statement fulfilling the core requirement of a description of the data to be collected. However, only 19% distinguished between entities that could see personal identifiers versus aggregate data. Significant differences existed in how long the disclosure agreement would remain in effect, and complex legalistic language was common. Thus, while research authorization forms technically met the requirements, the complex language and confusion over personal identifiers may raise concerns in prospective research participants.
Alterations in creatine kinase, ornithine decarboxylase, and transglutaminase during muscle regeneration.

Abstract Creatine kinase (CK), transglutaminase (TGase) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), enzymes implicated in the regulation of growth processes, were studied during muscle regeneration subsequent to the injection of bupivacaine into rat tibialis anterior. Within 2 days, the percent BB isozyme of CK detected in the muscle was elevated 70-fold coincident with a marked decrease in total CK activity. The MB isozyme also increased and was 15-fold of control at 4–5 days postinjection. TGase activity was increased significantly to greater than 2-fold of control within 2 days of injection and significantly decreased at days 3 through 7 compared to controls. ODC activity was elevated significantly to 2- to 3-fold of control from 2–7 days after injection. These results suggest an early alteration in the expression of a coordinated battery of genes in this model of muscle degeneration-regeneration. The increased expression of MB and BB isozymes of CK in various human neuromuscular diseases may be a manifestation of an ongoing process of degeneration-regeneration.
Basic mechanism of three-dimensional collagen fibre transport by fibroblasts

Collagen remodelling by fibroblasts has a crucial role in organizing tissue structures that are essential to motility during wound repair, development and regulation of cell growth. However, the mechanism of collagen fibre movement in three-dimensional (3D) matrices is not understood. Here, we show that fibroblast lamellipodia extend along held collagen fibres, bind, and retract them in a 'hand-over-hand' cycle, involving α2β1 integrin. Wild-type fibroblasts move collagen fibres three to four times farther per cycle than fibroblasts lacking myosin II-B (myosin II-B−/−). Similarly, myosin II-B−/− fibroblasts contract 3D collagen gels threefold less than controls. On two-dimensional (2D) substrates, however, rates of collagen bead and cell movement are not affected by loss of myosin II-B. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged myosin II-B, but not II-A, restores normal function in knockout cells and localizes to cell processes, whereas myosin II-A is more centrally located. Additionally, GFP–myosin II-B moves out to the periphery and back during hand-over-hand fibre movement, whereas on 2D collagen, myosin II-B is more centrally distributed. Thus, we suggest that cyclic myosin II-B assembly and contraction in lamellipodia power 3D fibre movements.
Application of a Multitiered System of Support with English Language Learners

This study examined the effects of a phonological awareness (PA) intervention on the phonological and alphabetic principle skills of first-grade English language learners (ELLs). Nine first-grade classrooms in two large elementary schools were screened with DIBELS Phoneme Segmentation Fluency (PSF) and Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) in the fall and winter. Sixteen ELLs were identified as at-risk readers based on the following selection criteria: (a) Spanish-speaking ELL with beginning or early intermediate English language proficiency, and (b) PSF and NWF scores below recommended cutoffs. The at-risk students received a PA intervention for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for 11 weeks. The effect of the intervention was addressed by comparing the mean pre- and posttest scores of the students in intervention. Results revealed significant differences between preintervention scores and postintervention scores on both PSF and NWF. The second research question addressed mean and growth rate differences between ELLs in ...
Preliminary results of unsteady blade surface pressure measurements for the SR-3 propeller

Unsteady blade surface pressures were measured on an advanced, highly swept propeller known as SR-3. These measurements were obtained because the unsteady aerodynamics of these highly loaded transonic blades is important to noise generation and aeroelastic response. Specifically, the response to periodic angle-of-attack change was measured for both two- and eight-bladed configurations over a range of flight Mach numbers from 0.4 to 0.85. The periodic angle-of-attack change was obtained by placing the propeller axis at angles up to 4 deg to the flow. Most of the results are presented in terms of the unsteady pressure coefficient variation with Mach number. Both cascade and Mach number effects were largest on the suction surface near the leading edge. The results of a three-dimensional Euler code applied in a quasi-steady fashion were compared to measured data at the reduced frequency of 0.1 and showed relatively poor agreement. Pressure waveforms are shown that suggest shock phenomena may play an important part in the unsteady pressure response at some blade locations.
The Sizes of Peptides Generated from Protein by Mammalian 26 and 20 S Proteasomes IMPLICATIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE DEGRADATIVE MECHANISM AND ANTIGEN PRESENTATION

Knowledge about the sizes of peptides generated by proteasomes during protein degradation is essential to fully understand their degradative mechanisms and the subsequent steps in protein turnover and generation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigenic peptides. We demonstrate here that 26 S and activated 20 S proteasomes from rabbit muscle degrade denatured, nonubiquitinated proteins in a highly processive fashion but generate different patterns of peptides (despite their containing identical proteolytic sites). With both enzymes, products range in length from 3 to 22 residues, and their abundance decreases with increasing length according to a log-normal distribution. Less than 15% of the products are the length of class I presented peptides (8 or 9 residues), and two-thirds are too short to function in antigen presentation. Surprisingly, these mammalian proteasomes, which contain two "chymotryptic," two "tryptic," and two "post-acidic" active sites, generate peptides with a similar size distribution as do archaeal 20 S proteasomes, which have 14 identical sites. Furthermore, inactivation of the "tryptic" sites altered the peptides produced without significantly affecting their size distribution. Therefore, this distribution is not determined by the number, specificity, or arrangement of the active sites (as proposed by the "molecular ruler" model); instead, we propose that proteolysis continues until products are small enough to diffuse out of the proteasomes.
The N Termini of Friend of GATA (FOG) Proteins Define a Novel Transcriptional Repression Motif and a Superfamily of Transcriptional Repressors

Members of the Friend of GATA (FOG) family of transcriptional co-factors are required for the development of both the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems. FOG proteins physically interact with members of the GATA family of transcriptional activators and modulate their activity. We have previously shown that FOG-2 can bind to the N-terminal zinc finger of GATA4 and, via this interaction, repress GATA4-mediated transcriptional activation of various cardiac promoters. In this report we further characterize the domain of FOG-2 necessary for repression of GATA4 transcriptional activity. We show that FOG-2-mediated repression is not blocked by the histone deacetylase inhibitor tricostatin A, suggesting that FOG-2 repression of GATA4 occurs via a histone deacetylase independent mechanism. N-terminal deletion mutants of FOG-2 revealed that the first 12 amino acids of FOG-2 are necessary for FOG-2-mediated repression. Fusion of these 12 amino acids to the DNA binding domain of GAL4 demonstrated that this region is sufficient to mediate transcriptional repression even when recruited to a heterologous promoter. Single amino acid substitutions within this N-terminal domain of FOG-2 defined the critical amino acid sequence as RRKQxxPxxI. Interestingly, a search of the NCBI protein data base identified several other partially characterized zinc finger transcriptional repressors from various vertebrate species that contained this motif at their N terminus. Taken together, these observations define a novel transcriptional repression motif and a superfamily of zinc finger transcriptional repressors.
Effects of resveratrol on growth and function of rat ovarian granulosa cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of resveratrol on growth and function of granulosa cells. Previously, we demonstrated that resveratrol exerts profound proapoptotic effects on theca-interstitial cells. Design In vitro study. Setting Research laboratory. Animal(s) Immature Sprague-Dawley female rats. Intervention(s) Granulosa cells were cultured in the absence or presence of resveratrol. Main Outcome Measure(s) DNA synthesis was determined by thymidine incorporation assay, apoptosis by activity of caspases 3/7, cell morphology by immunocytochemistry, steroidogenesis by mass spectrometry, antimullerian hormone (AMH), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Result(s) Resveratrol induced a biphasic effect on DNA synthesis, whereby a lower concentration stimulated thymidine incorporation and higher concentrations inhibited it. Additionally, resveratrol slightly increased the cell number and modestly decreased the activity of caspases 3/7 with no effect on cell morphology or progesterone production. However, resveratrol decreased aromatization and VEGF expression, whereas AMH expression remained unaltered. Conclusion(s) Resveratrol, by exerting cytostatic but not cytotoxic effects, together with antiangiogenic actions mediated by decreased VEGF in granulosa cells, may alter the ratio of theca-to-granulosa cells and decrease vascular permeability, and therefore may be of potential therapeutic use in conditions associated with highly vascularized theca-interstitial hyperplasia and abnormal angiogenesis, such as those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Reversibility of cardiac abnormalities in morbidly obese adolescents.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in cardiac geometry, systolic and diastolic function before and after weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents. Background Cardiac abnormalities are present in morbidly obese adolescents; however, it is unclear if they are reversible with weight loss. Methods Data from 38 adolescents (13 to 19 years; 29 females, 9 males, 33 Caucasians, 5 African Americans) were evaluated before and after bariatric surgery. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular (LV) geometry, systolic and diastolic function were assessed by echocardiography. Mean follow up was 10 ± 3 months. Results Weight and body mass index decreased post-operatively (mean weight loss 59 ± 15 kg, pre-operative body mass index 60 ± 9 kg/m2 vs. follow-up 40 ± 8 kg/m2, p Conclusions Elevated LVM index, concentric LVH, altered diastolic function, and cardiac workload significantly improve following surgically induced weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents. Large weight loss due to bariatric surgery improves predictors of future cardiovascular morbidity in these young people.